Allen Cuyugan, owner and dance instructor of Allen’s Dance School of Performing Arts in Garapan, said he could have followed the right path and taken a full time career in dancing back in college, but he took the more scenic route — finishing a degree in broadcasting and public relations, which did not put him in the direct line of dancing but still put him in the limelight.
He worked as a public relations officer for ABS-CBN, one of the two TV network giants in the Philippines for two years, then moved on to write for newspapers for another two years. It took sometime before his dreams finally came true.
He came to Saipan in 2007 and the fulfillment of his life-long passion began. He started working as a dance instructor and has never stopped.
Life took a good turn and he was finally able to open his very own dance studio in September last year.
Cuyugan starts his day at the school checking schedules and preparing the dance studio for his students each day. He works in an environment where he feels most at home, donned in comfortable clothes that provide him easy access to all body moves without the strain of costumes.
In the mornings, students are usually on a one-on-one tutorial and Cuyugan delights in waltzing his students in front of the huge mirrors while teaching them the right steps.
For anyone who thinks he or she cannot dance, or blessed with two left feet, Cuyugan has only encouragement and assurances that after the lessons, anyone can dance well no matter how young or old or from what part of the world one comes from.
“Dancing is an art that can be learned by anybody,” he said.
Cuyugan is also into organizing events and shows.
Allen’s School of Dance and Performing Arts recently got a partnership with TakeCare Insurance where policy holders of the wellness programs can take free lessons. He said that they are working out to tie up with other agencies and insurance companies so that more people will have the chance to learn how to dance, and maintain a healthy and improved lifestyle.
Allen’s School of Dance and Performing Arts has been offering lessons to its increasing number of clients in ballroom dancing, low and high impact aerobics, zumba, dance fusion, belly dancing, modern dances like hip-hop, techno, R&B, modern jazz, ballet jazz, local and international cultural dances, modeling, voice lessons, instrument and acting workshops.
Allen’s School of Dance and Performing Arts is located at the back of DFS Galleria in Garapan. For more information call 233-LLEN (5536) or 989-1192.{jcomments off}
