When was Pembroke School of Performing Arts (PSPA) founded, and why?
My husband and business partner, Michael, and I started with an 800 square foot space in February 1988 right here in Pembroke. We had a dream of providing our local students with a proper dance and arts education. Michael has a musical background and that added to my professional dance background. We both value an Arts education to enrich lives, develop confidence and create valuable life skills. We are currently coming up on year 38 for the Pembroke School of Performing Arts!
What makes your approach to dance unique?
Our approach to dance education is unique because we are committed to providing a solid foundation for dance technique to develop a community of dancers - young and old - with a deep appreciation for the arts, and confidence that goes beyond the classroom. We do so in a family-friendly environment allowing our values of Community, Empowerment, Quality and Growth to guide us. Our staff are all highly qualified and are passionate about their art and teaching.
What types of dance classes do you provide, and for what ages?
Our dance programs are designed for ages 18 months thru adults. We offer a variety of styles from Creative First Steps, Pre-School Acro, Ballet, Pointe Tap, Jazz, Modern, Hip Hop, Contemporary and Acro. These programs are offered at three different tracks (commitment levels): General Division, Junior Company & Senior Company. This way families can balance their commitment with additional family or sibling commitments. We offer adult Tap & Hip Hop as well as cross training specialty classes such as Conditioning, Stretch and Flex, Turns & Leaps. Our Summer Programming includes Intensives, Workshop and Half-Day Themed Camps - as well as Technique Classes. And we have both Acro & Dance Competitive Programs for dancers ages 5 and up. We also host themed Birthday Parties for busy parents too! I love that our dance programs meet dancers where their interests are, while also providing ongoing opportunities for growth.
What do you love most about living in Pembroke?
I love that Pembroke has a great sense of community and is committed to looking forward to providing the entire community - young and old - with places to gather, grow and play in safe and positive ways. I’m drawn to its picturesque scenes, the walking trails, Herring Run and yet 45 minutes to the city. We’ve been living here for 47 years!
PSPA consistently supports community events, like the Pembroke Farmers Market. Can you talk to us about the value you have realized from investing and sharing with our community?
Community, whether its your dance class, studio, organization, or town is about connecting with people. I think this is when we are all at our best. I find there are two important lessons in investing and sharing with the community. Doing so is an ageless opportunity, even the youngest of us can lend a hand as can the eldest and wisest. And secondly, you know your helping others but often you leave feeling blessed from the opportunity yourself. We encourage our dancers to give back in many ways - through their passion for dance in a performance, by donating their time in a leadership role as a Class Assistant, or by giving their time to an organization or providing items to the food pantry. By lifting others, we all rise.
What was your best personal purchase at the Pembroke Farmers Market this season?
Oh there are too many to recall! We definitely bought many great food items and several plants. I’m also a crafter at heart and the Pembroke Farmers Market attracts some talented artists. As members of the Pembroke Arts Festival Committee, we enjoyed partnering with the Pembroke Farmers Market this year in providing an amazing community event. And look forward to doing it again next year!
Where can the South Shore community find out more about Pembroke School of Performing Arts? You can learn more at: www.pembrokeschoolofperformingarts.com, You can also find us here on Facebook: www.facebook.com/PembrokeSchoolOfPerformingArts/reviews/. Or simply call us at: 781.826.0506.
Comments