A Studio Born from Passion and Perseverance

Strike It Up Artistic Center was founded in 2003 by Cori Colombo, but its journey was anything but conventional. Initially, Cori planned to buy or teach at a former instructor’s studio, but when the deal unexpectedly fell through, she found herself in a difficult position. Instead of giving up, she chose to forge her own path. With the support of her father and the property owners—who believed in her passion for dance—Strike It Up Artistic Center was born.

A Dream That Took Shape

Dance had always been a part of Cori’s life, but growing up, she often felt overlooked in the dance world. As an overweight young dancer, she wasn’t always taken seriously, but that never diminished her love for movement. When she began teaching, she saw an opportunity to stay connected to dance while making a difference for others. What started as a job quickly turned into a lifelong calling. After the first year, she realized that teaching dance wasn’t just something she loved—it was part of who she was.

From a Small Recital to a Thriving Studio

Strike It Up Artistic Center started with just 16 students at its first recital—three of whom were Cori’s relatives. By the next year, enrollment had soared to 83 students. That growth sparked a realization: the studio needed more space. Cori and her family searched for a larger location, eventually finding the space that would become SIUAC’s permanent home. Transforming an old office building into a state-of-the-art dance studio took an entire summer, eight dedicated volunteers, and $50,000.

One of the most influential volunteers was Nelson Kiedrowski, a devoted dance dad who spent the entire summer helping Cori build the studio. Nelson continued to support the studio for years—running recital tech, building props, and offering his expertise in countless ways. When he passed away from cancer, Cori honored his legacy by establishing the Nelson Kiedrowski Scholarship, awarded annually to seniors pursuing higher education.

A True Family Business

Strike It Up Artistic Center is more than just a dance studio—it’s a family-run business built on dedication and love. Cori and her mother started the studio together, with Cori handling the teaching and her mother managing the finances. Over time, her father stepped in to assist with maintenance, programming, and hiring, and as her sisters grew older, they also became an integral part of the team. Together, they have helped SIUAC evolve into the artistic hub it is today.

A Safe Space for Every Student

Having experienced bullying as a child and feeling out of place at other studios, Cori was determined to create an environment where every student—regardless of background, body type, or ability—feels safe, welcome, and encouraged to grow. That vision shaped Strike It Up into more than just a dance studio—it became a home for creativity, offering nearly 50 different classes in dance, musical theater, music, fitness, and the arts.

Cori’s goal has always been to foster a family environment where students are challenged to become their best while also having the freedom to explore different artistic avenues. Every child deserves the chance to discover their talent, and that belief is at the heart of Strike It Up.

The Meaning Behind the Name

The studio’s name holds a special meaning for Cori. At 15 years old, she performed to Strike It Up by C+C Music Factory, a song that stuck with her throughout her dance journey. Years later, when she was trying to come up with a name for her new studio, the song happened to play while she was doing dishes in her apartment. It was a sign that the name was meant to be.

Passion Makes It Possible

At Strike It Up Artistic Center, Cori believes in one simple truth:

💜 If you have passion and drive, you can achieve anything. 💜

That’s why the studio’s motto is “Passion Makes It Possible.” With a supportive community, endless opportunities, and a commitment to the arts, every student at Strike It Up has the chance to shine.