Ashley Lopez Owner/Director, Contemporary, CDAPC Director

Originally from Michigan, Ashley Lopez began her dance education at Dance Arts Academy under the guidance of Betsy Carr. She furthered her training from 2003 to 2005 at Lou Conte Dance Studio in Chicago, Illinois. Her journey continued in San Antonio, Texas, where she was a member of Spareworks Contemporary Dance Company from 2006 to 2008, performing original works such as Amber Ortega-Perez and Shonna Cooper’s “Basics” and Amber Ortega-Perez’s “The Willing.”

In 2009, Ashley founded Collective Dance Artistry and established the Collective Dance Artistry Performance Company to support serious young dancers pursuing professional careers. Her choreography has received national recognition in both competition and concert dance.

Ashley now resides in San Antonio, Texas with her husband and two children, where she serves as the Owner and Artistic Director of Collective Dance Artistry. She is dedicated to inspiring and motivating young dancers to push their technical boundaries while fostering a deeper sense of self-awareness and passion for dance. Under her mentorship, students have gone on to prestigious institutions such as The Juilliard School, Marymount Manhattan College, NYU, Fordham University, and Point Park University, among others.

Daniel Precup Ballet Program Co-Artistic Director

Mr. Precup is a graduate of the acclaimed Floria Capsali National High School of Dance in Bucharest, Romania. He joined the Oleg Danovski Ballet Theater at 18 and was able to work personally with Oleg Danovski, Gigi Caciuleanu and Germinal Casado. Rising to the rank of Principal Dancer, he was featured in the company’s many international tours in the role of the Mandarin in The Miraculous Mandarin, Cardinal Richelieu in The Three Musketeers, Frollo in The Hunchback of Notre Dame and Siegfried in Swan Lake. He continued his career in the United States to dance with the Oakland Ballet and Ballet Tucson for whom he performed the role of Dracula in the ballet Dracula, Albrecht in Giselle, the Prince in Cinderella and The Sleeping Beauty. He danced Oberon in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the Cavalier and later, Herr Drosselmeyer in The Nutcracker. Following his retirement to the position of Ballet Master and Choreographer, he has created works for the company to great audience response. His unique choreographic perspective can be seen in his Boler-O, Gemini, Mosaico, Steps, Love Songs, Carmina Burana, Carmen, Divertimento, Perseus and Andromeda, and The Lady of the Camellias.

As a teacher, Mr. Precup prides himself on inspiring the confidence and individual growth of each of his students. Former students have pursued careers with Houston Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, Milwaukee Ballet, San Francisco Ballet and Ballet Bejart Lausanne. He teaches classes in Classical Ballet Technique, Variations, Pas de Deux, and Character Dance.

Jenna Johnson Ballet Program Co-Artistic Director

Ms. Johnson’s performing career began at 19 with Atlanta Ballet under Robert Barnett and John McFall, and with the Chautauqua Ballet Company under Jean-Pierre Bonnefoux and Patricia McBride performing in ballets by Kirk Peterson and George Balanchine. She then left for Europe to begin a two year residence as Guest Artist with the Romanian National Opera Ballet. Here in addition to the grand full length classical productions, she was chosen to dance soloist roles for contemporary choreographers Richard Wherlock, Alexa Mezincescu and Gigi Caciuleanu. Ms. Johnson was offered her first principal contract at the age of twenty-two with the Oleg Danovski Ballet Theater with whom she spent six years touring Germany, Switzerland, France, Italy, Greece and the Netherlands as Odette/Odile in Swan Lake, Scheherazade/Zobeida in Scheherazade, Myrta in Giselle, Mercedes in Don Quixote and the title role in Carmen. Upon her return to the United States, she expanded her repertoire to include works by Dwight Rhoden, Robert Moses and Christopher Wheeldon as well as classic roles such as Aurora in The Sleeping Beauty, Kitri in Don Quixote, Nikia in La Bayadere, the Sugar Plum Fairy in The Nutcracker and the title roles in Giselle and Raymonda rounding off her career with Oakland Ballet and Ballet Tucson.

