BUFORD - Gwinnett County resident, former teacher and previous gymnastics champion, Joanna DiMeo is doing flips – literally. The mom of three is delighted to announce the recent opening of her youth gymnastics studio, Little Starz Gymnastics. Located at 4296 Old Suwanee Road in Buford, the studio hosts classes designed to provide children ages 18 months to 6 years old with basic gymnastics skills. On Saturday, November 14 from 10:30 a.m. to noon, Little Starz Gymnastics will play host to a Grand Opening Celebration, complete with refreshments, teacher meet-and-greet, demos and free open gym. The event will include a chance for two lucky children to win one month of free gymnastics classes at Little Starz.
“There is a misconception that gymnastics is only for girls,” said DiMeo. “It’s actually a great basis for all youth sports – boys and girls included. Gymnastics helps kids improve balance, strength and coordination. I am able to offer everything that a large gym might provide, but we’re not a franchise. This is my original concept, and parents can expect a personalized experience as their kids to have fun in a safe and nurturing environment as they learn through play. They can also anticipate that their child will work with a caring and consistent teacher who not only has a love of the sport, but also a love of working with kids.”
As a young girl growing up in New Jersey, DiMeo excelled at competitive gymnastics – eventually achieving the title of New Jersey State Gymnastics Champion for all-around and beam. She later went on to become a preschool and elementary school teacher. Having always dreamed of owning her own gym one day, her youngest daughter – Lydia – finally inspired her to make the leap shortly after her family moved to Georgia. At her studio, she is able to combine her gymnastics and teaching talents for outstanding results.
Gymnastics classes are divided into four groups: Tiny Starz (18 month to 3-year-old students are assisted by their parents during this 45-minute class); Shining Starz (45-minute class for 3- to 4-year-olds); Little Starz (45-minute class for 4- to 5-year-olds); and Super Starz (60-minute class for 5- to 6-year-olds). In addition to gymnastics, Little Starz also offers Music Together music and movement classes for newborn through kindergarten age children. Intimately familiar with the demands of being a parent to young children, DiMeo provides a Parents Night Out two times a month for three- to six-year-olds (participants must be potty-trained) - a major bonus for parents who wish to go on a date or squeeze in some holiday shopping.
“Gymnastics gave me focus in school and made me more goal-oriented,” explained DiMeo. “It made me happy and confident, and is the reason I developed a love of being physically fit. I hope the same holds true for all my students. I truly believe that by developing these basic skills – it will help them in whatever they choose to do and whatever sport they choose to pursue in life. I also hope they have lots of fun – after all, that’s the most important part!”
As she adds to her gym’s roster and Buford residents begin to make Little Starz a local household name, DiMeo hopes to add more classes to include older students. Because the schedule changes every few months and new classes may be added, interested parties are encouraged to “like” Little Starz Gymnastics on Facebook to stay apprised of the latest news and upcoming events. For more information, prospective enrolling families are invited to visit Little Starz online at www.littlestarzgymnastics.com.
When she’s not hard at work with a group of little ones at Little Starz Gymnastics, DiMeo can be found running around town with her husband, Chris and their daughters Maria, Corinna and Lydia.
