BUILDING CONFIDENCE, CHARACTER, AND COMMUNITY SINCE 1984!
May11–May16: SPRINGSHOWPHOTOWEEK
Dancers come to Backstage during their regular, scheduled class time Dancers should wear their FULL COSTUME with hair styled appropriately per the instruction sheet included with each dancer’s costume (along with correct tights, shoes, headpiece, and accessories, as instructed) As part of the Spring Show Media Fee charged to all families with a dancer participating in our Spring Shows, you will receive a digital download of all photos (individual and group) taken of your dancer(s) during picture week These professional photos are taken by Nigel Cooper Photography
May18–May22: REGULARCLASSESATBACKSTAGE:
May23–May25: MEMORIALDAYWEEKEND/STUDIOCLOSED
May26–May28: DRESSREHEARSALWEEK
Dancers come to Backstage on the dress rehearsal day/time for the show(s) their class is performing in. If your dancer is performing in multiple shows, they need to attend the dress rehearsal for each show If you are unsure which show your child is participating in, please refer to the SPRING SHOWS page on the Backstage website.
Dancers should wear their entire costume, just as they did for pictures, and if they are in more than one dance for a particular show, they will need to bring all costume pieces for all dances in that show. There will be changing areas in the studio where dancers can change between numbers. We will run through the entire show from start to finish. Dancers may leave when they are finished rehearsing all their pieces, including the grand finale bow.
REDSHOWDRESSREHEARSAL:May26,4:15-6:00pm
ORANGESHOWDRESSREHEARSAL:May26,6:45-8:30pm
YELLOWSHOWDRESSREHEARSAL:May27,4:15-6:00pm
GREENSHOWDRESSREHEARSAL:May27,6:45-8:30pm
BLUESHOWDRESSREHEARSAL:May28,4:15-6:00pm
May30&31: SHOWTIME!
Location: Renton IKEA Performing Arts Center, 400 South 2nd St, Renton, WA
May30,2026/ RED SHOW, 11:00 am; ORANGE SHOW, 2:30 PM May31,2026/ YELLOW SHOW, 11:00 AM; GREEN SHOW, 2:30 PM; BLUE SHOW, 6:00 pm
Please note that there is a basketball tournament at the venue the weekend of our shows, which will definitely impact parking. If you are unable to find surface parking at the venue, please note that the Renton Transit Center Park & Ride Garage is located on Second Street and available for overflow parking. Dancers should be at the theater 30 minutes before show start time, completely dressed and ready for the stage, so please leave time to find parking so your dancer arrives on time!
timeline
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SHOWTICKETS
We are using ticket vendor, Dance Recital Ticketing (DRT), to handle ticket sales again this year
A link to purchase tickets was sent to you via email and information is available on the Backstage website Tickets went on sale on April 30 at 11:00 am and are still available for purchase online through May 28 Pricing is tiered based on seat location, from $20 to $28 per seat (plus DRT service fee) You DO NOT need to purchase a ticket for your dancer for the show(s) they participate in
SHOWHAIR&MAKE-UP
Please follow the instructions on the costume form included with your child's costume when doing hair and make-up for show pictures, dress rehearsal and the Spring Shows!
Asareminder,hairstylesfollow:
BALLET: Low ballet bun, middle part
JAZZ: Low ponytail, middle part
TAP: Low ponytail, middle part
HIPHOP: Low ponytail, middle part
CONTEMPORARY: Low ponytail, middle part
Make-up requirements include blush on the cheeks and a little pink lip color (due to harsh light created by stage lights) Other make-up is optional
SHOWTIGHTS
If your dancer is in a ballet class, they’ll need a fresh pair of tights for the show! Over time and with washing, tights can fade from their original color and may show signs of wear like pilling, snags, or small runs For the best stage-ready look, we kindly ask that dancers wear a new pair for performances so everything looks clean, bright, and polished It’s a simple detail that helps your dancer’s beautiful costumes shine even more on stage!
If your child is in a foundations-level ballet class (ages 6 and under) the required tights color is ballet pink (along with matching pink ballet shoes) If your child participates in a graded or intensive-level ballet class, they can wear ballet pink tights and pink ballet shoes, or they can choose tights and ballet shoes that better match their skin tone
Ballet Tights Dress Code!
IMPORTANT NOTE IF YOU WISH TO DO THIS! *YOUR BALLET SHOES MUST MATCH THE COLOR OF YOUR TIGHTS*
We have expanded the ballet dress code to allow dancers to wear ballet tights and shoes of their skin color if they would like to!
Capezio, Bloch, and many dancewear brands have shoes available for order
Dancers can also pancake satin & canvas shoes with ballet shoe paints or their own foundation
You can also purchase tights & shoes at the studio!
