FIRST
CLASS
Premier Performing Arts
school offers master classes
with industry experts.
P
BY NICOLE TAFE
remier Performing Arts school has been enriching students in the
arts of dance, acting and music in Monroeville and surrounding
areas for many years.
The school is co-owned by Kim Meyers Merge and Jenn Probola,
both graduates of Point Park University with degrees in dance. They
have each danced their entire lives—Kim in Pittsburgh and New York
City and Jenn in Rochester, NY, and Pittsburgh. Both are married with
families and live in the east suburbs of Pittsburgh.
Formerly the Larry Cervi School of Performing Arts—co-owned
by Merge for 28 years and Probola for seven years—the school
became Premier Performing Arts when Larry Cervi retired two years
ago. Although located in Monroeville, students come from Franklin
Regional, Penn Trafford, Plum, Norwin, Kiski, Woodland Hills, Penn
Hills and other areas. The arts school offers classes for students age 3
through adult in dance, singing, acting, musical theater and piano.
“All instruction at Premier Performing Arts is offered by
professionals—we don’t have student teachers,” says Merge. “Our
students have been accepted into the most prestigious dance and
musical theater collegiate programs in the country. Jenn and I believe
in artistry, creative expression and the dedication it requires to achieve
classical technique.”
Twelve teachers share their expertise with students. Annual dance
recitals and music showcases are scheduled, although not mandatory.
The school does not participate in competitions but offers master
classes with industry experts, providing excellent training in the arts
with many various performing opportunities.
“This is an amazing studio with great teachers and students,” says
Heather Bungard. “My son has danced with Premier Performing Arts
Gabriella Khosah
strikes a pose.
for several years, and so have I—as both a child and an adult. When
my son first showed an interest in the stage, I knew this was the place
to go. I highly recommend this studio to anyone interested in the
performing arts. They have something for everyone including all-boys
classes.”
Giving back to the community is important to Premier faculty and
students, who donate through various endeavors many times a year.
A holiday-themed fundraiser was held at the Greensburg Garden &
Civic Center for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and last year
a Halloween fundraiser benefited St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. “It’s
important for us to share our talents and give back to the community,”
says Probola.
“I often recommend the school to my friends,” says Amy Sheridan.
“My daughters have flourished in the positive environment,
developing their skills and love of dance with teachers who are highly
qualified and compassionate.”
Premier Performing Arts has several performances this year.
“Chocolate and Roses,” a classical voice recital, was held in February.
An acting, voice and musical theater showcase will be held on May 26.
Gateway High School is the site of the school’s dance recital, which
will be held on June 8. Premier is also planning a summer musical
theater camp, a voice cabaret, as well as a full six-week schedule of
classes.
“Our school is truly unique in that we share our love for the arts in
a professional, non-competitive environment,” says Merge. “We look
forward to doing what we love in a community that we love each and
every day.”
Premier Performing Arts operates Monday through Saturday. A
complete schedule of classes and information can be found on the
school’s website: premier-performing-arts.com. n
Pictured L to R: Caitlin Dolhi, Elyse Wilson, Evelyn Chambers,
and Brynn Grominski.
MCKEESPORT AREA
❘
SPRING 2019
7