The Edge Aerial Arts and Pilates is Cape Girardeau’s first studio of this kind conveniently located on Williams St. and Kingshighway inside the City Center building. We are devoted to helping people of all ages, sizes and physical abilities. Our goals are to help them de-stress from their hectic schedules as well as stretch and strengthen the body using both solid physical fitness practices: Pilates and Aerial Arts. The Edge-a wide variety of mindbody activities, including Pilates, kids yoga/aerial yoga, Aerial/ Suspension yoga, Aerial Arts for adults and Circus Arts for kids, BarreBody, as well as private sessions. In addition, the studio offers massage through Tonya Glastetter, LMT. We take particular pride in our programs for beginning students including children, athletes, seniors and people in need of physical and healing--all held in a safe, compassionate environment guided by skillful, certified teachers.
We Offer:
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Private Pilates/Group Private
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Pilates Reformer
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Barre
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Aerial Arts for adults and youth
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including silks, sling, trapeze, hoop, & rope
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Tumbling
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Vertical theatre arts
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Performance tracks
MEET THE TEAM
MEET THE TEAM
Lauren K. Jones
Lauren Jones started her artistic career as a company member with Longview Ballet Theatre in Longview, Texas for four years. She also was accepted into the North Carolina School of Performing Arts in Winston- Salem summer programs two years in a row. After graduating high school, she attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas and graduated with a bachelors in the biological sciences. Lauren was offered the opportunity of traveling to Europe to work as a fashion model and spent the next three years traveling and working between Paris, Milan, and Munich before moving to New York City where she was signed to Wilhelmina Models, Inc. She was based there for the next 20 years as a high fashion print and runway model. She was also represented by Carol Ingber & Associates and has been in over 25 national television commercials and various industrial films and infomercials. She is a vested member of SAG-AFTRA.
Lauren graduated with dual MBA degrees in 2005 from Columbia Business School, NYC and London School of Business in London, UK. At Columbia Business School, where she was one of the five applicants chosen out of thirty-five to win a spot through a business plan competition to be a part of the Greenhouse Project (now known as the Columbia Start Up Lab) at the Eugene Lang Entrepreneurship Center. Her emphasis at London Business School was in marketing.
Lauren currently resides in Cape Girardeau, Missouri where she owns, operates, and teaches at The Edge- Your Fitness Advantage (formerly The Source- Yoga ’n More) since 2011 and is the owner and lead trainer of The Yoga Source, 200hr Registered Yoga School in partnership with the Southeast Missouri State University’s Continuing Education program. Lauren is an Experienced Registered Yoga Teacher (E-RYT 200 hour) with over 2500 teaching hours and is a Yoga Alliance Continuing Education Provider (YACEP ). This conferred designation considers her an expert in one or more of Yoga Alliance’s Educational Categories and grants her the ability to offer classes and workshops that qualify as continuing education courses for other RYT’s through Yoga Alliance. She is also a former faculty member of Yoga East Registered Yoga School where she taught yoga anatomy and vinyasa/power yoga to aspiring yoga instructors.
Lauren has choreographed and performed on the aerial fabric for several showcases, most recently in Greece and Mexico as a part of the Vertical Theatre Method workshop with Paper Doll Militia, Spring and Fall main stage dance performances at Holland School of Music and Art,, along with various charity benefits and has recently realigned with Wilhelmina Models, Inc as an aerialist for the Fitness Division and also with her former division, Direct Bookings, with division directors Topher DesPeres and Ginny Conquest respectively.
Certifications
E-RYT 200; Yoga Alliance
YACEP: Yoga Alliance
Core Strength Vinyasa Yoga: Sadie Nardini
YogaWall: Bryan LeGere
Yoga Anatomy 75hr: The Breathing Project in NYC, Leslie Kaminoff
BarreBody Edge/Beyond Barre
Born To Fly Aerial Teacher Training Certifications:
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Fabric Level 1
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Fabric Level 2
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Fabric Level 3
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Aerial Yoga 1
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Sling 1
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Rope 1
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Rope 2
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Trapeze 1
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Lyra 1
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Aerial Pilates
150 hour certification: Aerial Arts Sequence: Theatre, Dance, and Recreational Circus
150 hour certification: Peak Performance Aerial Sequencing
Professional Affiliations
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Owner, The Edge-Your Fitness Advantage
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Owner, 200HR RYS The Yoga Source
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Adjunct Instructor Aerial Arts/Aerial Dance, Holland College of Art and Media, Southeast Missouri State University: a National Association of Schools of Dance accredited school
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Yoga Alliance
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Pilates Method Alliance
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American Circus Educators
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Who’s Who in America: Entrepreneurial Woman Owned Small Business
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Mensa
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SAG-AFTRA
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Wilhelmina Models, Inc., NYC Direct Bookings Division Wilhelmina Models, Inc NYC Fitness Division
Adam Beard
Fabric Fundamentals Instructor at
The Edge
Sarah Wagganer
Assistant Director of Fitness & Wellness/Aerial Arts Instructor at Southeast Missouri State University
Angie Coonts
Aerial Arts Instructor at
The Edge
Adam Beard
Fabric Fundamentals Instructor at
The Edge
Adam Beard
Adam Beard is employed at Cape Regional Airport where he enjoys flying planes. It was a natural bridge from flying in the skies to flying on the ropes in the aerial arts where he is currently an Aerial Fabric/Rope 1 Instructor and specializes in
teaching Introductory Level and Level 1 Adults the fundamental skills of Aerial Fabric.
