CHOREOGRAPHY WORKSHOP 21st & 22nd FEBRUARY

CHOREOGRAPHY WORKSHOP

Welcome to our Performance Teams in 2015.  We really hope that you are going to embrace and enjoy the spirit of working as a team and developing your performance and technical skills with us this year.  We are very excited to get started on the routines and more excited to start building a rapport with our beautiful teams of kids. 

Saturday, 21^st February 15

3.00- 4.00pm    10 years Lyrical

4.00-5.30pm     14 years Lyrical

Sunday, 22^nd February 15

10.00am- 11.30pm  12 years Jazz  

11.30am- 12.30pm  10 years  Jazz /       14 years Contemporary

12.30-1.00 LUNCH  

1.00-2.30  14 years Jazz    / 12 years Lyrical

2.30- 4.00pm Senior Jazz

·      Please note that we will discuss with senior dancers a time to develop their contemporary routine as we need all in attendance for formations etc  

·       COSTUME MEASUREMENT WILL BE HELD ON THURSDAY, MARCH 5^th & FRIDAY, MARCH 6^th 4-7pm at the studio.  A $30 deposit will be required for each costume.  A detailed list of routines and costumes required will be sent home closer to the date. 

FEBRUARY NEWSLETTER

Dear Families,

Welcome to Stepping Out Dance Factory.  We hope that you are enjoying your first weeks with us.  Please ensure that you have completed your online registration or brought in your enrolment form to Gail in the office to ensure that your enrolment with us has been finalized.

We love everyone’s enthusiasm and are thrilled to be welcoming so many new families to Stepping Out.  Here are some important dates that are already finalized for the year and we ask that you take note of these in your diary.  It’s going to be a big and wonderful year at Stepping Out.

IMPORTANT DATES COMING UP & CONCERT 2015 DATES. FOR ALL THE BUSY MUMS & DADS WHO LIKE TO BE SUPER ORGANISED, HERE ARE SOME DATES FOR YOUR DIARY.

* Saturday 21st/ 22nd Feb- Performance Team Choreography

* Costume Measurements for Eisteddfod ( first week of March. Dates supplied to Performance Students in class)

* Gulgong Eisteddfod Entries close 13th March

* Dubbo Eisteddfod entries close 20th March

* Gulgong Eisteddfod, Sunday 3rd May- GROUPS

* Dubbo Eisteddfod, 13th & 14th June- GROUPS ( proposed)

* Week 10, Term 3, Concert Measurement Days

* Sunday, 15th November Stage Rehearsals DRTCC ( all students)

* Thursday, 10th & Friday, 11th Dec Dress rehearsals DRTCC

* Saturday, 12th & 13th Dec CONCERT ( exact times and organisation will be supplied closer to events.)

We will add Important Dates as they are made available to us.

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 mid 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. 

MONDAY JUNIOR BALLET & JAZZ  Wow! What a full house we enjoyed in our Primary Ballet and 6-8 years Jazz classes on Monday?! These classes will be now using teacher assistants but we would also like to take this opportunity to inform you that we will also be offering these classes on a Thursday afternoon with Miss Georgie at the exact same times.  If these times are convenient we would love to see you there.  We are also offering additional Ballet technique classes on Thursday nights in Intermediate Foundation and Intermediate, which we highly recommend for our ballet students.

ANGELINA BALLERINA & LITTLE STARS  Stepping Out has a very large preschool department and offers 8 different classes for our little stars with big dreams.  We are so passionate about teaching little people and have thoroughly enjoyed our first precious meetings with them.  We have posted a blog post on our website www.steppingoutdance.com.au under Dubbo News about what to expect when starting dance classes that may be useful to many parents settling their child into this exciting journey. 

ADULT JAZZ Why should the kids have all the fun?  Follow the call of the disco ball and come and join in Miss Emma’s funky Jazz Class on a Tuesday night between 7.15pm and 8.15pm.  It really is the ultimate work out plus you get to have a lot of fun and share some laughter and positive energy with a great bunch of people. 

WEDNESDAY PERFORMANCE CLASSES Thank you to all of our beautiful Performance students and families for your patience last week as we organized the ages and styles required for Performance classes.  Our new timetable is as follows;

3.45-4.30 Drama
4.30- 5.30pm 10 years & U Performance( all styles)
5.15-6.00 pm BOYS CLASS
5.30 -6.15 12 years Jazz Performance
6.15- 7.00 pm 12 years Mod Performance / 14 years Jazz Performance
7.00-7.45 14 years Mod Performance / Senior Jazz Performance 7.45 -8.30 pm Senior Mod Performance 
These times will be effective from 18^th February.  A separate note will be sent home with times for our Choreography Workshop this weekend 21^st & 22^nd February.  WE ARE SO EXCITED TO EMBARK ON THIS WITH YOU.  A lovely team spirit is already developing between our students which I know we will extend to our fellow competitors throughout Eisteddfod season.

