January Newsletter 2024

Happy New Year!

Message from Ms. Amy:

Hi Families! Welcome back and Happy New Year! As we reflect on 2023, I am thankful for the progress we’ve made and the direction we are going. I’m proud to be able to provide a place that can contribute to our community in raising up the next generation of leaders to accomplish all they set out to do through the platform of dance and preschool.

Whenever I ask veteran parents WHY they kept their kids in the arts like dance, music, karate, and all the things, they say,” I knew my kids would learn things they didn’t even realize they were being taught. I wanted them to learn skills that would help them succeed in LIFE, not just learn to dance." The message I get whenever I have this conversation with anyone is clear. Parents want to provide opportunities that will give their children: 

  • Mentors who can guide and inspire them.

  • Outlets of expression.

  • A home away from home they are heard, seen, and valued.

  • Meaningful friendships.

  • A chance to learn to persevere and finish something to find out what commitment really means. Even if the excitement wears off and you don't want to finish, push through and don't give up!

  • Experiences to become well-rounded seasoned adults.

So, in this new year I thank you. Thank you for giving us the opportunity to be mentors, to be a place that holds your children accountable to their greatness, to be the place that gives them a creative outlet, to be the second home, third place, and supportive community for families and students. Thank you for giving us the privilege of being part of their life story! 

Hoping you all had the happiest of Holidays and we are all looking forward to a wonderful 2024!

XOXO

Amy

 WELCOMING NEW STUDENTS!

We would like to give a warm welcome to all the new faces joining us this month. It is open enrollment time.

The greatest compliment you can give us is to tell your friends about us! Our few remaining spots in current classes are going fast. If you know of an aspiring dancer, send them our way! 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!

PARKING LOT SAFETY

Please remember the drive through lane at Bountiful is not a waiting spot. When you are stopping the flow of traffic in our drive through to wait for classes to come out, cars back up all the way onto Highway 89 and it’s not safe. Help us by waiting in designated parking stalls and being courteous to other cars trying to exit the parking lot.

PAJAMA 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 680 pajamas and 509 books…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, Christmas Box House, SLC and Ogden, Murray Children’s Pantry, McMillan and Horizon Elementary. Great job!

Congratulations to the following students for meeting the requirements to join our Service Society! Nacana Jones, Elora Munns, J’lynne Munns, Klara Smith, Ruby Fox, Finley Baird, Harper Nelson, Kensley Coon, Gracyn Shipley, Addison West, Megan Nelson, Camille Coleman

FEB 3: VALENTINES BALL @ CENTERVILLE STUDIO

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.  Dress to impress for the photo booth!  Invite your friends, you don’t have to be a current student to attend.  

Sign up in your parent portal here for member pricing. Members can pre-register in the parent portal in the “Special Events” season for a special discounted rate of $25 per couple and $5 per additional daughter. Or, if it's easier, respond to this email and we'll take care of it. 

*This is a special event to provide an experience for dads (or grandpas, uncles, etc.) to create lasting memories with their daughters. We’ll have other special events open to moms & boys too later in the year!  This event is separate from our "Dad Dance" that many of you have signed up to participate in at our year-end recital.

 PUSHING THROUGH COLD WEATHER

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!

FALL 2024 ACADEMIC PRESCHOOL ENROLLMENT OPENs JANUARY 16

Registration for Fall 2024 preschool at both locations is just about here!  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

Want to get a reminder when enrollment opens on January 16? Get on the list HERE

NEW CLASSES FOR TODDLERS & PRESCHOOLERS

Current dancing families with little ones are invited to join our toddler dance classes for only $49 a month. Our dance and tumbling combo classes are lots of fun and will get a few of your toddler's wiggles out!

Click on a class time below to schedule a trial class for January!