Adam enjoys training on the variety of circus apparatuses available at The Edge and building things with his hands. You will find his handiwork in the Edge’s Aerial Arts studio in the form of the stall bars and balance beam.
Before starting with The Edge, Adam spent 4 years strength training in the gym and attending Aerial Arts classes as a student through The Edge. After several successful main stage performances and Teacher Training through Born to Fly Productions, Adam auditioned for New England Center for Circus Arts (NECCA) 3-year professional track program and was selected from an international group of talented circus artists to attend the school. NECCA’s ProTrack has been creating professional circus artists for over a decade. It is the longest running Professional Training Program for circus artists in the United States, with graduates performing with Cirque du Soliel, Les 7 Doigts, Pippin, Cirkus Cirkor, Cirque Mechanics, and an array of touring shows, international festivals, cabarets and cruise ships. Students from all over the world come to NECCA for training, expertise, and guidance and, as a result, graduates of NECCA continue to fill the world's stages. My goal after completing my 3 year training is become chosen as an aerialist for one of these coveted positions!
Certifications
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Aerial Fabric Level 1 (Born to Fly Productions)
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Aerial Rope Level 1 (Born to Fly Productions)
Professional Affiliations
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New England Center for the Circus Arts: Professional Track
Mindy D'Angelo
Director of Youth Programming at
The Edge
Hilary Peterson
Associate Professor of Dance/Dance Area Coordinator/Aerial Arts Instructor at Southeast Missouri State University
Dr. Kimberly Louie
Aerial Arts Instructor at
The Edge
Mindy D'Angelo
I grew up in South St Louis, from a big loving family. I grew up dancing and working with animals. I graduated in 2000 with an Associates of Science in Veterinary Technology from Jefferson College with experience in clinical, shelter, and behavior.
Aerial Arts and Yoga was first introduced as a stress reducer and became a big part of my life. Moving to Southeast Missouri and then finding The Edge Your Fitness Advantage (Cape Girardeau) in 2012 is how I started on this amazing path in the Aerial Arts and Yoga.The Edge is who gave me the opportunity.
In May 2014 I became certified through KAY (Kidding Around Yoga) to teach yoga to children and the journey has continued from there with completing 95hours of specialty training in children's yoga becoming a RCYT in 2018. The Edge also opening new pathways including a love for Aerial Arts! I completed my 200 RYT in May 2016, Level 1 Aerial Yoga, Aerial Fabric Level 1, Youth Aerial, through Born to Fly Productions and have continued on with more teacher trainings in various apparatus. I can’t decide which is my favorite.
Currently I am The Director of Youth Programming and actively teaching youth and adult, Aerial Arts and Yoga classes. My hope is that along with adults that children can also reap the many benefits that yoga, and aerial arts have to offer as they grow and develop in life. Most of all I love sharing the joy of Aerial Arts with all ages. Outside of The Edge I love to spend time with my 2 sons.
Certifications
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CRYT (Kidding Around Yoga)
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Aerial Yoga Level 1 (Born To Fly Productions)
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Aerial Fabric 1 (Born to Fly Productions)
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Aerial Fabric 2 (Born to Fly Productions)
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Aerial Rope 1 (Born to Fly Productions)
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Aerial Sling 1/Fabric 0 (Born to Fly Productions)
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Trapeze Level 1 (Born to Fly Productions)
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Youth Aerial (Born to Fly Productions)
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Tots/Kids Circus Arts (Facing East LLC)
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Pilates Mat 1 (Balanced Bodies-in progress)
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200 RYT (YogaEast Healing Arts RYS)
Professional Affiliations
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Yoga Alliance
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Pilates Method Alliance
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American Youth Circus Educators
Tracy Curtis, Pilates
I have always had a passion for movement, and I love the connection between movement and better health. Growing up I spent many hours in the studio space fostering my love for ballet, jazz, modern dance and gymnastics. Later, in college, I continued this by earning a minor in dance at Southeast Missouri State University. After college, I translated this into a passion for Pilates and Yoga. Training with Yoga Fit, Moksha Yoga and Balanced Body Pilates.
