the beat
BACKSTAGE DANCE STUDIO
BUILDING CONFIDENCE, CHARACTER, AND COMMUNITY SINCE 1984!
spring h INFORMATION SPRING SHOW details
Saturday, May 30, 2026 –
RED SHOW: 11:00am, ORANGE SHOW: 2:30pm
Sunday, May 31, 2026 –
YELLOW SHOW: 11:00am, GREEN SHOW: 2:30pm, BLUE SHOW: 6:00pm
We are excitedly preparing for our FIVE Spring Shows, which will take place Saturday, May 30 and Sunday, May 31 at IKEA Performing Arts Center in Renton! Our show theme is being revealed this week in the studio (and also on the pages of this newsletter–check it out)!
Performing in our Spring Shows gives students the opportunity to showcase their skills, their confidence, and all the hard work they have put in month after month! It is the culmination of so many things that students learn all year long in dance class and it is our hope that all our dancers will participate!
Our five shows are designated by a COLOR of the rainbow We have updated the show color for each class in the Jackrabbit portal, where you can check to see which show your child's class is participating in We'll provide additional details in the months ahead! Costume ordering will begin soon, so watch for your dancer to bring home a COSTUME NOTICE/SHOW PARTICIPATION FORM this month, which should be turned in by December 8th!
SPRING SHOW
timeline
NOVEMBER
Teachers begin selections for music, costumes and choreography inspiration based on the show's theme.
Costume Notices/Show Participation Forms are sent home the week of November 3rd!
THANKSGIVING BREAK, Tuesday, November 25th through Sunday, November 30th–
STUDIO CLOSED
DECEMBER
Costume Forms are due December 8th (with student measurements for proper costume fit).
Costumes are ordered in December for arrival in April.
Choreography begins in the classroom.
WINTER BREAK, Monday, December 22 through Sunday, January 4th–STUDIO CLOSED
JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH
Students continue to learn new choreography and skills to perform in our Spring Shows
As costumes arrive, they are tried on in class to ensure proper fit
MID-WINTER BREAK, Monday, February 16 through Saturday, February 21–STUDIO CLOSED
Attendance is important so dancers don't fall behind!
Practice at home is IMPORTANT!
APRIL
Costumes are passed out in class. Please store in a safe place at home!
SPRING BREAK, Monday, April 6 through Saturday, April 11–STUDIO CLOSED
Dancers continue to rehearse their show piece, as well as the Grande Finale Bow!
MAY/JUNE - The Final Countdown!
Spring Show Photo Week, Monday, May 11 through Saturday, May 16 (WEAR YOUR COSTUME TO CLASS!)
MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY, Saturday, May 23 through Monday, May 25-STUDIO CLOSED
Dress Rehearsals at Backstage (Tuesday, May 26 through Thursday, May 28)
SPRING SHOWS! (May 30 and May 31 at IKEA Performing Arts Center)
Stay tuned for team auditions, which take place in June!
When you visit the studio this week, you’ll no doubt notice our colorful display wall and posters announcing this year’s Spring Show theme, “Alice and the RoyalTEA Party!”
We unveiled the theme on Halloween day, with our staff dressed as whimsical characters to match. It was truly a crowning moment of fun!
We’re thrilled to present an enchanting lineup of performances, featuring our ballet production of Alice in Wonderland along with hip hop, contemporary, tap, and jazz numbers inspired by all things royal, magical, and full of imagination.
Mark your calendars!
OurfiveSpringShowswilltakeplaceon Saturday,May30th,andSunday,May31st attheIKEAPerformingArtsCenteratRentonHighSchool.
We can’t wait to see our dancers shine and bring Alice and the RoyalTEA Party to life on stage in just a few short months!
FALL COLORING CONTEST
We’re getting creative this month!
Our November Coloring & Art Contest is officially underway, and we can’t wait to see our dancers’ artistic talents shine.
Here’s how to join the fun:
1.Pick up a coloring sheet at the front desk.
2.Decorate it however you like. Be bold, be bright, and let your creativity run wild!
3.Turn in your masterpiece by November 19th to be entered to win a prize!
