NOVEMBER NEWSLETTER

WESTERN NUT & POINSETTIA FUNDRAISERS GOING ON NOW!

Order forms are going home this week for Western Nut, and you can print out order forms for poinsettias HERE on the website’s calendar page. This is a great chance to help pay for performance fees this season! All orders are due by Nov. 14th.

We cannot accept late orders!

NOVEMBER 15th: Parents Night Out: 6-10pm @ BOUNTIFUL
PARTY LIKE A ROCKSTAR!

Bring your kids to our Parents Night Out from 6:00-10:00 pm at the Bountiful location. They will get to eat pizza, make a yummy treat, dress up like Rockstars, play some fun games, and more! Cost is $15 per child and $12 for additional siblings. Must be potty trained. Register HERE or in your parent portal!  Space is limited!

Nov 27-29: *NO CLASSES FOR THANKSGIVING BREAK!*

FOR PARENTS OF PRESCHOOL DANCERS- NOVEMBER THEME

This month our theme in dance is “E-I-E-I-O” We are going to have so much fun moving like horses and dancing with our duck feet.  We hope you are having fun dancing with us at home!  

This month we are focusing on:  kicks, marching, ballet arms (port de bras)

CHRISTMAS PAJAMAS AND BOOKS CHARITY PROJECT

This year’s Christmas Charity Project is going to be even bigger than last year! We are so excited to be a part of the 12th Annual Dance For Life BENEFIT CONCERT!  We are gathering new pajamas and books and selling $1 paper pajamas to donate to those in need locally.  All the proceeds from the concert will go directly towards our overall donation.  Participation details are coming. We will be sending out an email that can be forwarded to family and friends about our project.  Start bringing in your donations this month! Look for the donation box in our front lobbies.  Help us beat last year’s total of 1094 pajamas, 459 books, and $6000!

We are going to open up our Scholastic book program to ALL of our dance families just in time to order books for the benefit concert.  Scholastic is an amazing resource with GREAT books at a GREAT price!!  You can order $1 books for our book drive and they will be shipped right to the studio.  Visit Scholastic Books HERE and take advantage of this convenient way to donate to our book drive.  Online orders are due by Friday November 15th.

CHRISTMAS PERFORMANCES

Our Christmas shows include STARS ballet/jazz classes, preschool dancers, Hip Hop, Little Leapers/Dancing Dolls, and Company Teams. Dancers that filled out a consent form can view the final instructions for costume and arrival times HERE. If you turned in your consent form, costume and participation fees have been added to your October & November tuition payment!

FOR PARENTS OF SCHOOL AGED TUMBLING/ACRO STUDENTS
November Stretch of the Month- Back/Bridge  |  Strength Challenge- Wall Sit

We are so excited this year to have a “stretch of the month” and a “strength challenge” in our acro/tumbling classes! Encourage your child to work on these skills at home to help them improve even faster!  Be more involved by printing off the at home practice tracker HERE.

CLASS REMINDERS

Ö  Potty before class, especially preschoolers!
Ö  No underwear under your leotard. Tights are dancer's underwear!
Ö  LATE! We have had a lot of late comers and late pick-ups. It is very disruptive to our classes when you walk in late, not to mention unsafe for dancers to miss warming up.  Late pick-ups are preventing our next classes from starting on time, and our teachers from getting home to their families.  Thanks for your attention to this manner!
Ö  Cold and flu season is underway.  It is never fun to be sick or to have a sick child.  Let’s watch out for each other by being aware.  If your dancer is sick please keep them home.  Thanks!

HIP HOP CLASSES- SHOE POLICY

With winter weather approaching, we need to remind you that we CANNOT have wet, salty, muddy shoes stepping onto our dance floor. Please carry your hip hop shoes into the studio and change into them before you enter the classroom.  You will be asked to dance with no shoes if you don't have a dry pair! Thank you!

ONLINE CALENDAR!

We have a calendar on the website!  Please refer to it for Holiday closures and studio events. If you use Google Calendar you can copy studio events directly into your calendar by clicking on the "add google calendar" in the bottom right corner of the calendar.  http://www.dancetoexpress.com/currentnews.html

TEXT REMINDERS

Stay up to date on current events! Subscribe to our text reminders for your classes. Text your class code to 81010.
Toddlers (Diaper Dancers, Tiny Tots, Barely 3s): @edctoddler
Preschool aged classes: @edcpsdance
School aged classes: @edcsschool
Little Leapers:  @edcleap
Dancing Dolls: @eddolls

ONLINE PARENT PORTAL

The account you created online can be updated at any time. Log in on the website to update contact and billing information, register for new classes, and make payments. You can also reset your password any time.

