Our Story

When I was young, I had two passions - Dance and Gymnastics.

There was no such thing as competitive dancing, just gymnastics. Both do go hand in hand. After winning numerous gymnastic titles, I caught the eye of the top S.C.A.T. coach in California who came to Rochester to see about me joining his team training for the Olympics. As fate would have it, I tore all of the tendons and ligaments in my ankle... goodbye California and goodbye Olympic dream.

In the meantime, I never stopped dancing and also did professional dance jobs. I received a gymnastics scholarship to Kent State University and away I went.

The following year, my younger brother passed away. I could not return to college and I could not accept any professional jobs that would take me away from my distraught family; I chose my family over a career (or so I thought).

With the help of my father and grandfather we purchased a building next to the Hilltop Restaurant. It was beautiful – hand painted flowers, all of my dance and gymnastics photos proudly displayed along with hundreds of trophies, medals, and honors. I was only there for a year. A faulty furnace was the cause of a fire, and everything was gone. All of my precious memories in just a few hours.

The Rochester VFW was gracious enough to allow me to rent their upstairs while I searched for space, which lasted for two years. I then thought I found the perfect studio – the Knights of Columbus in Rochester. The space was great, but it was not to be. The owner decided he could make more money if he rented to the State of Pennsylvania, so I had to move.

Once again with the help of my wonderful dad and grandfather, we bought the building we currently reside in and eventually added another room. Things have a way of working out. My passion it turns out was to teach and I am good at it. I love the children's faces when they are bursting with pride or wiping away a tear. It was what I was born to do and I truly believe that with all my heart.

This is my story I share with you.