Ashley has been part of the ND&MA family for about a year, and she has loved every moment of it! Her favorite dance genres are Ballet and Jazz, and she brings such a positive spirit and joy to the studio each day.

One of Ashley’s favorite memories at ND&MA has been the friendships she’s made along the way, especially those moments when everyone is simply having fun together and enjoying what they love most.

After high school, Ashley plans to attend college and pursue the education and future she dreams of, making the most out of every opportunity ahead. She hopes to major in Interior Design or Business. Her advice for younger dancers is sweet and encouraging: “Always have fun and make the most out of it, but also work hard for what you love doing because nothing is impossible! ”

Dana has been part of the ND&MA family for 9 wonderful years! Her favorite dance genres are Contemporary and Jazz, and throughout her time at the studio she has grown into a thoughtful, hardworking, and expressive dancer.

One of Dana’s favorite memories at ND&MA was getting to perform a group number choreographed by Matt Luck — an experience that left a lasting impact on her dance journey.

After high school, Dana plans to attend California State University, Los Angeles while continuing to pursue dance independently. She will be majoring in English Literature. Her advice for younger dancers is both honest and inspiring: “If there’s anything I’ve learned in all the years of reading and intense dance practice, it’s that there’s no prize to perfection, only an end to pursuit. But what we call ‘talent’ comes from effort, it’s not given. Keep working hard, but don’t forget why you’re working hard.”

Gloria has been part of the ND&MA family for 13 incredible years! Her favorite dance genre is ballet, and one of her favorite memories at ND&MA has been the “LONGGGG rehearsals for CVB with all my best friends.” 

After high school, Gloria plans to attend San Diego State University and major in Art with a focus on single subject teaching. Her advice for younger dancers: “Dance is an activity that enriches your life in so many ways. Don’t let yourself get caught up in a learning barrier because it’ll spoil all the fun! Make friends and have discipline. If dance is something you truly love, it’s the easiest thing to continue doing :)”

Isabella has been part of the ND&MA family for 11 amazing years! A hip hop dancer at heart, she’s brought energy, confidence, and passion to every performance. One of her favorite memories at ND&MA was dancing on the competitive team and having the unforgettable opportunity to perform on Liberty Island in New York City — an experience she’ll carry with her forever.

After high school, Isabella will be attending Fordham University where she plans to major in Neuroscience. Her advice for younger dancers: “Always be confident in yourself, and trust that every challenge is part of your journey towards something greater.”

For 15 incredible years, Jeovanna has been part of the ND&MA family, growing into a beautiful dancer within Chula Vista Ballet. Her favorite dance genre is ballet, and her favorite dance memory beautifully reflects the heart of what dance is all about.

Jeovanna shared that one of her favorite memories was backstage right before this season’s Nutcracker performance. Hearing the party scene music begin while watching the younger dancers — “very poised or crazy, or just purely cute” — made her feel like time folded in on itself. Seeing pieces of her younger self in them brought back memories from the past fifteen years growing up with everyone at CVB. It was one of those rare full-circle moments that reminded her how deeply those experiences and relationships helped shape who she is today.

After high school, Jeovanna plans to attend college and major in Civil Engineering. Her advice for younger dancers is something every dancer should hear: “Be patient with yourself. Growth in dance doesn’t always happen in obvious ways, and there will be times when you feel stuck or behind, but those are often the moments that matter most. Keep showing up, even on the hard days, because that consistency shapes you more than you realize. And don’t forget to really take in the small moments — rehearsals, backstage chaos, and friendships — because those are the parts you’ll carry with you the longest.” And one final piece of wisdom: “Always pack extra bobby pins. You’ll understand why eventually.”

Keira has been part of the ND&MA family for 12 incredible years! Her favorite dance genre is Contemporary, and over the years she has grown into a beautiful dancer, teammate, and role model both on and off the stage.

One of Keira’s favorite memories at ND&MA has been being part of the team and attending competitions and conventions — creating unforgettable experiences, growing as a dancer, and making memories with her teammates along the way.

After high school, Keira will be attending University of California, Davis where she plans to major in Biomedical Engineering. Her advice for younger dancers is such an important reminder: “Be patient with yourself and your progress, and don’t compare yourself to others. Enjoy every moment because it goes by fast!”

