Meet the Owner

Cordelia grew up in Glenwood, Iowa and began her studio dance career at Brandee’s Dance Studio in Glenwood when she was in fourth grade. Even though she started later than some she found that dance was where she belonged. By sixth grade she knew she wanted to do more and wanted to start competing but the studio she was at didn’t offer it. This was not a deterrent for her as she figured out how to compete independently and at the age of 12 choreographed two different solos to compete at two different competitions. 

Cordelia would compete independently in one more competition right before high school and before changing studios to Yume Dance studio so she could compete with a competition team. She spent the next four years at Yume competing in solos, a duet, small groups and a large production number. During her nine years of studio dance she studied jazz, tap, lyrical, contemporary, hip-hop, ballet and pointe. After high school Cordelia took advantage of being able to compete one more year independently and choreographed three different solos that she took to four different competitions. 

Cordelia participated on her high school dance team for two of her four years in conjunction with cheerleading. In Cordelia's senior year she choreographed and taught a couple group routines for the dance team. She also choreographed and taught two solos for a couple fellow seniors to compete at the Iowa High School State competition in addition to her own. She participated in cheerleading for three years in high school and for one year at Iowa Western Community College.

Outside of school and studio Cordelia played some supporting roles in two musicals put on by the Mills Masquers Theater. She was in Matilda summer of 2022 and We Will Rock You summer of 2021. These experiences allowed her to use her dance skills in a new and fun way.

Cordelia started teaching at Joy Collective this dance season working with the 3rd-4th graders and Senior classes. She is very excited to be able to stay teaching in Missouri Valley as the owner of the newly named Mana Dance Academy and share that love of dance with the entire dance family.