WE ARE HAVING CLASSES TONIGHT!!!

We will have classes on Thursday, December 16, 2010.  I know Mtn. Grove R-3 is out of school, but the road conditions were much improved when I drove in today, so we're going to go for it.  See you tonight!

December update

I  just  wanted to update you as to what is going on at the dance studio.  Classes are going great and I think that everyone has found the class they need to be in.  I am measuring the students for their costumes and will be working on the orders over Christmas break. All payments are due no later than December 16th and costumes that are not paid for at that time will NOT be ordered.  Costumes that are ordered at a later date will not be guaranteed to be received in time for pictures in May and you will be responsible for all extra taxes and shipping charges.  If you would like me to order special tights or pants to go with their  costume that are not included  in the costume price, please let me know at this time.

The dance studio will be closed for winter break between December 20th and January 2nd.  Please remember that the dance studio closes when the Mtn. Grove schools close for BAD WEATHER ONLY- - not for all other holidays.  The dance studio is a chilly place this time of year and the students should dress appropriately.  Sweats and lightweight jackets will be allowed at this time until we begin moving and warm up .  

You should make your tuition payment for December in full, even though, we are going to be missing a class or two for the holidays.  The number of classes that you  pay for works out at the end of our season.  I will adjust your May payment to ensure that you receive all the classes that you have paid for.

Thank you for your continued cooperation and have a great holiday season!!!  

The perfect Christmas gift

Dance Unlimited T-shirts may still be ordered.  We place the order every two weeks and all proceeds will go toward the costs of the Branson Dance Convention in February.  If you're interested in a T-shirt, check at the desk.

Costumes

It is time to order costumes again.  All students should already have the proper shoes; please remember to clean and/or polish them at the time of the show.  Your November newsletter will have your child's costume form printed on the reverse side.  Some items are marked "not included," and are not part of the costume cost.  These items are your responsibility.  The items marked "included" are what will be purchased with your costume payment.

Costume payments are due no later than December 16.  This will allow me to place orders over Christmas break and allow plenty of time for delivery in April.  Any costumes not paid for by then will be ordered at a later date with a separate shipping and handling charge.  These costumes ordered later will not be guaranteed delivery in time for pictures in May.

I have worked very hard to keep the cost to a minimum.  This has been very difficult this year, as the price of everything seems to have risen.  Thank you for your understanding and co-operation.

Here so fast

It is already time to begin thinking about our 2011 concert.  Our concert date this year is June 4.  We will be performing two shows, and students will need to dance in both.  Audience members must choose one concert to attend.

If your child chooses to participate in class, but not the concert, please let me know as soon as possible.

Weather notes

We are coming to that time of year when holidays and bad weather may close the studio.  The studio closes when the Mtn. Grove R-3 district is closed due to weather.  If you are unsure about whether the studio will be open, call me or check the studio's Facebook page.  We will also attempt to send out an e-mail, but the blog and Facebook are your best bets.  

I keep track of any days missed in order to adjust payment in May.  Even if a class is cancelled, please make all tuition payments in full through April 11.  In May, I will adjust your payment or credit you for any amount due.

Please remember that with the coming of winter the days are shorter.  It is very important that you come into the studio to pick up your child.  We will not send a student out into the dark.

Specialty classes

We will hold two special classes on October 29.  We will hold a costume party for 3-7 year olds from 5:00-6:00 PM.  Wear your favorite costume and enjoy games, races, snacks, prizes and treat bags.

Bryce and Sarah Parker will teach a jump rope class from 6:30-7:30 PM.  All students must be at least 7 years old.  This class will teach students new tricks and fancy steps to use while jumping rope.  They will also learn to team jump with a single rope.  The ropes will be provided.  If you are interested in either of these sessions, please sign up and pay in advance.  This is very important--we need to have an idea of how many to expect in advance.  The cost is $10.00 per student.

News

Our monthly teen partnering class will begin on October 7.  Students in this class will be learning such styles as swing, two-step, waltz and line dancing.  Class is from 7:30-8:30 and costs $8.00 per student.  The classes will usually be held on the first Thursday evening of the month.  If you are interested in these classes, please sign up.

AutumnFest

Some of our groups will be performing on the square at AutumnFest on October 9.  Dance Unlimited will also have a bounce house from Mtn. Grove Rentals and a bake sale.  The proceeds from these two events will go to defray the cost of the Branson dance convention for some of our students.  If you would like to donate items for the bake sale, please deliver them to the studio by October 7.

