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COMPANY MEMBERS

Alyssa Gibson

Alyssa Gibson

Companies: Ballet and Swing

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.

Cami Heaston

Cami Heaston

Companies: Ballet

Hometown: Greeley, CO


Education: Currently a Junior at Greeley Central High School


Dance Background: I have danced since I was 6. I used to dance ballet, jazz, and hip hop, but for 6 years I have just done ballet! Prior to Colorado Dance Collecrtive, I danced at A Dance Place. I love dancing as both a way to get exercise and to express myself. When I dance, I feel free, and I love to come to CDC because it is my happy place!

Emily Carter

Emily Carter

Companies: Ballet

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

Jamie Kuntz

Companies: Swing and Ballet

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.


Kira Wendland

Kira Wendland

Companies: Ballet

Hometown: Irvine, CA


Education: 2020 UNC Graduate - BA Musical Theatre, Minors in Dance, American Sign Language, and Arts Entrepreneurship


Dance Background: I started dancing at a young age at a competition studio, working primarily in ballet, jazz, and lyrical. I continued my training at UNC, and now am happy to continue my training post grad with CDC! Prior to moving to Colorado, I trained primarily at Pacific Dance in California. I’m oh so grateful for CDC and the space it’s given me to grow as a dancer/performer as I’m starting my career! I fully believe I wouldn’t be where I am as a dancer/actress today if it wasn’t for Miss Wendy! Thank you all for your endless love and support!

M'lyn Miller

M'lyn Miller

Companies: Hip Hop and Collaborative Company

Hometown: Greeley,  CO


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


Dance Background: I have been dancing since I was 10 off and on! I have also trained in Baton Twirling! Before Colorado Dance Collective, I was in another non-profit dance group and I would assist with choreography for multiple dances and teach it to the group! I have dabbled in most styles but am mainly trained in Hip Hop primarily through CDC! I trained at Dance Factory when I was younger, in baton twirling with the group Twilight Twirlers, and with non-profit group Elluminate, Colorado Dance Fusion, Colorado Dance Collective.


My biggest dream ever would be to dance in a Disney show or parade! When I was younger I would dance all the time and choreographed dances for my family to watch! My favorite thing is to perform and dance with my friends in my groups! My life would be dull without the dance family I have around me!


Noelle Lowry

Noelle Lowry

Companies: Jazz, Tap, and Ballet

Hometown: Cheyenne, WY


Education: I graduated from Cheyenne East in 2019 and am currently studying for my Bachelors in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Special Education from the University of Northern Colorado.


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. I started training at Power & Grace (Louisiana), trained a few years in Germany at Grace Studios and then at Act Two Studios (Cheyenne).


Sarah Mearing

Sarah Mearing

Companies: Jazz and Ballet

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.

Shayna Dix

Shayna Dix

Companies: Hip Hop

Hometown: Hotchkiss, CO


Education: I came to Greeley to pursue a Bachelor’s in Education at UNC. After teaching for a few years, I then decided to go back to school for a Masters in Nonprofit Leadership.


Dance Background: I grew up knowing I wanted dance to be a part of my life. Back home the opportunities for dance were minimal, so I was mostly self taught. Coming to UNC changed all of that. I’ve been a company member since 2016, but took a couple years off during the pandemic. This will be my first performance back!

Taylor Baker

Taylor Baker

Companies: Jazz and Hip Hop

Hometown: El Dorado Hills, CA


Education: I am currently a Junior Musical Theatre Major with a Dance Minor at The University of Northern Colorado.


Dance Background: I’ve trained in Jazz for 10 years, Tap for 9 years, and Ballet for 3 years. I have also loved performing in contemporary, musical theatre, and hiphop pieces throughout the years! My training has been with El Dorado Musical Theatre, Leighton Dance Project, various at UNCO, and Colorado Dance Collective. I am so excited to be apart of the Jazz and Hiphop company this year and to keep growing as a dancer/performer. I hope you enjoy the show, happy holidays!

