Don and I basically grew up in Nashua and stayed close to both families in raising our own.  Our two girls, Diandre and Adria started dancing at the age of three, at a local dance studio here in Nashua.

We started Diandre dancing to get her into a class setting in preparation for school. Never could we have imagined the influence and impact of this one decision; not only on the their future and career choices, but also who they really are today, to ourselves as a family. Ultimately this decision would eventually lead to six trips to Africa over a 5 year period.

Diandre started at MHDC after the short period of time that Melissa had owned, the former Academy of Movement, the Nashua dance studio the girls were enrolled at.  After experiencing the level and caliber of dance that Melissa had to offer, and seeing how advanced many of her students were, she eagerly wanted to spread her wings into a larger studio and transferred to the Hudson studio.  Adria, wanted to "dance with her friends" a bit longer but decided to follow the year after. 

Yes, that means we experienced 2 different studios in two different towns for a year while both girls took classes and were both involved with dance teams.  It was a testament to our belief that the girls got more out of dance than just an "activity".  And if there is anyone from Nashua looking for a dance studio in Nashua, driving to Hudson from Nashua for a dance studio should not be overlooked. We had many tight scheduling issues with classes and rehearsals but the funniest was at ADA in Lowell.  At the time, we were still at both studios and both studios were competing.   Adria was scheduled at the high school and Diandre was scheduled at the auditorium... 5 minutes apart. 

Diandre has been out of MHDC family since she graduated Nashua High North in 2005.  She continued dancing with an audition company throughout her five years at Penn State.  She recently graduated this past spring with a degree in Landscape Architecture.  She will be entering a 2-year Professional Gardener program at Longwood Gardens outside Philadelphia in January.  We feel that her confidence and creativity can, in part, be credited to her overall dance experience.

Adria is currently a junior at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell majoring in Exercise Physiology.  Her career choice was also influenced by dance.  She plans on focusing on women's wellness; thanks to seeing me (and others), for all those years, sedentarily waiting for her and her sister to finish their dance classes.  In addition to her full time college schedule, Adria is still actively involved with the studio as a teacher, choreographer, as well as assisting with office, newsletter publishing as well as the studio's birthday bashes, Parent's Night Out and other events.

Aside from dance determining many of our family vacations (Disney, KAR Nationals, ADA Nationals and DMA nationals), the girl's dance has also had a direct influence on Don as well.  Both girls traveled to Namibia, Africa with MHDC in 2005. This, in turn, peaked Don's interest enough that he has made 5 trips himself.  Because his hobby is  his career (web design/ internet marketing), he is able to work from Namibia as well as contribute his services to His Promise Ministries and Children of Promise Ministries. He has found the connection and involvement there to a continuously rewarding.

Alas, while our girls are no longer students or performers at MHDC, I [Karen] continue to be involved.  I assist backstage with Kalidescope, Make-a-Wish and recitals.  I also might still crank out a costume or two. When the girls danced, I often helped with costuming as I enjoy sewing and creative design.  And, yes, Adria is still using this service! 

However, my involvement with MHDC has gone beyond me being a dance mom. I now enjoy the great ZUMBA classes on Saturday that do fit into my busy schedule as I travel frequently for my work as a software consultant in the healthcare industry.

So a minor decision for a three year old girl shaped this family in so many positive ways. We will continue to stay in touch?

Let's just say that if we can still be in touch with Creative Years Child Development, the daycare that the girl's went to, some 20+ years ago, I expect we will continue to be part of the MHDC family for at least a few more years!