Author: Amy Moore

COMMUNITY CONNECTION UPDATE:

This past month we were able to welcome the Murray Drill Team into our studio.  We are excited to be able to help them grow their dancers by refining their technique. Also, our Performing Company students wrapped up their competition season this past weekend.  The love, support and cheers were just what we needed! We’ve had some amazing wins that were not just based on scores.  We are so grateful we had the opportunity to shine on stage this season. 

MAY 3-7 TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK

Teacher Appreciation is this month.  This is a GREAT opportunity to let ALL of your teachers know how much you appreciate their hard work and dedication. Thank you for all the amazing contributions to our group gift and teacher forms. Still want to do something special, all of our teachers love personal thank you notes and pictures, please shower them with your kind words this week!!  

MAY 17-31 STUDIO 56 SPIRIT WEEK

Let’s have a little FUN this month!  It’s Sprit week May 6-10th!!  

• Monday, DECADE Day: Send your student dressed up in styles from any decade.
• Tuesday, CARTOON DAY: Send your student dressed up as their favorite cartoon. 
• Wednesday, PAJAMA DAY: Send your student to class in their PJ’s today!
• Thursday, TEACHER LOOK A LIKE DAY: Dress like your teacher today.
• Friday, Sports/fitness day: Studio 56 Swag, dress in your favorite team jersey t-shirt 

DANCING B SCHOLARSHIP

Now accepting applications for the Dancing B Scholarship. Studio 56 will be offering a $500 Scholarship to a student for tuition for the 2020/21 season. This Scholarship will be in honor of one of our dancers that passed away named Brooklyn Holladay. The scholarship is available to students 4 years and older.  Application and scholarship details can be found on the WEBSITE PORTAL and click on Dancing B Scholarship. 

DANCER FUNDRAISER – SEEKING SPONSORS 

We are looking for Sponsors!  All students and parents have the opportunity to purchase and sell ads, and 40% of all ads sold will be credited back to the students account in June. Participation is not required.  All ad space forms are due June 5th. CLICK HERE for pricing, details and ad submission.

SUMMER DANCE! Registration for summer classes and camps is NOW OPEN! Keep your kids moving this summer and join us for classes! Space is limited. View the summer guide HERE.

COMPANY AUDITIONS- JUNE 23-25

If you’re looking for exceptional training and an outlet for dance then mark your calendars with the 2021 Studio 56 Dance Center Company summer dates! Our company program is for dancers who want to be challenged to reach their full potential.  Find more info HERE

As the season progresses additional concert information or updates will be posted on our concert link on our website, in monthly newsletters, and on the school bulletin board. Make it your responsibility to keep abreast of this important information. Our goal is to make the recital an organized, exciting experience for everyone involved. The success of the show is a team effort of students, their parents, the teachers, and the director.

IMPORTANT RECITAL DATES:

• June 5: Concert Pictures & Dress Rehearsal @ West Murray
• June 9: Tumbling Exhibition
• June 19: Concert

START PRACTICING AT HOME

Our teachers have loaded their choreography and music to dropbox for you to rehearse at home.  You can also access this link on our website under, portal, Concert Info, Practice Videos.

Finale:

This year’s Finale for the Concert will be performed by all STAR and COMPANY students.  You will be learning this routine in your Choreography classes this month.  We are going to be wearing our Concert shirts over our costume. Preschoolers will also make a final bow!

WHAT SHOW AM I PERFORMING IN?

Showtimes were emailed out a couple weeks ago.  They have also been posted to your family account. Please visit our WEBSITE PORTAL and login to your PARENT PORTAL. Click the navigator on the top left and select “view my performances”  

We have 2 days of shows.  Some of you may be performing in more than one show.  Please check your account and make sure you find ALL of your routines. 

• Friday, June 18 Company Showcase
• Saturday, June 19 Concert 10am Show, 11:30am Show, 1:00pm Show, 2:30pm Show

TICKETS TO THE SHOW GO ON SALE MAY 10 AT 8AM

Tickets go on sale on May 10th at 8 am, online ONLY.  

Tickets purchased through Hometown ticketing in advance are $13 plus handling fees.  Our box office link will follow in a separate email this week. 

Tickets purchased the day of the show will be $15 plus handling fees for any available seats. 

Seating is reserved; doors will remain closed until 30min before showtime.  No one ages 3 and older is admitted to the show without a ticket. Infants and children who may have a hard time remaining seated during the entire performance should not attend. 

If your family is performing in multiple shows on performance day, we will contact you in advance with special accommodations for your tickets. 

DRESS REHEARSAL AND CLASS PICTURES – TIME TO REGISTER FOR PICTURES

(ONLY FOR THOSE PERFORMING IN JUNE 19 CONCERT, included in your performance package)

We are holding dress rehearsal and class pictures June 5^th.  This event will take place at our Studio 56 West Murray location, 170 W Winchester St. Picture times have been posted to your family account. Please visit our WEBSITE PORTAL and login to your PARENT PORTAL. Click the navigator on the top left and select “view my performances”

Several of you are in more than one routine.  Please pay close attention to the times.  A packing list and online order link will follow prior to pictures.

Can dads and dancers have their picture taken?  YES, when registering your dancer you will add on the dad dance picture option.  They will get their picture taken when she is there for her group. Remember to bring your concert shirt and black bottoms for our dancer.  Dads will wear their concert shirt and Levi pants with tennis shoes. 

CONCERT GIFTS FOR YOUR STUDENT

We are excited to offer some concert gifts for your dancers.  Use this form to order WATER BOTTLES, FLOWERS, BACKPACKS, STICKERS, CANDY BOUQUETS, ROSES and LOVE NOTES. Payment is due at the time your order is placed. Orders are due by June 5th and will be available for pick up at the recital.

DAD DANCE REHEARSALS STARTED IN APRIL

How amazing are our dance families!  We are honored to have so many wonderful dads signed up for this year’s Dad Dance! Thank you for being apart of these wonderful memories.  We want this to be a wonderful experience for everyone.  So, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call or email.

