Amy Simkins

May 3, 2021

MAY NEWSLETTER

Amy Simkins

May 3, 2021

JUNE 18: LAST DAY OF DANCE CLASSES

AUGUST 30: NEW DANCE CLASSES START

Our teachers are planning for a great 2021-2022 season, and we can’t wait to see our students continue to grow and flourish. Your discounted annual membership fee of $30 was automatically renewed and applied to your account on May 1, 2021, unless the withdraw form was completed online. Enjoy your summer knowing you already have your schedule set up for next season starting August 30th.

UNDERWEAR: It's that time of year again for the need to remind everyone about our underwear rule... Dancers don't wear underwear, they wear tights. This is the hardest thing to explain to little girls. Let's start working on it now so we don't have panty problems at recital. Thanks!

MAY 3-7: TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK: Teacher Appreciation week is this month! This is a GREAT opportunity to let all of your teachers know how much you appreciate their hard work and dedication. In celebration of our teachers here at the studio we are having a “shower your teacher week.” All our teachers love personal thank you notes and pictures, please shower them with your kind words throughout this week! Watch the FB and Instagram for teacher features this week too! We love them all so much!

SUMMER DANCE CAMPS! Keep your kids moving this summer! With lots of different options for every age and level it’s a great time to try a new style! Space is limited. View the summer guide HERE and sign up in your parent portal.

FALL PRESCHOOL IS FILLING UP FAST! We are still accepting registration for Fall 2021-22 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

COMPANY TEAM AUDITIONS JUNE 22-24: If you're looking for exceptional training and an outlet for dance then mark your calendars with the Expressions Dance Company summer dates! Our company program is for dancers who want to be challenged to reach their full potential. View the information packet HERE.

WE’VE BEEN NOMINATED! We are so excited and honored to be in the running for Best of SLC 2021! We wouldn’t be where we are without the support of our amazing studio families! Please take a second to VOTE for Expressions Dance in the “Best Dance Studio” category HERE! And... tell your friends!

DANCE IS ESSENTIAL FOR THE WELL BEING OF THE CHILD

Dance has many benefits! We’ve listed a few of our favorites below in three categories: academic, emotional, and physical. Intellectual and Academic Benefits, Social and Emotional Benefits, and Physical Benefits. Read more HERE.

STUDIO FACEBOOK GROUP

Join our studio Facebook group and be a part of our community HERE! Stay up to date on current events and connect with us!

FOR PARENTS OF SCHOOL AGED TUMBLING/ACRO STUDENTS

May Stretch of the Month- Back/Bridge Stretch| Strength Challenge- Burpees! (All the way down, chest to floor!) 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.

FOR PARENTS OF PRESCHOOL DANCERS- MAY THEME: Hello Preschool Dance Parents! We love our preschool dance themes! This month is “Raindrops Keep Fallin’ on my Head.” We are going to be using some fun props in class this month like our parachute and an umbrella. At home you can be working on: skipping, memory, 3rd position, toe touches, and confidence. Recital is just around the corner. We hope you are finding time at home to review recital routines.

"THE SHOW MUST GO ON!" RECITAL 2021! As the season progresses additional recital information or updates will be posted on the website and in monthly newsletters . 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.

We have a RECITAL page on our website! Check it out by clicking on “Recital 2021” at the bottom of our website: www.dancetoexpress.com.

Event confirmations for performers were emailed:

They include assigned recital times for performances on June 19th. Check in time for performers is 30-minutes before show time.
They include arrival and picture times for picture day and dress rehearsal on June 5th.

IMPORTANT RECITAL DATES:

June 5: Picture Day/Rehearsal in costumes at Centerville Studio
June 11 & 12: Tumble Exhibition
June 19: Dance Recitals at Viewmont High School

Classes are finishing their dances in the next few weeks! Please do everything you can to have good attendance! We so excited for dancers to get to perform in socially-distanced mini recitals at Viewmont High School this year!

PRACTICE VIDEOS: Music and practice videos can be found HERE! Teachers would LOVE to have their students practicing at home using videos and music as much as possible. If your child’s dance is missing the video, please check back later, we are loading them as soon as we have them!

DAD DANCE INFORMATION: View the Practice Details to see your assigned rehearsal times and use the Practice Videos for at home practice!

