Johnson Lane dance studio builds on Christian-based atmosphere

For the last year, Genoa resident Cassie Brockway has been carving out a niche for herself in the local performing arts industry.

The Performing Arts Project of Northern Nevada, located in Johnson Lane, offers a Christian-based approach to ballet, tumbling, tap and musical theater.

"You don't have to be Christian, though," Brockway said at the studio on Friday. "Our focus is on wholesome music and clean choreography. The songs we choose for recitals are appropriate. If I don't want my daughter to do it, then that's my guideline."

Brockway's daughter, 10-year-old Argia, was a major impetus behind opening the studio.

"My daughter likes to dance, so it seemed like the right thing to do," Brockway said.

It doesn't hurt that the 47-year-old mother also has a lifetime of experience in the performance arts, having worked as a professional dancer and singer with different touring companies around the country.

"I've been doing it all my life," Brockway said. "I don't know of a time though when I haven't taught. I started teaching when I was 14. Even when I was working professionally, I was always teaching."

Now, Brockway has three professional instructors to help her.

"The staff is top notch," she said. "Our standard here for technique is set high, but it's still fun."

Since opening last summer, even in a recession, Brockway has seen her enrollment increase.

"We're still growing," she said. "It's really by word of mouth. The kids here really support it."

Currently, the studio enrolls about 60 students.

"We have both boys and girls, from preschoolers up to adults," Brockway said. "We have adult ballet and do total body workouts."

She said students come from Carson City, Minden, Gardnerville, and from as far away as Markleeville. The regular season runs from September to June, but there's also a summer program, she said.

"We take registration anytime," she said.

The company's next production is "Clara's Prayer," a Christian adaptation of "The Nutcracker," which will be performed Dec. 19 and 20 at the Brewery Arts Center in Carson City.

The Performing Arts Project of Northern Nevada is located at 2556 Precision Drive, Suite E, in Minden. Regular business hours are 4 to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information, call 267-4446.