Continuing to do it right at State Street Dance Studio

It was the same triple-step swing that he teaches at State Street Dance Studio in Geneva, but this time a lot more people were watching.

Dance instructor Otto Konrad, an 80-year-old gentleman with 50 years of teaching experience, was demonstrating the swing during a recent WGN-TV midday news segment. His daughter, Linda Cunningham, the owner and artistic director at State Street, was also on hand with several girls from the junior dance company. It marked the fourth time her dance studio has been showcased on Chicago television.

"We've been very blessed," Cunningham said of the major exposure. "We must be doing something right."

Cunningham is confident that the "something right" has its foundation set firmly in the quality of the teaching staff.

"It's the work and the fruits of the labor of the teachers, and both our junior and senior companies," Cunningham said. "People will book us for a show and they see the talent and say, 'that's really entertaining.'

"We are very lucky to have the teachers we do," Cunningham added. "It's like a family here and the teachers stay for a long time."

The success in Geneva has spread to Elburn as well, since Cunningham took over the Blackberry School of Ballet and Dance operation in the village's community center.

"Jack Hansen is a board member of the community center and he was the one who sold me on it," Cunningham explained. "I was hesitant about expanding like that, but Jack sensed the need and he inspired me to help that community."

With an ever-growing number of dance exhibitions at community festivals, appearances in Chicago, a major studio summer showcase at the Paramount Theater in Aurora, and the winter production of "The Nutcracker," Cunningham's studio continues to move to the forefront.

"It's the work of the students and the faculty that is catapulting us," a pleased Cunningham said.

That other 'Stars' show: As if she doesn't have enough on her work plate already, Linda Cunningham of State Street Dance Studio is also heavily involved in the "Dancing with the Geneva Stars' fundraiser set for Feb. 6 at Eagle Brook.

Having participated in this event last year, I have a good understanding of what Cunningham means when she says that those who participate are in for a lot of fun.

"Was it stepping out of your comfort zone for a lot of people? Yes," she said. "Was it diving into a whole lot of fun? Yes."

The event committee is still hunting down some Geneva dignitaries to be dance couples in this year's event.

"All of the dancers come out of it feeling so proud of themselves, and they were so happy they did it," Cunningham added. "I could tell, with those had never danced before, that there was that 'deer in the headlights' look at first, but with practice they started to realize that they could do this."

Cunningham said in her experience as a dance studio director, she has a good feel for when an event is a big hit. And the "Dancing with the Geneva Stars" hit a home run.

"The energy in the room that night was electric," she said. "Every dancer could feel it, and every audience member was really into it.

"It was just a hugely successful event."

Anyone interested in dancing in the event, but are not sure about time commitment or skill level, can contact Cunningham for a pep talk at (630) 232-0444.

Phones and tacos: I mentioned a week ago that I was surprised to see a T-Mobile store going into the building that used to house Rotisserie Grill and Boston Market on the east side of St. Charles.

Now I have noticed that a new Mexican restaurant is going to be part of that building's equation, as signs have gone up announcing that Qdoba Mexican Grill will open there soon.

Now we can chomp on some tacos while trying our new cell phone.

Dimitri cooking again: Anyone who is pumping gas in their car at the Citgo station on West Main Street in downtown St. Charles is likely to know another restaurant is about to debut in the city.

The advertisement in the window of the building at 305 W. Main St., or right next to the gas station on one side and Scotland Yard on the other, tells us that the Copper Fox is expected to open soon.

What that sign doesn't tell you is that the Copper Fox will be operated by Dimitri Lolis, whom I first met about 11 years ago when he was the top chef at the Hotel Baker. Since then, he moved on to serve up tasty dishes at Tribella in Batavia, before opening Dimitri's Mediterranean Grill on the east side of St. Charles, which has since been changed to Odyssey 2.

Now Dimitri will have those who enjoy his food following him over to Copper Fox, which is certain to be another unique eatery, with Italian and Spanish dishes and other assorted offerings.

For your eyes: If you haven't given your eyes the treat of stopping by the Batavia Riverwalk this weekend, give it a try - especially if it is a nice day today.

The annual Art in Your Eye Fine Art Show and Festival will conclude today, but you have until 4 p.m. to visit.

I've mentioned this in the past, and will say it again - the poster used to promote this show is really eye-catching. And the one created specifically for the 2009 show by Batavia artist Francis Joseph Gagnepain IV is like something out of "Magical Mystery Tour."

The pirate ship with a windmill as a sail is certainly clever, as well as the various Batavia landmarks that you can spot on the poster, titled "RRRT in Yer' Aiye!"

dheun@sbcglobal.net