December Dance Newsletter 2024

Happy Holidays! Wishing you and your family the very best this season. We enjoy the opportunity to work with your family and love teaching your children.

SAFER STUDIO GUIDELINES: Thank you for following the guidelines and helping us remain a Safer Studio. Parents, thank you for keeping kids home if they are not well, and for your enhanced efforts to practice good hygiene. As we are going into regular cold and flu season, it is important that we continue our combined efforts to follow these guidelines.  Please continue to monitor your children and do not send them to class if they have a fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose, etc.  Keep children home when they are sick. We appreciate your enhanced awareness and efforts in keeping our students and faculty healthy.

Tis the season! We have placed a stocking for each of our staff in our lobbies.  If you and your child would like to give a card or gift to their teacher, or our office staff they are welcome to put it in their stocking!⁠

⁠If you've forgotten your teacher's name, CLICK HERE and select the tab for the program in which your child is enrolled in.

⁠Thanks in advance for thinking of our team and for your continued support!! Happy Holidays!

GIFT OF DANCE CERTIFICATES: Every student is receiving an envelope with a $25 gift certificate for tuition to gift to a friend who is not a current student at the studio. We hope this helps you check a gift off your list, and we look forward to having them join our dance family. You will also get a referral credit for $20 when they bring in their gift of dance certificate! If you need any additional certificates, just let us know! Thank you for your continued support and for playing an important role in making Expressions Dance and Preschool a wonderful place to be!

‘TIS THE SEASON! Please take a minute and post a 5-star review on Google and/or Facebook for us! Your kind comments really help prospective customers to feel more confident in choosing us. We will be forever grateful to you. Thank you in advance for helping us out! We appreciate your support so much.

Your feedback is of the utmost importance to Expressions Dance & Preschool. We are constantly striving to provide the ideal experience for our studio families, and your input helps us to define that experience. If you ever have any concerns or suggestions, please email us @ info@dancetoexpress.com. Thank you!

 

 DEC 7: IN-STUDIO HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE @ Centerville Studio 

VIEW FINAL DETAILS AND PERFORMANCE TIMES HERE

We are working hard in classes getting ready for this year’s Holiday Performances! Our students are so excited to shine in front of their family and friends as they show off the results their dedication and progress so far this year.  Please see below for your child’s arrival and performance time. 

The performance will give each class 15-20 minutes of demonstration time. They will arrive 20 minutes before their performance to stretch and warm up. Each group will have time to demonstrate together as a class some of their favorite skills and songs and each class will get to showcase a fun holiday routine! At the conclusion of their class demonstration, dancers will receive a cookie and can take pictures with their teachers and supporters.  

Bring your pajama and book donations to the performance! This will be the final day for donations so we can get them to Utah Foster Care to go in holiday care packages.

Not sure if you’ve signed up? It’s not too late! VIEW FINAL DETAILS AND PERFORMANCE TIMES HERE

If you want to get some last-minute practicing in, head to the practice folder HERE! 

  • Barely Threes: Snowflakes, Snowflakes + I Saw Mommy

  • Preschool Dance/ACPS Insect classes: Is That You Santa Clause?

  • Pre-K Dance/ACPS Critters & Bears classes: Here Comes Santa Clause

  • Kinderstars: Up on the Housetop

  • All Stars: Let It Snow

  • Rising Stars: Rocking Around the Christmas Tree

  • Mega Stars: Nutcracker-Chinese Tea & Run Run Rudolph

  • Super Stars: Nutcracker-Spanish Chocolate & Santa Cool Cat

  • Hip Hop K1: Holiday

  • Hip Hop 2/3: Jingle Bells

  • Hip Hop Tween/Teen: This Christmas

 DEC 16-20: STUDIO SPIRIT WEEK- WEAR HOLIDAY PAJAMAS

We are excited to celebrate our last week of 2024 classes with a studio-wide spirit week! Students can wear holiday pajamas to classes! Make sure you are able to move and participate safely in your classes- no footie pajamas!

DEC 20: PARENTS NIGHT OUT- DROP AND SHOP!

PARENT’S NIGHT OUT IS BACK! Send your kids in pajamas to have a great time while you squeeze in some last-minute Christmas shopping on Friday, December 20th from 6-10 pm at our Centerville location! We will wear them out just in time for bed!  Cost is $20 per child and includes pizza for dinner! Ages 3+ and must be potty trained. You do not need to be a current student to come! Register by email or in your parent portal under special events HERE.

DEC 23-JAN 3: NO CLASSES FOR WINTER BREAK

We hope you all have a wonderful December! Our schedule stays the same when we return on January 6. The classes you are currently registered for will continue through May 2025.  (We charge the same amount every month for convenience and consistency to our families. Holidays and studio closures are factored into the season’s tuition amount and is then broken into even monthly payments.)

 

JAN 4: FROZEN FRIENDS CAMP!

Who has a little one who loves Frozen? Register to attend our Frozen Friends Camp and we will give you an elegantly wrapped box with an ice blue tutu and special invitation to put under the tree! Only a few spots left!

  • When: January 4, 2025

  • Where: Expressions Dance, Bountiful location

  • To sign up, head here

RECITAL UPDATES:

Can you believe it, we are already preparing for our next big show! The Tumble Exhibition is May 16 & 17, 2025 and the year-end recital is May 31, 2025. Costumes must be ordered months in advance, so we’ve already started sizing dancers in classes and will be getting costumes ordered this month.

When starting class this season, you submitted the waiver that included details about our Recital. All students are automatically enrolled to participate in the year-end recital and/or the tumble exhibition.

  • The automatic performance deposit processed on Oct 15.

  • Installment amounts will be processed with tuition from November-MAY.

