Backstage Dance Studio-November 2024 Newsletter

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THE BEAT

S A Y H E L L O T O N O V E M B E R !

DRESS CODE CONTEST!

p p our contest. Last year, well over 100 entries were received for the contest! Let’s top last year and have EVERY class entered several times for coming to class in perfect dress code!

Our dress code contest runs for two weeks, beginning Monday, November 4th and ending Saturday, November 16th The three winning classes will be announced on November 18th and Ice Cream Social parties for the winners will take place at the end of class that week!

OLORING ONTEST!

3 DESIGNS TO CHOOSE FROM

We are having a coloring/art contest for the month of November! Dancers can take a coloring sheet (located at the front desk), decorate it, and submit their masterpieces by November 18th to win a prize! Three age group winners (6 and under, 7 to 12, 13 and up). Creativity & originality celebrated!!! -- November 1 through November 18 --

SPRING SHOW DETAILS

Saturday, May 31, 2025:

RED SHOW: 11:00am, ORANGE SHOW: 2:30pm, YELLOW SHOW: 6:00pm

Sunday, June 1, 2025:

GREEN SHOW: 11:00am, BLUE SHOW: 2:30pm, PURPLE SHOW: 6:00pm

We are excitedly preparing for our SIX Spring Shows, which will take place Saturday, May 31 and Sunday, June 1 at IKEA Performing Arts Center in Renton! When we return from the Thanksgiving holiday break, we will reveal our show theme!

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 six 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 9th!

SPRING SHOW 06 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 4th!

THANKSGIVING BREAK, Tuesday, November 26th through Sunday, December 1st

DECEMBER

Spring Show theme announced week of December 2nd!!

Costume Forms are due December 9th (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 23 through Sunday, January 5th

JANUARY/FEBRUARY/MARCH

Students continue to learn new choreography and skills to perform in our Spring Shows.

MID-WINTER BREAK, Monday, February 17 through Saturday, February 22

Attendance is important so dancers don't fall behind! Practice at home is IMPORTANT!

APRIL

Costumes begin to arrive and are passed out in class.

SPRING BREAK, Monday, April 7 through Saturday, April 12

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 12 through Saturday, May 17 (WEAR YOUR COSTUME TO CLASS!)

MEMORIAL DAY HOLIDAY, Saturday, May 24 through Monday, May 26

Dress Rehearsals at Backstage (Tuesday, May 27 through Thursday, May 29)

SPRING SHOWS! (May 31 and June 1 at IKEA Performing Arts Center)

Classes continue after our Spring Shows, through Saturday, June 14

Coming home soon!

COSTUME FORMS

Show Participation/Costume Forms will be distributed in classes the week of November 4th 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 9th).

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.

SUPPORTING OU DURING THE HOLIDAYS

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 (which we had last year) we are providing support a bit earlier 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:

Again this holiday season, B Studio has chosen to w Angels, a non-profit that care community. The miss Angels is to walk alongsid and families in the foster ca offering consistent intentional giving, relations mentorship We are Seattle Angels throu GIVING -- givin personalized resourc packages that meet the foster child and t Seattle Angels just celeb anniversary, supporting th foster care community L Seattle Angels by watching Seattle Angels 5th A S U P P O R T I N G O U R C O M M U

Movie tickets/gift cards for a fun family outing

Grocery gift cards for special meals

Target and Amazon gift cards for older youth to purchase items for themselves

Blankets and hats for cozy winter days/nights

Squishmallow stuffies

Starbucks cards for a treat Games for family time

Local sports team items

Puzzles

Perler beads or other art activities for families

Beginning November 4, 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 Monday, December 2nd. Thank you in advance for supporting our local foster care community!

Our character focus for OCTOBER is...

CHARACTERFOCUS COMMUNITY

Why is building community importan

Strong communities are critical becau 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 her at Backstage!

DANCER BIRTHDAYS

Isabella A. 1-Nov

Clara C. 2-Nov

Kristin M. 2-Nov

Malinda E. 3-Nov

Katelyn J. 4-Nov

Amy C. 5-Nov

Alan D. 5-Nov

Cianna Rose N. 5-Nov

Corianna K. 6-Nov

Leigh B. 7-Nov

Esther C. 7-Nov

Phoebe G. 7-Nov

Sienna M. 8-Nov

Laurie H. 9-Nov

Natalie K. 9-Nov

Millie L. 9-Nov

Geneva C. 12-Nov

Lucy L. 13-Nov

Emily M. 13-Nov

Selah T. 14-Nov

Tiffany Z. 16-Nov

Kaibrie A. 17-Nov

Brielle W. 17-Nov

Satyana Z. 17-Nov

Melodie L. 18-Nov

Inaaya N. 18-Nov

Nathalie T. 18-Nov

Joey L. 19-Nov

Mason M. 19-Nov

Alexa P. 19-Nov

Ananya S. 21-Nov

Sydney C. 24-Nov

Andrea R. 24-Nov

Lex K. 25-Nov

Naomi B. 26-Nov

Lyra T. 26-Nov

Alice Z. 26-Nov

Seyon N. 27-Nov

Zoe C. 29-Nov

STAFF BIRTHDAYS

Miss Leta 11-Nov

Miss Jenae 23-Nov

TEACHERSPOTLIGHT THE BEAT 11

TOMOKO

We are absolutely delighted to extend a heartfelt welcome to the Miss Tomoko, who joined our Backstage faculty this year! Tomoko teaches classes at Backstage every Wednesday and Thursday, where she leads students in Creative Movement, Debut Ballet, Ballet Basics, Ballet 2-3, Beginning Pointe, Beginning Ballet for Adults, and Acro 1-2

