The Jill Mallory Dance Studio has grown over the years and developed a remarkable reputation within the Pinecrest community for producing some of the most talented dancers.

Pictured are some of the talented dancers at the Jill Mallory Dance Studio.

Founded in 1950 by Jill Mallory, the studio is run today by her daughter, Paula Cunningham.

"Both my parents were professional entertainers that moved from New York to Miami, and they eventually decided to open up the studio," Cunningham said. "My sister, Wendy, and I grew up in the studio, and I started to dance when I was 3 years old."

Cunningham’s fondest memory of her late father is of him playing the piano.

"I remember my dad used to play jazz pieces on the piano that we would dance to. That type of live music was great. It was a real family-owned dance studio as my grandmother used to create the costumes for the dancers."

Jill is still very active in the studio as she teaches some of the classes.

"Now, we find that we have a lot of second generation children taking classes with us, most of whose mothers took lessons with my mother," Cunningham said.

Classes in ballet, tap, jazz, acrobatics and lyrical are taught. Most of her students range in ages from as young as 3 to as old as 20.

"Most of the students that we currently have grew up in my studio," she said.

Some of the most important things that the Jill Mallory dancers do throughout the year are various community service performances.

"Our dancers perform at many retirement homes, for church bazaars, and for various fundraisers. Our mission is to be in the community, giving something back," Cunningham said.

"We teach our dancers that dancing does not have to be competitive to be rewarding and that everyone can benefit from dancing. We teach them that dancing builds their confidence. We teach them about caring for their bodies, about focus, disciplining their minds and their bodies," Cunningham said.

"I have watched my dancers over the years taking on so much. Most are also very active in school activities, like cheerleading and are on dance teams. This just goes to show the devotion that they have, and it is rewarding to see how much they have grown with me."

Cunningham has several other dance instructors working with her, and taking her dancers to that superior level of dancing. "Many of our students have gone on to New York where they are now dancing for various ballet companies. Some are dancing at Disney, others have gone on to Las Vegas and on various cruise lines. We have those who have returned to help us teach, so that is always great to see," Cunningham said.

"Also, many of my mom’s former students have gone on to opening their own studios. Up to this day, people are impressed to see my mom still in the studio doing what she loves best, dancing."