Starting Dance Classes

We are counting down until the official commencement of our 2020 dancing year.  I feel like I have been in the studio most days working with our existing Performance and solo students but the butterflies have well and truly set in when I contemplate what February 8th, 2020 will bring.  Not only will we get the esteemed privilege of enjoying our first classes of the year but over over the coming weeks, we will also 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.  At the core of teaching preschool children is our belief that at this magical period of time, children hold the whole world within their grasp.  It is our greatest desire to preserve the magic of childhood and ignite their learning potential through movement, music and imaginative play.

Our READY SET DANCE and READY SET BALLET classes present a perfect example of the many little glorious temperaments that make up a typical early years dance class.  We have our shy ones, we enjoy the usually reserved ones who surprise 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 feel that their own choreography is probably the most fabulous, especially performed in front of that huge mirror and the silly teacher up front is 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.  I have already shared in the joy of little dancers collecting their uniform and preening in front of the mirror awaiting their turn to open the door into their first dance class.  For some of our students they will fling themselves through that 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. At this stage, all preschool classes are under monitor and we are awaiting cameras to be installed in our new premises. 

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.  Please allow us the opportunity to get to know what works best for your child. We want your child to colour the world with their own unique colours and learning is all about discovery. We can't wait to see their unique world view and creativity flourish.

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.

IS YOUR LITTLE ONE READY TO TRULY GROW & LEARN THIS YEAR WITH READY SET DANCE?

LITTLE STARS DEPARTMENT -our very own innovative approach to introducing tiny tots to the magical world of dance.  We have long been recognised as leaders in Dubbo in the area of early dance education and with good reason.  Not only are we dance educators but many of our faculty are either school teachers or trained in early childhood.  Our READY SET DANCE teachers are all also mothers so have a beautiful perspective on not only what a preschooler needs but also their own unique reality. We aspire to LET THEM BE LITTLE but also recognise the power of this profound development stage to encourage them to be LIFELONG LEARNERS. It truly is the most special and transformative time of a young child's life and we want to assure that we are promoting CREATIVITY, COORDINATION and CONFIDENCE every step of the way.  Our classes are presented in an imaginative and child-centred way to introduce children to the fundamental basics of dance and musicality.  Little Stars features the exclusive READY SET DANCE Program as seen on Nick Jnr.  We love to teach and we especially love to teach little people because we know it is our tiniest dancers who deserve the most magical, educational and innovative start to their journey in Dance. As long time dance educators it is our belief that READY SET DANCE and READY SET BALLET are the current leaders in their industry and we want the children of Dubbo to always be one step ahead when it comes to the careful training and inspiration of their hearts, minds and bodies. 

 We truly believe Stepping Out Dance Factory offers the best possible way to introduce your little one to the enchanting and rewarding world of dance.  To give your little dancer the best start and to ensure they feel like a star, Stepping Out has a range of READY SET DANCE & READY SET BALLET starter packages containing everything your little star needs to fulfil their dreams.  Please see our online store for a delightful pack containing everything your child needs at very competitive prices to give your little one the opportunity to put their best foot forward. 

We know that there is a BUZZ about our classes and we are honoured that so many of our students come to us via word of mouth. Everyone is talking about the amazing READY SET DANCE classes at Stepping Out Dance Factory and we are so excited to be in our second year of the program after our successful launch last year. Before then we had held many little hands in our twenty one year history and hope to continue this legacy well into our future. 

READY SET DANCE in an amazing pre-school dance program designed especially for boys and girls aged 2 to 5 years old. This is a one hour combo class that includes jazz, tap, hip hop, singing, music and a whole lot of fun. 

The READY SET DANCE students are going to LOVE....

    • Busting out their hip hop moves

    • Singing like a star

    • Joining the puppet show

    • Skipping along fairytale lane

    • Floating on their yoga cloud

    • Learning rhythm on our animal safari

    • Jumping in puddles with their tap shoes

    • Playing with our parachutes

    • Going bananas with all of our cool music

READY SET DANCE is a performing arts syllabus designed specifically for preschoolers by expert youth dance educators. This brilliant program has become a huge phenomenon across Australia with more than 200 leading dance schools on board. Stepping Out Dance Factory is proud to be the exclusive READY SET DANCE studio for the Dubbo area.

With a major emphasis on fun and creating confident little people, this syllabus is the first stepping stone on your child’s dance journey. We just know it will be your child’s favourite hour of the week. This class is not only an introduction to dance but a place to grow, learn and make friends. READY SET DANCE is the perfect way to start developing the co-ordination skills that form technique foundations and are the basics of dance classes.

Boys and girls love READY SET DANCE. The music is a mix of traditional songs and the latest hits that kids love. There’s something for everyone. 

