Passion & Persistence Dance Empire
At PPDE we strive to give dancers of all ages a place where they can excel in not only dance technique, but also find the passion and love in their hearts. It is of the utmost importance that ALL dancers feel safe, welcomed, and important every time they step through our doors.
We offer many different styles of dance, Competition opportunities, and many special events throughout the year! To learn more, visit our "Classes" tab
Meet your dedicated
Teachers and Choreographers
Kathryn Hardy
Owner/Artistic Director/Teacher/Choreographer
Kathryn Hardy is a 23 year old girl from Woonsocket RI who has always dreamed of starting her own studio. In 2024 she decided to make that dream a reality! Kathryn has been dancing since she was 2 years old training in many different styles including ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, acro, hip hop, step, tap, musical theater, and modern. She also competed on a competition team for 7 years winning many awards! On top of all that her personal favorite experiences include teaching Ballet (ages 3-18), Jazz (ages 6-18), Acro (ages 4-18), Hip Hop (ages 4-18), Pom (ages 7-15), Lyrical (ages 6-18), Contemporary (ages 6-18), Tap (ages 4-18), Modern (ages 12-18) and Musical Theater (ages 9-18). She also has experience choreographing competition routines including solos, duos, trios, and groups. Her routines have won many awards including choreography awards, entertainment awards, concept awards and more! Kathryn loves to share her passion of dance with students of all ages and levels. She strives to always go above and beyond for every student and her main goal is it not only teach dancers everything they need to know and create well rounded dancers, but also to instill kindness and positivity in their hearts. ​
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"If I could give my students 3 things, it would be the confidence to always know their self-worth, the strength to follow their dreams, and the ability to know how truly, deeply loved they are."
Madison Hardy
Teacher/Choreographer
Madison Hardy is a Rhode Island College graduate, majoring in Dance Performance as well as Wellness and Exercise Science and minors in Coaching. Maddie has been dancing since the age of 2, and has trained in ballet, jazz, contemporary, modern, tap, and more. She is on the RIC Dance Company where she has the role of being the co-director. Maddie hopes to became a pediatric occupational therapist one day as well as a dance teacher/ choreographer on the side! Maddie has worked with artists such as Jenny Rocha, Adrienne Hawkins, Paula Josa-Jones, Shani Collins Achilles, and many more. Maddie is so excited to join the Passion and Persistence Dance Empire family!
“To my students…
you are strong enough,
smart enough,
worthy enough,
kind enough,
and talented enough.
You are enough.”
Hannah Ouimette
Choreographer
Hannah Ouimette is a Senior at Rhode Island College, majoring in Elementary Education with a concentration in Special Education and minors in Dance Performance. After she graduates she plans to become a special education teacher as well as a dance teacher for students with disabilities. Hannah is a part of the Rhode Island College dance company and has had the experience of working with many different choreographers such as David Dorfman, Geo Hubela, Jenny Rocha, Lawrence Jackson and many more. She has been dancing since the age of 2 in all styles, with tap being her favorite. Hannah has won many special awards, scholarships, and recognition for her tap solos. She is so excited to start her journey as a teacher and choreographer at Passion and Persistence Dance Empire!
"Behind every dancer who believes in themselves is a teacher who believed in them first."