Jenna’s initial ballet instruction came from Yvonne Chouteau, a principal dancer of the Ballet Russes and one of the “Five Moons,” the five famed Native American ballerinas. Johnson’s early education also included Ballet Oklahoma’s professional school and the Cincinnati School for Creative and Performing Arts. Later as a full scholarship student of the Harid Conservatory, Ms. Johnson had the opportunity to study with two other “Moons”, Marjorie Tallchief, the first Native American to be named “première danseuse étoile” in the Paris Opera Ballet and her sister, Maria Tallchief, prima ballerina and star of the New York City Ballet. Here, Ms. Johnson was able to layer her early Balanchine training with methods of the Paris Opera and Vaganova schools. Summers she studied at the San Francisco Ballet School, the School of American Ballet and the Rock School for Dance Education.

Her nineteen years of teaching experience includes ballet technique for ages three to adult, variations, classical repertoire, Pilates, conditioning, stage makeup and dance history. She has been invited as a guest teacher to multiple schools throughout the US and as far as Cyprus and Kuwait. Students under her tutelage have gone on to successful careers at Pacific Northwest Ballet, San Francisco Ballet, Atlanta Ballet, and Ballet Bejart Lausanne.

Taylor Davis CDAPC Assistant Director, Musical Theatre, Stretch and Strengthen

Taylor holds a Bachelor in Fine Arts from Marymount Manhattan College in New York City. During her time at Marymount, Taylor was a member of the Marymount Manhattan Dance Company and had the opportunity to train under many distinguished members of the dance community, a few of those being choreographers such as Yin Yue, Kyle Abraham, Robert Battle, Chase Brock, and Jenn Freeman. She began her training at the age of 10 with San Antonio School for the Performing Arts and had the pleasure of finishing her dance studies with Collective Dance Artistry. During her time in college, Taylor has performed in the Steps Industry Showcase for choreographer Karen Gayle and was nominated to represent Marymount Manhattan’s Dance Department in two separate Honors Day performances. Most recently, Taylor has spent the last year touring Southeast Asia as a dancer on Royal Caribbean Cruise lines.

James Edward Vargas Modern

Mr. Vargas completed his BFA in Ballet at Texas Christian University as a Vision Honor and Nordan Arts Scholarship recipient. Fine James received his early training with Cynthia Coker of Avant Dance, and with Cristina Munro, Artistic Director of The Corpus Christi Ballet. In addition to his studies with the TCU faculty, he has been featured in Soundbars, choreographed by Susan Jaffe (ABT/UNCSA) and in Gerald Arpino’s Birthday Variations, staged by Willy Shives (Joffrey). He has performed at the International Ballet Competition showcase in choreography by John Magnus, and in excerpts of Swan Lake, staged by Li-Chou Cheng, and Napoli, staged by Susan Dromisky (BalletMet). James joined Ballet San Antonio as an apprentice for its inaugural 2015/2016 season as resident ballet company of the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts. James continues to perform and teach with various companies throughout Texas and is currently a Principal Artist with the Corpus Christi Ballet.

Emily Cunningham Assistant Lower Level Program Director (Creative Movement/Dance Exploration/Mommy & Me)

Emily has been dancing since the age of three and studied ballet, pointe, tap, modern, hip hop, musical theatre, and jazz. She has continued her studies at Broadway Dance Center in NYC and was a company dancer with Reverence Dance Project in Austin, TX, under the Direction of Quinton Weathers and Dane Burch. She is a Collective Dance Artistry Performance Company Alumni and has been an instructor at Collective Dance Artistry for the past nine years. Emily is passionate about spreading her knowledge and love of dance to the next generation of young dancers and believes that a strong technical foundation early on is the key to building a successful dancer.