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

  • Wednesdays 5:45-6:30pm @ Bountiful

  • Fridays 10-10:45am @ Bountiful

Tiny Tots for 2-3 yr olds (Independent class beginning Feb 8. Must turn 3 by Aug 31, 2024)

  • Mondays 6:45-7:30pm @ Centerville (get on the waitlist for this new class)

  • Tuesdays 9-9:45am @ Bountiful (get on the waitlist for this new class)

  • Tuesdays 9:45-10:30am @ Bountiful

Preschool Dance & Tumble for 3-4 yr olds (Independent class. Must turn 4 by Aug 31, 2024)

  • Mondays 11:15-12:15pm @ Bountiful

  • Tuesdays 5-6pm @ Bountiful

  • Tuesdays 6:45-7:45pm @ Bountiful or Centerville

  • Fridays 9-10am @ Bountiful

  • Fridays 10:15-11:15am @ Centerville

Pre-K Dance & Tumble for 4-5 yr olds (Independent class. Must turn 5 by Aug 31, 2024)

  • Tuesdays 6-7pm @ Bountiful

  • Wednesdays 6:30-7:30pm @ Centerville

  • Wednesdays 6:45-7:45pm @ Bountiful

  • Thursdays 9:30-10:30am @ Bountiful

  • Fridays 9:15-10:15am @ Centerville

  • Fridays 10-11am @ Bountiful

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.

PRESCHOOL DANCERS CAN NOW “EARN THEIR WINGS!”

We are excited to continue our 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 Party!” on February 23rd.  Start practicing skips at home so they can EARN YOUR WINGS!

NEW! SPLITS CLUB PINS

School aged dancers who pass of their splits (right, left or middle) earn a pin and join the Splits Club for 2023-24.  They’ll also be invited to a special Banana Split Party in June! Get stretching!

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!

POSITIVE REVIEWS

If you haven’t had 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. Your kind comments really help prospective customers to feel more confident in choosing us. We will be forever grateful to you. Thank you in advance for helping us out! We appreciate your support so much.

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!

TEXT REMINDERS

We send text reminders to the first phone number listed on your account.  You can update this anytime in your parent portal.

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 2024 has in store!

 RECITAL UPDATES 

As the season progresses additional recital information or updates will be posted on the website, emailed, 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.

IMPORTANT RECITAL DATES:

  • May 31 & June 1: Tumble Exhibition @ Bountiful & Centerville studios

  • June 3-6: Picture Day & Dress Rehearsal at Centerville studio

  • June 8: Recitals at Weber State Val A Browning Center

This year’s recital theme will be revealed later this month! Stay tuned! We so excited for dancers to get to perform on the big stage! All participants are required to submit the waiver recital consent. This consent states that you have read and understand the commitment and fee schedule.

Consents are past due, please get yours in ASAP and we’ll get a costume ordered for you: https://app.hellosign.com/s/beLmPihu

If you need to review the information, the Parent Guide includes all performance details.

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

2023-24 CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

  • December 21-Jan 3: Winter Break, no classes

  • January 15: MLK Day, no classes

  • February 3: Valentine Ball @ Centerville

  • February 19: President’s Day, no classes

  • February 23: Skipping Party (for preschool/pre-k)

  • March 29: Mom & Me Paint Night @ Centerville

  • April 1-5: Spring Break, no classes

  • April 8-19: Parent Participation Week & Rollover Rally

  • April 16: Pathways for Dancers Meeting

  • May 27: Memorial Day, no classes

  • May 30: Banana Splits Pass Off Party

  • May 31: Last day of classes

  • May 31 & June 1: Tumble Exhibition

  • June 3-5: 2023-24 Company Auditions

  • June 3-6: Recital Picture Day @ Centerville

  • June 8: Recital

  • June 10: Family Appreciation Pool Party

 






















December Newsletter 2023

Happy Holidays! Wishing you and your family the very best this season. We enjoy the opportunity to work with your family and love teaching your children.

SAFER STUDIO GUIDELINES: Thank you for following the guidelines and helping us remain a Safer Studio. Parents, thank you for keeping kids home if they are not well, and for your enhanced efforts to practice good hygiene. As we are going into regular cold and flu season, it is important that we continue our combined efforts to follow these guidelines.  Please continue to monitor your children and do not send them to class if they have a fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose, etc.  Sending a child with symptoms to class in a mask is not an acceptable solution. Please keep children home when they are sick. We appreciate your enhanced awareness and efforts in keeping our students and faculty healthy.

 ‘TIS THE SEASON!

