Canton High School Graduate Excels in Dance, Drama and Music

Thirza Grant is pretty much everywhere, doing a little bit of everything. She is, at least, a triple threat with stage credits in dance, drama and music.

After graduating from Canton High School in 1996 and attending classes at Northwestern Connecticut Community College, Thirza set her sites on learning all she could about the arts — all of them, it turns out.

She danced and performed with Canton’s Valley Ballet — ballet, modern dance, jazz and hip-hop — from 1997 to 2009. 

In 1997, she also began a long association with the Warner Theatre Center for Arts Education, in Torrington. She appeared in their performances of Seussical the Musical, Footloose and Sound of Music among others and is currently working as the Theatre’s archivist.

In her spare time, she has written poetry — about feeling her dreams, friendship and being alone with her thoughts — and has created print-art pieces.

And Thirza, (pronounced Thar-za), is always looking to explore more of the arts community.

About Town met with Dian Grant to talk about how the arts can enrich and challenge a life.

AT: First, how did you pick the name Thirza for your youngest daughter?

DG: Thirza comes from a biblical city in Jerusalem; “very pleasing to God.”  

AT: Why the arts as a means of expression for her?

DG: Thirza likes group activities. She needs the stimulation, affirmation, participation and socialization of others. The arts are her forum.

AT: How does she manage to do it all?

DG: Thirza stays with a program as long as she can express herself through the art form she is pursuing. Then, she moves on.

AT: Mentors have been critical to the progress of Thirza’s arts resume.

DG: Thirza’s mentors have kept her on track and focused. It’s so important to have a supportive community around her and she’s had this related to her activities in the arts.

About Town continued this interview with Thirza, shortly after her keyboard lesson at in Collinsville.

AT: What’s your favorite piece of music?

TG: Swan Lake.

AT: What do you like best about the arts?

TG: Making friends. I want to continue to make new friends.

AT: Why have you chosen the arts to express yourself?

TG: Art is beauty. And, I feel great being around things that are beautiful.

AT: When you’re not training or practicing or attending classes, what do you like to do in your spare time?

TG: I love to sing. I also love making peanut butter or chocolate chip cookies. These are my specialties. And, I spend time on my computer. I love emailing!

AT: What’s next?

TG: I’d like to do fashion design; dresses in reds, pinks and blue. And, I love science.

I just want to learn more.