Chris Collins Dance Studio was a huge part of my childhood. The dance training I got there helped me to gain confidence and friends and also prepared me for dance in college. The teachers and students in dance company became like family to me. My closest friends now are ones who danced with me at CCDS. My mom began taking adult ballet classes there after I graduated and never misses a class. Now that I have a daughter, I am thrilled to have her start her dance journey there. CCDS has been a wonderful dance experience for all three generations in my family.

   

Amanda Desper Martin

Alumni

Everybody comes from somewhere. I often recount my #tapdance story, how I started and with whom. Well, special thanks to Mr. Chris and the Chris Collins Dance Studio for giving me a solid foundation. With a solid foundation nothing is impossible.

   

Andrew Nemr

Artistic Director at CPD PLUS in New York, New York and Co-Founder of Tap Legacy Foundation, Inc.

To have an educator in this day and age that has offered the best of themselves for 40 years is a major accomplishment. In the error of instant gratification and the exploitation of dance having more people like Chris Collins in our industry is imperative to the preservation of professionalism in dance. Chris, you are appreciated and your 40 years of diligence does not go unnoticed. Thank you for your service and dedication to the dancers, students, parents, and your peers. Congratulations on your 40 year anniversary.

   

Anthony LoCascio

Co-Founder at Global Dance Collaborative and Artistic Director at Anthony Lo Cascio's #Taplife Company

I got my start dancing at Chris Collins and was especially inspired by Rochelle Erwin to pursue ballet. I am now a professional modern dancer with Momentum Dance Company in Miami, Florida. I have so many memories of the early days - performing the big military tap production at the Pentagon; Ocean City, MD; being lifted in lyrical by Bruce Stafford; hanging out with dancers all day during extremely long competitions and recitals. Many of these dancers are good friends that I am still in touch with today. Dance is still my first love and career. It is who I am and keeps me sane and young, and the discipline and artistry have helped me succeed in other parts of my life.

   

Barbie Freeman

Soloist at Momentum Dance Company in Coconut Grove, Florida

I spent nearly 15 years at CCDS and it's provided me with some of my greatest childhood memories, lasting friendships, and a good introduction to hard work and dedication.

As a mom now I wish we lived closer to the studio so that my kids could have the same great experience I did.

Growing up dancing at Chris Collins Dance Studio truly shaped the dancer and person I am today. The multitude of class options allowed me to be more versatile and open-minded and the hours I spent there gave me life long friendships. I am extremely grateful for the continuous support from CCDS as I take on the professional realm of dance!

   

Courtney Darlington

Alumni

All those magical summers performing at Tony Grant Stars of Tomorrow on the Steel Pier in Atlantic City, I looked up to you as a mentor and friend. I know everyone else did too. You were like a big brother to everyone on the show. It would never have been the same without you. I'm so happy for the well deserved success of your dance studio and I would like to wish you a very "Happy 40th Anniversary" with many more to come!

   

David Brown

Chris Collins is a great person, and this reflects on his studio, his staff, and his dancers! We always enjoy meeting Chris and his crew at competitions and they are all always so nice, polite, and fun to be around. This is truly a good sign of their leadership!
Rock on CCDS!

   

Grace Myles

Owner at Gracies Guys and Gals Dance Studio

Chris has been a huge influence to the dance scene in the DC metro region. It has been a true honor knowing him and teaching for him in the past. Congratulations on 40 years!

   

Justin Lewis

I was lucky enough to spend 8 years at Chris Collins Dane Studio. The experience I had with them made me into the person I am today, and I couldn't be more thankful. Not only did I gain a studio for life, but I also gained a second family. I will forever cherish the memories I made while I was at the studio, and I encourage any dancer looking for a home to go to CCDS. The teachers at the studio want the absolute best for you, and the determination they have while teaching is incredible. Thank you for everything CCDS!!

   

Kaitlin Chisenhall

CCDS Alum

I started dancing at CCDS when I was 13 years old. I had just moved from across the country (military) and I immediately felt at home at CCDS. It quickly became a second home and everyone felt like family. I knew when I had kids of my own that, if they had interest in dance, they would be at CCDS without a doubt. I couldn't even consider taking my kids to another studio. I will always cherish the memories and relationships that grew from being at CCDS.

   

Kayla Banfield

Alumni

Dancing at Chris Collins was a memorable part of my life. I especially remember the ballet production "Masquerade" and going to dance competitions. I want my kids to experience the same feeling

Chris is bringing out the love of dance in my daughter the same way he did for me over 30 years ago. When I hear Chris encouraging my daughter, calling out "shuffle ball-change", the happy memories flood back to the time when he did the same for me. Chris Collins Dance Studio is a more than a studio, it is a place where happy memories are made and the love of dance is nurtured.

   

Melissa Poretz Riddy

Alumni

My experience at Chris Collins Dance Studio was one that I will cherish for the rest of my life. All the teachers that have crossed my path while attending classes have made lasting impressions.