TERM 4 2019 NEWSLETTER
READY, SET, CONCERT! II It is always with great excitement we prepare for our concert at Ulumbarra Theatre this term! Our costumes are all handed out, Concert Handbook has been emailed, Exams are completed, Concert chorey is in full swing! Exam results are in and we are so proud of all candidates for sitting exams and challenging themselves. Dancers put themselves out of their comfort zone to enter exams, some cope well others find it more difficult on the day. Regardless of age & ability, they are all growing their resilience, tenacity & persistence amongst many other life skills. The result is not important, it is 1 person’s opinion on the day. Don’t compare with others, their result is irrelevant. The journey along the way and the achievement is something to be very proud of! As always we have had a 100% pass rate and we can’t wait to present the certificates and medals to students!
IN THIS ISSUE
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I have just returned from Sydney where I attended 3 days of professional development and attended the READY SET DANCE Conference & Exchange which was a wonderful day for Dance Studio Owners. We were so proud to be finalists in 3 categories in the READY SET DANCE Awards- READY SET DANCE Regional studio of the year. READY SET BALLET Studio of the year, READY SET BALLET Teacher of the year- Hannah McBain. When I arrived I was given a prize a special badge to wear after being recognised by my peers which was lovely. The buzz at READY SET DANCE conference was incredible! We didn’t win any of the categories but at the end of the day they announced 2 new awards. These were People’s choice awards nominated by our peers for being brand ambassadors and helping our RSD community. I won the Golden Twirl award! A very special moment I will always treasure.
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I have returned with so much new knowledge and inspiration to prepare for our final term of 2019 and a fantastic 2020! I have shared snippets with my Team and DanceStep helpers at training over the holidays. I am finalising concert details now and will start on 2020 next! I want to thank YOU for being an important member of our SSD family. We are blessed with a beautiful community and I am forever grateful. As one of my mentors, Rhee Gold says “Enjoy the journey’. Our concert is the celebration of a year’s worth of learning, friendships & dedication to dance! I wonder what “Places we’ll go” on the journey?Wishing our VCE Students all the very best in their upcoming exams!
Important dates
Much love,
DanceStep
Sharon Saunders
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Meet Taylah
Meet Olivia
What is your favourite: 1. Dance Genre-Jazz 2. Food – Pasta 3. Musical – Grease 4. Concert Dance – Mermaid dance This is my 12th year of dancing. I currently learn Jazz, Tap & Hip Hop . I like teaching because I like seeing the students smile & helping them & encouraging them to try their best,
What is your favourite: 1. Dance Genre- l don’t have a favourite. I love all my dances. Tap, ballet, contemporary and jazz. 2. Food – Chicken Schnitzel, mashed potato & gravy or any pork dish! 3. Musical – Hairspray 4. Concert Dance – Chitty chitty Bang bang This is my 5th year of dancing. I like assistant teaching because I like helping others to improve on their dance steps.
We are very excited to be a registered affiliate studio and member of the DanceStep program. Offered in partnership with studio teachers, DanceStep empowers students to take care of others and guides them to be leaders and role models. The program covers assistant teaching skills such as behaviour management, different learning needs and styles, Safe Dance Principles and Anatomy to name just a few. These concepts are broken down to be taught in a sequential and age appropriate way to children from ten or eleven years of age. Whether students are considering a career in dance teaching or otherwise, the DanceStep program is a great preparation for many aspects of life. DanceStep, a 4 level Student Teacher Education Program, builds on this philosophy and provides a progressive and formalised process including both practical and theoretical components. Participants are mentored by Sharon Saunders and learn from weekly videos from DanceStep founder Jane Grech through Movitae. Contact Sharon for details. Minimum age 10 years.
Photos may be purchased from Andy Banks Photography Phone 0418590591
/ / JULIA WELLARD - DANCE ENSEMBLE / /�Julia first fell in love with Wicked when she was just nine years old, when she saw the show on the big stage in Sydney. Julia is overjoyed to be a part of an amazing cast, and can't wait to share the stage with so many new faces.At the moment she is studying Business Management/Event Management in Melbourne, following one of her many passions of creating and leading events. Her other passions include dancing, singing and just being in the theatre learning new skills.Her past experiences include the Thoroughly Modern Millie (2015, Millie), Boy from Oz (2016, ensemble), Barnum (2017, The Blues Singer). Julia can't wait to share her passion for theatre on the stage, and her passion for this amazing show!
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NEWSLETTER
Our preschoolers delighted the audience with a mid year concert at JB Osborne Theatre! This was our first ever preschool concert, no costumes or rehearsals, just lots of smiles, joy & laughter! Our superstars all received a medal at the end of the performance which were kindly donated by AT Builders. We would like to thank everyone who attended and a massive thanks to our Teachers, Senior students & DanceStep helpers who looked after preschoolers backstage. Participation as always is optional. Next up, Ulumbarra Theatre! We already have a large contingent of preschoolers performing! Concert details will distributed in the coming month.
Photos may be purchased from Andy Banks Photography Phone 0418590591
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Ready Set Dance is a one hour combo class that includes jazz, tap, hip hop, singing, music and a whole lot of FUN for girls and boys. Ready Set Ballet is a 30 minute magical ballet experience for 2- 5 year olds. Ready Set Dance was recently awarded the Best National Activity for Preschoolers at The What’s On for Kids Awards! The program focuses on teaching children the 3 C’s. Coordination, Confidence & Creativity.
VIEWING WEEK Thanks to everyone who came along to support our students last term As many of our preschoolers are not in the concert we will have viewing week for them at normal classes on November 14 & 16.
NEWSLETTER
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2019 MEMORIES ATOD EXAM DAY
VIEWING WEEK AUSTRALIA DAY WORKSHOPÂ
SPARK YOUTH DANCE COMPANY & SYDNEY DANCE COMPANY
DANCESTEP TRAINING
TEAM TRAINING
BRING A FRIEND WEEK
EASTER FAIR
@sharonsaundersdancers
sharon saunders dancers
Important Dates 2019 October 29- Wicked- Ulumbarra Theatre- SSD Booking 8pm 30- Bendigo Cup Holiday (no classes- see alternative dates on email). November 11- Priority enrolment 2020 14 & 16- Viewing week READY SET DANCE/READY SET BALLET 18-21- Last classes for the year -Tourist Theme 22- Stage rehearsals- Ulumbarra Theatre (No Saturday classes). 23- Full dress rehearsals 1pm/Concert 7pm Ulumbarra Theatre December 1-Maiden Gully Carols 5.30pm (READY SET DANCE & READY SET BALLET) 2- DVD collection/ SSD Dinner 5.45pm National Hotel (Crown Lounge). Families order meals from Bar menu. Bookings essential- Sharon.
Term 4 2019 Monday October 7 Thursday November 21 (no Saturday class 23 November)
No classes on public holidays or Long weekends.
FACEBOOK REVIEW My daughter has been dancing with SSD for 9 years, since she was 2 years old. Sharon and her crew are very professional and all students and families are welcomed and supported in a friendly environment.I like that the school is a non-competition school as the students work together to improve their dance skills instead of against each other.My daughter loves the end of year concert, performing at Ulumbarra Theatre in costume is a highlight and she, along with all the others, shine with confidence and joy. Mel Waters