Rehearsals are held by age.  Preschool Dancers (dancers 2y-5years NOT in KND).  School-Aged Dancers.  If you have dancers in both age ranges, please look for your name on the list twice. Your first two rehearsals will be dads only! We will be teaching the bulk of the choreography to you before bringing in your kiddos.  

To create ample space and allow for social distancing we will be offering dad dance rehearsals in a couple of different formats.  *Please note that masks will be required for all in-person rehearsals.

1. In-Person: You have been pre-assigned 2 in-person rehearsals.  Can’t make your in-person class? Let us know so we can open up your slot for another dad to join us. 
2. Virtual: You have been pre-assigned 2 virtual rehearsals on zoom. Links can be accessed in your parent portal.
3. Pre-Recorded: We have choreography pre-recorded and loaded to Dropbox.  Please practice at home.

HERE you can find the full schedule and all the details we have lined up for our dad dance.  

FOR PARENTS OF SCHOOL AGED TUMBLING/ACRO STUDENTS

May Stretch of the Month- Back/bridge  |  Strength Challenge- Burpees 

We are so excited this year to have a “stretch of the month” and a “strength challenge” in our acro/tumbling classes! Encourage your child to work on these skills at home to help them improve even faster!  Be more involved by printing off the at home practice tracker HERE.

FOR PARENTS OF PRESCHOOL DANCERS- MAY THEME

In MAY our theme is “Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head.”  As April showers bring May flowers we will leap over rain puddles, while we dance in the rain! This month we are focusing on:  skips, leaps, 3 step turns, developing memory, paying attention, arabesque, 3rd position, self-confidence and contractions. We hope you can find time to review these elements with your dancer at home.  It is a great way to get EVERYONE moving!! 

Everyone wants to be an A+ dance student, but before you become the apple of your dance teacher’s eye, there are a few simple rules of etiquette every dancer should take to heart:

Review 15 important classroom rules you should be following!

1. Always arrive on time. If you are late, enter through the door quietly and wait for your teacher to invite you to join the class. After class, be sure to apologize for your late arrival.
2. Dress Appropriately and always come prepared in proper dress code. This includes hair style. Come with hair properly secured for the style of dance you’re taking.
3. Go jewelry-free. Obtrusive jewelry is potentially dangerous to you and others and is not allowed in dance class.
4. Don’t wear dance shoes outside the studio and don’t wear street shoes on studio floors.
5. Dancers should practice good hygiene. Come to class with fresh deodorant on, clean dancewear, and brushed teeth/freshened breath.
6. Listen first then ask questions. That means no talking while teachers are talking. Not even quietly to your neighbor.
7. Don’t “hang” or slouch on the barre or on anything else.
8. Be attentive at all times, especially when waiting for your turn. Be aware of negative body language (like folded arms or hands on hips). Never sit down unless you are asked to.
9. Stay for the entire class. If you must leave early, talk to the teacher beforehand and make your exit as quick and discreet as possible.
10. Don’t leave the classroom. Stay in the studio for the entirety of class—no ins-and-outs. Bring any supplies or additional shoes you’ll need when you arrive for class. NO BATHROOM BREAKS! Go before, in-between, or after class.
11. Demonstrate appropriate spatial awareness. This includes giving the instructor space, as well as your peers.
12. Stow away the cell phone. We should not see or hear them!
13. Don’t film or take pictures in class. Always ask your dance teacher’s permission before recording or photographing any portion of your dance class.
14. Try your best. You are here to learn, to make mistakes, to push your limits. Never walk out of a class or sit down in frustration—hang in there and try your best, no one will fault you for that.
15. Be courteous and respectful. At the end of class, applaud and thank the instructor.

May you be proud the work you do, the person you are and the difference you make!

What is the Dancing B Scholarship?  The Dancing B Scholarship has been established in honor of our dancing angel, Brooklyn Holladay.  This scholarship has been created to celebrate her life, while giving another dancer the opportunity to keep her dream alive.  We want the memory of Brooklyn within our dancing family to live on.  

The Dancing B Scholarship will be awarded to one student four years of age or older. This $500 scholarship will be applied towards the recipient’s Studio 56 account towards their upcoming season.  Scholarship does not have a cash redemption value.

To apply for the Dancing B Scholarship, the following criteria must be met:

• Applicants must be at least four years old by Sept 1^st 2021 to apply for the scholarship.
• Applicants must be a current Studio 56 student and must be pre-registered for the upcoming season.  
• Applicants must have an account balance of $0. 

Instructions and Guidelines:  Show us why you LOVE dance!

1. Submit the Dancing B Application Form along with:
   • Students 4-10 years of age:  Applicant must submit picture of a poster they created that includes one paragraph in their own words all about why they LOVE dance!
   • Students 10 years +:  Applicant must submit a short essay about why they LOVE dance and a one minute video of a self-choreographed dance.
2. Letter of Support.  A letter of support should be included.  This can be from a teacher, mentor, friend or relative.  The letter should state why the applicant deserves to be granted the Dancing B Scholarship. 
3. Application Deadline.  All entries are due by June 1^st 2021 to be considered for the scholarship. Scholarship entries and winner will be announced at the 2021 Concert on June 19. 
4. Be creative! We want to see what you can do with your amazing talents.

The Scholarship Application From can be found at: https://forms.gle/WZXhVVBmgQKH5My17 

COVID UPDATE FROM MS AMY

Dear Studio 56 Dance Center and Preschool Families, 

I wanted to take a moment and send a message regarding the state-wide mask mandate that is scheduled to be lifted on April 10. 

I’m sure many of us see this action as a major milestone, marking the progress our state has made over of the past year. However, businesses (and all of us) are still being asked to act with appropriate caution as we move forward into these new and much-anticipated phases.

