May Newsletter 2026

Welcome to May! We loved seeing you at Parent Participation Weeks. Students students had so much fun showing off their progress and sharing the studio with you!

FAMILY FEEDBACK SURVEY

As we wrap up another amazing season, we'd love your feedback to help shape next year! Please take a few minutes to fill out our short survey — your suggestions help us continue providing an exceptional program for your family. SURVEY HERE


 MAY 4-8 TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK - CONTRIBUTIONS DUE FRIDAY, MAY 1

Our teachers at Expressions Dance and Leap'n Learners are truly extraordinary, and we have a whole week to show them! Here's how to participate:

  • Write a note. A short, personal note from your dancer means the world to teachers- especially during this busy time of year. Drop letters in the basket at the front desk.

  • Join the group gift. Our Parent Committee is organizing a group gift for each teacher. Contribute by emailing the office to add an amount to your account, or Venmo @amysimkins with "teacher gift" in the memo. Contributions due Friday, May 1 by noon.

  • Watch for spotlights. Each teacher will be featured on our social account in May — follow along and show some love!


MAY 15 & 16: TUMBLING EXHIBITION @ CENTERVILLE

We are working hard in classes getting ready for this year’s tumbling exhibition! Our students are so excited to shine in front of their family and friends as they show off the results of a year’s hard work, dedication, and progress.  Please see the FINAL DETAILS for your child’s arrival and demonstration time.


MAY 18-22: BRING A STUFFIE WEEK

Get ready for Spirit Week – Dancers can bring their favorite stuffed animal to class for some extra fun and cozy vibes! Our stuffies will make a great audience as we put the finishing touches on recital dances.


MAY 22: LAST DAY OF DANCE CLASSES

We're in the final stretch — finish strong! The last tuition payment and final recital installment will be processed on May 1.


MAY 28: BANANA SPLITS PARTY Dancers who've earned their splits pin this year will receive a special email invite to our annual Banana Splits Party: Thursday, May 28 at 12:30pm at Creekside Park (600 Mill Street, Bountiful). You've still got time to earn yours-  keep stretching!

JUNE 2-4: COMPANY TEAM AUDITIONS

For dancers ready for the next level, our Company Program offers exceptional training and a challenge to reach full potential. View the information packet HERE.

SUMMER DANCE!

Keep the momentum going this summer! Our summer classes are fun, focused, and a great way to keep your dancer moving. View the summer guide and sign up HERE.


AUGUST 29: NEW DANCE SCHEDULE STARTS

Our teachers are already planning for an incredible 2026–2027 season! Your discounted annual membership was automatically renewed and processed with tuition on April 20 (unless you submitted a Membership Change Form). Your fall schedule is already set — you can review your enrollment anytime in your parent portal.


FALL PRESCHOOL IS FILLING UP FAST!

Leap'n Learners Preschool combines academic preschool, dance, and tumbling in one seamless program! Research-based kindergarten readiness, purposeful movement, exceptional teachers, small classes. This is whole-child development in one place. Spots are limited at both locations. Secure your child's place now at www.goleapnlearn.com


UNDERWEAR REMINDER FOR FEMALE DANCERS Before recital season arrives, a friendly reminder: female dancers wear tights — not underwear — under their leotards. Just like a swimmer doesn't wear underwear under a swimsuit, a dancer doesn't either. Please make this a habit now so we're set for the performance. Thank you!


 WHY DANCE MATTERS Dance supports kids academically, emotionally, and physically. Read more about the benefits HERE.

FOR PARENTS OF SCHOOL-AGE TUMBLING/ACRO STUDENTS

  • May Stretch of the Month: Back/Bridge Stretch

  • Strength Challenge: Burpees (all the way down — chest to floor!)

Encourage your dancer to practice at home for faster progress. Print the at-home practice tracker HERE.

FOR PARENTS OF PRESCHOOL DANCERS — MAY THEME: "Raindrops Keep Fallin' on My Head"

This month we're using fun props like a parachute and umbrella! At home, work on: leaps, 3-step turns, arabesque, 3rd position, contractions, and confidence. Recital is just around the corner — please find time to review recital routines at home!

RECITAL: COAST TO COAST

Classes are putting the finishing touches on their dances, and we couldn't be more excited! This year's show, Coast to Coast, takes you on a cross-country journey — from sunny beaches to bright city lights — as we celebrate 20 incredible years of Expressions Dance. It's going to be a show to remember.

