FEBRUARY DANCE NEWSLETTER

1.png

BRING A FRIEND TO DANCE WEEK

We had fun last month meeting many new friends! Thank you for inviting them to join us!  If you forgot, you are welcome to tell them about our free trial class and get them scheduled to come in with you sometime this month! Tell them to use the coupon code "care2share" when they register and you will BOTH get $20 TOWARDS TUITION!

6.png

VALENTINE’S SOCK DRIVE

Help us fill our box with socks before Valentines’ Day! We are collecting new socks in all sizes to donate to the local shelter.  

5.png

DADDY DAUGHTER VALENTINES BALL

FEB 8TH- 5-6:30PM, 5:30-7PM, OR 6-7:30PM @ CENTERVILLE STUIOD

JUST IN TIME FOR A VALENTINES DATE!  Don’t miss out on the chance to twirl your little lady on the dance floor!  Fathers, grandfathers, and uncles are invited to spend a magical evening with their little princess.  Don’t forget to dress to impress for the photo booth!  Invite your friends, you don’t have to be a current student to attend.  Current member rate is $15, plus $5 for additional daughters.  Pre-register in your parent portal in “Special Events/Workshops 2019-20” season or invite your friends and let them sign up HERE!


VALENTINES WEEK... WEAR RED, PINK, AND PURPLE TO DANCE!

We will be celebrating Valentine’s Day in dance classes between Feb 10-14th. Come dressed in red, pink and purple dancewear all week! If you would like to bring a small Valentine for your classmates please plan on bringing about 12 for preschool age or 15 for school age. Please ONLY fill in the FROM portion of your Valentine to make distributing easier. This is optional!

Screen Shot 2020-02-07 at 12.04.21 PM.png

ZUPAS SPIRIT NIGHT!

FEB 11TH @ WOODS CROSS LOCATION! 5-9pm

Show your school spirit and help us raise money for some new tumbling mats! We’re teaming up with Café Zupas for a Spirit Night on February 11th from 5pm-9pm. Join us for a delicious house-made meal to earn up to 25% back! This year they are accepting online orders!  Enter FUNDRAISER25 in the “coupon code” box at cafezupas.com.  Thank you for your support! 


7.png

PARENTS NIGHT OUT: FEBRUARY DATE

FEB 14th, 6-10pm @ BOUNTIFUL STUDIO: "BE MINE” VALENTINES PARTY! 

JUST IN TIME FOR A VALENTINES DATE!  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! Ages 3+ and must be potty trained. You do not need to be a current student to come and you are welcome to come to both! Register HERE.


NEW 3-4 YEAR OLD DANCE CLASSES! 

Do you have little one that has recently turned three or four that is ready to spend time with some kids their same age? Our teachers are loving and caring and will make leaving home for the first time fun and rewarding! Come and dance with us! First class is free! View the schedule for more dance and tumble class times available online for all ages!

Dancers that turn 3 by Aug 31, 2020:

  • Tuesdays at Bountiful 10:00-10:45am

  • Tuesdays at Centerville 5:45-6:30pm

  • Fridays at Centerville 9:15-10:00am

Dancers that turn 4 by Aug 31, 2020:

  • Mondays at Bountiful 4:15-5:30pm

3.png

FOR PARENTS OF PRESCHOOL DANCERS- FEBRUARY THEME

In February our theme is "Me and My Teddy." All month we will go on a fabulous journey with our friend, Mr. Teddy Bear!  We are exploring different varieties of music while incorporating lots of dancing skills.  Don't forget about bring your teddy bear day, the week of February 24th.  This month we are focusing on: hop on one foot, tendu, developing rhythm, waiting turns, boogie, twist, rock'n roll, and saute jumps. We hope you can find time to review these elements with your dancer. It is a great way to get moving at home!!

BRING A TEDDY BEAR DAY (Preschool Dance and Barely 3s classes)

All preschool dance classes will be dancing with their favorite Teddy Bear the week of Feb. 24-28th. Don’t forget to bring your bear!

4.png

FEB 28th- FAIRY AND PRINCE SKIPPING PARTY

Preschoolers who pass off their skips in class are invited to join us for a Fairy and Prince Skipping Party!  Parties will be held on Fri, Feb 28th at the Centerville studio starting at 3pm.  Your dancer will come home with an invitation once they pass off their skips in class.  Feel free to help them practice at home!