We’ll be selecting three winners, one from each age group: ages 6 & under, ages 7–12 and ages 13 & up.
Prizes will go to the most creative and original entries, so grab your crayons, markers, glitter, or whatever inspires you, and show us your artistic flair!
Let’s fill the studio with color and creativity this November
DRESS CODE contest!
It’s time for one of favorite studio tra our annual Dress Code Conte
StartingMonday,Novemb we’llbewatchingforclas thatcomedressedtoimp infulldresscodeattire.W everystudentinaclassfo thedresscode,thatclass entryintoourdrawingfo
Notsurewhatyourdancershouldwear?Noproblem! VisitourDressCodepageontheBackstagewebsiteforal detailsonrequiredattirebyclassandlevel.
Lastyear,over50 entriesweresubmitted!Let’sstrivetob recordthisyear!Encourageyourclassmatestoshowupin perfectdresscodesoyourclasscanbeenteredmultiplet
ThecontestrunsNovember3rd–15th,andwe’llannouncethethreewinningclasseson November17th.WinnerswillcelebratewiththeirIceCreamSocialsattheendofclassthatweek!
Let’s make this year’s contest the sweetest one yet!
We are excited to introduce our new monthly Community Spotlight, a place to celebrate not just what our dancers accomplish in class, but all the remarkable things they do outside the studio: making honor roll, serving in student clubs, acting in a school play, volunteering in the community younameit!
Why spotlight these achievements? Because participation in dance offers more than fun and movement, it also helps build the traits of a leader. Research shows that students involved in the arts (including dance) tend to have higher academic outcomes: for example, one study found that middle school students who took arts electives (music, dance, visual art, drama) earned better grades, even after accounting for various other factors. ScienceDaily Further, reviews of K‐12 dance‐education research report connections between dance, kinesthetic learning, improved concentration, self-confidence, social/emotional skills and academic performance. National Endowment for the Arts+1 So by dancing, our students are not only moving, they’re also growing focus, discipline, collaboration, creativity and self-belief, all foundational leadership qualities.
If you have a dancer you’d like us to feature, please email their name, the special accomplishment (club officer, play cast, honor roll, service award, etc), and a photo to dancewithus@backstagedance.org by November 21 for inclusion in our December newsletter. We can’t wait to celebrate all the amazing things our studio family is achieving both on and off the floor!
community member SPOTLIGHT
SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY DURING THE HOLIDAYS –Seattle Angels!
For the third year in a row, Backstage Dance Studio has chosen to work with Seattle Angels, a nonprofit that serves the foster care community. The mission of the Seattle Angels is to walk alongside children, youth and families in the foster care community by offering consistent support through intentional giving, relationship building, and mentorship. We are working with the Seattle Angels through INTENTIONAL GIVING -- giving thoughtful and personalized resources, gifts and care packages that meet the real needs of the foster child and their entire family.
Seattle Angels celebrated their 5-year anniversary last year, supporting the greater-Seattle foster care community. Learn more about Seattle Angels by watching this short video: Seattle Angels 5th Anniversary Video
During the month of November we invite our Backstage community to help us brighten the holiday season for foster families who are supported by the Seattle Angels organization. Instead of a giving tree during the month of December, we are providing support a bit earlier again this year so that the volunteers at Seattle Angels can provide foster families with what they call “Love Boxes” during the first week of December. The following is a list of items Seattle Angels would like to include in their love boxes for the foster families they serve:
Movie tickets/gift cards for a fun family outing
Gift cards to local grocery stores, Target, Amazon and UberEats/DoorDash for families to get needed items/food for the family
Target and Amazon gift cards for older youth to purchase items for themselves
Squishmallow stuffies
Starbucks cards for a treat Games for family time
Local sports team items
Puzzles
Perler beads or other art activities for families
School supplies
Beginning November 3rd, we will have a basket just inside the front doors of our main studio, where you can pick a card (or two!) with one of the above-listed items on it. We will collect wishlist items throughout the month of November, simply bring your unwrapped item and drop it off at the front desk. The last day to bring in items for Seattle Angels is Friday, December 5th. Thank you in advance for supporting our local foster care community!
