3-Time Hillsborough Cancer Survivor, Fights To Keep Dance Alive

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — Kathleen Cirioli is a fighter. She has beaten cancer three times and even had a lung removed last year. Now she is fighting to keep her 50-year Hillsborough dance business afloat by offering outdoor tap lessons.

Cirioli opened Kathleen Academy of Dance at 411 Route 206 in 1971. For the first time in 50 years, Cirioli said she was unable to host a normal dance recital.

"When the coronavirus happened we said goodbye to the kids on March 15 and said we would see them tomorrow and we never did," Cirioli said. "I couldn’t have fathomed that would be the last time I would see them."

Cirioli's studio, like many places, was forced to shut down following Gov. Phil Murphy’s stay-at-home order to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

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Cirioi immediately switched to virtual lessons and a virtual recital where she hand-delivered costumes, gifts and flowers to each of her students.

"We were trying to social distance and still do something," Cirioli said. "It's been a very unusual and crazy year. I am a three-time cancer survivor and during this dance season I was diagnosed with lung cancer."

Cirioli went through chemo and had her lung removed last year. It was a rough year for her but what kept her going were her students. She pointed to the love and support she received from her dance family, such as receiving more than 300 cards of support during her treatments.

"There is something about dance that brings joy to everybody," Cirioli said.

That's when she knew she had to fight again to keep her business afloat and dance alive in the community.

"I am in remission now but it brought back how if I could get through that, then I can get through anything," Cirioli said.

Cirioli was afraid to begin outdoor classes at first but found a way to do it while keeping everyone safe.

The weekly tap lessons are held outdoors in the parking lot of her dance studio. Current students, dance teachers and college alumni dance together while socially distancing in a healthy outdoor space. Students bring a wooden board, may wear masks and keep 6 feet apart from one another.

"Everyone is really respectful of the situation," Cirioli said.

Cirioli sometimes even hosts a movie night after the lessons.

"The thing about tap dancing is we have a 12-year-old in the class and a 70-year-old in the class. Age does not matter," Cirioli said. "It amazes me how this impacts the students. They each have their own reason for loving this. There is something magical about it."

The tap lessons are offered on Monday for beginners and Wednesday for advanced.

For information, contact Cirioli at kcirioli@gmail.com or kathleenacademy.com or facebook.com/KathleenAcademy.

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