The Recital: What Is It and Why Is It Important?

You’ve heard us talking about it.  You’ve seen it mentioned on our website and in our emails.  You know there’s a lot of excitement around it … but what exactly IS the recital? 

Just as soccer players have tournaments, football players have games, and gymnasts have meets, dancers have performances!  More than a year’s worth of planning goes into our annual performance at Expressions Dance—better known to most people as “the recital.”  

The recital is a memorable opportunity for our students to showcase their talents onstage.  From learning the first eight-count of choreography in class to the final bow onstage, the recital is definitely one of the highlights of a dancer’s year!

Consider this blog post your “recital primer,” where we break down a few key elements of what to expect these next few months—and why it’s all so important.

Choreography

Each class learns a particular routine to perform at the recital.  The choreography is the series of steps, patterns, and formations the teacher creates for each unique routine.  Your dancer will be learning and practicing this choreography during class time leading up to the recital.  This repetition allows our students to grow their confidence as well as their skills.

Costumes, Hair, and Makeup

Because dance is a performing art, this is where the “performance” aspect truly comes together!  As you’ve seen, each class will have a costume to wear onstage for their routine.  We will also be communicating specific instructions regarding their hairstyle and stage makeup.  These three things are the finishing touches that complete a performer’s look!

Dress Rehearsal

Prior to the recital, each class will have the chance to participate in our dress rehearsal.  The dress rehearsal is almost like the recital itself, except it’s just for practice.  It allows us the chance to rehearse our sound and lighting cues from backstage and helps us make sure the dancers are familiar with their new surroundings. 

Performance

This is it!  After all the preparation and practice, this is each dancer’s moment in the spotlight in front of their family and friends.  The buildup of excitement is huge.  It’s like when an athlete performs at the Olympics … our students perform at the recital!

We understand that the thought of choreography, costumes, rehearsals, and being onstage in can be intimidating at first, so we’re here to show you what an awesome experience this journey can be.  Stay tuned here to the blog for more valuable insight as we approach the big day!

October Dance Newsletter

FUNDRAISER- FAT BOY ICE CREAM- Due by Friday, October 11th

We want to give you the opportunity to help earn some money towards performances and class expenses by providing you with a few fundraisers during the year.  Our first fundraiser opportunity of the year will be selling Fat Boy treats! Get a head start by looking over all the info on the calendar page of the website HERE!

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 PARENTS NIGHT OUT! HALLOWEEN PARTY!

• OCTOBER 11th @ BOUNTIFUL, 6-10PM

• OCTOBER 25th @ CENTERVILLE, 6-10PM

Bring your kids in their costumes to October’s Parents’ Night Out! They will get to make a yummy treat, go on a “Spooky Walk” (inside), do the “Monster Mash,” play Halloween Bingo, and MUCH more!  We will wear them out just in time for bed!  Cost is $15 per child ($12 for siblings) and will include pizza for dinner! Ages 3+ and must be potty trained. You do not need to be a current student to come! Register by email or online HERE.

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Oct 16-18: (WEDNESDAY-FRIDAY) *NO CLASSES FOR FALL BREAK!* 

Oct 31st: NO CLASSES AFTER 4PM FOR HALLOWEEN!

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DANCE FOR LIFE- CHRISTMAS PERFORMANCE

• Oct 11th-Last Day to Submit Consent Forms

• Dec 14th- Performance @ TBA

YOU NEED TO SUBMIT YOUR CONSENT HERE TO PARTICIPATE!  It isn’t too late! The final performance guide will be sent out as the event gets closer.

• Tumbling classes, Diaper Dancers, Tiny Tots, and Barely Threes classes do not perform in December.

• The following classes will be performing:  Stars jazz/ballet, Hip Hop, Preschool Dance, Academic Preschool, Little Leapers, Dancing Dolls, all Company Teams

CHRISTMAS CHARITY PROJECT:

We are so excited to be a part of the "Dance For Life" benefit concert in support of the Pajama Program again this year.  We are going to be collecting PJ's to donate to those in need of a comfy new pair of jammies this holiday.  Get your dancer involved by watching for PJ's at a good price.  All the proceeds and PJ/books collected will be donated right here in Utah.