READY SET BALLET is a unique class, created to make Ballet really fun for our youngest students. Through story-telling, dance adventures and games, the gorgeous little ballerinas learn beautiful movements and develop their dance technique.

It’s so easy to fall in love with Ballet and dance when you have passionate teachers who are kind and nurturing. Our passionate and dedicated READY SET BALLET teachers love to inspire, teach and create the next generation of talented Stepping Out stars.  

Using exclusive Australian-produced music that has been written to appeal specifically to pre-schoolers, this 30- minute class incorporates magic wands, fairy dust, ribbons, balloons, butterfly wings and dolls.

READY SET BALLET learn important techniques like pliés, turn out and pointed toes as they are introduced to the magical world of Ballet, providing solid technique foundations to help our young dancers excel in all styles of dance when they're older.

There’s no chance of ever being bored in a READY SET BALLET class when you’re flying on a magic carpet, tracing rainbows, catching butterflies and being a mermaid.

Every READY SET BALLET class is scheduled directly after READY SET DANCE so it is the perfect addition to our READY SET DANCE program, or it can be a stand-alone class for those little ones who only want to do Ballet.

Boys are also welcome in our READY SET BALLET class, and our clever teachers incorporate elves, princes, wizards and toy soldiers into the narrative of the lesson.

Your child will feel like a real ballerina and will adore every moment of our READY SET BALLET class.

We are also incredibly excited to announce that we will be offering READY SET PERFORMANCE in 2020 for any of our preschoolers who loved their time on stage so much that they wish to perform in Eisteddfods.  There will be special sections for this enchanting age group at both Dubbo and Wellington Eisteddfods.  All of our dancers will also appear in our end of year CONCERT SPECTACULAR! 

OUR FACULTY

FACULTY 

Director - Rikki Slack-Smith - Principal B.A Dip Ed DDTS RTS

Bachelor of Arts Dip Ed ( Macquarie University), Royal Academy of Dance Diploma in Dance Teaching Studies, RAD Registered Teacher 

Rikki has taught dance for 30 years and been Principal of her own studio for the last 21 years. She is a qualified secondary teacher (English, Drama, Dance) with a Bachelor of Arts/ Diploma of Education and has taught at St Johns College for  twenty- three years. Rikki holds a Diploma of Dance Teaching through the Royal Academy of Dance and has enjoyed extensive and varied experience at dance studios and schools throughout the region. Former pupils have been accepted into the Victorian College of the Arts, Australian Ballet School Interstate Program, Brent St, ED5 International, Sydney Dance Company Pre-Professional and are also dancing professionally in ballet companies, productions and cruise ships around the world. Rikki is a dynamic and inspiring dance teacher who believes in a whole person approach to the study of dance. She believes there are no limits to what children can achieve when they are given access to opportunities that promote their confidence and self belief. It is these qualities that ensures future success and happiness in all of their endeavours. Rikki is intensely proud of the nurturing culture that exists within Stepping Out and the beautiful people that have risen through its ranks. She is married to David and they have five children, Imogen, Ondine, Cale, Archer and Evie. Her family and her Stepping Out family are her world.

Georgia Barber- Administration/ Dance Teacher

Bachelor of Dance( Victorian College of the Arts), RAD Registered Teacher

Miss Georgie fell in love with dance at age four when she started classes in her hometown, Narromine. She  trained with Miss Rikki from age ten and then Tanya Hearne-Keenan and Dance Unlimited from age 13-18years. In this time she completed her RAD Classical Ballet grades to Advanced 1. Georgie was very excited to be accepted into the highly renowned Victorian College of the Arts where she gained a Bachelor of Dance. At the tender age of 21, Georgie returned to Dubbo and ran her own dance studio for eleven exciting and illuminating years. With three young sons, Georgie stepped back from Principal and enjoyed teaching and nurturing young dancers at Dubbo City Performing Arts Studio. Georgie is a highly accomplished teacher and holds her RAD Teaching Certificate as well as choreography accolades for the Victorian Youth Theatre and the RAD Gala. Stepping Out was very blessed when Georgie accepted an offer to teach with us in 2015. She is a much loved member of our faculty and can be found most mornings laying the foundation of quality dance training( with humour, heart and twirling galore) with our adored tiny dancers who love her so. Georgie is committed to empowering our dancers to explore their creativity and to dance through their days. Georgie is the proud mum of three beautiful and energetic sons, Harley, Archie and

Jimmy.

