AUBURN - It was not only an open house, but something of an art exhibit.
The New York Institute of Dance and Education held an open house Monday to give prospective students a chance to see the many classes offered in dance, music, photography, martial arts, and health.
"We have classes for every level from beginner to professional" said Lorienne Beals, director of services, during the open house. "We also provide services for dance organizations in the region and around the country. We bring in faculty from all over the world for festivals and residencies. And we're extremely blessed with this facility." The facility is the former Holy Family School building.
Hanging on the walls of the long hallway of the second floor were photographs printed on cloth by Merit Esther Engelke. They will be on display for one more week.
Her artwork brings out the motions, emotions, and character of her subjects, according tothe NYIDE's Sean McLeod.
"She catches art in a way very few people do," said McLeod. "There is such clarity and depth to her photography."
Ballet, tap, jazz and modern dance classes are only part of the Institute's ambitious curriculum. Boxing and martial arts are taught in a room designed by Quadar Muntaqim, the champion boxing instructor who has taught Gold Glove winners. Vocal coaching, private music lessons and drama preparation are also available.
And, according to one of the institute's brochures, a consortium of licensed and certified health providers offer massage therapy and chiropractic care.
The Institute also designs programs and provides consultations for schools and businesses, in keeping with its own philosophy: "To pay equal attention to the body, mind and heart."
McLeod has been a student of martial arts since he was in his teens, and he started dance lessons shortly after, at the insistence of his father.
He excelled in both and was a very successful dancer in New York City.
After he returned to Auburn, he felt burned out, and thought he was finished with dancing. Then his former dance instructor became seriously ill.
I wanted to help her," McLeod said. "I never dreamed I would own such a place. We have a faculty here that is second to none. With enough practice, technique becomes craft. And craft is the root of art."
"We have classes for every level from beginner to professional" said Lorienne Beals, director of services, during the open house. "We also provide services for dance organizations in the region and around the country. We bring in faculty from all over the world for festivals and residencies. And we're extremely blessed with this facility." The facility is the former Holy Family School building.
Hanging on the walls of the long hallway of the second floor were photographs printed on cloth by Merit Esther Engelke. They will be on display for one more week.
Her artwork brings out the motions, emotions, and character of her subjects, according tothe NYIDE's Sean McLeod.
"She catches art in a way very few people do," said McLeod. "There is such clarity and depth to her photography."
Ballet, tap, jazz and modern dance classes are only part of the Institute's ambitious curriculum. Boxing and martial arts are taught in a room designed by Quadar Muntaqim, the champion boxing instructor who has taught Gold Glove winners. Vocal coaching, private music lessons and drama preparation are also available.
And, according to one of the institute's brochures, a consortium of licensed and certified health providers offer massage therapy and chiropractic care.
The Institute also designs programs and provides consultations for schools and businesses, in keeping with its own philosophy: "To pay equal attention to the body, mind and heart."
McLeod has been a student of martial arts since he was in his teens, and he started dance lessons shortly after, at the insistence of his father.
He excelled in both and was a very successful dancer in New York City.
After he returned to Auburn, he felt burned out, and thought he was finished with dancing. Then his former dance instructor became seriously ill.
I wanted to help her," McLeod said. "I never dreamed I would own such a place. We have a faculty here that is second to none. With enough practice, technique becomes craft. And craft is the root of art."
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