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 FOR PARENTS OF PRESCHOOL DANCERS:

We are excited to have a new section each month just for preschool dancers!  We love the month of October…This month our theme is “Itsy Bitsy Spider!”  We will be making an alphabet brew in our classes this month!  The last week of October we will be celebrating Halloween in class by wearing our costumes to dance!  We encourage you to get involved and have them practice their skills at home!  This month we are focusing on:  running, rolling our wrists, heel digs, grand battement, scared face, doughnuts and our scary faces!

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 FOR PARENTS OF SCHOOL AGED TUMBLING/ACRO STUDENTS:

October Stretch of the Month- Shoulders  |  Strength Challenge- Plank

We are so excited this year to have a “stretch of the month” and a “strength challenge” in our acro/tumbling classes! Encourage your child to work on these skills at home to help them improve even faster! Be more involved by printing off the at home practice tracker HERE.

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 FOLLOW US!

Like “Expressions Dance” on Facebook and Instagram to receive reminders and great info!  It is an easy way to stay up to date on upcoming events and see all the fun things our dancers are doing!

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 ONLINE PARENT PORTAL

The account you created online can be updated at any time. Log in on the website to update contact and billing information, register for new classes, and make payments. You can also reset your password any time. All studio event details are posted on the “newsletters” page that is on the parent portal page of the website.  Please notify us if you aren’t getting our newsletters by email.

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 PARENT OBSERVATION DAY

Please remember that parent observation day is the last 10 minutes of dancer’s last week of the month for ALL classes. Students do better and you notice more improvement in them if you only watch them once in awhile. Please have your cell phones turned off and leave your other kids at home. Thanks!

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 HANDBOOKS/REGISTRATION PAPERS

Please make sure you get your release forms for this year turned in!  If you haven't received your welcome folder PLEASE ask your teacher or the front desk team! Your welcome folders contain vital information about all we have planned for this year, including information about special events and performance opportunities. 

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 STARS CLASS UNIFORMS/DRESS CODE

STARS leotards are arriving within the next few weeks! Thanks for your patience! STARS classes have a uniform and required dress code. This helps to create a more disciplined atmosphere, which allows for faster progress. Please make sure your dancer is attending class each week in the following attire:

• Burgundy leotard

• Pink tights

• Pink ballet shoes

• Hair in a clean, tight bun. Our bun tutorial can be found HERE.

HAVE A GREAT OCTOBER!

September 2019 Dance Newsletter

WELCOME!  A very special welcome to all our “new” dancing faces! We are so excited to have you be a part of our dancing family.  We have a number of fun things coming up and can't wait to have you join us.  We look forward to developing great friendships and memories with all of you.  Please read all our monthly newsletters carefully so you can stay up to date on announcements and activities.  DON’T FORGET: ALL NEWSLETTERS ARE POSTED ON THE WEBSITE!

View the special welcome video from the Director, Amy Simkins, HERE!

NEW WELCOME FOLDERS AND RELEASE FORM: Every Fall we have everyone sign a new release form. This helps us update our records and also reminds you of our policies. Dancers will be bringing their welcome folders home from class this month. Please bring the release form back to your next class. It can also be found HERE. We need your form turned in to have your dancer participate in classes.  Thanks for your help!

SEPT 13TH | PARENTS NIGHT OUT! Centerville Studio- 6:00-10:00pm  “Minions Party!”

Need a date night? Our Parent’s Night Out allows you to hit the town…with ADULTS ONLY!  While you get some much-needed “adult time,” your kids will get some “kid time!"  The best part is that they are in a safe, fun and friendly environment.  Our instructors will jam the night full of fun activities, crafts, games and more.  We will wear them out just in time for bed!  Cost is $15 per child and will include pizza for dinner! Our new extended night allows time to go to dinner AND a movie! Ages 3+ and must be potty trained. You do not need to be a current student to come! Register on our online sign up form.

SEPT 23-26th | BRING A FRIEND TO DANCE WEEK! We love bring a friend to dance week! Invite one friend to attend a class with you so they can see how much fun you have at dance! Friends will need to have a guardian sign the trial class waiver. This can be filled out at the studio.