All recital information is available on our Recital Page — access it through the parent portal at www.dancetoexpress.com. There you'll find final recital info, picture day details, the parent waiver for Weber State, practice videos, dad dance info, tumbling exhibition details, hair and makeup tutorials, ticket purchase links, rose orders, and more.

  • May 15 & 16: Tumble Exhibition @ Centerville studio

  • May 26-28: Picture Day & Dress Rehearsal at Centerville studio

  • May 30: Recitals at Weber State Val A Browning Center

  • June 1: Family Appreciation Pool Party @ Farmington City Pool

TICKETS ON SALE MAY 1 AT 9AM: Purchase tickets at https://www.dancetoexpress.com/tickets and share the link with family and friends. Show times: 10:30am, 12pm, 1:30pm, 3pm, 4:30pm, and 6pm.

What show am I in? Event Confirmations have been emailed and are in your family account. Log into your Parent Portal and click "View Performances." [Need help? Watch this step-by-step tutorial.]

Ticket Policies:

  • Tickets are NOT included in the performance package

  • All seating is reserved

  • Advance online tickets are $14–$16 plus handling fees

  • Anyone ages 3+ requires a ticket; infants who may not remain seated should not attend

  • Dads participating in the dad dance must purchase a ticket to sit with their family

  • Doors open 30 minutes before showtime

  • Ticketing support: call 866-HTT-4TIX, Option 3

COSTUME PICK-UP:

  • May 7: 1–2:30pm

  • May 8: 4:30–6pm

  • May 9: 9–11am

Drive-through pick-up at the back of the Centerville studio (drive around Dick's Marketplace). We'll bring costumes to your car!

  • If you miss pick-up, bring your dancer to class the following week to collect it.

  • Accounts with outstanding balances will not receive costumes until paid.

  • Do not wear costumes except to pictures, dress rehearsal, and recital. Do not eat in costumes.

  • Wear full costume, hair, and makeup to pictures, dress rehearsal, and recital.

 PRACTICE AT HOME Choreography is complete — now it's all about confidence and consistency. Please have your dancer practice regularly before recital. Access all practice videos at https://www.dancetoexpress.com/recital-info → select "Practice Videos" → choose your dancer's dance. Not sure which dance to practice? Search your email for "Recital Practice Videos" (sent March 20).

MILESTONE RECOGNITION CHECK THE LIST We're celebrating students who have completed 3 or more years at the studio in our recital program. Please review the list to make sure your dancer is included — we don't want to miss anyone!

DAD DANCE- FINAL DETAILS Assigned rehearsal times, performance times, and practice videos are all HERE. Final practice dates: May 9 & May 23

DANCER NOTES & RECITAL ROSES- ORDER BY MAY 11 Reserve a personal note for your dancer in the recital program! Notes are $10 per line (e.g., "Jessica- you bring us joy with every step! Love, Mom"). You can also order roses. Payment is due at time of order; orders available for pick-up at Saturday recitals.

JUNE 1: FAMILY APPRECIATION POOL PARTY 7-9PM: All studio families are invited! Join us Monday, June 1 from 7–9pm at the Farmington City Pool. We can't wait to celebrate the season with you!

2026 CALENDAR OF EVENTS:

  • May 1: Recital Tickets on sale online, 9am

  • May 4-8: Teacher Appreciation Week

  • May 7-9: Costume Pick Up @ Ctvl

  • May 9: Dad Practice for Recital FINAL DETAILS HERE

  • May 15 & 16: Tumbling Exhibition @ Ctvl FINAL DETAILS HERE

  • May 18-22: Bring a Stuffie Week (Academy & Company)

  • May 22: Last day of Academy classes

  • May 23: Dad Practice for Recital FINAL DETAILS HERE

  • May 25: Memorial Day, no classes

  • May 26-28: Picture Day & Dress Rehearsals @ Ctvl

  • May 27: Banana Split Party (for school aged dancers who pass of their splits)

  • May 29: Company Showcase @ Weber State

  • May 30: Recitals @ Weber State

  • June 1: Company Audition Parent Meeting, 6pm

  • June 1: Family Appreciation Pool Party, 7pm

  • June 2-4: Company Auditions for 2026-27