2.png

TUMBLING STRENGTH CHALLENGE: FOR SCHOOL AGED ACRO STUDENTS

February Stretch of the Month- Straddle | Strength Challenge- Bridge

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.

3.png

FALL ENROLLMENT NOW OPEN FOR ACADEMIC PRESCHOOL!

We are now accepting registration for Fall 2020-21 preschool at both locations!  The benefit to our preschool is that it INCLUDES our dance and tumbling classes!  Get it all done in one!  There is no reason to sign up for separate dance, tumbling, and preschool programs!  We offer it all and have the BEST TEACHERS around!  Leap'n Learners ignites a child's mind and awakens a passion for learning and movement that will last a lifetime. Space is limited! www.goleapnlearn.com


PROPER DANCE ATTIRE 

Please review the class dress code requirements and make sure your dancer is dressed appropriately for class!  We cannot provide proper feedback if we aren't able to see the alignment of our dancers. Send your dancers with their hair pulled back (bun for ballet). STARS dancers must wear their maroon uniform, pink tights (footless or convertible so they can pull them up for jazz), and ballet shoes. Please help us to run an upscale program by sending your child to class in the right attire!

Recital Header 2020 (1).png

"WHEN I GROW UP!" WE’RE GOING ON A JOURNEY TO THE FUTURE FOR RECITAL 2020!

We are so excited to announce our recital theme this year! It is going to be so much fun, teachers can’t wait to start working on our fun recital routines with their classes! All participants are required to submit the Recital 2020 Consent Form. This consent states that you have read and understand the commitment and fee schedule. We want you to be aware right now of the extra charges associated with the performance. Consents were due by Jan 31st, please get yours in ASAP or we can’t guarantee a spot! 

As the season progresses additional recital information or updates will be posted on the website, in monthly newsletters and on the school bulletin board. Make it your responsibility to keep abreast of this important information. Our goal is to make the recital an organized, exciting experience for everyone involved. The success of the show is a team effort of students, their parents, the teachers, and the director. 

IMPORTANT RECITAL DATES:

  • June 12             Tumble Exhibition

  • June 15             Recital Kick Off at the Bountiful Park Stage

  • June 19             Dress Rehearsal & Picture Day at Val Browning Center

  • June 20             Dance Recitals 2pm-8pm at Val Browning Center


 RECITAL TWINKLE STARS PROGRAM

Does your dancer LOVE to perform? Dancers have the opportunity to participate in extra classes beginning in March if they would like to perform an extra jazz routine at recital. This is a great way to get more experience if dance is something they love and want to pursue further. 

Twinkle Stars- ages 3-5: Preschool dancers that turn 4 by Aug 31, 2020 are eligible to join us on Mondays 4:45-5:30pm @ Bountiful and dancers that turn 5 by Aug 31, 202 can join us on Thursdays 9:15-10am @ Bountiful or Fridays 11:45-12:30pm @ Centerville starting in March. This class is in addition to their regular schedule. Twinkle Stars classes will be showcasing an additional routine at the recital! Tuition for the extra class is only $25/month.  Costume will be $70 ($35 due in April and May). You may add this to your schedule online by registering in your parent portal or email the office and we can help!  

Twinkle Stars- ages 5-6: This class is for kindergarten & 1st grade grade students that are interested in performing an extra routine at recital.  There are no special requirements other than EXCITEMENT to shine! This is open all KinderStars dancers. Kinderstars are eligible to join us on Mondays from 4:15-5:15pm @ Bountiful or Tuesdays from 6:30-7:30pm @ Centerville. This class is in addition to their schedule. They will be moving forward with more advanced skills and will be showcasing an additional jazz routine at the recital! Tuition for the extra class is only $30/month.  Costumes will be $70 ($35 due in April and May). Dancers may add this class in their parent portal or email the office and we can help!

