TERM 2 NEWSLETTER

W                       WOW this year is flying! We thank you all for your support and enthusiasm.  Stepping Out has certainly enjoyed a fabulous start to the year and we look forward to what the rest of the year delivers.  Classes will conclude for Term 2 on Saturday, July 2nd and resume on Monday,  18^th July.

Payments  We kindly ask that all Term 2 payments are promptly paid.  Late fees have been added to accounts overdue.  Please ensure that payments are finalized before the end of term. We have waiting lists in places for most classes and will be offering those to new families if we have not received fees or indication of return before the end of term.  Enrolments and payments for Term 3 are also now open.  To ensure that your child is enrolled in the correct classes for Term 3 please email Gail at gail@steppingoutdance.com.au if you wish to make any amendments.  Office hours are 3.30 – 6.00pm Monday and Tuesday and Saturday 9.30am- 12noon.  As our classes are priced at packages per term rather than weeks, your fees will be charged the same for Term 3.  Other payment options are direct deposit Macquarie Credit Union, BSB 802 126 A/C 102490.

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT SPECIAL OFFER! As a very special thank you to our existing families, we are offering a 10% EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT for Term Two fees paid during Week 10 (commencing 25^th June until July 2nd.) This will only be eligible for payments paid in person during this week. 

              Reminder of Important Dates

·      Week 10, Term 3, Concert Measurement Days

·      CONCERT DATES FOR 2016

·      Sunday, 13th November Stage Rehearsals DRTCC ( all students)

·      Thursday, 1^st & 2nd Dec Dress/ Tech  rehearsals DRTCC

·      Saturday, 3^rd & Sunday, 4^th DEC CONCERT ( exact times and organisation will be supplied closer to events.

UNIFORM Though we don’t have strict uniform policies we do ask that our students take pride in their appearance and come dressed looking and feeling like a dancer.  Our website has a comprehensive uniform guide and Gail in the office is able to help you with any orders you may need for shoes or attire.  We have been absolutely delighted at how our gorgeous students have presented for class and we ask that you keep up the good work.  Please ensure hair is tied back from face.  We would like everyone to have correct shoes by start of term as it is essential to the development of correct technique and adherence to safe dance practices.  We would also ask that all students bring a water bottle to class to stay hydrated. 

USA DANCE TOUR 2017 We are super excited to announce that we will be embarking upon a Dance Tour in 2017.  This wonderful opportunity is open to all students and their families.  Students will perform at Disneyland, Universal Studios, Hollywood Blvd and on board Carnival cruises cruising the Mexican Riviera.  Along with the fabulous performance opportunities are many exciting classes and workshops with L.A’s top dance professionals.  Having experienced this in 2008 and 2012 we are so thrilled that our students will once again have access to this phenomenal opportunity.  We have compiled a fabulous itinerary with our tour company, GLOBAL DANCE TOURS which includes L.A, Anaheim and a 7 night cruise to Mexico.  There is also an extension to New York for those students and families wanting a Broadway experience and an amazing adventure in the city that never sleeps.  For more information, costings and the itinerary please email rikki@steppingoutdance.com.au.  We already have a huge amount of interest from our Facebook post and are looking forward to taking the next steps.  A representative from our tour company will be hosting an Information Night and Presentation early Term 3 so please register interest NOW so we can keep you in the loop.

ROYAL ACADEMY OF DANCE CLASSICAL BALLET EXAMS  Our Ballet exams will be held in September and are open to interested and dedicated students from Pre-Primary to Grade 3.  Entries close late July.  We will be conducting preparation classes in the July school holidays to ensure students are ready.  In most cases students will also require an additional class during Term 3.  There will be costs associated for exam entry, pianist fees, additional rehearsals, uniform etc.  Please register interest via email at rikki@steppingoutdance.com.au  so you can be updated with the relevant information.

There are also holiday workshops with RAD examiners in Orange and Mudgee for those interested, which would be fantastic.  Please enquire for further information.   