PRIVATE LESSONS Private lessons are available with Miss Georgie, Miss Emma & Miss Rikki.  Vacancies are limited so please send requests to our FB page inbox or rikki@steppingoutdance.com.au.  Classes are charged at $25 a half hour and payable to your teacher at the time of the lesson.  Please be aware that it is soloists responsibility to enter their routines for any eisteddfods they wish to enter. 

Thank you once again for choosing Stepping Out Dance Factory in 2015.  For all the latest news ,pictures and fun events at Stepping Out please like our Facebook page and follow us on instagram @steppingoutdancefactory.

HAPPY DANCING!

The Team at Stepping Out Dance Factory

STARTING DANCE CLASSES- What to Expect?

We have just enjoyed our first class of the year and over the coming week will be welcoming many new faces to our studio.  This period is sure to prove to be a busy but extremely rewarding one.  Stepping Out is home to a huge amount of little people and we cherish the opportunity to introduce your little ones to the many joys and rewards of dance education.  WE know that this is just as exciting and nerve wracking for parents as it is for our tiny dancers so I thought it was important that we all reflect on what this first big step might mean for our tiniest students.

Today's class was a perfect example of the many little glorious temperaments that make up a typical early years dance class.  We had our shy ones, we had the usually reserved ones who surprised their parents ( and themselves I am sure!), the super confident ones, the seasoned professionals ( third year of dance class anyone?!), the anxious ones, the overwhelmed ones and the ones who felt that their own choreography was probably the most fabulous, especially performed in front of that huge mirror and the silly teacher up front was just a distraction.  ALL of these unique little beings contribute something very special to our class dynamic.  I am in the very enviable position of having experienced many first dance classes and to this day, I remain in awe of what those first steps represent not only over the course of a year but in the bigger scheme of their life and how they will approach the myriad of learning opportunities presented to them over their lifetime.

We have been thrilled to hear news of mass excitement, sensations of butterflies and mad enthusiasm as we all await our first dance classes for the year.  For some of our students they will fling themselves through the door with confidence and ease but for some of our dancers, especially our beginners and our tiny ones.......they might feel more like clinging to their parents or nervous as to what their class will entail, who will be their friend and will they know what to do.  As a three year old, I was the very SHY one.  I clung to my Mum's leg.  I thank my parents every day that they persisted and realised I was just waiting for the opportunity to let myself open to the spell binding and magical world that is dance.

Your teachers are all excited and nervous too.  Stepping Out is also home to an energetic and dynamic bunch of committed teachers who know that along with the joys of being a dance teacher comes a lot of hard work.  Our biggest concern is YOU, our students.  We strive to create a beautiful and supportive environment where everyone feels welcome.  You are all very important to us and we have loved the opportunities to talk to your families, meet new little faces and hear about your goals for the year.  We want to dance alongside you.  We want you to have a haven for your creativity and self expression and most importantly of all, we want you to walk out our doors with confidence, self belief and a huge smile.  Energy is contagious.  We want to surround you with positivity and possibilities.

Parents, especially parents of little people, do know that for some children it will take a few weeks to feel completely at ease in a new learning environment.  It is overwhelming to suddenly leave the security of Mum or Dad, your normal routine and suddenly be in the spotlight in dance class with lots of new faces.  KNOW that it is very normal for your usually very gregarious child to suddenly turn very shy or the child who was up dressed in their tutu by 6am to suddenly be frozen and glued to your hand refusing to budge.  SO, if they just want to watch for a bit or there is tears, it's Ok, in fact it's more than OK, they are still learning and absorbing and bit by bit taking those first tentative steps out into the big world and next time it will be a little easier and a little less daunting.  As teachers, we have had the wealth of experience and the joy of many years helping our little dancers find their wings so we won't bat an eye.  We won't question whether your child is ready or label you a pushy parent.  WE trust and know that each child starts to engage at their own unique time.  It may be immediately or it may be the second or third week of class.  This is all very normal and encouraged.  I, for one am very glad that my parents persevered with my initial efforts as a fledging ballerina.

WHY DO WE USE MONITORS?

As mums ourselves, we understand and respect the enormous trust you place in us in the tuition of your children.  We are really proud of our dance curriculum and really want to show you that you have made the right decision in entrusting your child to us.  We do believe it is important that parents are able to witness the content of the class, our teaching philosophies and the knowledge of your teacher.  We know that the most enriching learning opportunities will arise when we have the full attention of your child and are allowed the opportunity to develop a rapport with them and within the dynamics of the class.  Children can be easily hampered by distractions and focus and discipline are important traits of any enthusiastic and engaged learners.  In 2014, we decided to place cameras in our teaching studios to ensure that we could enjoy the best of both worlds.  We have a monitor in our foyer that provides a window into your child's dance class without any of the distractions or differing temperaments that emerge when children have parents or siblings in the class observing them.