TICKET INFORMATION: Tickets will go on sale in May. We’re working on finalizing ticketing information. Due to current restrictions for large groups, there will most likely be a limit on the number of tickets each family can purchase. We are hopeful the audience capacity will increased by our performance date, we’ll keep you updated.

DANCER NOTES: Each year a section of our program is dedicated to notes for our dancers. This is a fun way to recognize your dancer and they will love finding a personal note just to them right in the program! Notes are $10 per line. Due date is June 4th. An example of a dancer note would be something like: "Jessica - You who bring us joy with every step! Love, Mom”

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UPCOMING EVENTS:

MAY

31st NO CLASSES- MEMORIAL DAY

JUNE

5th Recital Pictures and Dress Rehearsal
11 & 12th Tumble Exhibition
18th Company Showcase
19th Recitals

Amy Simkins

April 23, 2021

Etiquette 101:

Amy Simkins

April 23, 2021

Everyone wants to be an A+ dance student, but before you become the apple of your dance teacher’s eye, there are a few simple rules of etiquette every dancer should take to heart:

Review 15 important classroom rules you should be following!

Always arrive on time. If you are late, enter through the door quietly and wait for your teacher to invite you to join the class. After class, be sure to apologize for your late arrival.
Dress Appropriately and always come prepared in proper dress code. This includes hair style. Come with hair properly secured for the style of dance you’re taking.
Go jewelry-free. Obtrusive jewelry is potentially dangerous to you and others and is not allowed in dance class.
Don’t wear dance shoes outside the studio and don’t wear street shoes on studio floors.
Dancers should practice good hygiene. Come to class with fresh deodorant on, clean dancewear, and brushed teeth/freshened breath.
Listen first then ask questions. That means no talking while teachers are talking. Not even quietly to your neighbor.
Don’t “hang” or slouch on the barre or on anything else.
Be attentive at all times, especially when waiting for your turn. Be aware of negative body language (like folded arms or hands on hips). Never sit down unless you are asked to.
Stay for the entire class. If you must leave early, talk to the teacher beforehand and make your exit as quick and discreet as possible.
Don’t leave the classroom. Stay in the studio for the entirety of class—no ins-and-outs. Bring any supplies or additional shoes you’ll need when you arrive for class. NO BATHROOM BREAKS! Go before, in-between, or after class.
Demonstrate appropriate spatial awareness. This includes giving the instructor space, as well as your peers.
Stow away the cell phone. We should not see or hear them!
Don’t film or take pictures in class. Always ask your dance teacher’s permission before recording or photographing any portion of your dance class.
Try your best. You are here to learn, to make mistakes, to push your limits. Never walk out of a class or sit down in frustration—hang in there and try your best, no one will fault you for that.
Be courteous and respectful. At the end of class, applaud and thank the instructor.

May you be proud the work you do, the person you are and the difference you make!

Amy Simkins

March 26, 2021

APRIL NEWSLETTER

Amy Simkins

March 26, 2021

IMPORTANT COVID-19 UPDATE FROM MS. AMY

Dear Expressions Dance and Preschool Families,

I wanted to take a moment and send a message regarding the state-wide mask mandate that is scheduled to be lifted on April 10.

I’m sure many of us see this action as a major milestone, marking the progress our state has made over of the past year. However, businesses (and all of us) are still being asked to act with appropriate caution as we move forward into these new and much-anticipated phases.

While vaccinations are progressing at a positive rate, the risk of COVID-19 transmission is still a factor to account for. As such, we are asking our staff, students, and families to continue wearing masks for all in-person classes, as well as in drop-off and pick-up procedures in and around our studio locations. This will continue until the guidelines for quarantining for an exposure begin to lift. We hope you will see the wisdom in this decision, both for the safety of your precious loved ones, as well as for our continued ability to responsibly provide a place for them to come dance, learn, and socialize.

As a point of information: While we have had a negligible occurrence of COVID-19 in our programs, our students have been able to take over 6,000 classes with zero cases of transmission within our buildings since re-opening. We consider that a major win and owe it, in large part, to your willingness and commitment in following these practices.