ShowParticipation/CostumeFormsdueMonday,December8th!
As a reminder, part of filling out the form includes taking your dancer’s measurements, which are very important for us to make sure the correct costume size is ordered for your dancer. Please view our HOW TO MEASURE VIDEO so that you ensure you are measuring your dancer correctly. Tape measures are available for use at the studio, please check in with a staff member at the front desk if you need to borrow one.
Show Participation/Costume Forms will be distributed in classes the week of November 3rd. Please make sure to ask your dancer for their form, which may be floating around in their dance bag! We ask that you complete your dancer’s costume form (one form for each of their classes that is performing in the Spring Show) and return it as soon as possible (and no later than Monday, December 8th).
costume forms!
HALLOWEEN SPIRIT
It was frighteningly fun and festive in the studio last week during Halloween Spirit Week! We enjoyed seeing everyone in boo-tiful costumes and showing off their spooky spirit in class From tiny pumpkins to dazzling witches, our dancers brought creativity, energy, and plenty of Halloween magic to the floor
Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the week so memorable! We loved celebrating the season together It was truly spooktacular!
DANCER birthdays!
HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS TO EVERYONE CELEBRATING THIS MONTH!
Maya B Nov 1
Clara C Nov 2
Malinda E Nov 3
Elijah P Nov 4
Kexin Y Nov 4
Amy C Nov 5
Alan D. Nov 5
Cianna Rose N. Nov 5
Corianna K. Nov 6
Leigh B. Nov 7
Esther C. Nov 7
Sienna M. Nov 8
Ella Y. Nov 8
Laurie H. Nov 9
Natalie K. Nov 9
Millie L. Nov 9
Charlotte G. Nov 10
Vivian A. Nov 12
Geneva C. Nov 12
Klair N. Nov 12
Lucy L Nov 13
Emily M Nov 13
Selah T Nov 14
Caroline U Nov 14
Eric P Nov 16
Kaibrie A Nov 17
Sophie K. Nov 17
Satyana Z. Nov 17
Inaaya N. Nov 18
Nathalie T. Nov 18
Mason M. Nov 19
Annie J. Nov 20
Sydney C. Nov 24
Maily D. Nov 25
Lyra T. Nov 26
Seyon N. Nov 27
Dorothy Y. Nov 28
Zoe C. Nov 29
Chloe P. Nov 30
Whyisbuildingcommunityimportant?
Strong communities are critical because they're often an important source of social connection and a sense of belonging. Participating in a community bonded by attitudes, values, and goals is an essential ingredient to enjoying a fulfilling life!
We encourage your dancer to earn a COMMUNITY CARD this month and help us
community
N O V E M B E R
charac FOCUS
Sale runs M Friday,Nov favorites lea
Please note sale exclud
stage left dancewear
Againthisyear,Backstagewouldliketopartnerwithyouonyourparentingjourney! Wewillinformyouofparentingworkshopsandspeakerseriesthatmaybeofinterestto youandhopetobringyousomeofourowneventsthroughouttheyear.
Whatwilllearninglooklikeinfiveyears—orevennextfall?Asartificialintelligencerapidly transformseducation,familiesarefacedwithbigquestions:HowshouldmychilduseAI? HowdoIknowwhichtoolstotrust?CouldAIreplaceteachers?Whataboutscreentime andprivacy?
Raising Future-Ready Kids: What Every Parent Should Know About AI
WithSalKhan,founderofKhanAcademy Nov.18,2025,noon–1p.m.PT
OnNovember18,ParentMapishostinganurgentandinspiringParentEdTalk,whereKhan AcademyfounderSalKhanwillsharehowfamiliescanharnessAItosupportlearningin healthy,thoughtfulways,whilepreservingthecreativityandcuriositythatmakechildhood special.
