Arts Center Gains Foothold In Westville

Friends Latisha Douglas and Samantha Williams brought their children to violin lessons. They waved goodbye to their budding musicians — then, instead of heading home or out for errands, they went down the hallway, into another classroom, for a contemporary dance class.

That weekly Saturday scene takes place a new arts center in Westville, which promises to bring the arts ​“into diverse communities and art deserts” for students of all ​“ages, abilities, cultures, religions, and socioeconomic backgrounds” to pursue their artistic dreams.

Westville Performing Arts Center has found a home on the second floor of 351 McKinley Ave. in the former St. Aedan’s Parish school building. It is the latest expansion of Arts in CT, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has offered after-school programs, life performances, and artists in residency programs since its founding in 2016. 

The New Haven location has been open since last fall. Since then, Executive Director Barbara Alexander has been working hard to raise awareness about the facility’s new place in the community.

Alexander said that Covid-19 has made it challenging to build up a clientele. Once people hear of the impressive lineup of accomplished arts instructors, Alexander predicted, the diverse array of classes are sure to fill up.

One of those classes is taught by Wesley Yarbor. Yarbor was once a member of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre, with 40+ years of experience as a professional dancer.

There’s also Heidi Harrington, a painting instructor, who has been featured in ​“over 20 solo and group art exhibitions throughout her career, across London and the United States.” Ballerinas, guitarists, directors, and screenwriters help to make up the rest of the faculty.

Available courses include drawing, yoga, and ballet for toddlers; cartoon arts, voice class, and musical theatre for kids ages 6 – 12; set design, literary arts, and hip hop for teenagers; playwriting, modern dance, and improv for adults; jewelry-making, tai chi, and water color for seniors; and mommy-and-me yoga, arts, and dance. (Click here for the schedule for a full list of classes and times.)

Alexander said she founded Arts in CT and the Westville Performing Arts Center to provide artistic opportunities for low-income and at-risk youth who may not otherwise be exposed to the arts.

When she was a child growing up in Gary, Indiana, Alexander’s family struggled with finances. In an arts program, she was able to develop and cultivate her skills. Young Alexander dreamt of performing on stage, and with the help of artistic instructors, she was able to achieve that dream, including landing roles in a New York production of Time is Winding Up, Get Over It and a touring production of Fandance.

Williams and Douglas did not previously consider themselves dancers. They met Alexander through the Collaboration of Minority Women Professionals, of which the two are co-founders and president and vice-president, respectively. They attended an open house to support Alexander. 

The duo noticed that the adult dance class was going on at the same time as their kids’ music lessons and considered signing up.

“Why sit there for an hour? I might as well make use of it,” Douglas recalled thinking.

The friends talked each other into taking the class and now rave about its creative and physiological benefits.

“I really like how he’s into the fundamentals of dance, making sure you’re working the right areas. And I feel like I’ve had a workout at the gym afterwards, so I like that part of it a lot,” Douglas said. 

“As much as Wes is a drill sergeant, he’s a professional dancer, and so he helps break down the movements. He helps us better position ourselves so even outside of the class we’re helping our posture. And it is a workout! Sweating, feeling joints you forgot you had,” Williams added.

“From the adults’ perspective, it gives us an extra source of movement and teaching us techniques that we can use to improve as we age and to remind us that we’re not as old as we think,” Douglas said.

As for the children, Douglas said hers never miss a class.

“There are not many places that have so many different facets of the arts all in one place,” she said. ​“The fact that they can do an art class and then walk next door and learn an instrument is a great opportunity. They’re not easy to get out of the house, but for this, they’re ready to get up and they’re ready to go.”