Pembroke School of Performing Arts: Sneak Peek of the Pembroke Arts Festival & Community Day on August 9-10, 2025

Ms. Kathleen (Founder of PSPA) and Michael Kelble (Chair and Entertainment Coordinator of the Pembroke Arts Festival, and Executive Board Member of the Pembroke Chamber of Commerce)

Pembroke School of Performing Arts is widely known for its commitment to our community. As a local business, what value do you see in supporting our community?

At PSPA, supporting our community isn’t just something we do—it’s who we are. For 38 years, we've had the privilege of growing alongside Pembroke’s families, and with that comes a deep responsibility to give back to the place that has given us so much.

We believe that children learn best by example. It’s one thing to tell them about the importance of showing up for others—but when they see it in action, when they volunteer at an event, or perform at a community gathering, those values take root in a lasting way.

Being part of a community means lifting each other up, and it’s our joy to not only model that for our dancers but to involve them directly. Whether we’re performing at the Pembroke Arts Festival, supporting a fundraiser, or offering our space for a community cause, our goal is always the same: to help young people understand the power of giving back—and to let our actions speak louder than words.

PSPA Team celebrating all the hard work and sweat that go into their annual dance recitals

The Pembroke Arts Festival is on Aug 9 & 10 as well as Community Day. Can you tell us more about both?

The Pembroke Arts Festival is a cherished tradition on the South Shore, now in its 58th year, and we’re proud to have been involved for over 35 of those years. It’s a weekend dedicated to celebrating the arts in all forms—bringing together visual artists, musicians, dancers, and performers from across the region. What started as a fine arts show has grown to embrace the full spectrum of creative expression, including music and dance. Over the years, we’ve helped expand the festival to include live performances and even initiated a “Performing Arts Scholarship” to support young local artists.

This year brings something extra special. Thanks to the leadership of Mr. Michael and Lance Kennedy, the weekend has grown to include Pembroke Community Day. They’ve worked closely with our town’s services—like the Police, Fire Department, Library, and more—as well as local businesses, to open their doors and spotlight the essential roles they play in our daily lives. It’s a true recognition of what makes Pembroke strong: creativity, connection, and community spirit.

Together, the Pembroke Arts Festival and Pembroke Community Day create a weekend that showcases the heart and soul of our town—and we’re thrilled to be part of it.

Will PSPA dancers be performing at the Arts Festival? If yes, can you tell us what type of dances, as well as where and when?

Yes! We’re so excited to be performing at the Pembroke Arts Festival again this year—it's truly the highlight of our summer performance series. You can catch our dancers on both Saturday, August 9 and Sunday, August 10 from 2:00–3:00 PM on the main stage in front of the Pembroke Community Center.

We’ll be showcasing a variety of styles, including Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Acro, and more, with performers ranging in age from 5 to 17. It’s a high-energy, family-friendly performance that reflects the heart of our studio and the talent of our students.

We’re also proud to feature Driving Rhythm, our Youth Tap Company. They are the South Shore’s only dedicated youth tap performance company, and their passion and precision always leave the audience smiling. It’s a wonderful opportunity to see local dancers shine in a setting that celebrates the arts and the Pembroke community.

What classes do you provide that may surprise dancers (both young and old)?

Two of our most surprising—and beloved—offerings are on opposite ends of the age spectrum!

For our youngest movers, we offer Creative First Steps, a joyful movement exploration class for toddlers ages 18 months to 3 years. This class blends creative play, basic dance concepts, and even an introduction to tap—because what toddler doesn’t love making a little noise with their feet? It’s a fun and imaginative way to build coordination, rhythm, and confidence from the very beginning.

At the other end of the spectrum, our Adult Dance Program might surprise people with how vibrant and welcoming it is. We currently offer Adult Tap on Thursday nights and Adult Hip Hop returns on Monday nights beginning this Fall—no experience required, just a willingness to move and have fun! Due to growing interest, we’re looking to add Adult Ballet to the schedule this year as well.

Whether you’re just starting out or rediscovering your love of dance, we have a place for you at PSPA!

Why did you decide to sponsor the Pembroke Farmers Market again this year?

When choosing sponsorships, we look for events and programs that reflect the same values we hold at PSPA—community connection, multigenerational involvement, and creating a welcoming space for everyone. The Pembroke Farmers Market embodies all of that and more.

It’s a place where families gather, neighbors connect, and local small businesses and farms are celebrated. That sense of togetherness and local pride mirrors what we strive to build within our studio. We’re proud to support an event that brings people of all ages together, encourages healthy living, and strengthens the heart of our town.

What advice would you give to other businesses or individuals looking to get more involved in supporting our community and our people here in Pembroke?

My advice would be—just start! Pembroke is a generous and welcoming community, full of opportunities to give back in meaningful ways. Whether it’s through our schools, the Community Center, the Library, the Historical Society, or the many youth sports programs, there’s always a way to contribute your time, talent, or resources.

For local businesses, I highly recommend joining the Pembroke Chamber of Commerce. They do an incredible job of connecting businesses to one another and to community initiatives. It’s a great way to stay informed, collaborate with others, and discover where your business can make the most impact.

The most important thing is to show up. Supporting your community doesn’t have to be grand—it just has to be genuine. Small, consistent efforts can make a big difference.