Emma Trudgett  - Dance Teacher

Bachelor of Primary Education, Cert IV in Dance Teaching & Management

Emma is one of Stepping Out Dance Factory's success stories.  Trained exclusively by Rikki, Emma has risen through the ranks from student to teacher with acclaim and aplomb.  Emma always possessed an incredible ability  to bring out the best in people and her obvious rapport with children saw her study teaching and gain both a Bachelor of Primary Education and a Certificate IV in Dance Teaching and Management.  She was a pivotal member of the 2013 team who represented Stepping Out and Australia at the International Dance Festival in Prague.  Emma has also been a key member of our three USA Tours in both a performing and teaching/ choreographer capacity.  Her teaching and dance credentials allowed her to be a part of the Active After Care Program  and she has taught dance to isolated children from 2008- 2013.  Emma was featured in Channel Nine's 2013 New Years Eve telecast as one of Australia's "Everyday Heroes"  and was the former director of her own studio Forbes. Former students of Emma’s have also been accepted into the Australia Ballet School Interstate Program, Transit Interstate Program and Sydney Dance Company Pre- Professional Program.  She is the besotted mother Of Frankie born in April, 2019. 

Brandi McGuire - Dance Teacher

Diploma of Performing Arts, Cert III in Live Productions

Brandi McGuire was born and raised in Dubbo NSW training in all styles during her fundamental years at Stepping Out Dance Factory. She has performed all over the Central West in many eisteddfods and community events, winning countless major awards in the process. In 2008, Brandi travelled to the USA and danced at Disneyland and Universal Studios as well as taking classes at The Edge. In 2014, Brandi successfully auditioned for ED5 International Performing Arts- the leading full time musical  theatre school in the country while at the Australian Dance Festival. Brandi moved to Sydney in 2015 for the two year dancing, singing and acting course and during her time performed at the Netball World Cup, Arnott’s Charity Gala Ball, Cara House Gala Ball and the Premiers Concert ‘Puttin on the Ritz’ just to name a few. Brandi graduated in 2016 with her Diploma of Performing Arts to two sold out shows at the NIDA theatres. Brandi also holds her Cert III in Live Productions, First Aid Certificate and Working with Children’s Check. Since graduating, Brandi has been teaching at one of the Blue Mountains leading dance and aerial circus schools. Brandi returned to her home town in 2019 and has proven herself an indispensable member of the team.  In 2020 Brandi will become a fully accredited Acrobatics teacher and SODF is excited to welcome her expertise and enthusiasm to kickstart this exciting addition to our curriculum.   

Emma Duffy

Emma is one of our Senior Students currently studying her HSC at Dubbo College.  Emma is not only a highly accomplished dancer but also gymnast and she brings a warmth and high level of expertise to her teaching, most notably in Stretch and Contemporary styles.  A highly awarded dancer on the Central West dance circuit, Emma’s immense potential as a Contemporary dance artist was noted on an International Level when she was one of ten finalists for the Brisbane Inaugural International Contemporary Grand Prix.  Emma looks forward to her secondment at Sydney Dance Company as part of her prize pool.  Emma is a much loved faculty member who is an adored inspiration to her young charges and regularly seen assisting in Classical Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary classes for our junior students as well as taking her own classes and private coaching. Emma has completed her Royal Academy of Dance examinations to Advanced Foundation level with excellent results. 

Claudia Bruce 

We are so fortunate that our beautiful Claudia is having a Gap year before University and will be staying in Dubbo to continue her love for dance and teaching. You will see her radiant face in the Office and also regularly assisting with all teaching classes as well as her own.  Claudia is a highly accomplished dancer who has been awarded at all competitions throughout the Central West with outstanding successes.  She will be available for private coaching and we are so excited to bask in her brilliance for another year.  Claudia has received outstanding results in her Royal Academy of Dance examinations.  

REGULAR GUEST TEACHERS 

  Tanya Keenan - RAD Registered Teacher 

Beyond excited to announce that long time friend and supporter of Stepping Out, the incredible Tanya Keenan will be continuing her long and happy association with us in 2020. Tanya brings not only a wealth of expertise and knowledge but a huge amount of heart to her teaching. Tanya has been the driving force behind the highly esteemed Dance Unlimited for twenty four years, training and nurturing students towards professional careers and setting them up for success in whatever career path they take with her holistic approach. Miss Georgie is a former student of Miss Tanya's and Miss Rikki grew up dancing with her. It therefore seems very apt that she will dance alongside us for always. We welcome her as a guest teacher in 2020 where she will choreograph our Classical Ballet group routines as well as assist with RAD Masterclasses and exam preparation. Her expertise and heart is immeasurable and Stepping Out is so grateful and appreciative for all she so generously bestows upon us. Tanya lives in Newcastle and is the Principal of Stockton’s newest and most delightful dance studio, Stockton’s Bella Ballerina’s. 

