Alumni

After traveling and volunteering internationally for a couple years post-high school, I graduated Summa Cum Laude from Oral Roberts University in 2022 with a Bachelor of Arts in Dance and a concentration in Dance Pre-Movement Therapy. I currently work at a physical therapy office and dance professionally with a local dance company -- Commune Dance Company. I am also now in school to become a certified Massage Therapist in hopes of combining my two passions of holistic healthcare and the therapeutic experience of movement and dance. I gained so much from my time at Ace growing up! I learned excellent dance technique, but more importantly, my teachers instilled a love and appreciation for artistry and creativity in me through the way they taught us and empowered us in our strengths as dancers. I loved learning choreography for our performing ensemble and class dances each year and seeing such creative ideas come to life! The broad range of experiences of the teachers I had during my time there also helped me to envision how dance could continue to be a part of my life even after I finished at Ace. I definitely believe that was part of the reason I chose to come back to dance and choose to study it in college. I'm so thankful for Ace and for the culture of love and encouragement that was set amongst the dancers and parents, too. It truly is a special place!

Tasha Breon

Avery Burton

I am currently working towards getting my undergraduate degree in both Dance and Kinesiology with the hopes of being a Physical Therapist for dancers. While in school, I also am a part of the Tap Into the Network Apprentice program. Through this program I get an exclusive opportunity as an advanced tap dancer to travel all over the United States, assisting in master classes, gaining professional dance experience and mentorship into the commercial dance industry. While getting comprehensive training I have also been gaining teaching experience and networking opportunities in the dance industry. I wouldn’t be anywhere without the help of my training and the massive support I got here at Ace. At Ace I was able to gain skills I feel I wouldn't be able to get anywhere else. Ace has helped shape me into the person and the dancer that I am today by challenging me in not only my dancing, but also in my confidence and networking skills. At Ace I was always able to be myself and express myself through what I love most. Everyone at Ace is so supportive and helps you reach your highest potential as a dancer. Being at Ace has helped me learn how to be a hard worker and reach for my highest goals and dreams. I will always carry my love for Ace everywhere I go and have gotten so many of the highest praises for the people that have helped me in my training here. I had danced at Ace from ages 4-18 and now am on faculty at Ace as a dance instructor and office faculty member. Being at Ace has helped me reach where I am today and has given me life long friends and mentors along the way.

I am currently a senior at the University of Colorado, Boulder, studying psychology. I am an aspiring psychotherapist, hoping to treat OCD in adolescence. I still take dance classes at my university, mainly ballet and modern styles. I now have a vast knowledge of dance technique and have muscle memory of dancing that I’ll never lose. Most importantly, I gained a family that I will have forever. I was a student the first year that Ace opened, and danced there from ages 3-17. I am incredibly grateful for my time at Ace and it will always be a part of my identity.

Amani Hawe

Ella Jensen

In the years since I’ve danced at Ace, I’ve had some incredible opportunities in the dance world to progress in my dance education and career. I have danced in many collegiate performances with amazingly versatile guest artists, choreographed four pieces which debuted at Sonoma State University and Santa Rosa Junior College, and competed/performed at the American College Dance Association twice! I am currently part of a professional dance ensemble in the North Bay called PLAYground, directed by the incredible Kristen Daley, and also teaching dance classes to elementary students. I have truly learned to embody what it means to be an artist, dancer, and mover in the last 5 years, and I know my dance journey is still just beginning to thrive and flourish. My career as a young dancer at Ace gave me an incredible foundation of both technique and discipline, and also artistry and family. Every single one of the teachers and mentors I had helped build me up into the dancer I am today: they taught me strength, resilience, listening (to both my body and my environment), drive, empathy, willingness for newness, and love. I am forever grateful for the foundation Ace gave me both in dance and humanity.

