The Ensemble
The Pre-Professional Performance Company
of California Dance Academy
California Dance Ensemble (CDE) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit youth ballet company dedicated to nurturing serious dance students through performance, professional training, and artistic collaboration. We offer young dancers the opportunity to grow as both technicians and artists while making a meaningful impact in the community through the power of dance.
Mission
Our mission is to promote the positive benefits of dance in the greater Los Angeles area and beyond. Through CDE, students receive pre-professional stage experience, mentorship, and leadership opportunities—equipping them to pursue dance at the college or professional level.
Performance Opportunities
CDE members perform in:
Full-length story ballets and original works
Community events and regional showcases
The Nutcracker in Malibu at Pepperdine’s Smothers Theatre
Regional Dance America Pacific Festival
Dance film and studio video projects
Guest Artists & Mentorship
Our dancers receive:
Master classes from nationally recognized choreographers
Coaching from Artistic Director Jennifer Shahani and award-winning choreographer Robbin Shahani
Workshops in improvisation, audition prep, and career development
Leadership Team
Jennifer Shahani – Artistic Director
Jennifer brings over 30 years of experience in professional ballet, contemporary, and jazz. She danced internationally and has trained dancers now performing with major companies and touring productions. She brings vision, discipline, and deep love for teaching.
Robbin Shahani – Executive Director & Choreographer
Robbin’s choreography spans ballet, modern, and theatrical productions. He’s a two-time Lester Horton Award winner and has choreographed for live performance, television, and film. His creative leadership gives CDE dancers a strong artistic voice.
Regional Dance America
CDE is proud to be the only company from the Los Angeles area accepted into Regional Dance America Pacific. In 2023, our dancers performed in Reno and earned the award for Outstanding Junior Classical Soloist.
RDA membership gives our dancers access to:
Festival performances
National recognition
College recruitment & scholarship opportunities
Intensive masterclasses from elite instructors
Auditions & Company Membership
CDE is open to Intermediate and Advanced dancers at California Dance Academy. Auditions are held annually in August.
Requirements:
Strong ballet and pointe technique
Commitment to weekly rehearsals and company class
Willingness to work in a collaborative environment
Availability for scheduled performances and workshops
💡 Next audition: August 2025 — details coming soon!