Dance recital pays homage to Cindi Gallegos
DEMING – Dance in Deming has a storied history. The Southwest Fine Arts Studio (formerly Luna Star) will pay homage to that celebrated history when it presents the Spring Dance Recital with special guests on Saturday, May 28 at the “Voiers’ “Pit” Park (Trees Lake) Amphitheater on North Country Club Road.
The dance studio is now under the umbrella of Deming nonprofit Colores United. Body, mind, and soul are the nourishment Colores United is bringing to the community. SWFAS owner Sarah Williams has nurtured the studio with the theme of “Creating Art for the Wellness of the Community.”
In 2012, Williams opened Luna Star Dance Studio and Crystal Gonzales took up residency as a folklorico dance instructor in 2017. On came the coronavirus pandemic and the number of dancers began to drop.
“That’s when we approached Sarah to consider having Luna Star become a part of Colores United in a nonprofit capacity,” Gonzales told the Headlight. Gonzales is a coordinator for Colores.“That’s how it became Southwest Fine Arts Studio.”
Williams draws from what the late Cindi Gallegos had built in the late 1980s with Dance Studio 87 in Deming. SWFAS is planning a tribute performance for the Gallegos Family. Cindi began her studio in 1987 when longtime Deming dance teacher Ann Novak retired.
“Her family will be here for the special event and we are excited to pay tribute to one of Deming’s finest community members,” said Gonzales.
The recital and tribute for the Gallegos Family will begin at 7 p.m. A $5 donation will be accepted.
“When Cindi and Leo (husband) moved to Deming to open a dance studio in 1987, there was no expectation that the Deming community would benefit from much more than just a dance studio,” said dear friend and dance mom Dr. Jonni McClure. McClure is an Audiologist in Deming.
“I first learned of the new dance studio when my father, Bill Boomhower, signed up my daughter, Randi (Morrow), for classes. Over the next 15 years, Randi, like other Dance Studio 87 students, learned sympathy, empathy and acceptance. Dance improved student's confidence, pride and self-esteem through recitals and national competitions.”
SWFAS provides classes ranging from ballet, to country line dancing, jazz, and hip hop. Cindi covered the same dance steps and brought a fresh performing art troupe to the community that welcomed them with open arms.
Music and art are also taught at the new studio. The tuition scale is on a tier system and supports the studio. Fundraising is also a key element to keep the studio financially sound, as well as grants and sponsorships.
The avenues of financial support were limited for Dance Studio 87, yet Cindi and her family persevered through the support from the community and local merchants.
“Cindi was civic minded, serving on boards such as the Chamber of Commerce and was always happy to supply free entertainment to many city/county events,” Dr. McClure said.
She was honored during her time in Deming as “Citizen of the Year” for her many contributions. Her students have danced all over the world, allowing small town kids opportunities usually only afforded to larger communities or different economic means.
“Once, Leo drove to Los Angeles and back to secure a passport/VISA in 24 hours for a student going overseas to dance,” Dr. McClure shared. “An example of her kindness was shown when Cindi would gather her own children and students and help an elderly friend clean their yard or home.
“Cindi did all she could to provide dance lessons to everyone, from accepting fresh milk and eggs in trade, to allowing students to teach classes to pay for their lessons.”
No student was excluded, Cindi found a way.
“Bottom line, Cindi loved her students. Cindi was my best friend and my daughter's teacher and mentor influencing her entire life,” Dr. McClure explained. “Our lives, as well as so many Deming and Columbus families' lives, were forever changed with a small dance studio. Oh yes, Randi also learned to dance, beautifully.”
Bill Armendariz can be reached at 575-546-2611 (leave a message) or biarmendariz@demingheadlight.com.
This article originally appeared on Deming Headlight: Dance recital pays homage to Cindi Gallegos
