Local woman dedicates business to town, mother

Date: 6/30/2009

By Amanda Lemon

Staff Intern



WEST SPRINGFIELD -- Twenty-eight-year-old Jenna Maloni's star is on the rise.

The lifelong West Springfield resident is about to open her very own dance studio, Future Stars Performance Academy, as a token of appreciation to a town that has helped shape her as a young woman.

"I saw this studio as a chance to give back," Maloni stated, who credits her local training as a dancer for the positive attitude she has today. "From competition to recitals, dance has given me a positive self-image, confidence and friendships which are so important for young woman to develop."

However, there lies an even more personal reason behind Maloni's decision to open a studio. In 2001, she lost her mother and long-time support system to breast cancer.

"My mom was a major influence on me and my dancing ... This studio is definitely a testament to her," Maloni explained.

She praised the benefits of a good mother-daughter relationship, adding that it is something she loves to be around. Part of what Maloni wishes for Future Stars is that moms come out in support of daughters and get actively involved.

"It's important at a younger age to get girls out exercising, taking pride in what they do, excelling in what they do and gaining more confidence in themselves," she advised.

Maloni has assembled a team of seasoned instructors from the area including University of Massachusetts dance major Sarah Stevens, formerly of New England Dance and Gymnastics; Katie Faust, formerly of Toe to Toe; and Jenna Gillespie, formerly of Gold's Gym.

Faust mirrored her former cheer coach Maloni's views on the importance of dance in a young woman's life. She also views the sport as "a way for girls to have more confidence in themselves, have fun and also have pride in what they do."

Maloni, as owner and director of Future Stars, boasts as impressive background in dance and cheer. To top off years of competitive dance with local studios, she has also received instruction from the likes of Frank Hatchett of New York City's Broadway Dance Center, the Rockettes and even the New England Patriots cheerleaders.

She has spent the last nine years coaching the West Springfield Varsity Cheerleading team. Under her instruction, the team has been ranked in the top 10 of Division I teams in Massachusetts and in March, they took home a first place trophy.

Future Stars will be offering a number of classes as well as cheer camps throughout the summer months including preschool ballet, tap, jazz and acrobatics. Also featured will be fitness and specialty classes such as Zumba and PiYo, a combination of pilates and yoga, and Mommy and Me classes.

In the mean time, Maloni continues to honor her mother's memory.

"The first recital we hold will definitely be in her name," she said.

For more information about Future Stars Performance Academy, 1700 Riverdale St., e-mail futurestarperformance@yahoo.com.