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History

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The Hackworth School of Performing Arts, originally known as the Geoffrey School of Dance, was founded in 1934 by Gerard Geoffrey, a dance pioneer in Western Massachusetts.

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In the early 1960s, his daughter Jackie succeeded him, changing the name to the Hackworth School of Performing Arts and leading the studio into its second generation. Her dedication to the consistent growth and evolution of her students established a strong foundation of quality dance education which continues today.

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Since taking the reins in 1991, Jackie's daughters, Lisa Anthony and Alison Forance, along with their dedicated staff, have earned a reputation of excellence by adhering to the principles upon which the studio was built. Passing on the rich heritage and traditions of HSPA has made them one of the most reputable dance institutions in New England and one of the longest running dance studios in the country.

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The family’s fourth generation of dancers has been steadily making a name for themselves on the national and international dance scene, achieving a level of success that could not possibly have been imagined over eight decades ago. They now proudly pass on HSPA’s legacy of inspiration to the next generation.

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Welcome to our dance family and its ongoing Legacy of excellence. 

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