New Batavia performing arts center has much to offer

BATAVIA — All Kristen Drilling had to do was mention she wanted to open a performing arts center and she had all the help she needed.

“I had all these volunteers come to me and I was overwhelmed,” she said. “I had huge support. It made me cry.”

And she has more than 50 people signed before she has even opened.

Drilling is lead instructor for Kristen’s Performing Arts Center, a studio at 412 East Main St. next to Dollar General. The studio, at 3,600-square feet, with air conditioning, has plenty of space for the variety of classes Drilling is offering.

“I’ve been dancing for 20 years and teaching for seven,” said Drilling, a 2010 graduate of Batavia High School. “I wanted a place for the kids to go and show their creative side.”

Drilling has two other teachers, Taylor Gayton and Chelsea McClurg, both from Oakfield. Classes include acrobatics, ballet, pointe, jazz and tap, voice lessons, acting and music.

“I didn’t want it to be just another dance studio,” Drilling said. “It’s performing arts.”

She’s also offering one-on-one private lessons, classes for adults and will host dance-themed birthday parties.

Once the studio is completed.

Thursday, two of those volunteers and fathers of dancers were working on completing the inside construction.

Fortunately for Drilling, both are professional contractors: Matt Hume of Hume Projects and Mark Napoleone, owner of Pero Plumbing & Carpentry.

Drilling is officially opening Sept. 14 and is conducting an open house and registration from 5 to 8 tonight and from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Once opened, hours will be from 2 to 9 p.m. Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesdays and from 9 to noon Saturdays.

For more information, contact Drilling at 409-9587 or visit kristenperformingarts@gmail.com.