Twinkle Stars- ages 7-9: This class is for school aged students that are interested in performing an extra routine at recital.  There are no special requirements other than EXCITEMENT to shine! This is open all Megastars dancers. Megastars are eligible to join us on Thursdays from 4:15-5:45pm @ Bountiful or Tuesdays 5-6:30pm @ Centerville. This class is in addition to their schedule. They will be moving forward with more advanced skills and will be showcasing an additional jazz routine at the recital! Tuition for the extra class is only $35/month.  Costumes will be $70 ($35 due in April and May). Megastars may add this class in their parent portal or email the office and we can help!


THANK YOU! Thank you for trusting your dancers with us! We absolutely adore working with each and every one of them! Happy Dancing!

Screen Shot 2020-02-07 at 12.11.43 PM.png
Screen Shot 2020-02-07 at 12.12.27 PM.png

What It Really Means to Win

At Expressions Dance, our competition students know right from start that we don’t compete to win trophies.  We compete to become better dancers than we were the day before.

 

Winning at a competition isn’t ultimately about which place we achieve.  It isn’t about the prize or the praise.  Winning is about going above and beyond by: 

  • Doing your best dancing

  • Being a great teammate

  • Encouraging others around you

 

We want each student to perform with their personal best in mind.  There is a beautiful quote from the famous dancer Mikhail Baryshnikov that says, “I do not try to dance better than anyone else.  I only try to dance better than myself.”  This quote is exactly the mindset we are aiming to instill in our students. 

 

The real competition in our dancers’ lives is within themselves, not with others.  A true “win” is when they know they gave it their all … and not at the expense of someone else.  Part of a winning performance is the harmony achieved in the teamwork.  Our dancers are learning that stepping on another dancer’s toes (literally or figuratively) isn’t an acceptable way to reach for a win.  Instead, we need to remember to lift our teammates up, to cheer them on and support them.  Because if each dancer does these things for each other, everyone’s potential rises.  Everyone has the capability to win.

 

Now don’t get us wrong: being awarded a prize is still pretty cool!  We do love celebrating those victories.  The reason why we don’t focus our attention there is because we know it’s temporary.  It is a reflection of that particular moment in time, not a snapshot of the future.  It is an exciting, fleeting moment of well-earned recognition that will be cherished as a special memory—but we must not let it define a dancer’s worth.

 

Our competition dancers at Expressions Dance are measuring their value in personal growth, not trophies, plaques, medals, or money.  We’re teaching them to understand that winning in life—succeeding as a human being—has much more to do with their inner self than outward praise.  The results of a competition or the comments from a judge can be useful for learning, but those things are not labels for life.

 

Winning at a competition means that every dancer has their heart centered on doing the hard work.  It means that their passion and technique come together as a team.  And it means that when it’s all over, we see joy on their faces and celebrate it, no matter the score.

January Dance Newsletter

1.png

Happy New Year!

5.png

PAJAMA PROJECT SUCCESS! Thank you to everyone that participated in our annual pajama drive and Benefit Concert, what a success!!  All the participating studios did an amazing job of turning a few heads by collecting a total of 1523 pajamas and 1631 books and $8000…WOW! What a great experience we shared together.  We were able to donate to: Safe Harbor in Kaysville, Utah Foster Care Foundation from Ogden to Southern Utah, and Secretly Santa in Bountiful, UT. Great job!


STUDENT JOURNEY NOTE- PUSH THROUGH THE COLD WEATHER AND WINTER BLUES! While we can’t stop the snow from falling, we can help our dancers beat the winter blues by warming them up with dance. The Winter months are the best time to be attending dance lessons since seasonal depression kicks in and there is not as much outdoor time to be had. Dance lessons get you moving, laughing, and make you forget about those icicles outside for just a little while! If your dancer is struggling to push through and come to class, it’s worth the encouragement! If you can just get them in the door, they are going to have a great time and leave happier!


PNO Banners for Email_Newsletters.png

Parents Night Out: JAN 10th- BOUNTIFUL STUDIO: "POLAR BEARS & PENGUINS"

We have so much fun at our PNO, your kids won't want to miss it!  They will get to eat pizza, make a yummy treat, play some fun themed games, and lots more! Cost is only $15 per child. 6:00-10:00 pm. Must be potty trained. Register by phone or email.  Space is limited! Open to anyone! Kids do not have to currently be enrolled at the studio to come to PNO. Register online by noon on Friday: https://www.dancetoexpress.com/parents-night-out/


 GET YOUR RECITAL CONSENTS TURNED IN BY JANUARY 31ST!