Kiana Thoreson Progressing Ballet Technique, Ballet, Musical Theatre, Tap

Kiana Thoreson grew up in Post Falls, Idaho and started dancing at the young age of 3. She has trained for 19 versatile years in ballet, pointe, modern, contemporary, jazz, hip hop, improv, composition, and tap. In addition to her regular classes, she has also taken aerial silks, swing, and salsa classes. Kiana attended The Boston Conservatory at Berklee and recently graduated in 2021 Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Contemporary Dance Performance, a minor in Creative Entrepreneurship, and an emphasis in Composition.

At the Conservatory, she trained intensely under the instruction of Kurt Douglas, Joy Davis, Brian McGinnis, Russell Clarke and Tai Jiminez to name only a few of her accomplished teachers. She has been blessed to perform in works by Loni Landon, Gabrielle Lamb, Catherine Coury, Margo Sappington, and many other renowned choreographers. She has had the opportunity to further her training during her summers with the Joffrey Ballet School San Francisco Intensive, Joffrey Experience NYC, Rockettes Summer Intensive, and Steps on Broadway SSNYC. She also recently became certified to teach Progressing Ballet Technique, which helps students of all ages in training muscle memory to help with their ballet technique. Along with performing, Kiana also has a passion for teaching and choreographing.

Manuel Diaz Hip-Hop

Manuel Diaz, a native of San Antonio, Texas, is a dedicated and passionate dance instructor and choreographer with over nine years of experience in the dance industry. At 28 years old, Manuel has honed his skills across various dance styles, including Latin ballroom, jazz, ballet, and modern, with a special affinity for hip-hop.

Manuel's expertise in hip-hop has been recognized through numerous accolades, having received over 15 scholarships from prestigious dance conventions such as Monsters of Hip-Hop, Misfit Dance Camp, The Lab Dance Convention, and 541 Vibe City. His proficiency in convention settings has become a hallmark of his career, showcasing his talent and dedication.

Manuel's journey in dance is driven by his ambition and unwavering commitment to his craft. He is not only a talented performer but also embodies hard work, a strong work ethic, charisma, and a deep passion for dance. His enthusiasm for sharing his love of dance is evident in his teaching, where he inspires and motivates others who share his dedication to this art form.

As an aspiring professional dancer and choreographer, Manuel Diaz continues to strive for excellence and aims to make a significant impact in the dance community through his dynamic teaching and creative choreography.

Jenny Martinez Jazz, Lyrical, CDAPC Assistant Rehearsal Director

Jenny began dancing at the early age of three. She is trained in ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip hop, tap, and clogging. She has continued training as an adult at the Edge Performing Arts Center, Millennium Dance Complex, and Broadway Dance Center. Most recently, she completed BDC’s Dance Teacher Intensive in NYC. Dance credits include : Iconic Groove Showcase with Robin Antin (creator of the PCD) under the direction of Benjamin Allen, SXSW- Lizzo/Amazon “Watch Out For the Big Girlz” under the direction of Sam Allen, and Heart Bandits. She also assisted and appeared in Groov3's "Living Room Sessions" (kids edition) with Benjamin Allen. Jenny has taught for Showmakers of America, Power Dance Convention, Motion Composers, and various studios across Texas. Jenny holds a B.S. in Education from Texas State University. With almost twenty years of dance teaching experience in studios, convention circuits, and public schools, she loves being able to share her passion for and knowledge of dance with her students. Her goal in every class is to motivate and help students reach their maximum artistic and technical potential as dancers, while nurturing their confidence and allowing them to become the best versions of themselves.

Carolyn Windus Adult Fitness

Meet Carolyn Windus, a vibrant and dedicated fitness professional whose journey has spanned across the globe, blending diverse experiences into a passion for empowering others through health and wellness. As a certified group fitness instructor and personal trainer, Carolyn brings a wealth of expertise to every class, from high-energy cardio and dance to strength-building routines and soothing stretches.

With a deep love for the community that group fitness fosters, Carolyn excels in creating an environment where people not only get fit but also build lasting connections and embrace a healthier lifestyle together. This commitment to community extends into personal training, where Carolyn focuses on empowering women to build strength, power, balance, and mobility to help clients achieve their personal goals and transform their lives.

