What PACC Parents are saying...

Dear Cathi-
A couple of weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend both Julie and Andy's classes during parent observation week at PACC and it was a delightful experience. Each of the instructors--Yvonne, Adam and Nikole--bring such different qualities to their classes but they all seem to be the most wonderful assets to PACC.

Andy is completing his second year in Yvonne's Boys' Hip Hop class. What a challenge to bring together 10+ boys ranging in age from 6 - 12 years old and maintain a balance between work and fun! Yvonne is so patient, warm and funny with them but, at the same time, sets appropriate standards that help them to really grow as performers. They have so much energy and she somehow channels all of that into their dance. Watching their combination at the end of each class is something I look forward to weekly because their growth is so evident and she is so wonderful with them. I believe that Andy benefits from that class more than from any of his other activities because he has been made to feel so competent and creative.

The next day I was able to watch Julie's Ballet 2A class with Adam and then her Intermediate Jazz class with Nikole. Julie is a serious kid by nature and really benefits from instructors who push her using humor and their own passion. Adam has been a perfect fit for her for the past two years because of his sense of humor--each week Julie comes home with hysterical stories about Adam's grandmother, Adam's cat, "why we need to sit beautifully" etc. She really gets him. I love that his program is so demanding and has such integrity and that he does not apologize for his insistence on precision. This was a major reason that we moved to PACC in the first place; at her previous dance school ballet seemed to be an afterthought that fell to the wayside in favor of flashy hip hop classes or dance competitions. Julie has flourished with Adam and has learned so much about the fundamentals of ballet and how it has progressed throughout history.

Similarly, in the year that she has worked with Nikole, Julie has learned to tap her creative side and explore the way her body moves and the way music inspires that. Nikole somehow strikes a perfect blend of fun experimentation and a demand for "getting it right." She is so encouraging and knows each student well that it is evident that each student is getting exactly what she needs. When I visited the class, I was glad to get to see them work on their recital dance and to watch her start them over again and again on their entrance until it was right. There are so many instances in which kids are allowed to believe that something is "good enough"--I am pleased to know my kids are in an environment where they are learning the value of making something perfect through hard work and focus.

So I just wanted to share my positive thoughts and observations, to thank you for inviting parents to observe classes and to thank you as always for creating an arts center that is so good for kids, adults and the community. Jess

Cathi, In such a fun and memorable way Mr. Adam told my daughter she was ready for pointe. How wonderful! Seriously, this is much bigger than Christmas and all its presents.

Since joining PACC my daughter has become an A student. That's incredible for a kid with a hearing loss! Our Audioligist says her amazing success is no coincidence. The connection of movement, music, and dance (and of course Mr. Adam!) gets the brain paths working. M. Mayernik, a proud PACC Mom

After being a part of two other dance schools in the community, I fell upon PACC 6 years ago, and it was the best decision I ever made as a parent for both my children and myself.. PACC is so much more than a dance school. It is a smorgasbord of performing arts classes that will entice all age groups. It is professionally run yet at the same time it has the warmth of your closest family. As a parent of one child who takes only dance and another child who takes everything from dance and guitar to voice and theater it is truly a pleasure to watch them continue to grow and improve year after year. Kudos to Cathi LaChioma who allowed her vision to become a reality enabling so many young children to follow their passion!! Jody Kramer

When your child says, "I want to dance for the rest of my life", PACC is behind them 100%, working with them every day to make that dream a reality. Jen Valentine

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