meet the staff

Gabriella Carter

Founder Director

Dancing since the age of 3 and competing since 5, Gabriella has combined a lifelong love of the art with a talent for teaching to bring the GC Dance Company to San Diego. As a child, Gabriella was accepted to join a travelling dance troupe in which she performed all over the United States and Internationally. Gabriella has several professional musical theater productions such as Annie, Wizard of Oz, 42nd Street and Thoroughly Modern Millie. Gabriella began teaching at the age of 17 and quickly fell in love with it. Gabriella’s award-winning choreography has prepared a number of professional dancer and troupes to perform on cruise ships, at Disneyland, Opening for the Radio City Rockettes, and roles in Broadway musicals. Skilled in all types of dance, Gabriella’s favorite genres are jazz, tap and musical theater. She enjoys teaching all levels of classes and working with children of all skill levels, from those simply seeking a recreational activity to those looking to compete professionally. Gabriella’s philosophy towards teaching is “it’s not about the trophy, but about instilling excellent instruction and a love and respect for dance”. This attitude is remarkably evident when visiting her studio and witnessing the fun and dedication each student has to the art.

Meet The Administrative Staff

Jordan Polarek

Systems & Operations

Lindsay Hole

Marketing

Lindsay's journey in dancing started at the age of three. As she grew up, she continued exploring various styles but she found her passion for jazz after a class with Ms. Gabi. Embracing this newfound love, Lindsay delved into competitive dance at age 9, marking the beginning of a special chapter in her life. GC Dance Company opened its doors and Lindsay was a part of GC’s competition company for three years. Using her skills she learned from dancing at GC, Lindsay joined the Torrey Pines Dance Team leading as the captain for three years. Lindsay considers the studio her second home even to this day. In 2020, she extended her involvement by assisting summer camps and shortly after she started working at the front desk for two years. Currently Lindsay is pursuing her degree at Texas Christian University. While she is away, Lindsay has transitioned into becoming GC’s social media manager where she works remotely from Texas. Despite the physical distance, she remains connected to her dance "home," making regular in-person visits whenever she returns. Lindsay's commitment to her roots is a testament to the special bond she shares with GC, a place that continues to shape her journey as a dancer and individual.

Meet Our Instructors

Victoria Mahdion

Victoria is a national award-winning dancer and choreographer. She has studied more than 30 styles of dance and is a graduate of the University of California, San Diego. With an extensive background in training competitive and pre-professional dancers, she has helped many of her students pursue professional careers in the arts. Victoria was featured as a  judge for multiple seasons of Dance Moms, and tours with the national dance competition Showstopper as a judge and announcer. She is the host of the Vibrant Raw Living podcast and founder of IMC International which provides mental health and personal development products and services to dancers and athletes.

Eden Anderson

Eden Anderson, originally from Tiburon, California, began dancing at 8 with the Boston Ballet in "Alice in Wonderland." She studied ballet and jazz at the Worcester Academy School of Performing Arts in Massachusetts, earning a BA in Dance Therapy and an MS in Physical Education from the University of Maine. During this time, she performed in theater productions, taught at dance schools, and competed in Rhythmic Gymnastics for the University of Maine, landing her a spot on the US Elite Rhythmic Gymnastics team. While pursuing her BA, she served as Dance Club President for three years, choreographing and teaching jazz, contemporary, ballet, and tumbling at Bay State Dance and Gymnastics. She also danced with Danny Sloane Jazz at the Boston School of Contemporary Dance. In graduate school, Eden performed with the Ralph Robinson Ballet Company, choreographed, and showcased her work at major events. Later, she became the owner and instructor at the Eden Anderson School of Dance in Boise, Idaho, choreographing for the Air Force's "Tops in Blue" and various beauty pageants and high school musicals. Recently, she taught creative movement, jazz, and tap at the Cincinnati Children’s Theatre, the oldest in the US, and Adult Jazz Dance and Dancilates at Eastside Wellness Connections in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Freddie Thompson

Freddie started dancing at the young age of 5. His love for dance flourished fast and he soon became a member of the Dance Unlimited competition team when he was 6. Freddie trained in ballet and tap but his love and focus quickly became hip-hop. He continued to dance competitively under the direction of Erin Riley-Carrasco, Eddie Barcello and Cheyenne Kibblewhite for the next twelve years. Freddie won several top honors as a competitive dancer including scholarships to the Pulse convention, Scholarships to dance with Dave Scott and Debbie Allen. He has danced in LA as a guest in Carnival “A Choreographers Showcase alongside some of the biggest names in the industry. Freddie was also a part of the Culture Shock Dance Organization starting in 2005 when he became apart of the very first Mighty Shock San Diego dance troupe then continued on to Future Shock and Culture Shock San Diego. He has also been a part of Culture Shock’s “A Hip Hop Nutcracker” production as a choreographer and dancer, and has choreographed for the award winning troupes such as Mighty and Future Shock San Diego, Torrey Pines High School National Champion Hip Hop Team, as well as many dance studios throughout San Diego County.

