Southern New Hampshire Dance Theater (SNHDT), established in 1996 by Director Patricia Lavoie, is celebrating over 28 years of excellence. Known for its outstanding Pre-Professional Dance Program,  SNHDT is home to countless aspiring dancers of all ages, from 18 months to 18 years old. 

While not all of our dancers started young, what many of our most experienced dancers share in common is a great beginning with SNHDT’s magical Preschool Dance Program. This program, which includes weekly dance classes and summer-themed dance camps, offers progressively structured classes with lasting physiological and fitness benefits for our students. Young dancers are introduced to a new world of movement and artistic performance at a key developmental stage, helping them to increase motor skills and improve posture, muscle tone, stamina, flexibility, strength, and balance. 

However, the most significant impacts of preschool dance may be the cognitive and social benefits. As our students acquire a vocabulary of purposeful, coordinated movement and enhance their nonverbal communication, they learn to express themselves by exploring their imagination and creativity. Studying routines and choreography further develops memory and problem-solving skills, in addition to cultivating social and emotional intelligence, as students expand their spatial awareness and learn to synchronize and collaborate with their fellow dancers. From their shared experiences in small classes, through practicing, performing, and having fun together, preschool children often form lasting friendships in dance class. And just as our students help and encourage one another in a safe and nurturing environment, their families also become an essential part of our supportive and inspiring dance community!

As preschool children acquire and master all of these abilities, they increase their self-confidence and feel a sense of accomplishment. Young dancers pick up invaluable habits and life skills through receiving constructive feedback, overcoming challenges, and seeing their own improvements, and they directly experience the benefits of discipline, preparation, hard work, and perseverance. These early seeds of self-empowerment will not only blossom into a lifelong love for the performing arts but will set them up for future success in all of their endeavors, including those outside the dance studio!

“My 14-year-old daughter started at Southern NH Dance Theater at the age of 4. We have been with the studio for ten years now, and I can say that it has been the most incredible experience for both my daughter and me. The studio is an incredibly supportive environment for students and their families. It is body-positive and inclusive and promotes health and well-being in both the body and mind. The students at SNHDT receive an excellent dance education focused on proper technique and alignment—something that is very important not only for the aesthetics of a performance but also for safety and injury prevention. My daughter has learned more about commitment, dedication, time management, and perseverance from her time at the studio than most of her same-aged peers. I cannot say enough wonderful things about the instructors and Miss Trish. They truly understand their students—and take the time to get to know them. They are always available to answer questions or concerns and provide a really fun learning environment. All of the dancers consider the studio their home away from home! They make incredible friendships and develop a dance family—parents, too! The camaraderie is strong, and the older teens are wonderful role models to the youngest of dancers. I am so incredibly grateful to SNHDT and what they have provided to my daughter and my family. I had no idea ten years ago what was in store for us. It has been a wonderful journey—one full of memories, fun, performances, and friendships that will last long after my daughter graduates. Thank you so much, SNHDT—we love you!”

Ms. Lavoie, a native of Bedford, not only brings back to the community her established skills and reputation as a teacher but also her knowledge and experience as a professional dancer. The school’s highly skilled & diverse faculty is committed to providing students with exceptional dance training in a caring and nurturing environment. In 1998, Artistic Director Patricia Lavoie established the school’s affiliate performing company, Southern NH Youth Ballet (SNHYB). In 2001, SNHDT became the resident Nutcracker performing company at the historic Palace Theatre in Manchester, NH, and has presented this Holiday Classic for nearly 25 years.

 

SNHDT alumni are dancing professionally in companies throughout the country. In addition, many of our alumni are utilizing the valuable life lessons gained from their experience at SNHDT at the college level and in exciting non-dance professions. We are very proud of all our alumni!