As a teacher, a dancer, a business owner, and a mom, I look forward to the day when this is no longer an issue any of us has to worry about. In the meantime, we will continue all of the Safer Studio™ measures that have contributed to our success so far, including providing virtual class options for those who don’t feel well, regular well-checks for employees, ongoing facility cleaning, hand sanitization, and face coverings.

As always, we will continue to monitor the situation, making the physical, social, emotional and mental health and well-being of our students our top priority.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding.

Sincerely,

Amy Simkins

APRIL 1-15 | ROLLOVER RALLY

It’s time for “Rollover Rally!” A member’s only perk! Our teachers are planning for a great 2021-2022 season, and we can’t wait to see our students continue to grow and flourish. Progress Reports and class placements for next season will be sent home in classes the first week of April. Your discounted annual membership fee of $30 will be automatically renewed and applied to your account on May 1, 2021, unless the withdrawal form is completed online no later than April 15. If you need to make a change to the schedule given to you, no problem! Just email the office during Rollover Rally from April 1-15 and we’ll take care of you. Enjoy your summer knowing you already have your schedule set up for next season starting August 30th.

APRIL 12| PATHWAYS MEETINGS

Join us via Zoom to learn about the programs and class options we have for your child's dance journey as they grow with us here at Expressions Dance and Preschool!

Preschool Pathways @ 7:00pm
- Meeting ID: 859 3758 7240
- Passcode: grow
School Aged Pathways @ 7:30pm
- Meeting ID: 826 7523 2033
- Passcode: grow

MARCH 29-APRIL 2 | SPRING BREAK- NO CLASSES

The studio will be closed for Spring Break March 29-April 2. 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.

Stay connected with us! Show us your best “spring break splits” wherever you are! Tag @expressionsdanceutah in your Facebook/Instagram posts and stories and use the hashtag #springbreaksplits2021

SUMMER DANCE! Keep your kids moving this summer! The “Early Bird” discount on summer classes and camps ends on April 30th. Space is limited. View the summer guide HERE.

April 12-16 | SUPER HERO/PRINCESS WEEK: We are going to be having a THEME week in class the week of April 12-16th. Come dressed as your favorite SUPER HERO or PRINCESS! Make sure you can “dance” or “tumble” in whatever you choose!

UNDERWEAR TO CLASS: It's that time of year we would like to remind our female dance and ballet/jazz classes about our underwear rule.. female dancers don't wear underwear they wear tights. We don’t wear underwear under our swimsuits and a dancer doesn’t wear underwear underneath her leotard. We need your help NOW before recital gets here. Let's start working on it so we don't have panty problems at the performance. THANKS!

COMMUNITY CONNECTION: This past month we were able to support the Woods Cross, Farmington, Northridge, Bountiful and Davis Drill Teams by having our Company Dancers perform at their year-end showcases. After almost a year, our Performing Company students took the stage as a studio again! It was such a positive experience filled with love, support, fun, high energy, and excitement. The kids just loved being in front of an audience again and you could tell. We are so grateful for the opportunity to shine on stage once again.

STUDIO FACEBOOK GROUP: Join our studio Facebook group and be a part of our community HERE! Stay up to date on current events and connect with us!

COMPANY AUDITIONS JUNE 22-24: If you're looking for exceptional training and an outlet for dance then mark your calendars with the 2021-2022 Expressions Dance Company summer dates! Our company program is for dancers who want to be challenged to reach their full potential. Find more info on the website HERE.

WHY WE OFFER COMPETITION TEAMS: 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 with three overarching objectives. Read about them HERE.

FALL ENROLLMENT NOW OPEN FOR ACADEMIC PRESCHOOL! We are now accepting registration for Fall 2021-22 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

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 5 Picture Day/Rehearsal in costumes at Centerville Studio
June 11&12 Tumble Exhibition
June 19 Dance Recitals at Viewmont High School

"THE SHOW MUST GO ON!" RECITAL 2021!
Classes started learning their dances last month! Dances will be based on inspiring songs to stay strong, look forward and move ahead. Please do everything you can to have good attendance! We so excited for dancers to get to perform in socially-distanced mini recitals at Viewmont High School this year!

All participants are required to submit the Recital 2021 Consent Form. Consents are past due, please get yours in ASAP and we’ll get a costume ordered for you.