Please take a minute and post a 5-star review on Google and/or Facebook for us! Your kind comments really help prospective customers to feel more confident in choosing us. We will be forever grateful to you. Thank you in advance for helping us out! We appreciate your support so much.

Your feedback is of the utmost importance to Expressions Dance & Preschool. We are constantly striving to provide the ideal experience for our studio families, and your input helps us to define that experience. If you ever have any concerns or suggestions, please email us @ info@dancetoexpress.com. Thank you!

DEC 21-JAN 3rd: NO CLASSES FOR WINTER BREAK

We hope you all have a wonderful December! Our schedule stays the same when we return on January 4th. The classes you are currently registered for will continue through May 2024.  NOTE: We charge the same amount every month for convenience and consistency to our families. Holidays and studio closures are factored into the season’s tuition amount and is then broken into even monthly payments.

DEC 16: IN-STUDIO HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE

Our in-studio Holiday Performance offers students a low-key, fun, and simple performance that allows dancers time in front of an audience to help them become more comfortable performing! Participation includes a cookie, and a simple costume accessory rental (skirt, tutu, hat, etc.) put on dancers when they arrive.

  • Participation is $30

  • Families sign up online for a show time in the parent portal HERE.

    • Select “Enroll in a class” and select the special events season.

    • Scroll through to Dec 16th and find your child’s class type and teacher name. (Not sure of your class name or teacher? See the list below or view your currently enrolled classes in your parent portal.)

Holiday Performance Attire:

  • Preschool/Pre-K classes:

    • Girls base costume: Own black leotard, pink tights, and pink ballet shoes. Hair should be pulled away from their face and styled any way you want.

    • Boys: Wear own blue jeans or black pants and a red or green plain shirt. Black socks or black ballet shoes.

    Stars classes:

    • Girls base costume: Class uniform, pink tights, and pink ballet shoes with hair in a ballet bun. Mega and Super Stars also bring your tan jazz shoes. Super stars class uniform is any black leotard.

    • Boys: Wear own blue jeans or black pants and a red or green plain shirt. Black socks or black ballet shoes.

  • Hip hop classes: Own blue jeans or black pants and a red or green plain shirt with clean sneakers.

Dancer Drop Off:

  • The performance will be held at our Centerville studio (128 W. Parrish Lane). You’ll drive around Dicks Grocery and drop your dancer off at the back door of our newest studio, which is the very last door on the northwest corner of the building (behind AutoZone). The audience will drive back to the front parking lot and head through the front doors of the main studio (by La Puenta) to wait. After the class has rehearsed and warmed up (about 10 minutes), we’ll escort you into our new studio space for show time!

RECITAL UPDATES:

Can you believe it, we are already preparing for our next big show! The Tumble Exhibition is May 31-June 1, 2024 and the year-end recital is June 8, 2024. Costumes must be ordered months in advance, so we’ve already started sizing dancers in classes and will be getting costumes ordered this month.

When starting class this season, you submitted the waiver that included details about our June Recital. All students are automatically enrolled to participate in the year-end recital and/or the tumble exhibition.

  • The automatic performance deposit processed on Oct 15.

  • Installment amounts will be processed with tuition from November-June.

  • To see your child’s participation schedule, go to your parent portal HERE.

    • Select "View All My Classes" in the top left navigation. 

    • Your child’s registration for events in which they are participating will show there. 

If you have not submitted your form, you can do that here: https://app.hellosign.com/s/beLmPihu

If you need to review the information, the Parent Guide includes all performance details.

Not sure what recital is all about? Watch this highlight video.

New knowledge and skills abound when it comes to preparing for the recital … and we’re not just talking about learning dance steps!  There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to all of the advantages of recital participation.  Check out some of the unique benefits your child will acquire that go beyond the performance itself HERE.

WINTER PROJECT: PAJAMAS AND BOOKS due by FRIDAY, DECEMBER 8

Our annual pajama and book drive is going on now! Our project will help support Utah Foster Care and several other local Utah charities.  We are collecting new pajamas and books at both studios until December 8. We hope you will join us in this cause!

