Chris Collins Dance Studio - People Are Talking About CCDS

Virginia Governor Timothy M. Kaine	"The commitment the Studio has shown in providing positive and nurturing surroundings has contributed to its great accomplishments and its steady expansion. The Studio's philosophy, 'measuring success in smiles' is a proven winner as demonstrated by the thousands of Virginians who have made the Studio a success."
US Senator John Warner	"Your dance studio not only provides an invaluable service to the Alexandria community by teaching the arts, but also serves to enrich the lives of students by enhancing their athletic abilities, building friendships, and teaching discipline. I applaud your commitment to sharing your talents with the community, and building up an Alexandria institution that is revered by so many."
Former US Senator George Allen	"Your dance studio has lived up to its motto, 'Building Confidence and Making Memories.' You recognize the importance of teaching the art of dance in a professional environment while also ensuring that the experience is an enjoyable one. You are an inspiring teacher, and I commend your innovative and enthusiastic leadership."
Jillian Swantner	"When I think back on the 14 years I spent dancing at CCDS there are too many memories to list. My best memories are from the competitions and shows I went to with the Performing Troupe. My first show was at the Old Post Office Pavilion....My most significant memories are from the 6 years I assisted Chris on Saturdays. I learned so much from him about much more than just dance. After spending countless hours at the studio over the years I can’t imagine what my life would have been like without CCDS."
Dana Mote Horton	"Chris was my favorite teacher - he was so full of energy and encouraged us to all do our best." "I knew in high school after student teaching with Chris that I wanted to teach. I am very fortunate that I now teach dance in a High School in Florida."
Lori Rinehart	"Where do I start? There are so many great memories! Jennifer Meyer’s Circle of Life, the tap trio Chris taught to me with Tiffany Talley & Megan Bell, gymnastic classes with Mrs. Lloyd,the competitions, the old Tackett’s Mill studio and the infamous gold sequin biketards for jazz.
Camille Shand	"My 5 Guys named Moe - I Love those Girls!! - FIDELA - the best nickname ever; the silver sequin tap shoes; the princess dance that I forced myself into by adding another princess; the summer trips - watch out for the tram car please!!" Dance increased my confidence and I made some of the greatest friends, all while enjoying myself.
Andrew Nemr	"With a strong foundation nothing is impossible. Thanks, Chris, for being an integral part of my foundation. I am now teaching at Broadway Dance Center and have formed my own professional tap company - "Cat’s Paying Dues."
Stephanie Mairena	"My experience at Chris Collins Dance Studio was one that I will cherish for the rest of my life. All the teachers that have crossed my path while attending classes have made lasting impressions. "
Cathy Mingee	"Memories - FIDELA! - All the workshops and trips we took like Dance Caravan, Orlando, NYC. A favorite picture is from when I was really young and Chris had a mustache...you know the one. After spending 14 years at the studio it’s hard to come up with just a few memories.
Melissa Skinner	"Teaching my own Poms class; all the great tap routines with Chris; our New York National Competition with Swing Kids. I owe much credit to Chris’s "healthy competition" mission as the roots I gained at the studio pay off each day."
Leslie Collins Nunn	"I remember always asking my dad to play the "Annie" music in class during tumbling time when I was little. I loved student teaching with my dad on Saturdays and seeing my grandparents in the office. Dance has always been a love of mine and has played a big part in my life. It is still my favorite weekly activity."
Courtney Redmond	"The shows we did around the community - The Moose Lodge, Old Post Office Pavilion, Springfield Mall, and our trips to New York. Having the opportunity to student teach and teach two award-winning routines of my own. The confidence I gained from dance comes out every day at work."
Carolyn Seckinger Fink	"I fondly remember Lynne Bauer, Ginger Lynn, my first solo with Chris and my senior year routine with former students of the year dancing with Chris. Chris was probably the most influential person in my dance career. He is the one who took notice and developed my talent. Those were truly some of the happiest times of my life."
Leah Johnson	"Great memories of special routines like Chattanooga Choo Choo, 5 Guys Named Moe, No Limit, Broadways’ Best Tap Production. The Accent on Youth competitions at the old theater in Hagerstown, MD. Dance allowed me to make friends, socialize, and share my passion through the best years of my life so far."
Amanda Desper	"I especially loved helping Chris with his classes on Saturdays. Some of my favorite routines were "Steam Heat" with Ms. Briana, "Chicago" with Ms. Tiffany, and my duo with Stella. Dance has impacted my life in ways that I cannot list. It taught me confidence, poise, dedication and responsibility. The studio provided me with some of the best friends I would ever ask for as well as the support of all the teachers and other parents - like a big extended family. The studio was a huge part of my life for many years."