DAD DANCE PRACTICE: We’ll be emailing dads dance practice details to all signed up the week we get back! There will be a virtual learning option as well as an in-person Saturday class option. We’ll send out a practice video too after the first rehearsal date! Practice dates: April 17th, May 1st, May 22nd, and June 12th.

DROPBOX PRACTICE VIDEOS: Music and practice videos can be found HERE! Teachers would LOVE to have their students practicing at home using videos and music as much as possible. If your child’s dance is missing the video, please check back later, we are loading them as soon as we have them!

FOR PARENTS OF PRESCHOOL DANCERS- APRIL THEME

Every month our lesson plan focuses on learning and mastering several skills. This month our theme is “Never Ending Story.” We use our imaginations this month to explore our creativity. This month we are focusing on: Left and right hands and feet, pointed toes, chaine preps, dance with a partner, straddle on head, excited faces, and showing personal expression. We are looking forward to a wonderful month!

April Stretch of the Month- Shoulder Stretch | Strength Challenge- Sit ups

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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UPCOMING EVENTS:

MARCH | 29-31st | NO CLASSES- SPRING BREAK

APRIL | 1-2nd | NO CLASSES- SPRING BREAK

MAY | 31st | NO CLASSES- MEMORIAL DAY

JUNE

5th | Recital Pictures and Dress Rehearsal
11 & 12th | Tumble Exhibition
18th| Company Showcase
19th | Recitals

Amy Simkins

February 27, 2021

MARCH NEWSLETTER

Amy Simkins

February 27, 2021

March 15-19 | WEAR GREEN WEEK!

We invite you wear green to dance in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day the week of March 15-19. This is just for fun! Participation NOT required!

SUMMER DANCE- BIG REVEAL! Registration for summer classes and camps opens on March 1st! Keep your kids moving this summer and join us for classes! Space is limited. View the summer guide HERE.

MARCH 26 | 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 $12. 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 3-5pm.

NEW HOT PINK CLASS BAG! Snag one today for only $10 in the online store. They’re so soft, the perfect size, and best of all… they are washable!

WHAT PROGRESS LOOKS LIKE IN DANCE: 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. Click HERE to read about what progress looks like in dance!

MARCH 22-26 | PARENT PEEK WEEK

Our second peek week this year will be March 22-26. We are super excited to give these kids another chance to demonstrate the progress they’ve made so far this year to their families. Watch for an email with details for how to join us on Zoom for the peek-in when it gets closer!

MARCH 29-APRIL 2 | SPRING BREAK- NO CLASSES

COMPANY AUDITIONS- JUNE 22-24

If you're looking for exceptional training and an outlet for dance then mark your calendars with the 2021-2022 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!

FOR PARENTS OF SCHOOL AGED TUMBLING/ACRO STUDENTS

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

COMMUNITY CONNECT

Good luck to our company teams who will be representing Expressions Dance by performing at several Drill Team Reviews this month! We love supporting our alumni and being involved in local high school dance programs! Way to go!

STUDIO FACEBOOK GROUP: Join our studio Facebook group and be a part of our community HERE! Stay up to date on current events and connect with us!

IMPORTANT RECITAL DATES:

June 5: Recital Pictures & Dress Rehearsal @ Centerville studio
June 11 & 12: Tumble Exhibition
June 18 & 19: Recitals

"THE SHOW MUST GO ON!" RECITAL 2021!
Classes will start learning their dances this month! Dances will be based on inspiring songs to stay strong, look forward and move ahead. Please do everything you can to have good attendance! We so excited for dancers to get to perform in socially-distanced mini recitals at Viewmont High School this year!

All participants are required to submit the Recital 2021 Consent Form. Consents are past due, please get yours in ASAP and we’ll get a costume ordered for you.

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. Email the office if you would like to participate and include dad’s shirt size. (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 17th, May 1st, May 22nd, and June 12th.

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

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UPCOMING EVENTS:

MARCH

22-26th | In-Class Parent Observation Week
26th | Tutu Testing- for Pre-K dancers entering kindergarten in the fall
29-31st | NO CLASSES- SPRING BREAK

APRIL

1-2nd | NO CLASSES- SPRING BREAK

MAY

31st | NO CLASSES- MEMORIAL DAY

JUNE

5th | Recital Pictures and Dress Rehearsal
11 & 12th | Tumble Exhibition
18-19th | Recitals