MARIE WELCH

Curriculum Coordinator, Dance Training Advisor, Dance Instructor & Intensive Program

Marie has been dancing since she was three years old and joined CDC’s competitive team at age ten. She has won many awards, including Miss Teen Dance, California Arts Scholarship, numerous Top 10 Overall Awards, and CDC’s Senior Dancer Award. She has also performed for numerous local teams including Team Rave, Shasta College’s production of The Nutcracker and Chico’s Just Keep Dance Alive. She has taught dance classes and choreography at various dance studios in Southern California, including 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!

CINDEE SPURGEON

Director of Operations

Cindee ensures that every aspect of the studio runs smoothly, from scheduling classes to managing events and programs to overseeing daily operations. With a strong background in management and a passion for the performing arts, Cindee is committed to creating a welcoming and organized environment for both students and staff. Drawing on her 25 plus years of experience, she works closely with owner/founder Sonya and the studio's leadership team to support the growth and success of the studio, ensuring each student has the best experience possible.  

Over 29 years of bringing the love of dance to all ages by sharing its beauty, power, and vision in fresh and unique way! We strive to make all of our dancers feel welcome and at home in our studios, whether they are competitive or recreational dancers. Our staff is invested in each dancer’s success, on and off the dance floor! We don’t just teach dance; we teach valuable life lessons too!

Whether you are looking for an hour a week to have some fun and release some energy, or you are looking to train and improve your dance skills and technique, we have something to offer you! We pride ourselves on our varied schedule, with classes geared toward all levels and ages. We continue to look for opportunities to improve our studio, strengthen our dancers, and grow our staff!

SONYA KENNEDY

CEO Owner Founder

Sonya's journey began in Montreal, Canada, where her passion for dance ignited.  From her early days in Toronto, she quickly emerged as a force to be reckoned with excelling not only as a gymnast and figure skater but also a mesmerizing dancer.  At the tender age of 18, Sonya's remarkable talent earned her the title of California's Entertainer of the Year in Fresno.

Driven by her dreams, Sonya ventured to Northern California where she established her humble one-room studio in 1996.  With unwavering dedication and a handful of students, she embarked on a remarkable journey.  Fast forward over two decades, and CDC (California Dance Company) stands as a thriving institution, nurturing the dreams of hundreds of students across two locations.

Sonya's true passion lies in shaping aspiring artists and athletes, instilling in them the vital qualities of determination, discipline, teamwork, poise, and self-confidence needed to flourish in the world of professionalism.  Her students have gone on to grace the stages of esteemed sports teams such as the Sacramento Kings, the Miami Heat, the LA Lakers, the Arizona Cardinals and the San Francisco 49ers.  Moreover, many have secured contracts with top talent agencies in Hollywood, a testament to Sonya and her team's exceptional mentorship.

Sonya's impact extends far beyond national borders.  She has proudly led her dancers to the World Dance Championships in Germany on four separate occasions, representing the United States with unparalleled grace and skill.  In 2011, her protege clinched the gold medal in the junior solo division, marking a historic triumph for the USA.

Recognized for her outstanding contributions, Sonya has been honored with numerous scholarships, performance awards and accolades for her choreography.  Notably, CDC was awarded the Prestigious ADCC Award for impeccable technique, and the diverse range of dancers representing various genres of dance.  In 2017, Sonya was bestowed the coveted Choreographer of the Year title by Energy National Dance Competition.

Beyond the dance floor, Sonya cherishes the profound relationships she builds with her students.  Even as they embark on new chapters in their lives, they consider CDC their second home, regularly checking in with their beloved mentor.  For Sonya, teaching dance is more than just imparting technical skills, it is about creating transformative experiences and imparting life lessons that shape her dancers into responsible, well-adjusted, and life-loving adults.  She considers herself not only a studio owner but also a coach, counselor and mentor.  