Tricia Newman

Tricia Newman

Companies: Ballet

Hometown: Eaton, CO


Education: Bachelor of Fine Arts in Electronic Art, Minor in Women’s Studies from Colorado State University; Massage Therapy 1000 Hour Certificate from Academy of Natural Therapy


Dance Background: Tricia has been dancing since age 3 and has been trained in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, poms, lyrical, contemporary, hip hop, and musical theater. She spent nearly all of her time outside of school training and performing with the competition team for her studio through high school. Starting in 2017,  Tricia spent three years teaching ballet at Top Notch Dance Company. In early 2022, she began taking classes with Colorado Dance Collective and joined the ballet company for their 15th season. Most of Tricia’s dance education was done through Dance Factory in Greeley, CO. She has also taken classes from EDGE Performing Arts Center in Los Angeles. She danced with Top Notch Dance Company and is now excited to be part of the Colorado Dance Collective! 


Outside of dance, Tricia is a passionate visual artist. She loves to make multimedia art, incorporating painting, drawing, embroidery, sculpture, photography, and collage elements. Starting in 2021, she also became a small business owner!

Ash Langdon

Ash Langdon

Companies: Jazz, Hip Hop, Ballet, and Collaborative Company

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.

Cole Cobb

Cole Cobb

Companies: Hip Hop, Swing, and Collaborative Company

Hometown: Wray, CO


Education: Graduated with Bachelors in Business Economics and Dance Minor from the University of Northern Colorado.


Dance Background: I have been dancing for 18 years. My styles include Jazz, modern, hip hop, lindy hop, and dabbles in ballet and tap. I have taught and choreographed some of my own pieces as well. I was self-taught until I went to the UNC and then trained there as well as Colorado Dance Collective for 5-6 years.

Hailee Wetzel

Hailee Wetzel

Companies: Ballet

Hometown: Longmont, CO


Education: Graduated from Silver Creek High School in 2022 and recently started my first semester at UNC as a major in Psychology!


Dance Background: I started dance classes at the age of 2 and then joined Airborne Dance Company when I turned 7 and I competed with them until I graduated high school at 18. I trained in ballet, jazz, tap, musical theatre, contemporary, modern, lyrical, Horton technique, strength, and tumbling. I also studied improvisation techniques as well as became a rehearsal assistant for Airborne’s mini company. I attended multiple competitions and conventions throughout my years to widen my variety of dance techniques. After I graduated from Airborne I started taking classes at CDC and I will continue training there for many years to come!


I am currently on the ballet company for CDC and next semester I hope to also join the jazz company! I auditioned for my first professional show with Evermore arts in November and I hope to find more opportunities to perform for in the future!

Kat Long

Kat Long

Companies: Jazz and Ballet

Hometown: Parker, CO


Education: BFA in Dance Science with a Minor in Disability Studies from the University of Wyoming; NASM Nutrition Coach Certificate, Sugarfoot Therapy Teacher Certificate.


Dance Background: Kat has been dancing since she was 8 years old. She has trained in ballet, jazz, modern, and contemporary throughout her 21 years of training.  She has also been teaching at Immersion Dance Center since 2017. She teaches ballet, jazz/contemporary, conditioning and technique, dancer wellness, and choreographs for the competition teams!


Kat started dancing in a ballet for figure skaters class. She fell in love with ballet and started training at Colorado School of Dance, where she mainly studied ballet, but tried modern, jazz,  competition team, and hiphop. She then continued her training at the University of Wyoming where she studied ballet, jazz, and modern. After moving back to Colorado in 2017, a friend introduced her to CDC and she has been here ever since!


As a teacher, Kat has continued her education by receiving her nutrition coach certificate through NASM, as well as her certificate in Sugarfoot Therapy in order to better care for her dancers.

Kristen McFarland

Kristen McFarland

Companies: Jazz and Ballet

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.



Madeline Schmidt

Madeline Schmidt

Companies: Jazz

Hometown: Henderson, CO


Education: Completed high school at Prairie View Highschool, currently attending the University of Northern Colorado as a Psychology major and a dance minor.


