It's hard to believe we are only three weeks from our dress rehearsal--and only five weeks from our final performances! All of our dancers have been working hard to prepare for their special moments and we know their hard work will pay off on stage.
PERFORMANCE INFORMATION
If you missed our special performance newsletter, you can view it online here. Below are some highlights plus new information about costumes.
1. Performance fees are now due. You are welcome to pay for your costume and performance fee together if that makes it easier (see below for more information on costumes). We take cash, checks, and credit cards (and please speak to Angela if finances ever pose a problem).
2. Please check the following links for further information:
Dress Rehearsal Schedule
Performance Schedules:
Performance Hair & Make Up Guidelines
Costume Information
3) Costume Details: You can now check your dancer's costume plans (and costume pricing) by clicking here. You may bring home costumes as soon as they arrive and you pay for them, but please hang them in a safe place until dress rehearsal. For your convenience, we sell high-quality tights in various colors for $5 at the front desk (or feel free to provide your own). As always, should finances pose a problem, simply speak to Angela.
4) Schedule Reminder: Steppin' Out's final class of the spring semester will be Saturday, May 27th. There will be no classes held the week of May 30th-June 3rd. Instead, we'll have a short break during the week and the performances on the weekend of June 3rd and 4th. Also, please note that Saturdaystudents will have regular class sessions on Saturday, May 20th, the day before the dress rehearsal.
MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: EXTENDED ARMS
This month as we finalize those small details that matter so much for on-stage polish, have your dancers start working on extending their arms. Floppy arms don't stun on stage, but beautiful extension is powerful (and can cover for any missteps). Have your dancers imagine their arms as wings, starting not from the sides of their bodies but from their backs. With their shoulder blades sliding down their backs, have them send energy along their entire arm and out through their graceful fingers. If their fingers get too stiff, have them drop their fingers with their arms still extended, then extend fingers one more time.
BRING YOUR CREW TO THE SHOW
The "performance fee" model means that we don't sell tickets to our performances, so bring anyone and everyone. Family, friends, teachers and more are very welcome to attend any or all of the performances; please spread the word!
DANCE IN THE NEWS: BAY AREA DANCE WEEK
Last week was Bay Area Dance Week, an annual celebration of local dance in all of its incarnations. Read about the events of the week here and be sure to put it on your calendar for next year!
QUICK TIP: SMILE LIKE YOU MEAN IT
We ask our dancers to smile on stage, but why not give them an image to go along with it? Tell your children to think of a close friend or favorite pet to help bring a smile to their faces when the curtain parts.