Bloomingdale dance studio celebrates 15 years

Center Stage Dance Studio in Bloomingdale is celebrating its 15th season of teaching dance.

Mary Pilalis, or "Miss Mary" as she is known, the owner and founder of Center Stage, has been teaching in the West suburbs for 35 years.

"Center Stage has been such an uplifting place for so many of our dancers over the years," Pilalis said at a recent ribbon-cutting ceremony commemorating the anniversary of the studio, 162C E. Lake St.

"Center Stage has been a launching point for many of our dancers dreaming of a career in dance and the arts. We are so honored to begin serving the community in our 15th season."

Recently, Center Stage dancers Sean Jones and Luke Pilalis appeared on four episodes of "America's Got Talent," and Bloomingdale's own Josh Rivera will tap dance in the upcoming movie "Hail Caesar," tapping alongside Channing Tatum.

"Thank you to all of the great parents, students and teachers that have made Center Stage the top-ranked studio that it is," Pilalis said.

Center Stage boasts a successful competitive dance team.

In addition to the nationally recognized Aspire Dance Company, Center Stage has a noncompetitive performing team that reaches out to the community by dancing at nursing homes and public events. The special needs team, a group of dancers with autism, is a part of the Performing Troupe and remains one of the most uplifting aspects of the center's program. For information, visit centerstagedanconline.com.