WHY WE DANCE
Divergence Dance Conservatory is a place where everyone is welcome, and anyone can improve their skills, their health, and their life, through the art of dance.
At DDC, we offer ballet, jazz, modern, tap, hip hop and other dance classes in Roseville. Inclusivity and positivity are at the core of who we are. We believe that dance has the power to change people's lives by giving them more confidence, better health, improved skills on and off the dance floor, and lifelong friendships. And we believe everyone should have that opportunity.
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We were founded with the vision to create a community where everyone feels welcome, encouraged, and supported, whether you're taking one class a week for enjoyment or exercise, or training seven days a week for a future career as a professional dancer.
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We welcome people from ages 2 to 200, in all shapes and sizes, at all skill levels, able and disabled bodies, and dancers who are neurotypical and neurodivergence. We strive to create a place that accommodates the needs of all our students and guests, and we believe strongly in giving back to the community. We provide scholarships to children who cannot afford dance whenever possible and volunteer in the community and at local charter and public schools.
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Divergence Dance Conservatory is where everyone dances.
"This is such a family friendly dance studio. The front lobby is spacious and there are toys for children to play with as they wait for class. My daughter has been taking ballet and tap from Ms. Felicia for a few years now and it is an absolute joy to work with her. Ms. Felicia teaches them dance, terminology, and human anatomy. She pours her knowledge out onto her students and they soak it up like little sponges. It is so much fun to watch the children learn and grow together as a team. I have made so many friends here, to me it is not just a dance studio, it is a community."
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- Melanie Fiffick, Parent
ABOUT THE OWNER
With over 25 years of distinguished experience in dance education and choreography, Felicia Fry has been instrumental in shaping the futures of thousands of aspiring dancers, nurturing their passion for the art and guiding them to excel on both the stage and in life.
Felicia’s dance journey began in Roseville, California, where she trained under the tutelage of Jean Fulton, a respected Cecchetti Society board member. Her rigorous 15-year study and testing in the Cecchetti method laid a solid foundation for her expansive career.
In 2003, Felicia's pursuit of excellence took her to the prestigious dance program at UC Irvine, where she earned her B.F.A. in Dance with an Emphasis in Performing. At UCI, she was a prominent member of Donald McKayle's esteemed Etude Ensemble and founded the Community Outreach Program for Bare Bones Dance Theatre. This initiative empowered local high school students to envision a future in dance, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to produce their own performances. Felicia’s outstanding talents were further recognized when she, alongside Dave Massey, clinched first place at the 2004 Gus Giordano Jazz Dance World Congress in Costa Rica. Her professional development included intensive training with renowned institutions such as Cecchetti USA, Lou Conte Dance Studio, Alonzo King Lines Ballet, and the San Francisco Conservatory of Dance.
In 2007, Felicia returned to Northern California, where she founded Anti-Gravity School of Dance in Roseville, earning acclaim for her commitment to accessibility by offering scholarships to underprivileged children. After nine successful years of running her own studio, Felicia pursued her Master of Fine Arts degree in Dance, Creative Practice at Saint Mary's College of California. Her studies there encompassed a broad spectrum of topics including social justice, somatic dance practices, pedagogy, phenomenology, and performance studies. Her MFA culminated in a groundbreaking research paper on autistic embodiment and a critically acclaimed production dedicated to neurodiversity, featuring an inclusive and diverse cast.
Felicia's dedication to dance extends beyond the studio. She has volunteered extensively in local schools, served as a board member of the Sacramento Area Dance Alliance, and contributed to the national dance community as a member of the Cecchetti USA National Committee. In 2014, she coached at the prestigious Cecchetti International Classical Ballet Competition in Richmond, Virginia. She also holds a Licentiate and Essential Anatomy Teaching Certificate from Cecchetti USA and is certified by the National Academy of Sports Medicine as a Personal Trainer. Currently, Felicia serves as the Board President for TwoPoint4 Dance Theatre.
As the founding owner and artistic director of Divergence Dance Conservatory in Roseville, California, Felicia continues to foster an environment where growth, artistry, inclusion, and advocacy are at the forefront, inspiring the next generation of dancers to reach new heights.
"Felicia has been an integral part of my son and daughter's dance experience for the past several years. She has encouraged and challenged them to work hard and with more purpose rather than just show up for class and then go home. Felicia is relational and motivational, sharing her life and time with many students as they grow in their love for dance."
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- Sara Greco, Parent