Dance instructor buys the studio
Lisa Gomez, who started taking ballet classes when she was in second grade, recently bought the dance studio where she has been teaching for 18 years.
Gomez changed the name of the studio in an effort to update the image of the business at 1762 W. Algonquin Road in Hoffman Estates in the Forest View Plaza. The Dance Project is the new name of what was formerly Dancing Feet Dance Studio. Former owner Carolyn Lubecker of Algonquin joins about 10 instructors in teaching at the studio.
The studio offers about 45 classes in jazz, ballet, hip-hop, tap, contemporary, musical theater and tumbling. Gomez has found that the adult hip hop classes have become a hit. She also offers a Thursday evening preschool and kindergarten class ideal for working parents.
Gomez, a graduate of Fremd High School, started teaching at the studio after graduating with a marketing degree from Eastern Illinois University. She found herself picking up additional teaching jobs while imagining herself working somewhere as a corporate marketing executive.
In launching her own business, Gomez is now using her marketing background.
"I took what has been such a big part of my life - dancing- and made it my career," said Gomez, who is raising two children with husband, Steve, a psychology instructor at Harper College.
The added that the entire family helps in running the business. Even Gomez's mother, Mary Ann, who lives in the neighborhood assists.
"She adds special touches to make the place feel warm and inviting," said Gomez, adding that her mother has never missed one of her dance recitals while growing up.
Gomez continues to operate Dance Parties By Lisa, a business she has operated while raising her children. She offers private one-hour dance parties at other people's homes for children's birthday parties.
The concept, popular from Wilmette to Naperville, incorporates teaching a dance to the young girls as well as limbo, hoola hoop and other activities.
Gomez is now incorporating this into her new dance studio.
In addition, a dance company that's part of Gomez's studio is set to perform this weekend at the 30th annual Ron Santo Diabetes Walk at Busse Woods in Elk Grove Village. Gomez, who has had diabetes since she was in sixth grade, said about 20 students will perform at 10:55 a.m. at the children's area of the event Sunday, Oct. 5.
For more information, call (847) 991-3117.
Party in Palatine: The Palatine Plaza Fall Fun Fest takes place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 18.
The shopping center at Hicks and Northwest Highway is offering trick or treating, games, ice cream cones, face painting, popcorn and special coupons.
Children are encouraged to wear costumes at the event that also features an open gym with obstacle course and other activities. The party takes place rain or shine as everything is under cover.
About a dozen businesses are participating including Ace Hardware, Dollar Tree, Monica's Deli, Sherwin Williams, Sparrow's Nest, Subway and Sumo Japanese Steak House.