COMPANY MEMBERS
Alyssa Gibson (she/her)
Companies: Ballet and Swing
Hometown: McMinnville, OR
Education: Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance (Opera) from University of Puget Sound, American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA).
Dance Background: I began dancing ballet when I was 3.5 and have loved it ever since! After high school and college, I found myself in NYC where I pursued a musical theater career dancing tap, jazz, swing, musical theater and ballet. I took about 10 years off from dancing when I had my kids, teaching musical theater every summer at Young Musicians and Artists camp. And then I found Colorado Dance Collective and am so excited to be back at it!
I've danced with many studios, but began at Stites Dance Studio in Portland and continued to AMDA and Broadway Dance Center in NYC before finding the CDC.
Ash Langdon (they/them)
Companies: Jazz, Hip Hop and Ballet
Hometown: Yankton, SD
Education: I grew up in South Dakota and moved to Greeley to pursue a Bachelor’s degree at UNC in Human Services, with a minor in Studio Art-Painting.
Dance Background: I’ve been dancing since I was 4. My main style has always been ballet, but around the age of 11/12 I began training in jazz, lyrical, and contemporary. I later took classes in hip hop, musical theatre, pointe, and tap. In high school, I spent time on the dance team and competed in Kick, Jazz, & Pom. I grew up training at The Green Room Dance Studio in Yankton, SD. I began dancing competitively around age 14 and attended large conventions/competitions with my hometown company. I was given the opportunity to travel with the Manhattan Dance Project in 2019 to Italy, where I assisted a choreographer & took master classes.
I quit dancing in 2020 when the pandemic hit and I lost my passion for performing. Fortunately, I developed skills in the visual arts as an outlet for what I was going through while I abstained from dancing. Finally, after a couple years, I started dancing again in 2022 as I missed the stage & the discipline. I now am able to appreciate my love for both the performing and visual arts; I look forward to integrating an interdisciplinary use of the arts and the humanities in my career.
Brenna Simmons (she/her)
Companies: Jazz and Swing, Stage & Social
Hometown: Littleton, CO
Education: Current Junior at UNC in the Nursing Program with a minor in Psychology
Dance Background: I dabbled in ballet and tap at a young age, but got heavily involved in musical theater around 8 years ago. I have been taking various ballet, jazz, tap, and lyrical classes over the years, but mainly focused on stage performing. I previously trained at the Performing Arts Academy. I have always loved performing, but more than that I have loved being one with music. Dancing allows me to express my emotions in a way that words can't, and that is something I am grateful for every day. I am so incredibly honored and excited to be a part of CDC this semester and have the opportunity to be a part of the music again.
Devi Rosson (she/her)
Companies: Jazz and Tap
Hometown: Parker, CO
Education: I have a degree from UNC in Physical education. I taught PE in Windsor School District for 10 years. I now work for the College of Performing and Visual Arts at UNC as a scheduler. I am currently in the Dance Education Master's program at UNC as well.
Dance Background: I started dancing at 2.5 after watching my sister. Although she didn't keep dancing, I did! I have tried a bit of everything but love tap, jazz, and poms styles the most. In fact, I am a director for the jazz and tap companies and coach for Severance Poms. I've trained at Dance Company in Castle Rock, Miller's dance studio in Parker, taught at Dance Factory in Greeley and was a Colorado Eagles Chick for 3 seasons from 13-16. This is my 12th season with CDC. I have two beautiful daughters named Kori and Kezryn who also love to dance!
Ezra Bowie Yarborough (he/him)
Companies: Hip Hop
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Education: Currently completing my Acting BFA and English B.A.
Dance Background: Hi! I'm Ezra. I have been dancing for almost three years in my adult years, and two and a half in my tween years, and solely did Ballet Folkloric in High school. I have mainly trained in Hip hop and Ballet but have taken classes on Jazz, Tap, Ballroom, and Modern. I've trained at University of Northern Colorado dance classes, Murchison middle school, McCallum Fine Arts Academy, and Colorado Dance Collective ( which has been my favorite place to take classes).
