Ohana School of Performing Arts: Providing Dance Education for Human Connection
“Dance has so many benefits for all ages: socialization, discipline, taking care of your body, stage presence, ability to engage with people, the friendships, but the most important benefit is the human connection.” When she speaks, you can hear the sincere passion for dance and community in the voice of Ohana School of Performing Arts Owner & Studio Director, Ashley Kohl. “Dance offers a space of normalcy to have human connection and to just dance!”
With its mission to “spread peace and positivity through performance, focusing on family, inclusion and self-empowerment,” Ohana has pushed through the challenges of COVID-19, recognizing that this emphasis is needed now, more than ever. It has become apparent that the arts everywhere are suffering as a result of the current pandemic, especially when big names like Broadway and Disney are unable to operate as usual. Yet despite the current obstacles, Kohl and Ohana have remained committed to providing a safe space for youth and adults to come together for physical activity, social engagement, and relationship building. “The arts are so crucial to childhood development, and to our overall mental and emotional well-being,” Kohl shared. “Here, we don’t have a dress code requiring specific outfits. Instead, we’re focused on bringing people together, fostering connection, and encouraging compassion.”
Ohana School of Performing Arts offers a diverse range of classes for students, starting at age 1 through adulthood, along with performances and pop up workshops. In adherence to CDC guidelines, class sizes have been reduced, social distancing measures have been implemented, sanitization processes between classes have been put in place, along with a safe drop off and pick up procedure for students. In addition to the ongoing in-person classes, virtual class attendance has been facilitated via Zoom, encouraging those dancers who may be at risk or at home with a sick family member to continue lessons from the safety of their home.
When asked how she sees Ohana in the bigger picture of the arts world, Kohl quickly responded with the phrase “community over competition”. “We believe in the positive impact of dance so much that we started a scholarship for dancers even if they aren’t at Ohana, to support dancers wherever they are and to ensure the success of other dance studios as well,” Kohl explained. “We need each other. We need our families, but we also need each other as communities. I believe in the sign on the front of our building that says, ‘Love will find a way’. It’s our mantra for 2020. We need to turn our energy to things that bring us joy and be sure to give that to our kids as well!”
To learn more about the Ohana School of Performing Arts, find out about classes, or purchase a ticket for upcoming shows, you can visit OhanaPerformingArts.com or call 413.539.9996.
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This profile has been developed as part of the brand awareness campaign for the Ohana School of Performing Arts, managed by the team at Stand Out Truck ™.
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