We will be announcing this year’s recital theme by the end of this month! Stay tuned! It is going to be so much fun, teachers can’t wait to start working on our fun recital routines with their classes! All participants are required to submit the recital consent! You can fill out the consent form HERE

Not sure what recital is all about? Read about the benefits of recital and watch this highlight video.


3.png

FALL ENROLLMENT NOW OPEN FOR ACADEMIC PRESCHOOL!

We are now accepting registration for Fall 2020 preschool at both locations!  The benefit to our preschool is that it INCLUDES our dance and tumbling classes!  Get it all done in one!  We offer it all and have the BEST TEACHERS around!  Space is limited! LEARN MORE


REFERRAL PROGRAM

Are you ready to save some money? Start talking up Expressions Dance to your friends! Tell them to use the coupon code "care2share" when they register and you will BOTH get $20 TOWARDS TUITION! Help us spread the word about our amazing program! We have open enrollment in lots of our classes this month!


BARELY THREES (2-3 yr olds) AND DIAPER DANCERS (1-2 yr olds)

Current dancing families with little ones are invited to join our toddler dance classes for only $40 a month. This combo class of dance and tumbling is lots of fun and will get a few of your toddler's wiggles out! Enroll online and get set up for a FREE trial class in January!

Diaper Dancers Classes for 1-2 yr olds (parent participation class)

  • Tuesdays 9-15-10am @ Bountiful

  • Thursdays 6:45-7:30p-m @ Bountiful

Barely Threes Classes for 2-3 yr olds (must turn 3 by Sept 1, 2020)

  • Tuesdays 10-10:45am @ Bountiful

  • Tuesdays 5:45-6:30pm @ Centerville

  • Fridays 9:15-10am @ Centerville


FOR PARENTS OF PRESCHOOL DANCERS- JANUARY THEME

This month our theme is "I Need A Hero."  We will be focusing on teaching our dancers important rules for safety and good manners! We encourage you to get involved and have them practice their skills at home!  Here is what we will be working on in class this month: echappe, step touch with jumps, hips- side to side, following directions, angry faces.

6.png

PRESCHOOL DANCERS CAN NOW “EARN THEIR WINGS!”

We are excited about a fun incentive to help our preschoolers master their SKIPS! When dancers pass off skips at dance they will be invited to earn their wings at a “Fairy and Prince Tea Party!” on January 24th or February 28th.  Start practicing your skips at home so you can EARN YOUR WINGS!


FOR PARENTS OF SCHOOL AGED TUMBLING/ACRO STUDENTS

January Stretch of the Month- Hips  |  Strength Challenge- V-sits

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.


HIP HOP CLASSES- SHOE POLICY

Winter is here! 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! 


TEXT REMINDERS! Stay up to date on current events! Subscribe to our text reminders for your classes. Text your class code to 81010.

  • School aged classes: @edschool2

  • Preschool aged classes: @edpsdance2

  • Little Leapers: @edcleap

  • Dancing Dolls: @eddolls


Congrats to our winner of $100 tuition for her 5-star review: Ashley Jensen!

If you didn’t get a chance to give us a positive review yet, we would love you take one minute to share with others why you love being part of our Expressions Dance Family. We really appreciate all your support! If you can’t give us a 5-Star rating, please email us your reason so that we can improve. We are continually striving to improve ourselves! Thanks in advance!


THANK YOU! A BIG thank you from all our teachers for all the thoughtful Christmas gifts! As always, we want to thank you for your support and appreciate you trusting your children with us! We love working them and look forward to what 2020 has in store!

**If you’re still reading this, stop by and say hello to anyone in the office this month and tell them you read the newsletter, and you’ll be given a small thank you from us for being so great!


What to Look for in a Preschool

Selecting a preschool that is best for your child can be overwhelming and daunting.  There are so many factors that impact your decision, and it is something that should be contemplated carefully.  Consider the following suggestions in finding a preschool that is right for you and your child.

A good preschool should take into account how preschoolers learn:

  • Students must be in an environment where they feel safe and secure. Visit some preschools. The environment should feel kid-friendly. It should be a warm, inviting place where your child wants to be. Teachers should be welcoming and engaged.