I have also been singing for about ten years in choirs and productions. I am an English nerd and adore reading a good book when I am not dancing, acting, or singing. I'm a curious busy body so I have tried out many a skill including Aerials, guitar playing, writing, and a psychology major. I hope to continue to explore dance in the future in a big city like Chicago or New York. Time will only tell where I go. My goal is an acting MFA program but we shall see :)
Izzy Anderson (they/them)
Companies: Swing, Stage & Social
Hometown: Greeley, CO
Education: Currently a student at UNC
Dance Background: I started dance at 3 and did ballet and jazz until middle school when my focus shifted to theater. This is the first time since then that I have danced regularly. My previous experience was with Northern Colorado Academy of Dance Arts. I love getting the opportunity to combine my love of dance and theater and being able to do it with wonderful people who love it too!
Kristen McFarland (she/her)
Companies: Jazz, Ballet and Hip Hop
Hometown: Billings, MT
Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of South Dakota, Bachelor’s of Science in Community Health, Montana State University
Dance Background: I began dancing at a young age, training in jazz, tap and ballet. In middle school and high school, I performed with competition studios with a focus on jazz and hip hop. In high school, I started to focus mainly on classical ballet, pointe and modern and continued to dance in college while attending MSU. After college, I served as a board member, teacher and choreographer for a variety of dance studios, companies and shows. In physical therapy school, I worked with dancers at Oregon Ballet Theatre and Ohio State University. While finishing my education, I was able to dance and teach across the country and experience a variety of dance styles and have settled in Colorado and am excited to call Colorado Dance Collective home.
M. Jennifer Anderson (she/her)
Companies: Ballet and Swing, Stage & Social
Hometown: Greeley, CO
Education: MS in Chemistry from UNC, BA in Biological Anthropology from CU Boulder
Dance Background: I’ve been dancing since I was 7 years old. I’ve studied ballet, jazz, lyrical, and some African dance. My dance training was with Academy of Dance Arts, CU Boulder Dance Program, and GRADA. Dance is how I express myself, and how I escape from stress and anxiety. I feel incredibly lucky to be dancing with Miss Wendy and the talented dancers in this company!
Michelle Friedman (she/her)
Companies: Ballet and Tap
Hometown: Elk Grove, CA
Education: BS in Psychology from the University of California, Davis Currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching for Elementary Education from the University of Northern Colorado
Dance Background: I began dancing in elementary school at a local studio in my hometown under the direction of Susan Cherney. I fell in love with dance and trained in various styles over the years including ballet, jazz, tap, and hip hop. The Cecchetti method of classical ballet was at the core of my training and I completed yearly exams until I graduated high school and left for college. I taught ballet and tap at various studios in high school and college and continued dancing in college for local productions in the Sacramento area. I also pursued my love for entertaining as an Emcee/DJ/Dance leader at various events and parties on the weekends. I moved to Colorado in 2005 and began raising a family. After being away from dance for 18 years, I began dancing with Wendy Sosa at the Colorado Dance Collective in 2022 and am thrilled to be training and performing again!
Rae Longnecker (she/her)
Companies: Ballet
Hometown: Monument, CO
Education: Masters in Mathematics, emphasis Secondary Education
Dance Background: I've had 21 years of training, mostly in ballet and hip hop with a few years of contemporary and jazz. I've trained with Sundance Studio (Monument), The Conservatory (Greeley), and Loveland Dance Academy (Loveland). I have always loved to perform. I spent years training in piano and dance, and always looked forward to the end of year showcases. After a move, I lost my home studio and my passion for dance. I tried other activities, theater and the school dance team, but nothing felt right. College reignited the fire and I found studios I loved. Eleven years later and I have found a new love for dance that I thought had died. I may have an analytical mind with my math background, but I have an artists soul.
Sarah Mearing (she/her)
Companies: Jazz and Ballet
Hometown: Longmont, CO
Education: Graduated from Longmont high school and I am currently a student at the University of Northern Colorado to study nursing
Dance Background: I have been dancing since I was 3 and began competing at the age of 8 years old. I have been competing ever since. I recently graduated from high school so my competition years came to an end and my journey at the Colorado dance collective began. I have trained at Mountainside Dance Academy, Dance Dimensions, and now at Colorado Dance Collective. Growing up in the dance world taught me a lot of different lessons that would help me in my life outside of dance. The most important to me is the importance of my dance families. We support and love each other for who we are. I am very excited to be apart of this new dance family.
Sofia Mejia (she/her)
Companies: Hip Hop
Hometown: El Salvador/ Greeley
Education: Majored in Animation
Dance Background: I’ve been dancing for about 13 years. I am currently a director for the hip hop company. I previous trained with Greeley West Poms and Dance Fusion, and have been training with CDC for 9 years. I’m looking for any ways to improve myself as a dancer and would like to have dance as a career.