We are also collecting monetary donations which will go towards more jammies and books! Bring in cash or Venmo donations to @danceforlife and include the dancers name so the amount can go toward their service society recognition!

What is Service Society?

The pajama and book drive is our “Winter Project” and an opportunity for dancers to qualify to become a member of the “Expressions Dance Service Society.”  To meet the qualifications for Service Society, a dancer needs to donate 10 pairs of pajamas, or 20 books, or $50 in cash donations. We will also accept a combination of the three donations (ex. 5 pjs and 10 books).  We want to encourage students to put their hearts into this by asking friends and family to get involved and donate towards our project.  Students who meet the donation requirements will be recognized for their service with a certificate. These credentials will acknowledge their involvement in a good cause and will look amazing on future college scholarship applications and resumes! We are so excited to have a program within our studio to help teach our students the importance of service and community involvement! To get credit for your donations be sure to fill out the form on the clipboard next to the donation box!

DRESS CODE STICKER CHARTS

We are excited for our dress code incentive program!  All students have received a sticker chart at their first class this week. This will need to stay in their bag and brought to dance each day.  Every day they come to class in proper dress code including hair and all required shoes, they will receive a sticker!  When they fill up their sticker chart, they will receive a dress to impress pin they can put on their dance bag! We hope this program will help make kids excited and motivated to follow the dress code and help be responsible at home with packing their bag.

WATCH THIS TUTORIAL ON HOW TO DO A BALLET BUN

FOR PARENTS OF PRESCHOOL DANCERS- DECEMBER THEME

In December our theme is "From My Heart to Yours."  Each class will be focused around Christmas!  This month we are focusing on:  gallop, moving your head, shoulders, 6th position (feet together), sharing, and toe touches. We hope you can find time to review these elements with your dancer at home.  It is a great way to get EVERYONE moving!

FOR PARENTS OF SCHOOL AGED TUMBLING/ACRO STUDENTS

December Stretch of the Month- Straddle | Strength Challenge- Superman

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

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!

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!

2023-24 CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

  • December 16: Holiday Performances @ Centerville

  • December 21-Jan 3: Winter Break, no classes

  • January 15: MLK Day, no classes

  • February 3: Valentine Ball @ Centerville

  • February 19: President’s Day, no classes

  • February 23: Skipping Party (for preschool/pre-k)

  • March 29: Mom & Me Paint Night @ Centerville

  • April 1-5: Spring Break, no classes

  • April 8-19: Parent Participation Week & Rollover Rally

  • April 16: Pathways for Dancers Meeting

  • May 27: Memorial Day, no classes

  • May 30: Banana Splits Pass Off Party

  • May 31: Last day of classes

  • May 31 & June 1: Tumble Exhibition

  • June 3-5: 2023-24 Company Auditions

  • June 3-6: Recital Picture Day @ Centerville

  • June 8: Recital

  • June 10: Family Appreciation Pool Party

Dear Dancers and Parents,

We are so excited to tell you about our pajama and book drive.  Together, with other sister studios, we are going to collect new books and pajamas for all children sizes Preemie to adult to be donated to those in need throughout Utah.

In 2009 a few studio owners decided that it shouldn't just be about dancing during the holidays, it should be about “making a difference” in someone else’s life!  So many of us have grown up with the tradition of opening up a new pair of pajamas every Christmas Eve.  Kids love pajamas! We felt like giving pajamas to other children was a way to help even our youngest dancers grasp the concept of giving.  We have been collecting pajamas and books for the Utah Foster Care Foundation and several other local charities each and every year since.  They are always so excited to see us and so grateful for new jammies right in time for the holidays! 

PROJECT DETAILS:

  • Pajamas and books must be new, please NO hangers!

  • Pajamas are needed for all sizes. From preemie up to adults.

  • We are also collecting monetary donations. This will go towards more jammies and books! Bring in cash or Venmo donations to @danceforlife and include the dancers name so the amount can go toward their service society recognition!

  • Our studio has a goal for each dancer to collect 10 pairs of pajamas, or 20 books, or $50 in cash donations. We will also accept a combination of the three donations (ex. 5 pjs and 10 books).  

