PARENTS WATCH WEEK

2010-03-02T12:03:00.001-08:00

IS NEXT WEEK!
March 8th - 13th!
Make sure you come and check out the classes - most will perform!!

2nd Trimester Newsletter

2010-02-03T11:48:00.000-08:00

Our Email List
If you aren’t on our email list, be sure to stop by the office or drop us a line to get our e-newsletter and more. We also update the website for upcoming dates, events, and cancellations.

Just a reminder…
- Parents are observe classes at the studio during watch week. All other classes are closed. - Students are always welcome to bring friends who might be interested in taking class!New students are welcome to try their first class for free!

Danceworks Updates and More!

Whether an individual is working towards a professional career or is simply searching for an enriching experience in the arts, a warm supportive atmosphere can be found for students ages 3 to adult at DanceWorks Conservatory. We have an extraordinary staff of teachers who have studied, taught, and performed throughout the United States.

For those who are not on our regular email list, some changes were made at DanceWorks at the beginning of the second trimester!

Leila Dilmaghani is our newest instructor! Leila grew up dancing at DanceWorks Conservatory, attended UMKC, and received her BFA in Dance studying Ballet, Modern, and Jazz. Shortly after graduation, she picked up and moved to the Big Apple, where she performed plus studied many styles of dance, including Theater Jazz, Jazz Funk, Hip Hop, and Contemporary.

The former Hip Hop 1 class is now Jazz Funk/Hip Hop which is followed by a Jazz Funk Technique class. There is also an Advanced Hip Hop class on Saturday for upper level students!

In addition to the change in hip hop, Christine Townsend is now teaching Jazz 3. Christine, who teaches Jazz 4 &5, hopes to prepare students for these levels at DanceWorks. Christine is also teaching Aerial Silks on Saturdays for those who have experience.

We know both of these changes will improve the technique of our students.

DanceWorks also welcomes Marina Samoylovich as our new Voice, Piano, and Guitar instructor! Marina received her B.A. at the Conservatory of Music at the University of Missouri - Kansas City and has been performing in different choral groups plus teaching since 1997. Please call the studio for further information!

DanceWorks Dress Code

Enforcing our dress code ensures that instructors are able to see a dancer's alignment and positioning. Instructors need to be able to see a dancer's mistakes. Baggy clothing can mask bad habits, making corrections impossible.

Our dress code creates unity among the dancers instead of causing a few dancers to stand out, much like a school uniform policy. Our dress code goes a long way in minimizing distractions, and help give classes a unified look.

The following apply to all classes:
- No dangly earrings, necklaces, bracelets, anklets, rings or watches allowed. Stud earrings are acceptable.
- No skirts, shorts, tank tops or legwarmers allowed in upper level ballet classes. Elastics and ribbons on ballet slippers and pointe shoes must be sewn.
- Leotards should be a single solid color and not have any prints, designs, or embellishments. No skirts above level 1.
- For security reasons, cover-ups and street shoes should be worn when entering and exiting the building. Dance shoes should not be worn outside the studio. Street shoes should be worn into and out of the building.
- For hygienic reasons, shoes should be worn at all times inside the building except during appropriate classes.

Combo Classes - Pink footed dance tights (not shiny, thick, textured). Any color leotard. Pink leather ballet slippers & tap shoes. Hair must be secured away from face in a bun.

Ballet - Levels 1-5 - Pink footed dance tights (not shiny, thick, textured).
Leotard Colors:
Level 1 – pink
Level 2 – light blue
Level 3 – lavender
Level 4 – burgundy
Level 5 – black

Pink leather or canvas ballet slippers. Hair must be secured away from face in a smooth ballet bun; no bangs.

Boys and Men (Ballet) - Black footed tights or mid-thigh bike shorts and dance belt. Fitted white t-shirt, tucked in. Black or white ballet slippers. Off the face.

Jazz - Tights, shorts or jazz pants. Any color leotard or a fitted shirt. Black jazz shoes. Hair must be secured away from face.

Reviewing Policies

Attendance and Tardiness
- Students should attend all classes listed for their level. Students should make up ALL missed classes. Remember, classes should only be missed due to illness or emergency. Homework and tiredness are not excuses.
- If a student will not be in class, email or call the office so that the teacher can be informed of the absence.
- Tardiness in classes is not permitted. Students must be in class, ready to dance at the designated class time. Please call the office if you know you will be late. Dancers arriving more than ten minutes late may be asked to sit and observe class. Warming up at the beginning of class is crucial to injury prevention.

