Dance studio mixes art with athleticism

Spokane Elite is holding open house today
Juli Bergstrom-Wasson
The Spokesman-Review
July 10, 2010

A longtime competitive dancer, cheer coach and choreographer recently opened Spokane Elite Dance Studio in Spokane Valley, where the artistic elements combine with athleticism and high energy.

“The atmosphere of our studio is all about high energy and fun, but it also is structured and purposeful so that every dancer at every level is getting the instruction that is appropriate for them,” said lifelong West Valley resident and studio owner Maggie Cahalan-Kazemba, who hopes to improve the competitive dance world in Spokane for individuals and dance teams.

Her studio also serves as the practice home for the Spokane Shock Dance Team, as the 24-year-old Cahalan-Kazemba is the director/choreographer for the 18-member group. She continues to choreograph for her alma maters: the West Valley High School award-winning dance team and the Washington State University dance team. She also serves in the same capacity for the Mt. Spokane High School dance team.

Cahalan-Kazemba has been a ballerina since she was 4 years old. She found hip-hop at age 10, which led her to the high school dance team, the Eastern Washington High School Competitive Dance Team, and the WSU team.

Now, as well as working full time as an intern architect with a local firm, she and several other instructors will teach beginner to advanced tap, jazz, hip-hop and cheer and some exercise classes, including Pilates. The various classes are for age 4 to adults.

The studio is located at a shopping plaza near the corner of Sprague Avenue and University Road.

“All of the instructors at Spokane Elite Dance Studio have a background in competitive dance, and we have all been part of more than one competitive or professional dance/cheer program,” said Cahalan-Kazemba. “Our mission statement is to provide dancers of all ages with the competitive edge they need to both begin and further their personal careers in dance.

“What competitive dance style means to me is that I am training athletes as well as artists,” she said. “It’s marrying the athlete with the artist.”