  • We recommend having students purchase pajamas they would wear themselves to donate.  This way they feel more connected to the project and the recipients. We are always in need of more adult sizes too, so spread the word!

  • Involve everyone around you!  Ask for donations from your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers. We have included a letter that we encourage you to share with everyone you know.  We want to involve as many people in our community as we can.  An email version will also follow this letter.  Please forward it to your contacts.

  • We will be collecting pajamas at the studio through December 8.

 

This is one of our favorite times of the year and we feel that this is a wonderful opportunity to teach our students about giving service. We want our dancers to be involved with friends and classmates in feeling the spirit of giving together during the holidays. We are a strong group of loving individuals and if we come together, we can make a difference in someone else’s life!  Please help us make our project a huge success!

 

Happy Holidays!

Expressions Dance and Preschool

Pajama Project 2023

Dear Dancers and Parents,

We are so excited to tell you about our pajama and book drive.  Together, with other sister studios, we are going to collect new books and pajamas for all children sizes Preemie to adult to be donated to those in need throughout Utah.

In 2009 a few studio owners decided that it shouldn't just be about dancing during the holidays, it should be about “making a difference” in someone else’s life!  So many of us have grown up with the tradition of opening up a new pair of pajamas every Christmas Eve.  Kids love pajamas! We felt like giving pajamas to other children was a way to help even our youngest dancers grasp the concept of giving.  We have been collecting pajamas and books for the Utah Foster Care Foundation and several other local charities each and every year since.  They are always so excited to see us and so grateful for new jammies right in time for the holidays! 

PROJECT DETAILS:

  • Pajamas and books must be new, please NO hangers!

  • Pajamas are needed for all sizes. From preemie up to adults.

  • We are also collecting monetary donations. This will go towards more jammies and books! Bring in cash or Venmo donations to @danceforlife and include the dancers name so the amount can go toward their service society recognition!

  • Our studio has a goal for each dancer to collect 10 pairs of pajamas, or 20 books, or $50 in cash donations. We will also accept a combination of the three donations (ex. 5 pjs and 10 books).  

  • We recommend having students purchase pajamas they would wear themselves to donate.  This way they feel more connected to the project and the recipients. We are always in need of more adult sizes too, so spread the word!

  • Involve everyone around you!  Ask for donations from your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers. We have included a letter that we encourage you to share with everyone you know.  We want to involve as many people in our community as we can.  An email version will also follow this letter.  Please forward it to your contacts.

  • We will be collecting pajamas at the studio through December 8.

This is one of our favorite times of the year and we feel that this is a wonderful opportunity to teach our students about giving service. We want our dancers to be involved with friends and classmates in feeling the spirit of giving together during the holidays. We are a strong group of loving individuals and if we come together we can make a difference in someone else’s life!  Please help us make our project a huge success!

 

Happy Holidays!

Expressions Dance and Preschool

November Newsletter 2023

We hope you all had a great Halloween!

IT’S NEW STYLE NOVEMBER

This month we are opening trials to currently enrolled students to try another style of class! Have you been thinking about trying Hip Hop or Tumbling? Jazz or Ballet? We would love to see you try a new stye this month!

CLICK HERE to join us for a complimentary class.

CLASS REMINDERS

  • Potty before class, especially preschoolers!

  • No underwear under your leotard. Tights are dancer's underwear!

  • BE ON TIME! We have had a lot of latecomers and late pick-ups. It is very disruptive to 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. Thanks for your attention to this manner!

SAFER STUDIO GUIDELINES

Thank you for continuing to follow the guidelines and helping us to remain a Safer Studio. Parents, thank you for keeping kids home if they are not well, and for your enhanced efforts to practice good hygiene. As we are going into regular cold and flu season, it is important that we continue our combined efforts to follow these guidelines.  Please continue to monitor your children and do not send them to class if they have a fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose, etc.  Sending a child with symptoms to class in a mask is not an acceptable solution. Please keep children home when they are sick. We appreciate your enhanced awareness and efforts in keeping our students and faculty healthy.

RECITAL INSTALLMENTS START NOV 1 (and go through June 1)

Dance is the ultimate performing art, and dancing onstage at the recital serves as a powerful tool for building a child’s confidence in themselves—a confidence that easily carries over into a dancer’s home life, schoolwork, and friendships.  So how can one special event create such a big difference? Read all about benefits of the recital HERE.

