HOW TO ENROLL IN A VIRTUAL CLASS WHEN YOU NEED TO STAY HOME

zzz.png

We are excited to offer our students a chance to join us from their home stage for a LIVE online class in a format that will allow students to get direct feedback from instructors! We are so glad we can continue learning together in an interactive setting. 

We will be streaming our classes on Zoom! It's easy! Clear out space at home to allow for movement, have your device set up, access the Zoom link provided in your upcoming classes on the Parent Portal and we'll do the rest! 

WATCH THIS VIDEO: HOW TO ENROLL IN A VIRTUAL CLASS WHEN YOU NEED TO STAY HOME

HOW TO GET REGISTERED TO ATTEND A VIRTUAL CLASS:

  1. Login to the parent portal, first time logging in?  No problem, select "forgot my password" to finish setting up your account. 

  2. Click the drop down navigation in top left corner, select “request a trial/drop-in class.” 

  3. Select the virtual season for your program (dance, preschool, or company)

  4. Select the class and choose the date you'll need to attend at home

  5. REPEAT if you're in multiple classes 

WHAT STUDENTS NEED:

  1. Download the Zoom app on a tablet or computer that allows for video and audio.

    1. Tablet- Download Zoom from App Store or Google Play  

    2. Computer- Click on your class access link in the parent portal and then click "launch zoom" (If this is your first time using Zoom, you'll be prompted to download a small executable file.)

  2. Space to dance- large enough to move around a little, but not much is required.

  3. An open mind! This is a new experience for all involved! Let’s encourage our students to look for the positives and opportunities for growth.

HOW TO JOIN YOUR CLASS:

  1. Make sure you have an internet connection and are using a device that allows for both video and audio.

  2. Login into the parent portal, first time logging in?  No problem, select forgot my password to finish setting up your account. 

  3. Scroll down to "upcoming classes" and select the hyperlink under location. Then click "launch zoom" (If this is your first time using Zoom, you'll be prompted to download a small executable file).​

  4. When joining us check that your CAMERA IS ON and your MICROPHONE IS MUTED. Having multiple mics open created feedback noise making it hard to hear instruction.

  5. When the class is over, click "Leave" in the upper right-hand corner of the screen. Then click "Leave Meeting" and you’ll exit out of the classroom. 

HELPFUL TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL CLASS:

  1. Three minutes before your scheduled class, click the link and join the group. Arriving early will give you time to troubleshoot any issues you may come across.

  2. Please keep your video-enabled so your teacher can interact with you.

  3. Clear the space you are dancing in. Remove any household items, obstacles or hazards that could potentially harm you or those around you. Avoid slippery surfaces.

  4. Wear your dance clothing!

TROUBLESHOOTING:

  1. Can't see yourself? Make sure you enable your video by clicking the video icon so there is no slash through it.

  2. If your technology isn’t working, try closing all media players because they can interfere (iTunes, GooglePlay, etc) and then restart your computer.

  3. Calls often get dropped but don’t worry- just click on the same link and rejoin.

We can't wait to see you and experience this new way of learning!  Your continued dedication to our mission to provide your child with invaluable life skills through dance ensures we can continue doing the work we do. 

If you have any questions, please reach out. We are here and ready to help!

Best, 

Ms. Amy

The Benefits of Competition - Commitment  

Making a commitment and sticking to it is a lesson that seems pretty easy to learn, but isn’t always so.  It can be a challenge—especially for young dancers—to navigate a big responsibility like that!  One of the most valuable life lessons our performing company dancers learn at Expressions Dance is following through on their commitments. 

From the start, joining the company team isn’t something a dancer does on a whim.  There are auditions to prepare for and schedules to align.  There are team policies to consider and extra expenses to budget.  In fact, at Expressions Dance, we understand that participation isn’t a choice made only by the dancer; it’s a family decision. 

 

We know that our company team requires an extensive commitment.  But we also know that the long-term benefits our dancers will experience from this commitment will far outweigh any temporary conflicts that may pop up during the season!  Below we outline the most important advantages to our performing company students when it comes to honing this essential skill:

 

Agreeing to a commitment teaches future-thinking

With a performing company agreement, dancers are looking ahead to an entire season and asking themselves, “Am I willing to give 100% effort all year to follow through on this commitment?”  Most pre-teens and teens make decisions based on how they feel right now, which is normal in adolescence.  Making a decision based on thinking ahead is a skill that needs sharpening.  Through their passion for dance and agreement to the company team, our dancers are learning how to consider the future in their choices.

