California Dance Company - Anderson - Redding

Photography by: Shutterbug's Photography
Sonya Kennedy	Sonya Kennedy has been in many competitions throughout Canada and the United States, as a gymnast, figure skater and dancer, where she has won many scholarships and awards. Among her achievements she was crowned 1999 Entertainer of The Year in Fresno, Ca. Sonya's senior hip hop team was nominated to represent the U.S at the World Hip hop championships in Germany! Sonya has danced and modeled in hair shows, fashion shows and productions. She has been the recipient of the Choreography award in both Sacramento and San Jose for the past four years. HER THEORY? Well it's quite simple: No matter what age or level a dancer is they are there to grow and have fun. Whether it's competitive or recreational, each dancer has his or her own personal goals and ambitions. We as teachers are here to take the time to teach and share our knowledge to young dancers on their way up. If you give them 100%, they will give you 110% in return.

Max Friedman	Max Friedman started dancing before he could walk... and he hasn't stopped since. He's studied with some of the North States most respected dance instructors and received honors in both local and national competitions. For two years, Max has taught his unique brand of hip-hop to Shasta County youth, and he enjoys sharing his love for dance and watching his students work hard and perform like champs. Max has skillfully organized dance workshops at local schools and conferences. His energy, enthusiasm and creativity inspire his students to have fun and do their very best.

GabrielleOleari	Gabrielle Oleari is 15 years old, and started dancing with CA Dance Company at 6 years of age. Right away she knew tap was her game. She received the “Tapper of the Year” award two years in a row. She also loves all forms of dance, including Hip hop, Jazz, and Lyrical. She is currently the captain of the Foothill High School JV cheer squad, and basically loves any music you can move to. She enjoys choreographing dance and watching her students progress and have fun. Gabrielle is very excited to be a part of the CA Dance Company teaching team, and looks forward to meeting you!!

Shanna Morgan	Shanna Morgan has been a dancer and company member at California Dance Company for the past nine years and she has been teaching dance for four years. She specializes in beginner level classes because she feels every dancer needs a strong foundation to build on. Whether it's jazz, tap, or hip hop, everyone needs to know the basics in order to become the best dancer they can be. She loves seeing all of the kids and adults having a great time in class doing something that's fun and good for them. There has to be more to life than just school and work, so DANCE!

Chelsea Gilroy	Chelsea Gilroy, a Redding native, started her dance training at the age of four at the Redding Dance Centre. Chelsea began teaching tap, jazz, and ballet at age 16. After graduation from high school, Chelsea participated in a dance scholarship workshop in Sacramento, California. In addition, she has choreographed for local recitals and shows such as Redding City Musical Theatre Company’s Singing in the Rain. She continues to teach and choreograph for various studios and programs in the Redding area such as Kids Unlimited. She also enjoys working at Soleus Dance & Fitness Wear, where she shares her enthusiasm and knowledge of dance with the community.

Chelsea McInnis	Chelsea McInnis started her dance career at the young age of four. She was a member of a children's ballet company in the Monterey Bay Area, where she received a number of awards before the age of eight. At the age of nine, Chelsea moved to northern California where she started dancing at California Dance Company. For the following nine years Chelsea competed with CDC, winning numerous awards as a soloist and a group dancer. She became a "KAR Kid" in 2002, where she was selected to join kids from around the nation to dance in New York City. She was named to the all-star dance team, "Team Rave San Francisco" in the summer of 2003. In the spring of 2005 Chelsea was awarded the "Dancer of Tomorrow" scholarship to train in Los Angeles. Chelsea graduated from high school in 2006 and attended the University of Minnesota. She auditioned and was named to their four-time national championship dance team. Since she has been back from college, Chelsea has taught classes in Sacramento and Northern California. Chelsea is very excited to be back at CDC! She can't wait to share her passion of dance at all her students!

Hannah Foss	Hannah Foss is 18 years old and started dancing in Redding when she was four, taking all styles of dance. She started dancing at California Dance Company when she was 12 and joined the competition team last year. She not only has a great passion for dance but is also very passionate about teaching dance and working with kids. She is inspired by their energy and loves to be apart of their learning experience. Live, Love, Dance!

Brianna Grandell	Brianna Grandell is 19 years old and has been dancing with California Dance Company for 10 years. She has been teaching for only a few years, but enjoys the opportunity to be a part of their dance experience.

Melissa Sides	Melissa Sides has been involved with the company for the past 6 years, but she has taught dance/cheer for 7 years. Her dance/cheer team received 1st place for Northern California. Melissa has been dancing since she was little, she loves to dance and loves to watch kids dance. Hip hop is her favorite style of dance - she loves when a song comes on the radio and she can't help but pop her shoulders back and forth to the beat! Melissa's view on dance: "Dance is all about having a blast and letting your own creativity show. One important thing I always teach to my dancers: never say you can't do something!! As with anything in life, if you want it bad enough it's all in reach; you just have to work hard for it!! Most importantly let go and have a blast while doing it!"

Megan Beeson	Megan Beeson is 16 years old and has been dancing at California Dance Company since the age of seven. She has been a member of the competition team for five years. She was chosen as Junior Dancer of the Year in 2005 and Senior Dancer of the Year in 2008. She has been taking every style of dance offered at the studio since she began dancing. It was very exciting to teach last year and share her love of dance with her students, and will be great to be a substitute this year.