Hometown: Cheyenne, WY

Education: Associates in Criminal Justice/Currently pursuing a Bachelors in Criminology and Criminal Justice with a minor in Political Science

Dance Background: I started dance at 5 and got serious when I was 10. I trained in jazz, tap, musical theater, hip hop, and lyrical/contemporary. In 2018, I took a break from dance to focus on my competitive gymnastics career. After I graduated high school, I was a dance teacher at En Avant Dance Studio and taught tap and acro from 2023-2025. In total, I have been dancing for around 10 years. Trained at Flip City - Foley, AL/Spokane Elite Dance Studio - Spokane, WA/En Avant Dance Studio - Cheyenne, WY. While I as at Spokane Elite I performed in their rendition of The Little Mermaid and Mary Poppins, and received the Jazz Dance Star award in 2018. I also danced with the Cheyenne Symphony Orchestra in 2023 and 2024.

Hometown: Greeley, CO

Education: I graduated from Windsor Charter Academy with my Associates of Science from Aims in 2020. I took a break from school until May 2021, when I started taking classes at the University of Northern Colorado. I am currently finishing up my Exercise Science - BS with a minor in biology and a minor in dance.

Dance Background: I have been dancing since I was 3 years old. I grew up training at the Dance Factory here in Greeley. My training began with tap and ballet then progressed into jazz, lyrical, contemporary, musical theater, and hip hop. I was on the competitive competition team for many years while also performing on my HS poms team for one year. Once I graduated high school, I knew I still wanted to pursue dance, so I began taking classes at the Colorado Dance Collective in 2020 while taking a break from performing. I also begin teaching at Dance Factory and have been a proud staff member for almost four years now. After a year of just taking classes at CDC, I auditioned for the company and am now a part of Ballet, Tap, and Jazz. During the last couple of years, I have also been given a couple other performance opportunities including the Evermore Arts Dance Concert and UNC Dance Concert.

Mainly, my training has been with Dance Factory, University of Northern Colorado, and Colorado Dance Collective.

Other than dancing, I love to spend time outdoors during both the warmer and cooler weather. I love to hike, snowboard, swim, go on walks, or even just sit outside and read!

Hometown: Greeley, CO

Education: Currently completing my last semester at the University of Northern Colorado with a major in Social Studies Secondary Education and a minor in Dance

Dance Background: I began dancing at five years old and quickly fell in love with the beauty of ballet. I continued to dance throughout school including into High School where I was part of the Dance emphasis at Greeley Central High School. At Greeley Central , I was exposed to many styles of dance including jazz and and hip hop. In college, I have perused a dance minor to continue my life long love of dance. Through the UNC dance minor my knowledge of dance has grown as I explored even more dance styles including modern and tap. I also teach ballet and modern in Windsor. I have danced at Dance Factory, The Greeley Conservatory, Front Range Classical Ballet Academy ,Greeley Central High School Dance Emphasis and UNC Dance minor program. I am a lifelong learner and excited for this new step in my journey.

Hometown: Parker, CO

Education: I have a degree from UNC in Physical education. I taught PE in Windsor School District for 10 years. I now work for the College of Performing and Visual Arts at UNC as a scheduler. I am currently in the Dance Education Master's program at UNC as well.

Dance Background: I started dancing at 2.5 after watching my sister. Although she didn't keep dancing, I did! I have tried a bit of everything but love tap, jazz, and poms styles the most. In fact, I am a director for the jazz and tap companies and coach for Severance Poms. I've trained at Dance Company in Castle Rock, Miller's dance studio in Parker, taught at Dance Factory in Greeley and was a Colorado Eagles Chick for 3 seasons from 13-16. This is my 12th season with CDC. I have two beautiful daughters named Kori and Kezryn who also love to dance!

Hometown: Longmont, CO

Education: Bachelor's degree in Theatre Arts with an Emphasis in Secondary Education and a Minor in Dance from the University of Northern Colorado.