 

Following through on a commitment sometimes requires sacrifices

Though it can be an uncomfortable lesson to learn, sometimes making a commitment to the team means that it overrides other opportunities like parties, travel, or school social events.  Our students may find themselves feeling tested by their team commitment—and that’s OK.  We understand that it will happen and have built our attendance policies with it in mind.  It’s not easy, but standing by their commitment teaches our dancers to act with integrity.

 

Abiding by a commitment shows reliability as a team member

As a team, our company students form close bonds and learn to depend on each other … sometimes emotionally and physically, depending on the choreography!  Becoming a reliable teammate shows each team member that they respect each other and value each person’s contributions to the group.  They share in this commitment together and learn to appreciate the effort everyone makes to achieve success.

 

We hope you’ll discuss with your Expressions Dance performing company dancer all the positive ways they are growing from following through on their commitments.  We’re grateful that they’ve chosen dance to be one of their top priorities!

The Summer Stride

Summer is just around the corner and here at Expressions Dance, we are putting the finishing touches on all our fantastic summer program offerings!  

With the current dance season winding down and the new season ramping up, you might have been wondering lately if summer dance classes are right for your child.  From our experience, every student has the potential to hit their “summer stride” … in other words, they all have the ability to keep their learning power going in the summer, without losing any momentum!

We believe there is a unique benefit for each and every student who dances with us in the summer, whether it’s during a weekly class, a dance camp, or an intensive workshop.  Read on to see which advantages might be in store for your child!

 

Making Progress

Because dance is built on muscle memory, summer study can help your child fine-tune their movement vocabulary and technique, allowing them to improve their skills, grow stronger, and be better prepared to take on new material.

 

Being Consistent

Young children do well with stability in their routine, so maintaining that normalcy with summer dance can give them (and you!) peace of mind, even as the rest of your summer plans may vary.

 

Getting Motivated

After the recital, we find that some students are eager to try a new dance style (usually something they were inspired by!) to see how they like it.  Summer is THE perfect time to test out those new interests, without a long commitment.

 

Gaining Confidence

Our summer programs, with their blend of both structure and fun, can give your child the boost they need to jump into fall classes feeling good about themselves.  There’s nothing quite like the personal development that can be built in the summer!

 

It’s part of our mission to ensure that your child is learning how to balance their hard work with time off, and the summer offers the best of both worlds.  We encourage all of our students to make time for rest and relaxation, and also make time to keep their bodies strong and minds engaged.  This balance is what the true summer stride is all about!

 

There’s something for everyone here this summer at Expressions Dance.  We’re happy to help you customize the right schedule for your family or make a special recommendation for your child … just ask! 

Red Carpet Recital Experience Details

Our students & families have earned a special ending to this year. YES, we will have a recital. It will not be our traditional recital experience, but if 2020 is teaching us anything, it is to turn life’s lemons into delicious LEMONADE! We’ve gotten creative and are determined to make this memorable for your family and to make sure that in the end of all this our kids come out better people.

This year we will be offering the opportunity for families to reimagine recital and the tumbling exhibition and to showcase the accomplishments of our students. We can’t wait for what is possibly going to be one of the most memorable events we have ever produced!

The Red Carpet Recital Experience is going to be magical! There are THREE things you need to do now: 

  1. Sign up for a small group Dress Rehearsal time

  2. Sign up for your Red Carpet Recital Experience with your teacher! (cast list is below)

  3. Sign up for a Tumble Exhibition time (only for those tumblers signed up, cast list is below)

1. Sign up for a Dress Rehearsal time.

Between June 1-10th we’ll be holding small group practice time to prepare dancers for their big day! Our teachers will be there to run through your routines while following all CDC requirements for social distancing. Select one time slot for your routine that’s with your teacher. Find your name in the cast list below to see your routine name and teacher. More instructions on drop off/pick up procedures and what to wear will be sent out when it gets closer.

