Genesis of VEGA

VEGA Downtown Camas 240 N.E. Third Avenue 834-4636 Friday, Dec. 5 o Ribbon cutting 5:30 p.m. o Fourth Avenue Christmas tree lighting 6:30 p.m. o Hometown Holidays dancing performance 8:15 p.m. o For more information about the variety of programs offered, visit www.vegagym.com VEGA continues to evolve in Camas. The owners of this ever expanding gymnastics, cheerleading, dancing and musical academy signed a five-year lease on the downtown building, at 240 N.E. Third Ave., formally occupied by Camas Bike & Sport. In the place of mountain bikes and camping equipment is a 40-by-40 foot dance studio, a smaller dance room and a 40-by-50 foot gym space. American Ballet Theatre and hip-hop classes are already taking place in the studios. The VEGA All-Star cheer teams and pre-school gymnasts also have a new place to call home. Recreational and competitive gymnastics, and music lessons, will continue at the former Camas Armory Building, 840 N.W. 10th Ave. "This is part of the genesis of VEGA. There was a lot of demand for another gym space and a larger dance space. This building meets both of those needs," said co-owner Candace Miller. "Words cannot describe how excited we are. It's the culmination of the last 10 years of hard work. Now we have the space to serve all the families who have stuck with us." Instructors, students and staff are looking forward to having a bigger presence downtown. Miller envisions hosting open gyms on First Fridays and offering specialty dance courses, such as salsa. "We can't wait for the weather to warm up so we can open our garage doors to the community," Miller said. "We're right on the corner. More kids and families will be able to see us and take advantage of all the programs we have to offer." The VEGA downtown campus receives a special ribbon cutting ceremony at 5:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 5. This is right before the Fourth Avenue Christmas tree lights up at 6:30 p.m. VEGA dancers will perform a Hometown Holidays routine by the tree at 8:15 p.m. Miller and Dance Director Diana Alocmendas said children and parents are blown away by the new facilities. "We've had kids come in here and just lay out on the floor. It's so fabulous," Miller said. "All the emotions you have been waiting for and hoping for, it kind of magnifies everything," Alcomendas added. "Parents now have room to watch their kids dance. It's fun to glance out and look at their faces. They are just as happy as the kids are." All-Star Cheer Director Jen MacLaughlan is putting the new gym floor to good use. "There's no place like this in East Vancouver, Camas or Washougal," she said. "It's a huge opportunity for us to grow and have an impact."

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