Sisters Alinna and Eleana Franco, lifelong dancers, have recently opened Club 22, a dance and fitness studio on Seacoast Drive. The two, who have danced since childhood, grew up in Tijuana and later moved to San Diego.
From a young age, Alinna and Eleana trained in various dance styles, including ballet, jazz, tap, and hip hop. Their passion for dance and fitness has shaped their careers. Alinna opened her first studio, Arts Lab, in Tijuana, where she taught for nearly a decade before closing it due to the COVID-19 pandemic. She now also teaches at La Dance Company in Bonita and co-directs the competition team.
Eleana, who moved to Coronado as a teenager, graduated from the Coronado School of the Arts in 2012. She is not only passionate about dance but also fitness. Eleana is certified in Barralates, a unique mix of pilates, barre, and cardio, and has traveled across Mexico to certify new instructors. She also teaches Power Mat Pilates at Club 22, with plans to offer Pilates mat classes soon.
The idea of opening a studio together felt like a natural next step for the sisters. They transformed the former Danz Art location into Club 22 with a two-week remodel, largely thanks to the help of their husbands.
Club 22 offers space for 17 students and a variety of fitness classes, including yoga and Zumba. The yoga class, led by Karena Farragut, and Zumba, taught by Sue Allen, are available for all levels. Both instructors bring years of experience to their classes, with plans for energy flow classes and workshops in the future.
“We’re very excited. There is nothing like this here,” Alinna said. “We’re joining forces and knowledge,” Eleana added, highlighting the excitement of working with her sister for the first time.
The studio’s reputation is quickly spreading, with many locals and students from Coronado already signing up for classes. Alinna finds teaching dance to kids especially fulfilling. “Watching how they improve each class… it’s a great achievement,” she said.
Eleana, meanwhile, is passionate about empowering women. “It’s about bringing out the best version of themselves. Movement becomes part of their everyday lives,” she said. Alinna echoed this sentiment, calling the studio a community where women can support each other.
