When Diana Peeso opened Chili Performing Dance Center in 1977, she didn't know exactly where the new venture would take her. Now, as the dance school gets ready for its 30th year in business, Peeso takes a look back.

"When I first started, disco and belly dancing classes were taught in addition to the usual ballet, tap and jazz," said Peeso. "As the years have gone by, some styles have changed but some have remained the same. Currently we teach an interesting mix of dance styles from ballet to modern dance to hip hop."

A new kind of student has taken interest in dance as well. Peeso thinks that television shows have sparked an interest in dance for an older generation.

In addition to their child and teen classes, Chili Performing Dance Center offers adult classes in just about every style of dance including tap, ballet, lyrical dance, jazz and even hip-hop. The studio has an aerobics instructor on staff who teaches class once a week.

Chili Performing Dance Center offers classes for students at all levels of experience in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, modern dance, hip-hop and aerobics. Full classes, solos, duets and trios are available. The studio is located in the North Chili Towne Plaza, at 4390 Buffalo Road. Fall classes will begin Saturday, September 8. For information or to register call Diana Peeso at 585-426-1128 or email cpdteachers@yahoo.com.

August 19, 2007