California Dance Company

OUR AWARD-WINNING STAFF

Over 30 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!

Meet The Team

Sonya Kennedy

CEO

Owner

Founder

Dance Instructor

Level 2 MTJGD Certified Coach

Intensive Program Choreographer

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 THREE 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, 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 people. 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.

Cindee Spurgeon

Director Of Operations

Integrator

As Director of Operations, Cindee has had the privilege of being part of this incredible studio community for more than 26 years. She is proud to support the studio's day-to-day operations and work alongside the talented teachers, staff, students, and families to help create a positive and welcoming environment for everyone. Cindee feels incredibly fortunate to be associated with a studio that inspires confidence, creativity, excellence, and a lifelong love of movement. It has been especially rewarding to watch generations of dancers, gymnasts, and aerialists grow and thrive during their time at CDC.

Amanda McCarley

Dance Instructor

Intensive Program Choreographer

Faculty Performance Advisor

Photographer

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!

Jamie Cleland

Hip Hop Director

Dance Instructor

Intensive Program Choreographer

Miss Jamie has been teaching hip hop at California Dance Company since 2018 working with recreational and competitive artists. Hip hop has always been a huge part of her passion and identity as a dancer, She love’s sharing that passion with her students. As a teacher, her goal is to inspire dancers to not only become stronger performers, but to understand and respect the culture, history, foundations, and individuality that makes hip hop so special. She wants her students to build confidence, develop a strong foundation, find their own style, and most importantly develop a genuine love for dance that stays with them beyond the studio.

Arianna Zank

Gymnastics 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.

RaeLyn Gilbert

WOW Coordinator

Dance Instructor

Intensive Program Choreographer

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.

Amber Tompkins

Enrollment Coordinator

Office Manager

Head of sales

Apprentice and Birthday Party

Coordinator

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!

Neveah Sides

Dance Instructor

Intensive Program Choreographer

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.

Eric "Noms" Solorio

Dance Instructor

Intensive Program Choreographer

Marketing Team Lead

Videographer

Eric "Noms" Solorio began his dance journey as a bboy in junior high, where he first earned his nickname. He quickly advanced from taking studio classes and joining the competition team to immersing himself in conventions, cyphers, and workshops. With guidance from inspiring mentors, Eric started teaching at his home studio, which led to teaching opportunities across California. In 2019, he moved to Southern California to pursue his dance career further, training at premier LA studios and joining Snowtorious, a competitive team, before returning to his hometown to complete his college education. While earning his degree in graphic design, Eric continued to teach and train in Sacramento and the bay area, developing his skills alongside professional dancers and creatives. In 2025, Eric served as assistant choreographer to world-renowned choreographer Dominic "D-Trix" Sandoval on the University of Utah's UDA hip hop routine, which placed 3rd in the nation. Eric continues to teach and train throughout California to this day and loves every moment of what he does.

Lotus Norris

Tumbling Instructor

Dance 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 teaching both dance and tumbling. She also can’t wait to watch her students grow at California Dance Company.

Taylynn Nicole

Aerial Silks Instructor

Gymnastics Instructor

Aerial and Gymnastics Director

CDC Starz Director

I began dancing at the age of four, training in ballet and acro, and spent six years as a competitive gymnast, building a strong foundation in strength, flexibility, coordination, and discipline.I discovered my passion for aerial arts at just 15 years old and have now been training and performing for six years. Specializing in Aerial Silks and Lyra, I have continued to expand my skills through dedicated training, including time at the prestigious Las Vegas Circus Center, where I further developed my expertise in aerial technique, contortion, and acrobatics. With four years of coaching experience, teaching has become my absolute favorite thing in the world. I finds her greatest joy in sharing my love of movement with students, helping them discover their own strength, confidence, and creativity while supporting them through every step of their journey. Whether working with young gymnasts, dancers, or aspiring aerialists, I am passionate about creating an encouraging environment where students feel inspired to challenge themselves, grow, and celebrate their accomplishments. As a performer, I have performed with local groups performing aerial silks, Lyra, and contortion. My performance roots began at just six years old, when I first took the stage as a seahorse in The Little Mermaid. Since 2019, I have been part of the CDC family, continuing to train, perform, and grow as both an artist and coach. My love for the performing arts is matched only by my love for teaching.

Asia McKim

Dance InstructorBallet Director

Social Media Assistant

Asia is a dance educator and choreographer from Redding, California, who specializes in a wide range of dance styles, including Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Modern, Contemporary, Heels, and various Hip Hop styles. Her professional journey began at age four, leading her to train extensively and ultimately pursue higher education at Utah Valley University. From 2019 to 2023, she was a dedicated member of the university's acclaimed Hip Hop company, gaining valuable experience dancing alongside professional artists and local creatives. Returning to her roots, Asia now shares her knowledge as an instructor at California Dance Company and a guest choreographer for her former high school's dance team. Her teaching philosophy centers on imparting proper technique and and embracing the mutual learning experience that comes from working with her students, allowing them to explore their own artistry and creative voice.

