Allan Cantada’s performing-arts journey spans more than three decades and has influenced thousands across the marching arts, dance, and vocal performance communities.

Allan began his colorguard career in California in 1992 and quickly rose through the activity, performing with the legendary San Jose Raiders, the six-time World Champion Independent World Class colorguard, from 1994 to 1999. He began teaching shortly after, working across the CCGC Circuit and DCI West Corps starting in 1996, instructing and consulting for Scholastic, Independent programs in A, Open, and World classes.

In 2000, Allan expanded his performing career into concert dance, training at De Anza College Dance and Silicon Valley Dance Academy, and later workshopping with Paul Taylor Dance Company in New York City and ODC in San Francisco—experiences that shaped his choreographic and artistic voice.

Between 2004 and 2006, Allan danced with Culture Shock San Diego, where he became the first artist to integrate colorguard movement and equipment work into its hip-hop repertoire.

In 2006, Allan became a co-founder of the resurgence of Lealta Colorguard, serving on the Artistic Staff and Board of Directors as Vice President. Through Lealta, he created Southern California’s largest Summer Colorguard–Dance–Theater hybrid program in 2007. Allan continued to consult with the organization through its evolution and rebrand to Vox Artium until 2016.

Allan’s artistic reach extends beyond dance and colorguard. He began a vocal career with the San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus, taking on leadership roles and becoming a co-founder of the small ensemble SWAG (Singers With A Goal). With SFGMC, Allan has performed with Stephen Schwartz (composer of Wicked), appeared in the original cast of I Am Harvey Milk by Andrew Lippa, recorded at Lucasfilm’s Skywalker Sound, and performed to sold-out audiences at San Francisco’s War Memorial Opera House, Davies Symphony Hall, and Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.

Allan has also given back to the marching-arts community through service on the Scholarship Committees for West Coast Winter Guard (WCWG) and WGASC, contributing to the awarding of more than $200,000 in student scholarships.

Across nearly 30 years as an instructor, consultant, creative, and board member, Allan has inspired and mentored individuals who have gone on to become professional dancers, trainers and therapists, educators, coaches, and respected leaders throughout the marching arts.

Allan moved to St. Louis in 2016, and is honored to join La Voûte Performance Ensemble as part of its Artistic Staff, supporting the ensemble’s enrichment programs and contributing to its continued growth and future.