SONYA KENNEDY

Jazz, Modern Cirq, Tap, Leaps & Turns, Intensive

Sonya Kennedy has been in many competitions throughout Canada, as well as the United States, as a gymnast, figure skater and dancer and has won many scholarships and awards. Among her achievements, she was crowned 1999 Entertainer of the Year in Fresno, Ca. For the past four years, Sonya has taken dancers to the World Dance Championships in Germany to represent the U.S.A. In November 2011, her dancer received the GOLD MEDAL in the Junior Solo division. This marked the first time the U.S. had EVER taken gold in that division. Sonya’s students have gone on to be selected as dancers for the Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Lakers and Arizona Cardinals. Sonya has danced and modeled in hair shows, fashion shows and productions. She has been the recipient of Choreography awards many times at many different events!

HER THEORY?

As a teacher I feel my job is to INSPIRE, to give dancers the tools they need to be successful at whatever level of dance they want to achieve, to push dancers to their limits with discipline, laughter and, most importantly, LOVE! I believe no matter what age or level a dancer is, they are there to grow and have fun. Whether it’s a dancer aspiring to be professional or a dancer who comes once a week, each one 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 100% in return.

GENEVIEVE MUZQUIZ-PENA

Hip Hop

Genevieve Muzquiz-Pena was born and raised in Indio, CA and in 1997, when she graduated high school, she left the valley and went to California State University Chico where she earned her BA in Theater Arts with an emphasis in make-up, costume, hair design and dance choreography. She then earned her teaching credential in English and a Masters in Cross-Cultural Education.

In 2005, she left Chico to pursue other dance opportunities and has recently moved back to Chico to head and direct Full Force Dance Company which she founded in 2001. Genevieve has been teaching, coaching and choreographing for over 10 years for dance teams and groups up and down California. She has trained at The Edge Performing Arts Center, Center Stage Dance Studio and Millennium Dance Complex in Los Angeles.

Genevieve is also a scholarship winner of Dave Scott’s, one of the most respected hip-hop dance choreographers in the industry. Her other credits include Full Force, Newbury Park High School, La Quinta High School, Palm Desert High School, Cathedral High School, College of the Desert, DIVA Dance Crew, Starlight Dance Studio, Studio 4, Dimension Dance Studio and several recreational cheer, dance and step teams.

CHELSEA GILROY

Ballet

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 graduating 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.

Chelsea 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.

MELISSA SIDES

Hip Hop

Melissa Sides has been involved with the company for the past 7 years but she has taught dance/cheer for 7 years. Her dance/cheer team received first 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!”

BRITTANY PABIS

Hip Hop, Jazz, Intensive

Brittany Pabis was born and raised in Santa Cruz, CA. She experienced her first dance class at the age of three and by the age of seven, she had started competing. At the age of ten, she moved up to Redding, CA where she danced at multiple dance studios until she joined California Dance Company. Brittany has never left since! Brittany became part of the CDC competition team at age twelve and has been to various dance competitions and conventions.

Brittany is driven by respected choreographers and the history of dance. Becoming a teacher has pushed and motivated Brittany to be a successful teacher and choreographer. She loves connecting with her students while helping them become the best that they can be. Dance will always be a part of her life!

MARIE DAWSON

Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical, Leaps & Turns, Hip Hop, Modern Cirq, Intensive

Marie Dawson has been dancing since she was 3 years old. She was a California Arts Scholar in 2003 at the California Summer School for the Arts in Valencia, CA. She has won many awards including Miss Teen Dance in 2003 at Kids Artistic Revue and at Spotlight in 2005. She has placed in the Top 10 Overall Awards at Spotlight, Kids Artistic Revue, Starpower and Dance Rave competitions. Marie has been competing for CDC since she was ten years old and won the Senior Dancer Award at CDC in 2002. She has performed for numerous local teams including Team Rave, Shasta College’s production of The Nutcracker and Chico’s Just Keep Dance Alive.

Marie received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Business Economics from Asuza Pacific University in Southern California. She has taught dance classes and choreography at various dance studios in Southern California including one of the most competitive dance studios in the nation for Terry Schulke at Just Plain Dancin’.

Her love for dance and performing has been one of the most satisfying pursuits of her life. Marie continues to teach and perform at every opportunity and is happy to be back at CDC.

SAVANNAH HARRIS

Tap

Savannah Harris is 17 years old and currently attending West Valley High School. She began dancing at California Dance Company at age 3, started competing at age 5 and continues to do so still! Savannah was one of five CDC dancers who were honored to be part of the USA Dance Team in Riesa, Germany in 2010. In addition, Savannah has recently been named a member of the IHollywood Dance Company.

Savannah is determined to make her love of dance a profession after high school. She is very excited to teach and share her love and passion for dance with the younger girls of the studio.

STEVEN ZAVALA

Break Dance, Hip Hop

Steven Zavala is 17 years old and has attended both Pleasant Valley High School and Butte College. A competitive gymnast from 2002 through 2006, Steven switched gears and started competing in dance with Hype Dance Studio in 2006. In 2007, he began dancing and competing with Full Force Dance Company and remains part of their competitive team.

Steven has been teaching break dancing and hip hop for 2 years now and brings a diverse background to his teaching with experience in jazz, hip hop, break dancing and contemporary/lyrical.

JASON VANKLINKEN

Tumbling