CDA WALL OF FAME
Congratulations to our students and alumni who are making career moves with success on stage, movies, film, college programs and opportunities awarded through American Ballet Theatre, Boston Ballet, Kaatsbaan, Universal Ballet, Salzburg Ballet-Austria, Ostrava Ballet- Czech Republic, Cirque du Soleil and more.
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Past & Current Students: If you have made news with a special event, performance, appearance, award or honor that you wish to share, please contact us so that we can post it here!
WALL OF FAME STAR
October 26, 2021:
Nadia Chung - 103rd Tournament of Roses Parade Queen
“I want to say thank you to Aerin and to all my teachers at CDA because the training I have received at CDA equipped me with the tools to enter interviews with confidence, carry myself with poise, and work towards my goals resiliently. Thank you for believing in me through all the years. You have celebrated with me at my highs and helped me through my lows and I would not be where I am today without your encouragement. I certainly plan to continue dancing in college in addition to pursuing additional degrees.”
WALL OF FAME STAR:
European Sensations! The Millertwins - Sandra and Diana Miller
After attending California DanceArts, these twin sisters have become a European sensation as Dancers, Actresses, Stuntwoman, Aerialists and general Daredevils. They Perform in a multitude of venue from Circus Acts, Theatre and Television. The Millertwins, as they are affectionately known, travel and perform all over the international globe. Please see this video of the Millertwins.
“After we graduated school in 1999, we had two possibilities: to go to University in Germany and study to become a doctor, a scientist or school teacher….or to choose a career as Performing Artists. When we arrived in LA, we were still unsure of the direction we’d take but we had a dream. We found ourselves at the “California DanceArts” and started taking classes. We had so much fun and the professionalism of the classes were amazing. It was there that we learned the very basics of how to work with our bodies, to be able to express our emotions and make a strong statement through movement. Aerin’s passion for dance was contagious! Her precise and dedicated way of teaching gave us certainty and confidence. We developed an array of dance skills in such a short time and still to this day, we work from those very principles we learned.
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We have Aerin Holt and the school, California DanceArts, to thank in helping us make the best decision of our lives – to become the happy, successful performers that we are today! Since 2002, we’ve worked for renowned companies as choreographers, dancers, aerialists and actors all over the world. Thank You Aerin and keep on Rocking the Dance Floor!”- Sandra & Diana Miller www.millertwins.com
WALL OF FAME STAR:
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Cirque Star, Fletcher Blair Sanchez
After several performances with our Youth company and receiving training at California DanceArts that included ballet, Jazz dance and Acrodance, Fletcher Blair determined that extreme circus arts was his calling. He enrolled at a local circus school and shortly became accepted into the professional circus arena performing with Cirque Éloize iD’ touring all over the world. Please see this outstanding video of Fletcher Blair. (insert video)
“Aerin, you were very influential in Fletcher’s life. During the time he worked with you I saw him mature and put professionalism above other things which is a trait he still has today. I know he will continue to develop a wonderful reputation artistically and with his integrity. So, you should be proud. Your products have always had a high level of integrity and professionalism.”
-Diane McCalley, Fletcher’s mom
WALL OF FAME STAR:
Cirque du Soleil Dancer and Gymnast, Patrick Shea
Mr. Shea won a contract with Cirque du Soleil’s tribute show to the Beatles titled “Love”, appearing nightly. Patrick attributes his career beginnings to the training he received at California DanceArts and the roles he performed as an “Imp” in California Contemporary Ballet’s production of the Snow Queen. He says that he is STILL being an Imp, but now he “Imp’s around” on the amazing Cirque stage at the Mirage Hotel in Las Vegas! Very Well Done Patrick! Please see this video of Patrick Shea. (insert video)
“I first came to California DanceArts, to try hip-hop classes in 2001, when I was taking a short break from gymnastics. I immediately fell in love with the amazing energy and freedom of expression that hip-hop and the various other classes offered me. Aerin Holt and the other teachers refined my dance skills and showed me how to blend them with acrobatic movement. Forming great bonds with my fellow students and performing in “The Snow Queen” are also among my favorite memories of the studio. I went on to Arizona State University, where I was team captain of the Sun Devil Gymnastics team and a dancer with the Hip-Hop Coalition. I auditioned for Cirque du Soleil three times, and my versatility and persistence was rewarded with a role in “The Beatles LOVE” show in Las Vegas in 2007. Working for Cirque du Soleil was my biggest childhood dream, and it surpassed all of my expectations. Performing for hundreds of thousands of people over two years was absolutely incredible. But the most rewarding part of the experience was looking into the crowd at the end of each show and connecting with the audience members who were clearly moved and inspired. I am eternally grateful to Aerin Holt and everyone at California DanceArts for helping to bring me to that stage and turn my dreams into a reality.”
– Patrick Shea
WALL OF FAME STAR:
Professional Dancer, Michael Forsch
Michael received his primary dance training at California DanceArts. Michael is now living his dream as a dancer enjoying many freelance roles and positions in Las Vegas including nightly performances in Don Arden’s Jubilee! at Bally’s Hotel and Casino. He is seen in dance events, dance companies, TV and film. Michael is also a mime and enjoys professional clowning.