NEWSLETTERS 2009-2010

MAY 2010 NEWSLETTER

DRESS REHEARSAL

Dress rehearsal will be held on Thursday, June 3rd 5 – 10 PM in the Hart Theater at The Egg in the Empire State Plaza.  Dancers should arrive in costume with their hair pulled back and ready to dance.  The scheduled times are in the April Newsletter.  The schedule is also posted on the website (www.thedanceexperienceofdelmar.com) and at the studio.  Dancers should be ready to perform on stage at the designed time.  We schedule classes for specific times so that you are not required to sit through 5 hours of rehearsal, but you are invited to stay as long as you like.  As a convenience to parents, the rehearsals are not run in the order of the show.  Please be sure to arrive on time, as we will have an extremely tight schedule!  Dancers should sit in the audience with their classes when they arrive.  Someone will call them backstage when it is time for them to dance.

END OF YEAR PERFORMANCES

The end of year performances will be held at The Egg on        Friday  June 4th  at 6:30 PM

                        Saturday June 5th at 10:00 AM                                 Saturday  June 5th at  1:30 PM

Dancers should arrive in their first costume by 6:00 for the 6:30 show, 9:30 for the 10:00 show, and 1:00 for the 1:30 show; the doors to the theater will not be open prior to this time.  Seating for audience members will also begin at this time from the Hart Theater Lobby level.  Remember to sit in the seats for which your tickets were purchased. Please do not sit in the seats that are marked reserved.  Each show will be approximately 2.5 hours or less.

If you choose not to stay until the finale, dancers can be picked up back stage outside of the dressing room after their final class dance on the stage level.  Please notify the class volunteer that you are taking your child.  Children will also have to be signed out.  For those dancers who stay for the entire performance, a section will be reserved in the front and/or side of the audience.  Younger dancers can sit in the audience on their parents’ laps after they dance, if you so choose.

PARKING

Parking is available under the Empire State Plaza in the P2 North and P3 North Visitor’s Lots.  If other events are going on, there will be a sign indicating that visitors can use additional lots.  All adults must show a picture id to security upon entering the parking area and there is a $5 charge each time you enter the visitors parking area.  There is also free on-street parking in the area (Madison Ave and State St), although you may have to walk a distance.  Please note that the Freihofer’s Run for Women is also on Saturday June 5th at 10 and the Health & Fitness Expo is the same day on the Concourse level of the Empire State Plaza.   Additional parking is also available in the East Parking Garage (multi-level garage across from the Cathedral at the corner of Madison Ave and Eagle) if the Visitor’s lots are full.  It is about a 10 minute walk from this garage to The Egg and can be done under cover from rain if necessary.

   ONLY 1 VOLUNTEER PARENT WILL BE ALLOWED BACKSTAGE FOR EACH CLASS. 

We have volunteers who will assist your child with any personal needs during the show.  We will find you in the audience if there are any problems that only the parent can solve.

*     No videotaping will be allowed, except for Best Bytes Media!  Individuals will be asked to leave the theater if they are videotaping.

• PLEASE ENTER AND EXIT THE THEATER BETWEEN DANCE NUMBERS ONLY!  Movement in the audience during performances is extremely distracting to the performers and the audience members.  Audience members are not allowed to utilize the back stage entrances.  Only dancers and volunteers will be utilizing these doors.  All other audience members must use the elevators to move from the stage/dressing room level to the lobby/audience entrance.
• PLEASE be respectful of the dancers and other audience members – NO TALKING DURING PERFORMANCES.
• Dressing rooms will be assigned for each class.
• NO FATHERS, OR OTHER MALES, WILL BE ALLOWED IN THE FEMALES DRESSING ROOMS. There will be a separate dressing room for the males.  Please ask a female to retrieve someone from the girl’s dressing room, if necessary.  PLEASE remind all males attending the end of year performance of this…we want to avoid embarrassing moments!
• ALL DANCERS MUST BE PICKED UP and signed out BACKSTAGE (via elevators) AT THE END OF THE FINALE.  Audience members must use the elevators to access the stage/dressing room level.  The stairs are for emergency use and you cannot access the backstage/dressing room level from the stairs.

• Please remind the dancers to remain backstage until you are there to meet them.

