Our Story

Building on a Legacy of Excellence

Welcome to Dance Precisions, where artistry meets innovation and every dancer becomes part of our family. Under new leadership since January 2026, we're honored to carry forward 38 years of excellence while writing an exciting new chapter for Southern California's premier dance studio.

Your Leadership Team

Lillyan Chandler, Owner and Studio Director, brings a powerful combination of artistic expertise and business leadership to Dance Precisions. A lifelong dancer with extensive ballet training and a deep passion for the arts, Lillyan's performing career includes collaborations with distinguished artists from American Ballet Theatre—performing in pieces by and with Ted Warburton (ABT II), Lawrence Peck (ABT), and Jorge de la Pena (ABT)—and dancing as a soloist in a work choreographed by Mark Franko, founder of NOVAantiqua. She has also choreographed and directed large-scale productions in Northern California. After building her foundation in the performing arts, Lillyan worked as a CPA before making the decision to dedicate herself fully to dance education. Her vision for Dance Precisions centers on three pillars: science-backed training methods that prioritize dancer health and development, artistic excellence that honors our competitive legacy, and fostering the close-knit community that makes our studio feel like home. Lillyan is committed to maintaining Dance Precisions' reputation as the best studio in Southern California and among the top competitive programs in the nation.

Nathan Chandler, Chief Dance Dad and Technology Officer, is the ultimate problem-solver and studio supporter. When he's not cheering from the sidelines or fixing whatever needs attention around the facility, Nathan serves as a consulting CTO to Fortune 500 companies, government agencies, educational institutions, and venture-backed startups. He's bringing that same innovative mindset to Dance Precisions—modernizing our systems and operations while preserving the warm, family-oriented atmosphere that defines us. At his core, Nathan is a dance dad who believes in the transformative power of the arts.

The Foundation: 38 Years of Excellence

Dance Precisions was founded in 1987 by Edith and Conrad Montoya, whose vision and dedication transformed a small drill team and baton twirling studio into one of the most elite dance competition studios in the world.

Edith Montoya, a successful businesswoman and entrepreneur, built Dance Precisions with meticulous attention to detail, a diplomatic approach to leadership, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. Over 38 years at the helm, she created a studio that became a launching pad for extraordinary talent. Her students have become finalists on So You Think You Can Dance and America's Got Talent, toured with Beyoncé, Katy Perry, and Taylor Swift, and performed and choreographed on Broadway.

Under Edith's leadership, Dance Precisions earned an impressive array of accolades: world champion titles at the World Dance Championships, the Federation of Dance's Top Studio Award, national championships, Victory Cups, and hundreds of choreography and performance honors. But perhaps her greatest legacy is the way she inspired both students and staff, creating a culture where artistic excellence and personal growth go hand in hand.

Conrad Montoya, affectionately known as the studio's "Master of Many Trades," has been the heartbeat of Dance Precisions since 2001. A former IT specialist, Conrad became "Chef Conrad" to generations of dancers through his work running the DP Café, keeping students fed and hydrated between classes. But his contributions extend far beyond grilled cheese sandwiches—Conrad has been the studio's security, plant manager, prop coordinator, and the beloved figure who helps everything run smoothly. His commitment to creating a safe, friendly environment has made Dance Precisions feel like family to thousands of dancers and parents over the years.

Together, Edith and Conrad built more than a dance studio—they built a community and a legacy that has touched countless lives.

Our Promise Moving Forward

As we honor the incredible foundation Edith and Conrad built, we're committed to preserving what makes Dance Precisions special: world-class instruction, a welcoming family atmosphere, and a dedication to helping every dancer reach their full potential. At the same time, we're bringing fresh energy, modern training methods, and innovative systems to ensure Dance Precisions continues to lead the industry for decades to come.