Business & Tech

D.A.N.C.E. by Kristin Begins its Second Year

Collinsville business will host open registration during Sam Collins Day.

As  enters its second year, owner and artistic director Kristin Vilardi has one simple goal for her students.

“I just want them to love to dance like I do,” said Vilardi, who is known to her students as Miss Kristin.

But loving something doesn’t always mean being an expert or making it a top priority in life. Vilardi wants students to enjoy themselves and have fun no matter what their level or goals.

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“I just want them to come to class every single week and be happy,” she said. "As long as they try, that is exactly what I want from them.”

This season’s classes begin Sept. 26 and include ballet, tap, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical and more. There are offerings for all abilities and ages.

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And during Sam Collins Day this Saturday the Collinsville business, like many in the village, will invite the public to come take a closer look at its offerings. Vilardi will host an open registration from 1 to 4 p.m.

Vilardi has been dancing since she was four-years old, first at Miss Nancy’s School of Dance and then at the Dance Connection in Unionville.

Throughout her school years and after college, Vilardi kept dancing, competing and eventually teaching at various studios. She was also part of the Tap Team at the University of Connecticut, where she graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor’s in Nutritional Sciences.

She’s putting that degree to good use as a WIC program Nutritionist in Torrington and at her studio.

D.A.N.C.E. actually stands for Dance and Nutrition Creative Education. While there are no requirements for her students, Vilardi does incorporate information about health and nutrition into her curriculum.

And she fulfilled a long-time dream when she opened the studio in  August 2010.

She said it has been tough balancing a day job with an evening business.

“It’s harder than I thought it was going to be, but it’s more rewarding than I could ever ask for,” she said.

Vilardi’s mother Debbie said her daughter just belongs in the studio.

“This is where she belongs and her face just shows it,” she said.

Vilardi does eventually hope to make the studio a full-time career and she continues to expand offerings, having added Zumba, birthday parties and summer camps along the way.

And although the business is a bit hidden behind and , she’s glad she chose Collinsville.

Growing up in Burlington and attending , she was familiar with the area. She also feels the village has retained a closeness and sense of community, especially with special events like Christmas in Collinsville and the Halloween parade.

“I’m really, really happy I opened up in Collinsville,” she said.

To find out more, stop by between 1 and 4 p.m. Saturday, call 860-977-1577 or visit dancebykristin.com.


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