MARIE WELCH
MARIE WELCH
CINDEE SPURGEON
Over 25 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 is proud of the relationships she establishes with her students. They eventually grow up and leave to begin new chapters in their lives, but they still feel as if CDC is their second home and love to check in often. It is because of these lasting relationships that Sonya believes she and the CDC staff are not just teaching dance, but creating experiences and gifting life lessons that help shape their dancers into responsible, well-adjusted, life-loving adults. Sonya considers herself not just a dance teacher, but also a coach, counselor, and mentor. There is nothing more satisfying to her than watching her students open their wings and fly away to experience new adventures and to conquer new challenges. Sonya feels California Dance Company prepares them for both, with an open mind and much enthusiasm!
JAMIE CLELAND
Badegech was born Ethiopia, Africa and was adopted at one year old. She first started dancing in Redding at a young age, then once she moved to Red Bluff she danced at a small studio called Skywards. After a few years at Skywards, her sister wanted to start dancing at a better studio so she had to join at a studio in Anderson called California Dance Company. Little did she know that studio would soon become her home away from home.
After one year of dancing at CDC recreationally, she auditioned for the competition team and was accepted. Ever since competing with California Dance Company she has accomplished so much and has created lifelong bonds with faculty and peers. She picked up an agent with a well-respected Talent Agency called MSA. With her agents assistance, she has traveled to Los Angeles to audition and take master classes with Millennium. She was casted in a commercial and the TV show “This Is Us” to dance background. She has her amazing mentors, Sonya and Genevieve to thank for her success.
After high school she plans to attend a college which offers a cheer/dance program to further her dance career. She loves teaching and mentoring kids to help them grow into the best dancer then can be. She couldn’t be more excited to become part of the CDC staff and foster excellence in the studio!
AMANDA MCCARLEY
Amanda McCarley was born and raised in Redding and started dancing ballet, tap, and jazz at the age of 6. She joined the CDC Intensive Team in 2013 and discovered her love for any other styles of dance such as Lyrical, Contemporary, Aerial Silks, and Hip Hop. Dance has been Amanda's passion all her life. She will now be starting her journey as a teacher and can't wait to share her knowledge and love of dance with her students!
RAELYN STIRTON
OUR AWARD-WINNING STAFF
DYLAN CORONTZOS
BETHANY SCHEER
ABI ZIRKLE
Abi was born and raised in Red Bluff, and before becoming a dancer she was a cheerleader from the age of six. She started dancing when she was 11 years old in a lyrical class and quickly enrolled in other styles like jazz, ballet, and hip hop. Abi later joined the competitive team at 13 and has been dancing at CDC ever since! She started the apprentice program when she was in 7th grade and fell in love with watching young dancers grow their passion for dance.
ARIANNA ZANK
Arianna started dancing at the age of three all the way in Tomah, Wisconsin! Along with being a dance student, she also taught classes for her childhood studio, as well as served as dance team captain for her local high school & co-choreographer for her local theater company. After graduation Arianna took her love of dance & children with her when she moved to California to pursue a lasting career. Since joining California Dance Company last year Arianna was introduced to a new found love of gymnastics! She spent a whole year apprenticing for both dance & gymnastics and now serves as a teacher in our studio for both areas. Being a self proclaimed "child at heart" Arianna LOVES teaching children to be great athletes as well as great people!
AMBER TOMPKINS
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!
Lori has worked in marketing and public relations for several technology companies for more than 30 years. Since moving to the North State 20 years ago, she has enjoyed developing marketing & social media campaigns for several organizations, including Shasta High's Music program and Redding School of the Arts. She became familiar with California Dance Co when her daughter began taking dance lessons there and believes in the comprehensive curriculum they offer. She has an admiration and respect for Sonya's work ethic and customer-driven mindset and loves being part of the team.