Testimonials

Dear Debralyn,

Last night's show will live on in my memory for a long time to come. Seeing Abby & Allie come out for their bows and your lovely words was absolutely stunning. Virginia and I were sitting in the balcony holding hands and weeping like a couple of fountains. It seems like just yesterday the girls were in the city getting their first Gaynor Minden pointe shoes!

I had been thinking about graduation gifts for Allie and I thought she would love to have this special moment in her life connected to SHPA and her first mother, Victoria, whose work as a stage manager provides such inspiration for her. Not to mention David, who has been so immensely rewarded by his collaborations with you and SHPA. So I am sending donation to the Victoria Merrill scholarship in honor of Allie's commencement. 

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 

 

The Irvington Education Foundation Board writes:

“...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

Dr. Robert Maher, Principal, Briarcliff High School writes:

“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.”

 

"My son is a sensitive, shy boy who once seemed a bit insecure in social situations. He had a great desire to breakdance but had a hard time gaining the courage to take a class. Debralyn was instrumental in helping throughout my son's initial classes where he began to gain some confidence and really enjoy dancing. Diego was another key influence in nurturing my son, helping him build confidence and skill which enabled him to really shine. We recently attended a large party where my son took the stage and breakdanced for the crowd. He was elated and I was in ecstatic at his newfound confidence in himself......the impact goes well beyond the breakdancing itself. I cannot thank Diego and Debralyn and the staff at SHPAC for impacting my son's life so greatly. He is now looking forward to his first show in June."

Vicki
Mother of the 8 year old

William Macatee, Principal, Washington Irving School, Tarrytown, NY writes:

“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!”

 

"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 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

Noreen Kenney-Campbell from Parent Teacher Association Grandview Elementary School writes:

“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.”

 

"There has been no greater influence on my daughter's self esteem and development. Her years as a member of 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

Luis Cordero and the Entire Coachman Youth Services from Westhab writes:

“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.”

 

"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

 

Mimi Trudeau from Felix V. Festa Middle School in West Nyack writes:

“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.”