Lakewood dance lovers have a new studio to work on their pirouettes, salsas and foxtrots at the Cultural Center.

Lakewood Heritage, Culture & the Arts (HCA) celebrated the opening of the studio, located at 470 S. Allison Parkway, on Jan. 8 with demos from the instructors and information about upcoming classes.

The new studio space is the new home for the existing programs offered at Washington Heights Arts Center and there will be new classes launched at the studio. Classes include ballet, tap, belly, swing, ballroom for adults and youth and creative movement and jazz for kids.

“It’s really exciting to be in this new space, and we’re really looking to grow the number of participants and make sure a lot of people are aware we’re here,” said Nathalie Renfroe, cultural programs coordinator. “We have dancers come perform at the center and with the studio here, we’re hoping that will inspire people, especially youth, to participate.”

Dianne Losasso has been teaching ballroom and belly dancing through the city for 10 years at Washington Heights, and gave attendees at the opening an introduction on belly dancing.

“Belly dancing is a great workout, as is the ballroom I teach, which covers several different styles - salsa, rumba, waltzes and foxtrot,” she said. “If you’ve never danced before, it’s a great thing to learn. Not only is it a great way to exercise, but it’s a social way.”

Paul Noel Fiornio is Lakewood’s ballet master, with 15 years of teaching the dance behind him, and said he is excited about the opportunity to build up the program at the new location.

“I think dance really is the fitness of the future,” he said. “People can easily dance to their favorite music, and get a sense of rhythm. Rhythm and proper body mechanics are what it’s all about.”

In addition to ballet, Fiornio also teaches a program called creative movement and will start offering a class called choreographic calisthenics, which will be part of the Let’s Move! Program.

“The goal is to have a lot of fun, and really build the dance program at the city,” he said.

For more information contact Renfroe at 303-987-7877 or NatRen@Lakewood.org.