GAINESVILLE, Fla. — Pofahl’s Sudios has been around since the 1950s. It’s where Marianne Cuevas originally fell in love with dance. Not many people can say they have been going to the same establishment their entire life. However, some of the teachers that taught Marianne are teaching her children today!

Kai does ballet, tap and jazz. He started when he was 3. Likewise, Leo has been dancing all their life. They are currently doing ballet and acro.

The Cuevas family spends 4 evenings a week at the studio, and that’s a light schedule compared to what it was before the pandemic. Nonetheless, they would not let something take up so much free time if they did not enjoy every minute of it.

Marianne wouldn’t have it any other way, she adores being a “dance mom.” She is always backstage to assist, still giddy with a “behind the scenes” feeling every show. Chris Cuevas does not participate quite as much, still he qualifies as their biggest fan and supporter. Most importantly, he never misses the annual “dad’s dance” with his kids.

“Dance is an incredibly physical activity that takes strength, flexibility and endurance. The hours a dancer spends honing their craft is matched only by other dedicated athletes. The dedication and discipline it takes is oftentimes underappreciated by those that are unfamiliar with the dance world,” Mariane shared. That being said, she relishes in raising her kids at the studio, where she watches them learn dedication and perseverance everyday.

Meet former dancer and current “dance mom,” Marianne Cuevas

Q: What is it like watching your own children continue dancing at the same studio you danced at?
A: Pofahl’s is more than a dance studio, it is a home. A home for dance but also for creativity, for growth and encouragement, for positive energy. My kids both showed interest in dance at an early age and it just made sense that I would want them in the same dance home I had with my dance family. The studio hasn’t changed much in all these years, my kids are both taught by Judy Skinner and Kim Tuttle (studio owners and my teachers from when I danced). As the home to Dance Alive National Ballet, the studio is always filled with the professional dancers. I find this to be a great example for the kids, especially for Kai as a male dancer in a predominantly female activity. He gets to see the professional men with their powerful and graceful moves and all sense of social stigmatization vanishes. While I hung up my dance shoes ages ago, I still love being part of the show and spend lots of time volunteering backstage for productions!

Q: What type of dance did you do growing up? Do you have any specific special memories at the studio?
A: Ballet, Tap & Jazz. I always loved performing in the Nutcracker, an annual show that the studio has been producing for 56 years! My kids are now doing the same routines that I performed 20+ years ago!

Get to know the dancers a little bit more below; meet Leo and Kai Cuevas

Q: What is your favorite part of dancing at Pofahl’s Studio?
A (Leo): My favorite part is the teachers who are very nice and super talented. They have high standards that challenge me to be a better dancer.
A (Kai): The supportive environment and encouragement from the professional dancers.

Q: What is one thing that dance has taught you?
A (Leo): It has helped me improve my posture. It’s also helped me learn how to set and achieve realistic goals.
A (Kai): To never stop trying.

Q: What has been your favorite moment yet in your dance career?
A (Leo): Being promoted to pointe class. I always look forward to being in the annual production of The Nutcracker, this will be my 6th year performing in this show!
A (Kai): Playing “a rustic” in Midsummer Night Dream and being tossed around by other dancers in a playful scene on stage.

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