Dance Background: I've been classically trained in ballet since the age of 3. I added jazz and modern during high school and picked up tap in college. My go-styles are ballet, contemporary, and jazz or a mix of all three when I'm choreographing. I have directed and choreographed musical theatre shows for high schools for the past 2 years. I trained at Longmont Dance Theatre Academy for the majority of my training and then Airborne during my senior year of high school.

Aside from being a dancer, I am also a photographer. I shoot primarily portraits, couples, and events and actually started doing weddings in the past 2 years. Other hobbies include baking, painting, and the occasional cross-country road trip.

Hometown: Greeley, CO

Education: Currently a student at UNC

Dance Background: I started dance at 3 and did ballet and jazz until middle school when my focus shifted to theater. This is the first time since then that I have danced regularly. My previous experience was with Northern Colorado Academy of Dance Arts. I love getting the opportunity to combine my love of dance and theater and being able to do it with wonderful people who love it too!

Hometown: Fort Collins, CO

Education: Freshman at CSU

Dance Background: Training for 13 years in ballet, tap, hip hop, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and jazz funk. Trained at Dance Starz Studio.

Hometown: Greeley,  CO

Education: Bachelors in Communication Studies, Masters in Communications, both from the University of Northern Colorado.

Dance Background: I have been dancing since I was 10 off and on in various styles including a few years in baton twirling! Before Colorado Dance Collective, I was in another non-profit dance group called Elluminate, where I was able to assist with choreography for multiple dances as well as assist in teaching! I have dabbled in most styles but I am mainly trained in Hip Hop. I am a big Disney adult and I have always dreamed of dancing in a Disney show or parade. When I was younger, I would dance all the time and choreograph dances for my family to watch even if they didnt really want to! No matter what life brings, as long as I have my dance family with me things are always better! 

I am Melissa AKA B-girl Melski. Dance is who I am, movement is my service. My life circulates around sharing love and knowledge of dance education to ignite inspiration, passion and healing. Since 1995 I have worked with and established multiple dance schools, ministries, cheer/pom teams and performance productions. Alumni company member of Bravo Repertoire Dance Theatre, Central West Ballet & Ripon City Ballet. Starting in the early 1980's I'm fortunate to have received excellent training while growing up in Northern California from such schools as; San Francisco Ballet School, Juline's School of Dance, Esteem Dance School, Alonzo King Lines, and private training with former San Fransisco Ballet Principal Ballerina, Katita Waldo; Deborah Bernard, City Ballet in San Francisco; Tricia Stilley trainee of Joffrey and School of American Ballet. I'm a mother to three "awesome human beings" and is dedicated to pursuing, sharing and spreading loving-inspiration and motivation. I will stay true to my life mission and motto, "HEALING HEARTS THRU ARTS.”

Hometown: Monument, CO

Education: Masters in Mathematics, emphasis Secondary Education

Dance Background: I've had 21 years of training, mostly in ballet and hip hop with a few years of contemporary and jazz. I've trained with Sundance Studio (Monument), The Conservatory (Greeley), and Loveland Dance Academy (Loveland). I have always loved to perform. I spent years training in piano and dance, and always looked forward to the end of year showcases. After a move, I lost my home studio and my passion for dance. I tried other activities, theater and the school dance team, but nothing felt right. College reignited the fire and I found studios I loved. Eleven years later and I have found a new love for dance that I thought had died. I may have an analytical mind with my math background, but I have an artists soul.

Hometown: Windsor, CO

Education: Since graduating high school in 2022, I have been majoring in Early Childhood Education at Aims Community College with the plan of transferring to UNC for my bachelors.

Dance Background: I have been dancing since I was 8. I started in Hip Hop and eventually moved to Jazz/kick, Ballet/Lyrical, and Pom. I started dancing at Just For Kix when I was 8. After Just For Kix, I danced on and captained my high school Poms team for 2 years. After I graduate I began my CDC journey! While in high school, I also did theater where I helped choreograph multiple pieces for shows and performances such as Greece, A Christmas Carol, and more.

Hometown: Westminister, CO

Education: Art Licensure K-12 - University of Northern Colorado

Dance Background: Competition Dance for 16 years of all styles. Spent time training at Westminister Dance Company and Flatirons Dance Academy. 

