“Job well done, job well done, job well done, everyone!” The audience and performers cheer at the end of Grossi Dance & Performing Arts Academy’s latest production, “In the Spotlight.” That’s the exchange of energy one feels, not only at the performances, but in every class at GD&PAA throughout the year, referred to as "the Infinity Effect - that which we give out, returns to us!"

Linda Regulbuto, who became owner and artistic director of Grossi Dance & Performing Arts Academy in 2013, moved the original academy to a new location in Lafayette Square in Vernon in 2014, with two full studios and expanded programming. She and her staff encourage the students and performers of all ages (2 ½ to 80+!) to establish their own greatness… often saying, “this is where your greatness is now; this is where you’ll be in a month, in 2 months, in 6 months - so make it your own!”

GD&PAA incorporates a unique method to performing arts education. The artistic director selects an over-arching theme for the entire curricula for the staff and guest artists to follow, rather than setting a theme for the annual Showcase. It’s a different, dynamic approach, setting the theme into sequential syllabi and integrating it throughout dance and performing arts lessons and workshops. Regulbuto, whose experience includes serving as production manager and senior manager in Education, Community Relations, and Programming and Producing Departments of The Bushnell Center for the Performing Arts, as well as 22 years as owner and director of Steppin’ Up! Dance Studios and Companies, says that she and her staff look closely at the state and national educational standards, giving them greater awareness of the power of arts in education and students learning and processing styles.

The GD&PAA staff are constantly revising and reinventing the curriculum in each genre, which includes guest appearances, master classes, coaching and workshops with their vast contacts with actors, dancers, choreographers, and artists from New York City and Los Angeles. The stellar roster of teachers are certified through the State of Connecticut, Dance Masters, Dance Educators the National Association of Dance and Affiliated Artists and attend national dance, business, and education conferences, summits, workshops and conventions to further their knowledge base and continue to enhance their best practices procedures.

Grossi Dance & Performing Arts Academy students enjoy classes in all genres of dance and performing arts from creative dance and combo classes for the tiny dancers to contemporary, lyrical, modern, Broadway and funk styles of jazz and tap, Cecchetti graded ballet and pointe classes, to Wee Bop hip hop and hip hop; there’s something for everyone. Some of the specialty classes include The Senior-ettes tap classes, Meet Me at The Barre®, Zumba, Pilates, Yoga, Gyrotonic, Karate, and the First Friday Family Dance sessions for those wanting to get away from computers and phones - spending time moving and grooving with family and friends!

Performing Arts students take part in acting, audition prep, coaching, voice, musical theatre, and Broadway Bound Workshops, as well as classes in dance arts. Several students have appeared in Broadway Musicals and TV productions in New York City and The Bushnell such as, Mary Poppins, Phantom, High School Musical, Whistle Down the Wind, Music Man, Sesame Street and Grimm. Others have acted in and local and national commercials and many continue to be involved in local school and community theatre shows.

GD&PAA students have been accepted into prestigious dance intensives, programs and performances, and have received scholarships to respected organizations such as The Joffrey Ballet, Earl Mosley Institute, HARTT, The Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts, National Association of Dancers and Radio City Music Hall master classes.

Four performance companies have their home at GD&PAA and consist of dancers who wish to enhance their dance experience by taking mandatory classes in most genres offered as well as attending master classes and workshops. Part of their mission is to engage, enliven and encourage those for whom they perform. Many of the dancers participate in the Student Assistant and Teaching Assistant programs, where they experience the business and practices of the Academy, participate in public relations, marketing and community outreach events and learn the skills of instruction and lesson planning.