One Studio of Waterbury is now a non-profit calledGreen Mountain Performing Arts
(February 24, 2012) ‘ One Studio Dance of Waterbury has finalized its conversion to a 501c (3) non profit with the new name Green Mountain Performing Arts. The move, which was under consideration for over a year, was made more necessary following the devastating floods that rocked the town of Waterbury in the wake of Hurricane Irene.
The studio, which was located in a building in an area hard-hit by the floods, was completely unusable. Studio owner Laurie Flaherty was not sure the business would be able to survive the impact. But the community of Waterbury came together to ensure the studio’s 300+ students would not be without the opportunity to dance. Classes were rescheduled for spaces throughout the town, talk of the non profit began to take shape, several major funders came forward, a new space was located and soon, Green Mountain Performing Arts began to take shape.
‘The story for us following Irene is like so many business and individuals here in Waterbury and across Vermont ‘ our community came together to save something they believed in,’ states Flaherty.‘The studios commitment to making dance accessible to all individuals meant that we worked on a very tight margin so something like the flood stood to put us under. It just underscored the need to move to a non profit model and this was the time.’ Flaherty has stayed on board at GMPA as Artistic Director.
Over the past six years, enrollment at GMPA's predecessor, One Studio, had exploded under the guidance of Laurie Flaherty from 80 students to now over 400.The needs of the organization were evolving:Increasing scope of curriculum, expansion of community event performances, increasing need for tuition assistance,and the need for increased studio space.‘A restructuring was essential to meet these needs, states Cassie Landsky, a GMPA board member. ‘Becoming a non-profit organizationwill ensurethat GMPAwill continue to provide the Central Vermont community witha quality dance and performing arts educationfor ALLchildren and youth, regardless of their developmental abilities oreconomic status.’
Green Mountain Performing Arts’ mission is to enhance community cultural vitality by providing students with outstanding dance, theatre and music education in a non-competitive and supportive environment. GMPA provides equal access to all students,welcoming children with special needs and providing tuition assistance to those in need. The studio offer a diverse range of classes for all ages and abilities with highly qualified, caring instructors and a focus on enjoyment as well as on education. For more information visit the studio’s website.