What Progress in Dance Looks Like

Dance class is a lot like school in many ways: your child explores new ideas, practices skills, solves problems, and develops friendships.  Unlike school though, dance classes don’t have a new grade level every year.  This can seem strange at first, but for dance education it’s very normal and expected! 

At Expressions Dance, our dance students experience “growth” years (when they move up a level) and “grind” years (when they remain in the same level).  Because every dancer develops at their own pace, this advancement will look a little different for everyone over time.  For example, a student might experience growth to the next level only after grinding it out at their current level for two years.

 It’s important for you to know that progress is taking place no matter which type of year your child is in, growth or grind.  Our instructors are equipped to teach classes in a way that accommodates each child’s needs, allowing them to tailor the class material to reach different learning styles and personalities. 

 Achievements in dance can be seen in small ways and big ones, and we advocate for celebrating both!  In our experience at Expressions Dance, progress is much more about the personal wins than it is about the name or number of your child’s class level. 

From the exuberant child who proudly demonstrates his self-control to the teenager who finally embraces her strength as a peer leader, every piece of progress is a triumph.  It’s easy to think sometimes that a student should simply be doing more or moving faster—but those things are not always hallmarks of progress.  The true signs of growth come from the perseverance within; not necessarily from the obvious places.  And the grinding hard work is what makes it possible.

We hope that as teachers, we have proven that you can trust our guidance and expertise, and that we’ve shown that our goals align with yours.  We’re committed to helping your child discover their potential and share it with the world!

MARCH NEWSLETTER

SUMMER CAMPS!

Registration is now open!  Keep your kids moving this summer and bring them to summer dance camps! Each camp includes a themed craft, two styles of dance, and a parent presentation on the last day!  We have weekly camps or weeklong camps for preschoolers, as well as K-2nd graders. Space is limited!  Save $10 on camps if you enroll before April 1st! Find information about each camp HERE.

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MAR 13th- TUTU TESTING FOR DANCERS GOING INTO KINDERGARTEN 

We would like to invite all our preschool dancers and academic preschoolers that will be attending Kindergarten this fall to join us for TUTU TESTING! Come show off everything you know and earn a TUTU for TERRIFIC TENDUS and more! Hope to see you there! Testing is $10. You must sign up for a slot to participate. Log in to your parent portal and find the Special Events/Workshops tab to register. Held at Bountiful between 5-6pm.

MAR 13th- STRETCH TESTING FOR ALL SCHOOL AGED DANCERS 

We would like to invite all of our STAR and COMPANY Dancers to come TEST their flexibility…  We are holding an event to help our dancers track their flexibility.  Dancers will be required to demonstrate wall straddle stretch as well as right and left splits.  Dancers will receive a key chain to help them mark their progression.  Testing will be @ Bountiful.  Sign up for a slot between 5-6pm in your parent portal in the "Special Events/Workshops" season.  Testing is $5, all dancers interested must sign up to participate.  Hope to see you there!

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PARENTS NIGHT OUT: 

MAR 13TH- BOUNTIFUL STUDIO: "HAPPY BIRTHDAY DR SEUSS!” 

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 ($12 for each additional sibling) 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 HERE

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WEAR GREEN WEEK!

We invite you wear green to dance in celebration of St. Patrick's day the week of March 16-20th. This is just for fun! Participation NOT required!

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MOM & DAUGHTER PAINT NIGHT! MARCH 27TH @ CENTERVILLE

Come join us for a fun Mom & Daughter Paint Night at the Centerville studio on Friday, March 27th. "Piece of Cake Painting Parties" will be there to walk us through every step to create a masterpiece while we enjoy great company and delicious drinks and snacks!  (Don't worry, no experience or skill necessary!)  Space is limited!  Cost is $32 per couple (extra daughters are $15). Must be in kindergarten or older to attend. 6-8pm. Sign up in your parent portal under “Special Events Workshops 2019-20” season. 

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SPRING BREAK

The studio will be closed for Spring Break March 30-April 3rd.  Enjoy your time off!  As a reminder, tuition is based on the season regardless of how many weeks are in a given month.  Monthly tuition is calculated based off the total number of classes during the year, split into equal monthly payments.

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COMPANY AUDITIONS- JUNE 23-25

If you're looking for exceptional training and an outlet for dance then mark your calendars with the 2020-2021 Expressions Dance Company summer dates! Our company program is for dancers who want to be challenged to reach their full potential.  Find more info HERE!

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FOR PARENTS OF PRESCHOOL DANCERS- MARCH THEME

Every month our lesson plan focuses on learning and mastering several skills. In March our theme is "Leavin' on a Jet Plane." We will be taking off on an adventure to explore a different country each week. We will discover new styles of cultural music while incorporating valuable dancing skills. We are also starting recital routines this month! We will be focusing on: passes (ballet and jazz), toe/heel rocks, balancing, sad faces, chasses, and keeping our hands to ourselves.  We encourage you to get involved and have them practice their skills at home!

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

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FOR PARENTS OF SCHOOL AGED TUMBLING/ACRO STUDENTS

March Stretch of the Month- Lunge  |  Strength Challenge- Handstands facing the wall

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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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 

"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! Classes will start learning their dances this month!  Please do everything you can to have good attendance!  We have a RECITAL page on our website! Check it out by clicking on “Recital 2020 Info” at the bottom of our website- www.dancetoexpress.com. 

CALLING ALL DADS!

Each year we have special daddy/daughter dance for concert! Dancers and dads of all ages are invited to join us for this special occasion!  It isn't too late to sign up.  Please email us if you would like to participate. (Moms, feel free to volunteer your husbands!)  The participation fee is $30 and includes a shirt and all rehearsals. You are not required to attend all rehearsals, and we will share the practice video link to you from Dropbox

Practices are held on Saturday morning at the Centerville studio on April 25th, May 16th, May 30th, June 13th, June 20th. Dads will also participate in our dress rehearsal on June 19th.

This dance is open to ALL our students. You DO NOT want to miss this!

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!

FEBRUARY DANCE NEWSLETTER

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!

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.  

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!

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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!

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! 

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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.

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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

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!

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!

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.

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

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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!

"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

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 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!

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

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.