About Degage Classical Conservatory
Vision
At Degage Classical Conservatory, our mission is to cultivate the next generation of professional dancers through exceptional vocation-level training with a focus on classical ballet. Our morning-based Professional Division structure is dedicated to providing elite, industry-ready instruction, fostering discipline, technique, and profound appreciation for the art of ballet. Through personalized guidance and an unwavering commitment to excellence, we empower dancers to pursue their dreams and excel in the competitive world of professional dance.
Our vision and pathway at DCC brings a holistic and innovative approach to training for students of today. We believe that a dancer's training will thrive best when all modalities of health and education are supported. This is why at DCC we look to find the very best wellness professionals and mentors to help aid in our classical training. We are so proud to continue to grow our network of professionals that will be the strongest force and support for your dancer's growth and trajectory.
We are so fortunate to announce that this season, Degage Classical Conservatory will be located in and in collaboration with Chamberlin School of Ballet! We are immensely grateful to be housed within this esteemed institution, which has long been a pillar of the Dallas/Plano community. This opportunity provides us with a remarkable foundation to learn from and grow. We look forward to nurturing our student's talents alongside this legacy.
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's Teaching Philosophy:
"As a dance educator, my mission is to guide dancers in developing not only their technical abilities, but also a deeper understanding of their bodies, minds, and artistic voices. I believe sustainable dance training must be holistic—supporting 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 informed dancers are empowered dancers. By integrating principles from Pilates, yoga, and wellness education into my work, I aim to create an environment where dancers can explore movement with intention, reduce injury risk, and build long-term resilience.
I strive 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, my commitment remains the same: to educate, inspire, and support dancers in becoming capable, confident movers—both as artists and as individuals."
The MASTA Method
Degagé Classical Conservatory is pleased to collaborate with Jaclyn Sartore to offer the MASTA Method, an intentional movement and conditioning approach designed to support dancer development, longevity, and performance.
The MASTA Method is a structured training system that integrates Pilates principles, alignment-based conditioning, mindful strength work, and repeatable movement patterns to support how dancers organize and sustain movement. Rather than focusing solely on outcomes or aesthetics, this method emphasizes how the body supports technique—helping dancers build clarity, efficiency, and confidence that carries directly into class, rehearsal, and performance.
Developed by Jaclyn Sartore, the MASTA Method is grounded in principles of mind–body connection, alignment, stability, transferability, and artistry. Training is individualized, age-appropriate, and designed to complement classical ballet technique rather than replace it.
Through this collaboration, dancers at Degagé Classical Conservatory have the opportunity to engage in movement sessions that support technical growth while prioritizing sustainable training practices and long-term dancer wellness.
Jaclyn Sartore
Inspiring Mindful Movement.
Programs
Programs
- Professional Division: This is our most in-depth program for students and families with a professional focus. Students who are accepted into this division will experience rigorous training with technique as the primary focus. This program is shaped on the student's needs and will work to fix and anatomical issues along with growing in pointe, variations, contemporary, repertoire and pas de deux. The heightened focus of hours allows for exceptional growth and allows for the dancer and family to learn what professional and vocational options are available in the future.
- 5 mornings a week of training. 25-30 hrs a week commitment.
- 1 Pilates Matt Class & 1 Pilates Private Class per week
- 2 or more Breath Classes per month
- Seasonal Wellness Masterclasses with DCC affiliates
- 2 monthly visits from our PT specialist
- Discounted rates for Medical Massage, Chiropractic services and Mental Health Mentorship with DCC affiliated partners
- 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 younger 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.
- 3 Mornings a week
- 1 Pilates mat class and 1 Pilates Private Class per week
- 1 Breath Class per month
- Seasonal Wellness Master Classes from our DCC affiliates
- Discounted rates for Medical Massage, Chiropractic services and Mental Health Mentorship with DCC affiliated partners
- Seasonal exam/demonstrations
- Outside collaborations for production experience with local youth companies
- Optional "Competition Package" - This option is for students who are possibly starting down the route of competition preparation but are not ready for our professional program. This package is in additional and would add private/semiprivate lessons to the training plan to help gain the skill and experience of ballet competition.
Supplemental Technique and Wellness Program: This is our newest program, and we are here to 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 other genres while gaining classical support with no label attached. We truly believe that in order to help a student, a consistent commitment will be needed to achieve true growth towards their individual goals. This is why this program is a semester commitment instead of on a drop-in basis.
- 2 Mornings a week
- Ballet Technique Class followed by a Pointe Class
- Ballet Technique Class followed by a Pilates Class
- Ability to be checked by our PT if approved by director
- Discounts on Medical Massage and Chiropractic services
- Optional "Wellness Packages" and discounted private lessons available upon request
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
Sophia Muntyan Founder of Ballet Hotline
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.
Zone Chiropractic Clinic Plano
Sophia Muntyan Founder of Ballet Hotline
Sophia Muntyan Founder of Ballet Hotline
Information Coming Soon!
DCC Audition for 26/27
We are currently open for applications for the Fall Season of 26/27. We have both Pre-professional and Professional Division opportunities available. Go to our "Programs Page" to find the fit for you. Then contact us directly here for application.
Make the changes you have been looking for!