As Sonya's students spread their wings and venture into new horizons she prepares them for the challenges and adventure that lie ahead with an open mind and boundless enthusiasm.  In 2023, she became a More than Just Great Dancing Certified Coach, further solidifying her commitment to nurturing talent and fostering growth. Sonya's journey is a testament to the power of passion, dedication, and unwavering belief in the potential of young dancers.  Through California Dance Company, she continues to inspire, uplift, and shape the next generation of stars, leaving an indelible mark on the world of arts and education.

JAMIE CLELAND

Hip Hop Director, Dance Instructor & Intensive Program

Jamie Cleland has been involved in all genres of dance, including ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, and lyrical for the past 11 years and has been competing for 10. She started her dance career at J & J Performing Arts in Susanville and six years later moved to California Dance Company in Anderson. Shortly after, she began teaching dance, all while continuing to compete herself. She became captain of her high school dance team and held that position for 3 years, as well as a teacher at California Dance Company for 2 years! Her favorite genre of dance is hip hop. She loves the fact that she can find her own groove and just be herself. She plans to continue to thrive through her passion ford ance and someday own her own studio in Idaho.

AMANDA MCCARLEY

Ballet Director, Dance Instructor, Intensive Program

Amanda stared dancing at the age of six and trained in ballet, jazz, tap, and lyrical. Eight years later she joined the California Dance Company Intensive Team where she found her love for new styles such as Musical Theatre, Hip Hop, Jazz Funk, Contemporary, and Aerial Silks. During her competitive years Amanda received multiple top 10 awards and CDC’s Triple Threat Award. She joined the Apprentice Program in her senior year of high school and shortly after began her teaching career, now beginning her her seventh season.In 2017 Amanda started choreographing for the Intensive Team where her students have won several First Overall, Top Ten, and Judges Awards.

Although she loves all genres of dance, Amanda has a heart for ballet. One of her favorite experiences as a Ballet teacher was working with the Moscow Ballet and assistant teaching for the Nutcracker. She has completed the Ballet Method’s Teaching Certification Program and continues to immerse in other online training programs. Her goal as the CDC Ballet Director is to share her love for the art form and make Ballet a positive experience, as well as pushing her students to succeed. Amanda cares for her students as if they are her own and has great joy in watching them grow into amazing human beings. She strives to make CDC a loving, open minded, accepting place where dancers can build character and learn to express themselves. Amanda loves her CDC family and hopes to make the studio a second home for her students just like it is for her!

TERASA SMOLENSKI

Member Experience Support Team

Terasa is another Redding native and has worked in community development for the City of Redding, Shasta County, and Turtle Bay. Her background in customer service and entrepreneurship helps her provide excellent service to our members' families. As a mom of three athletes, including one aerial silks student, she understands the demanding life of a dance family.

BAILEY CULMER

Dance Instructor & Gymnastics Instructor

Bailey has been passionate about dance from a young age, training extensively at Dance Depot in styles ranging from tap and ballet to jazz, musical theater, hip hop, lyrical, and modern. Starting in the dance community at just 4 years old, she grew up knowing the ins and outs of the determination it takes to push yourself. Starting her career as a dance teacher at just 13, Bailey quickly found joy in sharing her love of dance with others.

Her journey continued at a local dance studio (the RAP) where she performed in the Nutcracker in 2014. She furthered her ballet training at Redding Dance Center with summer intensives to become a stronger dancer.

After taking a brief break to finish high school and earn an esthetician license, Bailey is excited to return to the dance world. Now at CDC, Bailey is thrilled to bring her experience and enthusiasm to a team that values positivity and growth. With a deep love for dance and gymnastics, Bailey looks forward to contributing to the amazing energy and spirit at CDC.

EMBER ROSE

Aerial Silks Instructor

Ember has been doing aerial for five years and teaching for one. She loves to perform and has performed at many events in the local area. Ember believes aerial fabric is not just an amazing way to get exercise, but it is also a beautiful art form.

