FACULTY
WHO WE ARE
Cheryle Armstrong
Studio Owner | Paso Robles Dance Collective Company Director | Ballet + Pointe
Cheryle began her dance training on the east coast in Washington D.C. with Oleg Tupine from the Kirov Ballet and continued her training at Florida State University where she was a member of the South Florida Ballet Company. Her performing experience ranges from classical ballet with several east coast companies to contemporary ballet with the Valerie Huston Dance Theater in California. After her performing career, she continued her education at the Florida State University Dance Department and two years later graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Instructing, choreographing, and directing a full range of dance styles, from contemporary to classical ballet for all ages, led Cheryle to own several dance studios and direct two companies. In 1989, Cheryle became a co-founder of Class Act Dance and Performing Arts Studio. She has directed the Ballet Company for the past 30 years. Cheryle continues to be inspired by her students and would like to thank her family and friends for all their support and hard work.
Rachel Connerton
Ballet + Pointe | Acro + Contemporary |
CAD Kids | Jazz | Paso Robles Dance Collective Director | Choreographer
Rachel Connerton was born and raised in Los Angeles, California where she first began her classical dance training at age nine. She set her focus in ballet during high school and began traveling at the age of 14 to further her training at The School of Ballet Chicago, Pacific Northwest Ballet School, LINES Contemporary Ballet, North Carolina Dance Theatre and Richmond Ballet. Rachel began dancing professionally in 2014 and has worked with the Charlottesville Ballet, The Suzanne Farrell Ballet, RVA Dance Collective, Oakland Ballet, Virginia Repertory Theatre, Stavna Ballet, Collide Dance Theatre, James Sewell Ballet and Pegasus Contemporary ballet with whom she retired with in June of 2024. She has worked with acclaimed choreographers and teachers such as Daniel Duell, Sheila Rozann, Alonzo King, Patricia McBride, Suzanne Farrell, Kim Jones, Graham Lustig, Starr Foster, Colby Damon, Maggie Small, James Sewell, Michelle Thompson, and Thang Dao. Rachel began choreographing in 2011 when she set a contemporary ballet on the trainees and apprentices of the Charlotte Ballet; again in 2013 when she choreographed and staged the production of The Nutcracker on the Degas Dance Studio in Encino, California; and then again in 2017 when she set a neoclassical ballet on the trainees of the Charlottesville Ballet. Most recently Rachel’s choreography was showcased in 2023 on the James Sewell Ballet. Rachel has been teaching for over a decade in California, Virginia, Minnesota and Texas, working with students (ages 3-adult) at more than a dozen dance studios, schools, and academies. Rachel is a proud 2022/2023 National Visiting Fellow of the School of American Ballet at Lincoln Center, and is ecstatic in that she can bring her years of experience and joy to the young dancers of the Central Coast.
Theresa Comstock
Teaching Assistant Director | Ballet Curriculum Director | Choreographer
Theresa Broussard Comstock (B.F.A. Ballet, TCU), a Texas native, began her dance training with RDA company Beaumont Civic Ballet and continued her training at TCU where she graduated Magna Cum Laude with a B.F.A. in Ballet. At TCU, Theresa worked with many renowned artists including the late Fernando Bujones who described Theresa’s dancing as having “remarkable energy and attack” paired with “her radiant personality on stage.” Her performing career has extended throughout the States and Europe with NYC based companies The Von Howard Project and BodyArt and with the Music Theatre of Wichita in West Side Story, Beauty and the Beast, Annie Get Your Gun, Me and My Girl and Joseph and the Amazing… As a dance educator, Theresa has taught and choreographed throughout the country for various schools, studios, universities, and companies. She considers her relationships with her students one of her greatest gifts and treasures the ability to pour the knowledge and beauty of dance into each soul. Theresa is grateful to her husband, Casey, and daughters, Lily Kate and Maddy Beth, for their endless support and love!
Vanessa Orr
Director of CAD Primary Children's Program
Vanessa Orr has dedicated herself to the nurturing development of kids and families through yoga, dance, and mindfulness practices. As a public elementary school teacher for seven years, she has combined her skills and expertise from the classroom with over 500 hours of Kid & Adult Yoga Teacher Training Certifications. Movement has been a part of Vanessa's life from the age of four when she first began her journey as a ballet dancer. She completed her BA at Arizona State University in Elementary Education with a focus on multicultural and multilingual populations with a minor in dance. She continues her love of movement through dance as a hobby and teaching dance to youth in the Paso Robles community. Vanessa's goal is to bring happiness, confidence, mindfulness, and strength to all of her students. Vanessa is a published children’s author. Visit www.VanessaSalasBooks.com to learn more.
