When Jodi Richardson tried out for her high school cheerleading squad she said the routines were far different from those used today. The sport has evolved, becoming more complicated and requiring those who do it to have a far greater repertoire of skills. Richardson, who started the Billerica-based J and D Cheer and Dance Academy, offers classes in cheerleading, dance, jazz, ballet, tap and hip hop, a new aspect to the dance world which is quickly becoming a favorite of her students. “It’s just catchy and different,” said Richardson, the instructor and co-owner of the studio. “I’ll have the music to fit right to the moves.” The studio, located on 530 Boston Road, first opened in April as an expansion of Richardson’s 10-year-old facility in Woburn, where the dance and cheer teams she coaches train every day. Because of the number of teams, some with as many as 36 members, regular classes were impossible to schedule, which led to the opening of the Billerica location. Though Richardson said she has yet to do any real advertising, almost 100 students have joined in the last two months. “We’ve done really well,” Richardson said. “It’s mostly been word-of-mouth.” Holly Boulay teaches the Cheer Prep for the younger children, and said enthusiasm is high among the new students. For those with little or no experience, Boulay takes her time to help the students perfect their moves. “Everyone comes to practice all the time,” said Boulay. “It’s h ...
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When Jodi Richardson tried out for her high school cheerleading squad she said the routines were far different from those used today. The sport has evolved, becoming more complicated and requiring those who do it to have a far greater repertoire of skills. Richardson, who started the Billerica-based J and D Cheer and Dance Academy, offers classes in cheerleading, dance, jazz, ballet, tap and hip hop, a new aspect to the dance world which is quickly becoming a favorite of her students. “It’s just catchy and different,” said Richardson, the instructor and co-owner of the studio. “I’ll have the music to fit right to the moves.” The studio, located on 530 Boston Road, first opened in April as an expansion of Richardson’s 10-year-old facility in Woburn, where the dance and cheer teams she coaches train every day. Because of the number of teams, some with as many as 36 members, regular classes were impossible to schedule, which led to the opening of the Billerica location. Though Richardson said she has yet to do any real advertising, almost 100 students have joined in the last two months. “We’ve done really well,” Richardson said. “It’s mostly been word-of-mouth.” Holly Boulay teaches the Cheer Prep for the younger children, and said enthusiasm is high among the new students. For those with little or no experience, Boulay takes her time to help the students perfect their moves. “Everyone comes to practice all the time,” said Boulay. “It’s h ...