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.
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
Jordan Polarek, born and raised in San Diego has trained in all styles of dance since she was two years old. She began her teaching journey at the age of 15 where she began teaching acro, jazz, ballet, and contemporary. As a young student, Jordan found herself interested in the business aspect of dance studios and got involved in working as a receptionist, administrator, and manager over the course of 5 years. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Business Management at the University of Utah's David Eccles School of Business while working remotely at GC Dance Company a studio she has called home for the last 4 years. Jordan's eight years of competitive dancing and four years as a dance teacher have uniquely positioned her to excel in the operational intricacies of the dance studio environment. Her passion for dance, students and business motivates her daily to work towards cultivating that same love for dance in everyone.
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.
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
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.
Meet Our Instructors
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.
Jeanette Keene
Jeanette started dancing at the age of 3 in Los Angeles. She found a love and passion for dance at a young age. She danced competitively throughout her life. In high school she was on the Pom team. She continued her dance education in college where she majored in dance at Utah Valley University. She got married and took a break from dance, to have children. She then taught at a dance studio in Gilbert Arizona for 11 years. Jeanette is excited to pass on her love of dance.
Freddie Thompson
Freddie started dancing at the young age of 5. Freddie trained in ballet and tap but his love and focus quickly became hip-hop. 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 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.
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.
Lauren Clarke
Lauren Clarke is a passionate dance artist based in Southern California with a BFA in Dance Performance from UC Irvine. Trained in ballet, modern, jazz, and hip hop, she brings technical precision and expressive depth to her work as a performer and educator.. She trained at the Academy of Ballet Arts, performed in full-length ballets and YAGP competitions, and attended Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre’s Summer Intensive. She is a two-time William J. Gillespie Foundation Scholar and continues to grow as both an artist and educator.
Lily Sood
From a young age Lily Sood has always had a wild and creative soul, She discovered her passion for dance at the age of 4, igniting a lifelong love of movement and expression. Lily trained and preformed in all styles. Growing up Lily competed with her local studio for many years earning many scholarships, titles and overall awards, while apart of their pre-pro compay. Lily began her teaching journey when she was 14 at her home studio in Solana Beach. Now she is teaching all over San Diego at three studios, Lily is also currently one of the head coaches at Mission Hills High School. She is so excited to share her love of dance at GC!!
Lily Sood
From a young age Lily Sood has always had a wild and creative soul, She discovered her passion for dance at the age of 4, igniting a lifelong love of movement and expression. Lily trained and performed in all styles and has a love for each and every one of them. Growing up Lily competed with her local studio for many years earning many scholarships, titles and overall awards. She later was on a pre-professional team, and competed an extra season after graduating High school. Lily began her teaching journey when she was 14 at her home studio, and soon teaching at other Southern California studios. She is so excited to share her love of dance at GC!!
Lindy Lyon
Lindy Lyon is a Performer and Dance Educator in the greater San Diego area. She holds a BFA in Dance from Colorado Mesa University, where she studied Tap, Jazz, Modern, Hip Hop, Ballet, Pedagogy, Choreography, and more. Lindy is a company member with Drumatix and California Rhythm Project here in San Diego, and she performs at Legoland California. Lindy is so excited to share her passion for dance and extensive knowledge with GC Dance this year!
Sydney Huffman
Sydney Huffman was born and raised in San Diego, California. She discovered her love of dance as an adult at Palomar College and has trained in numerous styles including Ballet, Jazz, Latin Social, and Polynesian dance. Outside of college, she has danced with Burklyn Ballet Theatre, California Pacific Ballet, and New West Ballet. As a teacher, Sydney creates a fun and engaging environment where her students can explore movement in an age-appropriate manner
Sydney Huffman
Sydney discovered her love of dance as an adult. She has trained under numerous teachers at Palomar College, New West Ballet, & Burklyn Ballet Theatre. Although she specializes in Ballet, she enjoys all sorts of dance styles, including Contemporary, Jazz, Latin Social, & Tap. As a teacher, Sydney creates a fun and engaging environment where her students can explore movement in an age-appropriate manner
Haley Kerwin
Haley Kerwin is excited to begin her first season with GC Dance Company as a Ballet Instructor. She has been dancing since the age of two and is trained in tap, jazz, hip hop, contemporary, and lyrical, though ballet has always been her passion. Haley competed with Carlsbad Dance Center, later training and performing with California Ballet and New West Ballet. She is also a founding member and former Captain of the Sage Creek Dance Company. Now in her fourteenth year of teaching, Haley is thrilled to share her love of dance with the GCDC community!
Hear From Our Families
We take great pride in providing five-star dance instruction
AFFILIATES & AWARDS
Contact Us
ADDRESS
1217 South San Elijo Road, San Marcos California 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, San Marcos California 92078
Email: admin@gcdancecompany.com
Telephone: (760) 350-3545
@ Copyright 2025 - GC Dance Company - All rights reserved