Hometown: Longmont, CO 

Education: I am a secondary English education major with an endorsement in CLD and a minor in dance.

Dance Background: I have been dancing since I was three years old. I have had some opportunities to teach here and there. I danced at Mountainside and also at Dance Dimensions down in Longmont. Im trained in the styles of Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Contemporary, and Lyrical. I’m also excited to continue my journey with Colorado Dance Collective and I happy to call this place my home.

Hometown: Greeley, CO

Education: I graduated from Greeley West High School in 2023. I also have a certificate in youth dance pedagogy.

Dance Background: I started dancing at the age of 3 at the Dance Factory. I danced and competed there for 15 years, training with a variety of teachers in a variety of styles. I started with training in ballet and tap, which eventually included jazz, contemporary, lyrical, musical theatre, hip hop, and pointe.I’ve had the opportunity to dance and Max the dog from the Grinch in a Grinch winter production! I also was on the Greeley West Poms team for a year. In 2021 I had the amazing experience to learn to teach dance through a program with the Dance Factory. I taught very sassy jazz classes along with getting to teach a combo tap/ballet class to pre-k!

Hometown: Little River, Kansas

Education: BA in Art with an emphasis in painting from the University of Northern Colorado.

Dance Background: I studied at a studio called Artistree in Hutchinson, KS, from age 6 through the end of high school. Under Director Betsy Andrew’s creative vision, we studied Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Modern, as well as many workshops in Musical Theater, African, Ballet Variations, and more. Each year we would travel to New York City for dance workshops as well as summer trips to the renowned St. Louis Tap Festival. During that time, I also performed many times in the Metropolitan ballet of Wichita’s Nutcracker as well as Artistree’s productions of the Prairie Nutcracker. I continued to take ballet during my time at Bethel College in Newton, Kansas as well as at the University of Northern Colorado from 2002-2005. As well as teaching 

ballet and tap at various studios in high school, college,and beyond, I have also choreographed numbers for numerous musical theater productions in Kansas and Colorado.

As a busy mom of four, who homeschools, and works full time as an artist, having dance as an outlet, and being part of such a positive and kind dance family has been such a gift.

Hometown: Windsor, CO

Education: Bachelor in English

Dance Background: I have been training for 18 years. I have primarily focused on ballet but have also done jazz, tap, contemporary, modern, and character. I have taught at Henry Academy of Dance and I have done some choreography with University of Northern Colorado. I have trained at Dance Factory, Henry Academy of Dance, and Colorado Ballet. Ive done summer intensives with Colorado Ballet as well as one with American Ballet Theatre. I’m also apart of the company at Heartbeat Ballet in Fort Collins.

Hometown: China

Education: Master degree in TEFL/TESL

Dance Background: I have been dancing for the past three years, specializing in K-pop. Along with my own training, I also teach small group K-pop classes and create choreography.

Training: I have been training by myself (in house studio). I have been taking classes in some workshops in northern Colorado.

Hometown: Sacramento, California

Education: I had completed some community college in California, but I stopped going to school. To finish, I started going to Aims Community College Summer 2024 to pursue an Associates in Animal Science. The plan is to transfer to CSU to finish my bachelors in Animal Science and possibly go to veterinary school for large animal medicine.

Dance Background: I began dancing when I was 17. I actually hated dancing prior to that, crazy right! I originally wanted to learn Waltz, but a swing dance venue was closest to me, so my mom was only willing to take me there. I was hooked the first night and have been dancing various swing dances since. These swing dances include Lindy Hop, Collegiate Shag, Balboa, Charleston, and Solo Jazz styles. I used to teach and choreograph in California, and I have competed a little as well. I placed top three in two different competitions with my partner Ramses and 1st place for three years in swing competition team. I currently teach and dance in Fort Collins. I have also participated with NoCo Swings' swing performance team in Fort Collins. Besides swing, I have dabbled in ballroom styles, such as waltz, and I have dabbled latin styles including salsa and bachata as well. I took tap in community college and I got to try folklorico for a couple months before I moved to Colorado. I am currently learning Hip Hop for the first time with CDC. Wish me luck! I started with Midtown Stomp in California, where I eventually grew good enough to teach. This is also where I competed with the swing team, Midtown Stompers, under Aubri and Michael Siebert's leadership and choreography. I love creativity and musicality in choreography. It is one of the main reasons I love to choreograph and why I learned to lead in different swing styles.
I particularly love Lowrider Oldies or Souldies and Disco music genres to "dance" to besides swing.

