Cheryl Burke Dance Studio Gets New Manager

Stephanie Castor has taken over as manager of the studio after outgoing manager Lindsay Morris decided to go back to full-time dance instruction.

"I'm not a dance instructor. I'm a social dancer," said Castor. "I love being in this environment because there are always dancers around and music playing."

Castor has been a student for many years at the studio, which draws from Los Altos, Sunnyvale and all around the county. A native of Hawaii, she danced hula in Waikiki along with many other ethnic dances. Recently she's picked up ballroom, Latin, West Coast Swing, Argentine Tango, Salsa and Hip-Hop.

Morris, who managed Cheryl Burke Dance in San Francisco and after the studio moved to the former StarLite studio in Mountain View, also oversaw of the ballroom complex to its current size of 14,100. However, management took her away from her real focus—teaching. She has taught ballroom since 2001 and competed professionally in the American Smooth and Rhythm Styles. She currently owns and runs the Ballroom Teachers Academy at the studio.

Now Castor will work on how to attract new students. She's already been busy with the studio's corporate nights, when the studio brings in people who possibly have always wanted to dance, but hadn't. Castor believes that her lack of a professional background makes her understand dance enthusiasts who do not seek to compete.

Burke—and her mom—talk on video

Meanwhile, students are still glowing from Burke's visit to her dance studio earlier this month to promote her new book, which focuses on what she's learned.

An eclectic gathering of inter-generational fans—dancers and non-dancers alike—had all brought copies of Burke's book,  Dancing Lessons (Wiley, 2011) to get signed. Some protected them in clear one gallon Ziploc bags; others carried the copies they had just purchased at the front desk of the  studio in their hands and handbags.

The fans who sat eagerly in the black leather couches and bar stools exchanged thoughts about their favorite dancer. But when Burke arrived, 25 minutes before the book signing, casually dressed in form fitting dance clothing from her own fitness line, camera flashes popped and the nervous energy grew in the room.

Watch Mountain View Patch's June 9 interview with Burke, her friends, fans and her mom about the book and her growing success.