Warwick Center for the Performing Arts celebrates first anniversary

WARWICK — One year ago Melissa Padham-Maass opened the Warwick Center for the Performing Arts (WCPA), 63 Wheeler Ave., when she resurrected The Dancer's Studio where she began her lifelong passion for dance as a young student of ballet.
On Tuesday, Sept. 11, Town of Warwick Supervisor Michael Sweeton and Warwick Valley Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Michael Johndrow joined Padham-Maass, her students, parents and associates to celebrate the first anniversary with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Former owner and artistic director of The Dancer's Studio, Lucinda Henry, set the stage for Padham-Maass to continue the center's long-standing legacy.
The Warwick Center for the Performing Arts offers a performance art program including dance, acting and fitness classes, new performing arts preschool, a black box theatre and a company dance ensemble.
As the artistic director at WCPA, Padham-Maass has expanded the dance and theatre curriculum offering a range of classes suited for preschool age through adult students. The complete calendar of classes is located on the center's website includes the new Performing Arts Preschool classes that are conveniently scheduled to coincide with the adult fitness programs.
The variety of disciplines is also attributed to the varied backgrounds of the instructors who hail from a lengthy list of professional affiliations including Broadway and Indie Film actors, Darrah Carr Dance, Forces of Nature Dance Theatre, Pilobolus Dance Company, St. Mary's Community Preschool, Warwick Valley High School Meistersingers and the Center's own dance company, The Warwick Dance Collective.
EssentialsFor additional information or to register for classes, call 986-2466 or visit www.warwickperformingarts.com.
- Roger Gavan