While vaccinations are progressing at a positive rate, the risk of COVID-19 transmission is still a factor to account for. As such, we are asking our staff, students, and families to continue wearing masks for all in-person classes, as well as in drop-off and pick-up procedures in and around our studio locations. This will continue until the guidelines for quarantining for an exposure begin to lift. We hope you will see the wisdom in this decision, both for the safety of your precious loved ones, as well as for our continued ability to responsibly provide a place for them to come dance, learn, and socialize.

As a point of information: While we have had a negligible occurrence of COVID-19 in our programs, our students have been able to take over 6,000 classes with zero cases of transmission within our buildings since re-opening. We consider that a major win and owe it, in large part, to your willingness and commitment in following these practices.

As a teacher, a dancer, a business owner, and a mom, I look forward to the day when this is no longer an issue any of us has to worry about. In the meantime, we will continue all of the Safer Studio™ measures that have contributed to our success so far, including providing virtual class options for those who don’t feel well, regular well-checks for employees, ongoing facility cleaning, hand sanitization, and face coverings.

As always, we will continue to monitor the situation, making the physical, social, emotional, and mental health and well-being of our students our top priority.

Thank you for your continued support and understanding.

Sincerely,

Amy Moore

COMMUNITY CONNECTION UPDATE:

This past month we were able to support the Taylorsville Drill Team by having our Company Dancers perform as fillers at their year-end showcase.  After almost a year, our Performing Company students took the stage as a studio again. It’s been a long year where we have had to learn a lot. So much has changed. It’s been broken, fixed, and put back together. It was such a positive experience filled with love, support, fun, high energy, and excitement. The kids just loved being on a stage again and you could tell. We had some amazing wins that were not just based on scores.  We are so grateful for the opportunity to shine on stage once again.

April 1-14 | ROLLOVER RALLY

It’s time for “Rollover Rally!” members only perk!  Progress Reports and class placements for next season will be coming home in April. Discounted membership fee of only $30 will be automatically processed on May 1^st, 2021 unless the withdrawal form is completed online no later than April 15^th.  Please contact us via email if you need to make changes to your class.  Enjoy your summer when you already have your schedule set up for next season starting August 30^th. 

April 12 | DANCER PATHWAY MEETINGS

Join us via Zoom to learn about the programs and class options we have for your child’s dance journey as they grow with us here at Studio 56 Dance Center!

Preschool Pathways @ 7:00pm

• Meeting ID: 883 5332 0267
• Passcode: grow

School-Aged Pathways @ 7:30 pm

• Meeting ID: 863 9298 9133
• Passcode: grow

APRIL 12-16 | SUPERHERO/PRINCESS WEEK

We are going to be having a THEME week in class the week of April 12-16^th.  Come dressed as your favorite SUPERHERO or PRINCESS!  Make sure you can “dance” or “tumble” in whatever you choose!

UNDERWEAR TO CLASS

It’s that time of year we would like to remind our female dance and ballet/jazz classes about our underwear rule…  Female dancers don’t wear underwear they wear tights.  We don’t wear underwear under our swimsuits and a dancer doesn’t wear underwear underneath her leotard. I need your help NOW before the concert gets here.  Let’s start working on it now so we don’t have panty problems at the concert.  THANKS!!

SUMMER DANCE! Registration for summer classes and camps is NOW OPEN! Keep your kids moving this summer and join us for classes! Space is limited. View the summer guide HERE.

COMPANY AUDITIONS- JUNE 23-25

If you’re looking for exceptional training and an outlet for dance then mark your calendars with the 2021 Studio 56 Dance Center Company summer dates! Our company program is for dancers who want to be challenged to reach their full potential.  Find more info HERE

As the season progresses additional concert information or updates will be posted on our concert link on our website, in monthly newsletters, and on the school bulletin board. Make it your responsibility to keep abreast of this important information. Our goal is to make the recital an organized, exciting experience for everyone involved. The success of the show is a team effort of students, their parents, the teachers, and the director.

IMPORTANT RECITAL DATES:

• June 5: Concert Pictures & Dress Rehearsal @ West Murray
• June 9: Tumbling Exhibition
• June 19: Concert

“THE SHOW MUST GO ON!” CONCERT 2021!

We have started learning our dancers for the Concert!  Please do everything you can to have good attendance!  We are so excited for dancers to get to perform in socially-distanced mini recitals this year.

START PRACTICING AT HOME

Our teachers have loaded their choreography and music to dropbox for you to rehearse at home.  You can also access this link on our website under, portal, Concert Info, Practice Videos.

DAD DANCE REHEARSALS START IN APRIL

How amazing are our dance families!  We are honored to have so many wonderful dads signed up for this year’s Dad Dance! Thank you for being apart of these wonderful memories.  We want this to be a wonderful experience for everyone.  So, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to call or email.

Rehearsals are held by age.  Preschool Dancers (dancers 2y-5years NOT in KND).  School-Aged Dancers.  If you have dancers in both age ranges, please look for your name on the list twice. Your first two rehearsals will be dads only! We will be teaching the bulk of the choreography to you before bringing in your kiddos.  

To create ample space and allow for social distancing we will be offering dad dance rehearsals in a couple of different formats.  *Please note that masks will be required for all in-person rehearsals.

1. In-Person: You have been pre-assigned 2 in-person rehearsals.  Can’t make your in-person class? Let us know so we can open up your slot for another dad to join us. 
2. Virtual: You have been pre-assigned 2 virtual rehearsals on zoom. Links can be accessed in your parent portal.
3. Pre-Recorded: We have choreography pre-recorded and loaded to Dropbox.  Please practice at home.

HERE you can find the full schedule and all the details we have lined up for our dad dance.  

FOR PARENTS OF SCHOOL AGED TUMBLING/ACRO STUDENTS

April Stretch of the Month- Shoulders | Strength Challenge- Sit-ups

We are so excited this year to have a “stretch of the month” and a “strength challenge” in our acro/tumbling classes! Encourage your child to work on these skills at home to help them improve even faster!  Be more involved by printing off the at-home practice tracker HERE.

