Studio Theater is Exile presented Just the Place Adult Company in a dance performance, The Other Side of Hate, choreographed by Sharon Simmons Wright on September 20 & September 21, 2025. STIE@HVMOCA, 1701 Main Street, Peekskill, NY 10566.
This production was inspired by V.L. Cox’s END HATE PROJECT Doors that are installed in STIE’s stage. A larger exhibit of Cox’s social justice work is in the upstairs gallery at the museum and has been extended through December 13.
STIE’s Artistic Director Mara Mills said, “There are not many choreographers that use visual art as inspiration for dance, dance with a message. Sharon’s choreography brings together her art andher activism. Watching her work on stage, hope rises.”
Discussing The Other Side of Hate, Simons Wright says, “It is a dance journey toward healing and unity. We’ve felt the weight of hate, but on the other side there is hope, there is healing, there is movement, and in that movement, there is a message… a message of healing and unity.” For more information on programs at Just the Place, see https://www.justtheplace.org.
BIO
Sharon Simmons-Wright, M.S.Ed., the dynamic force behind"Just the Place, Inc. Cultural & Creative Arts Center." With a Bachelor’s Degree in Communications & Dance, A Master's Degree inEducation, and an electrifying 33 years in the education realm, she is not justa dance studio owner – she is a visionary. Sharon’s dance journey began as a dance student at the age of 10, she transitioned into a passionate instructor,and evolved into a dance education powerhouse.
Breaking the mold, she founded "Just the Place, Inc. in 2001," where every pliéand pirouette is infused with creativity and character. Sharon’s approach isnot just about dance; it is about unleashing the artistic spirit within. Herstudio is not a mere space; it is a vibrant community hub, buzzing with workshops, performances, and outreach programs that break down barriers and make dance accessible to all.
In the pulse of the community, Sharon’s legacy is not just measured in years, but in the rhythm of countless lives she has touched. Hermission goes beyond dance steps; it is about igniting a passion for lifelong learning and self-expression. If you are ready to dance to the beat of your own drum, step into "Just the Place" – where Sharon turns every dance into an exhilarating journey of self-discovery.