Carolyn’s background is as diverse as her fitness expertise. Having lived in vibrant cities like New York, sunny Florida, dynamic Korea, and the expansive state of Texas, Carolyn brings a rich tapestry of cultural experiences to their approach. These global adventures have shaped Carolyn's unique perspective on wellness and community.

Proudly, Carolyn is also a dedicated mom of a CDA dancer, balancing family life with a career in fitness. This role as a mother enriches Carolyn’s understanding of personal motivation and dedication, further enhancing their ability to inspire and guide clients toward their fitness goals.

With a career that spans continents and a heart that thrives on community and empowerment, Carolyn is more than just a fitness instructor—they are a catalyst for positive change, helping individuals from all walks of life achieve their best selves.

Carol Anglin Horton Technique Guest Instructor

Carol Smitherman Anglin was founding Artistic Director of the Louisiana Dance Foundation and resident dance company, Louisiana Dance Theatre, an Honor Company and 25-year member of Regional Dance America/SW, which performed throughout America, in Russia, Europe, and Canada. Carol directed and produced more than 600 master classes, dance festivals, and performances in Shreveport from 1982- 2016 with guest artists such as Judith Jamison, Robert Battle, Dianne Maroney-Grigsby, Sylvia Waters, Ana Marie Forsythe, Christopher Huggins, Ceyhun Ozsoy, Gennadi Vostrikov, Soili Arvola, Michael Vernon, John Magnus, Nikoloz Makhateli, Joe Tremaine, Gus Giordano, Chet Walker, Jon Lehrer, Charles McGowan, Billy Siegenfeld, and many others. Companies presented under her artistic direction included multiple residencies and performances of Ailey II, Dance Theatre of Harlem, Feld Ballets, Ballet Eddy Toussaint de Montreal, Korea’s Universal Ballet, LehrerDance, Jump Rhythm Jazz, and more.

As a Ballet and Modern teaching artist, Carol has taught globally in Russia, Europe, and Canada. She was the first American to teach Modern Dance at the School of Marina Semyonova in Moscow (1990) followed by a yearlong exchange of seventy Soviet/ American dancers between Moscow and Shreveport. As founding director and instructor of Carol Anglin Dancenter, Inc. (1982-2016), her studio became an incubator for the development of dancers; emerging artists and choreographers; company repertoire; audience development; collaborations and partnerships; community outreach; and more.

For 34 years, Carol taught 40+ classes per week to students from all socio-economic backgrounds in studios, public schools, colleges, and universities. Many of Carol’s students have pursued professional dance careers including Ashley Murphy (Principal dancer of Dance Theatre of Harlem & The Washington Ballet, current position) and Brandi Coleman (Assistant Professor of Jazz at SMU; Associate Artistic Director and principal dancer of Chicago’s Jump Rhythm Jazz Project).

Carol continues her position as guest artist at Grambling State University (1982-2021) where she and GSU Artistic Director and former Alvin Ailey soloist, Dianne Maroney-Grigsby, partnered for 34 years – combining artists, audiences, and resources in Shreveport, Grambling, Ruston, Nachitoches, and throughout the state of Louisiana. The two artists continue to work together.

A SRAC Artist Fellow, Carol’s choreography has been selected for Regional Dance America Gala Performances, Tanzsommer Innsbruck Galas in Austria, performances in Russia, and several Jazz Dance World Congresses in Chicago and Washington, D.C. where she received choreography awards at Northwestern University, DePaul University, The Harris Theatre; and in Washington, D.C. at the Kennedy Center.

For 34 years, Carol choreographed for Shreveport’s Symphony, Opera, and Theatres. Oscar and Emmy Award recipient, William Joyce, selected Carol to choreograph the World Premiere of the Leaf Men and the Brave Good Bugs. With a passion for community outreach and partnerships, Carol partnered with more than fifty north Louisiana organizations and educational institutions annually reaching averages of 30,000 people from underserved populations.