Dance Background: I have been dancing since I was 7 at a studio and on a competition team. I was also the dance captain for a musical in high school and currently assist beginning ballet at the Colorado Dance Collective! I completed all of my studio training at Premier School of Dance.

Rachyl Kirk

Rachyl Kirk

Companies: Jazz, Hip Hop, and Ballet

Hometown: Colorado Springs, CO


Education: Spanish Bachelor's Degree with Dance and Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) minors from the University of Northern Colorado. Spanish Associate's Degree from Pikes Peak Community College.


Dance Background: I've been dancing for almost 20 years, training in ballet, pointe, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, modern, and tap. I also currently teach and choreograph. I have attended a handful of studios, but the most recent and prominent were Springs City Dance Force in Colorado Springs and The Colorado Dance Collective.

Shanise Garcia

Shanise Garcia

Companies: Hip Hip and Collaborative Company

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.

Sofia Mejia

Sofia Mejia

Companies: Hip Hop and Collaborative Company

Hometown: Born in El Salvador, but have lived most of my life in Greeley, CO.


Education: Animation Certificate at Aims Community College


Dance Background: I’ve been dancing for about 9 years now. I specialize in popping, freestyle, hip hop and animation. I have trained with Dance Fusion, the Greeley West dance team, and Colorado Dance Collective.


My main inspiration to become a dancer was a dancer I saw on YouTube named Fik-Shun. His style was so unique and awe-inspiring that it made me want to learn from him and dance like him. From there I found more dancers to learn from and more styles to incorporate in my dancing.

Tiffany McCall

Tiffany McCall

Companies: Ballet

Hometown: Greeley, CO - 26 years, Canon City prior


Education: Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in elementary education, Masters degree in Educational Leadership- both from UNC!


Dance Background: I have danced since I was a young girl, all ballet training with School of Ballet Arts- Canon City, UNC dance department and anywhere Wendy teaches 😉


I am a first/second grade collaborator (teacher) at The Fred Tjardes School of Innovation as well as a wife and proud mom of four kids age 15-20! I am so thankful for the CDC and the opportunity to still train and perform with a loving, supportive group of people!

Victoria Ochoa

Victoria Ochoa

Companies: Ballet

Hometown: Greeley, CO


Education: Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Colorado.


Dance Background: I started doing ballet 17 years ago, and I have also done hip hop and jazz competitively in high school. I have danced at Evans Rec Center with Deneice Dyer and then with Ixchell Levendosky in Loveland. Then I danced on the poms team at Greeley West.

Aubrie Keever

Aubrie Keever

Companies: Ballet and Jazz

Hometown: Severance, CO


Education: I graduated high school from Windsor Charter Academy with my Associates degree from Aims. I am currently enrolled at the University of Northern Colorado.


Dance Background: I danced at the Dance Factory, here in Greeley since I was three until I graduated. I have received training in all styles. I now teach a couple classes there throughout the week.

Devi Rosson

Devi Rosson

Companies: Jazz and Tap

Hometown: Parker, CO


Education: BS in Physical Education k-12 with a minor in School Health Education from the University of Northern Colorado.


Dance Background: I have been dancing since I was 2 1/2 (so 28 years!) I have trained in almost every style although tap and jazz are my favorites. I was an Eagles Chick for the Colorado Eagles for 3 seasons and can also be seen coaching the Severanc High School poms team. I am a CDC original and this is my 8th year dancing in the company. I spent time training at The Dance Company in Castle Rock, Miller's in Parker, and with Ponderosa Poms.

Hannah Hurlburt

Hannah Hurlburt

Companies: Jazz

Hometown: Longmont, CO


Education: Bachelors in Sociology & Criminology from CSU, Masters in School Counseling from UNC


Dance Background: I have been dancing for 24 years, I started on a drill team in middle and high school in Texas, then jazz with CDC for the past 7 years. I've trained with various studios and teams including Leander Middle School Tigerettes, Leander High School Blue Belles, Longmont High School dance team, and CDC. I am a High School Counselor in my tenth year, and was a Poms coach for 8 years. I currently run the Unified Cheer group at my school which offers opportunities for students to partner with those in our Special Education program so all can participate in cheerleading. I miss choreographing for Poms routines and I love creating anything in general, dance related or not.