When starting class this season, you submitted the waiver that included details about our June Recital. All students are automatically enrolled to participate in the year-end recital and/or the tumble exhibition.

  • The automatic performance deposit was processed on Oct 15 ($75 for dancers or $45 for tumblers).

  • Installment amounts will be processed with tuition from November-June.

  • To see your child’s participation schedule, go to your parent portal HERE.

    • Select "View All My Classes" in the top left navigation. 

    • Your child’s registration for events in which they are participating will show there. 

If you have not submitted your form, you can do that here: https://app.hellosign.com/s/beLmPihu

If you need to review the information, the Parent Guide includes all performance details.

NOV 13-17 FUN BUN WEEK

The third week of November is FUN BUN WEEK! Come to class with a fun bun (short hair can do crazy hair). Turn that bun into a masterpiece... Maybe it's a spider or a one-eyed monster!! We can't wait to see your creations!

STARS CLASSES- EARN YOUR “DRESSED TO IMPRESS” PIN FOR PROPER ATTIRE

Starting last month, STAR students will earn a sticker on their chart each week for having their hair in a proper bun for class along with proper attire of tights and their leotard. Once they fill up their whole row of stickers, they will earn their “Dressed to Impress” pin!  

To earn a pin your dancer must:

  • Have her hair in a secure ballet bun (not a doorknob bun)

  • Use a hairnet

  • Use bobby pins to secure bun

WHY DOES MY SCHOOL AGE DANCER NEED TO WEAR A BUN?

  1. MUSCLE MEMORY: Does your child have bangs or pieces of hair falling down in the face? How about little frizzies tickling their shoulders? In the middle of a dance, they may reach up and brush their hair out of their way. When a dancer does this all the time, after a specific step, or in a rehearsal, it becomes muscle memory, and they will continue to "brush their hair away" onstage, even if it is slicked back and pinned up!

  2. TURNING TROUBLE: It's a problem for turns. For ponytails, dancers tend to close their eyes when they spot, or whip their head around. You cannot turn without spotting your head, and you definitely can't turn with your eyes closed. This is a safety hazard.

  3. BALANCE AND ALIGNMENT: A ballet bun helps to center your balance. Having your neck visible allows the teacher to correct your alignment by making sure your neck, shoulder and back are placed correctly.

  4. HELPS THE TEACHER: If everyone in the room matches perfectly, it is easier to pick out exactly where corrections are needed and who needs them. A shoulder or elbow in the wrong place, the head placement not being correct, or even trying to figure out who is turning the wrong direction can be disorienting if everyone's hair, clothing, and accessories are different. This is important because it helps implement proper technique.

  5. BECAUSE THE TEACHER SAID SO: Even if there was no other good reason, your teacher has a rule in her class that needs to be followed. If you respect your child's teacher, your child will see that respect, and it will transfer to them. The overall atmosphere in our program will remain learning friendly, professional, and respectful.

WATCH THIS TUTORIAL ON HOW TO DO A BALLET BUN

Nov 21-24: * THANKSGIVING BREAK!*

There will be no classes for Thanksgiving Break beginning at 4pm on Tues, Nov 21 through Friday, Nov 24.  (We will hold morning classes on the Tuesday the 21st)

DEC 16: HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE: “CHRISTMAS COOKIE SOCIALS”

Our in-studio Christmas Performance offers students a low-key, fun, and simple performance that allows dancers time in front of an audience to help them become more comfortable performing! Participation includes a cookie (of course), and a simple costume accessory rental (skirt, tutu, hat, etc.) given to dancers when they arrive. Female dancers in stars classes will wear their class uniform as their base costume. Preschool/Pre-K girl dancers need a black leotard for their base costume. Boys will wear blue jeans or black pants and a red or green tshirt.

  • Participation is $30.

  • Families will sign up online for a show time in the parent portal HERE.

    • Select “Enroll in a class” and select the special events season.

    • Scroll through to Dec 16th and find your child’s class type and teacher name. (Not sure of your class name or teacher? See the list below or view your currently enrolled classes in your parent portal.)