Tricia Newman (she/her)
Companies: Ballet
Hometown: Eaton, CO
Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Electronic Art, Minor in Women’s Studies from Colorado State University; Massage Therapy 1000 Hour Certificate from Academy of Natural Therapy
Dance Background: Tricia has been dancing since age 3 and has been trained in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, poms, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, and musical theater. She spent nearly all of her time outside of school training and performing with the competition team for her studio through high school. Starting in 2017, Tricia spent three years teaching ballet at Top Notch Dance Company. In early 2022, she began taking classes with Colorado Dance Collective and joined the ballet company for their 15th season. Most of Tricia’s dance education was done through Dance Factory in Greeley, CO. She has also taken classes from EDGE Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles. She danced with Top Notch Dance Company and is now excited to be part of the Colorado Dance Collective!
Outside of dance, Tricia is a passionate visual artist. She loves to make multimedia art, incorporating painting, drawing, embroidery, sculpture, photography, and collage elements. Starting in 2021, she also became a small business owner!
Adiana Youngblood (she/her)
Companies: Ballet, Jazz and Tap
Hometown: Greeley, CO
Education: I graduated from Greeley West High School in 2023. I also have a certificate in youth dance pedagogy.
Dance Background: I started dancing at the age of 3 at the Dance Factory. I danced and competed there for 15 years, training with a variety of teachers in a variety of styles. I started with training in ballet and tap, which eventually included jazz, contemporary, lyrical, musical theatre, hip hop, and pointe.I’ve had the opportunity to dance and Max the dog from the Grinch in a Grinch winter production! I also was on the Greeley West Poms team for a year. In 2021 I had the amazing experience to learn to teach dance through a program with the Dance Factory. I taught very sassy jazz classes along with getting to teach a combo tap/ballet class to pre-k!
Anastacia Collins (she/her)
Companies: Ballet
Hometown: Greeley, CO
Education: I am currently a high school senior and a dual enrollment student at AIMS, so I am planning on graduating with my HS Diploma and A.S. degree in the spring!
Dance Background: I have been taking dance classes since I was 3, and have been training in ballet and contemporary/modern for over 10 years. I began my training at The Dance Factory in 2011. I then joined Canyon Concert Ballet in 2015 and trained there for 9 years before leaving in 2024. While at CCB, I attended The Joffrey Ballet of Chicago’s Advanced Summer Intensive in 2022. I am excited to now be a part of CDC this season! My ballet training has given me the chance to perform in many classical productions such as Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, and The Nutcracker, in which I had the opportunity to dance the lead role of Clara in 2023.
Aubrie Keever (she/her)
Companies: Ballet and Jazz
Hometown: Greeley, CO
Education: I graduated from Windsor Charter Academy with my Associates of Science from Aims in 2020. I took a break from school until May 2021, when I started taking classes at the University of Northern Colorado. I am currently finishing up my Exercise Science - BS with a minor in biology and a minor in dance.
Dance Background: I have been dancing since I was 3 years old. I grew up training at the Dance Factory here in Greeley. My training began with tap and ballet then progressed into jazz, lyrical, contemporary, musical theater, and hip hop. I was on the competitive competition team for many years while also performing on my HS poms team for one year. Once I graduated high school, I knew I still wanted to pursue dance, so I began taking classes at the Colorado Dance Collective in 2020 while taking a break from performing. I also begin teaching at Dance Factory and have been a proud staff member for almost four years now. After a year of just taking classes at CDC, I auditioned for the company and am now a part of Ballet, Tap, and Jazz. During the last couple of years, I have also been given a couple other performance opportunities including the Evermore Arts Dance Concert and UNC Dance Concert.
Mainly, my training has been with Dance Factory, University of Northern Colorado, and Colorado Dance Collective.
Other than dancing, I love to spend time outdoors during both the warmer and cooler weather. I love to hike, snowboard, swim, go on walks, or even just sit outside and read!
Briana Sosna (she/her)
Companies: Ballet
Hometown: Berthoud, Colorado
Education: Took tap with Karen Kleber, and danced ballet and jazz with Kristen Kingsley at Longmont Dance Theatre (now Centennial State Ballet) all through high school. Took dance classes through the University of Northern Colorado while earning a Bachelor's of Music Education with an emphasis in voice.