I am a third year student at the University of Washington studying Political Science with a focus in Political Economic Theory and a minor in Dance. Outside of class, I serve as the Managing Editor of the UW Journal of Political Science and a member of the UW Dance Students Association. My career interests are focused in the law and politics, particularly in emerging technology regulation, and I just finished an internship with the House of Representatives in Washington DC! Learning and growing with my teammates at Ace fostered my confidence, expanded my creativity, and prepared me for the challenges I face in my adult life. Participating in the Ensemble program taught me the ability to try new things and remember that hard work and determination towards a goal pays off. Finally, Ace gave me my lifelong best friends, who are still my biggest support system all of these years later. I am so grateful for the community that Ace has given me!

Kate Lawson

Sophia Margiotta

I am a 2025 graduate from San Diego State University. I decided to continue my dance path with the school's BFA Dance Major program while also adding a minor in Social and Digital Media Studies through the School of Journalism. My Ace career has given me many vital skills such as discipline, responsibility, and my ability to adapt and thrive in a structured environment. I thank all of the teachers who I had during my time at Ace for helping me fine tune my technical skills in each of the different styles they had to offer. They have prepared me for collegiate level dance training and I am thankful every day for it. This studio has and always will be a second home to me. A lot of my fondest childhood memories and best friends came from here! I am now currently an Ace teacher and office faculty member! For more information about my dance training and background please view the Faculty page.

I recently graduated from Cal Poly SLO with a Bachelor's degree in Landscape Architecture and a minor in Dance. I spent four years of college as a member of Cal Poly's Orchesis Dance Company. Currently, I'm working at a Landscape Architecture firm in Walnut Creek called GATES Studio as a Landscape Designer. At Ace I gained an unconditional love for dance and moving my body, something that I will always carry with me no matter what. Through dance, I learned how to collaborate closely with others, express without words, and take on leadership roles when needed. I have been at Ace since the very start! I met some of my greatest mentors and my closest friends at Ace.

Gracie Mitchell

Ella Nichelini

Currently I am in my junior year of college at the University of California Davis. I am working towards my triple major in Gender, Sexuality and Women’s Studies, Sociology and Psychology with a minor in Human Rights. From my Ace career I learned how to best manage my time and be able to work with a variety of people. From maintaining Ensemble, dance classes 6 days a week and school I am now able to work towards a triple major and a minor, all in a four year period, while also hanging out with friends, partaking in clubs and dance classes without getting behind. Being on Ensemble and ALP taught me how to work with students of any age, parents, teachers and organizations, which has been extremely helpful in knowing how to best handle college life. I miss Ace every day. It gave me great experiences that truly helped turn me into who I am today. I wouldn’t be here (literally) without Ace.

After graduating from Chapman University where I double majored in Psychology and Spanish and minored in dance, I took a gap year and worked full time. After my gap year, I started my master's program in Consumer Psychology. While living and studying in New York City, I have continued my love of dance by taking ballet classes at Joffrey Ballet School. Not only is Ace where I discovered my love of dance, it also fostered many skills I still value today such as creativity and dedication to my passions. Ace taught me the importance and power of community by providing a welcoming and supportive environment surrounded by amazing people where I was able to fully be myself. Ace instilled hard work in me and better yet resilience, a skill especially acquired when getting my first pair of pointe shoes. I am forever grateful for my time dancing at Ace and the long lasting relationships I gained.

Gia Roberts

Samantha Segol

I am in my senior year at San Diego State University. I will be graduating in May 2026 with a Dance BFA and a Kinesiology BS degree. I am also going to continue my academic journey by going to graduate school to pursue a doctorate degree in occupational therapy! My time at Ace gave me a strong foundation in developing my voice as both an artist and a dancer. It also shaped my sense of leadership by giving me opportunities to serve as a dance captain and teaching assistant, where I learned how to support others while continuing to grow myself. These experiences have stayed with me and continue to influence how I show up in creative and collaborative spaces today whether that be a lab or a dance studio.

I am a student at Cal Poly Humboldt working on a Forestry degree with a concentration in conservation and restoration. I am on the Cheer Team and love it, cheering at soccer, volleyball and basketball games. I gained a lot of independence and confidence in who I am. Being around such a supportive and loving community really helped shape who I am today and prepare me for my future. Ace is like a second home and family, truly the most welcoming and loving environment anyone could ask for!

Meet our Alumni