  • To see your child’s participation schedule, go to your parent portal HERE.

    • Select "View All My Classes" in the top left navigation. 

    • Your child’s registration for events in which they are participating will show there.  

If you have not submitted your form, you can do that here: https://app.hellosign.com/s/beLmPihu

If you need to review the information, the Parent Guide includes all performance details.  

NOT SURE WHAT RECITAL IS ALL ABOUT? New knowledge and skills abound when it comes to preparing for the recital … and we’re not just talking about learning dance steps!  There’s more than meets the eye when it comes to all of the advantages of recital participation.  Check out some of the unique benefits your child will acquire that go beyond the performance itself HERE.

WINTER PROJECT: PAJAMAS AND BOOKS DUE BE DEC 7

Our annual pajama and book drive is going on now! Our project will help support Utah Foster Care and several other local Utah charities.  We are collecting new pajamas and books at both studios until December 8. We hope you will join us in this cause!

We are also collecting monetary donations which will go towards more jammies and books! Bring in cash or Venmo donations to @danceforlife and include the dancers name so the amount can go toward their service society recognition!

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PAJAMA AND BOOK DRIVE HERE

DRESS CODE STICKER CHARTS

We are excited for our dress code incentive program!  All students have received a sticker chart at their first class this week. This will need to stay in their bag and brought to dance each day.  Every day they come to class in proper dress code including hair and all required shoes, they will receive a sticker!  When they fill up their sticker chart, they will receive a dress to impress pin they can put on their dance bag! We hope this program will help make kids excited and motivated to follow the dress code and help be responsible at home with packing their bag.

WATCH THIS TUTORIAL ON HOW TO DO A BALLET BUN

FOR PARENTS OF SCHOOL AGED TUMBLING/ACRO STUDENTS

December Stretch of the Month- Straddle | Strength Challenge- Superman

We are so excited this year to have a “stretch of the month” and a “strength challenge” in our acro/tumbling classes! Encourage your child to work on these skills at home to help them improve even faster!  Be more involved by printing off the at home practice tracker HERE.

HIP HOP CLASSES- SHOE POLICY: With winter weather approaching, we need to remind you that we CANNOT have wet, salty, muddy shoes stepping onto our dance floor. Please carry your hip hop shoes into the studio and change into them before you enter the classroom.  You will be asked to dance with no shoes if you don't have a dry pair! Thank you!

ONLINE CALENDAR! We have a calendar on the website!  Please refer to it for Holiday closures and studio events. If you use Google Calendar you can copy studio events directly into your calendar by clicking on the "add google calendar" in the bottom right corner of the calendar.  https://www.dancetoexpress.com/parent-portal

TEXT REMINDERS: Stay up to date on current events! Reminder texts are sent out for closures and special events.  Please make sure the primary phone number listed on your account is one that can receive texts.

ONLINE PARENT PORTAL: The account you created online can be updated at any time. Log in on the website to update contact and billing information, register for new classes, and make payments. You can also reset your password any time. https://www.dancetoexpress.com/parent-portal

STUDIO FACEBOOK GROUP: Join our studio Facebook group and be a part of our community HERE!  Stay up to date on current events and connect with us!

BALLET WEST NUTCRACKER: It is a studio tradition to go to Ballet West's Nutcracker every year!  This year we have five dancers cast in the Nutcracker! We will be attending as a studio on December 6 @ 7pm and/or @ Saturday, December 21 @ 2pm to support them! Tickets can be purchased HERE.

  • Congratulations to Gwenyth T, Sophee M, Kate B, and Camille C for being cast as soldiers! They will be performing 11/29-12/01 in Ogden, 12/6-12/8 at Capitol Theater. 

  • Congratulations to Lily W for being cast as the Party Princess! She will be performing 12/17-22 at Capital Theater.

ODYSSEY CHRISTMAS SPECTACULAR: We are so thrilled to have Odyssey Dance Theater back in the community and to be joining them on the stage for their Holiday show on December 19th at 7:30pm GET TICKETS HERE

DEC 4: RHYTHM NATION TAP “JAZZY NUTCRACKER:” Our company dancers have been invited to participate in Utah’s Rhythm Nation Tap Company’s production of “A Very Jazzy Nutcracker” this year! This is an amazing honor for our studio. Extreme, Excite and Express get to perform in shows Wednesday, December 4 at 6pm and 8pm at the Valentine Theatre in American Fork. Buy tickets HERE.


2024-25 IMPORTANT ACADEMY PROGRAM DATES:

  • Dec 2-Dec 7: Last week to drop off pajama and book donations

  • Dec 7: Holiday Performance @ Centerville Studio FINAL DETAILS

  • Dec 16-20: Studio Spirit Week: Wear Holiday Pajamas

  • Dec 20: Parent’s Night Out! 6-10pm @ Centerville

  • Dec 23-Jan 4: Winter Break, no classes

  • Jan 4: Frozen Friends Dance Party (special event)

  • Jan 13-17: Studio Spirit Week: Wear Crazy Socks

  • Jan 13: Registration opens for Academic Preschool fall classes

  • Jan 20: MLK Day, no classes

  • Jan 27-Feb 14: Hearts for Hunger- Food & Sock Drive

  • Jan 27-31: Bring a Friend week (Academy Program)

  • Feb 3-7: Tiny Tots Transition to Independent Class

  • Feb 7: Parent’s Night Out- Valentine Party

  • Feb 8: Valentine Ball (special event)

  • Feb 10-14: Studio Spirit Week: Wear Pink to class

  • Feb 14: Hearts for Hunger- Food & Sock Drive ends

  • Feb 17: Presidents’ Day, no classes

  • Feb 21: Skipping Pass Off Party (for PS/PK dancers)

