THE BEAT
BACKSTAGE DANCE STUDIO
charac ter
issue 03 november 2026
BUILDING CONFIDENCE, CHARACTER, AND COMMUNITY SINCE 1984!
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the beat
contents
JORDYN OHASHI
TABLE OF
TAKE A PEEK IN THIS MONTH’S ISSUE OF THE BEAT TO KEEP UP WITH ALL THINGS GOING ON AT BACKSTAGE DANCE STUDIO IN NOVEMBER!
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Spring Show Details
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Spring Show Timeline
AMBER SUN & EMMA SUN
Spring Show Theme Announcement
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Fall Coloring Contest
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Halloween Spirit
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Seattle Angels
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Spring Show Forms
ISABELLE WANG
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Character Focus
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November Birthdays
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Parent Education
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Community Member Spotlight
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Dancer of the Month!
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Skills of the Month
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Enrollment Closing
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Upcoming Events
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SPRING SHOW INFORMATION Saturday, June 5, 2027– RED SHOW: 11:00am, ORANGE SHOW: 2:30pm Sunday, June 6, 2027– 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, June 5 and Sunday, June 6 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 7th!
details
SPRING SHOW
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SPRING SHOW TIMELINE NOVEMBER
Teachers begin selection for music, costumes and choreography inspiration based on the show's theme. Costume Notices/Show Participation Forms are sent home the week of November 9th! THANKSGIVING BREAK, Wednesday, November 25th through Sunday, November 29th–STUDIO CLOSED
DECEMBER
Costume Forms are due December 7th (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 21 through Sunday, January 3–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 15 through Sunday, 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 11 through Sunday, April 18–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 17 through Saturday, May 22 (WEAR YOUR COSTUME TO CLASS!) MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY, Saturday, May 29 through Monday, May 31 Dress Rehearsals at Backstage (Tuesday, June 1 through Thursday, June 3) SPRING SHOWS! (June 5 and June 6 at IKEA Performing Arts Center) Stay tuned for team auditions, which take place in June!
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announced!
SPRING SHOW THEME
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When you visit the studio this week, you’ll no doubt notice our colorful posters announcing this year’s Spring Show theme: Through the Pages! We’re so excited to bring stories to life on stage with a wonderful lineup of performances! Our ballet dancers will take center stage in our production of Jungle Book, while our hip hop, contemporary, tap, and jazz dancers will share their own creative interpretations inspired by the magic of books, stories, and imagination. Mark your calendars! Our five Spring Shows will take place Saturday, June 5, and Sunday, June 6, at the IKEA Performing Arts Center at Renton High School. We can’t wait to watch our dancers shine as they turn the pages and bring Through the Pages to life on stage!
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Win a Prize!
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 21st to be entered to win a prize!
We’ll be selecting three winners, one from each age group: Ages 6 & under Ages 7–12 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!
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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!
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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 non-profit 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. This year, Seattle Angels is hosting their first-ever holiday party for their foster families and they are so excited to bring everyone together for a special day of connection and celebration. As part of their holiday support for their families, Seattle Angels is hoping to provide every foster family with a gift card to a local grocery store or Costco to help offset the rising costs of groceries and household essentials this season. 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. Beginning November 9th, we will have a GIFT BOX at the front desk in the main studio building where you can drop off gift cards for the families served by Seattle Angels. As a reminder, the most-needed gift cards are: Costco gift cards Grocery store gift cards Target gift cards We will collect gift cards throughout the month of November, so please consider picking one up when you are doing your holiday shopping and dropping it off at the studio. The last day to bring in gift cards for Seattle Angels is Friday, December 4th. Seattle Angels has been supporting the greater-Seattle foster care community for the past seven years. Learn more about Seattle Angels by watching this short video: Seattle Angels 5th Anniversary Video Thank you in advance for supporting our local foster care community!
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show forms DON’T
SHOW PARTICIPATION/COSTUME FORMS DUE MONDAY, DECEMBER 7TH! 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 9th. 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 7th).
FORGET!
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NOVEMBER
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focus
CHARACTER COMMUNITY
Why is building community important? 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 build a strong community here at Backstage!