Tomoko’s journey into the world of ballet began at the age of three at the esteemed Meiko Mogi Ballet Studio in Tokyo With over 18 years of dedicated training, she blossomed into a skilled artist, even embracing the role of a cheerleader during her collegiate years in Tokyo Over the past decade, she has generously shared her passion for ballet, teaching at various studios in the area, and her expertise extends to nurturing young minds as a preschool dance and gymnastics teacher.

Eager to become a valued member of the Backstage community, Tomoko is excited to connect with our families and foster relationships that inspire creativity and joy. With a commitment to crafting engaging and instructive lesson plans, she aims to cultivate a warm, welcoming atmosphere where every student can thrive.

FUN FACTS:

Miss Tomoko’s favorite foods are dumplings and ice cream! Her favorite animal is a dog (in particular, her dog, Duffy, who she spends a lot of time with when she’s not teaching dance!)

PARENT EDUCATION

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.

Join ParentMap for an essential ParentEd Talk with Dr Alok Kanojia and discover a nononsense approach to navigating the nuances of gaming limits and lessons Dr K is a leading expert on video game addiction and a prominent mental health advocate for the digital generation.

Level Up: Winning Strategies for Parents of Gamers w/ Dr. Alok Kanojia, psychiatrist & parenting coach

Thursday, November 7, 2024 • 12-1pm PT

Parent Map Q&A-style webinars are now $10. Register here and you’ll also receive access to the event recording to watch anytime.

Join ParentMap on Nov. 19 for an insightful ParentEd Talk with Delaney Ruston, primary care physician and the filmmaker behind the groundbreaking "Screenagers" documentaries Ruston will share valuable insights on navigating one of the most challenging issues every parent faces in today’s increasingly digital world.

Raising Digital Natives: Solutions for Healthy Screen Time Habits w/ Delaney Ruston, documentary filmmaker, author and physician

Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2024 • 7-8pm PT

Parent Map Q&A-style webinars are now $10. Register here and you’ll also receive access to the event recording to watch anytime.

THE BEAT 13

D

A N C E R O F T H E M O N T H

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 to Stage Left Dancewear!

Way to go, dancers!

Charlotte Raquepau

Charlotte is enrolled in Ballet/Tap and was nominated by her teacher, Miss Kelly Miss Kelly appreciates that Charlotte always comes to class happy and eager to learn. Congratulations, Charlotte!

Anais Chauvet

Anais has danced at Backstage for many years and was nominated by her Hip Hop 4 teacher, Miss Maddie Maddie has been so impressed by Anais’ consistently bright personality and her amazing isolations! Awesome job, Anais!

Edie Tehan

Edie is a member of our Signature Team and was nominated by her Turns, Leaps & Tricks teacher, Miss Kelly. Kelly says that Edie always goes above and beyond and appreciates her consistent hard work! Excellent job, Edie!

SKILLS OF THE MONTH

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!

N O V E M B E R

15

SKILLS OF T

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!

HIP TOOTS

Definiti created both kn togethe side.

Origina "Tootse and rhy dance t instruct moves. sliding t and bac of your VIDEO:

THE MONTH 16

HOP

SIE ROLL

on: A dance move d in the 90’s. You twist nees and toes in er while grooving side to ted from the 1994 song e Roll". The song's lyrics thm made it easy to o, and it even included tions for the dance

The dance involves to the left, right, front, ck with the movement knees.

How to tootsie roll!

JAZZ

PASSÉ

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!

THE BEAT 17

STAFF OBSERVING CLASSES

studio staff observing your dancers class

Our studio owner, Marty Roberts, and o Signature Team director, Bailey Roberts, will in on classes to see the progress your danc are making, offer support, and provi feedback to our teachers This is one of t many ways we work to provide the b learning experience for your ch

Coming

Seattle Angels fundraiser be

Costume Notice/Show Partic 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 2024-2025 Session closes:

Last day to bring in items for Seattle Angels:

Spring Show Theme announced!

Spring Show Costume/Show Participation Forms due:

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@backstagedancestudio

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FT. JULIA ZHONG SIGNATURE TEAM

BACKSTAGE DANCE STUDIO

BUILDING CONFIDENCE, CHARACTER, AND COMMUNITY SINCE 1984. THANK YOU FOR DANCING WITH US!

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