Male Dancer Scolarship Program
Nurturing Growth: The Essential Role of Wellness Support for Young Male Dancers
As young male dancers reach their peak stages of growth, proper wellness support becomes paramount to ensure their safety and longevity in dance. During this critical time, focusing on injury prevention and clean classical technique through tailored training is essential. By integrating wellness practices, we help dancers develop strength, flexibility, mental health, and resilience, allowing them to navigate the physical demands of dance more effectively.
Taking the time to refine classical posture and technique is key. Slowing down and paying attention to male specified foundational principles ensure that young dancers are well-prepared as they advance in their training. This mindful approach not only minimizes injury risk but also leads to stronger performance outcomes, better setting them up for success as they continue their artistic journeys.
At Degage Classical Conservatory, we are committed to creating individualized pathways for each dancer, guiding them toward their next exciting chapter. We understand the importance of making connections within the ballet community, where male support and mentorship is abundant. The male dancer community is particularly special, offering a network of encouragement and opportunities that fosters the next generation of dance.
This is why we at Degage Classical Conservatory have invested in the Male Dancer Scholarship program. By investing in wellness support and strong foundation, we empower young male dancers to thrive, ensuring they reach their full potential both on stage and in their personal lives. Fostering growth inside and out for the young men of tomorrow.
DCC dancer: Charley Toscano
Angel Shine Scholar
Wonder Youth Recipient
Petite Oasis Award Winner
Faculty
Our Director and Founder
A retired artist, seasoned ballet instructor, coach, and fellow "ballet mom" herself, gathers over two decades of experience nurturing young dancers. Cody’s passion for the art form is evident in her dedicated pursuit of professional artistic excellence.
Cody's ballet journey started with her apprenticeship at the School of San Jose Cleveland Ballet under the tutelage of Dennis Nahat and Roni Mahler. Her dedication to the art form as a young artist provided her experiences and training in classical techniques of French and Vagonava methodologies, Character, Modern, Pas de Deux and Flamenco.
After graduating from the San Jose Cleveland Ballet, Cody embarked on a professional dance career, performing with renowned companies San Jose Cleveland Ballet, Ballet San Jose, California Ballet Company, City Ballet SD, San Jose Youth Ballet, Peninsula Ballet Theater, Oakland Ballet, Artifact Dance Project and even independently on projects affiliated with Lines Ballet PD and Dawson Dance. This versatility allowed Cody to excel in both classical and contemporary genres.
Cody's passion for sharing her knowledge and nurturing young talent led her to transition from artist to instructor. She has served as a ballet coach for various institutions, instilling in her students a deep understanding of clean, internationally supported ballet technique and preparing each student as a “whole dancer” to be ready for a career in the industry. She has also been a sought-after choreographer, creating prize-winning works for organizations and competitions across the western United States.
Cody has coached countless students for prestigious competitions like YAGP, California Dance Classics, ADC/IBC, and is a prize-winning instructor through the Young Arts Program. She has helped students secure scholarships and acceptances to prestigious national and international ballet schools. Her students have been placed for both summer and year-round in coveted programs at institutions like The Rock School for Dance Education, San Francisco Ballet School, School of American Ballet, Hamburg Ballet, Zurich Dance Academy, European School of Ballet, Princess Grace Academy, The Royal Ballet School, and The John Cranko School and Paris Opera Ballet School.
Cody's dedication to her students goes beyond technique. She emphasizes that each student will discover and embody their "whole dancer" by learning to live with the foundational priorities that are required to thrive in the professional ballet world.
Today, Cody continues to provide expertise as a director, principal teacher, and mentor.
With her family by her side, Cody remains committed to her passion for ballet, eager to guide the next generation of dancers.
Wellness Coordinator & Classical Instructor Jaclyn Sartore
Jaclyn Sartore is a dedicated dance educator whose passion lies in nurturing the next generation of dancers through both artistic excellence and holistic well-being. She began her training as a pre-professional ballet dancer under the mentorship of Kirt and Linda Hathaway, later pursuing a professional career in Chicago, Illinois. While performing was a meaningful part of her journey, Jaclyn discovered her true calling in education—driven by a desire to instill healthier, more sustainable practices that support dancers physically, mentally, and emotionally.
In 2015, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Texas A&M University, with minors in Psychology and Sport Management. Her academic background laid the groundwork for a teaching philosophy rooted in whole-person development. She went on to complete a 200-hour Yoga Certification in 2016, and later achieved Comprehensive Pilates Instructor Certification through extensive training—further equipping her to guide dancers in mindful movement and injury prevention.
For the past eight years, Jaclyn has been a core member of the Joffrey Ballet School Texas Trainee Program, serving as Ballet Faculty, Choreographer, and Health & Wellness Coordinator. In these roles, she has mentored aspiring professionals, blending rigorous classical training with education on mental and physical resilience. In addition, she works as a Pilates Instructor at McKinney Movement Center, where she trains elite-level dancers from across the North Texas region. Her work in both settings has solidified her reputation as a sought-after instructor who empowers young artists to move with intention, care for their bodies, and reach their fullest potential—on stage and beyond.
Teaching Philosophy – Jaclyn Sartore
As a dance educator, my mission is to guide dancers in developing not only their technical abilities but also a deep understanding of their bodies, minds, and artistic voices. My teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that sustainable dance training must be holistic—nurturing physical health, mental well-being, and personal growth in equal measure.
