Broad Street in Florence Township recently welcomed the Central NJ Ballet Theatre company’s newest location to the area.
The theater’s artistic director, Alisha Cardenas, is prepared to establish her business within the community.
With a newly re-designed 5,400 sq. feet space, Cardenas planed to offer a wide range of classes dedicated toward performing arts as well as offering rentable space within the facility for private events.
In dedication of Cardenas’ mother who suddenly passed away in March, the studio is named the Christine Cardenas Center for the Performing Arts.
“When my mother passed away, I said, ‘We need to do something in her memory,’” said Cardenas.
With newly installed mirrors, carpeting, freshly painted walls, a viewing window, dressing room and a 2,000 sq. foot sprung dance floor, Cardenas looked to bring the best aspects of elite dance studios into the Florence location.
“I had to think about every single space I’ve danced in across this country, and I go, ‘I need to make it look better than that,’” she said.
With the space offering two studios that can be separated by a heavy theater curtain, Cardenas plans to host classes such as ballet, point, hip-hop, contemporary, tap, jazz, acrobatics and feature workshops with master teachers in voice, musical theater and drama.
Cardenas said she’s also looking to rent the space out for fitness instructors and other classes such as pilates.
“I’m trying to offer something that is completely unique to this community, but still is centered around education,” Cardenas added.
Growing up as a dancer herself, Cardenas said she aims for the studio to offer professional quality teaching, but remain contingent on including every person that comes in to learn and perform.
“Here, I’ve made it incredibly affordable for people to come and dance without the pressures of a competition,” Cardenas said. “I was from a very old-school type of dance program where you can be a part of a program and be really good, but you weren’t included for whatever reason like if you didn’t fit the costume, the part or maybe they didn’t have enough room for you. I want something that students have the opportunity to get on stage and get a chance.”
With family and friends gathered on Nov. 10 for a ribbon cutting ceremony with township mayor Craig Wilkie to officially open the new location, Cardenas was admirable for the area’s support as she begins her new venture.
“I’m grateful that everyone’s welcomed this,” she said.