Gabriella Dominguez

Customer Care Team Member

Graphics Assistant

Gabriella was born in southern California and grew up moving up and down the sunny state, even living in Texas for a while. Now living in Redding where she goes to college for Marketing and Finance in hopes of opening her own business one day. Gabriella has many hobbies and is passionate about the outdoors. She grew up dirt bike riding and once moved to Redding, loves to snowboard. Aside from hobbies Gabriella also works as a seasonal ecological conservationist! At CDC she works in the office and with CDC’s Marketing Team. She supports anyone who walks through the door, assists with graphic design and marketing, and creates the monthly and weekly newsletters.

Trinity Sides

Customer Care Team Member

Trinity has been part of California Dance Company nearly her whole life—starting classes at just two years old and dancing all the way through her teens, she competed on our competition team and competed for a long time. After years of shining on stage, she decided to return in a new way—this time working behind the scenes in the office! Getting to experience this side of the studio has given Trinity a whole new appreciation for all the magic that happens beyond the dance floor. We’re so grateful to have her as part of our CDC family!

Ali Murphy

Dance Instructor

Intensive Program Choreographer

Ali has been dancing at CDC since the age of 3 and began competing at just 6 years old, training in nearly every style imaginable. After graduating, she was honored to join the Sacramento Kings Dance Team at 18, performing with them for two amazing seasons. During that time, she also had opportunities to work as a backup dancer for artists such as the Ying Yang Twins, Coolio, Skeelo, and many more.She proudly represented the Sacramento Kings at Pro Action Dance in 2023 and 2024 in Las Vegas, where she trained with industry leaders including Kashara Garrett, Alexis Rowland, Quinton Peron, Oscar Ortega-Hernandez, and Kavita.Her love for dance is immeasurable, and she’s ecstatic to share her training and passion with her students at CDC. She teaches and coaches in a variety of styles—Jazz, Hip Hop, Ballet, Lyrical, and her favorite, Technique. Alongside her work as an instructor, she is also a full-time nursing student on the path to becoming a Nurse Practitioner, where she hopes to combine her passion for medicine, drive for leadership, and compassion for others into a meaningful career.

Daia Gilliam

Dance Instructor

WOW Coordinator

Assistant to IP Director

IP Attendance Tracker

Intensive Program Choreographer

Meet Daia! With 15 years of experience as a dancer and 6 years of teaching under her belt, Daia brings a deep love and passion for dance into every class she teaches. She loves all styles of dance, but tap and contemporary hold a special place in her heart. For Daia, teaching is about so much more than learning choreography. She strives to create a welcoming environment where every dancer feels seen, valued, and truly at home. She wants each student to know that California Dance Company is a safe place where they can be themselves, grow in confidence, and express themselves through dance. Daia cares deeply about her students and takes pride in watching them grow—not only as dancers, but as individuals. Her goal is to inspire, encourage, and remind every dancer who walks into her classroom that they belong.

Megan Friedman

Dance Instructor

Megan Friedman began her dance training at the age of six where she competed for 12 years in North Carolina. In 2017, she put her competition shoes behind her topursue a professional career, by gaining a higher education at AMDA College of the Performing Arts, Los Angeles and completing her Bachelors of Fine Arts, BFA Degree. In AMDA’s Dance Theater Program Megan trained and is proficient in Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, and Tap techniques. While at AMDA Megan worked under the direction of Doriana Sanchez, Donyelle Jones, Fresh Redding, Stephanie Landwher, and Tracy Silver, and performed in original works created by Rhapsody James, Yusuf Nasir, Rob Rich, Gerran Reese, Devin Solomon, Jimmy Weeden, Genivive Carson, Mackenzie Crosley, Jason Gorman, Mary Ann Chavez and many more. She has performed at Coachella with Kayne West working under Fatima Robinson and DJ Dubz and has danced/choreographed for many artists in LA and ATL. She has been in the professional world of dance for 10 years and now focuses her energy on teaching.

Joe Friedman

Dance Instructor

Joe Friedman is a dynamic Hip Hop dancer, seasoned B-boy, and dance educator with over 10 years of experience in the commercial dance industry. Joe has performed and appeared in feature films, television shows, and live performances, including Disney’s Haunted Mansion, Descendants, The Ellen Show, The Late Late Show, Red Notice, Let’s Make a Deal, and performances with Kanye West. With a strong foundation in Hip Hop and breaking, Joe brings experience in breaking, locking, popping, house, ballet, jazz, ballroom, and contemporary. He is passionate about helping dancers build strong foundations, musicality, confidence, and individuality.

Keira Holien

Gymnastics Instructor

Keira was born and raised in Redding and has had a passion for athletics from a young age. She started gymnastics at 3 years old and competed for six years before continuing her love for performance and teamwork through cheerleading. Now going into her senior year at Foothill High School, she has been cheering since freshman year. Outside of school and sports, Keira enjoys hiking, spending time outdoors, and hanging out with her friends.