Dance Background: I've been dancing since age 13. I taught dance throughout college with Longmont Dance Theatre and Berthoud Dance Company and choreographed for and performed in theatres across Northern Colorado including Union Colony Dinner Theatre, the Carousel Dinner Theatre, Open Stage Theatre, and the Greeley Stampede Troupe. Currently teaches dance at Chappelow Arts Magnet K-8. I've trained at Longmont Dance Theatre, Karen Kleber, and University of Northern Colorado. I am still an active performer and choreographer, as well as serves on the board for the Greeley Stampede Troupe. Loves the Greeley Community!
Elijah Coronado (he/him)
Companies: Hip Hop
Hometown: Morrison, CO
Education: Graduated from D’evelyn Jr./Sr. High School; Current Sophomore at UNC getting a bachelor of fine arts in acting with a minor in dance.
Dance Background: I have a backround in Baile Folklorico-12 years; Hip Hop-2 years; Tap-1 year; Jazz-3 years; I choreograph for fun! I previously trained with Colorado Mestizo Dancers. I am so excited for this opportunity, and can’t wait to dance, meet new people, and learn more!
Felicia Gonzalez-Soto (she/her)
Companies: Hip Hop and Swing, Stage & Social
Hometown: Sacramento, California
Education: I had completed some community college in California, but I stopped going to school. To finish, I started going to Aims Community College Summer 2024 to pursue an Associates in Animal Science. The plan is to transfer to CSU to finish my bachelors in Animal Science and possibly go to veterinary school for large animal medicine.
Dance Background: I began dancing when I was 17. I actually hated dancing prior to that, crazy right! I originally wanted to learn Waltz, but a swing dance venue was closest to me, so my mom was only willing to take me there. I was hooked the first night and have been dancing various swing dances since. These swing dances include Lindy Hop, Collegiate Shag, Balboa, Charleston, and Solo Jazz styles. I used to teach and choreograph in California, and I have competed a little as well. I placed top three in two different competitions with my partner Ramses and 1st place for three years in swing competition team. I currently teach and dance in Fort Collins. I have also participated with NoCo Swings' swing performance team in Fort Collins. Besides swing, I have dabbled in ballroom styles, such as waltz, and I have dabbled latin styles including salsa and bachata as well. I took tap in community college and I got to try folklorico for a couple months before I moved to Colorado. I am currently learning Hip Hop for the first time with CDC. Wish me luck! I started with Midtown Stomp in California, where I eventually grew good enough to teach. This is also where I competed with the swing team, Midtown Stompers, under Aubri and Michael Siebert's leadership and choreography. I love creativity and musicality in choreography. It is one of the main reasons I love to choreograph and why I learned to lead in different swing styles.
I particularly love Lowrider Oldies or Souldies and Disco music genres to "dance" to besides swing.
Jamie Kuntz (she/her)
Companies: Swing, Stage & Social
Hometown: Knoxville, TN
Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education: Educational Interpreting (Sign Language Interpreting)
Dance Background: I am an athlete with varied dance training, beginning with an Israeli folk dance group when I was 4 years old. As I grew up, I gained experience in international folk dancing, gymnastics, interpretive dance, modern, jazz, and ballet. During my middle and high school years, I toured nationally and internationally as an original member of For Zion’s Sake children’s dance troupe and also as a young member of the Benote Tzion Israeli and International Dance team. After being away from dance for several years, I joined Momentum Dance Lab (MDL), a modern dance company in Knoxville, TN, as a Company Member in 2016. I soon became a Core Member and co-directed MDL’s annual showcase performance in 2018. After my family and I moved to Northern Colorado at the end of 2021, I knew I wanted to find a place to continue dancing and performing as soon as we got settled. As of Fall 2022, the Colorado Dance Collective is my dance home. I have very little studio training and was mostly trained by mentors.
Lydia Borton (she/her)
Companies: Ballet
Hometown: Glen Carbon, IL
Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Ballet with a minor in English from Friends University in Wichita, KS
Dance Background: I began dancing when I was three years old and have studied ballet, tap, jazz, modern, hip-hop, and musical theatre. I trained at Rena’s Dance Unlimited through high school, Friends University through college, and briefly at COCA St. Louis and Fort Wayne Ballet over the years. I trained in the Cecchetti method of ballet and have passed my advanced (grade VII) Cecchetti exam. I continued to pursue ballet in college, dancing a variety of roles in original works and classics such as The Nutcracker, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and Les Sylphides. After college I began teaching dance before studying as a trainee at Fort Wayne Ballet. I quickly realized that I missed working with students and returned to teaching dance, this time at a competition studio where I taught a variety of styles and even had a piece place first at nati
onals. I currently teach ballet at The Conservatory in Greeley.
