Classroom Happenings:

Ballet History

During the month of October, our ballet students have been studying ballet history.  You have probably seen the  “Did You Know” worksheets that were sent home with the students.  The instructors spent some time during their classes discussing the origins of ballet education and performance.  The students learned that in early ballet the performers wore masks to depict the character that they were to portray.  Many of our classes designed and decorated their masks to depict a character and performed that role for their fellow dancers.  We hope you enjoyed seeing their creations.  The more advanced students were quizzed on their knowledge. 

Star Charts

Your student may have mentioned the star charts in their  classes.  Our beginning and elementary classes are using this system to promote positive classroom behavior.  Students begin with three stars on their charts.  Stars are removed for excessive talking, touching other dancers or not following directions.  Students who maintain their stars for the entire month will receive a special award.

Reminders:

Dates to Remember

· Both studios will be closed Wednesday, Nov. 26 - Friday, Nov. 28 for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

· We will be holding classes on all other school holidays during the month of November. 

· We will be on Christmas vacation Monday, December 22 -  Friday, January 2.

Morning Classes

Don’t forget about our Wednesday morning ballet and tumble class for 3-5 year olds.  This is a small class at the Albemarle studio.  It’s also a very quiet time at the studio, and a great time to get your errands done while the kids are at class. The class time is 9:30-10:45.  

Let us know if you’re interested!

Nutcracker

The time is drawing near for the City Youth Ballet’s production of the Nutcracker.  The dancers and volunteers are working tirelessly to make this production the best ever.  Three thousand school children from Stanly and Montgomery county will be attending a performance of the ballet on November 25.  We are excited to have four professional guest artists performing with us this year.  We encourage you all to support our dancers by attending this holiday performance.  Tickets are available at the studio or at the door. 

Friday, Dec 5. -8pm • Saturday, Dec. 6-8pm • Sunday, Dec 7. -3pm

A Note from Mrs. Bambi:

Hi Dance Moms and Dads,

Beginning the first week of November we will be studying the Nutcracker Ballet and since Mrs. Leigh and the City Youth Ballet are putting on the production this year, we felt like even though most know the story, maybe there are some interesting facts that you don’t know.  Each week through the first week of December your child will be bringing home some color sheets, stories or facts on the various parts of the ballet, (depending on the age of the class) such as the music composition, staging set design, etc.  We hope you will have your child fill you in on what they have learned during dinner, bath time or bed time.  We would also encourage you to bring your child to one of the performances so that he/she can put everything together in their minds.  The Nutcracker Ballet is a beautiful performance and a special holiday treat for the whole family!

Mrs. Bambi

TV Viewing Monitors: 

We are happy to provide monitors in our lobbies so that parents may get a glimpse of what their child is learning in class.; However, it is not possible for the cameras to cover the entire classroom.  This viewing system is designed so that you may be better equipped to discuss your child’s class with him/her.  It also provides you some insight into what other classes may involve.  They are not designed as a tool for analyzing your child or any other student’s placement or progress.  This cannot be determined by watching a monitor.  A great deal of what our instructors teach during class is verbal.  Such as, explanation of correct posture and placement or correct execution of a movement or exercise.  Our teachers spend a great deal of time discussing music and rhythm as well as dance history.  Obviously, these are things that aren’t available to those in the lobby since we must keep the volume off on the monitors.  Some of our cameras are wireless and interference may occur from time to time.  We apologize for this but we ask that you please not go into the classroom and adjust the cameras or the monitors in the lobby.  We also ask that you not interrupt a teacher in class in order to adjust a monitor. If you have any questions concerning your child’s class, please make an appointment to speak with your child’s instructor.  We are always happy to discuss your child’s class and progression with you.

Teacher Feature: 

Each newsletter we feature two of our staff members.  We hope you enjoy getting to know us.

Courtney Bailey is a recent graduate of the North Carolina School of the Arts with a BFA in contemporary dance, and an AAD student since age five. Courtney has received scholarships to study in New York, Las Vegas, Las Angeles and Orlando. She recently performed in New York City for prestigious choreographers and artistic directors. She has had job offers performing with modern companies in NYC and recently made the final call-back for Cirque Du Soleil. Courtney has been cast to perform onboard Holland America Cruise Lines. Courtney loves sharing her passion of dance with her students. She teaches modern dance, tumbling, jazz and ballet.  

Greyson Davis served as the competition tap director and choreographer for Center Stage Dance Company for five years. His choreography has won the top overall award for Showstoppers nationals and made the Showstoppers National Video. Greyson's major influences are Savion Glover and Jason Janas. His style is a low beat hoofing, while blending in a hip hop feel, all while keeping the roots of tap in mind. Greyson has performed onboard two cruise ships and for Disney. He has trained for eighteen years under such instructors as Jason Janas, Maurice Chestnut and Acia Gray. Greyson teaches intermediate through advanced tap at the Albemarle studio.