FOR PARENTS OF PRESCHOOL DANCERS- APRIL THEME

In April our theme is “Never Ending Story.”  Each class will be exploring different fairytales. This month we are focusing on:  Left & Right, hands and feet, Pointed Toes, Chaine Preps, Dancing w/ a Partner, Creative Movement, Straddle on the head, Excited, Personal Expression. We hope you can find time to review these elements with your dancer at home.  It is a great way to get EVERYONE moving!! 

COMMUNITY CONNECTION UPDATE:

In February the studio hosted a food drive for the Murray Children’s Pantry.  Following the delivery of or donations we were invited to come in and lend a hand sorting weekend packs for children and families.  If you ever want to make a donation or volunteer some hours they are always looking for a lending hand.  Check them out on facebook at https://www.facebook.com/murraychildrenspantry

This past month we were also able to support the Murray Drill Team by having our Company Dancers perform as fillers at their year-end showcase.  We loved cheering them on, especially some of our own Studio 56 alumni.

MARCH 12 | STUDIO SPIRIT DAY:

Wear your Studio 56 sweats, jackets, hoodies, or shirts to school on Friday, MARCH 12th to show your Studio 56 SPIRIT!

We have some items in the studio store if you need to pick up some new gear!

March 15-19 | WEAR GREEN WEEK!

We invite you wear green to dance in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day the week of March 15-19. This is just for fun! Participation NOT required!

SUMMER DANCE- BIG REVEAL! Registration for summer classes and camps opens on March 1st! Keep your kids moving this summer and join us for classes! Space is limited. View the summer guide HERE.

TUTU TESTING FOR OUR 4-5YR OLD PRESCHOOLERS

We would like to invite all of our Preschool Dancers that are going to be attending Kindergarten in Sept of 2021 to join us for TUTU TESTING.  Come show off everything you know and earn a TUTU for TERRIFIC TENDUS and more!   

When:  Friday, March 19 at 6 or 6:30 pm 

Where: West Murray Studio 

Cost:                $10/dancer and will process at the time of registration, please proceed through the pay page 

Sign up here: Go to the parent portal select enroll in a class, pick the Workshop/Special Event season, follow the prompts.

STRETCH TESTING FOR STAR AND COMPANY STUDENTS

Come TEST your flexibility…  We are holding an event to help our dancers track their flexibility.  Dancers will be required to demonstrate wall straddle stretch as well as right and left splits.  Dancers will receive a key chain tracker to help them mark their progression.

When:  Friday March 19 @ 6 and 6:30pm

Where: West Murray Studio 

Cost:    $5/dancer will process at the time of registration, please proceed through the pay page 

Sign up here: Go to the parent portal  select enroll in a class, pick the Workshop/Special Event season, follow the prompts

 NEW HOT PINK CLASS BAG! Snag one today for only $10 in the online store. They’re so soft, the perfect size, and best of all… they are washable!

WHAT PROGRESS LOOKS LIKE IN DANCE: Achievements in dance can be seen in small ways and big ones, and we advocate for celebrating both!  In our experience at Studio 56 Dance Center, progress is much more about the personal wins than it is about the name or number of your child’s class level.  Click HERE to read about what progress looks like in dance!

FALL ENROLLMENT NOW OPEN FOR ACADEMIC PRESCHOOL! 

We are now accepting registration for Fall 2021-22 preschool!  The benefit to our preschool is that it INCLUDES our dance and tumbling classes!  Get it all done in one!  There is no reason to sign up for separate dance, tumbling, and preschool programs!  We offer it all and have the BEST TEACHERS around!  Little Learners ignites a child’s mind and awakens a passion for learning and movement that will last a lifetime. Space is limited! www.littlelearnersutah.com

 MARCH 22-26 | PARENT PEEK WEEK

Our second peek week this year will be March 22-26. We are super excited to give these kids another chance to demonstrate the progress they’ve made so far this year to their families. Watch for an email with details for how to join us on Zoom for the peek-in when it gets closer!

MARCH 29-APRIL 2 | SPRING BREAK- NO CLASSES

The studio will be closed for Spring Break March 29-April 2.  Enjoy your time off!  As a reminder, tuition is based on the season regardless of how many weeks are in a given month.  Monthly tuition is calculated based off the total number of classes during the year, split into equal monthly payments.

Stay connected with us! Show us your best “spring break splits” wherever you are! Tag @studio56dance in your Facebook/Instagram posts and stories and use the hashtag #springbreaksplits2021

COMPANY AUDITIONS- JUNE 23-25

If you’re looking for exceptional training and an outlet for dance then mark your calendars with the 2021 Studio 56 Dance Center Company summer dates! Our company program is for dancers who want to be challenged to reach their full potential.  Find more info HERE

As the season progresses additional concert information or updates will be posted on the website, in monthly newsletters and on the school bulletin board. Make it your responsibility to keep abreast of this important information. Our goal is to make the recital an organized, exciting experience for everyone involved. The success of the show is a team effort of students, their parents, the teachers, and the director.

IMPORTANT RECITAL DATES:

• June 5: Concert Pictures & Dress Rehearsal @ West Murray
• June 9: Tumbling Exhibition
• June 19 & 20: Concert

“THE SHOW MUST GO ON!” CONCERT 2021!
Classes will start learning their dances this month!  Dances will be based on inspiring songs to stay strong, look forward and move ahead.  Please do everything you can to have good attendance!  We so excited for dancers to get to perform in socially-distanced mini recitals at Viewmont High School this year!

All participants are required to submit the Concert 2021 Consent Form. Consents are past due, please get yours in ASAP and we’ll get a costume ordered for you. 

CALLING ALL DADS!

Each year we have special daddy/daughter dance for concert! Dancers and dads of all ages are invited to join us for this special occasion!  It isn’t too late to sign up.  CLICK HERE if you would like to participate and include dad’s shirt size. (Moms, feel free to volunteer your husbands!)  The participation fee is $30 and includes a shirt and all rehearsals. You are not required to attend all rehearsals, and we will share the practice video link to you from Dropbox.

