Chris E. Montoya was born in the small town of St. Johns, Arizona but grew up in South Phoenix. Chris began their academic journey with the University of Arizona, taking time off periodically to work with professional dance companies. Chris started their professional career with Gus Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago as a second company member. Chris continued their career with David Taylor Dance Theatre, Scorpius Dance Theatre, and Center Dance Ensemble, guesting periodically with Queen City Ballet and Legacy Dance Theater. Chris also enjoyed dancing on pointe with Les Ballets Trockadero de Monte Carlo, performing as Doris Vidanya around the world, including Japan, Israel, France, Austria, Brazil, Chile, Finland, Spain, and Italy. 

Moving to Seattle in 2011, Chris completed their undergraduate degree with Cornish College of the Arts, while also performing with Seattle Dance Project and Men In Dance. While at Cornish, Chris' goals shifted from professional work to teaching dance in higher education, which led Chris to receive their Master of Fine Arts from the University of Washington. Chris chose the University of Washington dance department because its curriculum and faculty is one of the best in the country, and Chris knew the program would prepare them for teaching at the collegiate level while assisting them to understand the importance of dance education. A highlight while attending the University of Washington was working with Chamber Dance Company performing works: To Have and To Hold and Moonlight by Shapiro and Smith, Petrousckha's Room by Michel Fokine, Cloudless by Susan Marshall, and Center of My Heart by Douglas Elkins. Chris is most proud of the class that they developed on the Romantic era of ballet with the assistance of Professor Hannah Wiley.

After graduate school, Chris taught an open adult ballet class for Dance Fremont. In addition, Chris also began working with Spectrum Dance Theater as the Ballet Division Head which then turned into the School Director. Chris is currently the co-artistic director and rehearsal director of Dance Theatre Seattle a nonprofit 501(c)(3) branch of Dance Conservatory Seattle. Chris looks forward to teaching future generations of dancers at DANCE CONSERVATORY Seattle.