Whether it’s ballet, jazz, hip hop or tap, Deanna Beaudette-Young loves to dance.In 2005, Beaudette-Young renovated the former coffee shop at the Shops at Woodmen Hills and opened a dance studio, the Falcon School of Dance. “I’m fulfilling a life-long dream,” Beaudette-Young said.She began dancing as a child; as a teenager, Beaudette-Young danced professionally with a group called Elite Fleet, and performed at the Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center, The Broadmoor Hotel and other venues. Out of a passion for dancing, a career was born.Beaudette-Young was born in New Mexico and moved to Colorado Springs at age five. When she was 10 years old, a friend dared her to enroll in dance classes with her. Not really interested in learning to dance, but also not one to back down from a dare, Beaudette-Young agreed. Her friend eventually dropped out but Beaudette-Young was hooked for life. “I loved everything about it,” she said. “The beauty of the movements, the discipline required, the exercise, was always fun for me – everything but the pain.”After graduating from Doherty High School, Beaudette-Young moved to California, where she taught dance for three years. A marriage to a military man sent her to Germany, where she continued to teach on the base until returning to the U.S.After two daughters, her marriage eventually ended, and Beaudette-Young supported her daughters by teaching dance. She taught for six years at The Dance Center and another six years at Robin’s School of Dance before she opened the Falcon studio.She married Ken Young, a project manager for the mill outlet, Ardako, and the family moved to Falcon in 2000. “A shooting occurred at the 7-11 convenience store that my girls frequently walked to and that was it for me,” Beaudette-Young said. “We moved shortly after that.”Both of her daughters, Courtney, age 18, and Brandy, age 16, take dance classes and help in the studio.Beaudette-Young offers 30 classes covering jazz, tap, ballet and hip hop. The classes include beginners to advanced and are divided by age and skill. The toddlers’ class combines jazz, tap, ballet and a bit of tumbling. The “tots” class meets for one-half hour, Beaudette-Young said. “That’s enough for a 3 year old,” she said. The 4-and-5 year olds also participate in a combo class lasting one hour. Beginning at age 5, kids can enroll in ballet and/or tap, but jazz and street jazz is typically for ages 12 and older, she said. “The movements in jazz are strenuous, and you must have control of your body and be able to follow instructions closely,” Beaudette-Young said.”I limit class size to no more than 12 students and less for the youngest kids. That’s the maximum to give each student personal attention.She also offers adult classes in ballet, tap and jazz. Her oldest student is 66 years old. “Dance is for all ages,” Beaudette-Young said. “It keeps your body toned and flexible, and it’s a fun way to keep in shape.”Martial Arts classes also are available for ages 6 through adult. Cuong nhu is a blend of seven different forms of martial arts.In June, there will be a new dance schedule. Beaudette-Young said that dance schools follow the typical school year – August through May. The Falcon School of Dance runs on a June through May schedule. “I am offering a full summer schedule with many new class opportunities,” she said.An additional room has been added at the dance center, so that means more classes. New classes will include pomp cheer for ages 7 and up, line dancing for teens and adults and a yoga class is a possibility. Students may join a class at any time but they must enroll each January to be able to participate in the annual May recital.Beaudette-Young also is forming three ensemble groups for varying ages that will perform the first week of June. The three groups will perform at charity events, nursing homes, fairs and other venues, she said. To be part of the ensemble group requires a major commitment, she added. “I have parents and students sign the enrollment form, so it’s understood that being an ensemble dancer requires a major time commitment and additional expenses for competition dues, costumes, warm-up suits, local travel, etc., but it is so rewarding for the students,” Beaudette-Young said.”Physically, they will be in great shape. Combine that with discipline and their self-esteem grows, and it affects all areas of their lives.”