Practices are held on Saturday mornings at the West Murray studio on April 17, May 1, May 22, and June 12.

This dance is open to ALL our students. You DO NOT want to miss this!

FOR PARENTS OF SCHOOL AGED TUMBLING/ACRO STUDENTS:

March Stretch of the Month- Lunge  |  Strength Challenge- Handstand

We are so excited this year to have a “stretch of the month” and a “strength challenge” in our acro/tumbling classes! Encourage your child to work on these skills at home to help them improve even faster!  Be more involved by printing off the at-home practice tracker HERE.

FOR PARENTS OF PRESCHOOL DANCERS- MARCH THEME

In March our theme is “Leavin on a Jet Plane.”  Each class will be traveling to a fun destination from Hawaii to Mexico. This month we are focusing on Passé (ballet and jazz), toe-heel rocks, chasse, balance, hands to self and sad face. We hope you can find time to review these elements with your dancer at home.  It is a great way to get EVERYONE moving!! 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

MARCH

• 19th | Tutu Testing- for Pre-K dancers entering kindergarten in the fall
• 22-26th | In-Class Parent Observation Week
• 29-31st | NO CLASSES- SPRING BREAK 

APRIL

• 1-2nd | NO CLASSES- SPRING BREAK

MAY

• 31st | NO CLASSES- MEMORIAL DAY

JUNE

• 5th | Concert Pictures and Dress Rehearsal
• 9th | Tumbling Exhibition
• 18-19th | Concerts

Dance class is a lot like school in many ways: your child explores new ideas, practices skills, solves problems, and develops friendships.  Unlike school though, dance classes don’t have a new grade level every year.  This can seem strange at first, but for dance education it’s very normal and expected! 

At Studio 56 Dance Center, our dance students experience “growth” years (when they move up a level) and “grind” years (when they remain in the same level).  Because every dancer develops at their own pace, this advancement will look a little different for everyone over time.  For example, a student might experience growth to the next level only after grinding it out at their current level for two years.

 It’s important for you to know that progress is taking place no matter which type of year your child is in, growth or grind.  Our instructors are equipped to teach classes in a way that accommodates each child’s needs, allowing them to tailor the class material to reach different learning styles and personalities. 

 Achievements in dance can be seen in small ways and big ones, and we advocate for celebrating both!  In our experience at Studio 56 Dance Center, progress is much more about the personal wins than it is about the name or number of your child’s class level. 

From the exuberant child who proudly demonstrates his self-control to the teenager who finally embraces her strength as a peer leader, every piece of progress is a triumph.  It’s easy to think sometimes that a student should simply be doing more or moving faster—but those things are not always hallmarks of progress.  The true signs of growth come from the perseverance within; not necessarily from the obvious places.  And the grinding hard work is what makes it possible.

We hope that as teachers, we have proven that you can trust our guidance and expertise, and that we’ve shown that our goals align with yours.  We’re committed to helping your child discover their potential and share it with the world!

Studio 56 is sponsoring Hearts for Hunger!!  We are collecting non-perishable food for the Murray Children’s Food Pantry!  Bring your items into either the East or West Murray studio Feb 1-14th!  Show us how BIG YOUR HEART is!!

Each Genre at the studio is going to focus on collecting a certain item. 

• Preschool Age Students: Oatmeal Packets 
• STAR Students: Cans of Chicken or Tuna Fish
• Hip Hop and Boys Students: Packets of Ramen
• Tumbling Students: Canned Fruit or Vegetables 
• Company Students: Jars of Peanut Butter

We are now accepting registration for Fall 2021-22 preschool! The benefit to our preschool is that it INCLUDES our dance and tumbling classes! Get it all done in one! There is no reason to sign up for separate dance, tumbling, and preschool programs! We offer it all and have the BEST TEACHERS around! Little Learners ignites a child’s mind and awakens a passion for learning and movement that will last a lifetime. www.littlelearnersutah.com

Don’t miss out on the chance to twirl your little lady on the dance floor! Fathers, grandfathers, and uncles are invited to spend a magical evening with their little princess. Don’t forget to dress to impress for the photo booth!

• Ballroom class!
• Dessert station!
• Photo Booth!

$15 per couple

$5 for additional daughters (email office to add on a sibling)

Pre-registration is preferred

Sign up here: Go to the parent portal select enroll in a class, pick the Workshop/Special Event season, follow the prompts.  Space is limited this year due to COVID. We just opened up another time slot!

We will be celebrating Valentine’s Day in classes the week of Feb 8-12th. Come dressed in red, pink, and purple dancewear all week!  

PROPER ATTIRE

We cannot provide proper feedback if we cannot see the alignment of our dancers. Please help us to run an upscale program by sending your child to class in the right attire and proper hair.  STARS reminder that you are required to wear your class outfit each week and your hair in a bun.

The last week of every month is FREEstyle for STAR classes.  This means you can wear whatever color of dance attire as long as it is appropriate for the class (Leo and tights ONLY for ballet).

Preschool parents please remember those important ballet shoes… It is NOT safe for your dancer to be in her tights.  If shoes are forgotten you will be asked to have your child barefoot.

View a class overview of attire here.

STREET SHOES

PLEASE remember to send your child in with a pair of street shoes… We want to keep those ballet shoes looking new and protect our floor!  Hip Hop students that do not have proper footwear will be asked to take class barefoot for safety. classes! 

February Stretch of the Month- Straddle  |  Strength Challenge- Bridge

We are so excited this year to have a “stretch of the month” and a “strength challenge” in our acro/tumbling classes! Encourage your child to work on these skills at home to help them improve even faster!  Be more involved by printing off the at-home practice tracker HERE.

FOR PARENTS OF PRESCHOOL DANCERS- FEBRUARY THEME

In February our theme is “Me and My Teddy.”  Each class will be focused on spreading kindness and joy. This month we are focusing on:  hopping on one foot, developing rhythm, waiting our turn, Boogie, Twist & Rock’n roll, Tendu, Saute jumps. We hope you can find time to review these elements with your dancer at home.  It is a great way to get EVERYONE moving!! 

