New dance studio open to all levels

Cherilyn Beanan has the benefit of being born and raised in Las Vegas, and getting professional dance training from California. With her new studio, Dance Connection, she thinks can bring the inner dancer out of anyone.

"I'm a native Las Vegan," Beanan said. "California is where I did my professional work. As a professional dancer I've worked for ABC, NBC, Paramount Productions, Princess Cruise Lines and I've also choreographed for various schools in the Bay area."

Beanan is sharing her knowledge of choreography and various dance styles with her students.

"I've been dancing for 28 years, professionally for 12," she said. "At the studio we offer jazz, tap, ballet, yoga, hip-hop, we also have jazzercise."

Instead of the competitive atmosphere offered by some studios, Beanan hopes to provide students a place to learn valuable skills and self-esteem. She has opened her studio to all experience levels and ages of students.

"Because I'm offering classes for all ages, I'm opening my doors up for adults as well as children," she said. "I want to teach them a sense of self-respect and professionalism. There's a spot for everyone at Dance Connection. People can learn to enjoy dancing in a professional atmosphere as well as increase strength, flexibility and endurance. I want the classes to build confidence and self-esteem for students."

In addition to just teaching them the moves, Beanan wants to encourage students to perform in front of others.

"In the future we'll have dance recitals, and one of my goals is to get a performance team to get some of the community performing in," she said.

Dance Connection is one of the first studios in the far northwest area of town. That's why Beanan chose the location at 7501 N. Cimarron Road, Suite 103.

"There's nothing really out here for teens or adults," Beanan said. "I wanted a safe place for people to come and work out, also, I live around the block. I see the kids standing on the corner around here with nothing to do, and I think this place could give them a good place to go. People can drop in, and the first class is always free so they can see if they like it without having to commit to paying."

Beanan also offers private lessons for students, and has four other teachers besides herself.

"We also offer monthly memberships," Beanan said. "We have classes for beginners to advanced. I really want to give people a chance to enjoy themselves and dance. The first week we enrolled 40 students, so word of mouth is out and from what I've heard parents are pleased. We have morning, afternoon and evening classes. I teach about 32 classes myself."

Beanan likes to stress the comfortable atmosphere she has created for her students to enjoy, and said her teaching tactics involve positive reinforcement. She has experience teaching children, and has two of her own.

"I think it's going to be a positive experience," she said. "Quite often in the dance world teachers brutally train their students. The way I do it is different. By feeling good about themselves, students will become dancers. I have a 4-year-old and a 2-year-old, and I've taught for private and public schools, so I have a lot of training working with all ages of people."


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