Kathy’s Dance Dynamics Studio Celebrates 40th Anniversary!

Kathy’s Dance Dynamics studio in Enfield is celebrating a milestone 40th anniversary this year! Since 1976 when owner Kathy Connaughton opened the family-oriented studio in Scitico Plaza, aspiring ballerinas, tappers, and hip hoppers have spent countless hours perfecting their routines for the annual recital and dance competitions.

“I have been fortunate to share a love of dance with so many students,” marvels Connaughton. “I watched many of them grow from toddlers into amazingly talented teenagers. I don’t think about how long it’s been until some of my former students start bringing their own children to class!”

Connaughton’s current staff is comprised entirely of former students; Nancy Calvi, Sharon Whalen and Alicia Thomas help teach classes and choreograph routines. The studio also has a long standing tradition of allowing older students to serve as junior instructors for the beginner dance classes.

In honor of the 40th year, Connaughton has plenty of surprises planned. New instructors Annie Aldinger will teach floor gymnastics classes and Lauren Shaw will teach hip hop and modern dance classes. Dancers of all ages are encouraged to audition for open spots on the studio’s award-winning competitive dance team. The close knit team consistently earns top scores and has won hundreds of regional and national competitions.

“The way I define success is helping a student discover the beautiful, graceful and strong dancer that lives inside each one of them,” said Connaughton. “Many of them have gone on to study dance at performing arts schools, in college and eventually pursue it as a career.”

Connaughton herself has been dancing her entire life. She received her Master’s Degree at DEA in New York City and studied under Gus Giordano, Frank Hatchett, and Paul Draper just to name a few. However, she attributes her teaching and style to studying under her brother, Dick Barker, a well-known retired dance teacher from Massachusetts. Barker and his wife Carol occasionally teach special technique classes at Kathy’s studio. Connaughton has won numerous competitions from coast to coast and was honored to be a judge for many years with Starpower Competition.

The studio invites parents and students to attend open house events for Fall class registration on Wednesdays in August from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. On August 10th, August 15th, and Thursday, August 16th, instructors will offer free classes and answer any questions. Regular classes will begin on Monday August 22nd.

“I am extremely grateful to everyone who has supported me throughout the years,” said Connaughton. “Every time I go to the studio, I picture my mother sitting behind the desk, greeting everyone and taking attendance. I’m sure she is smiling down from heaven that we have made it this far and we are still going strong!”

Kathy’s Dance Dynamics offers an affordable, well-rounded dance education through competitive and non–competitive classes including: Pre-School Dance (2-4yr old), Tumbling, Floor Gymnastics, Jazz, Hip Hop, Tap, Modern, Lyrical Ballet and Pointe. Classes for adults and family rates are also available. Kathy Connaughton and her dedicated staff, Nancy Calvi, Alicia Thomas and Sharon Whalen, have been providing artistic and progressive instruction combined with patience and endless enthusiasm for 40 years. The studio is located at Scitico Plaza 585 Hazard Ave, Rte. 190 in Enfield. For more information, please call 860-490-1494 or 860-490-9332 or email kddynamics@aol.com.

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PHOTO: Members of Kathy’s Dance Dynamics' company team competed at the National Revolution competition in Virginia Beach in July. The Enfield dance studio is celebrating its 40th anniversary of offering dance education for students of all ages.