  • Feb 24-28: Bring a Teddy Bear to Dance Week (for Academy & ACPS PS/PK Dancers)

  • Mar 1: Registration opens for summer programs

  • Mar 11: Studio Spirit Week: Summer Dreamin’ (wear summer themed dress for class)

  • Mar 14: Academy Program: Glow Party (for school-aged students)

  • Mar 24-28: Ballerina Visits (in school aged classes)

  • Mar 28: Mom & Me Paint Night @ Ctvl

  • Mar 31-April 4: Spring Break, no classes

  • Apr 7: Rollover Rally Begins

  • Apr 7-11: Progress Reports go home (Academy Programs)

  • Apr 7-18: Parent Participation & Appreciation Week (Academy Programs)

  • Apr 12: Dad Practice for Recital

  • Apr 14: Pathways for Dancers Meeting

  • Apr 18: Rollover Rally Ends

  • Apr 19: Dad Practice for Recital

  • Apr 20: Rollover Membership is Processed

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

  • May 1-3: Costume Pick Up

  • May 2: Pre-K Skills Testing (celebrating accomplishments for our pre-k dancers) 

  • May 3: Dad Practice for Recital

  • May 5-9: Teacher Appreciation Week

  • May 16 & 17: Tumbling Exhibition

  • May 19-23: Bring a Stuffie Week (Academy & Company)

  • May 23: Last day of classes

  • May 24: Dad Practice for Recital

  • May 26: Memorial Day, no classes

  • May 27-29: Picture Day & Dress Rehearsals @ Ctvl

  • May 29: Banana Split Party (special event)

  • May 30: Company Showcase @ Weber State

  • May 31: Recitals @ Weber State

  • June 2: Company Audition Parent Meeting, 6pm

  • June 2: Family Appreciation Pool Party, 7pm

  • June 3-5: Company Auditions for 2025-26

November Dance Newsletter 2024

Thanks to everyone who joined us at the Trunk or Treat! We had a great time with all of you! 

There will be no classes on Halloween evening beginning at 4pm. Happy Trick or Treating! 

Oct 21-Nov 1, Nov 7: PARENT PEEK WEEK

We loved seeing many of you at Parent Peek Week last week. We've still got several more this week, and some next Thursday too!  We are excited to announce our Parent Peek Week is coming up Oct 21-25th and Oct 28-Nov 1st and we would love for you to join us.  During this special week, we invite 1 parent/guardian to come to class with their student and join in on the fun.  This is a great opportunity to see firsthand what your child has been learning and connect with other parents in our studio community.

We have split up our Parent Peek Week over two weeks to help with traffic and parking.  Please see the list HERE for your date and parent arrival times. 

*Diaper Dancers & Tiny Tots classes do not participate in Parent Peek week.

Please review these important guidelines before attending:

  • To help avoid congestion in the parking lot and the lobby, drop your student off for their class, and return promptly 2 minutes before your time noted below.

  • Bountiful Studio: Additional parking can be found along Highway 89 or at the LDS church northeast of our location (3317 S 800 W, Bountiful). Do not park directly in front of our building on 89 or cars can’t see to pull out safely.

  • Each student is allowed to have only 1 adult attend the class.

  •  Please lower the voice volume in all waiting areas and studios.

  • Please refrain from distractions that will disrupt learning.

  • Please silence all electronic devices before entering our studios. Be present!

  • Please do not bring infants or other children into class.

SAFER STUDIO GUIDELINES

The health of our staff, students, and families has always been our highest priority.  Expressions Dance & Preschool follows the Safer Studio guidelines, which prioritize a hierarchy of safety and wellness measures.  As a reminder as we are going into cold and flu season, it is important we continue our combined efforts to follow these guidelines.  Please continue to monitor your children and do not send them to class if they have a fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose, etc.  Thank you so much for everyone’s enhanced awareness and efforts in keeping our dancers healthy. Please keep children home when they are sick.

CLASS REMINDERS

  • Potty before class, especially preschoolers!

  • No underwear under your leotard. Tights are dancer's underwear!

  • BE ON TIME! We have had a lot of latecomers and late pick-ups. It is very disruptive to classes when you walk in late, not to mention unsafe for dancers to miss warming up.  Late pick-ups are preventing our next classes from starting on time. Thanks for your attention to this manner!

IT’S NEW STYLE NOVEMBER

This month we are opening trials to currently enrolled school aged students to try another style of class! Have you been thinking about trying Hip Hop or Tumbling? Jazz or Ballet? We would love to see you try a new stye this month!

CLICK HERE to join us for a complimentary class.

RECITAL INSTALLMENTS START NOV 1 (and go through June 1)

Dance is the ultimate performing art, and dancing onstage at the recital serves as a powerful tool for building a child’s confidence in themselves—a confidence that easily carries over into a dancer’s home life, schoolwork, and friendships.  So how can one special event create such a big difference? Read all about benefits of the recital HERE.

When starting class this season, you submitted the waiver that included details about our Recital. All students are automatically enrolled to participate in the year-end recital and/or the tumble exhibition.

  • The automatic performance deposit was processed on Oct 15 ($75 for dancers or $55 for tumblers).

  • Installment amounts will be processed with tuition from November-May.

  • To see your child’s participation schedule, go to your parent portal HERE.

    • Select "View All My Classes" in the top left navigation. 

    • Your child’s registration for events in which they are participating will show there. 

If you have not submitted your form, you can do that here: https://app.hellosign.com/s/beLmPihu

If you need to review the information, the Parent Guide includes all performance details.

NOV 11-15 FUN BUN WEEK

The second week of November is FUN BUN WEEK! Come to class with a fun bun (short hair can do crazy hair). Turn that bun into a masterpiece... Maybe it's a spider, or a one-eyed monster! We can't wait to see your creations!