Whew!

Things are going well at the studio this fall, but I have been really busy getting everyone in the class that is right for them. October will be busy as well.  Dance Unlimited tye-dyed t-shirts are now on sale at the studio.  They cost $14.00 and each student may choose two colors, so each shirt will be unique.  The Dance Unlimited logo will be the same on all shirts.  They come in children's sizes 2-4, 6-8, 10-12 and 14-16 as well as adult sizes S, M, L and XL.  Place you order and pay before October 14th and the shirts should arrive in about two weeks.  This would be a great birthday or Christmas present and proceeds go to help some of our dancers attend a dance convention at Branson in February 2011.

Beginning of the Year News

Today and tomorrow are the last days to register for dance classes. Have you registered yet?
Remember that a registration fee of $15 is required for each student at the time of registration for a full year of classes. Also notice the price changes this year.
Each week you or your child should check the bulletin board for upcoming events like payments, costumes, concerts, etc. You should also receive a monthly newsletter from the dance studio. Please remember to ask your child every month if they have gotten one. If you would like our monthly e-mail, give your e-mail address at registration so you don't miss out on coming events!
Also, please do not drop off your child too early for classes or pick them up too late after class. This has been a problem in the past year that needs some consideration. You may be charged a fee if this problem continues. Uncontrollable circumstances are considered, of course. We do not have time to watch your child while teaching our next class. Thank you for your advance cooperation.
Our dance concert will be on June 4th at the Mountain Grove High School cafeteria! Expect costume ideas and costs in early November.
Again, don't forget to register! We wouldn't want you to miss all the fun this year!

major lazer

Major something, anyway.


Does someone have stage fright?

thank you, thank you, thank you

Well, Piece by Piece is in the books.  It's part of our memories now.  That's the beauty of dance; you have to perform it.  You have to step onto the stage and do it in real time.  Once you're out there, anything can happen.  You might fall on your face, or you might fly.  Either way, you'll make a new memory.

Thank you all for being part of this.  It's now something we share.  We were there, and we did it.   A huge, enormous "thank you" to everyone who helped.  Something like this could never be without a lot, a lot of teamwork.  To all the people who helped move students, watched dressing rooms, helped build and paint props, designed and operated lights, mixed music, ran sound, worked the ticket table...  I could go on and on, but I hope you see the point.  Without a single one of you, Piece by Piece would not have been possible.  I cannot thank you enough.

And to the students of Dance Unlimited, my wonderful, beautiful dancers, I want to tell you how proud I am of each and every one of you.  You guys pushed yourselves.  You risked the falling so that today you could fly.

See you in August.

***Special Reminder!!!***

Jai Ho

Major Laser

Phantom of the Opera

The Montage

Wade In The Water

If you are in any of those dances, there is a special rehearsal tonight, June 3.  It begins at 5:00 onstage.  You do not need your costumes.

oh, how we all love spring!

We all love the change to nice weather, but this time of year the students start to get a little relaxed with their dance attire. Please help me in reminding them that their dancewear should still be worn to class and not whatever shorts and t-shirt that they were wearing that day. This is very important for all of us and makes us feel differently about our bodies and more prepared for class. It makes us FEEL like dancers and we can concentrate better during class time. I always tell the students that you don't go to school without books and you can't play an instrument if you don't have one and you can't dance without the proper clothes and shoes. Sometimes this works. 

end of year business

The dance studio has closed for holidays such as Christmas break and Thanksgiving. We really did not need to close much for bad weather this year. All of these days are subtracted at the end of the season and your tuition bill for May will be adjusted and given to you in a few weeks. This is to make sure that you were offered the amount of classes that you had actually paid for. 

picture time

Pictures have been scheduled at the dance studio on April 30th and May 1 st. Please see the schedule posted on the blog for your appropriate sitting time. Please arrive on time, in costume and/or make up and ready for a picture. We have an excellent reputation for running on time. Someone must remain at the dance studio with students under the age of 7. We can not be responsible for them or other siblings when so much will be going on that day. We will be taking a group shot to place in this year's program and to be displayed at the dance studio. You MAY at that time purchase group or individual pictures but they must be paid for at the time of the photo shoot. 

costume news

Things are going well at the dance studio and I just wanted to touch base with all of the parents. Costumes will go home in the next week or two. Please make sure that your child has any extra purchases or alterations made before picture dates. A sign is hanging at the studio listing all of the parts and pieces to each costume. 

extra rehearsal

With the concert so close, we are adding some extra rehearsal times. Please note that this list is by class.

