In the heart of Waipahu, on the upper level of the Westgate Center on Farrington Highway, is a small dance studio bursting with energy and talent. Studio 808 Danceproject is in many ways a mom-and-pop operation — well, let's call it a double mom-and-pop shop.

Founded in 2000 by two couples, Tammy and Richard Aea and Marie and Rudy Baldonado, the school opened with 13 students, including the daughters of both couples. Kayce Aea is now 22 and a senior dance major at Chapman College in California. For the current production, she has returned home to serve as production manager.

Although the founders knew little about dance, they wanted to have a place where theirs and other youths from the Leeward community could study the art. Two dancer acquaintances became the first teachers and codirectors of the school. The current director, Don Baluran, has been on the faculty since 2002.

In an interview a week before "Snapshotz," their Leeward Community College Theatre concert, the Aeas' enthusiasm and devotion are evident. As Tammy Aea says, "We really believe in the kids and the community here. The school is very family-based."

Husband Richard, president of the board, agrees, adding, "Dance has given these kids confidence, discipline, humility and selfrespect. We urge them to keep up their schoolwork and always be grateful to their parents."

When the school opened eight years ago, there was some community resistance.

"In the beginning," Tammy admits, "it was hard to convince the community that dance was OK. Several gangs came to see what we were doing. When they saw how difficult it was, they left us alone."

At that time, the school was one of the first tenants on the second floor of the shopping center, across from a large housing project. But the lanai outside the studio was always occupied by interested parents and siblings. Gradually, other businesses moved in; now its neighbors include a music school and a tae kwon do studio. From the initial 13 students, the dance school has mushroomed to 100 children ranging from 3 years old to college age.

The staff is rightfully proud of the school's success in local, regional and national dance competitions. The resulting trophies, ribbons and medals line an entire wall of the studio. Watching a rehearsal, it is easy to see why.

When the advanced ballet class ends, a flock of noisy kids files into the studio from the lanai and immediately assumes a professional attitude. Forty-five students fill the small space, fully costumed and ready for their cue to begin. The moment the director signals "curtain up," they come to life. With parents and staff enthusiastically watching from the lanai, the dancers spring into action.

The choreography, a fusion of jazz, hip-hop and ballet, is executed precisely and with a surprising amount of showmanship, considering the ages of the dancers. It's clear they are totally invested in their art. It's also clear that the love and caring of the founders, faculty and families have paid off.