COMPANY MEMBERS
Adalee Bridges (she/her)
Companies: Ballet and Jazz
Amber Burgess (she/her)
Companies: Jazz and Tap
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.
Betony Coons (she/her)
Companies: Ballet
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.
Cassidy Muñoz Moskalski (she/her)
Companies: Ballet
Hometown: Greeley, CO
Education: Graduated from Unc Magna Cum Laude with a major in social studies secondary education and a dance minor
Dance Background: Trained in ballet for 18 years. Teach ballet and modern. 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.
Devi Rosson (she/her)
Companies: Jazz and Tap
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!
Emerson Kriss (They/She/He)
Companies: Tap
Hometown: Littleton, CO
Education: I graduated from Arapahoe High School in 2023 and am currently attending UNC right here in Greeley for English, with a minor in Writing. Starting Fall 2026, I will also be pursuing my Masters degree in English.
Dance Background: I have been dancing since I was roughly six years old, and have in the time since been trained in Ballet, Tap, Musical Theater, Contemporary, and Jazz, though Tap has always been my favorite. I even taught Beginning and Intermediate Tap to kids at my dance studio when I was in high school, getting to choreograph some dances for our showcase. I have always been surrounded by the performing arts throughout my life, and I am thrilled to be tapping with CDC! In addition to dancing, I enjoy playing the trumpet with the UNC Concert Band, crocheting, reading, writing, seeing musicals, and watching movies.
Studios I have trained with: Although I began taking classes at a local rec center when I was really young, most of my dance training was at Littleton Ballet Academy, where I danced until 2023 when I graduated high school.
Jacelyn Hays (she/her)
Companies: Ballet and Hip Hop
Hometown: Greeley, CO
Education: Graduated from Greeley West in 2019. Continued education at The University of Colorado Boulder where I got my Bachelors in Sociology and a certificate in Health, Care, and Resiliency. Currently working on my Professional Development in Healthcare emergency management.
Dance Background: I began my dance training at the age of three at Dance Factory in Greeley, CO, where I was introduced to a wide range of styles including jazz, tap, ballet, hip hop, and pointe. I spent 11 years in the studio before transitioning to competitive dance at Greeley West High School, where I joined the dance team. It was here that I truly discovered my passion for jazz and hip hop. Over the course of four years on the team, I had the honor of serving as captain during my junior and senior years, where I developed leadership and teamwork skills. After high school, I pursued competitive dance at the University of Colorado Boulder. During my four years with the CU Boulder dance team, I achieved three top-10 national placements and had the privilege of training under some of the most respected choreographers in the country. My final year, I was appointed head captain, leading the team through a season of growth and achieving a 10th place in the nation. Throughout my time at CU Boulder, I also had the opportunity to train with the current Denver Broncos Cheerleaders coach and gained valuable experience performing and competing at the highest levels. In addition to my college training, I worked closely with the Universal Dance Association (UDA), where I learned from and taught alongside award-winning choreographers. This experience sparked a deep passion for teaching and coaching, which I have since pursued wholeheartedly. I also was able to provide technique coaching to multiple high school dance teams around state as they prepared for the state competition and nationals. I am currently in my second year coaching the Roosevelt High School Dance Team in Johnstown, CO. Under my guidance, the JV team has won two state titles, and I am incredibly proud of the growth and achievements.
I began training at Dance Factory in Greeley, CO. I then moved to Greeley West High School Dance Team where we trained with choreographers from Michelle Latimers in Denver, CO. In college, I trained primarily with the coaches, Emily Gibbs and Abby Nugent, but also did outside training at Tara Cluck Dance Company in Louisville, CO. I trained with Universal Dance Association (UDA) and that was in various places (i.e, Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Nebraska, California, etc.).
Jennifer Anderson (she/her)
Companies: Ballet and Swing, Stage & Social
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!
Kelsey Ganger (she/her)
Companies: Ballet and Jazz
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.
Kylie Rains (She/her)
Companies: Ballet and Jazz
Hometown: Greenwood, Indiana
Education: Associate degrees in surgical technology and nursing, bachelor’s degree in nursing, master’s degree in nursing education. I currently work as a nursing professor and as a certified operating room nurse. I’m in the dissertation phase of my Ph.D. in mind-body medicine with a specialization in integrative and functional nutrition.
Dance Background: I started dancing at 2 years old. I was a competitive dancer for many years and trained in all styles, including ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, modern/lyrical, and hip hop. With 20 years of dance experience, I had many incredible opportunities, including dancing in the opening ceremony of the International Police and Fire games, Jordan College of the Arts through Bulter University, national competitive championships, and winning a scholarship for Edge Performing Arts through J and J Popstarz. After college I quit dancing to pursue my career. After 16 years away from dance, I auditioned to be a Can Can dancer for the annual Melodrama with the Cheyenne Little Theater last July. Since then I was cast in their production of Disney’s Newsies. This renewed my passion for dancing and I began taking classes again in October 2025. Now I’m honored to be part of this dance company and to be back to my passion. I’m planning to audition for another musical this spring in Cheyenne. I’m also planning to attend my first ballet intensive this summer in Salt Lake City. It’s important for me to show my girls that age is just a number, that some passions never die, and it’s never too late to fight for them.
