No two dancers are alike. We are each on our own specific path that leads us through our very own individual dance experience. Providing quality training and individual guidance for each dancer, our versatile pre-professional program provides an array of opportunities in nearly every area of dance to prepare and provide the necessary tools to pursue a higher education or professional dance career in any genre. From classical ballet, to concert contemporary/modern, to Broadway, tap, or commercial jazz, the opportunities are endless.
Dancers are selected through an audition process and placed into group ensembles based on age and ability. Dancers are able to audition for and perform all genres, or a more tailored training path specific to their desired primary focus.
Performing as a member of an ensemble provides the essential experience in preparing the dancer to move and work with a group of dancers not only in a performance setting but also prepares the dancers for a professional rehearsal environment.
Dancers are provided numerous competition and performance opportunities, along with audition experience and the ability to participate in some of the country’s most prominent summer programs.
As the world of dance continues to grow, the competition becomes more elite. Receiving quality training in a multitude of genres provides a multitude of options in the ever expanding world of dance. At Collective Dance Artistry, we not only produce well trained versatile dancers, but we foster and develop passionate, fearless, confident students with an exceptional work ethic.
CDAPC STUDENT Class Requisites (by focus):
Focus in multiple genres-
11 years old and above is required 6-8 hours per week of ballet classes in classical ballet, variations, and pointe (if applicable).
(6-10 years of age is required a minimum of 2 hours of ballet class per week plus requisites listed below)
1 modern class per week
1 contemporary class per week
1-2 PBT classes per week
1 Commercial Jazz class per week
1 Broadway Jazz class per week
1 Hip Hop class per week
1 Tap class per week
1 Leaps and Turns class per week
Saturday rehearsals (if applicable)
Company members with a focus in multiple genres are eligible to be considered for all performance company ensemble and solo works, along with the ability to attend multiple conventions.
Dancers must participate in a minimum of one ensemble piece in order to perform a solo work.
Primary focus in Ballet-
10-12 hours per week of ballet classes in classical ballet, variations, pointe (if applicable).
(6-10 years of age is required a minimum of 4 hours of ballet class per week plus requisites listed below)
1 modern class per week
1 contemporary class per week
2-4 PBT classes per week
1 Jazz class per week (Broadway or commercial)
Saturday rehearsals (if applicable)
Company members with a primary focus in ballet will be considered for classical ballet, contemporary ballet, jazz, and contemporary ensembles along with variations and contemporary solos ONLY.
Ballet program students have the opportunity to compete at prestigious ballet competitions such as YAGP, UBC, and Icon Dance Awards.
Dancers must participate in a minimum of one ensemble piece in order to perform a solo work.
“Being a part of CDAPC during my formative years of training was so special! Going into a collegiate dance program after high school was intimidating, but I soon learned I had all the tools I needed. I felt prepared and ready to jump into codified modern techniques because of the heavy focus on technique and artistry that CDA provides! I also felt like I had been prepared mentally for the determination, discipline, and focus it takes to major in dance, because those qualities are always expected and drawn out of you as a part of the performance company. CDA created an atmosphere that deepened my love and appreciation for dance that would help me get through everything from 8 am ballet classes to late night rehearsals, and so much more that came along with school. I continue to carry everything I learned while being a part of the performance company with me well into my career as a professional dancer!”
Brittney McClellan
CDAPC Alumni, METdance, imPULSE Dance Project
“I am so thankful for my time with the Collective Dance Artistry Performance Company. I was able to grow in my movement and as an artist, carrying that with me into my new journey in college. I was also able to grow as a person and create strong bonds that I will cherish.”
Cameron Wood
CDAPC Alumni, Point Park University
“Being apart of the Collective Dance Artistry Performance Company prepared me for a professional dance setting and allowed me to pursue my interest in the choreographic process. Collective supplied me with a supportive, specialized learning environment with an amazing staff. I was able to perform as well as learn first hand what a collaborative rehearsal room looks like. I wouldn’t trade my years on the company for anything in the world and feel completely prepared for my college dance education and beyond.’
