It's important that you know the purpose and heart of our studio. Please take the time to read the following, so that you can make an informed decision on joining our dance arts program.
Chon Reneé Dance Academy (CRDA) is a theatrical dance program based in Vallejo, CA, owned by Chondra Reneé Harris (aka Chon Reneé or Mrs. C). We offer a non-competitive environment, exposure to performing on various platforms, an artistic outlet, a place to find & foster one’s true self, character & confidence building, community involvement, interpersonal opportunities, and a family-like community.
Our mission is to build show-stopping confidence for the dance floor and the real world. Even if a student doesn’t want to become a professional dancer or artist, the benefits of dance stretch far beyond the stage, reaching the classroom or board room- giving them tools to succeed in any area of life. At CRDA, we only use age-appropriate music, material, costumes, and choreography; remaining ethical and tasteful at all times. We focus on well-rounded training in dance techniques, performance skills, acting, and stage presence.
In addition to annual theatrical dance productions (also coined, “Dancicals,” our students have the chance to perform year-round throughout the community of Vallejo. Some of those appearances include Juneteenth Celebration; The Mad Hatter Holiday Parade; 4th of July Parade; Unity Day of Vallejo; Vallejo Together Youth Expo & Parent Summit; Martin Luther King Jr. Parade; Solano County Fair; and various senior living communities.
Artistic Director, Chon Reneé (or Mrs. C, as the kids call her) is a choreographer, professional dancer, and creative producer. She started her dance company while living in Dallas, TX in 2009, and upon moving back to her hometown, Vallejo, she relaunched the company in 2012. She has been deeply involved in performing arts for over 30 years. In addition to teaching theatrical dance classes, she provides dance programming throughout the Vallejo City Unified School District, as well as privately owned schools. In addition, she conducts dance fitness programs at various senior living facilities in the SF Bay Area.
Chon Reneé’s career highlights include having facilitated various workshops and dance trainings around the country; founded a high school dance team; served as captain for Langston University’s Golden Feline Danceline for two consecutive years; performed at “Honda’s Battle of Bands” at the Georgia Superdome two consecutive years; performed at the halftime NBA New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornet’s basketball game; choreographed for an NBA Oklahoma City Thunder basketball game halftime performance; was a cast member of the Cirque Dreams “Splashtastic” cirque-style performance show. Chon has also competed in the International Model & Talent Association, where she won awards in the dance and talent categories.
Among all of her attributes and experiences, Chon Reneé is most proud of her work focusing on developing and training children in dance & performing arts. While owning her own dance studio space, she also used the venue to host events that were geared towards enriching the lives of children and women. She curated the “Girl’s Etiquette Tea,” which was a workshop for young girls that explored different elements from table etiquette to confidence-building. Chon also curated “The Glow Up: Women’s Empowerment Brunch,” specifically for women to gain insight and encouragement from a panel of speakers covering different topics relevant to various walks in life.
Dance theater programs are important because they provide a platform for artists to express themselves through the art of dance and theater. These programs allow for the exploration of movement, storytelling, and the integration of various art forms such as music and visual arts. Through dance theater, performers can convey powerful messages, entertain audiences, and evoke emotions. Additionally, dance theater programs provide opportunities for young artists to hone their craft, develop their skills, and pursue careers in the performing arts. Overall, dance theater programs contribute to the cultural richness of society and help to preserve and advance the art form - something so important starting at a young age.