I moved to Greeley with my husband in 2022. After a five year break from the stage, I decided it was time for me to return to dancing myself and feel very thankful for the opportunity to dance at the CDC!
Madeline Schmidt (she/her)
Companies: Ballet, Jazz and Hip Hop
Hometown: Henderson, CO
Education: About to graduation from UNC with a psychology degree and a minor in dance!
Dance Background: I trained since I was 8 in Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Tap, and more! I trained at Premier School of Dance in Thornton,CO.
Noelle Lowry (she/her)
Companies: Jazz
Hometown: Cheynne, WY
Education: Graduated from Cheyenne East in 2019. Will Graduate with my Bachelors in Elementary Ed with an emphasis in Special Education.
Dance Background: I’ve been dancing for 14 years. I started in jazz and then moved into ballet and tap I’ve been doing those for 13-14 years. In high school I did all styles and competed for 7 years. I started teaching my junior year of high school mostly littles but have done all ages. Started at Power & Grace (Louisiana), a few years in Germany at Grace Studios and then Act Two Studios (Cheyenne). Before starting dance I struggled to find something I was good at and when I started dance something clicked. At first I didn’t want to go back after my first class because I felt like everyone was more developed but after some encouragement from my teacher ( kind words and a lollipop) I’ve been going back ever since. Flash forward always grateful for the happiness that CDC brings me!
Ray Reeve (she/her)
Companies: Ballet
Hometown: LaSalle, Colorado
Education: I'm currently studying environmental engineering at Colorado School of Mines
Dance Background: I have previously danced for around 13 years. After taking a break I'm back at it in just Ballet. I particularly enjoyed dancing with Ballet 5:8 in Chicago IL
Shanise Garcia (she/her)
Companies: Hip Hip
Hometown: Greeley, CO
Education: Graduated from Greeley Central High School in 2018 and Lettered In Academics.
Dance Background: I taught myself how to dance and 2 years ago I started taking dance classes to improve my strength, and technique. I began training with Inspire Dance Academy and have trained with Colorado Dance Dollective for 2 years now.
Teagan Hunt (she/her)
Companies: Ballet
Hometown: Longmont, CO
Education: Currently majoring in Human Services
Dance Background: I have danced ever since I was 3. Some styles I have done include ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, and hip hop. However, I’ve primarily trained in ballet for most of my dance career.
Over the years I've trained with Colorado Dance Collective, Centennial State Ballet, Longmont Dance Theater Academy, Ballet Renaissance, Center Stage, and Dance Factory.
I have danced my entire life. My primary love is ballet. I was in a pre professional ballet program and participated in numerous shows such as the Nutcracker, Midsummers Nights Dream, and Around the World in 80 Days. I took a break from dance for a few years after the pandemic but am glad to be performing again!
Victoria Ochoa-Rodriguez (she/her)
Companies: Ballet
Hometown: Greeley, CO
Education: University of Northern Colorado, Elementary Education, Emphasis in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education
Dance Background: I started with the Colorado Dance Collective in 2016 and I joined the ballet company. I started ballet with Deneice Dyer at the Evans Rec Center when I was 6. Then, I trained with Ixchell Levendosky in Loveland for a few years. When I got to high school I danced on the POMS team lead by Peggy Freemole. I am a teacher in District 6 and I love being a part of the Dance Collective. So thankful for all the years I have been a part of this family 🩵
Alexa Gomez (she/her)
Companies: Hip Hop
Hometown: Delicias, Chihuahua, México
Education: CNA
Dance Background: Before joining CDC, Alexa was a competitive dancer for 10 years and National Dance Alliance (NDA) national champion.
Arylena Flores (she/her)
Companies: Jazz and Hip Hop
Hometown: Greeley, CO
Education: BA in Psychology from the University of Northern Colorado
Betony Coons (she/her)
Companies: Ballet and Tap
Hometown: Little River, Kansas
Education: BA in Art with an emphasis in painting from the University of Northern Colorado.