STARS CLASSES- EARN YOUR “DRESSED TO IMPRESS” PIN FOR PROPER ATTIRE

Starting last month, STAR students earn a sticker on their chart each week for having their hair in a proper bun for class along with proper attire of tights and their leotard. Once they fill up their whole row of stickers, they will earn their “Dressed to Impress” pin!  

To earn a pin your dancer must:

  • Have her hair in a secure ballet bun (not a doorknob bun)

  • Use a hairnet

  • Use bobby pins to secure bun

WHY DOES MY SCHOOL AGE DANCER NEED TO WEAR A BUN?

  1. MUSCLE MEMORY: Does your child have bangs or pieces of hair falling down in the face? How about little frizzies tickling their shoulders? In the middle of a dance, they may reach up and brush their hair out of their way. When a dancer does this all the time, after a specific step, or in a rehearsal, it becomes muscle memory, and they will continue to "brush their hair away" onstage, even if it is slicked back and pinned up!

  2. TURNING TROUBLE: It's a problem for turns. For ponytails, dancers tend to close their eyes when they spot, or whip their head around. You cannot turn without spotting your head, and you definitely can't turn with your eyes closed. This is a safety hazard.

  3. BALANCE AND ALIGNMENT: A ballet bun helps to center your balance. Having your neck visible allows the teacher to correct your alignment by making sure your neck, shoulder and back are placed correctly.

  4. HELPS THE TEACHER: If everyone in the room matches perfectly, it is easier to pick out exactly where corrections are needed and who needs them. A shoulder or elbow in the wrong place, the head placement not being correct, or even trying to figure out who is turning the wrong direction can be disorienting if everyone's hair, clothing, and accessories are different. This is important because it helps implement proper technique.

  5. BECAUSE THE TEACHER SAID SO: Even if there was no other good reason, your teacher has a rule in her class that needs to be followed. If you respect your child's teacher, your child will see that respect, and it will transfer to them. The overall atmosphere in our program will remain learning friendly, professional, and respectful.

WATCH THIS TUTORIAL ON HOW TO DO A BALLET BUN

NOV 26-29: * THANKSGIVING BREAK!*

There will be no classes for Thanksgiving Break beginning at 4pm on Tues, Nov 26 through Friday, Nov 29.  (We will hold morning classes on the Tuesday the 26)

SAT, DEC 7, 2024: IN-STUDIO HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE @ CENTERVILLE STUDIO

Our in-studio Holiday Performance offers students a low-key, fun, and simple performance that allows dancers time in front of an audience to help them become more comfortable performing! Participation includes a cookie, and a simple costume accessory rental (skirt, tutu, hat, etc.) put on dancers when they arrive.

  • Participation is $40

  • Sign up online for a time slot in the parent portal HERE by Nov 1

    • Select “Enroll in a class” and select the special events season

    • Scroll through to Dec 7th and find your child’s class

  • Participants can have up to 4 spectators attend (free admission)

  • Tumbling classes, Tiny Tots, and Diaper Dancers do not participate in the Holiday Performance

What time is our performance? Performances will be within the time ranges below. Once enrollment closes on November 1, we will provide you with a finalized performance time (in mid-November). Your commitment that day will be approximately 1 hour.

  • Pre-K Dance 12:30-3:30pm

  • Preschool Dance 1-4pm

  • Allstars 1:30-4:30pm

  • Kinderstars 2-5pm

  • Megastars 3:30-6:30pm

  • Hip Hop 3:30-6:30pm

  • Rising Stars 4-7pm

  • Super Stars 4-7pm

What does my child need to wear for the performance?

  • Preschool/Pre-K classes:

    • Girls base costume: Own black leotard, pink tights, and pink ballet shoes. Hair should be pulled away from their face and styled any way you want.

    • Boys: Wear own blue jeans or black pants and a red or green plain shirt. Black socks or black ballet shoes.

  • Stars classes:

    • Girls base costume: Class uniform, pink tights, and pink ballet shoes with hair in a ballet bun. Mega and Super Stars also bring your tan jazz shoes. Super stars class uniform is any black leotard.

    • Boys: Wear own blue jeans or black pants and a red or green plain shirt. Black socks or black ballet shoes.

  • Hip hop classes: Own blue jeans or black pants and a red or green plain shirt with clean sneakers.

CHRISTMAS PAJAMAS AND BOOKS CHARITY PROJECT

This year’s Christmas Charity Project is going to be even bigger than last year! We are gathering new pajamas and books to donate to those in need locally.  We will be sending out an email that can be forwarded to family and friends about our project.  Start bringing in your donations this month! Look for the donation box in our front lobbies.  Help us beat last year’s total of 1701 pajamas, 1479 books!

We’ve opened our Scholastic book program to ALL of our dance families for our Christmas project.  Scholastic is an amazing resource with GREAT books at a GREAT price!  You can order $1 books and they will be shipped right to the studio. Visit Scholastic Books HERE and take advantage of this convenient way to donate to our book drive.  Online orders are due by Friday November 6 and be sure to put your child’s first and name last name.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE PAJAMA AND BOOK DRIVE HERE

FOR PARENTS OF SCHOOL AGED TUMBLING/ACRO STUDENTS

November Stretch of the Month- Back/Bridge | Strength Challenge- Wall Sit

We are so excited this year to have a “stretch of the month” and a “strength challenge” in our acro/tumbling classes! Encourage your child to work on these skills at home to help them improve even faster!  Be more involved by printing off the at home practice tracker HERE.

