San Diego Dance Center is more than a studio — it’s a movement.  A new era of dance culture rooted in excellence, community, and purpose. We’re here to create something bigger than any one dancer, and we want you to be a part of it.


Rooted in purpose. Rebuilding the Heart.


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our story begins with a deep love for dance and a mission to create a space where every dancer feels empowered, challenged, and at home.


Built From Experience, Driven by Purpose

San Diego Dance Center was born from a legacy — and rebuilt with purpose. Originally a beloved pillar in the local dance community, the studio shaped generations of dancers through heart, discipline, and joy. Today, we carry that foundation forward into a new era: one rooted in excellence, empowerment, and inclusion.

We are more than just a dance studio. We are a movement.
At San Diego Dance Center, we believe that dance has the power to transform lives. We're here to elevate training standards while cultivating a culture that values people over ego, mentorship over favoritism, and growth over perfection.

Every dancer matters here. Every story counts.

Centering every class, routine, and performance around intentional growth and self-expression.

purpose-driven passion

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Fostering teamwork, support, and genuine connection among dancers and families.

community over competition

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Delivering top-tier training while remaining grounded in humility and honesty.

Excellence with Integrity

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To raise the standard in dance education by providing professional training in a positive, purpose-driven environment that nurtures both the artist and the individual. We prepare dancers not only to succeed on stage, but to lead with confidence in life.

Our Mission

When dancers walk through our doors, they step into a space where they are seen, supported, and challenged to become their best. Whether they dream of dancing professionally, joining a competitive team, or simply building confidence and friendships, our students leave with more than just skills — they leave empowered.

We offer programs for every path: recreational classes, elite competition teams, and our signature Tiny Take Over program for emerging young artists. No matter their starting point, every dancer finds a place to belong, grow, and thrive.


Join us as we create a new standard in dance. One that honors where we’ve been, while boldly leading where we’re going.


A Place For Everyone

This is more than a studio. It’s a revolution in motion.

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Our dance journeys began as a young dancers mentored by those who poured into them— and now, we’re paying it forward. Reopening SDDC is our way of honoring that legacy, while transforming what a dance studio should be.

After years of witnessing the flaws in traditional studio culture — we set out to build something different: a space rooted in heart, intention, and purpose. San Diego Dance Center isn’t just about technique and trophies. It’s about creating a place where dancers are seen and supported to become their best selves. We believe that every dancer deserves to grow in a space that values who they are as much as what they do. This studio is our love letter to the dance community: to the students who dream big, and to the community that raised us. It's built on love, leadership, and the belief that dance can transform lives.

This isn’t just where dancers train—it’s where they belong

San Diego Dance Center is here to lead the next generation of dancers with a new vision, renewed values, and a culture that truly puts dancers first.

Our Instructors

Ashley Valerio is most widely known for being a top 9 girl finalist on Fox’s hit show Sytycd season 5. Since then she has sought after a vast variety of professional work. Ashley credits include tv shows: Glee & Monk, industrial jobs: Intel and Macy's Passport, principle dancer in the production of Aida, MGM Grand as a dancer & an Aerialist performer, National & International commercials, dancer in multiple music videos and a performer for NFL halftime 2x.

Ashley started her own production company 2 years ago called Ash productions and has directed & produced over 8 music Videos for various artists seen on The Voice & American Idol. She has also had the honor of auditioning & picking the Suns dancers for 2 seasons. Ashley is the Founder and artistic director of a bridge program & professional company for dancers called AFFINITY in San Diego California. 

Ashley Valerio

Reilly is a motivated and energetic dance instructor/choreographer determined to promote the importance of tap dance training, elevating the art form within the competition dance circuit. She invests wholeheartedly in her students providing a comprehensive education, incorporating learnings from her mentors Sharon Keller and Michelle Miner. Reilly’s teaching methods consistently produce award-winning dancers and routines while maintaining a positive and encouraging classroom environment. Outside of the studio she continuously shares her love for dance working as a guest choreographer, convention teacher, and national dance competition adjudicator. 

