Doors Are Open For Young Dancers At Blue Studio

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."

Amber Cameron led an attendee at Blue Studio Dance's open house ballet workshop. Photo by Darcy Boynton

Latest News

Clyde Perham Weed
Clyde Perham Weed
Clyde Perham Weed

CORNWALL — Clyde Perham Weed, 74, passed away peacefully at his home in West Cornwall, Connecticut on Sunday, August 17.

Clyde was born in New Orleans, Louisiana to Jeanne and Herbert Weed. He was the grandson and namesake of Clyde E. Weed, Chairman of the board of Anaconda Copper.

Keep ReadingShow less
Backgammon series begins at Hotchkiss Library of Sharon
Backgammon lessons kicked off Wednesday, Aug. 13, at The Hotchkiss Library. Instructor Roger Lourie works with Pam Jarvis of Sharon, while his wife, Claude, assists at a second board with Janet Kaufman of Salisbury.
Leila Hawken

In light of rising local interest in the centuries-old game of Backgammon, Wednesday afternoon backgammon instruction and play sessions are being offered at The Hotchkiss Library of Sharon. The first such session was held on Wednesday, Aug. 13, attracting two enthusiastic participants, both of whom resolved to return for the weekly sessions.

Expert player and instructor Roger Lourie of Sharon, along with his equally expert wife, Claude, led the session, jumping right into the action of playing the game. Claude chose to pair with Janet Kaufman of Salisbury, a moderately experienced player looking to improve her skills, while Lourie teamed himself with Pam Jarvis of Sharon, who was new to the game.

Keep ReadingShow less
Dugazon opens in Sharon, blending Southern roots with global style

Pantry essentials at Dugazon

Jennifer Almquist

You are invited to celebrate the opening of Dugazon, a home and lifestyle shop located in a clapboard cottage at 19 West Main Street, the former site of The Edward in Sharon. The opening is Wednesday, Aug. 27 at 11 a.m.

After careers in the world of fashion, Salisbury residents Bobby Graham and his husband, Matt Marden, have curated a collection of beautiful items that reflect their sense of design, love of hospitality, and Graham’s deep Southern roots. Dugazon is his maternal family name.

Keep ReadingShow less