Dear MHDC Dance Family,

I am writing to you with some exciting news for MHDCs future. I am happy to announce that commencing with the 2014 Dance Season Jen McLaughlin of Allegro Dance Academy of Nashua will take over as owner of Melissa Hoffman Dance Center. For the 2013 season we will collaborate together to not only have a great season of dance, but assure as we move forward the integrity and environment of MHDC continues to flourish! I believe that together, Jen and I can take the year to be sure we do everything in our power to assure that the dancers and families of both schools can continue to rely on all they have trusted in, but even more! Though our schools vary in some ways, the feeling of family is a true sense at each. We want to learn from each other the best things about our schools to create something amazing! My hope is you will each get to know Jen as the dance year begins and throughout!!

I will continue to play a role at MHDC as a classroom teacher (and anywhere else I am needed). A role I truly miss and feel I have a lot to offer, even after all these years! Continuing to work on creating an environment that allows kids with all abilities to dance is among the projects I will have time to develop. As we enter the 25th season I want to make all that we do a celebration of those 25 years. Capping off with a recital including as many alumni as possible to join us on stage! Plus celebrate 25 more to come! Though my role may be different I will stay true to what I started 25 years ago and let the younger generation take it to the next level!

I want to assure you that you can expect all that you have known at MHDC and more. Our staff will be staying on, and is excited to be part of this collaboration! Our mutual goal is to be sure the transition is seamless and MHDC continues to be a place for everyone; from the one time a week dancer to those who hope to pursue dance in college and beyond! In a time of TV shows like Dance Moms, it is amazing to be part of working together for the benefit of our dancers as opposed to competitiveness that is unnecessary. With much love and gratitude, Melissa

A message from Miss Jen:

I am honored and thrilled to join the MHDC family as your new director next season! This season, I am truly looking forward to working closely with Melissa and her staff and getting to know all of you! I'd like to share a little bit about myself so that you can know more about me! I've danced since the age of 3, began teaching at 16 then attended the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester where I studied sociology and took every dance class possible! While there, I co-founded a student-run dance program and performance dance team. Upon graduation, I worked in marketing and event planning for non-profits while teaching dance at night for several local dance studios. In 2002, my (now) husband and I moved to Iowa for him to attend graduate school. While there, I ran a dance program at a Children's Museum for over 400 students. There, I found my true calling and passion for teaching! When my husband and I came home, I bought Jeannine's Dancers' Stoppe in Nashua which is now Allegro Dance Academy! It's been 7 amazing years and I've grown the studio from 40 students and two dance rooms to over 300 students with four dance rooms! When Melissa and I spoke of the transition this spring, it felt like it was meant to be! My husband and I have two young children, we live in Hudson and we are ready and excited for the challenge of having two studios! We will work hard to bring you the very best of both Allegro & MHDC and I couldn't be more honored that the entire staff would like to stay and work with me as we begin the next chapter of the MHDC legacy! For this coming season, I will be at MHDC two to three days a week - I hope to get to know each and every one of you! Again, I am privledged and humbled to carry on the MHDC tradition of "offering quality dance instruction for all ages and levels!" I look forward to an incredible future of dance education and memories!  Best, Miss Jen