Cheryl Burke Dance Closes Laguna Niguel Studio

Due to an increase an unexpected rent increase, the Cheryl Burke Dance studio in Southern California will close on Saturday, June 30.

The 3,000 square foot Laguna Beach studio, which opened in 2009, would have had to pay almost 21 percent more, according to a press release. This closure comes two years after CBD also closed its San Francisco ballroom because of high leasing costs and changes in the neighborhood that made planning impractical, the press release stated.

However, its in North Bayshore--which operates as a separate legal entity--will remain open. The lease won't be up for renewal until 2014 and the rent increases are already factored in, according to a studio spokesperson.

"Our main focus during this difficult transition in Laguna Niguel is the well-being and concerns of local dancers, studio staff, and business partners," said Cheryl Burke Dance CEO Sherri Burke. "[Laguna Niguel] Studio Manager Matthew Brown is making every effort to arrange space in a nearby facility to continue classes and coaching for students and their instructors."

Approximately 40 dancers attend the Laguna Niguel studio as members, taking private lessons and group classes as part of membership packages. In addition, approximately 30 non-members regularly participate in classes at higher admission charges. During peaks in event attendance, drop-in classes, parties and weekend workshops in Salsa or Tango have attracted as many as 100 dancer.

The studio currently operates with a staff of seven: five instructors; one manager, Brown (who also teaches); and one receptionist.

Although it dwarfs the physical size of the Orange County studio, a sources familiar with the situation told Patch that the price per square foot in Laguna Niguel was two to three times more than in Mountain View.

"Refunds will be issued to dancers for any unused Cheryl Burke Dance services that were part of their prepaid packages," Burke said. "Meanwhile, we expect to hold a much-anticipated showcase on July 14, as scheduled, at Segerstrom High School Theatre in Santa Ana. Studio founder and "Dancing with the Stars" two-time champion Cheryl Burke will attend the July 14 event, cheering on the dancers and their teachers. CEO Sherri Burke plans to attend the performances as well.

"Refunds will be issued to dancers for any unused Cheryl Burke Dance services that were part of their prepaid packages," Burke said. "Meanwhile, we expect to hold a much-anticipated showcase on July 14, as scheduled, at Segerstrom High School Theatre in Santa Ana.

Studio founder and "Dancing with the Stars" two-time champion Cheryl Burke will attend the July 14 event, cheering on the dancers and their teachers. CEO Sherri Burke plans to attend the performances as well.

Cheryl Burke will visit her Mountain View studio on July 13th. Stay tuned to Patch for more information.

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