Note that you can prepare your dancers with everything they need for recital at the studio! Stop by the front desk if you need tights or shoes and we’ll be happy to help!
info
REGISTER FOR SUMMER 2026 TODAY!
Wewanttodancewithyouthissumm
If you haven’t already, please check the Backstage website for the list of classes we are excited to offer in our 6-week summer session!
Classes run from June 29 through August 6, and our camps run from July 6 through August 7. Reserve your spot today!
SUMMER RAFFLE WINNERS!
Congratulationstoour SUMMERRAFFLEWINNERS!
AnnaReliga,MiriamPerkins and JoleneHall registered for a class prior to April 15th and are our lucky winners! They will receive $50 OFF summer class or camp tuition! We can't wait to dance with you this summer!!
summe reminders & raffle winners!
PERFORMING ARTS CAMPS
Tuesday-Thursday / 10:00a to 1:00p / Ages 3-6
July 14-16:
K-Pop Cuties Dance Camp
Get ready to move, groove, and unleash your inner superstar!
July 28-30:
Sparkle & Spin Princess Ballet Camp
Dancers will twirl, leap, and glide as they learn ballet fundamentals inspired by their favorite princess stories
Early Bird Price (register by June 1): $195/week
After June 1: $215/week
Non-refundable deposit of $50 due upon registration.
2-IN-1 & 1/2 DAY DANCE CAMPS
Monday-Friday / 9:00a to 5:00p / Ages 6-11
Monday-Friday / 9:00a to 1:00p for 1/2 Day / Ages 6-11
July 6-10:
K-Pop Demon Hunters: Ultimate Idol Training Camp Train like a true K-Pop idol!
July 20-24:
Swiftie Summer: The Ultimate Pop Star Camp
2-in-1 Camps:
August 3-7:
Fun in the Sun Dance Jam
Soak up the sunshine vibes at our summer fun camp adventure!
Early Bird Price (register by June 1): $720/week
After June 1: $800/week
Non-refundable deposit of $75 due upon registration.
1/2 Day Dance Camps:
Early Bird Price (register by June 1): 380/week
After June 1: $400/week
Non-refundable deposit of $50 due upon registration
Are you ready for it? Get ready to shake it off at Swiftie Summer the ultimate camp! s u m m e r c a m p s !
TEAM auditions
Signature Team Auditions:
Planning for next year's Signature Team is underwa interested in learning more about our Signature Tea audition process, visit the BackstageWEBSITE Aud classes are June 1-12 and auditions are on Saturday, Deadline to register is June 1
Stars Team Auditions:
Planning for next year's STARS Teams is also underwa dancer may have received a recommendation from a that STARS could be a good fit for them and that is g note that there is an audition process for STARS again and that will take place on Saturday, information on the STARS program a
Debut Team:
Teachers are in the process of recommending dancers, ages 5 and 6, to our Debut program. There is no audition for the Debut program, however, dancers are required to register for and participate in the Debut class offerings during the first two weeks of June so that teachers can assess them for their readiness for the Debut program. Please also note that there are summer class requirements that must be met in order to participate in the Debut program. For more information about our Debut Team and to register your dancer for the assessment classes, please visit the BackstageWEBSITE.
Your Teaching Journey Starts Here!
Our comprehensive Teacher's Assistant Program provides aspiring teachers with the training and skills they need to be employable and ensures dancers in our classrooms are supported along their dance journey! With four tiers to our program (Pre-Teacher Assistant, Teacher Assistant, Student Teacher, and Faculty in Training) our assistants complete educational coursework and gain hands-on teaching experience by assisting weekly in the classroom to foster student growth, engage in mentorship opportunities, and build strong relationships with our faculty.
For the 2026-2027 School Year Session we are looking for dedicated and passionate dancers (ages 10+ years old) enrolled at BDS with experience in at least two different genres of dance to join our 2026-2027 cohort. If you're ready to become an assistant, review the details on our website and complete our Registration HERE prior to August 1st for a chance to join our program!
Questions? Contact our Program Director, Alyssa, at alyssa.l@backstagedance.org.
teacher assistant PROGRAM
INVITE A FRIEND TO OUR Spring Shows!
Help us fill the audience with friendly faces and show off all you’ve learned this year at Backstage!
Dancers have received special invitation postcards to share with friends and family, with a QR code for easy ticket access for our upcoming shows. If your dancer hasn’t handed theirs out yet, now’s the perfect time! We’d love to see a full, cheering crowd supporting all of their hard work at our Spring Shows this year!
odds & ends JUNE SCHEDULE/ ACRO
& CM SHOWS
June Schedule ”Try-It Free” Classes
After our Spring Shows (Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31) we’ll return to regular classes for the first two weeks of June. The LAST DAY of CLASSES for the 25-26 School-Year Session is Saturday, June 13th. Please note that because we are ending the session mid-month, family tuition charges will be for half the month for June.