Studios I have trained with: Beth Lucas School of Dance, Motivation Dance by Bruce, Jordan College of the Arts, The Moving Company, En Avant Dance Studio
M'lyn Miller (she/her)
Companies: Hip Hop
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!
Melissa Jacobson
Companies: Ballet
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.”
Noelle Lowry (she/her)
Companies: Jazz and Tap
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!
Ramses Martinez
Companies: Swing, Stage & Social
Shantel Espinosa (she/her)
Companies: Jazz and Hip Hop
Hometown: Greeley, CO
Born in Dallas, TX
Education: Graduated from Greeley central High school
Dance Background: Boys and girls club, IDA, CDC, my High school studio. I dance because it inspires me, let’s me express myself without having to say one word. it allows me to find comfort and let a different side and personality rise out.
Taylor Pumphrey
Companies: Jazz
Zoe Klein
Companies: Tap
Adiana Youngblood (she/her)
Companies: Ballet and Tap
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!
Anna Rockwell (she/her)
Companies: Jazz and Tap
Brenna Simmons (she/her)
Companies: Jazz and Swing, Stage & Social
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.
Chloe Shutters (she/her)
Companies: Ballet and Jazz
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.
Dongxue Qin (she/her)
Companies: Hip Hop
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.
Emily Carter (she/her)
Companies: Ballet, Jazz, and Tap
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.
Jamie Kuntz (she/her)
Companies: Ballet, and Swing, Stage & Social
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.
Kayli Vigil
Companies: Ballet
Kennedy Quirez (she/her)
Companies: Tap and Hip Hop
Hometown: Greeley, CO
Education: Graduated from Greeley Central High School
Dance Background: I have been dancing for 17 years, I am trained in a wide variety of styles but my favorite would be lyrical, hip hop and jazz. I have choreographed many pieces before and I would love to be able to teach. I love dance. It’s always been that creative and emotional outlet for me. It’s truly something that I am deeply passionate about and would love to do for the rest of my life.
Studios I have trained with: I trained at The Dance Factory for 11 years and then at GCHS for 4 years, now I am training here at cdc!
Laura J. Smock (she/her)
Companies: Tap and Swing, Stage & Social
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.
Madeline Schmidt (she/her)
Companies: Ballet, Jazz, and Hip Hop
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.
Michelle Friedman (she/her)
Companies: Ballet
Hometown: Elk Grove, CA
Education: BS in Psychology from the University of California, Davis
Dance Background: I began dancing in elementary school at a local studio in my hometown under the direction of Susan Cherney. I fell in love with dance and trained in various styles over the years including ballet, jazz, tap, and hip hop. The Cecchetti method of classical ballet was at the core of my training and I completed yearly exams until I graduated high school and left for college. I taught ballet and tap at various studios in high school and college and continued dancing in college for local productions in the Sacramento area. I also pursued my love for entertaining as an Emcee/DJ/Dance leader at various events and parties on the weekends.
Nora Kamholz (she/her)
Companies: Ballet, Jazz, and Hip Hop
Rose Garcia (she/her)
Companies: Jazz, Tap, and Hip Hop
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.
Sunny Wolf
Companies: Ballet, Jazz, and Swing, Stage, & Social
Teagan Hunt (she/her)
Companies: Swing, Stage, & Social
Hometown: Longmont, CO
Education: Currently majoring in Human Services
Dance Background: I have danced ever since I was 3. Some styles I have done include ballet, tap, jazz, contemporary, lyrical, and hip hop. However, I’ve primarily trained in ballet for most of my dance career.
Over the years I've trained with Colorado Dance Collective, Centennial State Ballet, Longmont Dance Theater Academy, Ballet Renaissance, Center Stage, and Dance Factory.
I have danced my entire life. My primary love is ballet. I was in a pre professional ballet program and participated in numerous shows such as the Nutcracker, Midsummers Nights Dream, and Around the World in 80 Days. I took a break from dance for a few years after the pandemic but am glad to be performing again!
Alyssa Gibson (she/her)
Companies: Ballet and Swing, Stage, & Social
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.
Aubrie Keever (she/her)
Companies: Ballet, Jazz, and Tap
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!
Brittney Archuleta (she/her)
Companies: Hip Hop
Hometown: Greeley, CO
Education: Studied cell and molecular biology at University of Northern Colorado for four years, transferred over to Aims Community College where I graduated with a Nurse Aide certification in 2023 and graduated with a Medical Assistant certification and honors in 2024
Dance Background: I have been dancing since the age of 2, I began my dance career in ballet and tap. I have danced various styles including ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, lyrical and hip hop. My dance education began at Northern Colorado Academy of Dance Arts, and continued through Greeley Centrals Arts Magnet Program. In high school, I, alongside my classmates created a dance group where we would perform during lunches and school assemblies. I have also choreographed various pieces while at Central while also being a member of the National Honors Society of Dance Arts. Alongside everything, I was also part of Colorado Dance Theatres production of the Nutcracker for many years where I was casted as various roles including angel, soldier, housemaid, junior party girl, party girl, candy cane and icicle. Over years of navigating the dance world, I’ve often felt at odds with its rigid stereotypes. There were many moments in backstage dressing rooms where the sting of not "fitting the mold" made me feel like an outsider. Yet, despite those seasons of isolation and the growing chaos of adulthood, my passion for dance has remained untouchable. Those old insecurities couldn't dampen my spirit; dance has survived every challenge, remaining a steady, sacred heartbeat in my life that will always hold a special place in my heart.
