We've changed our name!

What’s In A Name? A Whole Lotta Sole.

Rochester, NH---After 25 years, several mission statements, and two devastating floods, Arts Rochester has tapped its creativity to swing into a new era and a new name. “It was unanimous—Sole City Dance won hands-down,” announced Executive Director Christine Hounsell.  Board President Dan Hussey stated “The new name, Sole City Dance, pays tribute to Rochesterʼs shoe industry, the ever-important shoes a dancer requires—ballet, tap and so on--and it’s just plain fun.” 

According to the Board of Trustees, the new name will better reflect what the organization has come to focus on in recent years:  dance education.  Hounsell added, “Itʼs not a stretch to also say our dance programs are ʻsoulful.ʼ  Our faculty members are highly trained artists and educators who work thoughtfully with students of all ages and levels.”

Look for Sole City Dance’s schedule of fall classes to be released the first week of August.  There will be offerings in classical ballet, jazz, modern, rhythm tap, hip hop, ballroom dance and even yoga for beginner through advanced students.  Special programs are offered for young children ages 3-6.  At the holidays, look for their annual, much-loved ballet, The Nutcracker, to be performed at the Rochester Opera House.  Auditions will be held the second weekend of September.

Arts Rochester was founded in 1983 by local arts supporters who joined together to raise funds to restore the Rochester Opera House.  Over time, the organization evolved into a community theatre group, performing plays and musicals in venues around the city. In 2003, Rochester Creative Arts Center merged with the organization, making it an all-around performing and fine arts education center. 

After moving to a custom-built facility in the Gonic Mill, the organization was hit by two devastating floods.  Though they tried mightily to overcome these twin disasters, the group moved its studios to the Rochester Community Center, 150 Wakefield Street.  New Sole City Dance signs and banners will be posted there soon. 

Ms. Hounsell says of the newly named group: “We understand the value of dance in peopleʼs lives—how it makes people think, feel, and learn. We provide education for body, mind, sole, and soul!  Join us and find out!”  An open house celebration and registration for classes will be held on Thursday, August 20 and Monday, August 24 from 10:00-noon and 4:00-7:00 p.m.  Visit www.solecitydance.org or call 330-0111 for further information.

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