Megan Hiett White	"I’d have to say my favorite memory was when our performing troupe tap class did a tap dance in zoot suits complete with fedoras. It was the most fun I ever had dancing. The routine "Swing Kids" was amazing. Dance gave me great confidence. It helped me to meet new people and be comfortable in a new environment. Performing allowed me to be an integral part of a team - all wonderful life lessons! I am now a captain in the Air Force. I have flown many missions in and out of Iraq and Afghanistan."
Marcie Slaymaker Voight	"My favorite memories were recitals and competitions. I loved our trips to Ocean City, MD. I still remember all of us recording "Girls Just Want To Have Fun" for Chris on the boardwalk. Dance and especially the instructors impacted my life by challenging me to excel always. Thank you to Chris, Rochelle & Ginger."
Tiffany Talley Hopper	"My favorite teachers were Chris & Ms. Jennifer ( and no I did not say that because they are relatives!) My memorable routines are "Gypsy," "That’s Dancing" and my favorite ever "When Velma Takes the Stand." Dance completely changed my life! I have found the best job working at a fabulous studio. When I first stepped in to the Lake Ridge studio I had no idea it would become my entire future."
Stacey Garrett	"I remember my final senior solo. Right before I went on stage I started crying and I was huddled in a little group of friends with Ms. Jennifer. Dance started as another hobby. I did not realize until college how much dance had become a part of my life. It was at Chris Collins Studio that the seeds of my passion were planted. I used to dread the few moments before performance, but now I have come to really enjoy it."
Leanne Melka Tacktill	"I especially remember Miss Amanda; my favorite routine was the solo "All That Jazz’" that Chris taught me. I also loved student teaching. Dancing definitely gave me confidence in myself in all aspects of life an also helped me learn to work with and rely on other people."
Rebecca Lloyd	"My favorite routine was Ms. Tiffany’s "Play That Funky Music." Her routines were fun and creative and allowed us to be creative and really let go. I especially loved competing that routine. Some of my favorite costumes were the ones my mom designed and hand made for my solos. Dance and a smile have provided me with the confidence and skills I use today."
Linda Fairall	"Not a day goes by that I don’t miss some aspect of the dance studio - the friends, the teachers and the excitement and fulfillment that comes from performing. I always will remember getting our new costumes on parents day, Ms. Amanda, who said I had a "movie star" name, and Bill Collins always fitting me for new dance shoes."
Jennifer Moore	"My special memories include the clever games Ms. Tiffany did in musical theater and the fun times rooming with Ms. Jennifer on trips. I have received many dance awards and was a featured on stage dancer at the Pro Bowl. I credit my skills to the wonderful foundation from my nine years at Chris Collins Dance Studio and the awesome teachers."
Pamela Johnson	"I have great memories of my dance years at Chris Collins Studio in the 80's. I currently work at Kennedy Krieger Children’s Hospital in Baltimore. I encourage my niece, Brandi Moore to be a better dancer and continue to support her and come to her recitals."
Sabrina Crane	"My favorite routine was definitely "Sarajevo" Dance was how I identified myself. It also helped me cope with stress. I willingly sacrificed friends, and normal kid activities to dance and don’t regret a second of it."
Natalie Lewis	"I loved being a part of the old "Hollywood style" production numbers like "That’s Dancing." I also loved gymnastics with Mrs. Lloyd and all the competitions. I am in graduate school at the Manhattan School of Music. Dance is still my favorite form of exercise, and I love going to the ballet and Broadway shows. It has rounded out my appreciation for all the arts."
Christy Genova	"Well I loved "Choo Choo Ch’Boogie" taught by Chris Collins because it was different and I loved the props. My senior solo, "Here I Go Again" taught by Ms. Jennifer was amazing. She was skeptical about the music but she choreographed a wonderful dance to it! I definitely attribute dance classes to my discipline. Not having a "backstage mother" I was able to learn to do my own hair and makeup very quickly at a young age. I met a lot of great people and was taught by fantastic teachers. That ten years of dance will be the best I remember for a long time."
Kelly Jamieson	"I always enjoyed dancing at the Moose Lodge or the Hermitage. It made me so happy to look out in the audience and see people other than family and friends enjoying the show. It means a lot to give back to the community and I’m grateful I could experience that at a young age. Dance has been a continuous passion started by Chris Collins and greatly influenced by my grandmother. I have gone on to win over $7,000 in scholarship money which helped pay part of my college tuition. I am currently a member of the college dance team at Virginia Tech. The biggest impact of dance was not the trophies but the friendships and lessons I learned along the way."
