Performing arts school plans expansion

As students at Holland College's School of Performing Arts prepare for the program's first-ever year-end show, plans are underway to expand what the school offers next year.

The school offered a performing arts and a music program in its first year, and next year is adding a two-year dance performance diploma. Coordinating director Maria Driscoll said the school will offer instructions in styles from ballet to tap.

"As well as the business side of some of that profession, what it's like to work in a theatre, some of the things about anatomy, and all kinds of things," said Driscoll.

Following a dream

Students preparing for this year's final performance, Love and the Lack Thereof, and their graduation are looking back over a special year.

"Coming out of the first year of training, it really just seems like the next logical step to put on a show like this, and it's really an eye opener," said Zack Squires.

"It's what we love to do," said Justeann Hansen.

"We're just following our dream. It's helped us to take that dream and sort of put it into a reality and what we will actually need to make it work in the real world."

More than 50 people have already applied to the school for next year.