Doriana Sanchez
Paso Robles Dance Collective Co Director
Emmy Award nominee Doriana Sanchez is a two-time American Choreography Award-nominated Creative Director and Choreographer. She received a World Choreography Award for Concert Choreography for the Cher D2K Tour. Her love of dance and movement has allowed her to create in all areas of stage and media, and her visual masterpieces have been seen in nearly every large-scale arena in the US and abroad. As a long-time collaborator with legendary icon Cher, Doriana has created, directed, and choreographed the superstar’s extravaganza performances, including the “Dressed To Kill Tour”. Doriana also conceived, directed, and choreographed Cher at the Colosseum during its three-year, 200-plus sold-out performances at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Her show direction and choreography can also be seen in the "Love Hurts, Believe and Living Proof" tour. Doriana was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Choreography for the "Believe Tour’s HBO Special", Cher: Live in Concert - From the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The "Living Proof Tour" was honored with four Emmy Awards including Outstanding Musical Variety Special. Over three million people saw the show during its 325 performances. It ranks as one of the most successful tours for a female artist, grossing over 200 million dollars. Doriana has also acted as a Creative Consultant for "Classic Cher" at the Park Hotel in Las Vegas. Her work can also be seen on Cher’s "Here We Go Again" Tour. For the Tropicana Hotel Las Vegas, she directed and choreographed Imaginarium for European Grand Illusionist David Goldrake. Stage credits include Frankie Valli and the 4 Seasons, at the Lunt – Fontanne Theatre on Broadway, World Premier of Senor Discretion Himself, at Arena Stage for which she received a Helen Hayes Award nomination for Best Choreography, Barry Manilow’s Copacabana, at the Prince of Wales Theatre in London, Olivier Award nominee for Best New Musical, The Night is a Child, at Pasadena Playhouse, and Blade To The Heat at the Mark Taper Forum. Circus Creation and Direction, The Galaxy Stars Circus in China, Circo Fantastico, an all Latin Circus, and Odyssey for Princess Cruises. Most recently she was Associate Director/Choreographer for Cirque Dreams Holidaze with Cirque Du Soleil. Additional directing and choreography credits include Video Games Live at the Hollywood Bowl, Jane’s Addiction’s Jubilee Tour, Perry Farrell’s Porno for Pyros Tour, Peter Gabriel’s Secret World Tour, Dirty Dancing Concert Tour (2 weeks sold-out shows) at Radio City Music Hall, and multiple shows and creations for Holland America Cruise Line. She has worked with musical legends Shakira, Gladys Knight, Natalie Cole, Frankie Valli, The O'JAYS, and David Foster, musical prodigies, Jackie Evancho and Charice, as well as comedy genius Ellen DeGeneres. Doriana received a THEA award for outstanding achievement, for Resorts World’s Crane Dance, in Singapore Harbor, the largest animatronic water and video spectacular in the world, and was Director for Festive Walk’s Lake of Dreams also at Resorts World. Corporate clients include Redken, Target, Toyota, Mattel, Canon, and Crayola. Television credits include - The Grammy Awards, American Music Awards, The Voice, Dancing with the Stars, Divas Live, Euro VMAs, Blockbuster Awards, Be Good Johnny Weir, 16 seasons as Resident Choreographer on Fox’s hit show So You Think You Can Dance, Disney Channel, Macy’s 4th of July Spectacular, The Oprah Winfrey Show, GMA, The Late Show, and Dream School USA for the Sundance Channel. Doriana continues to teach master classes, and lectures and coaches Dance, Movement, and Healing throughout the world, as well as developing new artists. She was honored to receive a Courage Award from UCLA Neurosurgery. Doriana is a proud Ambassador for the Global Dance Initiative and is a Producer for idance4acure, benefiting pediatric cancer and brain tumor research.
Kimberly Eaton
Ballet + Pointe | Dance Conditioning | Costuming
Kimberly fell in love with dance when, as a preschooler, she sat through four acts of Swan Lake. She then announced to her parents that she wanted to be a ballerina. She has been involved in the dance community throughout Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties ever since. As an adult, Kim has performed with the Santa Barbara Ballet Theatre, Valerie Huston Dance Theatre, Allan Hancock College Dance Department, Variable Velocity Performance Group, Gilbert Reed Ballet, and several local studios. She has taught ballet, pointe, and modern dance for decades at Adkins Dance Center, VAFB Youth Center, Allan Hancock Dance Department, and Central Coast School of Dance and is happy to be a new member of the Class Act Dance team. She also designs and makes costumes, dance wear, clothing and accessories. Kim recently moved to Santa Margarita, where she is surrounded by her dogs, cat, tortoises, turtles, fish and several sewing machines!
