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A Lifelong Passion for Dance
The Performing Arts Center (PAC) in Conyngham, PA feels more like a home than it does a dance studio. Practically growing up dancing here, it has seen all my phases of life from quiet child to awkward teenager. The PAC family has been a key part of my self-discovery — unlocking a part of myself with the studio being the key. After dancing at the studio for 12 years, I officially “graduated” in my senior year of high school. But I didn’t realize how much of an impact PAC had until I left.
Now, as a college student heavily involved in campus and community activities, I find that creative outlets help me manage my time and deal with stress. Since starting college, choreographing dance and helping around the studio has helped relieve a lot of the stress.
A brief history of Performing Arts Center
Nestled in the valley on the line of Sugarloaf and Conyngham, the Performing Arts Center opened its doors in 1996. Founded by Jeanne Burger, she was joined by four other staff members: Tammy Heller, Deanna Pavlik, Melissa Steber, and Bob Robinson. The studio offers ballet and pointe, jazz, hip-hop, and modern dance classes. PAC performs two recitals annually, one in the winter and one in the spring. Jeanne also started taking students to Walt Disney World to perform. These performances were optional for the dancers and consisted of many numbers.
The Disney appearances stopped in 2016, shortly before Jeanne retired in 2017 and passed ownership to Tammy. Since then, dancers have had opportunities to participate in other things such as flash mobs and parades. Older dancers also have the chance to choreograph their senior solos and other dances. In 2023, Tammy decided it was time to return to Disney. This performance happened on Black Friday, November 29, 2024.
Practice makes perfect
To prepare for Disney, Tammy and the dancers met at least once a week during the summer to practice and participate in multiple fundraisers. Parents also planned their trips to Disney. I helped to organize supplies and decorate the studio for events and the holidays and assisted wherever needed before and during the winter performance.
A holiday performance on the big stage
Since I never had the chance to dance in Disney, I thought, “Why not take a personal trip to watch them perform?” Watching the performance and knowing I helped the dedicated PAC staff, dancers and families prepare for the Disney performance filled me with a sense of purpose and pride.