For the past several years my focus has been Pilates. Pilates provides a balance in the strength and flexibility of the body that can’t be achieved with many other disciplines. It is safe for all levels and body types and works well when recovering from an injury.
A few years ago, after an injury, I was facing surgery. Pilates was key to my recovery. I was able to avoid the surgery with a combination of Pilates and Physical Therapy. Pilates allowed me to strengthen needed muscles in a safe way and continues to help me protect my body from further injury.
I love the challenge that working with different clients brings. From the first-time exerciser with multiple injuries or restrictions, to the already active client who would like to add some additional training to their routine. Pilates offers the opportunity to create a strong core, balanced strength in legs and arms and attention to the accessory muscles that often get overlooked. There is a focus on the connection of movement and breath, all in a safe and fun environment that can be one on one, or small group.
When not training clients, I enjoy spending time with my husband, son and daughter, walking our three dogs, and cooking.
Certificates
Yoga Fit level 1, 2, 3
Yoga Fit Kids
Balanced Body Pilates Comprehensive (Mat, Arc, Chair, Reformer, Cadillac, Trapeze, Tower)
Twisted Bodies Aerial Pilates
Chloe Dunaway
Aerial Arts Instructor at
The Edge
Hali Apel
Tumbling/Dance Instructor at
The Edge
Layton Hahs
Aerial Arts Instructor at
The Edge
Hilary Peterson, M.F.A.
Associate Professor of Dance / Dance Area Coordinator
Holland College of Art & Media
Southeast Missouri State University
Hilary Peterson received her MFA in Dance from the University of Arizona and her BA in Dance from Hope College. Miss Peterson specializes in modern/ contemporary dance technique and has studied the techniques of José Limón, Paul Taylor, Lester Horton and Bella Lewitzsky. Hilary is a seasoned performer and an active choreographer. She has choreographed original dance works for numerous Fall for Dance and Spring into Dance performances as well as the musicals Seussical the Musical, Grease, Little Shop of Horrors and Sweet Charity. Her choreography has been presented at the American College Dance Association Regional Conferences, the Kansas City Fringe Festival and in numerous venues in St. Louis. She is an active member of the National Dance Education Organization (NDEO) and serves as a Board Member of the American College Dance Association.
Professional Affiliations
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National Dance Education Organization
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American College Dance Association (Board member)
Certifications
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Aerial Sling 1/Fabric 0- Born to Fly Productions
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Aerial Fabric 1- Born to Fly Productions
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Aerial Fabric 2-Born to Fly Productions (in progress)
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Aerial Yoga 1- Born to Fly Productions
Kimberly Louie, Ph.D
I am an Associate Professor of Spanish at Southeast Missouri State University and enjoy teaching all levels of language, literature, film, conversation, and culture, amongst other topics. Outside those classrooms, I have been laughing my way through the Aerial Arts since 2015. It is one of the most challenging and entertaining forms of fitness I’ve ever done. Working with the aerial community, which is supportive, fun, and inspiring, is the best part. The easier the skill looks, the harder it is!
Certifications
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Aerial Fabric 1, Born to Fly Productions
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Aerial Fabric 2, Born to Fly Productions
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Aerial Rope 1, Born to Fly Productions
Sarah Wagganer
Sara has been in the health and fitness field since 2000. She has been teaching and practicing Pilates since 2004 and Aerial since 2016. She was trained through the Pilates Certification Center out of Raleigh, North Carolina. Her background is in Exercise Science where she attained her Bachelor's and Master’s degree from SEMO. She now works full time as the Assistant Director of Fitness and Wellness at SEMO’s Recreation Center but still truly enjoys privately training in Pilates and Aerial at the Edge.
Sara’s other main passion besides Pilates is her family. She lives in Cape with her husband and 3 beautiful children who are the light of her life! She has 2 dogs, 2 cats and a leopard gecko.