Dance Background: I studied at a studio called Artistree in Hutchinson, KS, from age 6 through the end of high school. Under Director Betsy Andrew’s creative vision, we studied Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Modern, as well as many workshops in Musical Theater, African, Ballet Variations, and more. Each year we would travel to New York City for dance workshops as well as summer trips to the renowned St. Louis Tap Festival. During that time, I also performed many times in the Metropolitan ballet of Wichita’s Nutcracker as well as Artistree’s productions of the Prairie Nutcracker. I continued to take ballet during my time at Bethel College in Newton, Kansas as well as at the University of Northern Colorado from 2002-2005. As well as teaching
ballet and tap at various studios in high school, college,and beyond, I have also choreographed numbers for numerous musical theater productions in Kansas and Colorado.
As a busy mom of four, who homeschools, and works full time as an artist, having dance as an outlet, and being part of such a positive and kind dance family has been such a gift.
Chloe Shutters (she/her)
Companies: Ballet and Jazz
Hometown: Windsor, CO
Education: Bachelor in English
Dance Background: I have been training for 18 years. I have primarily focused on ballet but have also done jazz, tap, contemporary, modern, and character. I have taught at Henry Academy of Dance and I have done some choreography with University of Northern Colorado. I have trained at Dance Factory, Henry Academy of Dance, and Colorado Ballet. Ive done summer intensives with Colorado Ballet as well as one with American Ballet Theatre. I’m also apart of the company at Heartbeat Ballet in Fort Collins.
Emily Carter (she/her)
Companies: Ballet
Hometown: Longmont, CO
Education: Bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts with an Emphasis in Secondary Education and a Minor in Dance from the University of Northern Colorado.
Dance Background: I've been classically trained in ballet since the age of 3. I added jazz and modern during high school and picked up tap in college. My go-styles are ballet, contemporary, and jazz or a mix of all three when I'm choreographing. I have directed and choreographed musical theatre shows for high schools for the past 2 years. I trained at Longmont Dance Theatre Academy for the majority of my training and then Airborne during my senior year of high school.
Aside from being a dancer, I am also a photographer. I shoot primarily portraits, couples, and events and actually started doing weddings in the past 2 years. Other hobbies include baking, painting, and the occasional cross-country road trip.
Isaiah Baca (he/him)
Companies: Jazz and Hip Hop
Hometown: Greeley,CO
Education: Graduated at greeley central 2021, Went to Colorado Mesa University to pursue dance for two years.
Dance Background: I've been dancing since I was 10 years old, starting out at Top Notch Dance Company where I learned hip hop. Once I got to high school, I took my dance training more seriously by joining the arts magnet program at Greeley Central. There, I trained extensively, choreographed pieces for shows, and later went on to major in dance for two years at Colorado Mesa University. At college, I trained every day in jazz, ballet, modern, choreography, and hip hop, and set many pieces on stage. Now, I teach guest classes at Greeley Central and even set a piece for the Greeley Central dance concert in 2022. I love to choreograph, putting art on stage is what I do best, working with lights,dancers, music, and etc. my passion for dance/ choreographing is truly something strong and something I take pride in. My mission is to Inspire people when I’m on stage or a peice I choreographed is on stage. Teaching the next generation is really important as they are learning many things we did. I’m wanting to break the stereotype of dance “only being for girls” and showcasing that dance is for everyone.
Kelly Gonynor (she/her)
Companies:
Hometown: Detroit, Michigan
Education: ✨ Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with minors in Business and Spanish from Indiana University
✨ Master of Science in Human Development and Family Studies with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from Colorado State University
✨ I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Dance Background: I was a Rhythmic Gymnast from the age of 7 to 17. During those years, I performed routines with hoop, ball, clubs, and ribbon both individually and in groups. Our group performed in two different Junior Olympics and we traveled across the United States for competitions. Our gym for rhythmic gymnastics was located in Michigan and called Oakland Rhythmic Gymnastics. My senior year I took a leap of faith and joined Studio A Center for Performing Arts in West Bloomfield, Michigan. I absolutely loved dancing jazz and contemporary for my first time at that dance studio! 😊 Dance and being a performing artist is one of my lifelong passions! During college at Indiana University, I was a member of the RedStepper Dance Team in the fall semesters and in the spring semesters I was a member of the African American Dance Company.
M'lyn Miller (she/her)
Companies: Hip Hop
Hometown: Greeley, CO
Education: Bachelors in Communication Studies, Masters in Communicatio, both from the University of Northern Colorado.
