April 3, 2020 Weekly Update

Hello! 

 We hope you’ve had a great Spring Break! We’re excited to officially launch our full distance learning schedule next week.

 VIDEO FROM MS. AMY

Class access links will be sent out this weekend. You will get an email for every class you’re enrolled in.

If your dancer is in more than one class during the week, and you’d like to spread them out, let us know. We are happy to help making adjustments to your schedule. Some parents are excited about the chance to get their kiddos moving twice a week instead of doing both classes back-to-back.

The next four weeks of virtual classes will have a fun theme. Next week is BLAST FROM THE PAST WEEK! Come to class in your old costumes!

If you haven’t taken a live class yet, check out our Virtual Classroom Guide, or watch the tutorial video on using Zoom. 

The parent portal page on www.dancetoexpress.com is now password protected.  The only way to get to our virtual classroom is by going to the “parent tools” page of the website and using “strongertogether” as the password.

We appreciate your support and willingness to adapt with us during this time. We're learning as we go, and so are our dancers! Be patient with them as they adjust to this new form of learning. After just a few classes, we're sure you'll see some improvement on their engagement level. We're so excited for the opportunity to provide some normalcy for our students and be able to help them continue learning! 

We'll see you this week online!

Why Do We Offer Competition Teams?

You’ve probably heard us talk about our performing company teams here at Expressions Dance, but how do you know if joining the team is the right path for your child?

First it’s important to remember that we believe dance is invaluable to ALL of our students, no matter how many classes they take!  Our company team’s purpose is grounded in our mission to provide an increasingly comprehensive education for those who want a deeper dance experience.  And while there are many reasons why we’ve chosen to offer a company team here at Expressions Dance, we can sum them all up within these three overarching objectives:

Training with the benefits of competition in mind

Because they participate in additional classes, rehearsals, competitions, and performances at an intensive level, our company team dancers are spending many hours honing their technique and skills.  Even more importantly, they are also developing their artistry, establishing their commitment, growing their resilience, practicing their sportsmanship, and building their teamwork skills.  Through these character qualities, they are forming lifelong habits and learning how to cultivate a forward-thinking, positive mindset.

Working on goals bigger than yourself

As part of a group, each company team member is learning to contribute to a larger purpose: to raise everyone’s potential.  That purpose starts out with learning choreography together and then shifts into “practicing and polishing” mode, striving for excellence so that when the competition event arrives, everyone on the team is contributing their best effort.  While winning an award at a competition is special, it doesn’t compare to the personal wins that come with dancing your heart out and cheering on your team while they do the same.

Preparing to possibly pursue dance in the future

The in-depth focus on dance that our company team offers serves as a platform for our students to consider pursuing dance long-term.  They might think about pursuing a professional performance career, studying dance in college, or exploring teaching or choreography.  Dance-related careers may pique their interest too, such as photography, journalism, and physical therapy.  Being immersed in dance at a young age not only inspires our students to think about the future, it shapes their curiosity about which educational direction might be right for them.

We believe success at Expressions Dance is all about each child’s personal growth!  It is not dependent on the number of dance hours your child takes or if they choose to audition for our performance company.  But if the team commitment seems like a good fit for your dancer, we would love to provide them with that experience.  We invite you to email us with any questions you have about the program!

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.

---

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!

---

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

---

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!

---

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. 

---

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.

---

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!

---

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

---

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.

---

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!