NEWS & EVENTS Please stay in touch with us via our Facebook page.  We update it regularly with pictures and news about our students and classes.  We also post to our website under Dubbo News so you can always look back through the archives to check on notes or information you may have missed.  We have enjoyed enormous success at Dubbo Eisteddfod and love sharing our students triumphs be it in class or on the stage with you.

On behalf of all at Stepping Out Dance Factory we send our very best wishes for a safe and restful holiday period for our students and their families.

Happy Holidays.  Thank you for dancing with us in 2016!

Hair & Make Up Inspiration

GULGONG EISTEDDFOD

GULGONG EISTEDDFOD – SUNDAY, 3rd MAY

The Gulgong Eisteddfod will be our first Eisteddfod for 2015 and will be held at The Gulgong Memorial Hall, Herbert St.  This note contains information about session times, costume collection, additional rehearsals and hair and make up details.  Our best wishes for a most happy 2016 Eisteddfod season.  Thank you for your hard work, enthusiasm, attendance at rehearsals and support thus far.  We know you will shine.

Due to the two week holiday break, we will be holding extra rehearsals in the lead up to the event to ensure that we are feeling happy and confident about our performances.  Please ensure that you attend these very important rehearsals.

THE TIMETABLE FOR EXTRA REHEARSALS IS AS FOLLOWS;

Thursday 28^th April  4.15- 5.15 8 yrs Classical/ Modern

THURSDAY 28^th APRIL- COSTUME COLLECTION DAY ( a note will be supplied with costume balances in class )

Friday 29^th April STAGE REHEARSAL AT WESLEY HOUSE, cnr of Carrington Ave

THIS WILL BE A DRESS REHEARSAL ( hair & make up is not necessary) We do ask that you arrive before scheduled time as we have a large number of routines to rehearse and stage time is precious.  If the routine has been previously performed , there is no need to rehearse in it but please make sure that all costumes/ headpieces and accessories are accounted for. 

3.45- 4.15 8 years Classical

4.15- 4.30 12 years Jazz

4.30- 5.15 8 years Modern

5.15- 5.30 12 years Lyrical

5.30- 5.45 8 years Jazz

5.45- 6.00pm  HAIRSPRAY

6.00- 6.15 10 years Jazz

6.15- 6.30 Black Swan

6.30- 6.45 Let’s Get Physical

6.45- 7.00pm Chandelier

7.00- 7.15 Michael Jackson

7.15- 7.30 Everybody Dance Now

7.30- 7.45 14 years Lyrical

7.45- 8.00pm New Senior Jazz

8.00-8.15pm 14 years NEW Jazz

8.15- 8.30pm New Senior Contemporary 

Make Up Junior Under 12s-  foundation, powder, blusher, white eye shadow as base, brown eye shadow to accentuate eye, black eye liner, mascara ( false lashes encouraged), hot pink lipstick.  Blog & FB will have pics of make up.

Make Up Senior- Over 12s – foundation, powder, blusher, white eye shadow as base, brown eye shadow to accentuate eye, black liquid eye liner, false eye lashes, red/ maroon lipstick.

Times for arrival on Sunday, 1st May – Students will need to arrive with hair & make up ready at the designated time.

8.00am- HAIRSPRAY We are competitor No 2.  Hair as per 2015 Concert.  Matte tan tights and tan jazz shoes.

The 12 years Contemporary Group will debut at Dubbo Eisteddfod.

8.15am – 12 years Modern” – “Scarlett Ribbons.” We are competitor no 3.  Hair is to be straightened and half up, half down.  Ballet shoes ( elastic) and ballet stockings. 

8.45 am- 8 years Modern “Ordinary Miracle”   Hair slicked into a bun, mid range in line with ears.  Please use gel and hair spray and a bun net in matching hair shade.  Pin bun as you go to get a nice flat, round shape.  Ballet stockings and ballet shoes with elastic.   We are Competitor No 2

Please note there is no 8 years section so our delightful little performers will be dancing in 10 years. If you are unsure about getting a nice, flat, round bun please trial it for dress rehearsal or arrive at 8am with your hair supplies and we will do it for you.

9.00am 8 years Classical “Beatrix Potter”-  We are Competitor No 3 Hair as per Modern and ballet stockings and ballet shoes. There is no 8 years group so our dancers will be performing in the 10 years section.

