By MARLENE McTIGUE
Capital Region Independent Media
JUST OFF THE western side of the Taconic Parkway, nestled between the rolling hills of far eastern Columbia County and the black snake of the mighty Hudson, there stands a little white building, a Grange Hall in another life, that has been repurposed into a vibrant hub of dance and performing arts.
This building is home to the Hudson Valley Academy of Performing Arts (HVAPA), founded by Debra Hughes, a passionate and accomplished dancer with an unwavering vision. For 18 years, Hughes has poured her heart and soul into teaching classical ballet, along with other dance forms, to students of all ages, turning the old church into a space where dreams come alive.
JOURNEY FROM DANCER TO MENTOR
Hughes, the academy’s artistic director, has dedicated her life to dance. Her career has taken her from small towns in California to major stages in the world of professional dance.
Hughes has performed with regional ballet companies, worked as a commercial dancer, and even graced the stage at the Academy Awards, dancing under the direction of Debbie Allen. But after years of professional performance, Hughes felt a calling to give back.
“It was my dream to open a ballet school with serious training but also nurturing training for young people and adults alike,” Hughes said. “I wanted to make sure it was professional, but I also wanted it to be fun and accessible.”
This balance of rigor and warmth defines her teaching philosophy, allowing students to grow not only as dancers but as individuals. Hughes believes the discipline and dedication required in dance can shape strong, determined young people with skills that transcend the studio.
Hughes’ Academy offers students structured, high-quality training. She teaches a blend of different methods, including elements of the Vaganova method, a classical Russian ballet technique, and more contemporary approaches focused on anatomy and individual development.
“In Russia, they select the perfect bodies for ballet, but here, everybody gets to dance. So, it’s important to know how to work with people on an anatomical basis to ensure they don’t get injured,” Hughes said.
This personalized approach allows her to work with dancers of all shapes and abilities, training them in a way that fosters growth while ensuring each dancer’s safety.
Hughes shares that her goal is not just to produce technically proficient dancers, but to cultivate individuals who understand the possibilities of hard work and perseverance.
“I always tell my students, ‘You can’t do this now, but it’s possible if you take baby steps, follow the process, and work hard,’” she said. “That lesson applies to so much more than dance—it’s about life.”
The school has been a launchpad for many talented young dancers. Students have been accepted into both the School of American Ballet and the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis School, the official school of the American Ballet Theatre—two of the top ballet schools in the United States.
Others have been accepted into the elite Katzban program and the Dance Theatre of Harlem’s summer intensives. These opportunities are a testament to Hughes’ ability to inspire and equip her students for professional success.
THE STRUGGLES OF RUNNING A DANCE SCHOOL
While the school has seen incredible success in shaping young talent, Hughes admits that running the Hudson Valley Academy of Performing Arts comes with its challenges.
Despite the school’s community impact and the students’ achievements, Hughes has struggled to make ends meet.
“Basically, I’m not getting paid,” she admits.
Most of the school’s revenue goes toward maintaining the building, keeping it warm in the winter and suitable for year-round classes.
She dreams of converting the building to solar energy, but the process is expensive and requires extensive updates to the electrical system.
“This would be the perfect building for solar,” she notes, “but we need to go fully electric first, and that’s another major cost.”
COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND ENGAGEMENT
Beyond teaching ballet, the Hudson Valley Academy of Performing Arts has always had a strong commitment to community outreach. Hughes has made it a priority to give back, organizing performances to support various causes.
“We’ve done performances to help Haiti, supported relief efforts for Ukraine, and put on shows for seniors and veterans,” she said.
During the Covid-19 pandemic, the academy even performed outdoors at a local care facility, bringing joy to the residents while adhering to social distancing guidelines.
Hughes also recalls a special performance the academy organized to help a local family whose house had burned down.
“We did a dance fundraiser to help them rebuild,” she said, underscoring her deep connection to the community and her desire to use the arts to make a difference.
A CALL FOR COMMUNITY SUPPORT
As the Hudson Valley Academy of Performing Arts continues to serve the community, Hughes is asking for help. Whether it’s donations, volunteer efforts, or simply attending performances, she hopes that those who understand the value of the arts will step up to ensure that her vision can continue.
“I need help and support here—someone who believes in the arts and can help manage, market, and grow this school,” she said.
Hughes has expanded her adult class offerings, from swing dance to jazz, in order to engage more community members.
“I love training adults,” she said, having taught at Steps on Broadway in New York City for over 20 years. “Dance is for everyone, and I want this school to be a place where everyone feels welcome.”
THE FUTURE
Despite the financial challenges, Hughes remains optimistic about the future.
“We’ve built something special here. We have ‘Nutcracker’ every year, and we hold spring performances. We’ve sold out shows, and the community loves what we’re doing,” she said.
The goal is to continue to expand, both in terms of student numbers and community engagement.
As Hughes looks to the future, she hopes the Hudson Valley Academy of Performing Arts will continue to inspire young dancers, support the local arts community, and serve as a beacon for those seeking a creative outlet for many years to come.
For more information about the Hudson Valley Academy of Performing Arts, or to inquire about classes or support opportunities, visit https://hvapa.com.
