Wide eyed with big hopes and dreams…that’s how I would describe the three students from Amy’s Dance Academy that traveled to New York for an intense training workshop for dance, voice and acting. Beautiful girls that have always felt they had something more burning in their hearts, waiting to be discovered, got the chance to learn from some of the biggest names in show business. They learned not only how to be better at their particular art, but also how to improve their health, mental well being and self esteem.
Amy Chou, owner and instructor at Amy’s Dance Academy explained that talent scout and Harvard educated child development expert Peter Sklar came in February to lecture at her studio. Most of the girls just expected him to visit and talk with them, but little did they know he would interview some aspiring actors/actresses, singers and dancers across the country and invite a select few to come to New York to be in his Beginnings Workshop held August 10-16, 2010..
The Dancers, Hannah Harkey, 15 of Early; Victoria Cuello, 12 also of Early; and Morgan Moseley of Bangs were three lucky talents chosen by Sklar to be among the 100 from across the nation to attend the workshop. (Photo above contributed by Amy Chou. Pictured left to right: Victoria Cuello, Morgan Moseley and Hannah Harkey.)
Hannah Harkey, dressed in her ballet attire, with beautiful long hair spoke of how the workshop really helped her mature emotionally. The strict routine and diet were sacrifices that all students had to fully participate in to stay at the workshop.
“I matured so much,” stated Harkey. “All the stuff I sacrificed for was worth it…I learned not to rely on others for happiness, be more confident in who I am, rather than just fitting in…I’m just me.”
Victoria Cuello, a very petite preteen with sparkling eyes and huge dreams of Broadway, spoke of her experience and how her instructors helped her not only read expressions better but also to develop a deeper character by becoming part of the scene and learning to visualize.
“I can see people’s emotions now,” stated Cuello. “I talk more and work better with people and even with myself. The classes were my favorite part of this trip, they showed me how to know my inner feelings, instincts and imagination in a ‘talent environment’ where everyone loved dance, acting or singing.”
Morgan Moseley a bubbly student with a beautiful smile and eyes full of dreams, spoke of the feeling of acceptance felt at the workshop because all of the students were interested in the same thing, the arts. Moseley stated that she is happier now, after “being in her element” as her mother put it… She learned to try new things, such as the food. She also learned to read everything in a script without any bias and try to relate to the characters.
“Peter chose us because he said we looked like we had something in us that needed to be saved or that could be…,” stated Moseley. “At the workshop, it was hard to get to sleep because I was so happy, just couldn’t quit smiling.”
For Chou, the experience couldn’t have had better timing. She was in her second year as an owner of a studio and really was able to soak it all in and support her students.
“The girls learned to be inspired rather than envying better (performers),” stated Chou. “You have to realize that you are never perfect, can always fix it (your performance) and that you can improve things.”
Some of the great talents that have attended this workshop include Reese Witherspoon (Legally Blonde & Walk the Line), Sarah Jessica Parker (HBO’s Sex in the City), Rick Schroder (CBS’s Silver Spoons & NYPD Blue), Lori Loughlin (NBC’s Full House & Secret Admirer), and Zachery Ty Bryan (“Brad” of ABC’s Home Improvement). One of the instructors, Paige Manley has even worked with superstar, “Lady Gaga”.
The amazingly talented instructors and the intense workshop experience gave the girls a taste of what hard work and sacrifice goes into making a star. From the healthy, yet “disgusting, as the girls put it” food to the “pull you out of your shell and find yourself” type exercises, it was truly a growth experience learning to be a better performer and a more well rounded person. This will help these students no matter what career they may choose in the future.
Congratulations to the girls for being selected for such an honor and a once in a lifetime experience!
Pictured below are Cuello, Harkey, and Moseley on their trip (photo contributed) and back at the studio.
