Inspiration For Generations

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrsVGa7uIXI

The Newman School of Dance continues to build a legacy rooted in family, resilience and community, as described by owner and director Jackie Harrison.

Founded more than 60 years ago by Harrison's grandmother, Claudia, the studio began as a small, home-based operation after she returned from military life with her husband. At a time women face significant barriers in business, including access to loans without a cosigner, Claudia pursued her vision despite doubt from others.

Over the decade, the studio expanded from a single room to a two-room facility built in 2002, right there on their family farm. Being able to adapt to changes in technology, training methods and communication, social media practices have transformed how the studio connect with families and supports dancers.

Harrison said the studio's impact is reflected in its multigenerational reach, with some families returning for three generations. many students begin dancing as toddlers and remain through high school, with some eventually joining the staff.

More than producing skilled dancers, the Newman School of Dance emphasizes personal growth and community. Its mission, "inspiration for generations," highlights a commitment to fostering confidence, belonging and lifelong values in every student who walks through the its doors.

Experience

I had a really fun time shooting this video, especially learning the family dynamic behind the story and how proud Jackie is of the studio. During this video, I went there twice, once to interview and once to obtain more b-roll as Jackie was instructing a glass for 2-4 year olds.

The studio is a very welcoming place and everyone is so friendly. It truly is a hidden gem in the middle of farmland in Clare. Being able to capture and hear Jackie reflect on the journey her grandmother has made, makes the story feel more personal and grounded. Which also made this story VERY hard to edit and piece together to tell a full story in such little time.

As a photographer this story has made me want to push to look further beyond the surface-level and focus on the meaning of the story. I could have just focused on the Newman School of Dance and just explained what it is and what they do, but this new perspective, of a background story, really shows me a lot.

Although the edit was hard to cut down and make it shorter enough for the class standard, I was able to get it down from 4 minutes and 30 seconds to 3 minutes and about 20 seconds, so I think that is pretty good. One other issue I had during the experience was trying to pull b-roll clips together to fit nicely with the voiceover, which was hard when Claudia was being spoken of, as I did not have any access to any like archive photos or video to look back on and include.