Springfield Avenue Gets a New Dance Studio

Students, family, friends and several township officials joined Lashonda Chaney Saturday afternoon at the grand opening of LaChaney’s Dance & Music Academy at 1747 Springfield Avenue.

Previously located on Morris Avenue in Union for the past eight years, Chaney opened her new Maplewood location  in early June — filling a very visible vacancy at the former WaMu Bank site.

“We’re a one-stop shop for families,” said Chaney. “Our studio is perfect for parents trying to find something for each of their kids and maybe for themselves. The fact that we offer more than one program is a great thing for families.”

Chaney’s studio offers classes in karate, dance, music, gymnastics and fitness. Also available is the opportunity for youngsters to participate in the LaChaney All Stars competitive cheerleading team. In addition, the studio provides tutoring, aftercare and an after-school program.

On hand with Mayor Vic DeLuca were Vice Mayor Kathy Leventhal and Ccmmitteeman Jerry Ryan. “This is a great new business on the avenue,” said DeLuca. “The academy will also help other businesses. As parents bring their children here, people will patronize other businesses as well. So we’re really happy about it. It’s also an established business, so that’s a good thing.”

A former NJ Nets cheerleader, Chaney has been dancing since she was seven years old. She studied at the Marie Wildey School of Dance in East Orange and later taught dance in the Maplewood/South Orange school district for seven years.

Prior to the ribbon cutting, a prayer was said by Sensei Britty who teaches karate classes at the academy. Mayor DeLuca later joked with attendees as everyone waited for the ceremony to begin. DeLuca and Chaney were flanked by committee members Ryan and Leventhal during the ribbon cutting. Many onlookers took pictures as Chaney cut the ribbon.

With about 200 students currently enrolled in the academy, Chaney is continually looking to welcome new participants. During the afternoon’s festivities, visitors got the opportunity to tour the new facility which features mirrored rooms for dance and karate classes, as well as a music room.

“I always say that we start with participants as young as two years old and will go up to 102,” said Chaney. “My motto is if you can move your pinky toe, we can teach you how to dance.”

For more information about the LaChaney Dance & Music Academy, log on to www.lachaney.info.