Classes after our shows will include celebrations, recognitions and assessments, as well as the opportunity for your child to try a different class(es), in addition to their regular classes. Attending different classes during this two-week period will be free of charge, and your child can try as many classes as they like. There is no need to preregister for the classes, simply come to the studio on the day/time of the class your child would like to try, check in at the front desk, and we’ll give your child a name tag and let you know which studio room to go to. Please find the list of ‘try-it free’ classes HERE.
Trying a different class could give your child the opportunity to discover if they’d like to register for a class of a different dance style next year! We hope you take advantage of this great opportunity!
ACRO & CREATIVE MOVEMENT
shows
Creative Movement and Acro classes do not participate in our Spring Shows. These classes will, however, have a performance for parents during their regular class time, May 16th through May 22nd. Watch your email for more details, these viewing opportunities usually take place during the last 10 minutes of class time.
Please also note that students who are enrolled in Creative Movement classes WILL NOT have class du Show Dress Rehearsal week or Show weekend (May 26th - Ma result, your May tuition billing credited for the one class your miss during this week. We will welcome you back for our last two weeks of the session, June 1st-June 13th (after our Spring Show weekend).
apleasuretopartnerwithyou!
ecommendations on class ur way in mid-May. Our teachers ons to ensure that dancers are evelopment.
Please remember that most students spend at least two years in every level. Their first to second year, they are considered a learner; their second to third year, they are considered a leader!
Every dancer’s journey is COMPLETELY UNIQUE. Your dancer may progress at a different rate than their classmates. What is MOST important to us is making sure your dancer is in a position where they are challenged, but not overwhelmed, to ensure the best chance for success.
dancer assessments!
Membership Levels for 2026-2027
As the end of our current dance season draws near, we are making plans for the upcoming season and will be rolling out our annual membership levels soon We will offer TWO LEVELS OF MEMBERSHIP for the 2026-2027 School-Year, the same as we offered this year The Community Membership will cover the annual family registration fee, and the Premium Membership, which includes the annual family registration fee, a two-week priority window to register for classes, and also includes the Spring Show Media Fee, one free ticket to our Spring Shows, and 10% off merchandise at the studio Details about our membership levels will be shared via email this month!
The membership selection deadline is Monday, June 8
All current families will be asked to complete the MEMBERSHIP SELECTION FORM prior to the deadline Please note that even if your dancer is not returning next year, you must complete the form and select the “opt-out” option If we do not receive a membership form from you by the deadline, we will assign you to the Community-level membership for the upcoming 2026-2027 dance season
Please watch your email for reminders to do this it’s a busy month, so we will be sure to follow up so you don’t miss the deadline!
DANCER birthdays!
HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS TO EVERYONE CELEBRATING THIS MONTH!
Aarna D 1-May
Grace M. 2-May
Lily K. 3-May
Harper L. 3-May
Charlotte C. 4-May
Vika V. 5-May
Grace A. 6-May
Maria L. 7-May
Justine E.-P. 8-May
Chloe C. 10-May
Sofia R. 12-May
Izzy C. 13-May
Sarah D. 14-May
Caroline A 16-May
Olivia D 17-May
Coco G 17-May
Lesa F 18-May
Dana S 18-May
Angie L 20-May
Stacey S. 20-May
Ava Z. 20-May
Tessa K. 21-May
Leila D. 22-May
Elisa R. 22-May
Allison W. 22-May
David M. 25-May
Hayden H. 26-May
Violet L. 26-May
Ella E. 27-May
Iona H. 27-May
Muyan S. 27-May
Claire W 28-May
Alana M 29-May
Natalya F 31-May
Jordyn O 31-May
STAFF
days! May May
We are encouraging our dancers to focus on EXCELLENCE during the month of May! Let's all strive to work toward one of the 8keys of excellence this month!
INTEGRITY – Match behavior with values FAILURELEADSTOSUCCESS – Learn from mistakes SPEAKW/GOODPURPOSE – Speak honestly & kindly THISISIT! – Make the most of every moment COMMITMENT – Make your dreams happen OWNERSHIP – Take responsibility for actions
excellence
M A Y
charac FOCUS
TEACHER SPOTLIGHT
Since the age of three, when Miss Kellsie took her first dance class at the Boys and Girls Club, dance has been a gift to her and has given her many unexpected and amazing opportunitie Kellsie’s dance experience led her to join the cheerleading squa in high school, which in turn earned her a spot on the cheer team at Saint Mary College of California. The formative years in high school and college cheer enabled Kellsie to open doors she never thought possible, such as joining the San Francisco 49ers Goldrush Cheer Squad, working with many amazing dancers and choreographers, and even traveling the world.
