By Gordon Wright | Featured in the Fall 2014 Issue – Art Of The Times
“Dance has always been my first love,” said Fred Lieberman. Unfortunately, I remain stumped as to why. However, in 1987, this Boca Raton resident made a bold decision. He established The HARID Conservatory Boca Raton, a tuition-free professional training school.
Like the Curtis Institute of Music, admission is highly selective. Based solely on talent, the school requires an enormous financial commitment from its founder. Nevertheless, Fred Lieberman, known simply as “the Donor,” funded it anonymously for decades.
A Legacy of Success
Success came early at HARID. The first students enrolled in 1988. Among them was Pollyana Ribeiro, a young Brazilian student. In 1991, she won the gold medal at the Helsinki International Ballet Competition. Suddenly, everyone wanted to know about The HARID Conservatory Boca Raton.
Others soon followed. Marcelo Gomes, now a world-acclaimed dancer, arrived at age 13. Later, he won the Hope Prize at the Prix de Lausanne. Similarly, alumni like Lyn Tally and Sara Webb have become principal dancers at major companies.
World-Class Training
The school’s facilities were completed in 1991. Built on a picturesque five-acre campus, they include spacious studios and a residence hall. Dancers may be born with talent, but it takes great teachers to develop it.
HARID’s faculty, including Victoria Schneider and Meelis Pakri, consistently produces successful dancers. Consequently, graduates are employed by over eighty professional companies worldwide. From American Ballet Theatre to the Royal Winnipeg Ballet, HARID alumni are everywhere.
The Mystery of the Name
Fred Lieberman passed away in 2008. Although he remained anonymous during his life, his legacy lives on. Furthermore, the secret behind the school’s name was finally revealed. He named it in honor of his parents, Harry and Ida.
Today, The HARID Conservatory Boca Raton continues to train gifted young dancers. It remains a mini United Nations of Dance, attracting students from around the globe.