Maureen Jamieson	"My favorite memory from Chris Collins Dance Studio was becoming the 1999 Student of the year. I will never forget my first tap solo where it took me six weeks to master the hard task of 8 flaps in a circle! I also remember a competition when my music cut off. The one thing Chris had always taught me was to keep on dancing and that is exactly what I did. It turned out to be one of my best performances ever. I truly love teaching the art that I studied for so many years. My choreography has won numerous national awards. The biggest moment in my life was being asked to be a master instructor for DTI dance Conventions this past December where I taught to over 300 students."
Kimlin Tran Gonzalez	"Dancing at Chris Collins was a memorable part of my life. I especially remember the ballet production "Masquerade" and going to dance competitions. I want my kids to experience the same feeling, so I have my 5 year old daughter, Sheila, dancing at the studio."
Katie Henderson	"I could not even pinpoint a favorite memory from the studio - there are too many. What I do remember is a loving place where I was surrounded by a second family who would take care of me no matter what. The studio gave me the training I need to be successful in my field. It has also given my confidence and grace. I made some of my best friends at the studio and am grateful to Chris Collins studio for the opportunity."
Keysha Miller	"I had fun doing Hawaiian and Tahitian with Miss Lisa. I also enjoyed ballet with Miss Rochelle. Chris was the best tap teacher I ever had! Dancing there started my dreams of working with children as I do today."
Courtney Parker	"Dance taught me discipline and that if you work hard at something and have a passion for it, you will succeed. I have made life-long friends through dance and my years at Chris Collins Dance Studio were some of the best of my life. I have great memories not only of dance but of the fun things like our trip to Wildwood and (walking on the boardwalk with Miss Tiffany at 1 AM in our Pj’s) , everything about musical theater class; Circle of Life with Miss Jennifer and never being able to do the backward roll. Finally learning wings from Chris after months of trying."
Barbie Freeman	"I got my start dancing at Chris Collins and was especially inspired by Rochelle Erwin to pursue ballet. I am now a professional modern dancer with Momentum Dance Company in Miami, Florida. I have so many memories of the early days - performing the big military tap production at the Pentagon; Ocean City, MD; being lifted in lyrical by Bruce Stafford; hanging out with dancers all day during extremely long competitions and recitals. Many of these dancers are good friends that I am still in touch with today. Dance is still my first love and career. It is who I am and keeps me sane and young, and the discipline and artistry have helped me succeed in other parts of my life."
Jenny Moss	"My most memorable routine was "From a Distance" with the sign language. My favorite teachers were Chris (of course) and Miss JoAnne. I had a great time doing "Swing Kids" in New York City at a national competition and made so many great friends through the years. Dance helped to shape my sense of discipline and commitment. I am now a senior meeting and event manager."
Amy Schaub	"Wish I could be there to share this recital! Congratulations! I really enjoyed the years in adult tap and teaching the beginner ballet, jazz, and pom classes. I miss it very much."
Karin Yoder Price	"I was a student for many years and was in the performing troupe - first as one of the original "Sweethearts" and later as one of the Juniors. I have so many memories and I can’t believe how many names I recognize on your website! I now have a three year old daughter and a three month old son."
Mary Seegar	"I am so glad to have danced at Chris Collins Studio and I am glad I found your website. It is amazing to see how your studio has grown since I was there in the late 70's and early 80's."
Stephen Lloyd	"My favorite routine was "Army, Navy, & Marines" that I did with Chris Talley and Randy Meyer. I am now a student at Virginia Military Institute."
Mandy Biles	"Congrats on number 30!! I am currently an attorney. I am engaged and living very close to your original studio. My sister Melissa and I look forward to attending your recital."
Trina Campbell	"I have great memories from the dance studio. I am now an event, promotions and sponsorship manager and still take classes in NYC. I have also been an assistant helping the Rockettes teach intensive classes at Radio City Music Hall."
Sally Coombs Marsi	"Congratulations Chris on 30 years of tapping those toes!! What an incredible accomplishment!"
Amy Varner Smith	"Congratulations on your 30th Showtime! I am now working as a microbiologist (actually I am on maternity leave.) I definitely miss dancing and look forward to seeing you at the recital."
Jen Draggoo	"I have great memories of dance and great friends. I am currently attending GMU’s Graduate School of Education to get my teaching license in Elementary Education."