OUR AWARD-WINNING STAFF

NEVAEH SIDES

Dance Instructor & Intensive Program

Nevaeh was born in Red Bluff, California. She started dancing with CDC at age 2 and shortly after, at age 4, joined CDC's competitive team. Growing up, she fell in love with jazz and musical theater and decided to develop her passion into her career. From competing to teaching, she has shown persistence in, and love for, the dance community. She sees herself in so many of the young dancers at the studio. Her goal is to nurture their love for dance and create a fun and supportive environment where they can learn and grow. She aims to instill confidence, discipline, and creativity through dance while also fostering teamwork and accomplishment. Through engaging and age-appropriate lessons, Nevaeh strives to inspire a lifelong passion for dance in her students and to guide them in expressing themselves through this wonderful art form so they may fulfill their dance dreams.

DAIA GILLIAM

Dance Instructor

Daia was born in Redding and grew up in Anderson. She starting dancing with CDC at age 9 and after one short season of recreational dancing only, she tried out and made the competition team at age 10. She has practiced every style in the book, but her absolute favorites are musical theatre and tap. Growing up as a competitive dancer with CDC, Daia has had the privilege to attend many great conventions and learn from amazing choreographers, who have shaped the dancer and teacher she is today. Daia’s vision as a teacher is to build up these little stinkers confidence and help them envision their own future in the dance industry. Being a teacher is more than a hobby for Miss Daia, she sees her own passion for dance within these kids, and will do close to anything to draw it out of them and help them learn to express themselves. She is very eager to work with the kids and see them grow and progress their skills.

LOTUS NORRIS

Tumbling Instructor

Lotus grew up in Redding, California and in addition to working at California Dance Company, she works at an elementary school with special needs children as a paraprofessional. She has been dancing since the age of 3, competing since the age of 11, and apprenticing since the age of 15. She loves teaching and creating a safe environment for kids to express their creativity and love for dance and acro. Not only is teaching a rewarding profession for her, but also a way for her to learn and grow along with her students. She is extremely excited to be the teacher of the new Acro program and to watch her students grow at California Dance Company.

ARIANNA ZANK

Gymnastics Director & Instructor, Dance Instructor

Born in Wisconsin, Arianna began her dance training at the age of three gaining experience in ballet, jazz, tap, lyrical, and modern. After 15 years of ballet & 11 years of jazz she began teaching those styles. Along with dancing, Arianna also grew up very involved in theater, competitive figure skating, step team, and competitive choral groups.

Arianna moved to Redding in 2017 and began working with CDC in 2020. Since being with the studio she has taken over as gymnastics program director, as well as kept her love of dance alive through teaching ballet and jazz. As of April 2022 Arianna is a certified Rhythm Works Dance Instructor. The certification is awarded after completing an 18-hour training program that combines music, rhythm, and movement into a fun and effective therapy modality based on hip hop dance as a pathway to integrate kids with special needs and individual learning experiences into inclusive dance classes.

Arianna has loved getting to share her love of the arts with the students at CDC, and hopes that she may inspire them to share their love of the arts with everyone around them.

AMBER TOMPKINS

Enrollment Coordinator & Member Experience Support Team

Amber has a passion for dancing and all things performing arts! She has been a dancer, dance teacher/coach, and dance mom - all roles that she has loved! If there’s a good beat, you'll find Amber dancing, whether it be in the car, in the kitchen, or while sweeping the studio. She is excited to be working with such an amazing studio full of wonderful and talented dancers and teachers!

CHLOE BAILEY

Member Experience Support Team

Chloe danced at California Dance Company for 12 years, participating in the intensive and apprentice programs. After a few years away from the studio, she returned as an office assistant and enjoys remaining part of the CDC family; continuing to support the community she loves.

RAELYN STIRTON

WOW Coordinator, Dance Instructor & Intensive Program

RaeLyn was born in Redding and grew up in the small town of Cottonwood. She started dancing at age 2, and competing at age 4. She had the privilege of auditioning for So You Think You Can Dance Juniors when she was 11 years old, and got to explore Chicago with dance instructor Sonya Kennedy. She will continue pursue higher education and her desire to teach children. RaeLyn loves teaching kids because there is something special about children minds’. They are go-getters, and willing to try anything as long as you fuel them with confidence. She allows them to express themselves in any way possible, and that creates true art.