You are very welcome to wait in our foyer and be enthralled and entertained by your child's progress or theatrics but we are just as happy if you drop and go.  Trust that our goal is to have your child feel alive and energised within their own body and that we have the best interests of your child and the class at stake.  Even if a little one is teary, please allow us the opportunity to calm them.  Sometimes this special performance is just reserved for Mum or Dad.  If we can't settle a child after a short period, we will send for you.  OUR GOAL IS HAPPY CHILDREN.  Most times. it is less than five minutes and your child is skipping about and any anxiety is quickly forgotten.  If we believe that a child is not coping within the class, we will take your little one to you.  I know I was super proud today to see so many of our last year's Angelina's taking new little hands and guiding them through the class.  Please allow us the opportunity to get to know what works best for your child.

FOR OUR CONTINUING STUDENTS, it's ok to be a little nervous or hesitant too.  You've been out of routine and had a long break but your body will remember.  We look forward to getting sore with you and helping you to soar this year.
Together, with the support of parents, we will have happy classes of happy students progressing at their own unique rate in no time.  HAPPY DANCING EVERYONE.  We are looking forward to all the wonderful emotions the first few weeks will stir.
See you in class.

WELCOME TO 2015 AT STEPPING OUT DANCE FACTORY

Dear Stepping Out Students & Families,

We trust that you have had a Wonderful Christmas and are enjoying your holidays.  Congratulations on your outstanding performance in our 2014 Concert “IMAGINE. ”  We were so incredibly proud of this production and all of your spectacular efforts.  We can’t wait to see where 2015 will take us.  Thank you so much for the incredible feedback we have received.  Each New Year presents us with so many exciting possibilities and opportunities.  2015 promises to be a fabulous and rewarding year for us all as we welcome new classes and a new teacher, Georgie Pirie to our dynamic faculty.  Our delightful Little Stars Department, incorporating the Angelina Ballerina Academy continues to grow and we are very excited to be able to present you with more opportunities for your little people to learn and shine.  Classes for 2015 will commence on Monday, 9th February. ( we think it is very important that all of our families, students and mouselings have a full week back at school and the rigours of family routines before embarking on after school activities.)

Enrolments for 2015 will take place at our studio, Unit 7/ 74 Mountbatten Drive on Sunday, 18^th January, 10am - 2pm and Friday, 23^rd January 4-7pm.  We are so looking forward to seeing you all.  If you will not be in town on this day we would ask that you would still indicate your intention to enrol by this date. Enrolment forms will this year be available at our Enrolment Day or online at our website.  Most exciting of all, our new software program allows you to enrol and pay online.  We are also very excited to inform you that we are now working in conjunction with EziDebit to give you even more payment options. If you are going to be away on this day, please email us or check our website for our online enrolment and payment facility. Your enrolment form and payment can be forwarded to us by post to P.O Box 2796.

We ask that your enrolment fee of $25 per individual or $30 per family is paid on Enrolment Day to secure your place.  We will also be offering a 10% Early Bird Discount for any student wishing to pay their Term 1 fees at our Enrolment Days.  Your receipt will be issued to you at Enrolment for your Term’s fees. Methods of payment available on this day include cash, cheque and credit/ eftpos facilities.  There will also be comprehensive handbooks available at our Enrolment Days outlining everything you need to know about Stepping Out Dance Factory and these are invaluable to our new families.

The Timetable for 2015 is now on our website www.steppingoutdance.com.au . We are also asking for students to indicate interest in Eisteddfod participation by this date.  If you are interested in being involved in Solo or Troupe work please ensure that you let the faculty know at Enrolment.  We are hoping to offer Performance groups for all ages across all dance styles.  We strongly encourage our students to consider being a part of an Eisteddfod Performance Group in 2015 as this provides lots of fabulous opportunities for students to develop their skills, form friendships and have FUN.  Private Lessons are available during the summer holidays.  Please contact Rikki on 041 3361724 if you would like an early start to your routines for the year.  Classes for 2014 include Classical Ballet, Jazz, Hip Hop, Stretch, Tap, Little Stars Ballet & Jazz( we can not rave enough about the wonder of the Angelina Ballerina Programme- more classes will open during the week and during day time slots with interest so please indicate your most ideal time so we can see if we can cater to it) Performance, Modern/Contemporary & Pointe. WE ARE SUPER EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THAT THE ADDITION OF NEW STAFF ALSO MEANS WE ARE ABLE TO OFFER MORE CLASSES AND THAT DRAMA IS BEING ADDED TO OUR CURRICULUM IN 2015.  We will also have a BOYS ONLY class and age specific classes for our Tiny Tots curriculum.

