PADV PA Dance Vision A model for dance serving the community
Driving west on Interstate 80 a few years ago, I had two life changing experiences. The first was the spectacular view of the Delaware Water Gap upon entering Pennsylvania, with its breathtaking canyon through the mountains, the narrow road curving recklessly around the bend and the plunging perspective of the frantically racing river below.
The other occurred upon arrival at my destination of East Stroudsburg. It was the discovery of the wonderful work of the organization called PADV, PA Dance Vision. It is located just under two hours from NYC, and is the result of the dedication and collaborative efforts of local dance teacher, Maria Triano, and East Stroudsburg University professor, Dr Elizabeth Gibbons. At the recommendation of dance educator, Bob Rizzo, I had been invited to teach master classes for this organization. What impressed me the most was their "vision", YES, a perfect word for the group, which had a huge scope from producing guest teacher seminars, having four performing companies, and offering numerous dance classes in several towns. Their vision was even broader than the stunning mountain view that I saw on my drive out there.
I arrived at the massive studio of the East Stroudsburg University's dance facility with two other fellow teachers from STEPS on Broadway to teach a day of classes. The room was packed with eager dance students literally from ages 10 to 55; teachers taking class along side their own students, totally uninhibited enough to learn something new. Numerous dance schools from the Pocono region were participating and the atmosphere was pleasant, non threatening to "losing" students, and competitive in a very positive way. The day went by so quickly and at the end the PADV companies treated us to a performance of pieces, which they perform for community outreach programs. As time went on and upon my many return trips to teach in East Stroudsburg, I gradually became aware of the extent of the PA Dance Vision.
As founder Maria Triano so beautifully states in the mission statement, "PADV is dedicated to promoting dance awareness and education ...where dance can be used to enlighten, motivate and inspire our youth and adults. Providing quality dance performances, workshops, lectures, and movement experiences are our primary focus.' And this is what they do on a regular basis throughout the area towns and within the school systems.
Maria and Dr Gibbons shared the dream and the development for both the organizations - the dance studios of PA Dance Network and the PA Dance Vision which is organization the actually hosts the workshops using the spacious dance facilities of the University.
Liz Gibbons, a former professional dancer, says, "Together we've forged a relationship between PADN and East Stroudsburg University (ESU) which benefits both organizations. Maria produces, and ESU sponsors the annual Mountain Dance Concert in January, held in our Fine & Performing Arts center, which brings together a wide variety of area dancers and choreographers in an opportunity to showcase the best that our area has to offer in dance. PADV organizes three single-day dance seminars every year, held in the ESU studios, which has brought master teachers such as Jennifer Muller, Trinette Singleton (ex Joffrey) Bob Rizzo, and Nick Leone to the area. We work collaboratively to produce Dance in the Mountains Summer Intensive every August, a wonderful blend of internationally known dance teachers including Jeffery Ferguson, (former Alvin Ailey) Kathryn Sullivan (STEPS), and Robin Dunn (NYC Hip-Hop expert). In addition, our students have done internships and independent studies, which involve working closely with Maria to learn more about the business and real-world aspects of the art of dance. I consider Maria to be the most amazing businesswoman, dancer, choreographer, and promoter of the art of dance! Our relationship as friends and colleagues brings together the private studio/non-profit/university worlds for a collaboration that gives young dancers, college students, area choreographers and the greater community the best of dance."
The work keeps them busy year round. Maria and her dance faculty run classes at her two for-profit studios PA Dance Network, in East Stroudsburg and Cresco. The non-profit, PADV runs outreach programs at local and regional YMCA centers, day cares, and area community colleges.
The four dance companies are also very active during the year. The PADV Repertory Ensemble, in existence for nearly ten years, features choreography created by Maria and the members. This group is made up of adult semi-professional dancers, many of whom are dance teachers and they perform at benefit concerts and within the public and private school systems. They also design assembly programs and workshops with topics such as self-acceptance, drug prevention and how to build a career doing something you love. They do residences offered through the Arts in Education Programs from the PA council on the Arts. The PADV Junior Ensemble performs for community events, summer festivals, and special functions with dancers ages 12 through 15. The PADV Dance Alliance, of teens and young adults, share the same purpose as the Junior Ensemble. And the newest company, PADV yoUth DANCE Company (for U Dance) displays the talents of their youngest dancers ages 8 through 12.
Recently, Jeffery Ferguson, Robin Dunn and myself were up there in the Pocono's for the Dance in the Mountains Summer Intensive. These classes consisted of Ballet, Lyrical, Horton modern, Tap and Hip Hop. The curriculum also included a choreography class where students were encouraged to create original pieces with Jeffery and myself. The results were amazing; the students made intelligent insightful choices, and an informal showing occurred on the last day. One of the students was 13-year-old Caroline, who speaks for all the students. "The workshops are always a huge learning experience, so much fun, challenging and educational. They have helped me grow as a dancer, - there is no way I can leave without learning something new. As a person, they have given me self-esteem; as a performer I feel as I can do anything!
A question that very often comes to my mind, as I teach and train young dancers, is how can we as artists contribute to society? Certainly dance is entertainment, but as dance educators, how can we go beyond? PADV seems to have found its own path to draw from the talent and resources of the community and to give back to it.
Maria states " Dance is more than learning routine after routine. It's about developing a quality person. Giving of our time and talent to enhance the community, we plan to encourage, support, guide and develop dance as a means for positive human experience." She continues, "This is not a get rich quick scheme; money comes and goes. I love what I do! The money is there when I need it. There is a thin line between dance as a business and dance as a way of life. As long as there is a balance between giving and taking, we're doing OK! The decision to have my businesses did not come from the amount of money I could make, but from the way I could advance my own spirit and the spirit of others."
" The stress is there as with any job. I still need to take time out to "fill up" again, time to meditate, become inspired by others, and do yoga for myself. The toughest part about what I do is switching from administrator, to choreographer, to teacher, to businesswoman, to student/staff therapist! Sometimes wearing all of these hats in one day!"
I think what has made a lasting impression from discovering this "vision" is that it is such a brave departure from the usual pattern of the local dance school, many of who feel pressured to adhere to the dance competition circuit in order to survive financially. Here is a school that dares to be different and it is obviously working successfully for them, their students, and for their entire community.
Robin Dunn, Nick Leone and myself will soon be traveling that road on Interstate 80 again. We all certainly look forward to our next adventure in the mountains as we go up in November for the "Dance from NYC" workshop day of master classes.
For more info on this workshop and PA Dance Vision see http://padance.com or call 570-426-3033.
Kathryn Sullivan teaches Ballet and Pointe at STEPS on Broadway in NYC and is also on dance faculty at Barnard College and New York University's musical theater program, CAP 21.