Hometown: Knoxville, TN

Education: Bachelor of Science degree in Special Education: Educational Interpreting (Sign Language Interpreting)

Dance Background: I am an athlete with varied dance training, beginning with an Israeli folk dance group when I was 4 years old. As I grew up, I gained experience in international folk dancing, gymnastics, interpretive dance, modern, jazz, and ballet. During my middle and high school years, I toured nationally and internationally as an original member of For Zion’s Sake children’s dance troupe and also as a young member of the Benote Tzion Israeli and International Dance team. After being away from dance for several years, I joined Momentum Dance Lab (MDL), a modern dance company in Knoxville, TN, as a Company Member in 2016. I soon became a Core Member and co-directed MDL’s annual showcase performance in 2018. After my family and I moved to Northern Colorado at the end of 2021, I knew I wanted to find a place to continue dancing and performing as soon as we got settled. As of Fall 2022, the Colorado Dance Collective is my dance home. I have very little studio training and was mostly trained by mentors.

Hometown: Detroit, Michigan

Education: ✨ Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with minors in Business and Spanish from Indiana University
✨ Master of Science in Human Development and Family Studies with a specialization in Marriage and Family Therapy from Colorado State University
✨ I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Dance Background: I was a Rhythmic Gymnast from the age of 7 to 17. During those years, I performed routines with hoop, ball, clubs, and ribbon both individually and in groups. Our group performed in two different Junior Olympics and we traveled across the United States for competitions. Our gym for rhythmic gymnastics was located in Michigan and called Oakland Rhythmic Gymnastics. My senior year I took a leap of faith and joined Studio A Center for Performing Arts in West Bloomfield, Michigan. I absolutely loved dancing jazz and contemporary for my first time at that dance studio! 😊 Dance and being a performing artist is one of my lifelong passions! During college at Indiana University, I was a member of the RedStepper Dance Team in the fall semesters and in the spring semesters I was a member of the African American Dance Company.

Hometown: Billings, MT

Education: Doctor of Physical Therapy, University of South Dakota, Bachelor’s of Science in Community Health, Montana State University

Dance Background: I began dancing at a young age, training in jazz, tap and ballet. In middle school and high school, I performed with competition studios with a focus on jazz and hip hop. In high school, I started to focus mainly on classical ballet, pointe and modern and continued to dance in college while attending MSU. After college, I served as a board member, teacher and choreographer for a variety of dance studios, companies and shows. In physical therapy school, I worked with dancers at Oregon Ballet Theatre and Ohio State University. While finishing my education, I was able to dance and teach across the country and experience a variety of dance styles and have settled in Colorado and am excited to call Colorado Dance Collective home.

Hometown: Henderson, CO

Education: About to graduation from UNC with a psychology degree and a minor in dance!

Dance Background: I trained since I was 8 in Ballet, Jazz, Modern, Tap, and more! I trained at Premier School of Dance in Thornton,CO.

Hometown: Cheynne, WY

Education: Graduated from Cheyenne East in 2019. Will Graduate with my Bachelors in Elementary Ed with an emphasis in Special Education.

Dance Background: I’ve been dancing for 14 years. I started in jazz and then moved into ballet and tap I’ve been doing those for 13-14 years. In high school I did all styles and competed for 7 years. I started teaching my junior year of high school mostly littles but have done all ages. Started at Power & Grace (Louisiana), a few years in Germany at Grace Studios and then Act Two Studios (Cheyenne). Before starting dance I struggled to find something I was good at and when I started dance something clicked. At first I didn’t want to go back after my first class because I felt like everyone was more developed but after some encouragement from my teacher ( kind words and a lollipop) I’ve been going back ever since. Flash forward always grateful for the happiness that CDC brings me!