• NO UNDERWEAR SHOULD BE WORN UNDER TIGHTS!  Adolescents and adults should wear nude colored appropriate undergarments, as necessary.
• Shoes should be clean and CLEARLY LABELED WITH THE DANCERS FIRST NAME.  Our volunteers may not know initials or last names.  Each year we end up with shoes that are not labeled.
• Girls - Hair must be pulled back off of the dancers’ faces, preferably in a bun.  Even short hair needs to be pulled back!
• Make-up, including lipstick, blush, and eye shadow, must be worn by all dancers so that they do not look washed out under the harsh stage lights.
• Please silence all cell phones.

All of the dancers have practiced many hours to learn their routines.  A respectful, yet active audience is appreciated and encourages the performers to give it their all.  Please show your appreciation for all of their hard work through applause and by abiding by these requests.

VOLUNTEERS STILL NEEDED

We still have some classes without chaperones.  Please see you child’s teacher or one of the office staff if you are willing to volunteer!

SUMMER CLASSES

Please complete a registration form if you plan to attend summer classes or Dance Camp. 

End of Year Performance Tickets

Tickets can be purchased from the office, at the rehearsal, and at the show provided we are not sold out.  We are expecting a full house for the Saturday 10 show, so please plan accordingly.  The admission fee is $13.00 per person.  Children under 5 and all dancers at The Dance Experience are free.  All non-dancers must have a ticket for admittance.

DVD of End of Year Performance

Best Bytes Media will be taping the end of year performances.  DVDs are available for purchase.  Order forms are available at the studio and are to be returned to the office.  Please check out the website created for our dance families at www.Dance.BestBytesMedia.com. 

Fall 2010 Schedule

Fall schedules will be emailed to everyone in July and posted on the website a few weeks later.  They will not be sent via US mail, unless you call to request a copy be mailed.  Schedules are sent to returning dancers a few weeks before new students, so please send your registration forms in early.  It is still not too late to make scheduling requests.

Lost & Found

Please check the lost and found which is located in the green box near the office.  The unclaimed items will be donated after the end of year performance.

Used Shoe Exchange

The used shoe exchange poster has been posted on the wall in the waiting area.  Please refer to this poster if you are interested in buying or selling used dance shoes. 

Thanks to RS Design & Remodel

Thanks to Rudy Samyn for designing and installing our retractable wall!  Please contact Rudy at 334-8049 for an estimate for your design and remodel needs.

THANK YOU FOR ANOTHER GREAT YEAR OF DANCE!

There are many studios out there, but there is only one The Dance Experience!  I am very proud of the fact that even our best dancers are nice people!  I am truly blessed!  Thank you for another great year!!

Dancingly yours,                     Ms. Janell

APRIL 2010 NEWSLETTER

Classes will be held Memorial Day Weekend

Saturday May 22nd and Monday May 24th.

STUDIO PICTURES

Studio pictures will be taken on Sunday, May 2nd.  Please arrive in costume and ready to be photographed.Individual pictures can also be taken at that time.  We have a tight schedule and will not be able to wait for individuals to arrive for the group picture.  We encourage all dancers to attend, even if you are not purchasing pictures, since the studio receives copies of the group pictures for display.  The list of portrait packages will be available in the office by April 19th.  The packages are of the individual dancer and include a group photograph.  Please have dancers bring all shoes – teachers will determine which shoes the dancers will wear for the group picture.  Parents will not be allowed in the room when photos are being taken.  Please notify your teacher if you are unable to attend picture day.

Tickets will be available for the End of Year Performance by the end of April.  We will have reserved seating this year, so you will choose your seats at the time of purchase.  The admission fee is $13.00 per person.  Children under 5 and all dancers at The Dance Experience are free.  Everyone, except dancers, must have a ticket for admittance.

EOYP TIMES

Friday June 4th 6:30 PM

Saturday June 5th 10:00 AM

Saturday June 5th 1:30 PM

Dress rehearsal will be held on Thursday June 3rd 5-10 PM. 

Dancers should arrive in costume with their hair pulled back and ready to dance at the designated time.  We schedule classes for specific times so that you are not required to sit through 5 hours of rehearsal, but you are invited to stay as long as you like.  As a convenience to parents, the rehearsals are not run in the order of the show.  Please be sure to arrive on time, as we will have an extremely tight schedule!  Children should sit with their classes when they arrive.  Someone will call them backstage when it is time for them to dance.

