SHPA History
Sleepy Hollow Performing Artists was founded in 2002, when Artistic Director Debralyn Press invited a group of master artists to work with her in creating a dance and theater studio that would become a safe and exhilarating environment for artists in the lower Hudson Valley. In 2008, SHPA moved to their permanent home at 362 N. Broadway in Sleepy Hollow.
The state-of-the-art facilities include two professional dance studios and a music room. Sleepy Hollow Performing Artists has been recognized by Westchester Arts Council with the Arts Award given to “an organization whose vision, commitment, and leadership enrich Westchester, its communities, and its citizens.” SHPA is known as a vital resource for the dance and theater community, as well as a renewing force among artists in the lower Hudson Valley.
SHPA offers classes for all students, from beginner to professional, in a variety of techniques and styles of dance, voice, and theater. Our faculty is dedicated to giving our students personal attention and guidance. Debralyn, who has an extensive background in dance, theater, social work and movement therapy, oversees all classes so that the students can address their individual needs and achieve their goals.
Twice a year, Sleepy Hollow Performing Artists presents end-of-season dance and theater performances at Irvington Town Hall. SHPA also performs throughout the community, presenting in-studio showcases, works in progress, and large scale productions comprising an eclectic mix of culturally forward, collaborative and multidisciplinary dance.
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Since 2002 SHPA has helped the community in the following ways:
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Provided over $1,000,000 in scholarship assistance to talented and needy children.
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Enriched school curricula by offering performances to Washington Irvington Middle School, Briarcliff High School, Brookside Elementary School, Dows Lane Elementary School, Irvington Middle School, Felix Festa Middle School, Sleepy Hollow High School, and others.
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Educated school-age youth through innovative means, including lecture-demonstrations, question and answer dialogues, and multiple-skills training.
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Shown a proven commitment to needy, underserved, and at-risk populations, offering workshops and performances to New York School for the Deaf, Cabrini Nursing Home, Atria Nursing Home, Cambridge House, Helen Hayes Hospital, Westhab Shelters, and others.
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Reached out to the community through workshops and performances at street fairs and festivals such as the Sleepy Hollow Columbus Day Parade and Third Friday in Tarrytown, and events sponsored by The Foundation for the Public Schools of Irvington, The Arthritis Foundation, and others.
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Supported Cultural Development projects such as the Sleepy Hollow Historical Society and the Sleepy Hollow Haunted Hayride.
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Donated classes for youth organizations such as the Girl Scouts, Andrus Children’s Center, and the Life Center.
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Tutored and nurtured less experienced company members to facilitate acceptance into such advanced programs as Ballet Hispanico, South Carolina School for the Arts, School of American Ballet, Boston Ballet, NYU’s Tisch School for the Arts, Marymount Manhattan College Dance, SUNY Purchase Dance Conservatory, Emerson College, Muhlenberg Theater, and other reputable arts programs.
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Worked extensively with children who have special needs. Children with cancer, diabetes, ADHD, learning disabilities, visual impairment, hearing disabilities, cerebral palsy, and other challenges have been able to take part in company activities through the support and flexible approach of the staff and teachers.
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