Here at The Bedford Mom we love sharing about and celebrating local businesses! This month we are so excited to feature Southern NH Dance Theater, which is owned by Patricia Lavoie. Trisha is a former professional ballerina who shares her passion with the next generation of dance students. Under her ownership, Southern NH Dance Theater has been educating dancers and inspiring audiences for a little over 27 years. Amazing! They offer a wide range of disciplines for all ages (creative movement, pre-ballet, ballet, jazz, tap, modern, hip-hop, and contemporary dance). From pre school classes to their pre professional division to their adult drop in classes – their faculty is committed to offering high caliber training in a fun, friendly and nurturing environment. Learn all about Southern NH Dance Theater and Trisha below!
Tell us about yourself!
I am native (and current resident) of Bedford …and former professional ballerina. I danced professionally with the Connecticut Ballet, New Jersey Ballet and the Des Moines Ballet. I started dancing at the age of nine at a local studio and furthered my training at Point Park University, the Pennsylvania Ballet and in New York City under scholarship with such notable teachers as David Howard, Robert Blankshine, Gerrard Sibrette, Nanette Glushak and Finis Jhung. In 1996 after returning to the area, I established Southern NH Dance Theater in Bedford, and organized its affiliate performing company, Southern NH Youth Ballet, in 1998.
I’m a HUGE animal lover! AND …when I’m not busy teaching or in rehearsals – I love hanging with my husband and my cats (Zoey and Phoebe) while binge watching Netflixs, Hulu and more.
Tell us about your business!
Southern NH Dance Theater has been educating dancers and inspiring audiences for a little over 27 years. We offer a wide range of disciplines for all ages … creative movement, pre-ballet, ballet, jazz, tap, modern, hip-hop, and contemporary dance. From pre school classes to our pre professional division to our adult drop in classes – our faculty is committed to offering high caliber training in a fun, friendly and nurturing environment.
In 1998, I established the school’s affiliate performing company, Southern NH Youth Ballet (SNHYB). In 2001, SNHYB became the resident Nutcracker performing company at the historic Palace Theatre in Manchester, NH and has presented this Holiday Classic ever since. In addition to the Nutcracker we appear at the annual Fairy House Tour in Portsmouth each fall and present a children’s story book series in the spring at the Palace Theatre. Over the years, we have become well-known for our pre-professional dance program. In 2005, SNHYB became a member of Regional Dance America, a national association of pre-professional dance companies. Our dancers have had the opportunity to perform all across the Northeast Region, as well as Phoenix, AZ, Montreal, Canada and Daytona Beach, FL. Our performing company is the first company from New Hampshire, and currently the only company from New England, to be a member of Regional Dance America.
Graduates of Southern NH Youth Ballet have been contracted with professional companies and productions including Joffrey Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, New Jersey Ballet, Richmond Ballet, Ballet Austin, Nevada Ballet Theatre, The Metropolitan Opera, Suzanne Farrell Ballet, Walkerdance, Gus Giordano, The Radio City Christmas Spectacular and Broadway’s The Phantom of the Opera, West Side Story to name a few. In addition, many of our alumni are utilizing the valuable life lessons gained from their experience at SNHDT at college level and in exciting non-dance professions. We are very proud of all our alumni!
What does a “day in the life” look like for you?
My day can truly vary depending on the time of year. Most days I spend the early hours coordinating and organizing projects, tasks and productions with my office manager and am busy teaching dance classes and/or running rehearsals later into the evening. If we’re preparing for a production or in rehearsals for a particular show – I might also be working closely with faculty and staff to make sure we are on schedule with costumes, sets, music and more. And then some days are packed with all of the above.
What are your goals for your business in the next 3-5 years?
Honestly – I truly love what I do and am so grateful for how much we’ve accomplished thus far. My goals are to continue all that we are doing now and to have the grace, wisdom and ability to handle any challenges that come our way.
What are your favorite local spots in town?
Hummm …. this is a tough one – not sure I have one. So many wonderful restaurants and places to visit.
What is your best piece of advice for people looking to start a business?
Pursue your passion and surround yourself with good people – people will always be your greatest asset and resource.
How can people connect with you and follow your business?
Our website or by calling or emailing us. 603-625-9272
www.snhdt.org
Follow us on Facebook or Instagram – @snhdance