To celebrate Valentine’s Day our preschool dancers and tumblers will be having “Bring a Teddy Bear Day” the week of Feb 8-12th. So grab your snuggly friend and bring him to class.  Moms, please help us out this day by remembering Mr. Teddy Bear, he is very important to the lesson plan.  We will use him in preschool dance and tumbling!

TUTU TESTING FOR OUR 4-5YR OLD PRESCHOOLERS

We would like to invite all of our Preschool Dancers that are going to be attending Kindergarten in Sept of 2021 to join us for TUTU TESTING.  Come show off everything you know and earn a TUTU for TERRIFIC TENDUS and more!   

When:            Friday, March 19 at 6 or 6:30 pm 

Where:          West Murray Studio 

Cost:              $10/dancer and will process at the time of registration, please proceed through the pay page 

Sign up here: Go to the parent portal select enroll in a class, pick the Workshop/Special Event season, follow the prompts.

STRETCH TESTING FOR STAR AND COMPANY STUDENTS

Come TEST your flexibility…  We are holding an event to help our dancers track their flexibility.  Dancers will be required to demonstrate wall straddle stretch as well as right and left splits.  Dancers will receive a key chain tracker to help them mark their progression.

When:            Friday March 19 @ 6 and 6:30pm

Where:          West Murray Studio 

Cost:  $5/dancer will process at the time of registration, please proceed through the pay page 

Sign up here: Go to the parent portal  select enroll in a class, pick the Workshop/Special Event season, follow the prompts

This week on our Instagram page we announced our concert theme for our 20^th Anniversary show.  Drumroll…. BELIEVE, The Show Must Go On! Save the date, the concert is June 19-20^th!!

Preparations are well underway for our June Concert. Costumes have been ordered for all dancers that have turned in their consent form. Time is running out for us to guarantee we can get your dancer a costume.  So, DON’T WAIT!!  The consent form can be found by visiting the portal on our website and clicking the concert icon. 

We will start learning routines on the first of March.  At this time we need all the parent support we can get.  Please be practicing with your child at home and be involved in what is going on in class. 

Have questions about the concert?  Ask us!  You won’t want to miss it!

THANKS FOR READING!

We want to see who has read to the end of this email. Reply and let us know your favorite things about Studio 56 Dance Center. We are using your responses for a project we are working on! Thanks for your feedback!

UPCOMING EVENTS 2020-21

• FEBRUARY
  • 1-14 Hearts for Hunger Food Drive
  • 6 – Daddy Daughter Valentines Ball
  • 8-12 Valentines Week, PS Dance/Tumble Teddy Bear week!
  • 15 –  NO CLASSES- PRESIDENT’S DAY
• MARCH
  • 19 – Tutu Testing and Stretch Testing
  • 29-31 – NO CLASSES- SPRING BREAK 
• APRIL
  • 1-2 NO CLASSES- SPRING BREAK
• MAY
  • 31 – NO CLASSES- MEMORIAL DAY
• JUNE
  • 9 – Tumbling Exhibition
  • 18-19 Concert Day

You hear a lot these days about social-emotional development in children, especially how important it is for building empathy and meaningful relationships. Social-emotional skills equip our kids with the tools they need to manage their emotions, make friends, and connect to other people on a deeper level. It’s a crucial foundation to their whole health—and a challenge in today’s world of virtual classrooms and masks!

But it’s a challenge that can still be met, particularly here at Studio 56 Dance Center. A dancer’s learning environment plays a key role in this growth; it gives them an opportunity to build confidence in these skills while simultaneously building their physical skills. Their hearts, minds, and bodies are literally working together.

Here are just a few highlights of how we’re helping your children with their social-emotional building blocks:

• Working together as a team. Although we now physically distanced (and sometimes completely distanced, via remote learning) teamwork is still a key part of the class experience. For example, with our younger dancers, we emphasize taking turns and cheering each other on. With our more experienced dancers, rhythmic timing and transitions depend heavily on cues from each other. All of our dancers are learning to respect their peers, and to appreciate everyone’s contribution to the energy in the room, whether it’s a physical room or a virtual one! 

• Using eye contact and hand gestures. With masks in place, eye contact has become an integral part of making social-emotional connections. Psychology tells us that we relate better and form more meaningful conversations when we make eye contact with others, and it’s as true in dance as it is anywhere else! Our “conversations” may be more movement-based, but our moments of eye contact are equally necessary. Hand gestures, too, support those connections—almost like having a secret dance class language! Whether they realize it or not, our dancers are building empathy through these small efforts.

•  Offering an outlet of creative expression. Managing emotions can be tough at any age, at any time, but for our kids during a pandemic, it can be extra difficult. Dance class has proven to be a beneficial place to channel stress, anxiety, or sadness—as well as joy and happiness! Instead of keeping their feelings bottled up, our dancers can express themselves through both technique and creative movement. Dance gives them a healthy way to let their emotions out, even—or especially—if they don’t feel like talking.

Social-emotional skills are an essential part of growing up, whether your child is four or fourteen. Dance has a way of helping all our dancers feel like they belong, and that they share a common bond with their peers. We’re proud that Studio 56 Dance Center can give them the chance to develop these skills in a safe, encouraging space.

Happy New Year! 

Wishing you and your family the very best in 2021! As I was gathering my thoughts about what a ride this year has been, my first thought was to make a giant list of all we’ve endured and the many ways we’ve added value to our programs with every challenge thrown at us. Instead, I’d like to speak honestly straight from the heart…

This year has been the hardest year I have ever walked through as a leader. This year bent us, stretched us, and sometimes pinned us to the ground by the throat it seemed. But it did not break us. Instead, it did what all trials do:  It made us stronger and shine brighter.  After all, the same geologic pressure that makes dust also makes diamonds.

