Dancing Through the Years with Dance Factor
Since opening its doors in 2002, Dance Factor has been a vi- brant part of the Strathroy community. The local dance studio offers a wide range of classes to students as young as three through to adults. With styles in ballet, hip hop, acrobatic, mu- sical theatre, lyrical, tap, and tumbling, the studio has created a place where dancers of all ages and levels can feel inspired, supported, and challenged. Owner and artistic director Cathy Pacheco knew dance would be part of her life since childhood. “My aunt remembers sitting with me at McDonald’s when I was 14, and I told her my grand plans of how I was going to open a dance studio one day,” Cathy shares. Cathy danced through school and into her post-secondary edu- cation as she prepared to pursue teacher’s college. A new path opened, however, when her fiancé (now husband) proposed the idea of starting a business together. “We are both Strathroy natives, and we are proud to have built Dance Factor in our hometown,” adds Cathy. “Strathroy has supported us from day one. It means everything to grow along- side this town.” While the studio welcomed over 200 dancers this past year, Cathy interacts with hundreds of students both at Dance Fac- tor and by teaching dance in local elementary and secondary schools as part of their curriculum. Cathy works with various community organizations when there is a fit between their needs and her skills. Recently, she led a choreographed warmup at the Girls at Bat All-Star Series event at Labatt Memorial Park, demonstrating how dance builds con- fidence and community outside the studio walls. The studio’s impact goes far beyond choreography and cos - tume changes. According to Cathy, it’s the little moments that leave the biggest imprint: a young dancer growing into a con- fident performer, lifelong friendships forming at the barre, or a parent’s pride beaming during a recital. While the dance studio has evolved in its 23 seasons, at its heart, it has remained the same: a place to explore and grow. “Dance has shaped who I am,” explains Cathy. “It taught me discipline, creativity, resilience. That’s what I hope our dancers take with them whether they stay for one year or ten.”
Miss Cathy with two up and coming dancers
Dance Factor’s season runs from September to early May, with a spring recital that showcases the hard work and dedication of all the students. After the recital, they offer a six-week spring session for specialty classes and adult programs. In July, the studio transforms into a hub for themed summer camps. For more information, visit www.dancefactorstudios.com Photos courtesy of Dance Factor Studios and Luis' Photography
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Hometown Strathroy-Caradoc July/Aug 2025
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