General School Rules
- DanceWorks Conservatory reserves the right to revise curriculum and schedule.
- A class with fewer than four students is subject to cancellation.
- Additional classes may be added to the schedule as enrollment demands.
- Students are expected to behave respectfully and courteously at all times towards DanceWorks faculty and staff, as well as toward each other.
- Students must wait inside the building for their ride to pick them up.
- All students must wear street shoes and cover up clothing once outside the building.
- Chewing gum, food and drinks (except water) are not allowed in the studio. Food and drinks are allowed in the lounge and lobby areas only.
- Toe tape, band-aids, containers, wrappers, etc. must be disposed of properly.
- DanceWorks is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items. Label all personal items with the student’s name. Please check the lost and found for missing items. Monthly, all items that have not been retrieved will be discarded or donated to charity.

Class Placement
- New students will take a placement class during which the instructor will determine the correct class for the student. In some cases, an extended period of one to three weeks is required to observe the student in our classroom setting before this determination can be made.
- Placement at every level is based on several factors including age, maturity, accomplishment, physical strength and commitment.
- Class placement is at the sole discretion of the DanceWorks faculty.

Class Advancement
- Advancement may occur at any time, but on average students are expected to remain in a level for a minimum of two years. Your child may not be promoted every year. At times, students may require a couple of years to accomplish the technique in a particular level.
- Our primary concern is that a student be placed in a level that is appropriate to his or her skill level and physical strength.
- If the child is promoted too soon, then he or she will miss some very valuable training. These children also struggle in the next level, which is unnecessary and could result in injury.
- A student who carefully develops his or her technique early in the curriculum will find advancement in later years to be smoother and more rewarding.

Bake, Craft & Dancewear Sale - March 15th - 20th

Are you crafty? Do people rave about your cupcakes? Do you have any gently used dancewear?
Then DanceWorks needs you!
We are holding a bake, craft and dancewear fundraising sale during Spring Break and need donations!
Whether it be a dozen cookies, hand knitted legwarmers, or a gently used pair of tap shoes - we hope to raise funds to improve the studio and get ready for the 2010-2011 school year - which includes our 2011 Spring Performance!
Drop by the office or send us an email and let us know how you can help out!

WELCOME TO THE NEW DANCEWORKS BLOG!

2010-01-06T11:54:00.000-08:00

IT IS NOT TOO LATE TO SIGN UP!
Classes started again on January 4th - but it isn't too late to sign up!
Check out the schedule: http://nationalgroove.com/schedule.html
We have limited spaces available - so students need to enroll as soon as possible!

RECOMMENDATIONS
For a successful education in any of the Arts, continuity in study is essential. As always our objective is to maintain a disciplined, orderly and caring environment.

Ballet levels 1 & 2 should be studied twice weekly. Levels 3 and up should be studied at least three times a week.
Please note that beginning in level 2 and continuing into the more advanced levels, students will most likely remain in each level for at least two years. During the second year in any level, students will continue to be challenged as each level focuses on technique and information that must be internalized mentally and physically before the next level of dance can be considered.
Students need to be on time! This is not only a courtesy to the instructor, but the other students as well.
Teen Jazz is encouraged to supplement their courses with Jazz 3 which is taught by Christine Townsend. Jazz 3 will provide the essential training to advance to Jazz 4!
Funk/Hip Hop classes includes jazz basics that can help improve dancers’ technique! Call the office to see which level you'd fit in best!

STUDENT ATTIRE
Enforcing our dress code ensures that instructors will be able to see a dancer's alignment and positioning. Instuctors need to be able to see a dancer's mistakes. Baggy clothing can mask bad habits, making corrections impossible.

A dress code will also teach students discipline, helping with overall focus and energy. By "dressing the part," dancers feel like dancers.

Our dress code creates unity among the dancers instead of causing a few dancers to stand out, much like a school uniform policy. Our dress code goes a long way in minimizing distractions, and help give classes a unified look.

Please see our policies on attire here: http://nationalgroove.com/classes.html

INTRODUCING LEILA DILMAGHANI
Leila Dilmaghani grew up dancing at DanceWorks Conservatory and was a part of the Tanzsommer European Tour. She later attended UMKC and received her BFA in Dance studying Ballet, Modern, and Jazz. Shortly after graduation, she picked up and moved to the Big Apple where she performed works with Company Brice Mousset, Lonne Morreton and York Dance Company. She studied many styles of dance at Steps on Broadway and Broadway Dance Center including Theater Jazz, Jazz Funk, Hip Hop and Contemporary. DanceWorks is very excited to have Leila joining our staff - she is an incredible addition and everyone (staff and students) will benefit from her amazing jazz funk/hip hop classes!

DanceWorks Conservatory's dedication to the development and inspiration of the students is our highest mission. We look forward to a productive year!