News

June 14, 2021

Dance Force Opens their New Studio in Rotterdam

The Chamber was thrilled to celebrate the opening of Dance Force’s new building in Rotterdam!  Friends, family, elected officials and Ambassadors were on hand to cut the ribbon and make the new location official on Friday, June 11^th.

Cara DeMeo is an entrepreneur that began her journey with her business at the age of 17. She has a vast background in dance and has danced for over 36 years. She started at age  and has pursued her dance career thru her teaching. She was a competitive dancer herself, and excelled thru her choreography as well; she has choreographed for commercials, TV shows and Theater Productions. She is a member of “National Dance Education Organization” and continues her growth thru the company.

Cara opened Dance Force in Schenectady (2235 Broadway) in 1998 and recently moved the location to accommodate the growing business. The new location is now the Old Pine Grove School (590 Gifford Church Rd Rotterdam NY 12306). The ribbon cutting was delayed due to COVID and having to close until Phase 4; the doors were re-opened in September.

Dance Force now has two locations; Rotterdam (entering its 25^th year) and Amsterdam (entering its 7^th year). The dance school offers lessons to students ages 3 thru adult, and teaches Tap, Jazz, Ballet, Gymnastics, and Hip Hop. Students range in a variety of levels and more advanced levels compete in local competitions. Cara teaches and shows the students how to excel and have fun. Dance Force employs 12 women instructors, all amazing at what they do. There are approx. 300 students that attend Dance Force.

The town of Rotterdam granted permission to transfer the school property to commercial property. Through much renovation and hard work the old school has been transformed to the new Dance Force. Dance Force occupies 85 percent of the building and leases out to three other women owned businesses; Zen Den, Force Fitness and Skinfit. The four women are great role models for young girls. Tay Fisher, a former Globetrotter, even rents out the gym for private training sessions. Dance Force also rents out for parties and events. The possibilities at this location are endless and always growing.

The new location has provided the students a safe and expanded space and has given the business the ability to grow and offer new programs. Cara is an active member of the community and resides in Rotterdam with her husband, 2 children and 3 step sons.

All ribbon cuttings are sponsored by Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company.