A local dance studio celebrating its 25th anniversary this year has left a lasting impression on at least two generations of students and teachers.

Dance World, 680 Mill St., has become a family affair. The founder, Cindy L. Babel, is joined by her two daughters, Lucinda A. and Hannah L., and several former students as teachers.

"It's nice to come here and do this too," said Lucinda, who is an advertising writer for two radio stations during the day and has grown up in the studio taking classes and teaching. "It's a different kind of job. At the station I write ads and deal with advertising people all day long. This is fun for me."

The studio, which has moved five times since it opened in 1983, has been at the Mill Street location for five years.

"Our business doubled when we bought our own building," Mrs. Babel said. "We can spread out, and we have more programs now that we have three studios."

With three studios, the range of classes and extras offered has multiplied. This year, the teachers are taking inspiration from the summer Olympics and offering a ribbon dancing class that goes hand in hand with the already-offered tumbling.

"Not all the students are going to be on the right foot at the same time," Mrs. Babel said. "If you don't make it fun for them when they are young, they won't appreciate the arts when they are older."

It doesn't hurt that she has repeat business, as mothers who took lessons are bringing their own children.

"My girls always look forward to class. They count down the days until Saturday," said Jill J. Netto, who took tap and ballet lessons from Mrs. Babel as a child and brings her three daughters, Julia, 5, and twins Hannah and Jennah, 3. "A lot of it's the same, and that's why it's great. She's modernized but she keeps some of the same things, like techniques and songs. It's kind of old school in some ways."

Classes start Monday and conclude with a spring recital.