After 50 Years, Beloved Hillsborough Dance Academy Is Closing

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ — After 50 years in business, Kathleen Cirioli is bringing down the final curtain and closing her beloved dance studio in Hillsborough.

Cirioli opened her studio, Kathleen's Dance Academy, at 411 Route 206, when she was 20 years old. Throughout the years she made memories and connections with families as she shared her passion for dance.

When the coronavirus pandemic hit in March, Cirioli was forced to close her doors. She kept the doors closed because she "didn't feel it was safe."

However, she adapted by launching virtual Zoom classes and even outdoor parking lot tap classes. Read More: 3-Time Hillsborough Cancer Survivor, Fights To Keep Dance Alive

Despite all of the changes, Cirioli felt closing the studio was the best option.

"The longer the pandemic extended and with the cases continuing to increase, I don't see us going back to the studio for many more months," said Cirioli.

"The fact of the matter is that although I am not defeated by the temporary challenges of COVID, it has promoted a great deal of soul-searching and reflection on how best use my time and energy when faced with an uncertain future," said Cirioli in a letter to her dance families.

Cirioli noted that while many people complain about how terrible the pandemic is, she has chosen to see the "silver lining" in the situation. She may be closing her physical studio but she is adapting to teach dance in other ways.

"I am not retiring," said Cirioli. "I guess most people count the days until they can retire. I never felt that way. I never had a retirement plan. I thought I would have Kathleen Dance Academy forever, but COVID has given me the opportunity to slow down and think about changing. I will still be teaching, I still have a passion for dance."

Cirioli will now focus on offering private lessons, virtual lessons and outdoor classes once the weather gets warmer. She also hosts weekly virtual Zoom classes online for students all over the world.

"I think wow, a year ago I didn't know what Zoom was and now I have happy customers," said Cirioli. "I have dancers who grew up and moved away and can now reconnect with me."

Cirioli is also continuing to focus on her tap business that offers everything related to tap at justtap.com.

"I will have more time now to do what I want to do which is all dance-related," said Cirioli. "My life has been dance and it still will be."

For more information on the virtual, outdoor, or private classes contact Cirioli at kcirioli@gmail.com or 908-420-1999 or facebook.com/KathleenAcademy.

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