Carol M. Russo Residence Hall
All HARID students are housed on campus in the 18,000 square-foot Carol M. Russo Residence Hall. Within the separate living areas for male and female students, each room is designed for double or triple occupancy, has a full bathroom, and is furnished with beds, dressers, mirrors, wardrobes, and chairs. The rooms also accommodate small refrigerators (not provided).
High-speed Internet service is provided via WiFi throughout the residence hall. Students may log on and work on their virtual academic courses at any convenient time.
Marcelo Gomes (Class of 1996) revisits his old room in Russo Hall
Russo Hall also contains a dining hall, student leisure rooms, Pilates equipment centers, and laundry facilities. An administrative office is located next to the reception area. Internal and external alarm systems and video-surveillance equipment help ensure the students’ safety and security.
Russo Hall is staffed by a full-time director of residence life, five residence assistants, and several part-time RAs. Campus security personnel are employed by the Conservatory and are on duty each weekday evening and on weekends. Food service is provided by Daidone Dining Services, a local caterer thoroughly familiar with the nutritional requirements and concerns of young dancers. Menus are planned and developed with input from a registered dietician.
Student Life
Student life at HARID is, in many ways, similar to that of any boarding school. Parents, siblings, and hometown friends may seem far away at times; however, a warm, supportive camaraderie quickly develops among the students, and the faculty and staff are always available to provide support and assistance.
Understandably, adjustments must be made before the students feel at home in their new surroundings. For some, the structure imposed by residence and campus life feels restrictive, and the rigorous schedule of classes and activities may seem overwhelming. Within a short time, however, the students adapt to their new routine.
HARID students are special young people. They have chosen to sacrifice many of the things teenagers normally experience growing up at home in order to pursue their dreams of becoming professional dancers. It is, nonetheless, important that the students have opportunities to socialize, relax on weekends, pursue personal interests, and simply have fun. At HARID, considerable effort is directed toward providing these kinds of opportunities.
During the school year, the Student Council is encouraged to plan various activities such as parties, holiday celebrations, and the production of an annual yearbook. Transportation is regularly provided to places of worship, shopping areas, libraries, movie theaters, parks, and beaches. Weekend trips to various South Florida attractions, including zoos, museums, galleries, and recreational areas, are also offered.
While the priorities at HARID remain clearly focused on training and education, students have many opportunities to explore other interests and to enjoy the benefits of living in South Florida.
Cultural Enrichment
To further enrich the education offered at HARID, students are encouraged to attend a variety of cultural events each year. Tickets and transportation are provided to performances by local and visiting dance companies, symphony orchestras, theater groups, and opera companies.
Local Transportation
Within the constraints of driver and vehicle availability, HARID’s residence supervisors provide all local transportation for students, including travel to and from airports before and after holidays, to places of worship, to medical appointments, and on recreational outings. All drivers are properly licensed and HARID’s vehicles are regularly maintained.
Medical Services
HARID retains the services of an on-call nurse and provides access to a wide variety of local medical professionals, as needed or upon request.
Injury Assessments and Treatment Referrals
Weekly injury assessments and treatment referrals are provided on campus by John G. Mahoney, MSPT.