I truly feel like we have been able to shine in this time- a light in a darkness that gave our students and families hope in a tumultuous time.  And, although I never would’ve chosen the journey that 2020 took us on, neither would I trade it. Because THIS….this is what we were made for. Learning to solve problems and survive the challenges of life is what we prepare our students for. Helping others out is what we were made for as a community. 

Thank you to each of you for believing in us, I am EAGER to enter 2021 with you all. See you back next week!

Amy

PAJAMA SUCCESS! Thank you to everyone that participated in our annual pajama drive and Benefit Concert, what a success!!  All the participating studios did an amazing job of turning a few heads by collecting a total of 1701 pajamas and 1479 books…WOW!What a great experience we shared together.  We were able to donate to: Safe Harbor in Kaysville, Utah Foster Care Foundation from Ogden to Southern Utah, and Secretly Santas in Bountiful, UT. Great job! 

Congratulations to the following students for meeting the requirements to join our Service Society! Zoey Johnson, Stella Lum, Ruby VanDyke, Aspen Wagner, Aliyah Brunisholz, Sophia Brunisholz, Elexis Grass, Ruby Hurst, Olivia Jensen, Madison Kennedy, Lilly Moore, Emma Nelson, Jessi Nelson, Alyssa Oshiro, Alysia Shaffer, Aubrey Stillman, Lillie Swenson, Lillian VanDyke, Tahlula Warner, Dakota Olsen, Adilynn Short, Carina Brown, Marlie Castagno, Kalli Grayson, Hazel Sirois

FROZEN FRIENDS CAMP 

Who has a kiddo that loves Frozen? Register to attend our Frozen Friends Camp and we will give you an elegantly wrapped box with an ice blue tutu and special invitation! Only a few spots left!

• When: January 18th
• Where: Studio 56 Dance Center, West Murray location
• CLICK HERE to register
• We’ll be following current Covid-19 guidelines for businesses and Safer Studio practices for this fun event

AVOIDING WINTER BLUES- PUSHING THROUGH THE COLD WEATHER 

While we can’t stop the snow from falling, we can help our dancers beat the winter blues by warming them up with dance. The winter months are the best time to be attending dance lessons since seasonal depression kicks in and there is not as much outdoor time to be had. Dance lessons get you moving, laughing, and make you forget about those icicles outside for just a little while! If your dancer is struggling to push through and come to class, it’s worth the encouragement! If you can just get them in the door, they are going to have a great time and leave happier!

FALL 2021 ACADEMIC PRESCHOOL ENROLLMENT OPENS JANUARY 4TH 

We are now accepting registration for Fall 2021 preschool!  The benefit to our preschool is that it INCLUDES our dance and tumbling classes!  Get it all done in one!  We offer it all and have the BEST TEACHERS around!  Space is limited! LEARN MORE

WELCOMING NEW STUDENTS!

We would like to give a warm welcome to all the new faces.  It is open enrollment time.  Spots are going fast.  If you know of an aspiring dancer send them our way! Pick up a “Care Enough to Share” referral card in the waiting room and get $ off!! Help us spread the word about our amazing program!

NEW ENHANCED CHECK IN PROCESS

When we welcome you into the studio next week, we’ll have a new check-in process. Each student will receive a membership card.  This card needs to be attached to the bag your child brings to class each week. Upon arrival to class or an event they will scan their card to check-in.  This enhanced system will improve our attendance tracking and leave more time for learning in class. If you forget your card, the office can help you sign in. Replacement cards are $5.

PRESCHOOL DANCERS CAN NOW “EARN THEIR WINGS!”

We are excited to continue our fun incentive to help our preschoolers master their SKIPS! When dancers pass off skipping at dance, they will be invited to earn their wings at a “Fairy and Prince Party!” on January 29th.  Start practicing skips at home so they can EARN YOUR WINGS!

HIP HOP CLASSES- SHOE POLICY

Winter is here! Please carry your hip hop shoes into the studio and change into them before you enter the classroom.  You will be asked to dance with no shoes if you don’t have a dry pair! Thank you! 

If you haven’t had a chance to give us a positive review yet, we would love you take one minute to share with others why you love being part of our Studio 56 Dance Center Family. We really appreciate all your support! If you can’t give us a 5-Star rating, please email us your reason so that we can improve. We are continually striving to improve ourselves! Thanks in advance!

• West Murray Studio
• East Murray Studio
• Little Learners Preschool

FOR PARENTS OF SCHOOL AGED TUMBLING/ACRO STUDENTS

January Stretch of the Month- V sit hold  |  Strength Challenge- Hips

We are so excited this year to have a “stretch of the month” and a “strength challenge” in our acro/tumbling classes! Encourage your child to work on these skills at home to help them improve even faster!  Be more involved by printing off the at-home practice tracker HERE.

FOR PARENTS OF PRESCHOOL DANCERS- JANUARY THEME

In January our theme is “I need a hero.”  Each class will be focused on heroes in our community.  This month we are focusing on:  moving hips from side to side, following directions, echappe, step touch with jump, angry face. We hope you can find time to review these elements with your dancer at home.  It is a great way to get EVERYONE moving!! 

STUDIO FACEBOOK GROUP: Join our studio Facebook group and be a part of our community HERE!  Stay up to date on current events and connect with us!

TEXT REMINDERS: We send text reminders to the first phone number listed on your account.  You can update this anytime in your parent portal.

THANK YOU! A BIG thank you from all our teachers for all the thoughtful Christmas gifts! As always, we want to thank you for your support and appreciate you trusting your children with us! We love working them and look forward to what 2021 has in store!  

UPCOMING EVENTS 2020-21

• JANUARY
  • 4th Classes Resume
  • 18th NO CLASSES- MLK
• FEBRUARY
  • 15th NO CLASSES- PRESIDENT’S DAY
• MARCH
  • 29-31st NO CLASSES- SPRING BREAK 
• APRIL
  • 1-2nd NO CLASSES- SPRING BREAK
• MAY
  • 31st NO CLASSES- MEMORIAL DAY
• JUNE
  • 9th Tumble Exhibition
  • 18-19th Concert Day

COVID UPDATES

Thank you for continuing to follow the guidelines and helping us to remain a Safer Studio! Parents, thank you for symptom checking, keeping kids home if they are not well, and for your enhanced efforts to practice good hygiene. We appreciate everyone for doing their best to keep everyone healthy!

