Rayna Stohl

 Hello dancers and parents! Let me tell you a bit about myself and my background w/CCA and as a began as a gymnast from the ages of 3-7 years old, in Oklahoma.  I was fortunate to become a part of StarDanceSwan, a professional children's dance company,  also in Oklahoma, at the age of 7.  This company was a huge part of my life and influences me to this day in many ways.  I danced with the company for 8 years.  After graduating high school, I  attended SMU in Dallas, TX on a dance scholarship.  I ended up majoring in Psychology, World Religion, and minored in dance. 

     I moved to San Diego in 1998 to pursue my Masters Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy.  I became fully licensed in 2003 and practiced as a therapist for approximately 6 years.  I worked primarily with youth in Teen Recovery Centers as well as in a group home setting.  I am still a licensed therapist.  I keep busy teaching dance, directing a dance company, and performing!

    I discovered CCA back in the beginning...when everyone was still in the trailers and the school was being built.  I was asked to create a piece for L.Y.L.A.S., one of the Dance Conservatory productions.  It was love at first sight, and I let Tracy Yates, the Envision Director, know that I would do anything to be a part of CCA!!  It was a slow progression, but I have been working in the dance department ever since.  I am finally officially credentialed and have taught Health, PE, and Dance at CCA. 

    I am the Artistic Director for Stella Nova Dance Company, a professional dance company for youth.  I have danced with XDrop, Butterworth Dance Company, Jean Isaacs, Brad Lundberg, Peter Kalivas, and Sadie Weinberg.