WHAT OUR CUSTOMERS SAY ABOUT US
Last night's show will live on...in my memory for a long time to come.
[WDA (formerly SHPA)] has been a huge touchstone for our family for so many years: opening nights, closing nights, celebrations, holiday meals including the worst dinner I ever cooked, sorrows, surprises, JOYS, accomplishments, friendship abounding. I feel as if life's circle keeps drawing us closer and that makes me feel blessed. Thank you for being the north star for Allie and Abbie and so many fortunate children, for making all of us so happy and inspired by your creative spirit. May SHPA enjoy the best of good fortune for many years to come. Love, Meg ...incredibly generous number of hours...“...the success of “Dancing With The Teachers” is due in no small part to you. The incredibly generous number of hours you donated to the IEF resulted in Irvington’s most memorable community event. Words cannot express our gratitude for all that you did to prepare students, teachers and crew for the seamless and flawless production….The professional quality of the production far surpassed our own expectation and that of the audience. Quite simply: they were blown away.”
"There's something special about SHPAC. Debralyn Press and her fantastic teachers cultivate an environment in which kids as well as their talents blossom. It's a warm, nurturing place where kids practice with devotion and discipline. It's truly exciting to watch these kids get better and better each year." Julie Farmer Irvington Education Foundation There has been no greater influence..."There has been no greater influence on my daughter's self esteem and development. Her years as a member of [WDA (Formerly SHPA)] has enabled Maya to blossom from a shy, insecure, teenager into a confident, poised and beautiful, self assured young woman who now glows from the inside out."
Julie Liebman Proud mother of Maya Incredible instruction, encouragement, and great friendships."SHPAC is the third and (last) studio we've tried. Last because we are so happy. It provided my daughter incredible instruction, encouragement and great friendships. In my experience, many studios can offer one or two of these components - but no other could deliver it all!"
Alayne Katz Talented, Dynamic, Exciting, and Fantastic...
“Without a doubt, a recent assembly featuring the Sleepy Hollow Performing Artists held at Briarcliff High School was among the best I have ever seen. Student and faculty input was not only overwhelming but also unanimous that the Sleepy Hollow Performing Artists were talented, dynamic, exciting and fantastic.”
Robert Mayer Former Principal, Briarcliff High School I would not be the man I am today...'" I began coming to [WDA (formerly SHPAC)] as a 12 year old kid. Debralyn put me on scholarship, taught me how to dance, gave me a job teaching and sweeping floors. As a Cuban immigrant I felt left out in school and was getting into gangs and trouble. Begin at SHPAC gave me the arts, a family, a home to be a part of. I came from nothing. Now I own an extremely successful business. employing 20 people, I am married with a wife and beautiful child, and I have built myself a mansion. Thank you so much for being there for kids like me.
Rafael, 32 year old ex-student Our children and our Staff could not believe what they were seeing... “As a school administrator, I have experienced a great many cultural arts presentations over the years. The fact the students were performing for other students generated a whole new respect for the art form. Your artists were extremely talented and charismatic. They captured and held everyone’s attention, and they worked well with our students when they invited them up on stage.” Mimi Trudeau from Felix V. Festa Middle School in West Nyack |
Debralyn Press and Shpac are one of our Westchester Treasures ...Sleepy Hollow Performing Artists is an amazing organization.
They have provided so many important programs in our communities: including working tirelessly to influence our children and community with positive growth and changed through the arts. This is why we are presenting Debralyn Press and Sleepy Hollow Performing Artists with the ArtsAward - given to an organization that has greatly improved a community over a significant period of time. Debralyn has also been the recipient of many awards from NY State government for her extreme dedication and community service through use of the arts. Janet Langsam ArtsWestchester Wonderful fine arts performance...“Thank you for the wonderful culminating fine arts performance of Friday. The children were truly engaged and captivated by all that went on in the auditorium. Watching classmates perform is always an uplifting experience for the whole community. Even in a room whose temperature and humidity levels were high, I never once noticed the attentions of the children slipping away. Congratulations!”
William Macatee, Principal, Washington Irving School, Tarrytown, NY My son truly loves the center..."My son truly loves the class and the center. I can't tell you how much he looks forward to class....It is the highlight of his week. You really create a special place for teens at [WDA (formerly SHPAC)]. It has been a tremendous experience for him. Thank you for your kind words, commitment to teaching children and your love of dance."
Erica The children were mesmerized...“The performances were outrageous and I know that not only the children and teachers enjoyed them; I just loved them! . . .the children were mesmerized by the talent of all the performers on stage.”
Noreen Kenney-Campbell Parent Teacher Association Grandview Elementary School Completely exceeded our expectations“The Sleepy Hollow Performing Artists’ show at the Coachman Family Center was a joy for both our residents and staff alike. The children in our site were overjoyed to watch the amazing routines, as well as learn dance moves from the artists. The performance and workshop completely exceeded our expectations and we hope The Sleepy Hollow Performing Artists will continue to donate their time in the future and work with our children again. In addition to the fantastic performance, the artists displayed patience and understanding in working with our kids, and displayed positive role modeling for our impressionable youth. The young men and women showed that they care about youth and that they have a genuine passion for dance and youth development. The kids were blown away by the dance skills and techniques.”
Luis Cordero and the Entire Coachman Youth Services from Westhab All the teachers were a key influence...
Debralyn was instrumental in helping throughout my son's initial classes where he began to gain some confidence and really enjoy dancing. All his teachers were a key influence in nurturing my son, helping him build confidence and skill which enabled him to really shine. My son's confidence and new ability to connect with others ..the impact goes well beyond the breakdancing itself. I cannot thank Debralyn and the staff at [WDA (formerly SHPAC) for impacting my son's life so greatly. Vicki Mother of an 8 year old |