EMCEE NEEDED!!

We are in need of an emcee for our 2 Saturday shows.  Please contact Ms. Janell if you are interested in helping out!

Volunteers needed!

ONE volunteer is needed from each children’s class (Preschool-Grade 5) to sit with the dancers when they are not performing.  These volunteers will be able to go into the audience during their children(s) dances.  Please tell your child’s teacher if you are willing to help out.  ONLY these volunteers will be allowed in the dressing rooms and backstage.  Volunteers receive a complimentary ticket!

End of Year Performance DVDs

Best Bytes Media will be videotaping the End of Year Performances.  They will use multiple camera angles to capture the sights, emotions and sounds of the performance.  DVDs are available for purchase for $22 each, additional videos are $17.00 each.  Videos must be pre-ordered by May 22nd.  Please complete an order form, if interested.  Individuals WILL NOT be allowed to videotape during the performances, only the professional videographer will be allowed to record the performances.  Individuals videotaping will be asked to leave the theater.

COSTUMES

Most costumes have arrived and will be distributed soon.  As noted in previous newsletters and the handbook, costumes cannot be returned or exchanged for different sizes.  You/your child needs:

Boys should wear their hair pulled back off of their faces, if long.  Girls should wear their hair in a bun, unless otherwise noted above or if it is too short to be secured in a bun.  You/your female child needs white / pink / tan colored opaque tights without lines or seams.  Additional costume notes are as follows:

TUITION

May and June tuition is due the first week of May.  Dancers who began in September have already paid their June tuition.  For dancers who began after September, June tuition is half of the regular monthly tuition.  Please remember that our fee schedule is based on an annual tuition, then divided by 9 payments (September and June are half), it is not a per class fee. 

Please refer to the handbook, website, or Ms. Janell for more details.

Spring Fever

It’s that time of year!  With approximately 7 classes until the EOY Performances, it is very important that the dancers attend class and dress appropriately, this includes proper shoes.  Please remember that proper dance attire does not include shorts, unless they are dance shorts.

SUMMER CLASSES

The Summer 2010 schedule was distributed in March.  Please complete a registration form for the 6-week session or Dance Camp, if you plan to have your dancer attend.  Dance Camp will be attending a matinee performance of the New York City Ballet at SPAC and a tour/movement class at the National Museum of Dance in addition to technique classes and craft activities. 

FALL 2010

We are beginning to plan for next dance season.  Many classes will remain on the same day and at the same time, but we are willing to listen to class suggestions.  Please email or call Ms. Janell with requests for certain days/times.

PLEASE LABEL ALL SHOES WITH THE DANCERS NAME

REGULAR CLASSES END Wednesday June 2nd.

MARCH 2010 NEWSLETTER

STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHS

Studio pictures will be taken on Sunday, May 2nd.  Our photographs will again be taken by Unique Photographic.  A schedule of group times will be posted at the studio prior to that date.  Dancers must arrive in costume and ready to be photographed at their scheduled times.   As with most schedules involving children, the scheduled times are approximate, but we cannot guarantee that the children will be in the group photograph if they arrive late.  There is also a chance that we may run behind schedule.  Details will follow regarding photograph packages. 

Attendance

As the end of the year performance routines are progressing, the teachers would like to stress regular class attendance.  Class attendance includes attending classes regularly, arriving to class on time, and remaining in the studio during class time.  Older students should arrive to class a few minutes early to allow for a proper warm-up.  There are less than 12 classes until the End of Year Performance! 

Summer 2010 Schedule is Now On This Web Site

If you are interested in registering for the summer program, you can register on line or request a registration form from the office staff.

End of Year Performance News

We will have one dress rehearsal (Thursday, June 3rd 5 to 10PM) and three separate performances.  The rehearsal and performances will be held in The EGG.  An admission fee of $13.00 will be charged per person for the performances.  Children under 5 and all dancers are free.  Parent volunteers are also free.  Tickets will be available after April Break.  Please contact Ms. Janell if you have any questions.  You / your child is scheduled to perform in one of the following recitals:     

Friday, June 4th 6:30 PM

Saturday, June 5th 10AM

Saturday, June 5th 2PM

A list of who is in which show will be posted in April.