Lily Lizalde

Liliana Lizalde began dancing at the age of 4. She trained in several genres of dance, from contemporary to ballroom, and her favorite was always ballet. Despite extensive dance experience, most of her time was spent on rhythmic gymnastics. She was a rhythmic gymnastics national champion, awarded 2-time athlete of the year in Region 1, invited to be on the pre-elite national team, and qualified as a junior national team member. Even though she loved rhythmic gymnastics, Lily decided to follow her heart and focus on ballet. At 13, she moved from San Diego to Arizona to train full-time in the professional program at the Master Ballet Academy, where she has since danced in several performances with the Phoenix Ballet Company. Lily has competed and placed in the top 3 at the Youth America Grand Prix and advanced to the NY City Finals several times as a soloist, pas de Deux, and ensemble dancer. Lily was honored to be chosen to compete in the 2018 USA International Ballet Competition in Jackson, Mississippi, where she made it through the second round. She was also chosen to compete in the 2018 Beijing International Ballet Competition. Lily loves dance and wants to share her love with her students.

Rylie Franklin

Rylie Franklin, a seasoned dancer from San Diego, California, began her dance journey at the age of 3 at Oceanside Dance Academy. Over her 17-year dance career, she trained extensively in various styles, excelling in Modern, Contemporary, and Musical Theater. Rylie's teaching experience includes instructing students of all ages and styles at Diana's Dance Company and as a current instructor at GC Dance Company. Throughout her career, Rylie has competed at the highest levels, taken master classes from renowned choreographers, and choreographed for nonprofit events. Her passion for dance drives her commitment to mentor and guide young dancers, emphasizing unity, teamwork, and personal growth in all aspects of life. She cherishes the opportunity to be a positive influence in her students' dance journeys.

Veronica Hutchison

Veronica has been dancing since the age of 2, and competitively dancing soon after. She was both a studio competitive dancer as well as a high school dance team member, where her team took several national awards including her own solo. She ranked in the Top 10 national solos, representing her school and her state, at Contest of Champions in Florida 2022, placing in the Top 10 Dancer of the Year at WCE Dance 2023, and was ranked in the Top 5 national soloists in California at CADTD State 2023. Veronica began her teaching career where she was able to work with some of the young dancers at her studio. She was able to bring her passion for dance, love, and positivity to all of her students. For the past several years, Veronica has had the privilege to work with different groups that help special needs individuals. She is looking forward to continuing her education so that she can continue working with young kids. She is excited to be working with GC Dance Company this year to bring her love of dance to new students!

Alex Eckert

Alexandra Nicole Eckert's journey from dance to acrobatics and circus is truly awe-inspiring. With certifications in PBT and spotting tumbling by Aerial Achievements, she's a powerhouse of talent and skill. Starting her dance career at a young age, she's danced with the best, including the Moscow Ballet, and discovered her passion for teaching. From San Diego to across the U.S., she's shared her expertise, creating winners in technique, creativity, and choreography. Her students have become college dance stars, professionals, and teachers themselves.

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AFFILIATES & AWARDS

Contact Us

ADDRESS

1217 South San Elijo Road, Suite 201

San Marcos, CA 92078

Mon – Thu : 1:00 pm – 08:00 pm

Friday : 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Saturday : 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sunday : Closed

About

GC Dance Company is a children's dance studio located in San Marcos with an award-winning team dedicated to providing the best dance instruction whilst also empowering tomorrow's leaders.

Opening Hours

Mon – Thu : 1:00 pm – 08:00 pm

Friday : 3:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Saturday : 9:00 am - 2:00 pm

Sunday : Closed

ADDRESS: 1217 South San Elijo Road, Suite 201 San Marcos, CA 92078

Email: admin@gcdancecompany.com

Telephone: 760-539-7053

@ Copyright 2024 - GC Dance Company - All rights reserved