To the editor:
Last weekend I had the great privilege of watching great art on the stage of the Houlton Community Arts Center. Marking 25 years of dance instruction in the greater Houlton community, Sandy Hartley presented her students as polished professionals with a program that took viewers from the highest highs to the lowest lows — all with a level of artistry that proves that these young dancers all have very bright futures.
As an arts teacher in this community, I have the opportunity each and every day to work with our talented youth. I am continually inspired by their dedication to their craft — be it singing, dancing, playing and instrument, or acting — and by the great lengths that many of them will go to achieve perfection. I have been honored to have worked with many current and former students who have gone on to great experiences in the performing arts. There are times, however, when I lose sight of my students’ abilities and find myself focusing on the minutia that comes from practicing to perfection. It is during these times that I am humbled by simply watching our kids do what they do best — in this case, command the stage with movement and emotion second to none.
Watching current and former students dance this past weekend was an enriching experience for me for a number of reasons, but paramount among these was witnessing the inspiration that Sandy Hartley gives to our children year in and year out, day after day. From a fellow teacher’s perspective, observing a master teacher at work is a piece of art in and of itself. Sandy Hartley guides her dancers with a sense of obligation and dedication to the art that is communicated to even her youngest dancers — she commands dedication with the gentlest of guiding hands.
Thank you, Sandy, for all that you do for the youth of our community; without your positive influence on our kids, who knows where some of them might be. You help kids find their aesthetic spirit, and you nurture that with all that you have. You are truly a master teacher to the core and I admire your service to your students. You make me want to continue to strive for that approach in my own teaching.
Here’s to 25 more years of your great influence, Sandy, and thank you again for all you have done — and continue to do — for the youth of Houlton.
Jason A. Anderson, M.M.
vocal music educator grades 5-12
RSU 29
