Welcome to Our 8th Season!
I d like to take the time to welcome you all to Dancin J s Studio s 8th season! It is hard to believe another year is beginning. To those of you returning, welcome back! To those of you who are new to the Dancin J Family, you are in for a fun filled year of dancing!
Our annual recital will take place on June 18, 2011 at Norwin Middle School. Please mark your calendar and plan vacations accordingly. More information will be distributed about the 2011 show at a later date. I try to get all costumes ordered before Christmas break so we will have enough time if alterations or exchanges are needed. Once costumes are ordered, they cannot be returned. So parents, please discuss things with your child and be sure he or she wants to perform in the recital before costumes are ordered. These costume companies are very strict and will not refund your money! Keep in mind the recital is totally optional, but I need to know early whether your child wants to participate or not.
When selecting costumes, I like to look for affordability. For most students under age 8, I look for kit costumes. A kit costume is one with a leotard and multiple accessories. For example, if your child takes ballet and tap, the kit will have one leotard for both routines, a tutu for ballet, and perhaps a fringe skirt for tap. These kits usually cost anywhere between $40 and $60. The older students, especially the competition groups, will have multiple costumes. However, these students will get lots of use out of each costume. Sometimes, we will use the same costume two years in a row. When costumes are ordered I will need to pay for them in full. However, I only ask that you pay a $25 non-refundable deposit for each class your child takes unless the costumes end up costing less than the amount for each class. For instance, if your child is enrolled in ballet, tap, and jazz, the deposit would be $75. But, if the total of the costume(s) ends up being $50, then you will only need to deposit $50. All balances for costumes will be due by the time the costumes arrive. You will not receive your costume until the balance is paid. More information will be distributed when it is time to order costumes. (Intro to Dance students will only need 1 costume, therefore the deposit is for 1 class.)
We do not have a strict dress code, however you must properly dress like a dancer. This means, girls, NO shorts, pants, or big shirts for ballet. Some people were beginning to slip on this rule last year and we want to really enforce it. Any color leotard and tights are permitted. Many students like to wear ballet skirts as well. For boys, you may wear tank tops and either shorts or sweat pants. Some students like to put on shorts or jazz pants over top of their leotards for tap and jazz. For hip hop, students may wear tank tops and either shorts or pants. Absolutely NO jeans or jean shorts are allowed for any form of dance. Only stretchy pants such as Lycra or spandex are allowed. Jeans restrict the dancer from movement. During the winter months it tends to get a little chilly. Sweatshirts or sweaters may be worn to warm up in. But, I assure you, you will not need them for the entire class. Hair must be pulled back and out of face at all times! Also, please refrain from wearing big earrings and bracelets/necklaces that could easily get caught on things. I have seen people get bracelets caught on clothing. This is not safe! NO GUM chewing allowed in class either! We do not need to have any choking issues during dance class.
Cell phones MUST be turned off or on silent during class! Cell phone use has gotten out of hand in the past. No student is permitted to use their phone to make/take calls or text during dance class. If anyone needs to get in touch with you during class, they may call the studio line.
Payments are due the first week of the month. A $10 late fee will apply for all payments made after the 15th of the month. This rule will be strictly enforced this year, as we had many late payments in the past. Failure to pay on time could result in your child not being allowed to participate in the recital. Classes are non refundable or discounted. If you miss a class, you are responsible for making it up in another class close to your age group. Please see me if you need to make up a class so I can tell you what class to make up in. Pro-rating is not permitted except for new students registering mid-month. We accept cash or check only. Checks are made payable to Dancin J s Studio. Please deposit your payments into the lock box outside of Room #1. If paying by check, please write student s name and month of payment in the memo. If paying by cash, please place in an envelope with student s name and month of payment written on it. We have envelopes on the table beneath the payment box for your convenience. You do not need to use an envelope if paying by check. Please simply indicate on the memo line what the check is for. Please note, there is also a $15 fee for returned checks.
Attendance is taken at the beginning of each class. Recognition will be made at the recital to all students receiving perfect attendance. Please make every effort to be at every class. Good attendance is imperative, as absences and tardiness can hold back the entire class.
In the event of inclement weather, we will post class cancellations on our website. If the weather is questionable, please consult our website after 2:00pm. Sometimes schools may be closed, but we still may have dance class. We have also contacted local news channels for cancellations. WPXI is usually the first to post our cancellations.
Please mark the following dates on your calendar
A note to all soloists: For those of you who use your half hour session to choreograph more than one solo, you will need to choose one for recital. Two may be entered into competition.
I am currently working on putting together a performance schedule for community events. First up will most likely be Halloween performances of "Thriller", set to be performed by the Senior Elite, once again. We also plan to do at least 2 Christmas shows. These shows are usually on a Friday evening, or Saturday afternoon. Another performance opportunity which I am looking into more closely, involves some traveling. I have been in contact with a representative from Stars at Sea. There is a possibility, if we get enough interest, we may do a cruise ship performance. I will distribute more information about this at a later date. I am currently trying to gather as much info as possible. It will cost some money, but will be a great family vacation, and performance opportunity. This will be open to all students, recreational and competitive.
Super Jazz Dance Sunday with Jeff Shade is scheduled for Oct 17. Anyone age 12 & up may participate. The cost is $60 per person. Please turn in money by Sept. 15. If interested, see Miss Jen for more details.
Information for the upcoming competition season will be distributed to all Elite dancers at a later date. We will definitely be attending Omega, which is scheduled to take place April 30/May 1. A second competition is also in the works.
Fundraisers are always being done throughout the year. This is a great way to make some extra money to help pay for classes, costumes, competition fees, etc. I encourage all of you to fund raise! I have had students who've raised enough money to pay for all dance classes and costumes for the entire year! Any funds raised go directly to you, the dancer. Fundraisers are not done to benefit the studio, but to benefit the individual dancer participating. Michelle Gounder is putting a fundraising committee together for anyone who'd like to help out with organizing.
I hope you will find your experience at Dancin J s Studio very enjoyable. Every student has a talent. Some may need to work harder than others, but each and every one of you is good at something. I am here to help you show off your talent of dance to others. You all have potential! Don t ever give up, and you WILL go far! It is a pleasure working with all of you. Please, don t ever hesitate to come to me with any questions. You can also visit our website for information, www.dancinjsstudio.com.
Thank you all for being part of Dancin J
s Studio!
Sincerely,
Jennifer McManus Dudek
(724)515-5064
missjen@dancinjsstudio.com