Staff

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

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Abby is a 2023 graduate of David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy and is currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette.

With over 12 years of dance experience, including seven years as a competitive dancer, Abby has trained in a variety of styles including ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and acrobatics. Throughout her dance career, she has been a part of numerous award-winning performances and productions. She is also a Certified Acrobatic Arts Instructor, allowing her to provide students with safe, progressive, and technically sound acro training using an internationally recognized curriculum.

Abby's teaching journey began at the age of 12 as a class assistant, where she discovered her passion for working with young dancers.

She is now entering her fourth season on staff at The Dance Collective, teaching both recreational and competitive dancers of all ages.

As an educator, Abby is passionate about helping every student grow not only as a dancer, but as an individual. She believes in creating a positive, supportive, and encouraging classroom where dancers feel confident to challenge themselves, celebrate their progress, and express their creativity. Her goal is to instill strong technical foundations, confidence, discipline, and a lifelong love for dance in each of her students.

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Laila has been dancing for over 15 years, with 12 of those years spent training as a member of a competitive team. A proud graduate of Southside High School, Laila was a dedicated member of the Southside Sapphires dance team throughout all four years of high school, serving as Captain during both her junior and senior years.

Laila’s passion for dance is matched by her love for working with children. She is committed to inspiring the next generation of dancers and strives to bring her enthusiasm, discipline, and care into every class she teaches.

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Jaydah has been dancing for 6 years, including 2 years as a member of the DCE Competition Team and three years of teacher training. She is a proud graduate of Acadiana Renaissance Charter Academy, where she was a dedicated member of the ARCA Elite Dance Team throughout all 4 years of high school and proudly served as Team Captain for all four years.

Dance has played a significant role in shaping Jaydah into the person she is today, teaching her leadership, dedication, discipline, and confidence. Her experiences as both a captain and teacher-in-training have inspired her passion for mentoring young dancers. As an instructor, she is committed to helping her students grow not only in their dance technique, but also in their self-confidence, character, and love for the art of dance. She strives to create a positive, encouraging environment where every dancer feels supported, challenged, and empowered to reach their full potential.

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Berkley Vincent has been dancing for over 17 years and continues to pursue her passion for dance through performance, teaching, and leadership. She trained at Artistry in Motion Performing Arts Center in North Richland Hills, Texas, where she competed extensively, taught classes, and was honored with the prestigious Kelly Whitted Scholarship during her senior year. She also served as a Senior Lieutenant on her high school dance team, developing the leadership skills that continue to define her career today.

Currently, Berkley is a fourth-year member and third-year captain of the Ragin’ Jazz Dance Team at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. 

Berkley's experience includes training in a wide range of styles—including ballet, jazz, tap, hip-hop, contemporary, and ballroom. She has experience choreographing engaging routines, leading technique and performance classes, and creating a positive learning environment that encourages both personal growth and teamwork. As a staff member with the Universal Dance Association, she extends her impact nationwide by teaching dancers across the country and supporting dance programs at camps and events.

Driven by a genuine love for performance and mentorship, Berkley is dedicated to helping dancers reach their full potential. Through her enthusiasm, professionalism, and commitment to excellence, she continues to make a lasting impact on the next generation of performers.

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