Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.

Local dance studio is visited by celebrities

By Erin O'Connor

Staff Writer



WEST SPRINGFIELD Students of LHQ Dance Force on Riverdale Road were in for a surprise on Dec. 2 and Dec. 3 when, "So You Think You Can Dance," second place winner, Melody Lacayanga and finalist, Nick Lazzarini, visited their studio.

"It was part of the Masters Weekend," Lynn Hadden-Quinn, director of the Dance Force, said.

Hadden-Quinn said that Masters Weekend is an educational event that is open to everybody in the area for a fee that pays for the weekend in the studio.

On the final day of the event a show was performed to parents. Many visitors of the weekend had a chance to win scholarships that could be used for returning to the studio for the following season.

Scholarships were awarded based on the attention span of the dancers and how focused they were on their movements Hadden-Quinn said The studio offers classes for beginner, intermediate and advanced dance levels. Locations of the studios are in West Springfield and Feeding Hills.

Hadden-Quinn said that the studio will soon be participating in the Lil' Iguana's Children's Safety Foundation. The program is meant to immunize children against child predators and accidental injury. "Iguana helps kids with child predators," Hadden-Quinn said. "We will be working with someone through the program to educate kids. It's getting worse and worse and kids don't know how to protect themselves," she added.

The program is open for children ages two through nine years of age. Hadden-Quinn said that the target age for predators is seven.

Donations are currently being accepted anywhere from $50 or up to fund the program.

Hadden-Quinn said the program will be free for the children and that is the reason they are raising funds.

"It covers their travel and their insurance to do the show," she said.

More information about LHQ can be found by visiting their web site at www.lhqdanceforce.com or sending an e-mail to info@lhqdanceforce.com

Anyone who donates money will be on tee shirts and in the press.

LHQ accepts enrollment all year. In June there is a showcase. The studio features classes in tap, jazz, ballet, acrobatics, hip hop, yoga and pilates. Classes are for pre-school age children through adults. The studio also offers music and movement; parent and toddler programs; and weight management programs.