Reilly Archer


Lyndsay May is originally from Michigan, where she trained at Juliana's Academy Dance. She grew up in the convention circuit winning regional/national titles, and was given the opportunity to assist for multiple organizations. Credits include, NYCDA, West Coast Dance Explosion, Shock, Star Systems, 2 Days in OC, Break the Floor, modeled for Tina Caspary’s line Ktrna, LA Dance Magic’s full time assistant, along with a summer of training at Alvin Ailey, and danced in Doug Caldwell’s Company.

Lyndsay moved to LA where she signed with MSA. She has danced for artists such as Beyonce, Nick Cannon, Eminem, Enrique Iglesias, Raven Symoné, and more. She was on tour with Radio Disney, Jordan Knight, and was in Cheer the Broadway musical. Her live television credits include Billboard Music Awards, Pro Bowl, and Super Bowl. She was in The Comebacks, and a reoccurring dancer on ABC’s TV series Mobbed with Nappytabs.

Lyndsay has been a long time judge. She’s worked for In10sity, Countdown, Legacy, Act 1, and Energy NDC.

Currently, travels teaching master classes in Contemporary, Lyrical, and Jazz, placing choreography on studios, high school dance teams, is a faculty member on Energy National Dance Convention teaching Contemporary, and choreographing the National opening number for the past 6 seasons both at the West Coast and Midwest Nationals.


Lyndsay May

Originally from Utah, Derrick began dancing ballroom at the age of 10 and quickly developed a passion that led to training across all major dance styles. Earning a college scholarship for ballroom, he joined a touring company that proudly represented the U.S. on the international stage—bringing home a world title in the formation team medleys category.

Now based in San Diego, Derrick has been teaching professionally for nearly six years, choreographing award-winning routines for both general dance studios and the competitive ballroom scene. With a signature Latin fusion style, he mixes traditional ballroom foundations with inventive musicality and modern influences—bringing a dynamic, expressive quality to both performance and instruction.



Derrick Van

Kelly Conaway is a highly respected acro, stretch, and flexibility coach with over 20 years of professional teaching experience. She has worked with studios nationwide and brings extensive regional and national competition experience as both a coach and choreographer.

Recognized with performance awards for outstanding instruction, Kelly is known for her innovative, progressive approach to acrobatics and spotting techniques—empowering dancers to move with confidence and fearlessness. Her passion for the art of acro, dedication to her students, and commitment to every studio she partners with set her apart in the dance community.

In addition to Ms. Kelly, her work is supported by a highly trained team of instructors who share her standards of excellence and help bring her vision to life. Together, they create a dynamic and professional teaching environment that prioritizes safety, technique, and growth.

Kelly is also the creative force behind several beloved productions, including her annual Tumbling Nutcracker and summer showcases. You’ll find her teaching at popular workshops across the city—or leading one of her signature stretch classes, offered weekly both in person and virtually to students across the country.


Kelly Conoway



With a passion for movement and a gift for inspiring others, Chloe is a dedicated dance instructor known for blending technical precision with expressive artistry. She began her dance training at the age of 3 in Oceanside then continued her dance career at California State University of Long Beach as a dance major and competed with the Long Beach State Dance Team.

Chloe has guided dancers of all ages and skill levels, from first-time beginners to competitive performers. Specializing in jazz, lyrical, contemporary and ballet. Her classes focus on building strong foundations, confidence, and a love for dance. Whether in the studio or on stage, Chloe creates an encouraging environment where students feel empowered to challenge themselves and grow. A lifelong learner and motivator, Chloe is committed to helping every dancer unlock their full potential.

Chloe McClure



Fantasia Bush began her dance journey at the age of 10, training in a wide range of styles including jazz, modern, contemporary, hip hop, lyrical, and drill team/majorette. Her passion and dedication fueled a competitive dance career that extended through her collegiate years, allowing her to refine her craft both on and off the stage.

Driven to turn her love for movement into a career, Fantasia relocated to California to pursue dance professionally. She has since performed with renowned companies such as San Diego Dance Theater and Brickhouse Dance, gaining valuable experience in both concert and commercial dance settings.

Fantasia recently earned her Master’s degree in Dance, a milestone that deepened her commitment to the art form. She now strives to share her knowledge, experience, and passion with the next generation of dancers cultivating not just strong technique, but also artistic integrity and self-expression through dance.

Fantasia Bush



Come experience what sets us apart.

Where Dancers Begin — And Belong


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