Imogen Slack-Smith - 1st year Royal Academy of Dance Teaching Certificate

Cert III- Live Productions 

Imogen Slack-Smith made her first stage debut at the tender age of 7 weeks, cast as Princess Aurora in Dance Unlimited's production of Sleeping Beauty and has been hooked ever since.  Immy or as she  is excitedly known to a host of Stepping Out's gorgeous students, Miss Immy has grown up in the dance studio and has always considered it her second home.  Immy was a featured performer in Stepping Out's 2008 and 2012 USA Dance Tours and Dance Captain of the 2017 Tour.  She still considers leading the Main Street Parade at Disneyland as one of her major life achievements.  Imogen commenced as a teacher assistant in 2012 and as a student teacher in 2015.  Immy is blessed with a bubbly and infectious personality and is a devoted teacher of her classes.  She regularly returns to Stepping Out to lend a hand, choreograph routines, photograph and direct promotional photos/ films or stage manage our shows. Imogen has completed her first year of her Royal Academy of Dance Teaching Certificate in Classical Ballet and is a third year student at Newcastle University where she is studying a Bachelor of Primary Education, majoring in Creative Arts. Immy has attained a Cert III in Live Productions and is currently training under the Acrobatics Dance Association for Acro accreditation. In 2020, Immy will commence on the faculty of The National College of Dance and Junior Academy and we attest this to the brilliant   foundations she enjoyed at SODF. Imogen is also the proud owner of Stepping Out Dancewear Depot and is your go to person for all your uniform needs. 

CONCERT DAY ORGANISATION

CONCERT DAY  Saturday, 7th Dec 2pm and Sunday , 8th Dec 11am Show & 5pm show

·       An Order of Appearance has previously been supplied.  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. Please let Rikki know if you require assistance. 

*. Please label your children’s costumes and keep them safe in garment bags.  

*. Dressing rooms closest to the stage will be reserved for those with very quick changes.  Please message Rikki if you have a super quick change so we can make arrangements side stage. BOYS will be designated their own dressing room.  

* When you first arrive, BREATHE, SMILE and sign in at front desk.  Someone will be there to direct you and answer any questions.  The Blue Room is the holding room and will be set up with a large monitor so that children can watch performance.  It will also have volunteers ( many teachers) who will supervise them. 

·       Students appearing in the first half are asked to be at the venue by 1pm (2pm Saturday show) 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 will be supervised in large dressing room ( BLUE ROOM) and called forth by our Stage Manager for their appearance.  Our first half of our program is timed for around one hour and fifteen mins.  All READY SET DANCE & BALLET students will appear in a special Tiny Tots finale at the close of first half.  They will be joined on stage by their fathers and senior students ( if their special people are too shy!) There will then be a twenty minute interval.  If watching the show please collect your child at interval if they have a ticket or ticket holders can return to audience immediately after their performance.  Students only appearing in first half and who don’t have family in attendance can be collected to go home.

·       Students appearing in the second half only are asked to be at the venue by 3pm (2pm Saturday show) ,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.  The second half of the show has an estimated running time of one hour.  All students present are invited back on stage for a full cast Finale.  Following our Sunday 5pm show will be our 2019 Presentation ( for all students except READY SET  dancers who would have already been presented.)

·       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.  This will only be possible if we have sufficient volunteers for each show to man the access doors.  Otherwise parents will need to walk around to Backstage entrance.

·       No one is allowed to sit in the aisles or on the steps under any circumstances 

·       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.  We ask only one representative per student for collection due to the limited space and size of our cast.

·       ALL students will be reappearing in the Finales’ but it is at discretion of parents for young students if they stay for all shows or if they return home for a rest.  Students ( and DADS) will be notified via a voice over when it is time to return backstage for FINALE’.  The 2019 Presentation will follow the 5pm Performance.  We would really like to acknowledge all students and have them present for Presentation. 

·       Refreshments will be served in the bar area.

·       Classes for 2019 will cease on Sunday, 8th December.  There will be no Saturday classes on Saturday, 7th December.  Our little superstars need to prepare for their performance and faculty will be at theatre preparing for a big but exciting weekend. We thank you for the tremendous support and enthusiasm shown by all students and their families throughout 2019 and we look forward to celebrating this in our production. Stepping Out Dance Factory truly is a special place made more so by the beautiful families within our fold. 2020 Enrolment Information will be available soon via an online Enrolment Form and our 2020 Enrolment Days will be advertised in Dubbo Photo News and on our Facebook Page.  Private Tuition for Eisteddfods will commence in early January 2020- Please register your interest with Miss Rikki on 041 336 1724.

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