I hope that 2008 is off to a great start! Things are going very well at the studio. The students and I have been working on our end-of-the-year dances. It often helps the students if they can practice at home. If you will bring me a blank cassette or CD with the student's name on it, I will copy the music for them.
Each week I hear the question, "When are we going to get our costumes?" The answer is "April." I will be receiving bits and pieces of the costumes, but I will not hand them out until they are all complete.
In March and April, the Mountain Grove R-3 Schools have scheduled four-day weekends. We will be dancing on Monday, February 18, Monday, March 24, and on Monday, April 21. We will only be closed if the school is closed due to severe weather.
It's a little drafty at the studio this time of year, so please see that your student dresses appropriately. Long sleeves and long pants or tights are recommended. Layers are also a good idea. The studio warms up quickly once class starts, but whenever someone opens the door the cold comes back in.
Class visitation days are the first class of each month. I encourage you to see what your child has been working on, but please try and keep distractions to a minimum. Our younger students find it difficult to concentrate as it is; an audience makes it even harder. Please keep talking to a minimum and other siblings under control. This will help all of us to work better.
We will be holding a hip-hop master class on February 11. Brock Ashton will be with us again. The class will be from 7:00-9:00 PM for students ages 8 through adult. The two classes regularly scheduled for that time will be cancelled. You must sign up and pay in advance. The cost is $10 and class size will be limited.
On February 23, Pam Burnside will be giving a master class in Belly Dancing and Hoofin' style tap. Pam is the director of her own studio at the West Plains Center for the Arts. Belly Dancing will be from 12:00-1:30 PM for ages 10 through adult. No experience is necessary; just be ready to move freely and have a good time. The Hoofin' class is from 2:00-3:30 PM for ages 8 through adult, with a minimum three years of tap dance experience. The cost is $10 for one class or $15 for both.
Finally, I would like to invite students to audition for this year's big production number. We will be recreating Michael Jackson's "Thriller." It will include full costume, makeup, and wigs. The audition will be held Friday, February 8, from 5:00-6:30 PM at the studio. If your child is interested, these are the rules:
1. Must be at least 10 years old.
2. Only involved in two or fewer numbers in the concert already.
3. Must be ready to act out the character of the dance.
4. The dance will be choreographed in the jazz curriculum.
5. You will be responsible for your own costume. I have the wigs and makeup already.
6. You must be available for rehearsals on Thursday evenings from 7:30-8:45 PM beginning February 14. Attendance is very important since the students will have just a few weeks to create costumes, design wigs, practice with makeup, and rehearse.
There is no extra cost for this class and it would be a great way to work on their theatrical skills as well as dance skills. Please sign up for the audition at the desk ASAP.
Thanks for listening,
Janelle