End of Year Performance DVD’s

We are changing videographers!  Best Bytes Media will be videotaping the End of Year Performances.  They will use multiple camera angles to capture the sights, emotions and sounds of the performance.  DVDs are available for purchase for $22 each, additional videos are $17.00 each.  Videos must be pre-ordered by May 22nd.  Please complete an order form, if interested.  Individuals WILL NOT be allowed to videotape during the performances, only the professional videographer will be allowed to record the performances.  Individuals videotaping will be asked to leave the theater.

Bottle Receipt Fundraiser

The competition team is collecting bottle return receipts as a fund raiser.  You can place the receipts in the red Valentine’s container located on top of the cubbies.

APRIL HAPPENINGS

Friday, April 2nd  – Friday, April 9th  - Studio Closed

CLASSES RESUME Saturday, April 10th

January – February 2010 Newsletter

BRAVO to all who participated in our December demonstrations!!

Please do not put wet or dirty boots or outside shoes in the cubbies.

February Break

The Dance Experience will be closed February 15th – 20th

Newsletters

All previous newsletters have been sent via email to all parents whose email addresses we have on file.  If you have not been receiving the newsletters via email, please check with the office staff to be sure that we have the correct email address.

Office Hours

Please note that the office will only be open the first week of each month.  We are typically here 4:30 – 8:30 PM Monday through Friday, Tuesday 10-12, Friday 10-12:15, and Saturday 9-12.  Please remember that tuition is due the FIRST CLASS OF THE MONTH.  If the office is not staffed you can leave it in the purple tuition box, give it to the teacher, or mail it.  

Handbook

Please ask your teacher for a handbook if you have not received one.  It has some important information!!  The website also contains the same information.

Dress Code

All dancers should now have appropriate attire for class, including the correct color shoes and leotards.  Please refer to the handbook, visit the website, or ask your teacher if you are not sure of the appropriate attire for your class.  Please be sure all dancewear and shoes are labeled with the dancers name.

COSTUME BALANCES

End of Year Performance Costumes have been ordered and the balances have been calculated.  Please see the office staff or your teacher for a specific breakdown or if you have not seen a picture of the costume.  Your balance, due by January 16th is:

Practice Music

Please encourage your dancer to practice at home.  In the past we sent music home with each dancer to practice, but discovered that few actually used these practice cds.  If you would like to receive a cd with the music your dancer will be using for the End of Year Performance, please inform your teacher in writing before February break.  These cds take several weeks to make and will be distributed when they are completed.

STUDIO PHOTOGRAPHS

Studio pictures will be taken on Sunday, May 2nd.  Our photographs will be taken by Unique Photographic.  A schedule of group times will be posted at the studio prior to that date.  Dancers must arrive in costume and ready to be photographed at their scheduled times.   As with most schedules involving children, the scheduled times are approximate, but we cannot guarantee that the children will be in the group photograph if they arrive late.  There is also a chance that we may run behind schedule.  Details will follow regarding photograph packages. 

End of Year Performance News

Please notify us, in writing, ASAP if your child has a conflict with any of the 3 performances:  Friday June 4th evening or Saturday June 5th (2 shows – likely morning and early afternoon).  Specific times are TBD.  Requests for specific performance times will be considered, but it is not always possible to accommodate these requests.  Most classes will participate in only 1 show.  

Most classes are closed!

We are no longer accepting new students into our current programs, except for specific adult classes, Tuesday 11:10 Kindermusik for ages 1-3 years (begins 1/12) and Friday 4:45 Creative Movement class for 3-6 year olds (begins 2/5).  We have started mailing lists for our Summer and Fall ’09 programs for any new families who are interested.

Summer Classes

Summer DanceCamp will be held for ages 6-11 for 2 sessions: July 12-16 and July 26-July 30.  Half day camp (9-12) will be held for ages 3-6: July 19-23.  Our 6-week evening session will be held July 5-August 13th.

Dates to Remember

1st class of the month            Tuition is due

January 11– 16                     Costume balances due

February 15 – 20                  February Break - No classes held

DECEMBER 2009 NEWSLETTER

REMINDER:  The Holiday Demonstrations will be held Wednesday December 16th – Tuesday December 22nd.   

