Meet Anna Harsh

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Anna Harsh a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Anna , we’ve been so fortunate to work with so many incredible folks and one common thread we have seen is that those who have built amazing lives for themselves are also often the folks who are most generous. Where do you think your generosity comes from?

My generosity comes from the deep roots of my Italian upbringing. I grew up watching my grandparents share fruits and vegetables from their garden with neighbors and family — not out of abundance, but out of love. My parents taught me that when the doorbell rings, you greet guests with food and drink, as a sign of respect and belonging. In our culture, generosity isn’t optional — it’s tradition. Even during hard times, my family gave what they could, volunteered, and supported those in need. That spirit of giving shaped who I am and continues to guide everything I do today.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

I’m the Founder and Director of Allegro Dance Company, a professional cultural dance ensemble based in Pittsburgh, PA, dedicated to preserving and celebrating authentic Italian culture through dance and education. What makes our work so special is that we’re not just performers — we’re cultural storytellers. Every piece we present carries tradition, history, and love for our heritage.
Our company travels to festivals, schools, and cultural events to share dances that reflect the regional diversity of Italy. We blend classical training with cultural authenticity, offering audiences a deeper appreciation for Italian heritage — from southern tarantellas to elegant court dances.
What excites me most is creating space for dancers to grow — not only as artists, but as professionals who represent something greater than themselves. I teach discipline, poise, and the importance of carrying tradition with pride and respect. We’re a small company with a big mission: to preserve, educate, and inspire.
Coming up, Allegro is preparing for a series of outdoor cultural festivals this fall, as well as new collaborations and performance opportunities across the United States. We’re also working on developing educational outreach materials for schools, so that Italian folk dance can be part of the next generation’s understanding of culture and movement.

I am also launching a new children’s book series which is now available on amazon. The 1st book in the series is called “Alessia Discovers a Spiderweb.” This is a great way to introduce Italian dance and generousity with an added bonus of Italian vocabulary words.
Everything we do is a commitment to authenticity, professionalism, and generosity — the very values I was raised with and now pass on through Allegro.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three qualities that have been most impactful in my journey are discipline, cultural integrity, and resilience.
Discipline is the foundation. As a dancer and director, showing up on time, prepared, and focused isn’t just expected — it’s essential. That same discipline applies to leadership, planning, and keeping your vision consistent. For those just starting out, I recommend building small daily habits that keep you accountable — even when no one’s watching. Lead with kindness and be willing to go the extra mile to make it great.

Cultural integrity has guided my artistic choices. I didn’t want to “reimagine” or water down Italian folk traditions; I wanted to honor them. My advice: Know what you stand for creatively, and never compromise the authenticity of your message just to fit in. Be authentically you and that is enough.

Resilience helped me keep going — through slow seasons, budget limitations, or being underestimated. Anyone early in their path should understand that setbacks don’t mean you’re off-track. They often mean you’re being shaped into something stronger. Every mistake I made helped me grow and learn.
If you’re consistent, honest in your purpose, and willing to grow through challenges — you’ll find your own rhythm, and others will follow it.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?

One of the most impactful things my parents did for me was create a home where curiosity, creativity, and self-expression were not only allowed — they were encouraged. Whether I was dancing in the living room or dreaming up big ideas, they never tried to box me in. That freedom to explore who I am is a huge part of why I’ve had the courage to lead an artistic life.
They also taught me to be kind and courteous, even when others are not. That may sound simple, but it’s a powerful lesson — to choose character over reaction, especially in professional and public settings. It’s something I carry with me in how I lead and teach.
And lastly, my parents modeled resourcefulness. Whether money was tight or circumstances were tough, they always found a way to make things work — with grace and determination. That mindset helped shape how I approach challenges today, especially as a creative director running a dance company. I learned that when you don’t have all the tools, you build your own — and you keep going.
These lessons are woven into everything I do: as an artist, as a leader, and as a person.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.AllegroDanceCompany.net
• Instagram: @TambourineChronicles