Certifications
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PCC, Certified Pilates Instructor for Mat I, II, Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Ladder Barrel /Props
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ACSM, Certified Exercise Physiologist
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YogaFit Certified Level 1 Instructor
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TRX, Qualified
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BarreBody Certified (Facing East LLC)
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Aerial Yoga Level 1 Trained (Born To Fly Productions)
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Aerial Fabric Level 1 (Born To Fly Productions)
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Aerial Fabric Level 2 (Born To Fly Productions)
Professional Affiliations
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National Intramural-Recreation Sports Association (NIRSA)
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American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM
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American Council on Exercise (ACE)
Angie Coonts
Aerial Arts Instructor at
The Edge
Angie Coonts
Sara has been in the health and fitness field since 2000. She has been teaching and practicing Pilates since 2004 and Aerial since 2016. She was trained through the Pilates Certification Center out of Raleigh, North Carolina. Her background is in Exercise Science where she attained her Bachelor's and Master’s degree from SEMO. She now works full time as the Assistant Director of Fitness and Wellness at SEMO’s Recreation Center but still truly enjoys privately training in Pilates and Aerial at the Edge.
Sara’s other main passion besides Pilates is her family. She lives in Cape with her husband and 3 beautiful children who are the light of her life! She has 2 dogs, 2 cats and a leopard gecko.
Certifications
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PCC, Certified Pilates Instructor for Mat I, II, Reformer, Cadillac, Wunda Chair, Ladder Barrel /Props
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ACSM, Certified Exercise Physiologist
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YogaFit Certified Level 1 Instructor
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TRX, Qualified
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BarreBody Certified (Facing East LLC)
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Aerial Yoga Level 1 Trained (Born To Fly Productions)
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Aerial Fabric Level 1 (Born To Fly Productions)
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Aerial Fabric Level 2 (Born To Fly Productions)
Professional Affiliations
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National Intramural-Recreation Sports Association (NIRSA)
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American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM
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American Council on Exercise (ACE)
Chloe Dunaway
I was raised in Rolla, Missouri. I moved to Cape Girardeau for college, where I discovered and quickly fell in love with aerial arts. I never did any sports before finding aerial, so it has been a challenge for me from my very first class. It took me about two years to invert cleanly- I can relate with my students for whom it does not come naturally! However, working through these challenges has had a profound influence on me in mind, body, and spirit. I love sharing this passion with the students in my classes.
I graduated from SEMO with a degree in Early Childhood Education in 2017. I've worked with young children in varying capacities, from summer camps to preschools to my own sixth grade classroom at Kelly Middle School.
Certifications
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Youth Aerial, Born to Fly Productions (in progress)
Professional Affiliations
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America Youth Circus Educators
Hali Apel
Hali Lynn, also known as " Coach Hali" ,has an extensive background in cheer, tumbling and dance. Hali was first introduced to, and subsequently competed in, cheer, tumbling and dance in 96' at Southwest Florida. Hali attended SEMO University as a BFA (Dance Major), where she studied Ballet, Jazz and Contemporary dance. She also studied Sports Management at Post University, CT.
Hali has been a certified cheerleading and tumbling coach since 2014 and was P/D and Head coach of Heartland Heat Competitive Cheer Squad (2016/2018). She also teaches a variety of choreography. classes including: Intro. Ballet, Hip Hop and Contemporary. She has trained Mat Pilates 1 and also POP Pilates which combined two other loves: dance and Pilates in the form of Dance infused Mat Pilates.
In 2014 Hali was introduced to Barrebody fitness and became certified as an instructor. Alongside of Barrebody she went on to become certified in other barre variations such as: Cardio, Power & Beyond Barre. Hali has a true passion for fitness and nutrition and loves helping our clients meet their goals!
Outside the studio Hali has her own business and two amazing young kids who also share the same passion for the arts as she does. She has so much love for people inside and outside the studio. In her free time she enjoys traveling and sandy beaches.
"I am so blessed to have had these wonderful opportunities to work with these amazing and talented people. It’s truly a circus family: we all support each other and each other’s goals and dreams. I am truly fortunate to call this my career. I honestly don't know what else I would want to do in life beside coach people and help them be the best version of themselves by working together to achieve their goals”
Certifications
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Positive Coaches Alliance Certification
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Cheerleading and Tumbling Coach (USASF
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Cheerleading and Dance Organization) BarreBody
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Edge (Facing East LLC)
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Power BarreBody Edge (Facing East LLC)
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Cardio BarreBody Edge (Facing East LLC)
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POP Pilates
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Pilates Mat 1 (in progress)
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USASF Level 2/3 Cheer and Tumbling( In Progress)
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USASF Dance: Ballet 1, Contemporary 1, Hip Hop 1, Jazz 1 (In Progress)
2502 Tanner Dr, # 102
Cape Girardeau, Missouri
(573) 388-3838