Kiara Johnson

Kiara Johnson

Companies: Tap and Ballet

Hometown: Greeley, CO


Education: Currently studying software engineering with ActivateWork/Per Scholas


Dance Background: I started dancing when I was 3 at the Greeley Recreation Academy of Dance Arts. I mainly do ballet, tap, and pointe though I do have some jazz experience. I don't teach but I do enjoy choreographing dances in my free time.

Laura Ward

Laura Ward

Companies: Ballet

Hometown: Greeley, CO


Education: AA in Liberal Arts from Aims Community College, BA in Music and Psychology from Colorado Christian University, Partial MA in Clinical Mental Health


Dance Background: I have been dancing since I was 8 years old (nearly 30 years ago, yikes!). My primary education is in ballet and pointe, but I've also trained in tap, hip-hop, modern, and lyrical. I currently serve as the Assistant Director for the ballet company and serve on the Board of Directors for CDC. I teach and choreograph for the ballet company when I can and absolutely love the family I've found here. I started dancing with Movin' for the Lord Dance Company (with Cindy Lundy). From there, I spent time training with The Greeley Conservatory of Dance, Northern Colorado Academy of Dance Arts, Ballet Magnificat!, Colorado Dance Theatre, Elluminate Dance Company, and now Colorado Dance Collective. I performed in CDT's Nutcracker for many years, dancing the parts of Mouse, Party Girl, Candy Cane, Snow/Flower, and Party Parent. I've performed as a dancer/singer in Oklahoma (Stampede Troupe), and Brigadoon and My Fair Lady (Colorado Christian University). And I've sung the National Anthem for the High Plains Library District for their annual Naturalization Ceremony the last 4 years.

Michelle Friedman

Michelle Friedman

Companies: Ballet and Tap

Hometown: Elk Grove, CA


Education: BS in Psychology from the University of California, Davis Currently pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching for Elementary Education from the University of Northern Colorado


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.  


I moved to Colorado in 2005 and began raising a family.  After being away from dance for 18 years, I began dancing with Wendy Sosa at the Colorado Dance Collective in 2022 and am thrilled to be training and performing again!

Samantha Finken

Samantha Finken

Companies: Tap and Swing

Hometown: La Mirada, CA


Education:  Currently studying Theatre Studies with a Writing Minor at University of Northern Colorado.


Dance Background: I have been dancing for 4 years in ballet, tap, jazz, swing, and ballroom. I've danced at Miss Corrie's Performing Arts and The Dance Spot back in California. I also did dance in high school and I dance ballroom at Follow my Lead Dance Studio.

Shantel Miranda Espinosa

Shantel Miranda Espinosa

Companies: Hip Hop

Hometown: Greeley, CO (born in Dallas, TX)


Education: Graduated from Greeley Central High School


Dance Background: I have been dancing now for 12 years, precessional or not, dance class or not I have been in a studio, pursuing what I love. I recieved tarining from the Boys and Girls Club, IDA, CDC, and 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.

Suraya Aragon

Suraya Aragon

Companies: Hip Hop

Hometown: Greeley, CO


Education: Graduated from Greeley West High School and currently attending Aims Community College to earn an associates in psychology.


Dance Background: I have been dancing since I was 5 for hip-hop. Later through out the years started doing ballet and contemporary, mostly training at Northern Colorado Dance Fusion. I use dance as a way to heal the mind and body as it's a medicine for me.

Todd Teter

Todd Teter

Companies: Swing and Collaborative Company

Hometown: Commerce City, CO


Education: Currently studying theater education with minor in dance at the Univerity of Northern Colorado.


Dance Backround: I started dancing with a small community theater when I was young and found my home there. I have been a Lindy hopper for 7 years and I have choreographed for my highschool and community productions with Prairie Playhouse. I also spent time training with Shauna Marble.

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