Staff
Bri Sanford
Owner | Director | Choreographer | Instructor
Performance is in my DNA. With classically trained instructors at the helm, you'll have the opportunity to learn all styles of dance (ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, social dance, contemporary, ballroom etc.) in your dance classes . The Dance Collective dance studio is all about the performing arts, quality instruction, and personalized dance lessons for your needs. We even offer competitive pre-professional classes for the dancer who wants even more.
Lauren Thevenote
Instructor | Choreographer | Assistant
I focus mostly on the importance of creativity, self-expression, and teamwork. I encourage TDC dancers to focus on their individual strengths while also working collaboratively with each other to create something beautiful. I want TDC dancers reach their full potential and find joy in the art of dance.
Abby Matranga
Instructor | Choreographer | Assistant
I am passionate about imparting my dance expertise and enthusiasm to my students, enabling them to become proficient in all dance styles. In addition to teaching technical skills, I foster an environment where students can express themselves through performance while feeling secure, confident, and comfortable.
Bri Sanford
OWNER | INSTRUCTOR | DIRECTOR
Bri is a native of Lafayette, Louisiana. She began her movement training 30 years ago. She is trained in ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, modern, contemporary, gymnastics, acrobatics, and ballroom (smooth and rhythm) dance. She is a 2007 graduate of Lafayette High School.
During her high school years she was a member 2 nationally ranked dance teams, including Teurlings Catholic for 2 years and Lafayette High for 2 years. She has been awarded many scholarships from LA Dance Magic, Jump, and Odyssey dance companies, including LA Dance Magic State Magic Performer, LA Dance Magic National Magic Performer Finalist, a full year scholarship to LA Dance Magic Competitions/Conventions, and a two-week scholarship at the performing arts studio in Los Angeles, CA.
She was a member of the Universal Dance Association’s staff from 2007-2009. Bri continued her dance training and graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in spring of 2011 with a degree in Theatre & Dance. During her time at MTSU, she was member of the MT Lightning Dance Team, crowned Miss Middle Tennessee Blue Raider, a Miss Tennessee Contestant, a member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority, a member of Core Project Chicago Dance Company, and a member of the MTSU Dance Theatre Company.
Her enrollment in the MTSU Dance Company gave her many opportunities such as performing an original Alwin Nikolais work "Pond" during the Sharing the Legacy celebration in New York City.
During the 2010-2011 school year she traveled with the MTSU Dance Theatre Company to Chicago to perform in Bonesbare 4 with Core Project Chicago, and also to New York to participate in the centennial celebration of Alwin Nikolais. As a member of Core Project Chicago Bri danced in Chicago, IL for Bonesbare 4 (Fall 2010), and danced in Boulder, CO for the annual Fringe Festival (Summer 2010).
Bri was also a part of the professional staff at National Dance Clubs teaching ballroom dance in genres such as waltz, tango, foxtrot, swing (push pull, east coast, west coast), bolero, rumba, samba, salsa, mambo, cha cha, merengue, and viennese waltz. Upon returning home to Lafayette, Bri continued to teach dance and became the dance team coach at Southside High School
As head coach, in just five years Bri has built her city’s newest high school, Southside, into a top ten nationally ranked team. Her work has won numerous awards for studios and dance teams. She’s sought after and best described as a trendsetter because of her innovative and edgy choreography. For Bri, choreography is more than just winning, it’s about the experience that when done well and skilled, transforms the team and the audience lucky enough to share in the moment.
Last but certainly not least Bri is managed by Bre Choreography, based out of Las Vegas.
After realizing that she wanted to own her own studio and create a space for the dancers of Acadiana, Bri opened The Dance Collective. It is her hope to be able to not just teach dance steps.
"I want to provide a space that allows young dancers to be able to learn about the challenges and the beauty of life. With dance they will learn how to work for something they believe in, how to express themselves in a healthy way, and how to be a part of something bigger, a team...a family." -Bri
LAUREN THEVENOTE
INSTRUCTOR | CHOREOGRAPHER
Lauren, a Lafayette native, has been dancing for 15 years with training in ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, and contemporary styles. During her time at South Side High School, Lauren was a member of the Southside High School Sapphires dance team for three years and served as co-captain during her senior year. Her leadership led the team to UDA Nationals finals for the first time since the formation of the team, where they placed 6th in the nation in the Hip Hop division and 13th in the Game Day division.
After graduating in 2022, Lauren decided to pursue her passion for teaching by enrolling at LSUE with a major in Secondary Education and a concentration in Biology. Her ultimate goal is to become a high school Biology teacher, not only to impact her students academically but also to positively influence the lives of aspiring dancers. Lauren has always wanted to teach dance because she understands the profound effects a great instructor can have on a dancer's life and how the studio can become a second family.
We are excited to see all that Lauren will accomplish in the future, both academically and as a future dance instructor!
ABBY MATRANGA
INSTRUCTOR | CHOREOGRAPHER
Abby Matranga is a 2023 graduating senior from David Thibodaux Stem Magnet Academy. She is passionate about dance and has been dancing for 12 years, with the last 4 years being at Scott Academy of Dance. Abby has been dancing competitively for the past 7 years and has gained extensive experience in various styles such as tap, ballet, jazz, hip hop, and acrobatics.
Abby started assisting classes when she was just 12 years old, and has continued to do so over the past 5 years.
She loves sharing her knowledge and passion for dance with others, helping all of her students become well-versed in every style. Aside from teaching the technical aspects of dance, Abby also emphasizes the importance of expressing oneself through performance and creating a safe, comfortable environment.
Abby’s dedication to dance has led her to pursue a degree in Early Childhood Education at ULL in the fall. Her ultimate goal is to continue educating and inspiring students through dance while fostering their love for the art form.
We are thrilled to have Abby as part of our team and look forward to seeing the positive impact she will make in our dance community