FUNDRAISER- FAT BOY ICE CREAM! We want to give you the opportunity to help earn some money towards performances and class expenses by providing you with a few fundraisers during the year.  Our first fundraiser opportunity of the year will be selling FatBoy treats! Get a head start by looking over all the info on the calendar page of the website HERE!

CHRISTMAS PERFORMANCE! Our first performance of the year will be December 14th. We will be showcasing our dancers in 30-minute shows at “Dance For Life!” This is a benefit concert that supports our annual pajama drive! YOU NEED TO SUBMIT YOUR CONSENT TO PARTICIPATE! The consent is included on your policies waiver, or can be filled out online soon. Performance times will be emailed by October 10th. (Not for Diaper Dancers, Tiny Tots, Barely Threes, or tumbling classes)

PAJAMA DRIVE, BENEFIT CONCERT: Every year we reach out and touch someone's life by doing a group community service project.  We are going to join up again with our sister studios for a Pajama Drive. It’s time for our dancers and their families to get a head start on collecting pajamas and books for those in need.  All pajamas and books will be donated locally during the Holidays.   Start watching for those deals TODAY!!  We will need all sizes from infant to adult. 

PARENT OBSERVATION DAY: Parent observation day is the last 10 minutes of your child's LAST class of the month.  On this day please be courteous by keeping the noise level down and do not bring other young children.  We would like to minimize distractions as much as possible to allow for maximum progress in our classes.

ONLINE PARENT PORTAL: The account you created online can be updated at any time. From the home page on our website, www.dancetoexpress.com, click “parent portal” in the navigation, and then log in to update contact and billing information, see an itemized statement of charges and payments, register for new classes, view your schedule, and make payments. You can also reset your password any time.

FOR PARENTS OF PRESCHOOL DANCERS: Hello Preschool Dance Parents! We are excited to have a section each month in the newsletter just for preschool dancers!  This month our theme is “a need for speed.”  We are going to learn about all the different ways we can move.  We encourage you to get involved and have them practice their skills at home! This month we are focusing on: walks, jumps- using levels, plie and releve, curtsey/bow, arm placement, and smiling.

PRESCHOOLERS- ADD A PERFORMANCE CLASS TO YOUR SCHEDULE! Does your little dancer love to be onstage? Then our LEAP Program is perfect! This class is taken in addition to any Preschool Dance class or the Academic Preschool Program and is held once a week for an additional $25/month.  

Dancers will perform (about) monthly at local events and be required to purchase one costume ($65) for the entire year!  No audition required. Performance classes will start in September.  Register online or email the office for more information.

• Dancing Dolls Performance Group – ages 3-4. Mondays 6:15-7pm @ Btfl

• Little Leapers Performance Group – ages 4-5. Mondays 5:30-6:15pm at Bntl, Fridays 2:30-3:15pm at Ctvl

Attire – Girls: Leotard, pink tights, pink ballet shoes, hair pulled back into a ponytail or bun. Skirt is optional.

STARS CLASS UNIFORMS AND DRESS CODE: We will be sizing dancers and handing out Stars uniforms as soon as they arrive (sometime mid-September!). Until then, any leotard is acceptable for class. Make sure to send your STARS dancer in pink tights and pink ballet shoes with HAIR IN A BUN! Please let us know if you have any questions! Our bun tutorial can be found HERE.

FOR PARENTS OF SCHOOL AGED TUMBLING/ACRO STUDENTS

Stretch of the Month Challenge: Lunge | Strength Challenge: Push Ups

We are so excited this year to have a “stretch of the month” and a “strength challenge” in our acrobatic classes! Encourage your child to work on these skills at home to help them improve even faster!  Be more involved by printing off the at home practice tracker HERE.

ADD AN EXTRA TECHNIQUE CLASS TO YOUR SCHEDULE! Join a Fast Track Class! 

Is your dancer ready for more? Taken in addition to a weekly stars or acro class, Fast Track classes will focus on technique and progress at an accelerated pace. 

• Fast Track Jazz (Kinder-2nd grade) Fridays, 2:30-3:30pm @ Bntl

• Fast Track Acrobatic (Kinder-2nd grade) Fridays, 3:30-4:30pm @ Bntl

ONLINE CALENDAR!

We have a calendar on the website!  Please refer to it for Holiday closures and studio events. If you use Google Calendar you can copy studio events directly into your calendar by clicking on the "add Google calendar" in the bottom right corner of the calendar.