FOR PARENTS OF PRESCHOOL DANCERS- NOVEMBER THEME

This month our theme in dance is “E-I-E-I-O” We are going to have so much fun moving like horses and dancing with our duck feet.  We hope you are having fun dancing with us at home!  

This month we are focusing on:  kicks, marching, ballet arms (port de bras)

HIP HOP CLASSES- SHOE POLICY

With winter weather approaching, we need to remind you that we CANNOT have wet, salty, muddy shoes stepping onto our dance floor. Please carry your hip hop shoes into the studio and change into them before you enter the classroom.  You will be asked to dance with no shoes if you don't have a dry pair! Thank you!

ONLINE CALENDAR!

We have a calendar on the website!  Please refer to it for Holiday closures and studio events. If you use Google Calendar you can copy studio events directly into your calendar by clicking on the "add google calendar" in the bottom right corner of the calendar. 

https://www.dancetoexpress.com/parent-portal

TEXT REMINDERS

Stay up to date on current events! Reminder texts are sent out for closures and special events.  Please make sure the primary phone number listed on your account is one that can receive texts.

ONLINE PARENT PORTAL

The account you created online can be updated at any time. Log in on the website to update contact and billing information, register for new classes, and make payments. You can also reset your password any time. https://www.dancetoexpress.com/parent-portal

STUDIO FACEBOOK GROUP

Join our studio Facebook group and be a part of our community HERE!  Stay up to date on current events and connect with us!

BALLET WEST NUTCRACKER: It is a studio tradition to go to Ballet West's Nutcracker every year!  This year we have five dancers cast in the Nutcracker! We will be attending as a studio on December 6 @ 7pm and/or @ Saturday, December 21 @ 2pm to support them! Tickets can be purchased HERE.

  • Congratulations to Gwenyth T, Sophee M, Kate B, and Camille C for being cast as soldiers! They will be performing 11/29-12/01 in Ogden, 12/6-12/8 at Capitol Theater. 

  • Congratulations to Lily W for being cast as the Party Princess! She will be performing 12/17-22 at Capital Theater.

2024-25 IMPORTANT ACADEMY PROGRAM DATES:

  • Oct 31: Halloween, no classes after 4pm

  • Nov 11-15: Fun Bun Week

  • Nov 11-Dec 6: Pajama and Book Drive

  • Nov 26-30: Thanksgiving Break, no classes Tuesday after 4pm

  • Dec 7: Holiday Performance (still securing venue, TBA)

  • Dec 16-20: Studio Spirit Week: Wear Holiday Pajamas

  • Dec 20: Parent’s Night Out

  • Dec 23-Jan 4: Winter Break, no classes

  • Jan 4: Frozen Friends Dance Party (special event)

  • Jan 13-17: Studio Spirit Week: Wear Crazy Socks

  • Jan 13: Registration opens for Academic Preschool fall classes

  • Jan 20: MLK Day, no classes

  • Jan 27-Feb 14: Hearts for Hunger- Food & Sock Drive

  • Jan 27-31: Bring a Friend week (Academy Program)

  • Feb 3-7: Tiny Tots Transition to Independent Class

  • Feb 7: Parent’s Night Out- Valentine Party

  • Feb 8: Valentine Ball (special event)

  • Feb 10-14: Studio Spirit Week: Wear Pink to class

  • Feb 14: Hearts for Hunger- Food & Sock Drive ends

  • Feb 17: Presidents’ Day, no classes

  • Feb 21: Skipping Pass Off Party (for PS/PK dancers)

  • Feb 24-28: Bring a Teddy Bear to Dance Week (for Academy & ACPS PS/PK Dancers)

  • Mar 1: Registration opens for summer programs

  • Mar 11: Studio Spirit Week: Summer Dreamin’ (wear summer themed dress for class)

  • Mar 14: Academy Program: Glow Party (for school-aged students)

  • Mar 24-28: Ballerina Visits (in school aged classes)

  • Mar 28: Mom & Me Paint Night @ Ctvl

  • Mar 31-April 4: Spring Break, no classes

  • Apr 7: Rollover Rally Begins

  • Apr 7-11: Progress Reports go home (Academy Programs)

  • Apr 7-18: Parent Participation & Appreciation Week (Academy Programs)

  • Apr 12: Dad Practice for Recital

  • Apr 14: Pathways for Dancers Meeting

  • Apr 18: Rollover Rally Ends

  • Apr 19: Dad Practice for Recital

  • Apr 20: Rollover Membership is Processed

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

  • May 1-3: Costume Pick Up

  • May 2: Pre-K Skills Testing (celebrating accomplishments for our pre-k dancers) 

  • May 3: Dad Practice for Recital

  • May 5-9: Teacher Appreciation Week

  • May 16 & 17: Tumbling Exhibition

  • May 19-23: Bring a Stuffie Week (Academy & Company)

  • May 23: Last day of classes

  • May 24: Dad Practice for Recital

  • May 26: Memorial Day, no classes

  • May 27-29: Picture Day & Dress Rehearsals @ Ctvl

  • May 29: Banana Split Party (special event)

  • May 30: Company Showcase @ Weber State

  • May 31: Recitals @ Weber State

  • June 2: Company Audition Parent Meeting, 6pm

  • June 2: Family Appreciation Pool Party, 7pm

  • June 3-5: Company Auditions for 2025-26

Pajama Project 2024

Dear Dancers and Parents,

We are so excited to tell you about our pajama and book drive.  Together, with other sister studios, we are going to collect new books and pajamas for all children sizes Preemie to adult to be donated to those in need throughout Utah.