• Showgirls 7:30-8:30 Thurs. April 8
• Thurs. May 6
• Thurs. May 27
• Playing Cards 3:00-4:00 Wed. March 17
• Wed. March 31
• Wed. April 14
• Wed May 5
• 7:30-8:30 Thurs. May 20
• Thurs. May 27
• Mardi Gras 7:30-8:30 Thurs. March 11
• Thurs. March 25
• Thurs. April 15
• Thurs. May 13
• Thurs. May 20
• Thurs. May 27
• Jack In The Box 7:30-8:30 Thurs. March 18
• Thurs. April 22
• Thurs. May 13
• Thurs. May 20
• Thurs. May 27
• Pointe Birds 7:30-8:3 Mon. March 22
• Mon. April 12
• Mon. May 10
• Thurs. May 27
• Mon. May 31
• Clapping 6:00-7:00 Mon. March 22
• Mon. April 12
• Mon. May 10
• Mon. May 17

All groups will rehearse onstage on Thursday, June 3.

spring again

I'm sure that most of you already know that our winter was marked by crazy weather.  We missed several classes, so I want to restate the studio policy regarding bad weather.

First, please pay all tuition in full, as scheduled each month.  Do this even if we have missed a class due to weather.  I keep track of all days missed for such reasons and will pro-rate your May tuition.  This is the simplest way to handle the situation.

Second, Dance Unlimited closes when the Mtn. Grove R-3 school system closes for bad weather. We do not close for any other reason, such as spring break.

Thanks for your help in these areas.  I appreciate all your dedication and hard work.

Janelle

home work

If you would like a copy of your music to practice at home, please bring a cassette or blank CD to the studio and we will copy your music for you.  Please remember to either write your name on the CD or label the cassette.

Janelle

partnering class

Dance Unlimited will be holding the 5th Teen Partnering Class for young adults.  It is not too late to sign up.  Styles such as waltz, two-step, swing, and group line dancing will be covered.  This is a great way to learn some new moves for the prom or your end-of-the-year school dance.  These are partner classes, but your partner does not have to be a student at the dance studio.  You must sign up in advance, but you may pay the evening of the class.  Class size will be limited and the cost is $8.00 per person.

Janelle

Believe it or not...

It's only thirteen weeks until the concert.  We have so much work to do, but it's so much fun!  This month's newsletter is heavy on dates and times connected to the concert.

First, dates to remember:

• April 30 & May 1                           Pictures
• June 4                                               Dress Rehearsal
• June 5                                               Dance Concert

Note that times have not been set.

Janelle

We will have classes on February 15.

You bet we will.

production number news

I would like to invite students to sign up for the end of the year production number. We will be performing a dance called "The Cirque Montage," which will combine modern and theatre dance
movement in elaborate costumes. It will be a new experience for the students and will be explained in more detail during class time. Students should be:
1. At least 9 years old.
2. Only involved in two or less dance numbers in the concert already.
3. Ready to act out the character of the dance.
4. Available for rehearsals either Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons from 3:00-4:00, or Thursdays from 7:30-8:45, and occasional Friday evenings as we get closer to the recital. Attendance is very important since the students will just have a few weeks to learn the choreography for their part.
There is no extra cost for these rehearsals and the students will be put on a schedule a few weeks in advance. Please sign up for the production number at the desk ASAP so I can start planning.

special announcement

On February 11th, we will be holding our fourth teen partnering class from 7:30-8:30 pm. The students involved are having a great time and want to learn more. In February we will begin learning the West Coast Swing and Two Step dances, as well as some cool line dances. The cost is $8.00 per person and you must have a partner. Call us today, we still have room for more!

weather notes

In the next few months, the Mountain Grove School will be closed for their four day weekends (although the recent snowy weather may have changed that). Please make a note that we will still be dancing on those Mondays. Although, you do need to be aware that if the school closes for severe weather, then the dance studio will also be closed. The studio is drafty this time of year, so students will need to dress appropriately with long sleeves and pants or tights. Usually after the class has started the students warm up quickly, however, every time the door opens the cold is let in.

February update

Things are going well at the dance studio, so I don't have much to report. The students and I have been working on our end of the year dances. It would help the students if they had the music at home to practice to. You could bring in a blank CD with their name on it and we will copy the music for you. Each week I hear the never ending question of "When are we going to get our costumes?" The answer is about March or April. I have been receiving bits and pieces of costumes, but will not hand them out until everyone's order is complete.