I don't know if my 4 and 6 year old girls will ever be professional dancers.\r
I do know that I want them to succeed and to be known for their self confidence in whatever task they undertake. That success comes to those who treat others with respect and dignity. \r
When we went to an open house at Harrison's Studio in West Chester, the dancers were good, as you would expect, but that wasn't what really impressed my wife and I. During an intermission, two young ladies, about 8 years old, went down the line of parents, introduced themselves to each of us and then to our children. After they had made the run down the line they stepped back out of the way for the next performance, and started talking between themselves. I was close enough that I could hear them; they were quizzing each other on the names of all the girls they had spoken to! Later they said goodbye to everyone using their name. They did this very casually and most people probably didn't even notice, I just happened to be sitting in the right place at the right time. This is typical for what you would expect from Harrison's, they teach girls about the importance of being a good person and how to do it. While we of course have to teach our own children about values, it's nice to know that your dance school is backing up those lessons. \r
Later I spoke to an associate that I know who specializes in photographing dancers. Without telling her about my experience, I asked if she knew anything about the studio, her response was that she only knew that they were always the best mannered, best poised, easiest subjects to work with. Often dancers can make our job as photographers difficult, despite what their parents pay us, so to hear that was very surprising, and sealed the deal for my family.\r
We've been there for a little over a year and half, and it continues to be a wonderful experience. Are there better 'technique' schools out there? I don't know, but I do know that I'm glad we're at Harrison's.
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