Dance Background: I have been dancing since I was 10 off and on! I have also trained in Baton Twirling! Before Colorado Dance Collective, I was in another non-profit dance group and I would assist with choreography for multiple dances and teach it to the group! I have dabbled in most styles but am mainly trained in Hip Hop primarily through CDC! I trained at Dance Factory when I was younger, in baton twirling with the group Twilight Twirlers, and with non-profit group Elluminate, Colorado Dance Fusion, Colorado Dance Collective. My biggest dream ever would be to dance in a Disney show or parade! When I was younger I would dance all the time and choreographed dances for my family to watch! My favorite thing is to perform and dance with my friends in my groups! My life would be dull without the dance family I have around me!
Melissa Jacobson
Companies: Ballet
I am Melissa AKA B-girl Melski. Dance is who I am, movement is my service. My life circulates around sharing love and knowledge of dance education to ignite inspiration, passion and healing. Since 1995 I have worked with and established multiple dance schools, ministries, cheer/pom teams and performance productions. Alumni company member of Bravo Repertoire Dance Theatre, Central West Ballet & Ripon City Ballet. Starting in the early 1980's I'm fortunate to have received excellent training while growing up in Northern California from such schools as; San Francisco Ballet School, Juline's School of Dance, Esteem Dance School, Alonzo King Lines, and private training with former San Fransisco Ballet Principal Ballerina, Katita Waldo; Deborah Bernard, City Ballet in San Francisco; Tricia Stilley trainee of Joffrey and School of American Ballet. I'm a mother to three "awesome human beings" and is dedicated to pursuing, sharing and spreading loving-inspiration and motivation. I will stay true to my life mission and motto, "HEALING HEARTS THRU ARTS.”
Priscilla Sawicki (she/her)
Companies: Ballet and Swing, Stage & Social
Hometown: Born and raised in Westminster CO, but now I live in Greeley
Education: I’ve always been involved in theater for as long as I can remember. I went to Denver School of the Arts for Stagecraft and Design from middle school to the end of high school. In college I studied American Sign Language Interpreting until finding a passion in Graphic Design and switching!
Dance Background: I have always had a love for Ballet, Hip Hop, and musical theater. This year I discovered Swing and I have been absolutely loving it! I’ve always loved dancing and performing. I took dance classes when I was little but didn’t continue through middle or high school. I finally re discovered my love for dance in college performing with Greek student life groups as much as I could. In 2021 I joined Northern Colorado Dance Fusion and really grew in my skill and confidence as a dancer! This year joining Colorado Dance Collective has been so amazing, such a welcoming and incredibly talented company.
Rose Garcia (she/her)
Companies: Jazz
Hometown: Windsor, CO
Education: Since graduating high school in 2022, I have been majoring in Early Childhood Education at Aims Community College with the plan of transferring to UNC for my bachelors.
Dance Background: I have been dancing since I was 8. I started in Hip Hop and eventually moved to Jazz/kick, Ballet/Lyrical, and Pom. I started dancing at Just For Kix when I was 8. After Just For Kix, I danced on and captained my high school Poms team for 2 years. After I graduate I began my CDC journey! While in high school, I also did theater where I helped choreograph multiple pieces for shows and performances such as Greece, A Christmas Carol, and more.
Shantel Miranda Espinosa (she/her)
Companies: Jazz, Hip Hop, and Swing, Stage & Social
Hometown: Greeley, CO and born in Dallas, TX
Education: Graduated from Greeley Central High School
Dance Background: I have been dancing now for 12 years, precessional or not, dance class or not I have been in a studio, pursuing what I love. I previously trained at the Boys and Girls Club, IDA, CDC, and my high school studio. I dance because it inspires me, let’s me express myself without having to say one word. it allows me to find comfort and let a different side and personality rise out.
Todd Teter (he/him)
Companies: Swing
Hometown: Commerce City, CO
Education: Currently studying theater education with minor in dance at the Univerity of Northern Colorado.
Dance Backround: I started dancing with a small community theater when I was young and found my home there. I have been a Lindy hopper for 7 years and I have choreographed for my highschool and community productions with Prairie Playhouse. I also spent time training with Shauna Marble.
Young Park (he/him)
Companies: Hip Hop
Hometown: Floral Park, NY
Education: Studied computer engineering at Rochester Institute of Technology. I was able to successfully turn my side hustle into a livelihood. Which allowed me to drop out and pursue my passion for climbing.
Dance Background: I danced casually with a friend in college to kpop & cpop choreography. This is my first time being committed to dance and I look forward to what's coming.