Slices of Life

By Jill E. Sheetz
Reading Eagle

The Cheer FX and Dance FX teams from the Academy of Movement in Sinking Spring performed prior to a tip-off of a Philadelphia 76ers game at the Wells Fargo Center.

Jennifer Caputo-Pietrobone founded the Academy of Movement in 2007 with a business partner and friend, Heather Gidusko. Caputo-Pietrobone began her professional dancing career with the MISL Philadelphia Kixx Dance Team and then continued with the Philadelphia 76ers Dance Team from 2003 to 2005. She holds a degree in kinesiology with a minor in dance education from West Chester University, where she was a member, captain and choreographer for the WCU Dance Team. 

Caputo-Pietrobone and Gidusko, who had formerly danced professionally as a Philadelphia Eagles cheerleader, wanted to share their passion for dance along with teaching fitness and nurturing confidence in girls and women in the community.

“We had the same concept and philosophy to provide quality movement classes that instilled fitness concepts and, more importantly, confidence in girls of all ages,” Caputo-Pietrobone said. “We were both eager to pass on our experiences to as many students as possible.”

The school has grown to include more than 400 students, ranging in age from 2 to 52, and 10 staff members, nine of whom have danced or cheered professionally.

“We offer toddler movement classes, cardio fitness-based classes, dance classes, cheer classes, tumbling classes and more,” Caputo-Pietrobone explained. “Our two newest additions to the studio are the inception of Berks County’s only all-star cheer team, Cheer FX, under the direction of Jenelle Walchek, and the studio’s new entertainment team, Dance FX, under the direction of Erica Hassler and Lauren Timek.”

Both of these teams had a chance to show off their talents and hard work during the Primetime performance. The students, ages 7 to 17, and five staff members took to the court to cheer and dance for the crowd.

“Cheer FX performed a routine jam-packed with stunting, tumbling, a jump sequence and exciting cheer-style choreography,” Caputo-Pietrobone said. “Dance FX chose a high-energy hip-hop routine. The girls were amazing. Both of the teams practiced independently for the month prior to the performance, and then a combined team practice for the first time took place the night before.”

Caputo-Pietrobone said the girls were nervous before the performance, which was to be expected. Approximately 200 of their family members and friends were in attendance to watch and support them.

“Right before they went out I told them to, ‘Take a second and take it all in. We have prepared, we have practiced, we have perfected. Now just have fun!’ ” Caputo-Pietrobone said.

A former 76ers dance teammate of Caputo-Pietrobone and director of the 76ers Dance Team, Dayne Nadler Hafetz, assisted in arranging a meet-and-greet and photo opportunity with several of the dancers and the Cheer FX and Dance FX teams.

“The girls loved every second of it, and it seemed as though everyone had a blast,” Pietrobone-Caputo said. “The meet-and-greet was definitely a highlight for some of the girls, and the support we had from friends and family was humbling.”

When asked if the Academy of Movement students have plans for a similar performance opportunity in the future, Caputo-Pietrobone responded enthusiastically, “Can’t wait to do this again at halftime of the Philadelphia Soul Game on May 11!”