.png)
WHO WE ARE
OUR MISSION
Founded in Pasadena in 2002, Crown City Dance began with one simple mission:
“Changing People’s Lives Through Dance.”
Over two decades later, that vision continues to guide everything we do. Our studio is more than a place to learn steps - it’s a space where people of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels come together to grow, express themselves, and connect through movement.
We love teaching and inspiring dancers of all ages and all levels, from first-time beginners discovering the joy of dance to seasoned competitors refining their craft. Whether you’re joining us for a fun social event, preparing for a showcase, or training for competition, you’ll find a supportive community ready to cheer you on every step of the way.
At Crown City Dance, your dance journey starts the moment you walk through our doors - and it can take you anywhere you dream to go.
Walk in, Dance out!
OUR STORY
Before Crown City Dance opened its doors, our studio’s roots began with founder Danielle, who built a strong foundation under the Fred Astaire and Arthur Murray dance franchises starting in 2002. She drew from the best of both worlds — the Arthur Murray prestige and structured teaching excellence, combined with Fred Astaire’s legacy of artistry, joy, and love for dance — to create a studio that embodied both professionalism and passion.
In 2022, Danielle partnered with professional dancer Forrest Walsh to bring a new vision to life: Crown City Dance. Together, they established an independent studio with its own mission — to blend world-class ballroom instruction with a warm, inclusive, and community-centered environment.
Today, Crown City Dance represents the perfect balance of tradition and innovation — honoring the timeless techniques of classic ballroom while fostering creativity, connection, and a love for dance that welcomes everyone.
OUR SPIRIT & ANNUAL EVENTS
As proud vintage lovers, we celebrate timeless style and connection throughout the year with unique themed events that bring our community together:
Featuring photos from our Semi-Annual Vintage Tea Party, Valentine’s Day Speakeasy Party, and Annual Holiday Ball!
Join the Crown City Dance family!
Studio Trips & Outings
We believe it’s important for students to apply their skills on real dance floors. Our studio regularly organizes social outings to local Swing, Salsa, and Argentine Tango events around Los Angeles, giving dancers a chance to practice in fun, welcoming settings. We also plan international trips to destinations like Slovenia, Cuba, Argentina, Austria, and London for world-class workshops, dance events, and cultural experiences.
BEYOND THE STUDIO
At Crown City Dance, we believe dance is more than lessons - it’s a community. Beyond private instruction, our students are invited to take part in team events, local outings, and studio traditions that bring dancers together. From competitions and international trips to our biannual Festival Season, these experiences help every student grow, connect, and truly become part of the Crown City Dance family.
Our Competition Team
Our Competition Team gives students the opportunity to take their dancing to a performance level while building confidence and technique. Students train with their instructors and travel together to local and national ballroom competitions. Competing helps dancers set goals, stay motivated, and experience dance in a supportive, team-oriented environment.
Festival Season
Festival Season is a six-week series held twice a year that celebrates our students’ growth and progress. During this time, we host themed Thursday night parties, raffles, and special activities. Students can earn points through participation, sponsorships, and costumes, which go toward prizes such as private lessons, showcase entries, or event tickets. Festival Season concludes with our studio “graduation,” where students move their name magnets up the board to recognize their new level.
MEET OUR INSTRUCTORS
DANIELLE O'NEILL
STUDIO CO-OWNER
Danielle O'Neill found her first love in 1992 with swing dancing. She quickly began doing shows for thousands and dancing on tours with bands. This led her to explore other styles. She started ballroom dancing in 1995 and then started competing professionally in 1996. You can find her both in front of the camera and/or behind the scenes as the choreographer for many music videos, commercials, movies, and stage productions. She opened her own ballroom dance studio in 2002 in Pasadena where she coaches, choreographs, organizes competitions, and continues to share her love for dance with everyone.
FORREST WALSH
STUDIO CO-OWNER
Forrest Walsh began ballroom and partner dancing in 1991 and started his training to teach in 1994. Also in 1994, he was in a show called the Best of Broadway, where he met his Business Partner in Crown City Dance, Danielle O'Neill.