Hometown: Longmont, CO

Education: Graduated from Longmont high school and I am currently a student at the University of Northern Colorado to study nursing

Dance Background: I have been dancing since I was 3 and began competing at the age of 8 years old. I have been competing ever since. I recently graduated from high school so my competition years came to an end and my journey at the Colorado dance collective began. I have trained at Mountainside Dance Academy, Dance Dimensions, and now at Colorado Dance Collective. Growing up in the dance world taught me a lot of different lessons that would help me in my life outside of dance. The most important to me is the importance of my dance families. We support and love each other for who we are. I am very excited to be apart of this new dance family.

Hometown: McMinnville, OR

Education: Bachelors of Music in Vocal Performance (Opera) from University of Puget Sound, American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA).

Dance Background: I began dancing ballet when I was 3.5 and have loved it ever since! After high school and college, I found myself in NYC where I pursued a musical theater career dancing tap, jazz, swing, musical theater and ballet. I took about 10 years off from dancing when I had my kids, teaching musical theater every summer at Young Musicians and Artists camp. And then I found Colorado Dance Collective and am so excited to be back at it!

I've danced with many studios, but began at Stites Dance Studio in Portland and continued to AMDA and Broadway Dance Center in NYC before finding the CDC.

Hometown: Yankton, SD

Education: I grew up in South Dakota and moved to Greeley to pursue a Bachelor’s degree at UNC in Human Services, with a minor in Studio Art-Painting.

Dance Background: I’ve been dancing since I was 4. My main style has always been ballet, but around the age of 11/12 I began training in jazz, lyrical, and contemporary. I later took classes in hip hop, musical theatre, pointe, and tap. In high school, I spent time on the dance team and competed in Kick, Jazz, & Pom. I grew up training at The Green Room Dance Studio in Yankton, SD. I began dancing competitively around age 14 and attended large conventions/competitions with my hometown company. I was given the opportunity to travel with the Manhattan Dance Project in 2019 to Italy, where I assisted a choreographer & took master classes.

I quit dancing in 2020 when the pandemic hit and I lost my passion for performing. Fortunately, I developed skills in the visual arts as an outlet for what I was going through while I abstained from dancing. Finally, after a couple years, I started dancing again in 2022 as I missed the stage & the discipline. I now am able to appreciate my love for both the performing and visual arts; I look forward to integrating an interdisciplinary use of the arts and the humanities in my career.

Hometown: Littleton, CO

Education: Current Junior at UNC in the Nursing Program with a minor in Psychology

Dance Background: I dabbled in ballet and tap at a young age, but got heavily involved in musical theater around 8 years ago. I have been taking various ballet, jazz, tap, and lyrical classes over the years, but mainly focused on stage performing. I previously trained at the Performing Arts Academy. I have always loved performing, but more than that I have loved being one with music. Dancing allows me to express my emotions in a way that words can't, and that is something I am grateful for every day. I am so incredibly honored and excited to be a part of CDC this semester and have the opportunity to be a part of the music again.

Hometown: Meridian, MS

Education: DA Vocal Performance at the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) in progress, MM Vocal Performance from UNC, BME in Choral Music Education from the University of Southern Mississippi.

Dance Background: Conner has no formal dance training but has done choreography in many musicals and opera performances.

Conner Williams, mezzo-soprano, music educator, performing arts producer, and mentor consultant for performing and visual artists, is a versatile performer of opera and musical theatre. Ms. Williams has been featured in performances of Dido and Aeneas with Opera Fort Collins, Manon with Boulder Opera Company, 221B: Sherlock Holmes, Cabildo, Suor Angelica, Acis and Galatea, Il Mondo della Luna, and The Threepenny Opera with UNC’s Opera Theatre Program, and many others such as: L’elisir D’amore, Too Many Sopranos, The Magic Flute, Turandot, Carnival, and Into the Woods. A native of Meridian, Mississippi, Ms. Williams is excited to be working on her Doctorate degree in Vocal Performance under the guidance of Dr. Melissa Malde at the University of Northern Colorado. Conner is currently a graduate teaching assistant in the voice and opera areas. Conner is excited to learn how to dance well with the CDC. In her spare time, Ms. Williams enjoys gardening, exploring local food and coffee venues, and spending time with friends and family.

