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KINGSTON — A new studio for fine arts instruction has opened it’s doors in Kingston.
The Perfect Harmony Center for the Arts held its grand opening Saturday, greeting patrons with tours, treats and talent from students.
The center is run by Beth and Jeremy Connor of Exeter. As local teachers, the Connors saw funding cuts to fine arts programs in schools. They began giving lessons out of their home, thinking of a way they could help bring back the fine arts to the community.
“I wanted to find a place to send our daughters to, but I couldn’t find what I was looking for,” Beth said. “So I decided to just create it myself.”
Perfect Harmony poses as a one-stop-shop for the arts — from music and dance to art and theatre — the Connors wanted the center to make life easier for students and parents, alike.
“As a parent, I know how hard it is keeping track of who needs to be where at what time on what day,” Beth said. “Usually once you get involved in the arts, you want to branch out into other things, too. We have everything here, all under one roof.”
The center is themed around fire, water, air and earth, with each room dedicated to specific talents. It also offers a variety of classes, from one-on-one or “solo,” to group classes and even wedding classes that feature ballroom dancing and bridal party choreography. Classes can go by the week or in sessions that range from six to eight weeks long.
However, Perfect Harmony isn’t just for the typical ballet or piano class.
The center also provides assistance for children with developmental or behavioral problems, as well as introducing toddler-aged children to the arts through “mommy and me” type programs.
“Two of our instructors have formal training in behavioral sciences as well as music,” Jeremy said, “one of which is a licensed social worker. They’re very good at helping children with autism or behavioral problems through the arts and music therapy.”
In fact, almost of of the staff at Perfect Harmony have multiple degrees, with years of experience in their fields on a professional level. Dance instructor Christina Brunotte has run two studios and has even appeared as a contestant on “So You Think You Can Dance,” while Brenda Nighbert holds over 35 years of experience in music, working with over 10 different theatres and numerous schools.
Aside from the arts, the Connor’s also have a passion for sustainable, eco-friendly living. They started work on the center in late April, building their own furnishings or re-purposing donated pieces.
Jeremy did much of the woodwork throughout the center, and will be instructing a woodworking class as part of the art curriculum. Beth tries to cut down on waste by keeping information online and re-using materials.
“Instead of using paper plates and plastic utensils for our birthday parties, we use regular plates and silverware instead,” she said. “It may mean washing a few more dishes, but it pays off in the long run.”
Perfect Harmony representatives will be at the Back to School Pep Rally, taking place at the Wyoming Valley Mall from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
Information and pricing is also available on their website, www.perfectharmonycenterforthearts.com.