You are invited to come and observe all classes during the final week before the holiday break.  Space is limited, so observers are limited to 2 per dancer.  Street shoes must be removed before entering the dance studios, so wear your nice socks.  No food or beverage is allowed in the studios.  Dancers should arrive in proper attire with their hair pulled back.  The teachers will follow the regular class format with a few special events including:

• Refreshments – snacks and beverages will be served during the last part of class.  This is an opportune time to ask questions or discuss the dance program in general.  Teachers will also verify costume sizes, if they have not already done so.
• GRAB BAG – all students who wish to participate should bring one age-appropriate gift-wrapped present, not to exceed $6.00.  Please notify your teacher ahead of time if you do not want your child to participate.  Please make sure the gifts are not holiday specific, as we have dancers who celebrate various holidays. 
• Holiday dances – most classes have been working on combinations that they will perform for the observers.

HOLIDAY BREAK

The Dance Experience will be closed December 23rd – January 1st for the holidays.  Classes resume Saturday, January 2nd.  Happy Holidays!

Attention parents of dancers in classes with shoes changes:

Please have the dancers bring all shoes into the studio at the beginning of class.  Be sure they are labeled with the dancers names.

End of Year Performance Costumes

All dancers will be measured for costumes within the next few weeks.  If you/your child is not planning to participate in the June End of Year Performance, we need to be notified in writing by December 23rd.  If you do not notify us in writing, a costume will be ordered and you will be responsible for payment.

End of Year Performances

3 shows will be held this year.  1 show will be held on Friday June 4th and 2 shows on Saturday June 5th.  Most classes will participate in only one show.  Dress rehearsal will be held Thursday June 3rd.

New Studio Notes

Thanks for your patience with our move to the new location.  The new studio is feeling like home and we are working out the temperature fluctuations.  While the new studio offers much more parking, it also has many more cars. Please keep the hand of any little ones while in the parking lot. 

We are in need of a contractor or handyman to finish up a few small projects at the studio.  Please let Ms. Janell know if you know of a reliable individual.

Gift Certificates

A friendly reminder that we do offer gift certificates that can be used for tuition, dancewear, costumes, and dance camps.   If you are struggling to suggest a gift this holiday season; consider suggesting the gift of the healthy activity of dance! 

Retail Area

Our expanded retail area is now organized and items are once again available for purchase.  We offer: dance attire, shoes, tights, and bags.  While here you will see our items are competitively priced and you are able to try on items prior to purchasing!!   Come visit and see what we have to offer! 

New Kindermusik Class

January will begin a new session of Kindermusik.  Consider signing up for one of the classes taught by nationally certified Kindermusik instructor Miss Katie.  Ages 1-3 with an adult.  

November 2009 NEWSLETTER

Classes will not be held:

Wednesday 11/25 - Saturday 11/28

Holiday Demonstrations - DECEMBER 16th – 22nd 

You are invited to come and observe all classes during the final week before the holiday break.  Space is limited, so observers are limited to 2 per dancer.  Street shoes must be removed before entering the dance studios.  No food or beverage is allowed in the studios.  Dancers should arrive in proper attire with their hair pulled back.  The teachers will follow the regular class format with a few special events including:

• Refreshments – cookies and beverages will be served during the last part of class.  This is an opportune time to ask questions or discuss the dance program in general.  Teachers will also verify costume sizes at this time.
• GRAB BAG – all students who wish to participate should bring one age-appropriate gift-wrapped present, not to exceed $6.00.  Please notify your teacher ahead of time if you do not want your child to participate.  Please make sure the gifts are not holiday specific, as we have dancers who celebrate various holidays. 
• Holiday dances – most classes have been working on combinations that they will perform for the observers.

TUITION IS DUE THE FIRST CLASS OF THE MONTH!!

Please refer to the handbook or website for specific details.

PROPER ATTIRE

Please be sure that all dancers have appropriate attire for classes that follow our dress-code.  Please label all dancewear and shoes with the dancers’ names.  Dancers who take a class that requires a shoe change MUST bring their shoes into the studio with them at the beginning of class.

