MERRY CHRISTMAS STEPPING OUTERS

On behalf of the Slack-Smith family and all at Stepping Out, we wish you a most Magical & Peace Filled Christmas Holiday period. And remember, when you get the chance to sit it out or dance, WE HOPE YOU DANCE.
Let magic, mirth & mayhem reign. Hold your loved ones close. Be Kind. Be thankful. Countdown to 2012 is on.

I WISH I COULD STEP BACK IN TIME & DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN

We have had the internet down so haven't been able to gush about the pride I feel for what was a most spectacular effort by all involved in this year's Concert. We loved the day from start to finish. Thank you to all of our fabulous parents, staff at DRTCC ( especially David Brown, Brendan & Ross), Stepping Out team, Sonya O'Connor & of course OUR INCREDIBLE STUDENTS. It was a JOY! You are all Superstars and I am most definitely doing my happy dance. Sad farewell to Miss Alicia ( amazing organisation backstage) and our gorgeous Cleo & Milsy ( off to boarding school next year.)

ONE MORE SLEEP

It's finally here and i am strangely calm. I am very excited to see the culmination of our year on stage in two dazzling shows tomorrow. Congratulations to everyone involved in the lead up to our Big Day. Our dress rehearsal was phenomenal and we couldn't be prouder. THE ATMOSPHERE WAS ELECTRIC and there was a lot of love in that theatre.
You all looked so beautiful and danced with heart, soul and passion.
I love how I say ONE MORE SLEEP like it's actually going to happen. Too excited and nervous. See you all tomorrow.

COUNTDOWN TO CONCERT

Well this time in two weeks we will be recuperating from what promises to be our most memorable concert yet but in the meantime, to get to this blissful state, much needs to happen. DON'T FORGET the following important dates;
* SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27th- STAGECRAFT REHEARSAL at WESLEY HALL ( all students have been given a timetable. Please contact me or check noticeboard if you have misplaced yours.)
* CLASSES MONDAY, 28th & TUESDAY, 29th will be as normal but we will also be using this time for Costume Collection. Balances of costumes will be supplied as they are made available to us from Sonya.
* DRESS REHEARSAL- WEDNESDAY 30th NOVEMBER at Dubbo Regional Theatre. 1st half performers required from 4- 6pm ( all Future Stars & Junior Jazz students will be dismissed at 5pm). 2nd half performers will be required from 6-8pm. Please be prompt and ready, fully dressed with hair & make up by commencement time as this is a full technical rehearsal.
NOTES ON CONCERT DAY ORGANISATION will go home in week before Concert.

GET READY FOR A GOOD TIME DECEMBER 3rd

Some hair photos

HAIR IN TWO BRAIDS AND REST OUT

TWO BRAIDS INTO HIGH PONYTAIL

Hair slicked using fine tooth comb and gel to get smooth appearance

A FEW QUESTIONS THAT AROSE YESTERDAY.....

Hi Everyone,
Monday's classes were handed their Concert Guide yesterday with important information about Rehearsals ( Stage & Dress) as well as Hair & Make Up.
I APOLOGISE AS IT HAS BEEN BROUGHT TO MY ATTENTION THAT JUNIOR JAZZ WAS OMITTED FROM THE LIST FOR DRESS REHEARSAL. JUNIOR JAZZ "Walk Like an Egyptian" will be in the first half ( so 4pm start on Wednesday 30th Nov)but closer to Dress Rehearsals you will be given a program of events.
I have no excuse other than a massive six hours typing up notes and working out programs and a somewhat brain deficiency caused by the commotion of the Slack-Smith kids in the background.
A note correcting this will be given to Junior Jazz next week. ( and can I add, WOW, how amazing is this group?? Miss Emma is doing a brilliant job with them. Energy & Enthusiasm Plus.)
The other concern was for those students who had hair changes. Exhale ladies. It will be ok. We are all there to help ( and there are quite a few experienced mums there). YOU CAN DO IT. Don't get too worried about it especially the curls ( though hair pieces are fabulous! I haven't curled my girls hair in years. I just clip on their flowing locks and away we go) But if you don't want to go to that expense, rags, foam rollers or heated are ideal. If you need to get your daughter's hair out and then up, I really suggest you start with two braids as this keeps the hair staying put all day and all night. I will post some pics for you of the various hair to help.

MAKE UP GUIDE

PLEASE CHECK OUT THE TUTORIAL FOR SOME FABULOUS TRICKS & TIPS FOR GETTING YOUR PERFECT STAGE FACE ON. LIGHTS! CAMERA! ACTION!