Nancy Beckett
Adult Jazz | Adult Tap
Nancy began carving up the dance floor at seven years old. Following in the footsteps of her mother Margie, a professional dancer who toured with the USO during WWII, Nancy studied dance at Stephens College under the direction of Harriet Gray, finishing her degree at USIU in San Diego. She and her husband Doug and their two boys Josh and Jake moved up to Paso Robles in 1982, where they followed their passion for winemaking and dancing. Her first teaching position was through the Paso Robles Parks and Recreation in the old Veterans building. In 1991, she became part owner of Class Act Dance but retired as such after a few years. Tap dancing has always been Nancy’s passion, and she plans to continue teaching for many more years. Nancy has been intimately involved in multiple annual productions for Class Act Dance, including the June Recital, performances at the Vine Street Christmas Celebration, a Sip of Paso and much more.
Kailey Ardouin
Instructor Assistant | Choreographer
Kailey began dance at the young age of 3 and since then has always been a part of the Class Act Dance Community. She grew up in Atascadero and is forever grateful she is able to be a part of Class Act for so many years. She has participated in many performances and competitions through the instruction of Cheryle Armstrong and Theresa Comstock. Recently she started choreographing and helping in any way around the studio. She also has decided to continue to dance through the first years of college and share her knowledge with many others around her. She is currently going to Cuesta College and majoring in Culinary Arts with a dream of spreading happiness through pastries.
Myra Bentancourt
Instructor Assistant I Hip Hop
Myra Betancourt is originally from Ventura County but moved to San Luis Obispo where she studies Animal Science at California Polytechnic State University. While pursuing her degree, Myra knew she also wanted to pursue her passion for dance. She grew up performing in the Los Angeles area and started teaching after graduating high school. She is excited to continue sharing her experience and training as she joins Class Act Dance. Myra began dancing recreationally at 2 years old and competitively at 7 years old. She accredits most of her training to Gotta Dance Academy, a highly competitive studio in Simi Valley, CA. She studied various styles such as ballet, hip-hop, jazz, lyrical, and contemporary. She competed as both a soloist and a large group member, going as far as winning national titles in Las Vegas, NV. She also was a part of her high school varsity dance team for 3 years. Once she graduated, Myra continued her training at adult studios such as Millennium Dance Complex, The House Dance Complex, and Motion Grounds. Throughout her time as a performer, she discovered her love for teaching dance and has been able to teach for several studios and organizations. She was offered a student coaching position for her high school’s beginner dance course and had the opportunity to instruct entry-level jazz and hip-hop techniques. She then began teaching at her home studio and was able to work with students in jazz, hip-hop, and technique classes. These students ranged in age from 3 - 14 years old. Additionally, she instructed hip-hop and technique classes at Luv2Dance Studio 1 in Fillmore, CA. She was also offered to host a class for the Moorpark Community College Dance Club and was able to choreograph a piece for their annual showcase. Myra’s goal as a teacher is to instill proper technical training that allows for creative expression, all while promoting kindness in the industry.
Sara Cromwell
Instructor Assistant I CAD Kids Program
Sara began dancing when she was 3 years old at Class Act Dance. A member of both the ballet and the jazz companies, she was in many of their productions. The Nutcracker being one of her favorites. Sara loves working with children and sharing her passion for all styles of dance! Sara believes that if you dance with your heart, your feet will follow!
Alyna Gibson
Communication Coordinator
Alyna is a SLO county local, having grown up along the coast of Morro Bay. She aims to educate herself on anything and everything she can! Having a passion for learning, she studies at Cal Poly in the Liberal Arts College, majoring in Communications with a specialization in politics and civic engagement. Alyna's curiosity drives her to explore new perspectives and deepen her understanding of the world around her. In addition to her academic pursuits, Alyna is committed to fostering community connections and actively participates in local civic initiatives. She is passionate about using her communication skills to advocate for causes that strengthen and uplift her community. When not immersed in her studies or community work, Alyna enjoys coastal hikes, surfing, and participating in debates!
Marikin Ziegler
Studio Relations Coordinator
Marikin, a Santa Cruz native, moved to Paso Robles in 2021. Since then, she has worked as a paraeducator and a classroom teacher for 2 local elementary schools. While she loves to teach, the one thing Marikin knew she was missing in her life was dance! In joining Class Act Dance, she hopes to combine her love of teaching with her love of dance at the studio level. Marikin started dancing at age 3 and martial arts at age 5. She later taught dance and Tae Kwon Do classes for children aged 5-13. She danced competitively through junior high and high school, becoming a founding member of her high school dance team. She later went on to compete and perform for three years with the Aptos High School Dance Team in Aptos, CA, and for Steps Dance Studio (now Pacific Arts Complex in Santa Cruz). She was later a member of her college dance team from 2014 to 2016, while attending the University of California, Davis. Marikin has experience with dance in a variety of styles, including contemporary, jazz, pom, lyrical, ballet and hip-hop. Her background also includes work as a sports medicine intern with UC Davis and a physical therapy aide! Catch Marikin both behind the front desk and in the studio teaching for our CAD Kids program, PRDC members, and even adult classes!