Dress rehearsal sign up

2. Sign up for your Red Carpet Recital time!  

Between June 17-20 dancers will join their teacher and entertain 5 VIP guests for their own special recital! Find your name in the cast list at the end of this email and click on your teacher's name to sign up for a time. We've also included a link to the folder with your practice videos. 

If you have more than one class with different teachers, you can choose to sign up for a slot with both of them, OR pick your favorite dance and sign up for that one... it’s totally up to you!

Stars classes that have a ballet and jazz dance will perform both in your time slot, or you can choose their favorite dance!

RED CARPET SIGN UP

3. Tumbling Exhibition is separate from the Red Carpet times and will be held as originally scheduled on June 12-13. If you are signed up for this your name is listed below. Head HERE to sign up for a 1-on-1 Exhibition time with your teacher. You'll have time to practice your skills and stretch before heading into the spotlight to show off your skills to your guests! Not sure who your teacher is? Check the tumbling exhibition list at the bottom of this email to see your teacher and a video for skills to practice!

TUMBLE EXHIBITION SIGN UP

What Red Carpet Recitals will look like:

  • Each child gets to invite up to 5 VIP guests to this memorable experience. This is your chance to celebrate with them their moment in the spotlight they’ve worked hard for all year!

  • Step 1: Arrival Experience – We’re rolling out the red carpet! Our star performer will be dropped off at the front of the building and greeted by our event host (one of the teachers all dressed up). They will welcome them in through the front door and escort them into room one.

  • Step 2: Photo Experience – While practicing social distancing dancers will: Meet with our photographer to capture this memory that will last a lifetime! We will be providing individual picture downloads this year in the performance package as an alternative to class pictures for Red Carpet Recitals.

  • Step 3: They will meet their teacher, review their choreography, and prepare for their big performance!

  • Step 4: Stage Experience – Performers will enter room 2 and step onto the stage for their once in a lifetime recital experience. The audience (up to 5 guests of your choice) will join us as you SHINE BRIGHT on stage! Their teacher will be there with them to support them every step of the way. Parents will be able to take as many pictures and videos of their big performance as they’d like!

  • Step 5: Celebration Experience – Following the stage performance, your child’s teacher will escort your small group to the celebration area where performers will receive their commemorative COVID Keepsake goodie bag, complete with a congratulatory rose and confetti! From there you’ll exit out the back and can continue celebrating by going to get ice cream or whatever you dream up on this special day.

There are no additional ticket fees for this event. Offering private red carpet experiences will allow us to give our students the chance to be celebrated with their loved ones AND THEIR TEACHERS and no one has to miss out! We considered doing this class by class, but then we would not be able to fit anyone to be the audience in the space and we decided this was the best plan for everyone.

Costumes: We will be hosting a curbside Pick-up the end of May where families will drive around, pop their trunk, and we’ll load in your costumes and recital shirts.  We’re still awaiting a few costumes that have had delayed ship dates thanks to COVID, so as soon as we’ve received them, we’ll send out the details!

Recital Reimagined Timeline:

  • May 11-29: We’ll continue with Zoom classes and recital prep

  • May 25-29: Final Zoom Week ­– Class Celebrations

  • End of May: Costume Curbside Pick Up, details to follow

  • June 1-10: In-Person Small group rehearsals for Red Carpet Recital, sign up for a practice time with your teacher

  • June 10-20: Red Carpet Recitals, pick your day and time, sign up to follow

EXP weekly update video May 12th.png

MORE TO LOVE:

Next week is “Hero Week” – dress like your favorite superhero for class: doctors, nurse, teacher, mom/dad, author, athlete, character, etc!

Pathways for Dancers Meetings- May 20th via Zoom: Learn about the programs and class options we have for your child's dance journey as they grow!

  • Preschoolers @ 6:00pm | Meeting ID: 827-8473-0464 | Password: 339356

  • 2nd Grade & Older @ 6:30pm | Meeting ID: 833-4242-4740 | Password: 883023

  • Kindergarten & 1st Graders @ 7:30pm | Meeting ID: 834 0861 2259 | Password: 876260

Virtual At-Home Recitals: May 18, and May 26-29! Dress up in anything you want for this special final class celebration. We’ll send out a special virtual background for kids to turn on during their recital run through and snap a class photo! Check out this quick video to see how the last week of classes Virtual Recital Experience will work!

SCHEDULE YOUR Trial Class