by Shelley Bennett
I was so excited when Sofia turned 5 years-old because that meant she could sign up for dance at Joan’s Studio. I eagerly put the registration date in my calendar and reminisced about learning from my teacher Joan Zuehlke and thought about the lifelong friends I had made in the studio.
When I walked into the building that day, things had changed a little. Joan was there, but a group of teens also welcomed us. These young women were Joan’s instructors in training and I quickly grew to admire Samantha, Jillaine, Clara, and Sara, and their seemingly neverending enthusiasm and patience.
I was also impressed that the quality of dance they were teaching never waivered from what I remembered from Joan. Their fidelity to the technique that had been ingrained in them was steadfast.
They also added fresh ideas and innovative choregraphy to the mix.
Since then, I have watched many dancers grow into instructors and Jillaine Laughlin has remained one of the best. Joined by her sister Gabrielle Singleton, the two are a dynamic dancing duo. And now, as Joan celebrates 51 years of dance with a retirement, they are also fledgling business owners.
I recently had the opportunity to ask them about their plans for the newly named Mt. Lassen Dance Academy, which will operate in the studio at 110 S. Gay Street.
The girls (as I still think of them) are over-the-top excited with this incredible opportunity and were eager to share their thoughts. Both have been dancing for over 20 years in a variety of studios, including Joan’s, House of Dance, Reno Dance Company, and Nevada Dance Academy.
They have been trained in ballet, pointe, tap, jazz, modern, lyrical, hip hop, and character and have attended many teacher intensives.
Gabrielle said that her original plan was to take a year off and perform somewhere, but she started teaching and it changed her life, “it felt so special to show my love for dance…it was even more powerful when my students grew to love it as well!”
Gabrielle has also been in awe of her dance teachers in Reno who were both moms and studio owners. Diane Guest-Hoff (NDA) and Lesa Dusich (RDC) showed her that she can be both a mother and business owner of an occupation that has brought her so much joy and opportunities.
Both Gabrielle and Jillaine are thankful for having the opportunity to open a business with the clientele they have already nurtured. Gabrielle is most excitied about growing the amount of boys taking dance in the studio.
She says, “We have a well-established group of boys who are busting the weird stereotype that boys can’t dance. I’m super thankful for them and their love for it…and for Seanne (McElrath) who definitely helps draw them in.”
This year’s lineup is Cecchetti ballet, Non-syllabus ballet (a more Modern style), jazz, tap, and hip hop. New classes include Baby Bears for ages 2-3 with a parent or guardian, lyrical (12+), Musical Theatre (10+), and an All Boys class (9+).
They are hoping to house a fun, modern vibe with some out-of-the-box ideas that don’t just focus on the classical elements of dance but still carry the technique and quality their customers have come to expect.
In addition to the annual recital in May, they will host a Christmas production around the holidays. Hesitant to add one more obligation to the calendar, Jillaine said she was unsure about last year’s “Grinch” show, but was surprised at how fun it turned out.
Their website holds all the information for registration, fees, class attire, and schedule. All of the forms and numbers you need for contact are also there. Here’s the link: https://www.mtlassendanceacademy.com/
You can also email [email protected] for any questions about classes your child should take and other recommendations.
To Jillaine and Gabrielle: Bravo! Break a leg my beautiful friends. As always, I’ll be cheering in the wings. Along with your instructors Seanne McElrath, Miah Mallery, Juliette Singleton, Hannah Martin, and Autumn Robbins, your gift of dance and passion for the arts will change this community for the better.
As for Joan? Our leader has stepped down, but she is never far away. At her 95th birthday celebration, she assured me that she will always be there if they need her.
Remember when news was ‘newsy’? When you read about weddings, family events and engagement announcements in the newspaper? If you have something that might be newsworthy, please submit it to [email protected] and I’ll do my best to include it here in “The Good Stuff.”