Madelyn K. 1-Nov Clara C. 2-Nov Malinda E. 3-Nov Kexin Y. 4-Nov Alan D. 5-Nov Cianna Rose N. 5-Nov Leigh B. 7-Nov Esther C. 7-Nov Annie J. 7-Nov Sienna M. 8-Nov Laurie H. 9-Nov Millie L. 9-Nov Charlotte G. 10-Nov Lucy L. 13-Nov Emily M. 13-Nov Selah T. 14-Nov Caroline U. 14-Nov Eric P. 16-Nov Kaibrie A. 17-Nov Satyana Z. 17-Nov Nathalie T. 18-Nov Mason M. 19-Nov Linna X. 23-Nov Seyon N. 27-Nov Dorothy Y. 28-Nov Charlotte L. 29-Nov Chloe P. 30-Nov
Miss Leta 11-Nov
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
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With ParentMap
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.
PARENT education Laptops, learning apps and online assignments are now part of everyday school life. But are they actually helping kids learn or just adding more screen time? Emily Cherkin, M.Ed., a former teacher known as The Screentime Consultant, will help you evaluate your child’s experience, recognize red flags and know when — and how — to speak up when technology is getting in the way of learning. When EdTech Disrupts Learning: How Parents Can Speak Up With Emily Cherkin, M.Ed. Nov. 10, 2026, noon–1 p.m. PT
You’ll learn: What every parent should know about EdTech today How communities are already redefining screen use in school The steps to opt out your child from classroom tech Ways to promote screen-free learning at home Whether you’re curious about the role of tech in your child’s classroom or are ready to take action, this conversation is for you. Reserve your spot for the live Parent Map Zoom Talk and get access to the recording to watch anytime.
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spotlight
COMMUNITY MEMBER
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…you name it! 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 20 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!
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DANCER OF THE MONTH– CONGRATS! ALAINA CURTISS CONGRATS to our November Dancers of the Month!
These dancers were nominated by one of their teachers for going above and beyond in class! Each dancer of the month will receive a certificate of recognition and a gift card toward dancewear sold at the studio! Way to go, dancers!
Alaina is enrolled in Ballet/Tap and was nominated by her teacher, Miss Lauren. Alaina has had perfect attendance, and Miss Lauren says that she is very focused, engaged and enthusiastic in class. Awesome job, Alaina!
BROOKE YAMAMOTO Brook was nominated by her Contemporary 1 teacher, Miss Madison, because she utilizes her talents each and every week. Miss Madison says that Brook is growing rapidly and the enjoyment she exudes in class makes her a great classmate! Way to go, Brooke!
CHLOE CHENOWETH Chloe is a member of the Signature Team and was nominated by her Adv. Pointe teacher, Miss Leta. Leta says that Chloe is always cheerful and happy when she comes to class. She says that Chloe is an example to everyone in the class in the way she pushes herself, giving others the courage to push themselves too. Congratulations, Chloe!
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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 acro
BRIDGE
ballet
PASSÉ
hip hop
TOOTSIE ROLL
jazz
PASSÉ
tap
BALL CHANGE
See the next page for more >>>
november
SKILLS OF THE MONTH
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SKILLS OF THE acro
ballet
hip ho
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!
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 danc in the 90’s. You tw and toes in togeth grooving side to s Originated from t "Tootsee Roll". Th and rhythm made to, and it even inc instructions for th The dance involve left, right, front, a movement of you VIDEO: How to too
BRIDGE
PASSÉ
TOOTSIE RO
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MONTH
op
OLL
ce move created wist both knees her while side. the 1994 song he song's lyrics e it easy to dance cluded he dance moves. es sliding to the and back with the ur knees. ootsie roll!
november jazz
tap
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!
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!
PASSÉ
BALL CHANGE
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A friendly reminder that enrollment for our 2026– 2027 school-year session will close on November 30.
However, we will continue to enroll students in classes that do not participate in the Spring Shows, including our Creative Movement (ages 2-4) 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!
OWYN CHINN
SIENA JOHNSON
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 June!
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events
UPCOMING Seattle Angels fundraiser begins
Spring Show Participation Forms distributed
November 9
Week of November 9 (in class)
ParentMap Parent Education
November 10
Thanksgiving Coloring Contest winners announced!
November 23
Thanksgiving Break (Studio Closed)
November 25-29 November 30
Last day to bring in items for Seattle Angels
December 4
Spring Show Costume/Show Participation Forms due
December 7 QUINCY CHARLES
Enrollment closes for 26-27 School-Year Session
STAY CONNECTED! @backstage.dance.studio @backstagebellevue @backstagedancestudio
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THE BEAT
BACKSTAGE DANCE STUDIO
ft. maria zeleniak signature team dancer
THANK YOU FOR DANCING WITH US!