In our commitment to create ease for our studio families, we have implemented a brand new dance management software program that is now accessible within our website.  This program enables users to create their own log in, enrol, pay invoices and make online purchases.  Merchandise for 2015 includes delightful Starter packs for the Angelina Programme, Stepping Out tank tops, bags, drink bottles and your general dance wear supplies.  For very competitive prices, we urge you to check out our online store. Don’t forget all of your dancing requirements are available through our in-studio shop. Orders can be taken at Enrolment Day.   WE will also be taking orders for brand new studio jackets and tracksuits at this time. 

Don’t forget that your child’s love of dance can be celebrated at Stepping Out Dance Factory’s Birthday parties.  Imagine your child’s special day being combined with their love for dance?! Party themes include Angelina Ballerina, Hip Hop Dance Party ,Rock star and other assorted themes suited to your individual child’s interests and dreams.  Please contact the Directors for more information on how we can best cater to your special day and take the fuss out of your next party. 

Don’t forget to check out the website, www.steppingoutdance.com.au and click on the News section for your relevant area.  Stepping Out is also on Facebook so be sure to hit LIKE on our page for all the latest news and pictures.  There is always something hot off the Factory Floor.  We welcome your calls or emails for additional information.  Call Rikki on 0413 361724 or email rikki@steppingoutdance.com.au Looking forward to seeing you or hearing from you by the 24th January!

Enjoy the remainder of your holidays-

The Team at Stepping Out Dance Factory

CONCERT DAY ORGANISATION

OW & FINALE’

CONCERT DAY ORGANISATION FOR SUNDAY, 14^th DECEMBER

·       An Order of Appearance was given with Dress Rehearsal Information. For parents wishing to collect students after they dance, you will be able to use this to assist in timing pick up. Please be aware that parents are required to change students if they are involved in more than one routine or make own arrangements to have another parent dress and change your child. 

·       Students appearing in the first half are asked to be at the venue by 10.15am (11am show) & 4.15pm (5pm show)fully dressed, with hair & make up done for first routine.  Please enter through back stage entrance ( Carrington Ave), locate your name ( in class rolls- as per order of appearance) and mark your name off.

·       Students appearing in the second half only are asked to be at the venue by 12noon (11am show )  & 6.00pm (5pm show)and follow same instructions as set out above.  If students are watching the concert they need to report backstage for 2^nd half ( if that is when their item is) at the times given.

·       Parents leaving auditorium to dress performers throughout performance will be granted Back of House access through a door located near Door 1. ( foyer area past toilets)  We ask that you exit the auditorium from Door 2 and 3 only to gain access to this door to back stage.  Exiting from these doors will ensure minimum disruption to performers and patrons.  Please acquaint yourself with this door before the performance commences.  Likewise, students will need to follow same procedure if leaving auditorium to go backstage for a performance or change of costume.

·       No one is allowed to sit in the aisles or on the steps under any circumstances (WH & S).

·       Mobile phones must be turned off during the performances.

·       Students who have tickets to watch are permitted to leave backstage area after they have performed.  All students must sign out on class roll and Students under 12 years of age must be collected from backstage area /dressing rooms by a parent or guardian. 

·       ALL students will be reappearing in the Finale’ but it is at discretion of parents for young students if they stay for 11am show or if they return home for a rest.  Students will be notified via a voice over when it is time to return backstage for FINALE’.  The 2014 Presentation will follow the 5pm Performance.  We would really like to acknowledge all students and have them present for Presentation.

·       Refreshments are available for purchase from the bar area.

·       Classes for 2014 will cease on Sunday, 14^th December.   Due to the two extra rehearsals, there will be no classes on Saturday, 13^th December for our Angelina classes as these little performers (and their parents) will deserve a rest for the big day. We thank you for the tremendous support and enthusiasm shown by all students and their families throughout 2014  and we look forward to celebrating this in our production. 2015 Enrolment Information will be sent out in January and our 2015 Enrolment Days will be held on Saturday, 17^th January 10am- 2pm  and Friday, January 23^rd  4-7pm at our studio Unit 7/74 Mountbatten Drive.  Private Tuition for Eisteddfods will commence in early January 2014- Please register your interest with Miss Rikki on 041 336 1724.

·       A DVD Form has been sent home with this note.  Colin Rouse of RSVP Photography will be in attendance during dress rehearsals and the two shows to capture those special moments. Photos from the concert can be viewed at 22 Leonard Street from Monday 15th December until Friday 2nd January 2015.

·       A note regarding our special limited edition, commemorative Programs has also been sent home.  These can be pre-ordered at a cost of $10.

·       GOOD LUCK EVERYONE! WE CAN’T WAIT TO SEE YOU SHINE!