In 2009 a few studio owners decided that it shouldn't just be about dancing during the holidays, it should be about “making a difference” in someone else’s life!  So many of us have grown up with the tradition of opening up a new pair of pajamas every Christmas Eve.  Kids love pajamas! We felt like giving pajamas to other children was a way to help even our youngest dancers grasp the concept of giving.  We have been collecting pajamas and books for the Utah Foster Care Foundation and several other local charities each and every year since.  They are always so excited to see us and so grateful for new jammies right in time for the holidays! 

PROJECT DETAILS:

  • Pajamas and books must be new, please NO hangers!

  • Pajamas are needed for all sizes. From preemie up to adults.

  • We are also collecting monetary donations. This will go towards more jammies and books! Bring in cash or Venmo donations to @danceforlife and include the dancers name so the amount can go toward their service society recognition!

  • Our studio has a goal for each dancer to collect 10 pairs of pajamas, or 20 books, or $50 in cash donations. We will also accept a combination of the three donations (ex. 5 pjs and 10 books).  

  • We recommend having students purchase pajamas they would wear themselves to donate.  This way they feel more connected to the project and the recipients. We are always in need of more adult sizes too, so spread the word!

  • Involve everyone around you!  Ask for donations from your friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers. We have included a letter that we encourage you to share with everyone you know.  We want to involve as many people in our community as we can.  Here is a letter you can print out, forward to your friends and family, and post on your social media.

  • We will be collecting pajamas at the studio through December 6, or you can bring all your donations to the In-Studio Holiday Performance at Centerville on December 7th.

This is one of our favorite times of the year and we feel that this is a wonderful opportunity to teach our students about giving service. We want our dancers to be involved with friends and classmates in feeling the spirit of giving together during the holidays. We are a strong group of loving individuals and if we come together we can make a difference in someone else’s life!  Please help us make our project a huge success!

 

Happy Holidays!

Expressions Dance and Preschool

October Dance Newsletter

MEMBERSHIP PACKET

Each student needs to have a completed membership form on file to attend class. Students with missing forms will be asked to observe class until their form has been submitted. Thank you for your help!  If you have not submitted your form, you can complete it here: https://app.hellosign.com/s/beLmPihu

SAFER STUDIO GUIDELINES

The health of our staff, students, and families has always been our highest priority.  Expressions Dance & Preschool follows the Safer Studio guidelines, which prioritize a hierarchy of safety and wellness measures.  As a reminder as we are going into cold and flu season, it is important we continue our combined efforts to follow these guidelines.  Please continue to monitor your children and do not send them to class if they have a fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, runny nose, etc.  Thank you so much for everyone’s enhanced awareness and efforts in keeping our dancers healthy. Please keep children home when they are sick.

STUDENT CHECK IN CARDS

Now that the first few weeks of classes are complete, we are transitioning to having all Academy classes scan in with their barcode cards when they arrive for classes. We’ll be distributing cards to new students this next week. Be sure to hook it onto your dance bags so you have it each week when you come to the studio!

 

EXCUSING ABSENCES

If your child will be missing class, please fill out the absence form linked in the Parent Portal. We appreciate the heads up!

PARENT PORTAL PASSWORDS

The Parent Portal password requirements have changed. If your password doesn’t meet the new criteria, you’ll need to update it by logging in here and navigating to the account profile dropdown and select ‘Change Password.’ The new password requirements are:

  • At least one uppercase letter (A-Z)

  • At least one lowercase letter (a-z)

  • At least one number (0-9)

  • At least one special character

  • A minimum of 12 characters (no spaces)

OCTOBER 11: PARENT’S NIGHT OUT AT BOUNTIFUL 6-10pm

PARENT’S NIGHT OUT IS BACK! Bring your kids in costumes to “Monster Mash” Parent’s Night Out! They will get to go on a “Spooky Walk” (inside), do the “Monster Mash,” play Halloween Bingo, and MUCH more!  We will wear them out just in time for bed!  Cost is $20 per child and includes pizza for dinner! Ages 3+ and must be potty trained. You do not need to be a current student to come! Register by email or in your parent portal under special events HERE.

OCT 16-OCT 21: *NO CLASSES FOR FALL BREAK* Begins on Wednesday at 3:30pm. Classes resume Monday at 3:30pm.

Oct 21-Nov 7: PARENT PEEK WEEK

We are excited to announce our Parent Peek Week is coming up Oct 21-25th and Oct 28-Nov 1st and we would love for you to join us.  During this special week, we invite 1 parent/guardian to come to class with their student and join in on the fun.  This is a great opportunity to see firsthand what your child has been learning and connect with other parents in our studio community.

We have split up our Parent Peek Week over two weeks to help with traffic and parking.  Please see the list HERE for your date and parent arrival times. 

*Diaper Dancers & Tiny Tots classes do not participate in Parent Peek week.

Please review these important guidelines before attending:

  • To help avoid congestion in the parking lot and the lobby, drop your student off for their class, and return promptly 2 minutes before your time noted below.

  • Bountiful Studio: Additional parking can be found along Highway 89 or at the LDS church northeast of our location (3317 S 800 W, Bountiful). Do not park directly in front of our building on 89 or cars can’t see to pull out safely.

  • Each student is allowed to have only 1 adult attend the class.

  •  Please lower the voice volume in all waiting areas and studios.

  • Please refrain from distractions that will disrupt learning.

  • Please silence all electronic devices before entering our studios. Be present!

  • Please do not bring infants or other children into class.

OCT 25: 7-8pm TRUNK-OR-TREAT FOR STUDIO FAMILIES @ BOUNTIFUL

We are so excited for our Trunk-or-Treat on Friday, October 25th! We are accepting candy donations and small toys all month long; you can drop off donations at either studio. This is a really fun event for our students! See you there!

We are also looking for families who want to go all out and decorate their trunk! Click HERE to reserve a parking stall!