Layla has been part of the ND&MA family for 12 incredible years! Her favorite dance genre is ballet, and throughout her journey she has shown grace, dedication, and a deep love for the art of dance.

One of Layla’s favorite memories at ND&MA has been the long Saturday rehearsals with Chula Vista Ballet — the special moments spent working hard, growing as a dancer, and creating lasting memories alongside her ballet family.

After high school, Layla will be attending University of California, San Diego where she plans to study Environmental Studies and Earth Sciences. Her advice for younger dancers is a beautiful reminder of what dance is truly about: “Don’t forget your love and appreciation for dance. Skills and tricks are a part of dancing, but the way you make someone feel is even better.”

Lindy has been part of the ND&MA family for an incredible 15 years! Throughout her journey at the studio, she has grown into a dedicated dancer, supportive teammate, and wonderful role model for younger dancers. 

As a longtime member of the Dance Team, Lindy has shared countless performances, rehearsals, competitions, and memories with her dance family over the years. Her commitment, teamwork, and love for dance have made such a lasting impact on ND&MA. 

After graduation, Lindy plans to attend college and begin an exciting new chapter in her journey. We are so proud of everything she has accomplished and grateful to have watched her grow over these past 15 years. 

Nyah has been part of the ND&MA family for 5 wonderful years! Her favorite dance genres are Hip Hop, Tap, and Contemporary, and throughout her time at the studio she has brought incredible passion, heart, and energy to every class and performance.

One of Nyah’s favorite memories at ND&MA was joining the competition team, where she was able to grow through masterclasses and create unforgettable memories with her dance friends outside of class. Her favorite moment was performing in the hip hop production and hyping each other up from the side of the stage — a reminder that Neisha’s is more than just dance, it’s family.

After high school, Nyah will be attending Kingston University London to major in Dance. Her advice for younger dancers is powerful: “Never lose sight of your why, because that is what will carry you through the hard practices, the setbacks, and the self-doubt. Technique will grow with time, but the passion and purpose that made you start dancing is what will always set you apart, because in the end, life isn’t about how to survive the storm, it’s about learning how to dance in the rain.”

Peyton has been part of the ND&MA family for an incredible 16 years! Her favorite dance genre is Contemporary, and throughout her time at the studio she has grown into a passionate, hardworking, and inspiring dancer. 

One of Peyton’s favorite memories at ND&MA was attending National Dance Honors in 2025 — an unforgettable experience filled with teamwork, growth, and amazing memories with her dance family. 

After high school, Peyton will be attending University of California, Irvine as a double major in Dance and Business. Her advice for younger dancers is powerful and motivating: “Success in dance is 50% training and 50% heart. If you want it, work for it, and you will achieve it!” 

Raegan has been part of the ND&MA family for 11 amazing years! Her favorite style of dance is ballet, and throughout her years at the studio she has shown dedication, grace, and a true love for the art of dance. 

One of Raegan’s favorite memories at ND&MA has been the long Saturday rehearsals for Chula Vista Ballet — the countless hours spent working hard, growing together, and creating unforgettable memories along the way.

After high school, Raegan plans to attend college and major in Kinesiology. Her advice for younger dancers is simple but powerful: “With hard work and perseverance, you can achieve anything.” 

Sibylla has been part of the ND&MA family for 10 incredible years! Her favorite dance genres are Ballet and Musical Theater, and throughout her journey she has brought passion, resilience, and heart to every performance. 

One of Sibylla’s favorite memories at ND&MA was watching Coppélia from behind the scenes and still being able to participate in acting scenes despite her injury. She was able to capture behind-the-scenes moments and share the stage with one of her friends for the last time — and this year, she’ll be sharing the stage again, injury free. 

After high school, Sibylla will be attending University of California, San Diego where she plans to major in Dance and Probability & Statistics. Her advice for younger dancers is thoughtful and powerful:

“Don't dance for anyone but yourself. Don't pursue a dream just because people think you'll be good at it or make it. Your dreams should be based off your values. Your dancing should be fun and expressive for yourself. I know it's hard, but if you are doing something to make other people proud, or to prove other people wrong rather than doing it to see yourself grow and become a better person, you are doing that something for the wrong reasons. Enjoy yourself, dance, and your friends while you have the chance. This doesn't last forever.”