Participantswillgain:
ClearinsightsintowhatAIcan(andcan’t)doforyourchild’seducation
Practicalstrategiesformanagingscreentimeanddigitallearning
TrustedtoolstosupporteverythingfromtheABCstotheSATs
Helpyourkidsthriveinachangingworld—jointheliveZoomwebinartoengage,learnand getyourquestionsanswered.ParentMapchargesasmallfeeforthesewebinars.Youcan reserveyourspotforjust$10andenjoyon-demandreplayaccessanytime.
congrats!dancer OF THE MONTH -
Siena Kennedy
Siena is enrolled in Pre-Ballet and Pre-Hip Hop here at Backstage. She was nominated by her Pre-Hip Hop teacher, Miss Kellsie. Kellsie says that Siena has a great attitude, helps her classmates and always offers to show examples in class. Super job, Siena!
Alina Duan
Alina is enrolled in Contemporary 2 and Jazz 3 classes She was nominated by her Contemporary teacher, Miss Rebecca, for being such a hard worker! Rebecca says that Alina is focused and always trying to improve Awesome work, Alina!
WAY TO GO, DANCERS!
Makayla Du
Makayla is a member of our Signature competition team. Makayla was nominated by Miss Jenae, her ballet teacher, who says that Makayla always arrives to class on time, ready to dance! She appreciates that Makayla is focused in class and always works hard. Congratulations, Makayla!
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!
november
skills of th
mon
acro BRIDGE
Definition: A static position where the individual moves the spine, shoulders and hip in hyperextension, whilst weight supported on the hands and feet.
The bridge technique comes from the flexibility in the shoulder, upper back and in the hip flexors.
You can either start standing up and lean backwards into a bridge, or start from the ground. The first step in a bridge kick over or back walkover.
VIDEO: How to bridge!
ballet PASSÉ
Translation: To pass.
Definition: Passé is a movement in ballet in which one leg passes (hence the name) the standing leg, sliding close to the knee.
Technique: The leg ends up in a bent position, with the foot positioned right above the standing leg's kneecap, making a triangle shape.
Passé VS retiré: Technically and linguistically speaking, passé refers to the action of the leg passing through the retiré position, whereas retiré refers to the actual position itself.
Oftentimes, dancers and teachers use the two terms interchangeably.
VIDEO: How to passé!
Definition: A dan created in the 90 both knees and while grooving s Originated from "Tootsee Roll". T and rhythm mad dance to, and it instructions for t moves. The danc sliding to the lef and back with th your knees.
VIDEO: How to t
nth!
november
jazz PASSÉ
nce move 0’s. You twist toes in together side to side. the 1994 song he song's lyrics de it easy to even included the dance ce involves t, right, front, he movement of ootsie roll!
Definition: An auxiliary movement in which the foot of the working leg passes the knee of the supporting leg from one position to another or one leg passes the other in the air or one foot is picked up and passes in back or in front of the supporting leg.
A jazz passé is parallel, where the working leg remains parallel to the supporting leg.
VIDEO: How to passé!
tap BALL CHANGE
Definition: A quick change of weight from the ball of one foot to the other. Two sounds! A ball change is a fundamental building block for more complex steps and transitions. Mix it up by adding shuffles, flaps or a pivot.
VIDEO: How to ball change!
A friendly reminder that enrollment for our 2025–2026 school-year session will close on November 30
We close registration at this time because, as the year progresses, it becomes more difficult for new students to “catch up” with the skills their classmates have built since the beginning of the session In addition, our focus soon shifts to ordering costumes and preparing for our exciting Spring Shows in May!
However, we will continue to enroll students in classes that do not participate in the Spring Shows, including our Creative Movement (ages 3-4) and Acrobatic Arts classes (ages 7+), which are great options for those who’d still like to join us for fun, skill-building classes through the spring months.
If you’ve been thinking about enrolling in another class for this season, don’t wait! Register before November 30 to secure your spot!
ENROLLMENT CLOSING SOON!
UPCOMING events!
Seattle Angels fundraiser begins
Costume Notice/Show Participation Forms go home with dancer
Class Dress Code Contest
Dress Code Class Winners
Ice Cream Parties
Thanksgiving Coloring Contest winners announced!
Thanksgiving Break (no classes)
Registration for 2025-2026 Session closes
Last day to bring in items for Seattle Angels
Spring Show Costume/Show Participation Forms due
November 3
November 3
November 3-15
week of November 17 (at the end of class)
November 29
November 25-29
November 30
December 5
December 8