Forrest has danced in commercials, “The Ugly Truth”, Disney’s “Haunted Mansion”, – just to name a few adventures. He has also been a guest professional dancer on “Dancing With The Stars” and in numerous television shows including: Penny Dreadful, The Last Tycoon, Gilmore Girls, That's So Raven, Days of Our Lives, and American Bandstand.
Also, he's performed with many symphonies all over the Americas and is very proud to be the co-owner of Crown City Dance and the Crown Theater in Pasadena.
Jilmil
BALLROOM, SALSA, LINE DANCING
Jilmil is a staff member of our New Student Teaching Department. She has been classically training in dance for 18 years and predominately focuses on teaching new students how to connect with ballroom dance and achieve an understanding of the basic steps and bronze level open patterns. Her goal is to teach new students how to find solace, confidence, and self-expression through dance. In addition to ballroom dancing, she has an intensive background in the Lucknow gharana of Kathak, a north Indian classical dance.
Ani
BALLROOM, SALSA, BACHATA
Ani is one of the current instructors. She brings experience and passion to her role as a ballroom dance instructor. With 16 years of experience as a ballroom dancer and 2 years as a teacher, Ani combines her extensive dance background with a deep understanding of both the technical and artistic aspects of ballroom dancing. In addition to ballroom, Ani also specializes in Salsa and Bachata. She creates a lively and encouraging environment where students can learn the intricacies of these dances while building confidence and having fun.
Daisy
BALLROOM, WEST COAST SWING
Daisy is a staff member of our New Student Department. She has been a musical theater performer for just over 10 years. Daisy’s passion for theater and dance led to her ballroom dance journey here at Crown City Dance and has fallen in love with it all! She adores the accepting community and bonding with all of her unique students. Daisy’s passion for the social element of ballroom dance is embraced in her teaching as she focuses on not only the technique and movements of dance but the communication and connection between partners as well.
Michael hails from New York City, where he has performed in Broadway productions including The Phantom of the Opera and A Chorus Line. He has toured internationally in productions such as The Music Man, Hello, Dolly!, Carousel, and 42nd Street. On television, he has appeared in Amazon’s The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and HBO’s The Plot Against America. Michael’s extensive performance experience also includes roles in classical ballets like The Nutcracker and Coppélia. He holds a BFA from The New School and an MA from NYU. Michael is also an accomplished educator specializing in teaching Ballet, Jazz, Musical Theatre, and Ballroom, having mounted full productions across the country.
Michael
BALLET, JAZZ, BALLROOM
Kit
MUSICAL THEATER, BALLET, JAZZ
Kit’s passion is teaching choreography and emotional expression through dance. He has 10 years of experience in classical ballet and 12 years in musical theatre, dance, and acting. He loves focusing on building proper technique to keep the body limber and healthy. If you’re looking for a dance WORKOUT, this is your guy. With his degree in film and experience in theatre, he loves choreographing music videos and helping dancers polish and film audition tapes and prescreens. His classes are fun and high-energy, with a focus on both technique and storytelling through the body. If there is a dance combo you would like to learn, he can teach it.
Get ready to bring your dancing to life! I specialize in any of the 19 ballroom dances, with highlights in Latin dances such as samba, jive, bolero and paso doble. With years of ballroom competition and coaching experience, I’ll help your dancing shine with confidence and style. Every lesson is packed with energy, rhythm, and fun. Step in ready to move and dance your heart out!
Jess
BALLROOM, LATIN ,
Patrick Reiger
TAP
Teacher Bio Coming Soon!
Alison Sinclair
TAP, SWING
Alison has been dancing since she was too young to drive and can’t think of anything she likes more than moving. She started dancing Swing/Lindy Hop in Seattle, spent 4 years teaching vernacular jazz in the Bay Area until 2016, and is now happily settled in LA. Her dance career has opened many doors as both an instructor & showgirl, including an opportunity to train with the creators of Swing Dance in Herräng, Sweden. Alison’s teaching style is patient and she enjoys slowly breaking down concepts that may at first seem intimidating. She promises to bring insight and enthusiasm to every class!
Ellie Jay
BALLET, SWING, SALSA