9.30 am- 10 years Jazz We are Competitor No 2. Matte tan tights and tan jazz shoes.  Hair slicked into high pony tail with curls.

12.30pm- 8 years Jazz “Material Girl Medley”  “We are Competitor No 2. Matte tan tights and tan jazz shoes.  Hair in high ponytail and curled.  ( please bring curlers or tongs anyone with them and we will curl after they finish their Ballet.)

12.30pm- 12 years Jazz “Circus” We are Competitor No 4. Matte tan tights and tan jazz shoes.  Hair in high ponytail and curled.  ( please bring curlers or tongs anyone with them and we will curl after they finish their last routine in the morning.)

1pm- 15 years Lyrical “Chandelier” -”  We are Competitor No 1.  Hair as per previous performances in bun.  Contemporary dance shoes and convertible tights. “Let it Be” We are Competitor No 4.  Hair, tights and shoes as in Chandelier.

1pm “15 years Contemporary” We will only be performing Black Swan in this section and will go on as Number 5.  Please note that they have supplied us with very little time in between sections and routines for changes so we will only be able to do our best.  All the 15 years sections run straight after each other.  Hair in a classical bun. Contemporary dance shoes.

1.30 pm 15 years Jazz “Michael Jackson” will perform as Number 1 ( hair will need to remain in a bun for the length of the costume change if we think we can get hats over them.  I would appreciate those with long, thick hair checking this so we can make an informed decision for the day. “Canned Heat” will go on as Competitor No 4.  Matte tan tights and tan jazz shoes.

5.30pm- Open Contemporary- We are Competitor No 4.  Convertible tights and contemporary shoes.  Hair to be discussed when we see headpiece for costume.

5.30pm “Let’s Get Physical” As per 2015 Concert. We are Competitor no 1.

5.30pm “Everybody Dance Now” as per previous performances.  We are Competitor No 5 and “Sax” will perform as Competitor No 10. Tan Jazz shoes and tights.  Hair to be discussed upon seeing completed costume.

ALL JAZZ STUDENTS REQUIRE CAMEL SLIP ON JAZZ SHOES & MATTE TAN TIGHTS.  ALL MODERN & CONTEMPORARY STUDENTS REQUIRE CONVERTIBLE TIGHTS.

NEW RANGE DANCE JACKETS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT DRESS REHEARSAL on 1^st May.  They will be a black fleecy lined zip up hoodie with our logo in large on the back.  They will sell for $65.  Pre Orders can be given to Gail or Rikki to ensure that you don’t miss out on your size. 

If anyone could assist in the transport of props we would be most appreciative as we have quite a few to travel over with us.

MARCH/ APRIL NEWSLETTER

Wow here we are already at the end of Term 1! We thank you all for your support and enthusiasm.  Stepping Out has certainly enjoyed a fabulous start to the year and we look forward to what the rest of the year delivers.  Classes will conclude for Term 1 on Saturday, April 9th and resume on Tuesday, 26^th April. 

Payments  We kindly ask that all Term 1 payments are promptly paid.  Late fees have been added to accounts overdue.  Please ensure that payments are finalized before the end of term. We have waiting lists in places for most classes and will be offering those to new families if we have not received fees or indication of return before the end of term.  Enrolments and payments for Term 2 are also now open.  To ensure that your child is enrolled in the correct classes for Term 2 please email Gail at gail@steppingoutdance.com.au if you wish to make any amendments.  Office hours are 3.30 – 6.00pm Monday and Tuesday and Saturday 9.30am- 12noon.  As our classes are priced at packages per term rather than weeks, your fees will be charged the same for Term 2.  Other payment options are direct deposit Macquarie Credit Union, BSB 802 126 A/C 102490.

EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT SPECIAL OFFER! As a very special thank you to our existing families, we are offering a 10% EARLY BIRD DISCOUNT for Term Two fees paid during Week 11 (commencing 4^th April- 9^th April.) This will only be eligible for payments paid in person during this week. 

