Doors Are Open For Young Dancers At Blue Studio

Dance instructors Amber Cameron, left, and Darcy Boynton have opened Blue Studio Dance for all age courses in Lakeville, Conn. Photo courtesy Blue Studio Dance

‘My life would be totally different if I didn't have the dance studio I had as a child," Amber Cameron said at the open house of the new Blue Studio Dance in Lakeville, Conn., held last Saturday, on Aug. 26.
Cameron, together with Darcy Boynton, is extending that same gift to the area's children with their new studio, which will welcome students from four-years-old to 17 (along with some adult classes) for a 10-week fall session starting on Sept. 25.
The two initially crossed paths as cast members of the Rodgers and Hammerstein's musical "Oklahoma!" at The Sharon Playhouse in 2010. Since then, they've embarked on a journey to mentor the region's next wave of young talents. Boynton engages in choreography roles at Indian Mountain School in Lakeville and Berkshire School in Sheffield, Mass. Meanwhile, Cameron takes charge of choreographing student productions not only at The Hotchkiss School, located just up the road from Blue Studio in Lakeville, but also at Housatonic Valley Regional High School in Falls Village, Conn., and The Taft School in Waterbury, Conn. It's an impressive array of dance activities for these two friends and mothers, involving a mix of energetic performances, intricate footwork, and expressive routines. Their dedication has finally culminated in the realization of a long-held aspiration: opening their own studio. The aim of this space is to serve as a nurturing hub where aspiring dancers — or children just wanting to (to quote Taylor Swift) "shake it out" — can refine their skills in ballet, tap, jazz and more.
Even with the adult programming, for Boynton and Cameron, dance transcends mere physical exertion, embodying a deeper significance. "The ballet classes are more than just a workout," Cameron said. "It's toning, its balance, it's working your brain to follow combinations."
"Learning about your body and its space is so important for children and adults," Boynton added. "Dance doesn't just benefit people who become dancers. It's an essential skill, not necessarily to have perfect choreography or perfect form, but to have comfort in your own body and the confidence that comes with that."
The HVRHS boys rejoice around Jackson McAvoy after he scored the game-winning goal against Shepaug with just two minutes left to play.
WASHINGTON — Housatonic Valley Regional High School’s boys varsity soccer team advanced to the Berkshire League tournament final after a 1-0 win over Shepaug Valley High School in the semifinal game on Friday, Oct. 24.
Jackson McAvoy scored the game-winning goal with just two minutes remaining.
The victory marked HVRHS boys soccer’s first victory over Shepaug since 2020.
“Finally,” said HVRHS Coach Adolfo Portillo after the game.
HVRHS will play top-ranked Nonnewaug High School in the BL final. Nonnewaug advanced to the title game by beating Northwestern Regional High School in penalty kicks (4-3) after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
The championship game will be played at Nonnewaug beginning at 5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 28.

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Students dressed in neon lined the soccer field for senior night under the lights on Thursday, Oct. 16. The game against Lakeview was the last in a series of competitions Thursday night in celebration of Homecoming 2025.
As homecoming week reaches its end and fall sports finish out the season, an air of school spirit and student participation seems to be on the rise across Housatonic Valley Regional High School.
But what can be attributed to this sudden peak of student interest? That’s largely due to SGA. Also known as the Student Government Association, SGA has dedicated itself to creating events to bring the entire student body together. This year, they decided to change some traditions.
Spirit week from Oct. 14-17 was unlike those of the previous years. From wearing Housatonic merch to Boomer vs Baby day, this year’s spirit week held a little friendly competition to see which grade could participate the most.
“I think that students are bored of the same old activities and events, so it’s good to switch things up even slightly to incentivize interest within students,” said SGA president and senior Mollie Ford. “Plus the point system is super beneficial because it gives students a reason to participate.”
The school spirit sentiment can be seen outside of just the school. Senior Simon Markow is known for his photography throughout the community, and has dedicated time to help Housy sports teams’ social media posts.
“Since I’ve started photography, I think school attendance [at sports games] has gone up,” Markow said. “I feel this year, students will be more aware of games and are more likely to be at the games.”
Whether it’s a pink-out volleyball game or an under the lights soccer match, it’s likely you’ll see some familiar faces.
Social media has played a large role in this over the years. Almost every student organization at Housatonic has an Instagram account, and it’s helped reach students more efficiently than a poster or email would.
“The increase of social media use, with the help from me but as well as the teams themselves has definitely increased student interest,” Markow said. “With Housy teams posting more about their upcoming games, and my help showing the cool goals, spikes, or touchdowns, it’s enlightened students to watch the games themselves.”
In a small school, promoting pride has proven to be a challenge. But this year’s senior class has made some adjustments in the hopes to change that.
“The SGA community has spent the last few years really focusing on student participation, because we think it’s the students who contribute to a better climate,” Ford said. While Housatonic’s student body may be small in size, it seems they certainly aren’t small in spirit.