OCT 31: HAPPY HALLOWEEN

No classes will be held after 4:00pm on October 31. Have a fun and safe Halloween.

OCT 15: RECITAL DEPOSITS PROCESSED

A big part of dance training includes learning through performance! ​Our End-of-Year Recital on May 31, 2025 offers our students a professionally directed performance that allows them to present to their families and friends the results of a year’s hard work, dedication, and progress. The Parent Guide includes all performance details.

When starting class this season, you should have submitted the waiver that included details about our June Recital. All students are automatically enrolled in participation of the year end recital and/or the Tumbling Exhibition (May 16 & 17). The automatic performance deposit of $75 for dancers or $55 for tumblers only will process on Oct 15. The remainder of the performance package will be processed in 7 installments with tuition from November-May.

If you have not submitted your form, you can do that here: https://app.hellosign.com/s/beLmPihu

If you need to review the information, the Parent Guide includes all performance details.

The Recital: What is it and why is it important? Find out more HERE.

SAT, DEC 7, 2024: IN-STUDIO HOLIDAY PERFORMANCE @ CENTERVILLE STUDIO

Our in-studio Holiday Performance offers students a low-key, fun, and simple performance that allows dancers time in front of an audience to help them become more comfortable performing! Participation includes a cookie, and a simple costume accessory rental (skirt, tutu, hat, etc.) put on dancers when they arrive.

  • Participation is $40

  • Sign up online for a time slot in the parent portal HERE by Nov 1

    • Select “Enroll in a class” and select the special events season

    • Scroll through to Dec 7th and find your child’s class

  • Participants can have up to 4 spectators attend (free admission)

  • Tumbling classes, Tiny Tots, and Diaper Dancers do not participate in the Holiday Performance

What time is our performance? Performances will be within the time ranges below. Once enrollment closes on November 1, we will provide you with a finalized performance time (in mid-November). Your commitment that day will be approximately 1 hour.

Performance time will be between:

  • 12:30-3:30pm Pre-K Dance Classes

  • 1-4pm Preschool Dance Classes

  • 1:30-4:30pm Allstars Classes

  • 2-5pm Kinderstars Classes

  • 3:30-6:30pm Megastars Classes

  • 3:30-6:30pm Hip Hop Classes

  • 4-7pm Rising Stars

  • 4-7pm Super Stars

What does my child need to wear for the performance?

  • Preschool/Pre-K classes:

    • Girls base costume: Own black leotard, pink tights, and pink ballet shoes. Hair should be pulled away from their face and styled any way you want.

    • Boys: Wear own blue jeans or black pants and a red or green plain shirt. Black socks or black ballet shoes.

  • Stars classes:

    • Girls base costume: Class uniform, pink tights, and pink ballet shoes with hair in a ballet bun. Mega and Super Stars also bring your tan jazz shoes. Super stars class uniform is any black leotard.

    • Boys: Wear own blue jeans or black pants and a red or green plain shirt. Black socks or black ballet shoes.

  • Hip hop classes: Own blue jeans or black pants and a red or green plain shirt with clean sneakers.

FOR PARENTS OF PRESCHOOL DANCERS: We are excited to have a section each month just for preschool dancers!  We love the month of October. This month our theme is “Itsy Bitsy Spider!”  We will be making an alphabet brew in our classes!  The last week of October we will be celebrating Halloween in class by wearing our costumes to dance!  We encourage you to get involved and have them practice their skills at home!  This month we are focusing on:  running, rolling our wrists, heel digs, grand battement, scared face, doughnuts and our scary faces!

We are not wearing costumes in classes this month, we want to see them on you at the Trunk or Treat on October 25th instead!

NEW CLASS ALERT! LITTLE LEAPERS PERFORMING CLASS
We have added a new time for our performing class for 4-5 year olds at Bountiful on Fridays 11:15-12pm.  This class is to be taken in addition to a pre-k dance and tumble or academic preschool class. Monthly tuition is only $30.  This class will purchase a costume in October and will wear it to additional performances throughout the school year.  They will perform at recital with their performance class AND their core PK class. Let us know if you want to add this class to your schedule!

FOR SCHOOL AGED TUMBLING/ACRO STUDENTS

October Stretch of the Month- Shoulders & Strength Challenge- Plank: We are so excited this year to have a “stretch of the month” and a “strength challenge” in our acro/tumbling classes! Encourage your child to work on these skills at home to help them improve even faster! Be more involved by printing off the at home practice tracker HERE.

CHRISTMAS CHARITY PROJECT: We are collecting PJ’s to donate to those in need of a comfy new pair of jammies this holiday.  Get your dancer involved by watching for PJ’s at a good price.  All the proceeds and PJ/books collected will be donated right here in Utah. Deadline for bringing in donations is December 6, 2024. More information to come!

FOLLOW US!  Like “Expressions Dance” on Facebook and Instagram to receive reminders and great info!  It is an easy way to stay up to date on upcoming events and see all the fun things our dancers are doing!  Join our community Facebook group HERE.

 ONLINE PARENT PORTAL

  • The account you created online can be updated at any time. Log in on the website to update contact and billing information, register for new classes, and make payments. You can also reset your password any time.

  • All studio event details are posted on the Parent Portal page of the website.  Please notify us if you aren’t getting our newsletters by email.

STARS CLASS UNIFORMS/DRESS CODE: STARS classes have a uniform and required dress code. This helps to create a more disciplined atmosphere, which allows for faster progress. Thanks for your patience as we await the arrival of the next shipment of our leotards. They should be here in the next few weeks. Make sure your dancer is attending class each week in the following attire:

  • Stars leotard (any leotard for now if we are waiting on your size to arrive)

  • Pink tights

  • Pink ballet shoes

  • Hair in a clean, tight bun. Our bun tutorial can be found HERE

CLICK HERE TO SEE THE COMPLETE DRESS CODE FOR EACH CLASS

BALLET WEST NUTCRACKER: It is a studio tradition to go to Ballet West's Nutcracker every year!  This year we have five dancers cast in the Nutcracker! We will be attending as a studio on December 6 @ 7pm and/or @ Saturday, December 21 @ 2pm to support them! Tickets can be purchased HERE.