Studios I have trained at: Northern Colorado Academy of Dance Arts, Greeley Central Arts Magnet Program. Have also dabbled at Impulse Dance Studio in Fort Collins.
Conner Williams (she/her)
Companies: Hip Hop and Swing, Stage, & Social
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.
Elijah Coronado (he/him)
Companies: Tap and Hip Hop
Hometown: Morrison, CO
Education: Graduated from D'Evelyn Jr./Sr. High School; Current Sophomore at UNC getting a bachelor of fine arts in acting with a minor in dance.
Dance Background: Baile Folklorico-12 years; Hip Hop-2 years; Tap-1 year; Jazz-3 years; I choreograph for fun! I have trained and danced with Colorado Mestizo Dancers. I am so excited for this opportunity, and can't wait to dance, meet new people, and learn more!
Felicia Gonzalez-Soto (she/her)
Companies: Swing, Stage & Social
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.
Jenna Tenorio (she/her)
Companies: Tap
Hometown: Greeley, CO
Education: Eaton High School class of 2018. Full time grounds maintenance at UNC since 2021. Started grounds work at City of Greeley after highschool.
Dance Background: My first tap class was when I was probably 9 years old. My sister's friend invited us to try a class at the family fun plex in Greeley. I instantly loved it so my mom signed me up for tap at the conservatory of dance in downtown Greeley in 2011. I have occasionally tried hip hop classes too but I focused mainly on tap dance. I spent three years at the conservatory downtown until my favorite tap teacher moved away. I then took tap and hip hop classes at NCADA from 2014 to 2015. I took a long break from dance and decided to go back to it in 2023 taking classes at NCADA. I did not discover CDC until 2024. I have been here since and it has been great! I have also recently been casted in a Christmas play at the Windsor Community Playhouse (December 2025). Acting was a big part of my teen years and I did many plays in my highschool theater program!
Kelly Gonynor (she/her)
Companies: Jazz
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.
Kristen McFarland (she/her)
Companies: Ballet and Jazz
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.
Laycee Sanchez (she/her)
Companies: Ballet
Margaux Valdez (she/her)
Companies: Tap
Hometown: Pueblo, CO
Education: Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Northern Colorado, where I majored in Dietetics. I also completed my dietetic internship at the University of Northern Colorado and hold credentials for a Registered Dietitian. The Colorado Dance Collective has always had a special place in my heart. From finding a new place to dance while in college, to dancing through a pandemic, to becoming a board member, it has always been such a strong constant in my life that I’m forever grateful for!
Dance Background: I started dancing when I was 6 years old and danced competitively from ages 11-18. During that time, I primarily did tap dance, but I also picked up clog and Irish step dancing. After graduating high school, I have primarily stuck to tap dancing, but am also known to have taken a ballet class or two. My childhood studio was the Sarah Shaw dance studio in Pueblo, CO. After graduating and moving to Greeley, I have been dancing with the Colorado Dance Collective since 2010.
Milo Taylor (he/him)
Companies: Jazz, Tap, and Swing, Stage, & Social
Hometown: Millburn, NJ
Education: Graduate of Manitou Springs High School, currently pursuing a BFA in Acting and Dance from the University of Northern Colorado.
Dance Background: Dancing in tap and jazz on and off for four years, ballet on and off (mostly off) for two, and brand new to everything else! Milo loves acting, singing, and dancing, but when he isn't studying or practicing, he loves to create linoleum prints and embroider clothes. He is so thankful and excited to be beginning his first year with the company!
Studios I have danced with: Milo attended Kaleidoscope Arts Project in high school and was a member of their tap company, but started seriously training in the dance minor program at college.
Rae Longnecker (she/her)
Companies: Ballet and Jazz
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.
Sarah Mearing (she/her)
Companies: Jazz, Ballet, and Hip Hop
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.
Taylor Mearing (she/her)
Companies: Ballet, Jazz, and Hip Hop
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.
Victoria Ochoa-Rodriguez (she/her)
Companies: Ballet
Hometown: Greeley, CO
Education: University of Northern Colorado, Elementary Education, Emphasis in Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education
Dance Background: I started with the Colorado Dance Collective in 2016 and I joined the ballet company. I started ballet with Deneice Dyer at the Evans Rec Center when I was 6. Then, I trained with Ixchell Levendosky in Loveland for a few years. When I got to high school I danced on the POMS team lead by Peggy Freemole. I am a teacher in District 6 and I love being a part of the Dance Collective. So thankful for all the years I have been a part of this family 🩵