Thomaston Woman Named Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce 40 Under 40

 

Danielle Eichman, 28 of Thomaston, was named as one of Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce 40 Under 40 Top Leaders.  Eichman owns Papermoon Performing Arts, a dance studio on the Torrington-Litchfield town line.  The purpose of the chamber's 40 under 40 recognition is to show that there are many young people living and working in northwest Connecticut thriving and doing great things in their fields and their communities.  

 

Eichman's dance studio is only in it's second year but has had an impact on the community.  "My philosophy on dance is that dance shapes the whole person so not only am I passionate about delivering high quality dance education to my dancers, but I'm also looking to help them grow into strong individuals in their communities."  She has all of her dancers sign anti-bullying petitions at the start of each dance season and discusses often the importance of being kind, supportive, and uplifting to your peers, especially in an industry so stigmatized with being dramatic and cliquey.  She teaches her dancers to give back to the community by leading food drives for St. Michael’s Parish Food Pantry (Litchfield, CT) and using Papermoon’s June recital as an opportunity to make collections for local charities.  Last year the studio donated four huge boxes of supplies to the CT Humane Society.  Papermoon also offers adult classes, adult tap being the most popular. Eichman believes dance is for everyone and sees it as a personal mission to bring the gifts of dance to everyone in the community.

 

"I wouldn't be who I am today without dance and growing up in a positive, supportive dance environment is just so beneficial to a young person's life," Eichman states.