Renowned ballet team to manage The Studio at Mainstage Center for the Arts – School of Dance
July 5, 2012 · Print This Article
He’s graced stages from coast-to-coast, dancing with companies including The San Francisco Ballet, Cincinnati Ballet, and Washington Ballet; founded and directed the Mt. Vernon Ballet Company of Baltimore; performed for President Lyndon B. Johnson; instructed at the Peabody Conservatory and University of Maryland; and taught master classes for studios from Virginia through Maine. She’s performed with the Ballet Austin’s corps de ballet, been a soloist with the Mt. Vernon Ballet, and has choreographed and taught for over 30 dance organizations in the Delaware Valley.
Now, Thomas and Jennifer Hanner bring their talents to Mainstage Center for the Arts – School of Dance, Thomas as the dance director and Jennifer as studio manager. In addition to managing the studio, both will provide ballet instruction.
The pair was already connected to the new school, formerly the Kathy Henkel School of Dance, because Thomas has served as a guest instructor there and had choreographed a few works with Henkel.
“We had heard so many wonderful things about both Thomas and Jennifer. When they expressed interest in co-managing the studio, we were delighted,” said Ed Fiscella, MCA producing artistic director. “Their experience and expertise will be a great benefit to Mainstage as we expand our dance program.”
Having traveled extensively in recent years as a guest teacher, Thomas looks forward to having a permanent home with Mainstage; although he will continue with some guest instruction.
“I’ve worked with many students in the South Jersey area over the years. I’m happy to have this opportunity with Mainstage to help expand their program and make a difference in the lives of local students. I want to help each of them build self-esteem and confidence.”
Jennifer added, “I feel it’s important that children can express themselves through the arts. It helps with their overall health and well-being. Dance enables children to develop a sense of responsibility to self and others, which benefits them their whole lives.”
Later this month, the Hanners will begin teaching summer dance classes at The Studio at Mainstage Center for the Arts – School of Dance, 475 Hurfville-Cross Keys Rd, Sewell, NJ. For more information, please call the studio at (856) 582-4422 or email thomas@mainstage.org. In addition, both Thomas
and Jennifer, along with other dance, acting, and voice instructors, will meet and greet current and prospective students at an open house for The Studio at Mainstage Center for the Arts on July 24, 6:30 p.m., Lincoln Hall, Camden County College Blackwood Campus. For more information about the open house, please visit www.mainstage.org or call (856) 227-3091.
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