Carol received the 2004 Stream Award for outstanding artistic direction; artistic growth and excellence; and commitment to the Regional Dance America movement. In 2006, Carol was Adjudicator and instructor for Western Canada’s largest dance festival. Caddo Parish School Board hired Carol in 2009 to develop a dance program on Martin Luther King Drive at Green Oaks Performing Arts Magnet, one of Louisiana’s academically unacceptable high schools. Several of the Green Oaks students went on to graduate in Theatre and Dance at Grambling State University and are now dancing professionally. She also was the interim dance director and instructor at the Louisiana School for Math, Science, and the Arts (LSMSA) in Natchitoches, LA from 2011-13—one of Louisiana’s two state supported arts magnet high schools.

A Graduate Teaching Foundation Fellow (2016-2019), Carol recently graduated from the University of Oklahoma with her Masters in Fine Arts (MFA). During her three years at OU, Carol taught Modern, Ballet, and Understanding Dance courses. In addition to setting her personal choreography on OU’s Dance Majors, she assisted Ballet and Modern Dance faculty as well as an international roster of OU’s guest artists Trey McIntyre, Jean Guilliaume Weiss, and Modern Director Austin Hartel in their choreography for OU season performances. For her thesis, Carol designed a higher education course, “The Dancer as Entrepreneur: Guiding Young Dancers in Developing Community Dance Programs.”

As America’s only National Association of Ballet and Modern Dance Companies, Regional Dance America’s Board of Directors named Carol Anglin a National Adjudicator in 2018. She recently served as RDA/SE’s 2020 National Adjudicator evaluating 15 companies in ten states. Interrupted by the COVID 19 Pandemic, Carol returned as RDA/SE’s 2021 National Adjudicator selecting three evenings of choreography for a culminating ‘virtual festival’ April 23-25. She has served as faculty member for Regional Dance America Workshops and Festivals in Atlanta, GA; Houston, Dallas, TX; Baton Rouge and Monroe, LA; and Ft. Smith, AR. Hosted by Grambling State University, Carol has taught ballet for three Black College Dance Exchanges at Louisiana’s Historically Black University.

A fourth-generation artist and educator, Carol continues to pursue international training as a teacher and choreographer. She was one of 18 international teachers accepted to New York University to train with Mme. Claude Bessy and Serge Golovine, Directors of the Paris Opera Ballet School, where she also studied choreography by Serge Lifar and other legendary artists. Carol attended the 2006 & 2010 USA IBC Teachers Courses in Classical Ballet in Jackson, MS. She completed the Intermediate and Advanced Horton Pedagogy Courses at the Alvin Ailey American Dance Center in New York (2011, 2017, 2020) and the National Dance Educator Organization’s Annual Conferences in Miami (2019) and virtually (2020, 2021).

With a lifelong goal of decentralizing dance in America, Carol recently taught Dance Majors in Michigan for Interlochen Center for the Arts’ 2019 Summer Intensive, for University of Oklahoma’s three- week Summer Intensives, Hathaway Academy of Ballet in Dallas, Texarkana Civic Ballet’s Nutcracker Auditions casting 250 dancers, Lake Charles Civic Ballet, Saint Louis Catholic High School’s newly formed Dance Department, Feijoo Ballet in Houston, DeCruz Ballet of San Antonio, Regional Dance America/SE Fall Workshop in Atlanta, GA, Houston’s Dance Du Couer, Juxtapose Dance/JetPac, and Hunter Dance Center; and for Grambling State University’s Orchesis Dance Company’s Fall Ballet Intensive.

In March 2022, Carol taught and judged audition classes for Regional Dance America/SW Festival at the Eisemann Center in Dallas, TX. She has served as a guest artist University of Houston teaching Ballet and Modern classes to Dance Majors. We are thrilled to have Carol as a guest faculty member, where she teaches quarterly Horton masterclasses to the students at CDA.