Sara Thoreson
CDAPC Alumni, Ailey Fordham University
“We couldn’t be more happy to be at Collective Dance Artistry. As soon as you walk through the door you are greeted by a smiling face and a very warm welcome. It is extremely organized, reasonably priced and there are no surprise hidden fees. They foster an inclusive environment where dancers feel a sense of belonging and they appreciate each student regardless of their level of technical ability. Communication between the studio and parents is impeccable and that makes a world of a difference. If you are looking for insanely good choreography and top-tier technical training then Collective is where you need to be. The teachers have an amazing ability to read each dancers strengths to build the most beautifully choreographed numbers where each dancer shines. The studio provides professional and knowledgeable instruction in all styles of dance, opportunities to travel around the state to conventions and classes with some of the best teachers and choreographers in the dance world, has an incredible competition program and puts on beautiful spring performances that include both recreational and competitive students. Being at Collective has not only transformed my child’s dancing, but transformed her into a confident, competitive dancer with strong technique. Ashley teaches her students that what they have to say matters, and they can always tell their truth through dance.”
Katijah Gachett
CDAPC Parent
“We have absolutely enjoyed our daughter’s journey at Collective Dance Artistry! The staff creates an environment that is supportive and encouraging which has really contributed to her growth over the 3 years. We moved further away from CDA but continue to go there because of how much we love the studio.
This past year she auditioned and made the Youth Performance Company and has LOVED being a part of the team. It was a great introduction to the competition and convention world for these young dancers to experience. They quickly learned the choreography and worked as a team to build up their confidence for the stage!”
Veronica Lagunas
CDAPC Parent
“We are so pleased our daughter is a member of Collective Dance Artistry Performance Company. Ashley Lopez is kind and always available to address any concerns. All instructors are exceptionally qualified and conduct themselves with the highestlevel of professionalism. Studios are impeccably maintained and offer an excellent environment for training and rehearsals. The office staff is friendly, organized, and is always available to answer questions. We are so impressed with the management of company matters. All aspects of the performance season are taken care of according to schedule and handled seamlessly. We cannot say enough about the superior choreography! It is creative, artistic, and centered in technical excellence. We believe CDAPC develops and ultimately advances well rounded dancers with a mastery in a variety of genres. We are so happy to be a part of CDAPC, and our daughter is blessed to have the opportunity to participate in a dance company with talented, thoughtful, and respectful dancers.”
Priscilla Saenz
CDAPC Parent
“Collective Dance Artistry is our daughters second home. Our family moved into the San Antonio area three years ago, and immediately began looking for the perfect studio for her. Ashley Lopez and her amazing staff greeted us with open arms as soon as we entered the building. Dancers can spend numerous hours in a studio; therefore, trusting someone to provide a healthy environment was priority. CDA provides a space for dancers to thrive in dance, explore their art and create healthy relationships with other dancers and teachers. Our family is very honored to be apart of such an amazing group of people. Their keen eye for solid technique, attention to all of the little details, and ability to push their students to achieve a higher level of dance are only a few reasons why Collective Dance Artistry is our daughters second home. They are simply remarkable!”
Candie and Mark West
CDAPC Parents
“We are so grateful to have found Collective Dance Artistry, and especially the Collective Dance Artistry Performance Company (CDAPC)! This studio has been an important part of my daughter's dance journey, providing her with opportunities to train in multiple genres of dance, and to explore her dance in an artistic and fulfilling way. She has been challenged to stretch and grow in technique and artistry, but has also been encouraged to nourish, nurture and support herself in a healthy way. Whether it's award winning solo and group choreography, participation in major dance conventions like NYCDA or NUVO, or masterclasses with well-known and respected presenters from within the national and international dance community, CDA is all about investing in the long term goals of its dancers. One of the most exciting things for us has been getting to meet the many CDAPC alumni that come back to visit, take class with, or teach for CDA! Many of these alumni have gone on to pursue dance majors (or minors!)--a testimony in itself of the caliber of instruction that CDA offers, and something very important to my high school aged dancer! We are truly blessed to be a part of Collective Dance Artistry.”
Lisa Dowling
CDAPC Parent