  • Students need to have continuous, connected learning. The things your child learns should be connected. Find a preschool with curriculums that are research-based and proven to be effective.

  • Students must have chances to explore and play. Children learn through play. They should have ample time to discover and explore without having to sit still and listen for long periods of time.

  • All students develop in their own way and on their own timeline. Children should be allowed to go learn and explore at their own pace and in their own way. Curriculum should be differentiated according to student level and be introduced at a pace appropriate for each.

  • Students should have opportunities to learn with just enough challenge. Challenges are an important aspect of development; but too much, and they will get frustrated; not enough, and they will get bored.

  • Teachers can be facilitators in learning situations. They should make comments, ask questions, and add new challenges as children are exploring and learning.

A good preschool should have a balanced program that focuses on every aspect of children’s development:

  • Intellectual Development:

    • Preschoolers learn best through hands-on experience. They need to be encouraged to ask questions, problem solve, and come up with solutions, as well as be creative in their learning. As they explore with blocks or cars or pouring water from one container to another, they learn about science and math.

    • Children are encouraged to develop language and literacy skills as they listen to teachers read aloud, have chances to explain and share, and are surrounded by a print-rich environment. Students should be encouraged to interact with each other, talk, and share.

    • A students’ creativity is encouraged through expression using many mediums: markers, crayons, paints, colored papers, scissors, etc.

  • Social development:

    • Teachers are present to help children resolve social conflicts, such as fighting over toys or taking turns in a game. They talk to the students about what is happening and share positive ways to solve issues. They encourage students to build problem-solving skills that can be used on their own in the next situation. Instead of always telling students what not to do, teachers should give students the skills and abilities to solve problems on their own.

    • Students are encouraged to engage in “dramatic play.” They create scenarios and pretend to be “the mom” or “the teacher” or “baking cookies.” Teachers provide stimulating opportunities that allow students to explore and express themselves.

  • Large motor development:

    • Preschoolers crave movement. They need to be allowed to move their bodies frequently. Students are learning to control their bodies and should be given ample opportunities to dance to music, exercise, imitate other body movements, and play games. These things promote coordination.

  • Small motor development:

    • At this age, students are developing their fine motor skills. Teachers should provide activities and opportunities for students to practice. This can include things like play dough, blocks, Legos, lacing cards and, for older students, scissors. Being able to control their hands and fingers is a skill students can improve.

    • The preschool setting is also a place where students can learn independence in things like dressing themselves. Zipping up coats, tying shoes, and putting on socks are all skills that students should work towards. Opening up their own snack or cleaning up their own spills encourages students to be self-reliant and independent.

  • Language development:

    • Students learn language through listening and speaking. As they engage in conversations, it is important that they have individual conversations with adults throughout the day. They need to feel important and receive that individualized attention from those of authority.

    • Preschoolers also learn through song. They should have lots of opportunities to learn through singing, simple rhymes, and finger plays. They should be encouraged to talk through show and tell or by telling simple stories.

A good preschool will focus on several areas of learning at the same time.

  • Language and literacy skills: Students should be listening to stories, helping recite parts of familiar stories, and engaging in discussions about books and characters. Students should experiment with writing, beginning with basic scribbles to letter formation to writing their own names.

  • Mathematics and science: Children can learn math and science as they explore with different toys and tools. Toys can be counted, sorted, organized, arranged, and built. Students can learn about the weather, animals, and their bodies. So many aspects of the world around them are accessible to students in the preschool classroom.

  • Social studies: Students can and should study about their communities. They can learn about different cultures and even teach about their own customs and traditions.

  • Art, music, drama, and dance: Children should be given daily opportunities for dramatic play. There are so many tools they can use, including dress-ups, props, singing, paints and paper, etc. Students are encouraged to express themselves through lots of media.

As you search for a preschool for your child, ask for referrals from trusted neighbors and friends.  This should be an exciting time! 

Did you know that Expressions Dance hosts an amazing preschool? Leap’n Learners Preschool was established in 2008 and is Davis County’s premiere preschool programs! Set up a tour today and learn more at www.goleapnlearn.com