It's that time of year again when we dive into our treasure trove of make up and get our little darlings looking gorgeous for the stage! Why do we need to put make up on the kids? Well, though your little dancer may look like a mini drag queen off stage, I can assure you that on stage, they will just look like their sweet little self (with just a touch more pizzazz.) The lighting used can wipe them out and make it very hard for them to dazzle us with their brightest smiles so they need a little help to highlight their features PLUS IT'S FUN! Little girls love make up!Mums, I feel your pain....it's hard to get animated, excited little faces still long enough to weave your magic wand. And then there is the liquid eye liner....oh and the tears, you forget how easily and often little faces can crumple into tears until you spy your pain stakingly applied handi work sliding down their faces. BUT know this, it does get easier and quicker. A little bit of practise before the big day and you are good to go. Remember, children, like animals smell fear! Go into the application with confidence and assertiveness. You are a make up magician. Here is my guide to lighting up our Junior's faces.
* Use a foundation in their shade ( you can go one shade darker than skin tone for stage but make sure you cover neck etc as well). I suggest using a sponge to apply. It's much quicker and much better for coverage. Some skin tones may not require much foundation.
* DO use powder to blot out shininess and it will help rest of make up to go on with ease and stay on.
* Use a white highlighter (shadow or powder form- some have a real sheen or a glitter) and lightly place under eye area and along cheekbone. Get your little one to suck in cheeks and generously apply hot pink blusher (for very rosy cheeks.)
* Closing eyes, cover entire eye area in white or ivory eyeshadow. Using a brown eye shadow cover entire eye lid. Accentuate corner of eye with a darker brown shade. Trace top lid with crayon eye liner in black and extend along eye in a cat's eye. (I use a crayon liner rather than pencil as it is easier on little faces). Use crayon liner under eye as well but below natural line so as to enlarge eyes.
* Use a white eye liner in corner of eyes on both sides.
* If using false eye lashes apply now. Use glue on both lashes and paint along upper lid. Press firmly and hold until fully dry. If not using eye lashes ( on little ones etc) just use mascara on top and lower lashes. Apply LOTS especially if they are fair.
* You can then if you like go over crayon with liquid eye liner ( I use the pen ones) as again they are much easier.
* On fair children , it is important to draw in eye brows in slightly darker shade than hair. Just lightly colour in.
* Outline lips in lip liner- I colour in lips with it as well and then apply lip stick! HOT PINK- as bright as you can find!!
Here are some pics of Immy & Onny in full make up! There are always lots of mums who have been there, done that all before and remember their first days of making up their children and who are only too happy to help! Please ask us if we can help you! Concerts should be fun and not stressful!

Tutorial: Ballet Stage Make Up

FLYING OUT THE DOOR

Whoah! In our first two hours of ticket sales we are overwhelmed by the response. The 5pm show is close to being a sell out and the 11am is selling fast too. If you haven't already done so, time to start booking those seats to see your superstars.
Your notes are going home today about Concert Rehearsals & Hair & Make Up.
Stick it on the fridge or somewhere handy. It is your Concert Bible.

It's beginning to feel a lot like ...............................Concert

Concert Fever has descended.Miss Emma and I are in a slather of sweat and excitement as we count down to Stepping Out's BIGGEST DAY OF THE YEAR. As frantic and busy as it all is, we really do LOVE it and by the enthusiasm in class, the kids are LOVING it too.
I read an interesting post the other day on another BLOG about Ballet Recitals which mainly consisted of a barrage of angry protests from dance mums about the trials and tribulations of Dance Concert time. I do understand that it is a surreal world for many of you and you must wonder at the costs, the hair requirements, the make up and the creeping anxiety that you are plunging your child into some bizarre Toddlers & Tiaras world but I truly believe that it is also a MAGICAL time. The world needs more magic.
So, though yes, we are all living in an ever increasing demanding and busy world, opportunities such as dance concerts really do allow us to exhale, breathe in some wonder, blow some fairy dust and suspend our disbelief. This is the stuff kids dream of. I really appreciate the families at Stepping Out. We are yet to have any gripes in the lead up to Concert. You all seem so genuinely excited about your child's "moment." Thank you for supporting us in contributing to important childhood memories.
We really are looking foward to sharing in this magical time with you. They are all working so hard. You will laugh, you will cry, you will be astounded by your child's talent and big smile. Why? Because you are their parent and because they make you so proud, regardless of whether they are wiggling their toosh, stunned by the lights or in full flight across the stage. ENJOY! Childhood is so fleeting.
We have some magical moments awaiting you. I can't pick a favourite routine yet. Thanks again for your support and co-operation- it makes it so much easier to focus on the children. Lots more information coming your way over the next few weeks. We will endeavour not to bombard you too much.