Management Change at Cheryl Burke Dance Studio

Stephanie Castor took over as manager of the studio last week after outgoing manager Lindsay Morris decided to go back to full-time dance instruction.

"She's not a professional dancer. She's not a ballroom dancer, but she's passionate," said studio CEO Sherri Burke about Castor. "She likes to try new things and on top of thatm she has an MBA from Stanford."

"You can't go wrong with that."

Hired to replace Morris, Castor has been a student at the studio for many years. A native of Hawaii, she danced hula in Waikiki along with many other ethnic dances. Recently she's picked up ballroom, Latin, West Coast Swing, Argentine Tango, Salsa and Hip-Hop.

Morris, who managed Cheryl Burke Dance in San Francisco and after the studio moved to the former StarLite studio in Mountain View, has taught ballroom since 2001 and competed professionally in the American Smooth and Rhythm Styles. She currently owns and runs the Ballroom Teachers Academy at the studio.

She also oversaw of the ballroom complex to it's current size of 14,100. However, management took her away from her real focus—teaching.

"I prefer that direct contact with the students," said Morris.

Now Castor will work on how to attract new students. She's already been busy with the studio's corporate nights, when the studio brings in people who possibly have always wanted to dance, but hadn't. Castor believes that her lack of a professional background makes her understand dance enthusiasts who do not seek to compete.

"I'm not a dance instructor. I'm a social dancer," said Castor. "I love being in this environment because there are always dancers around and music playing. It's a wonderful place."