Mantua - You can if you can attend Candance Academy! The dance studio, located on SR 82, near SR 44, finished its second year of instruction last month and getting ready to “dance” into this year very soon. The director of the academy, also an instructor, is Candace Szarka. She is a 2005 graduate of Crestwood High School. Candace has been a dancer for 20 years and finally realized her dream of opening her own studio in 2008. She was a competitive dancer and was selected to perform on the Dance U.S.A. dance team. Candace and four other instructors teach a variety of classes, including tap, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, gymnastics, and competition dance. Ages two (must be potty trained!) to adult are welcome. Aerobics is offered as well. Every June, a recital is held, showcasing all of the dancers.
Fall registration dates are rapidly approaching. Days and times include Sunday, August 8, 1-5 p.m., Wednesday, August 11, 4-8 p.m., and Saturday, August 14, 1-5 p.m. You can also call Candace at 330-274-DANC or email her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . The studio is located at 4588 SR 82 Unit D, just west of SR 44.
This year’s competition team traveled to six competitions as well as a national championship. The Nexstar regional competition was held in Akron this past May, where seven out of nine routines placed in the top overall high scores of their divisions. Those winning routines were taken to the National championship competition in July in Sandusky. Five out of those seven placed in the top overall high scores. The team brought home one platinum, five high golds, and one gold trophy, along with one eighth overall high score, six third overall high scores and a judges choice award –“Very sassy!” Those trophies join many more already in their place at the studio. You can see some of them as you drive by, but instead of getting mesmerized by all the shining trophies and hitting a bump in the road, so to speak, you should stop in and check it out!
When Candace took over, the rooms were completely remodeled for dance – floors, mirrors, barres, etc. The studio has the right tools to teach the students proper dance technique and experienced instructors as well. There is great camaraderie among the dancers and it is contagious. It’s pretty hard to walk out of there without a smile on your face, a little “dance” in your step, or a little “tap” in your toes. Dance – it’s a wonderful thing. When the dancers step out on the stage, nerves just fade away as this thought takes over –“Dance, like no one is watching you.” And the beauty begins.