  • Free admission for up to 4 spectators per participant.

  • Tumbling classes, Tiny Tots, and Diaper Dancers do not participate in the Holiday Performance.

CHRISTMAS PAJAMAS AND BOOKS CHARITY PROJECT

This year’s Christmas Charity Project is going to be even bigger than last year! We are gathering new pajamas and books to donate to those in need locally.  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 1701 pajamas, 1479 books!

We’ve opened up our Scholastic book program to ALL of our dance families for our Christmas project.  Scholastic is an amazing resource with GREAT books at a GREAT price!!  You can order $1 books 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 10th and be sure to put your child’s first and name last name.

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.

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)

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.  https://www.dancetoexpress.com/calendar-newsletter

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. https://www.dancetoexpress.com/parent-portal

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!

COMMUNITY CONNECTION: BALLET WEST NUTCRACKER

It is a studio tradition to go to Ballet West's Nutcracker at Capitol Theater every year!  This year we have TWO dancers cast in the Nutcracker!  We will be attending as a studio on December 9th at 7pm to support them. Tickets can be purchased HERE

2023-24 CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

  • November 21-24: Thanksgiving Break, no classes

  • December 16: Holiday Performance @ Bountiful

  • December 21-Jan 3: Winter Break, no classes

  • January 15: MLK Day, no classes

  • February 3: Valentine Ball @ Centerville

  • February 19: President’s Day, no classes

  • February 23: Skipping Party (for preschool/pre-k)

  • March 29: Mom & Me Paint Night @ Centerville

  • April 1-5: Spring Break, no classes

  • April 8-19: Parent Participation Week & Rollover Rally

  • April 16: Pathways for Dancers Meeting

  • May 27: Memorial Day, no classes

  • May 30: Banana Splits Pass Off Party

  • May 31: Last day of classes

  • May 31 & June 1: Tumble Exhibition

  • June 3-5: 2023-24 Company Auditions

  • June 3-6: Recital Picture Day @ Centerville

  • June 8: Recital

  • June 10: Family Appreciation Pool Party

Dear Dancers and Parents,

We are so excited to tell you about our pajama and book drive.  Together, with other sister studios, we are going to collect new books and pajamas for all children sizes Preemie to adult to be donated to those in need throughout Utah.

In 2009 a few studio owners decided that it shouldn't just be about dancing during the holidays, it should be about “making a difference” in someone else’s life!  So many of us have grown up with the tradition of opening up a new pair of pajamas every Christmas Eve.  Kids love pajamas! We felt like giving pajamas to other children was a way to help even our youngest dancers grasp the concept of giving.  We have been collecting pajamas and books for the Utah Foster Care Foundation and several other local charities each and every year since.  They are always so excited to see us and so grateful for new jammies right in time for the holidays! 

PROJECT DETAILS:

  • Pajamas and books must be new, please NO hangers!

  • Pajamas are needed for all sizes. From preemie up to adults.

  • We are also collecting monetary donations. This will go towards more jammies and books! Bring in cash or Venmo donations to @danceforlife and include the dancers name so the amount can go toward their service society recognition!

  • Our studio has a goal for each dancer to collect 10 pairs of pajamas, or 20 books, or $50 in cash donations. We will also accept a combination of the three donations (ex. 5 pjs and 10 books).  

  • We recommend having students purchase pajamas they would wear themselves to donate.  This way they feel more connected to the project and the recipients. We are always in need of more adult sizes too, so spread the word!

  • Involve everyone around you!  Ask for donations from your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers. We have included a letter that we encourage you to share with everyone you know.  We want to involve as many people in our community as we can.  An email version will also follow this letter.  Please forward it to your contacts.

  • We will be collecting pajamas at the studio through December 8.

This is one of our favorite times of the year and we feel that this is a wonderful opportunity to teach our students about giving service. We want our dancers to be involved with friends and classmates in feeling the spirit of giving together during the holidays. We are a strong group of loving individuals and if we come together we can make a difference in someone else’s life!  Please help us make our project a huge success!

 

Happy Holidays!

Expressions Dance and Preschool