Hometown: Greeley,CO

Education: Graduated at greeley central 2021, Went to Colorado Mesa University to pursue dance for two years.

Dance Background: I've been dancing since I was 10 years old, starting out at Top Notch Dance Company where I learned hip hop. Once I got to high school, I took my dance training more seriously by joining the arts magnet program at Greeley Central. There, I trained extensively, choreographed pieces for shows, and later went on to major in dance for two years at Colorado Mesa University. At college, I trained every day in jazz, ballet, modern, choreography, and hip hop, and set many pieces on stage. Now, I teach guest classes at Greeley Central and even set a piece for the Greeley Central dance concert in 2022. I love to choreograph, putting art on stage is what I do best, working with lights,dancers, music, and etc. my passion for dance/ choreographing is truly something strong and something I take pride in. My mission is to Inspire people when I’m on stage or a peice I choreographed is on stage. Teaching the next generation is really important as they are learning many things we did. I’m wanting to break the stereotype of dance “only being for girls” and showcasing that dance is for everyone.

Hometown: Greeley, CO

Education: MS in Chemistry from UNC, BA in Biological Anthropology from CU Boulder

Dance Background: I’ve been dancing since I was 7 years old. I’ve studied ballet, jazz, lyrical, and some African dance. My dance training was with Academy of Dance Arts, CU Boulder Dance Program, and GRADA. Dance is how I express myself, and how I escape from stress and anxiety.  I feel incredibly lucky to be dancing with Miss Wendy and the talented dancers in this company!

Hometown: Brighton, CO

Education: Bachelors in Criminology and Criminal Justice and a dance minor at UNC

Dance Background: I’ve been dancing since I was 3 (21 years). I did competitive dance and and trained in ballet, contemporary, jazz, modern, and tap. I have taught dance for 8 years now, and have choreographed for a menagerie of students and shows. Premier school of dance is my childhood studio, and I trained at UNC after graduating high school. I took part in the evermore arts collective show in 2022 and in the convergence dance show in 2025. As a dancer I have had to be resilient and learn to move my body in different ways as I’ve been diagnosed with a handful of chronic issues that affect my body. I am very proud of where I am in my dance journey given the things I have to work with. 

Hometown: Corning, NY

Education: Illuminations Dance Company Member, SUNY Potsdam BA in Dance, 200hr Yoga Teacher Training Certification

Dance Background: I have been dancing/ training in Ballet since the age of 4 (1998) and Modern, Tap, Jazz, ad Swing since the ages of 6-8 (2000-2002). I was also a competitive Irish Dancer/ Company Member (2004-2009); placing 1st in Hard Shoe and Slip Jigs and placing 2nd in Reels. Additionally, I taught and choregraphed Ballet, Modern and Tap since 2017. 

I performed an excerpt with NYC's Bill T. Jones & Arnie Zane Dance Company in 2014. I traveled to and performed in Athens, Greece in 2018 with the Illuminations Dance Company. Further, I did A Cappella in college and am a singer, drummer and all around musician. I was also Velma Kelley in CHICAGO in 2012. I've got rhythm in my soul and in my feet! My mission as a dancer, teacher and human is to promote Health & Wellness through the transformative practices of Yoga and Dance.

Hometown: Greeley, CO

Education: Graduated from Greeley Central High School in 2018 and Lettered In Academics.

Dance Background: I taught myself how to dance and 2 years ago I started taking dance classes to improve my strength, and technique. I began training with Inspire Dance Academy and have trained with Colorado Dance Dollective for 2 years now.

Hometown: El Salvador/ Greeley

Education: Majored in Animation

Dance Background: I’ve been dancing for about 13 years. I am currently a director for the hip hop company. I previous trained with Greeley West Poms and Dance Fusion, and have been training with CDC for 9 years. I’m looking for any ways to improve myself as a dancer and would like to have dance as a career.