Школа исполнительских искусств в Саутбери отметила 25-летие, предложив сообществу безопасную среду для танцев

SOUTHBURY — The Southbury School of Performing Arts has proven to be more than a dance studio for members of the Southbury community and beyond. For the past 25 years, SSOPA Owner and Director Christine Seibold has offered dancers a safe, encouraging environment, and as a result, her business has been growing and thriving with each passing year. SSOPA continues to evolve after a quarter of a century, but Christine’s passion for dance and love for her students, community and business remains consistent. Before Christine opened SSOPA’s doors at just 23 years old, she trained in a variety of dance styles. She fell in love with ballet after spending her elementary and middle school years in the dance studio, which then led her to attend the Connecticut Conservatory of Dance throughout high school. After four years of pre-professional ballet training, Christine received a fine arts degree in dance from Naugatuck Valley Community College, where she became immersed in modern and improvisational styles. But all these experiences only brought her closer to her true dream of owning her own studio. “I always knew I wanted that family-friendly studio that I grew up in,” Christine noted. “Owning a studio was a definite for me. I always loved connecting and teaching and just seeing kids get the independence and confidence from learning steps.” Growing up in an entrepreneurial family, Christine felt confident and supported through every stage of owning and operating her business. She credits her parents, husband and sons for always encouraging her dreams and supporting SSOPA in every way possible throughout the years. The family-oriented spirit of SSOPA has extended to students as well, with many alumni staying involved and keeping in touch with Christine long after their time in the studio has passed. Many students begin dancing at SSOPA at the age of 3 and continue into their teenage years. According to Christine, seeing her students grow as individuals in and outside of the studio is what makes her job so special. “When I think of all the memories and all the people that I’ve met in the community over the last 25 years, it’s such a full life for me. There are so many stories woven into SSOPA after 25 years, and I feel so lucky for that,” she stated. To Christine, SSOPA is more than a business; it is a family providing students with a home away from home. The studio’s theme this year is fittingly titled “A Place Called Home: 25 Years of Family, Friends and Dance.” It encapsulates the past, present and future of SSOPA. Over the years, SSOPA students have performed across the local community, and they now perform on prominent stages nationwide. This past year, a group of 20 SSOPA dancers took a trip to Disney World and danced down Main Street, U.S.A., and the competitive team recently earned a top-three finish at nationals in Hersheypark. These opportunities, whether local or national, have given dancers at SSOPA the opportunity to create lasting memories while proudly representing their studio. Keeping a business thriving for over two decades means adapting to the rapid changes that society presents, and Christine is no stranger to change. She highlighted how the COVID-19 pandemic flipped her studio upside down, but not enough to keep anyone from dancing. During COVID, all 50 classes offered by the studio were conducted over Zoom. Instructors learned how to use the platform overnight and held classes in their living rooms, and students of all ages got accustomed to dancing in their homes. In a time of immense fear and uncertainty, SSOPA provided much-needed joy and comfort to students and their families. “I get to sit in a special spot because I get to be proud of not only the kids, but also the teachers,” said Christine. “I get to be proud of what they do and their passion. And I also get to be proud of the parents because, as a parent myself, I know what they’re juggling. I get to be proud of them all.” Looking forward, Christine hopes to create even more opportunities for her students. She aspires to expand and rebuild the adult classes that SSOPA offered before COVID, and she wants to continue growing the boys-only hip-hop program, which already consists of almost 20 dancers. Furthermore, Christine is already busy planning another Disney trip for her students next year. To keep things fresh, Christine has brought in some new instructors, offering students a chance to learn unique choreography. She wants every student to be familiar with the same basic techniques no matter what class they are in or what skill level they fall under. While instilling dance technique has always been a top priority at SSOPA, Christine emphasizes that “it’s also about the memories, the giggling, the friendships that are created, and the friendly atmosphere. It’s about the overall experience.” To Christine, reaching 25 years in business represents a new chapter. “I really don’t have anything to prove, and I feel like the community knows exactly what the studio is about,” she said. “The foundation is there, and now I have the flexibility to do things that I know will work but also to take chances on things that might not.” Christine’s genuine passion for teaching dance and running her school is undeniably apparent in everything that she does, which is why, after 25 years, SSOPA has remained a safe, welcoming and fun place for every student. “It’s all heart,” said Christine. “We’re a small school with a big heart.” Located at 760 Main Street South, Unit G, Southbury, SSOPA offers classes for students ages 3 to adult. Christine and her team of instructors teach a wide array of styles, including tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, contemporary, lyrical and Broadway. SSOPA also offers elite programs for students interested in competitive dance. A new adult barre fitness class is scheduled for Thursday nights. For more information or to register, visit www.SSOPACT.com or contact the studio at 203-267-3262.