I was a dancer at PAT/Paula Meola Dance and Performing Arts Inc. for close to fifteen years. I would not trade one minute of my time there for anything. I was and continue to be extremely fond of Lisa Hughes (former owner). I am also extremely fond of Paula Meola. Throughout my adolescent and teen years I spent the vast majority of my time at the studio. I took as many classes as I could, as well as participated in as many other things (Nutcracker, Competition, Disney, etc.) as I could. I have made some of my best friends there. We were able to create such a strong bond because we were all going through similar things. The classes themselves were challenging and exhiliarating. These classes allowed you to temporarily forget the other stresses of every day life. It also proved to be a way to cope and express things when words failed. It sounds cliche' I understand but it is how I feel and I refuse to be falted for that. The teachers pushed for the best because they knew we were capable of providing it. I don't even think teachers is the correct word for them because they went beyond that. They were there to listen to anything dance related or otherwise. They generally cared for the students of PMD and I will be forever thankful for everything they have given me. Paula Meola is a remarkable woman, with incredible strength. She is an amazing studio owner with immense business knowledge. She is also working to build her studio and her dancers to the best they can be. Paula does everything with her dancers in mind. I had the priviledge to know Paula beyond the business. She is incredibly caring and understanding. I personally saw her generosity. She is very willing to help out those in need. She is not judgemental by any means. During my time at the studio I sustained two injuries. Neither of them were a result of dancing at the studio, but the encouragement I received and well wishes from every one were moving. Now that I have graduated from the studio, I find myself thinking of studio often, I miss it greatly. I never felt like I would be better off at another studio. The experiences and lessons I learned (far beyond just dance) will never leave me. Many posts on this site have been malicious and untrue. Everything I have stated is true and I know that I am not the only one that has felt this way. I will always remember PMD, all the teachers, staff, and students and it will always have a large place in my heart.
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