  • Congratulations to Gwenyth T, Sophee M, Kate B, and Camille Y for being cast as soldiers! They will be performing 11/29-12/01 in Ogden, 12/6-12/8 at Capitol Theater.  

  • Congratulations to Lily W for being cast as the Party Princess! She will be performing 12/17-22 at Capital Theater.

ODYSSEY THRILLER: We are so thrilled to have Odyssey Dance Theater back in the community and kicking off with their best show, Thriller! We are even more excited we have dancers who get to participate in it! GET TICKETS HERE

  • Wednesday, Oct 23, 7:30pm: Zombies cast: Abbie Hadley, Addie West, Alli Lin, Andie Polster, Brinley Turner, Caleigh Batley, Camille Coleman, Dancyne Searle, Gianna LaVanway, Gwenyth Tingey, Jazlynn Colton, Kallie Permann, Makayla Nelson, Maddie Soules, Mia Bright, Sadie Russon, Savanna Allen, Stella Russon, Taylee Erickson

  • Saturday, Oct 26, 7:30pm: Zombies & Chucky cast: Addy Simkins, Ava Toone, Bella Erickson, Brooke Peterson, Brooklyn Bagley, Camille Youngberg, Cosette Toole, Daphne Farmer, Gracyn Shipley, Jaida Johnson, Jules Tullis, Kate Burghardt, Kensley Coon, Klara Smith, Lexi Boyle, Lily Day, Lucy Priet, Lyla Speciale, Maya Johnson, McKayda Waters, Nacana Jones, Nicki Boyle, Olivia Hale, Ruby Fox, Scarlet Coulam, Zailey Gipson

2024-25 IMPORTANT ACADEMY PROGRAM DATES:

  • Oct 11: Parent’s Night Out

  • Oct 16-20: Fall break, no classes Wednesday after 3:30pm

  • Oct 21: Fall break, no classes until Monday after 3:30pm

  • October 21-Nov 1: Fall Parent Peek Weeks | FINAL DETAILS HERE

  • Oct 25: Trunk or Treat @ Bntl

  • Oct 31: Halloween, no classes after 4pm

  • Nov 11-15: Fun Bun Week

  • Nov 11-Dec 6: Pajama and Book Drive

  • Nov 26-30: Thanksgiving Break, no classes Tuesday after 4pm

  • Dec 7: Holiday Performance (still securing venue, TBA)

  • Dec 16-20: Studio Spirit Week: Wear Holiday Pajamas

  • Dec 20: Parent’s Night Out

  • Dec 23-Jan 4: Winter Break, no classes

  • Jan 4: Frozen Friends Dance Party (special event)

  • Jan 13-17: Studio Spirit Week: Wear Crazy Socks

  • Jan 13: Registration opens for Academic Preschool fall classes

  • Jan 20: MLK Day, no classes

  • Jan 27-Feb 14: Hearts for Hunger- Food & Sock Drive

  • Jan 27-31: Bring a Friend week (Academy Program)

  • Feb 3-7: Tiny Tots Transition to Independent Class

  • Feb 7: Parent’s Night Out- Valentine Party

  • Feb 8: Valentine Ball (special event)

  • Feb 10-14: Studio Spirit Week: Wear Pink to class

  • Feb 14: Hearts for Hunger- Food & Sock Drive ends

  • Feb 17: Presidents’ Day, no classes

  • Feb 21: Skipping Pass Off Party (for PS/PK dancers)

  • Feb 24-28: Bring a Teddy Bear to Dance Week (for Academy & ACPS PS/PK Dancers)

  • Mar 1: Registration opens for summer programs

  • Mar 11: Studio Spirit Week: Summer Dreamin’ (wear summer themed dress for class)

  • Mar 14: Academy Program: Glow Party (for school-aged students)

  • Mar 24-28: Ballerina Visits (in school aged classes)

  • Mar 28: Mom & Me Paint Night @ Ctvl

  • Mar 31-April 4: Spring Break, no classes

  • Apr 7: Rollover Rally Begins

  • Apr 7-11: Progress Reports go home (Academy Programs)

  • Apr 7-18: Parent Participation & Appreciation Week (Academy Programs)

  • Apr 12: Dad Practice for Recital

  • Apr 14: Pathways for Dancers Meeting

  • Apr 18: Rollover Rally Ends

  • Apr 19: Dad Practice for Recital

  • Apr 20: Rollover Membership is Processed

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

  • May 1-3: Costume Pick Up

  • May 2: Pre-K Skills Testing (celebrating accomplishments for our pre-k dancers) 

  • May 3: Dad Practice for Recital

  • May 5-9: Teacher Appreciation Week

  • May 16 & 17: Tumbling Exhibition

  • May 19-23: Bring a Stuffie Week (Academy & Company)

  • May 23: Last day of classes

  • May 24: Dad Practice for Recital

  • May 26: Memorial Day, no classes

  • May 27-29: Picture Day & Dress Rehearsals @ Ctvl

  • May 29: Banana Split Party (special event)

  • May 30: Company Showcase @ Weber State

  • May 31: Recitals @ Weber State

  • June 2: Company Audition Parent Meeting, 6pm

  • June 2: Family Appreciation Pool Party, 7pm

  • June 3-5: Company Auditions for 2025-26

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