STUDIO CLOSING

In the event that the studio is closed, a message will be left on the studio answering machine.  Please call ahead if the weather is questionable.  We are also registered with the School Closings Network.  Businesses are not always displayed on the TV so please check their website at    www.schoolclosingsnetwork.com.

USED SHOE POSTER

The used shoe board has been posted in the waiting area.  If you have old shoes that you would like to sell, or would like to purchase used shoes, please refer to the board.  Prices are set on an individual basis.  The Dance Experience staff will not be involved with these transactions.

            FREE CLASSES

Attention all parents…have you always been interested in trying a dance class for yourself, but just haven’t gotten around to it?  Now’s your opportunity.  All parents of dancers at The Dance Experience are welcome to come and try one of our adult classes for free the week of 11/30-12/5.  Classes include ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop, lyrical, ballroom, and modern.  

BATHROOM

Please note that there are 2 stalls in the bathroom at our new location.  ALL MALES please close the outer door when using the bathroom so that females do not enter.  The changing area is currently being used as storage for the contractor’s equipment, but this area (sliding wooden door) should be available for use as a changing room shortly. 

OCTOBER 2009 NEWSLETTER  

We’re Moving!!

The Dance Experience will be moving to 159 Delaware Ave in Delmar. 

The entrance to the new studio is in the rear of the building (go around the back of Mercato’s and we’re right next door).  Our tentative move date is November 1st, but it is dependent upon completion of the renovations.  We will keep you posted on the definitive move date.  Please be patient with the appearan ce of the current studio during the last few weeks in October, as we move.  

REMINDER OF STUDIO RULES

NO STREET SHOES ARE ALLOWED ON THE DANCE FLOORS!!  DANCE SHOES ARE NOT TO BE WORN OUTSIDE!!

NO WATER IS ALLOWED IN THE DANCE STUDIOS (except teachers)!! 

NO GUM IN CLASS!! 

NO ONE IS ALLOWED IN THE STUDIOS UNLESS A TEACHER IS PRESENT!!

NO STROLLERS ARE ALLOWED IN THE WAITING AREA!!

OCTOBER HAPPENINGS 

October 26 – 31 Halloween Dress up week    

TUITION

Tuition is due the first class of each month.  Any tuition received after the first class is considered late.  There is a $10.00 late charge added to all accounts not paid by the 15th of the month.  We do not accept credit cards.  Payments must be made using cash or check.  All dancers who started classes after September must pay half of the monthly tuition for June.  The 3 monthly payments can only be made in September, December, and March.  If you wish to switch to the 3 month payment plan, you must continue with the monthly plan until December 1st.  If you pay monthly, the payment made in September is for ½ the month of September and ½ the month of June.  

USED SHOES TO BORROW

OTHER THINGS

All students must have a registration form on record, please see the office staff or your instructor if you have not completed one.      Please be sure you receive a copy of the handbook – it contains some valuable information.  This information can also be found on our website www.TheDanceExperienceofDelmar.com.

Please be sure all dance clothes AND SHOES are labeled with the dancer’s names.

Ballet dancers MUST have leather ballet shoes (pink for girls and black for boys).  Some students are wearing slippers that are not meant for dancing and are dangerous as they do not have proper traction for the studio floor.        

We currently have a good selection of dancewear and shoes in stock.  Special orders may also be placed.

Please do not hang on the clothing racks in the studio.

Please be sure to pick the dancers up promptly after class.  Dancers are not supervised before or after class, as the teachers are teaching other classes.

Please call 463-1195 if you or your child must a class. 

NOVEMBER HAPPENINGS

Sunday November 1st Tentative Open House for the new studio location

November 25 – 29  No Classes   Thanksgiving Break

Thank you for being a part of our dance family!

ATTENTION PARENTS OF NEW STUDENTS

We would like to give credit to those returning families who have referred you to us!  Please submit the information below to the office or your teacher.  Each returning referring family will receive credit for the referral.  Referring families, please see Ms. Janell or the office staff for details.   ==================================================================  

NEW DANCER TO THE DANCE EXPERIENCE:  ______________________________  

PERSON WHO REFERRED YOU TO US: ___________________________________

THE DANCE EXPERIENCE
159 Delaware Ave
Delmar, NY 12054
(518) 463-1195

info@thedanceexperienceofdelmar.com