Kellsie is so appreciative of the opportunities dance has brought into her life that she now focuses on giving back to others through dance. After leaving the 49ers Cheer Squad, Kellsie pursued a career in dance education. She has had the opportunity to teach so many gifted dancers and is proud to have helped them go on to prestigious dance institutions. Kellsie credits her family for their support in making her dance career possible. She is also thankful to her amazing fiancé and her sluggish yet lovable cat, Louie.
Kellsie joined the Backstage Faculty three years ago and is thrilled to be part of our community Kellsie teaches a variety of classes at Backstage, including Debut Jazz, Jazz 1, Jazz 2-3, Hip Hop Basics 2, Pre-Hip Hop, STARS 102 Purple Hip Hop, STARS 102 Red Hip Hop, STARS 103 Hip Hop, Tap 1, Tap 4, and Tap Beginning Adult!
kellsie
FUNFACTS: When Miss Kellsie isn’t dancing, she enjoys playing tennis, snowboarding and traveling Her favorite food? Her mom’s enchiladas!
PA ED ta
AGAIN THIS YEAR, BACKSTAGE WOULD LIKE TO PARTNER WITH YOU ON YOUR PARENTING JOURNEY! WE WILL INFORM YOU OF PARENTING WORKSHOPS AND SPEAKER SERIES THAT MAY BE OF INTEREST TO YOU, AND HOPE TO BRING YOU SOME OF OUR OWN EVENTS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
The Family Tech Reset: Hope and Help for Rebuilding Connection
Vella was nominated by Miss Kellsie, her Pre-Hip Hop teacher. Miss Kellsie says that Vella has a positive attitude and is a hard worker and good listener. She also has great stage presence! Awesome work, Vella!
CONGRATS to our M the M These nomin their t above class! the m a cert recog gift ca dance studio WAY DAN
Clara Chang
Clara was nominated by her Acrobatic Arts teacher Miss Tomoko, who says orking, passionate, d to her classmates ake corrections o practices outside er growth and tions, Clara!
i of our Signature nd was llet teacher, Miss mpressed by tude and her he says that ay to go, Jordyn!
Each month of our school-year session, dancers in Acro, Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz and Tap classes will be working on particular skills. We will list these skills, along with a description (and sometimes links to additional information about the skills) in the newsletter. Practicing these skills outside of class is beneficial, so we encourage you to ask your dancers for demonstrations at home!
skills of th
mon
acro BACKWARD ROLL
Definition: A gymnastic or acro roll that is performed with the feet going first and the rest of the body and the head following.
Push hands into ground to create space for head (does not roll on head), round back, head tucked, lands on feet with feet and knees together, balance, posture at beginning and end, knees do not touch the floor
VIDEO: How to backward roll!
ballet GRAND JETÉ
Translation: Big throw. Definition: a broad, high leap with one leg stretched forward and the other back like a “split” in the air.
Technique: a broad, high leap with one leg stretched forward and the other back like a “split” in the air.
What is the difference between saute de chat and grand jeté: in a saut de chat the front leg will développé to reach the split position whereas the front leg of a grand jeté brushes the floor and stays straight.
VIDEO: How to grand jeté!
FREE
Definition: A type where one stabs while bending th ninety degree an their head on the lifting both legs u forked position w the side with the resting on the op
VIDEO: How to ba
may nth!
jazz LINDY HOP
e of freeze one elbow he other at a ngle, resting e ground, and up, often into a with the knee on e stabbed arm pposite elbow. aby freeze!
Definition: A fast, energetic dance popular during the late 1930s and 1940s, that includes some steps with a partner and some improvised steps.
Lindy Hop started in Harlem, New York, when local dancers added to the popular Charleston with fast spins, cartwheels and jumps.
Single gallop (chassé) to the right, take your left foot behind crossing back for a ball change, and repeat on the left.
VIDEO: How to Lindy Hop!
tap MAXI FORD
Definition: A tap dance step consisting of four movements: step, shuffle, leap, toe.
Max Ford was known as a “Buck and Wing” dancer, a dance style inspired by African and Irish influences and popularized on New York stages during the 1880s.
Can do as flap, shuffle leap, toe for more advanced.
Can do with a single pick up on the leap for more advanced.
VIDEO: How to Maxi Ford!
Did you know that all teachers at Backstage who teach Acro classes are certified through Acrobatic Arts, a comprehensive training program for dance educators to safely teach AcroDance? The Acrobatic Arts curriculum was developed with input from over 100 experts in related fields and is the most well-researched program of its kind in the industry. Our teachers completed over 16 hours of training to gain their certification, and they are working to refine our Acro skills-building and assessment processes to benefit our dance community!
DID YOU KNOW?
UPCOMING events!
Show Pictures (Taken During Classes)
Memorial Day Weekend (Studio Closed)
Dress Rehearsals at Backstage
Spring Shows at Renton IKEA PAC
Classes Resume After Spring Shows (Last Day of Class is June 13) 26-27 Membership Form Deadline
