Testimonials From the Alumni
“I danced at Belinda Bridgeman Academy of Dance from 1985 through 1992.
Here was where I found a terrific, safe place to gain a strong
foundation in both performance and technique, as well as explore how to
express myself creatively. All of which I put to practical use in
leading a successful, original, and entirely youth-produced,
dance-music-art show the year I graduated high school. I went on to
study computer science on scholarship, and then worked in the software
industry for eight years, completing studies in graphic arts in the
meantime. Now, with a wonderful husband and seven year old daughter, I
am a published wire jewelry artist, and photographer, focusing
primarily in fine art, family and children lifestyle portraits, as well
as theater and dance event photography. Throughout the years, I've
never stopped dancing--in college, after work hours, and still
continuing to dance and perform with a group of modern dancers in the
NH/ME seacoast area. Best wishes BBAD!”
- Rae Ann Wilson 85'-92'
"I started dancing with Belinda in 1995, when I was 8 years old, and
continued up until I graduated from Merrimack High School in 2005. I
did tap, jazz, lyrical, ballet, and pointe. While dancing with Belinda,
I learned, not only how to dance, but how to carry myself with
confidence and how to present myself in front of a crowd of people. I
learned discipline, independence, and stage presence. I have taken
those valuable skills and have been able to apply them to my life. I
have danced as an alumni 3 of the 4 years since I graduated high
school. I plan on returning to Belinda Bridgeman Academy of Dance to
take the adult jazz class because I miss dancing so much! I just
graduated from Southern New Hampshire University in May 2009 with a
Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication. I work for Manchester Radio
Group, which includes 95.7 WZID, 96.5 The Mill, 1370 WFEA, and Hot Hits
94.1/103.1, as the Assistant Promotions Director."
- Shannon Stephens 98'-05'
"I began dancing at Belinda Bridgeman Academy of Dance when I was three
years old and continued through high school. Dancing was my favorite way
to keep in shape and de-stress. During my time at BBAD I made many close
friends and developed a passion for all kinds of dancing. I loved
performing in the Nutcracker each year. I learned choreography and
danced in the Waltz of the Flowers and the Russian and Chinese dances.
After high school, I attended Quinnipiac University where I earned a Bachelor's Degree in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management. I
joined the Quinnipiac Ballroom Dancing Team to learn a new kind of
dance. I also obtained my aerobic instructor certification and taught a
"cardio mix" class at my school. I hope to open a dance/fitness studio
of my own someday. I still participate in the alumni dance during
year-end recital at the Palace Theater every spring. I make sure to
stop by the studio whenever I get a chance!"
- Jenna Palm 92'-05'
"Having spent most of my childhood and adolescence dancing at BBAD, it
gave me a sense of confidence both on and off stage. Now whenever I
hear a song that I danced to in a recital or the Nutcracker, it always
brings me back. In 2007, I received a Bachelor of Science degree in International
Relations and Diplomacy from Seton Hall University in South Orange,
NJ. For the past two years, I have been traveling the country to
college campuses as an educational consultant for my sorority, Alpha
Sigma Tau. I am now pursuing a master's degree in Higher Education -
Student Affairs at Old Dominon University in Norfolk, VA while working
in the Office of Student Activities and Leadership."
- Jen Cohen 90'-03'
