Hatchery Company Members performing a piece choreographed by Shakia the Key
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HATCHERY
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"The arts have a way of saving lives, the founder of Hatchery played a role in changing the trajectory of my life by being a wonderful, compassionate, teacher and dreamer. She was someone who helped me to believe in something greater than what my community offered me. My prayer is that this work will continue to impact the lives of children in and the community in western Massachusetts for centuries. It is vital." – Sakina Ibrahim, professional independent dance artist, and Hatchery guest teacher and choreographer.
"Hatchery has given me the chance to explore my creativity and become a more confident and versatile dancer. More than that, though, it’s a family. Jen Polins has created a safe, dynamic environment for teens to experience what it’s like to be part of an inclusive dance community." – Amelie Stevens, current Hatchery Company Member
"Hatchery has been a source of joy for my daughter. During middle and early high school, when girls especially can feel painfully self-conscious, here was a place where creativity and enthusiasm weren't social liabilities -- in fact, they were nurtured and celebrated. I watched my daughter grow into someone who both supports other dancers and takes the lead with her own choreography. When the pandemic hit, Hatchery became a lifeline. I'm so grateful my daughter has had this outlet." – Naomi Schulman, parent of current Hatchery Company Member
"Hatchery has played a major role in my daughter's life for the past few years. My daughter, Aliya, joined Hatchery because she was looking for a creative outlet and a way to express herself using her body. She came to dance with a strong background in Circus and Rock Climbing both which did not provide her with the creative outlet that she was looking for. In many ways Hatchery has become her home away from home. She found a place where she could be free to allow her creativity to soar and where she was given room to build strong relationships with her peers. These strong relationships laid the foundation needed for her to take risks and try new things. Aliya has built a lot of confidence in herself while being part of Hatchery. I feel that Hatchery has done an amazing job dealing with all of the struggles around COVID and they put on a beautiful performance on Zoom. I feel so fortunate to have access to a dance program that has supported her in these ways." – Kristin Rotas, parent of current Hatchery Company Member
"Hatchery is an essential part of the Western Massachusetts arts community. It has allowed my niece to find beauty and expression in dance that is a reflection of who she is. It utilizes both a rigorous and disciplined format while allowing self-expression through movement and thought. It is a contemporary definition of dance involving youth as full collaborators in the creative actualization of this art. I am so happy that she found this place, Hatchery, where she can grow and develop her mind." – Bevin Cahill, family of current Hatchery Company Member
"As a loving grandmother there is gratitude for what Hatchery has meant to my granddaughter. Aliya has found a place of unconditional acceptance and compassionate encouragement to stretch her creative energy to new and different heights. The programing, talented teachers, visiting artists and enthusiastic staff have created a unique world for young people to confidently explore the adolescent journey in a safe and loving community." – Grandmother of current Hatchery Company Member
Photos by Peter Raper
Interested in joining Hatchery, or know a teen who is?
We would love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected]!
We would love to hear from you! Email us at [email protected]!
