RIVER VALLEY DANCE PROJECT
 Building Community Through the Arts

Hilarie has been part of River Valley Dance Project since June 2024. Her return to dance, however, began in an unexpected place. While caring for her mother at the end of her life, Hilarie found herself waiting in the basement of the hospital while her mother went for testing. It was dark, and there was nowhere to sit. With nothing else to do while she waited, Hilarie started dancing around. “I thought, well, that’s a very odd response,” she remembers. “And I thought, oh, if

Dance is a beautiful form of expression that connects us to our emotions, our bodies, and each other. Whether you are a child just learning to move to a rhythm, a teen exploring new ways to express yourself, or an adult seeking a joyful way to stay active, dance offers something special for everyone. At River Valley Dance Project in Deep River, CT, we believe in nurturing a lifelong love for movement that welcomes all skill levels and ages. Let’s explore the many ways dance c

Registration | Performance | Our Story RIVER VALLEY DANCE PROJECT Building Community Through the Arts RVDP Company Performing Halocline Movement is our Universal Language River Valley Dance Project is more than a school; it is a supportive environment dedicated to quality dance education and community engagement. We invite you to grow with us through two unique upcoming events. Halocline: Performance & Workshop @rvdancep_company Experience a quietly electrifying 18-minute per

Dance is more than shapes and movement. Learning to dance builds confidence, sharpens critical thinking, and strengthens resilience. At River Valley Dance Project, these benefits come together in a welcoming space where people of all ages and abilities learn to express themselves and connect with others. This non-competitive, student-centered dance school focuses on building community through the arts, making dance accessible and meaningful for everyone.

What if you allowed yourself a break before you felt depleted by recharging with creative practices? What if you schedule valuable waking time to do something of your choice, something you enjoy doing that helps to reduce stress and make you more productive? This sounds great, so what is stopping you?

By: Felicia DeMatteo 5/19/23 When I started dancing again after taking a break, my goal was to just get back into dancing. During the...

Hello, River Valley Dance Project has classes going on all summer long. Adult & Youth Classes, and Workshops! RVDP also offer private...

In a previous blog post, Healthy Habits for Dancers #1, we discussed the importance of warming up effectively. Here is a recap of that blog: 10-15 minutes of appropriate warm-ups prepare students for a successful class. Warming up for a class, rehearsal, or performance may have different purposes. Sometimes we warm up our bodies and sometimes our mind.

Tips for dancers and dance teachers to help students get the most out of class.

Recently I had a question come my way. Where do adults dance who do not go to bars and nightclubs and who are not professional dancers? Where are the opportunities for adults who like to dance outside of their kitchens?

Premiered on Oct 3rd at 1 pm, 2021 on YouTube Produced by Linalynn Schmelzer Sound Engineer and Film Editor Frank Natter, Jr. Link to...

Many of us have increased our use of technology. There are many benefits to staying connected and informed or having a recreational outlet however, what toll does this take on your body?

Happy New Year! This month I am participating in NACHMO https://www.nachmo.org/. It is a campaign that is encouraging choreography...

I am really excited to kick off River Valley Dance Project's first website! We have been growing for 5 years. Like a baby who is ready for school, RVDP, is ready to be launched into this world. This is a thrilling time to be reaching out to the public. It is my hope that RVDP reaches you and sparks creativity and curiosity.