With a foundation in classical ballet and an academic background in Dance Science, Psychology, and Sport Management, I approach teaching through both an artistic and scientific lens. I believe that informed dancers are empowered dancers. By integrating principles from Pilates, yoga, and wellness education into my classes, I strive to create a learning environment where dancers can explore movement with intention, reduce injury risk, and build long-term physical resilience.
I aim to cultivate a space where discipline and curiosity coexist—where dancers are encouraged to ask questions, listen to their bodies, and take ownership of their learning. My goal is not only to shape strong technicians, but to mentor self-aware, mindful artists who understand that their value extends far beyond the studio or stage.
In every teaching environment, whether in the dance studio or the wellness space, my commitment remains the same: to educate, inspire, and support the next generation of artists in becoming their most capable and confident selves, both as movers and as individuals. I strive to meet each dancer where they are, providing the tools, knowledge, and encouragement they need to grow with intention, resilience, and self-awareness.
Jaclyn Sartore
Programs
Programs
Professional Division: This is our most in-depth program for students and families with a professional focus.
- 5 mornings a week of training. 25-30 hrs a week commitment.
- 2 Wellness Classes & 2 Pilates Reformer Privates.
- Monthly Wellness Seminars. Involving professionals dealing in nutrition, mental health, anatomy, and Ballet History
- 2 monthly visits from our PT specialist
- Discounted rates for Medical massage
- Inclusive variation coaching, audition preparation, with supportive, regular parent meetings.
- Seasonal exam/demonstrations.
- Outside collaborations for production experience with local youth companies.
- Seasonal Contemporary Rep.
Pre-Professional Division: This program is designed for dedicated students who are nearly ready for full-time training or who may have external academic commitments and are "in transition" towards our full-time program. The two professional divisions collaborate in certain instances to create a smoother transition into the final phase of training.
- 3 Mornings a week of technical training. 15+ hrs a week commitment.
- 1 Wellness Class & 1 Pilates Reformer Class
- Discounted rates for Medical Massage.
- 1 Monthly visit from our PT
- Monthly Wellness Seminars. Involving professionals dealing in nutrition, mental health, anatomy, and Ballet History
- Inclusive variation coaching on the three days of attendance for students in transition stages, audition preparation, and parent meetings. Due to the fewer days attended, private lessons may be encouraged if the student needs further assistance as they approach competition.
- Seasonal demonstration and parent observation.
- Outside collaborations for production experience with local youth companies.
- Seasonal Contemporary Rep
Supplemental Classical Wellness Program: This is our newest program and will revolutionize your dancer's trajectory. We aim to provide consistent support for the season to dancers who are looking for classical technique and wellness aid.
Students in this program are able to attend their host studio and train in all genres while gaining classical support with no label attached. We truly believe that in order to truly help a student, a consistent commitment will be needed to help each child's growth.
- 2 days of technique class 4 hrs a week commitment.
- 1 Wellness Class
- Discounted rates on Pilates Reformer classes.
- Complete freedom and ownership of other facets of training. We just require a 2 morning a week commitment and approval from home studio.
Our " Wellness Team"
Holly Neiman is affiliate with Andrews Sports and Orthopedic
Nadine Creel Owner and founder GotKnots Medical Massage Clinic
Nadine Creel Owner and founder GotKnots Medical Massage Clinic
Holly Nieman
MS, LAT, ATC, EMT, CES
Dance Sports Medicine Coordinator
Children’s Health Andrews Institute
O: 469-303-2508
C: 972-768-9564
7211 Preston Road | Mailstop Suite 1200 | Plano, TX 75024
Nadine Creel Owner and founder GotKnots Medical Massage Clinic
Nadine Creel Owner and founder GotKnots Medical Massage Clinic
Nadine Creel Owner and founder GotKnots Medical Massage Clinic
At GotKnots, a strong mission to provide compassionate, medically centered massage therapy for both pediatric and adult patients, focusing on pain relief, wellness maintenance, and mental health support. We are dedicated to enhancing the overall well-being of the client through personalized care, combining therapeutic touch with a deep u
At GotKnots, a strong mission to provide compassionate, medically centered massage therapy for both pediatric and adult patients, focusing on pain relief, wellness maintenance, and mental health support. We are dedicated to enhancing the overall well-being of the client through personalized care, combining therapeutic touch with a deep understanding of each individual's needs to foster long-term health and healing.
Sophia Muntyan Founder of Ballet Hotline
Nadine Creel Owner and founder GotKnots Medical Massage Clinic
Sophia Muntyan Founder of Ballet Hotline
Ballet Hotline serves as a supportive platform for dancers to delve into their mental and emotional landscapes:
* Encouraging the understanding that self-worth is not tied to achievement.
* Assisting in managing casting, corrections, and external comparisons with out falling into negativity.
* Fostering emotional resilience alongside phys
Ballet Hotline serves as a supportive platform for dancers to delve into their mental and emotional landscapes:
* Encouraging the understanding that self-worth is not tied to achievement.
* Assisting in managing casting, corrections, and external comparisons with out falling into negativity.
* Fostering emotional resilience alongside physical skill development.
Sophia has had the privilege of working with dancers of all ages-from young children to seasoned professionals-within studio settings, community mental health programs, and on stage. Ballet Hotline's mission is to connect the mind with physical movement, enabling dancers to express themselves authentically without compromising their sense of self.
Announcement
Registration for our Supplemental Technique and Wellness Program is Open! Learn how to lock in the season's inaugural tuition!