Livingston Dance Studio Making the Right Moves for Area Youth

The Pucci Performing Arts Centre in Livingston has energized the youth dance scene in the area.

The facility has provided a "creative outlet for exploration, improvisation, and imagination" in the western Essex area, according to a release from the arts center.

Director Kathy Pucci's enthusiasm and passion for her craft helps further inspire young dancers. Pucci's background extends not only into the professional dance and theater arenas, but also the special event and entertainment production field. These specialized art forms have motivated her to develop and offer the Summer OnStage Theater Camp at PPAC in Livingston.

In 2013, Summer OnStage Theater Camp’s inaugural year, students developed their theater skills while exploring acting, dancing, singing, and show production. Dance and theater instruction is known to build character with perseverance, focus, collaboration and non-verbal communication skills.

“The most passionate performers are those who are exposed to a variety of techniques,” Pucci said. “Our programs are specifically designed to add to that spark of creativity and stir it into a major flame.”

This year’s distinguished faculty will focus on acting, improvisation, voice projection, stage combat, comedy, set, prop and costume design, along with various genres of dance. Campers have the opportunity to write scenes, choreograph, and create their own characters. At the end of each week, the kids perform a show of their own creation that is open to friends and family.

"Attendance to the Friday show grew each week," said Barbara Levee, PPAC'S studio manager. "People came even after their own kids were not in the camp any more."

The Summer On Stage Theater Camp runs for eight weeks from June 23 to Aug. 15. To register, click here. Early bird discounts end June 1. The camp is open to boys and girls ages 6 to 16 and runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day. Free early drop off at 8 a.m. is available and late pickup of 5 p.m. is offered for $20 per week.