              Reminder of Important Dates

·      Gulgong Eisteddfod, Sunday 1^st May- GROUPS

·      Performance students please keep Monday April, 25^th free for rehearsals and Friday, 29^th April free for stage/ dress rehearsal

·      Week 10, Term 3, Concert Measurement Days

·      CONCERT DATES FOR 2016

·      Sunday, 13th November Stage Rehearsals DRTCC ( all students)

·      Thursday, 1^st & 2nd Dec Dress/ Tech  rehearsals DRTCC

·      Saturday, 3^rd & Sunday, 4^th DEC CONCERT ( exact times and organisation will be supplied closer to events.

UNIFORM Though we don’t have strict uniform policies we do ask that our students take pride in their appearance and come dressed looking and feeling like a dancer.  Our website has a comprehensive uniform guide and Gail in the office is able to help you with any orders you may need for shoes or attire.  We have been absolutely delighted at how our gorgeous students have presented for class and we ask that you keep up the good work.  Please ensure hair is tied back from face.  We would like everyone to have correct shoes by start of term as it is essential to the development of correct technique and adherence to safe dance practices.  We would also ask that all students bring a water bottle to class to stay hydrated. 

NEWS & EVENTS Please stay in touch with us via our Facebook page.  We update it regularly with pictures and news about our students and classes.  We also post to our website under Dubbo News so you can always look back through the archives to check on notes or information you may have missed.

On behalf of all at Stepping Out Dance Factory we send our very best wishes for a safe and restful holiday period for our students and their families.  The spirit of Easter is all about Hope, Love and Joyful Living.  May you have all in abundance.

STUDENT ACHIEVEMENTS Stepping Out Dance Factory congratulates students Chelsea May and Madeline Gibson for their inclusion in the Australian Ballet School Interstate Program.  This is a highly prestigious program that auditions nationally and internationally to select students who the school feels have the aptitude for a career in Classical Ballet.  Stepping Out is so delighted as a regional school to be so well represented at our nation’s top training facility and wish both girls all the best in their year of study with the ABS.  Miss Rikki and Miss Emma travelled to Sydney in March to observe the Sydney Masterclasses.  Maddie will travel to Melbourne next week to undertake an intensive week of study with the Australian Ballet School.  We are also incredibly thrilled to announce that Madeline Gibson was recently announced as a Finalist in the Isobel Anderson Awards.  Stepping Out Dance Factory belongs to the Royal Academy of Dance (a worldwide recognized and highly reputable teaching body.)  They recently held their Awards in Sydney over a series of preliminary heats, semi finals and then the Final on March, 20^th in Sydney.  Over 400 students were involved in this competition and Maddie was very excited to be one of seven finalists.  Again, it was wonderful to see country students achieving excellence in this field.  Stepping Out is incredibly proud of all their students and delights in the merit awards, weekly accomplishments, student successes and quests for personal excellence that fill our newsfeed each week.  Keep up the amazing work.

STARS OF DUBBO- DANCE FOR CANCER Stepping Out is honoured to once again be involved in this commendable charity effort.  Last year, this event raised over $50, 000 dollars for Cancer Research.  Stepping Out trained celebrities won all three categories with Judges Choice, People’s Choice and Highest Fundraiser.  We are very excited to be embarking upon this journey with five contestants, some of which are parents within our Stepping Out community and ask that you all kindly support their efforts and help us cheer them on.  The gala night will be held on Friday, July 1^st and tickets will go on sale soon.  Stepping Out will be organizing tables within the next week so please email rikki@steppingoutdance.com.au if you would like more information.  Once again, our stars and routines are not going to disappoint.

GOOD LUCK to those students travelling to Parkes for the RAD Ballet workshops on April 9^th/ 10^th.  An absolutely wonderful opportunity for those students interested in doing their ballet exams this year to work with an RAD examiner.  Limited spots still available.  Miss Rikki will be in attendance for both days.

There will be PRIVATE LESSONS available in the holidays and rehearsals for our Performance troupes in the first week of holidays.  Please contact the faculty.  Please let Rikki know if you would like more information.

Happy Holidays.  Thank you for dancing with us in 2016!