Salt County remains in HIGH transmission status. This requires us to wear masks in classes. Kids are doing very well with this and we continue to be impressed with how resilient our students are. Please remind your dancer to leave their masks on so we can keep coming to learn in person. We recommend sending dancers with a lanyard to wear around their neck so they can keep their mask clean when they need to remove it for mask breaks and high-activity times when we are physically distanced.

STUDIO 56 EVENT ANNOUNCEMENT

Who has a kiddo that loves Frozen? Register to attend our Frozen Friends Camp and we will give you an elegantly wrapped box with an ice blue tutu and special invitation to put under the tree this Christmas

HERE ARE THE DETAILS:

• When: January 18^th, 10:30-12noon
• Where: Studio 56 Dance Center, West Murray⁠ location
• To purchase tickets: Visit our online events by clicking here
• *Space is limited; availability will be a 1st come 1st serve, no refunds or exchanges. 
• Gift boxes will be available for pick up Dec 7-18 @ West Murray

CLICK HERE to register your dancer for our Frozen Camp!

HOLIDAY GIFTS

Check our ONLINE STORE!  Tights, ballet shoes, and Studio Swag make GREAT stocking stuffers!

Shop online and pick it up at the studio the next time you are in!

DEC 7-11: PARENT PROGRAMS VIA ZOOM

Dance classes will perform their Holiday routines at our first-ever virtual parent program! We’re looking forward to showing off what we’ve been working on in class during the last 15 minutes of class time. We will be sending a separate email with login details for your childs class. 

Practice for the Holiday Peek-In Performances! We are super excited to give these kids take a chance to show off their hard work!

PRACTICE VIDEOS

DEC 11: STUDIO SPIRIT DAY

Wear your Studio 56 Swag ALL DAY on Friday, December 11th to show your Studio 56 SPIRIT!! When your friends ask why you are wearing them, invite them to make a last minute donation to our pajama drive.

Take pictures and share them with us on Facebook or Instagram! 

#studio56dance #Studio56SpiritDay

WINTER SERVICE PROJECT – CHRISTMAS PAJAMAS AND BOOKS

Our annual pajama and book drive is going on now! Our project will help support Utah Foster Care and several other local Utah charities.  We are collecting new pajamas and books at both studios until December 11th. We hope you will join us in this cause!

So many of us have grown up with the tradition of opening up a new pair of pajamas every Christmas Eve.  Kids love pajamas! We felt like giving pajamas to other children was a way to help even our youngest dancers grasp the concept of giving.  We have been collecting pajamas and books for the Utah Foster Care Foundation and several other local charities every year since.  They are always so excited to see us and so grateful for new jammies right in time for the holidays!  This event has been a wonderful way to create more holiday spirit in our students and share a little dancing joy at the same time! 

HOW YOU CAN HELP:

• Donate new books and pajamas size preemie to adult. Drop donations off at the studio. Items can be handed to any teacher at pick up or drop off next time you are at the studio.
• We are also collecting monetary donations which will go towards more jammies and books! Bring in cash or Venmo donations to @danceforlife and include the dancers name so the amount can go toward their service society recognition!
• Invite others to donate! We want to involve as many people in our community as we can. Share this letter with families and friends this holiday.

FOR PARENTS OF SCHOOL AGED TUMBLING STUDENTS | Superman – Straddle

We want you to join us in our monthly strength and stretch challenge!  Each month we have a new challenge we are working on.  You can print it out and track your progress at home.  In the last week of the month, we will “test” our students in class and see if they can meet the goals for their age!    

CLICK HERE for this Month’s Challenge

FOR PARENTS OF PRESCHOOL DANCERS

We are excited to have a new theme each month just for preschool dancers!  This month our theme is “From My Heart to Yours“ We will be singing and dancing to holiday tunes while working on our routine for the holiday show. We encourage you to get involved and have them practice their skills at home!  This month we are focusing on gallops, head isolations, 6^th position, shoulder isolations, toe touches, and sharing.  

DEC 21 – JAN 3: STUDIO CLOSED FOR WINTER BREAK

Please pay close attention to the calendar.  We will be closed Dec 21 –Jan 3 for Winter Break.  Classes will resume on January 4^th. Our schedule stays the same when we return in January.  The classes you are currently registered in continue through June 2021.  We hope you have a wonderful and safe holiday; we will see you in 2021.

UP NEXT…YEAR-END CONCERT and TUMBLING EXHIBITION IN JUNE

We want to remind you that time is running out to submit your concert consent forms before the early bird deadline on dec 15th! A consent must be turned in to participate in this year’s concert.

We realize there is alot unknown about events with large groups right now. Last year’s Red Carpet Recitals were a wonderful alternative to our big theatre performance and might be one of the most memorable experiences we’ve ever provided for our dancers! No matter what our Concert ends up looking like in 2021, we promise to make it a wonderful event for your family.

Concert costumes must be ordered months in advance, so we’re moving forward to continue using the end-of-year performance as a tool to build confidence and provide a sense accomplishment to our students- even if that still has to look a little differently than we would like it to. We hope you’ll join us in this celebration of a successful year of hard work!

The performance package can be broken into a payment plan or paid all at once. The all-inclusive package adds to the overall experience for the dancer and makes it that much more “magical” and memorable!  

Not sure if you have registered for the concert?  You can see your concert registration by logging into your online account.

1. Click account login
2. Hamburger icon in the top left corner
3. View all my classes
   1. There you will see the enrollment for pay in full or 7 installments
   2. Company members are automatically enrolled in the show and will not appear here
4. Need to register? CLICK HERE for the participation form.

First installment payments for the concert process December 1^st. 

Why Concert? Click here to see what the big show is all about!