By Lee Trawick Riverbend News
Twenty-two-year-old Savannah Boone, a lifelong resident of Branford and graduate of Branford High School, has embedded herself in the community in an impressive way. While most 19 and 20-year-olds haven't decided what they want to do with their lives, Boone hit the ground running by owning her own business, Savvy's Cheer and Dance Academy. By combining her passions for community, cheer and dance with a strong disciplined work ethic instilled in her by her parents, Boone has gained the pleasure of working with over 40 kids at any given time. Boone said she's thankful for the support group she's had throughout her life, especially now.
"All of my family has helped and supported me in any endeavor I've taken on," Boone said. "My sister, Caylee Boone, has been an extreme blessing. She helps me with instructing classes, organizing camps and everything else in-between."
Boone grew up cheering and dancing and has been doing baton since she was two-years-old. God has given her a gift and she doesn't plan on wasting it. Boone stated her foundation is her faith in God; she believes everyone has a purpose and were all created with gifts. One of Boone's own hidden gift's is she was born with a servant's heart. Not only does she teach kids dance, cheer and baton, Boone also mentors them with anything that may arise along the way. In addition, she has a scholarship she gives out each year to a graduating senior.
"My students and their parents help support this scholarship that recognizes a high school senior involved in the arts, such as cheer, dance or band. It is a monetary scholarship given to a senior that displays leadership in their art," Boone said. "I've been fortunate enough to offer this scholarship for the past two years. This is just one way in which Savvy's Cheer and Dance Academy gives back to the community."
Savvy's Cheer and Dance Academy was born out of a simple baton camp Boone hosted in Hatch Park in 2019. After seeing the great turnout, Boone decided this is what she's supposed to be doing. From there, she decided to rent a building, allowing youth to be able to do something they can be passionate about and possibly help them find themselves.
"I believe that, to be involved in a community, it is important to give back to that community," Boone said. "I enjoy helping the Branford High School cheer teams choreograph dances and routines, as well as helping with camps, etc. I push for my students to be involved in the community as well. We participate in our town's parades, local festivals and more."
Boone said there are two Bible verses she leans on for inspiration, "Let us praise His name with dancing" (Psalm 149:3) and "Perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created" (Esther 4:14). These two verses are printed on the walls of her studio.
"I believe we're all given talents and we're all put into situations where we can use those talents. For me, I enjoy sharing my talents with children and adults in my studio," Boone said. "I know that when we are dancing and cheering, it is for God's praise and hopefully even one of my students will find their talent and that moment for which they were created."
Knowing her walk in life is an evolving example to the kids she teaches, Boone advises her students to "set their goals high, achieve them and understand that, when God closes one door, it is always for a reason...there is always another door opening."
Savvy's Cheer and Dance Academy recently held their 2021 Showcase, presenting the students' hard work and dedication to family and friends. They then held their cheer camp from Tuesday, June 22, through Friday, June 25, with a total of 13 students.
Savvy's Cheer and Dance Academy offers ballet, tap, baton, tumbling, jazz and cheer. Youth are able to participate in dance starting at three-years-old and cheer starting at five-years-old. Boone also offers private lessons for cheer tryouts, talent routines and even pageant coaching. She also offers cheer camps for high school cheer teams. Parents can register their kids for classes by contacting Boone through the studio's Facebook page, "Savvy's Cheer and Dance Academy."
Looking towards the future, Boone stated she plans on finishing her bachelor's degree and starting her career of teaching elementary school. However, she doesn't plan to stop teaching dance. In fact, she looks forward to building up her business, as it hasn't reached its full potential.
"Starting a business in 2019 and then dealing with COVID in 2020 set all businesses back," Boone said. "So, I'm still not satisfied with where I'm at, at this point. I believe you should never be satisfied and always try to grow and be better."
Savvy's Cheer and Dance Academy is located at 27049 83rd Pl., in Branford.