MULFORD DANCE STUDIO

Newsletter

MULFORD RECITAL 2010

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PLEASE READ FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION PERTAINING TO THIS YEARS’ RECITAL!

For the past 52 years, Mulford Dance Studio has provided students with an exciting performance experience through its June recitals. The recital is the staple of a dance school. It gives our children a chance to shine in front of family and friends that they anticipate with nervous excitement. The recitals offer our students a professionally directed performance that allows them to present the results of a year’s hard work, dedication, and progress. A big part of the dance training process includes learning through performance. The experience helps most build self-esteem, self-assurance, and contributes to a sense of confidence. Although performance opportunities can help prepare some students for a possible career in dance, they also contribute to children’s success in non-dance activities. That onstage experience can result in better in-school presentations, improved social skills, and strong interview skills for future college or job opportunities. The rehearsal process is a tremendous learning experience as well. It helps the children develop retention skills and by working with their classmates on a group performance, they learn the positive aspects of working as a team to create the best end result. Dedication to recital commitments is the responsibility of both students and their parents. I have created this newsletter in an effort to clarify what we expect from you in terms of commitments and responsibility to the annual recital, the school, and other students and parents.

MULFORD RECITAL 2010

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THINGS WE NEED YOU TO DO BY MAY 2010.

HIGH SCHOOL SENIOR LIST- PLEASE PUT YOUR NAME ON LIST AND GIVE A WALLET-SIZE GRAD PICTURE TO FRONT DESK BY MAY 1ST, 2010. LIGHTLY PENCIL YOUR NAME ON BACK. PHOTOS WILL NOT BE RETURNED.

TROPHY LIST- YOU MUST NOTIFY DESK IF YOU ARE GETTING A TROPHY THIS YEAR. BE SURE YOUR NAME IS ON LIST AT FRONT DESK BY MAY 1ST, 2010 IF YOU ARE RECEIVING A TROPHY FOR YOUR 5TH, 10TH, RECITAL, ETC. DO NOT WAIT UNTIL RECITAL!

HOME STUDY- To ensure that students feel comfortable and confident about their performance, I ask parents and guardians to encourage dancers to rehearse their recital choreography on a regular basis.

AD DRIVE CONTEST! - All ads due by May 15th. SELL 3 ADS AND GET A TROPHY. SEE SEPARATE AD DRIVE PAPERWORK FOR RULES.

MAY AND JUNE DATES:

TICKET SALES- MAY 2010

NOTE TO COMPANY PARENTS ABOUT TICKET SALES- DUE TO THE LESSER AMOUNT OF SEATING AT AUDUBON, WE ARE ASKING COMPANY PARENTS TO DELAY BY TWO WEEKS PURCHASING TICKETS FOR SHOWS OTHER THAN THEIR MAIN NIGHT.

NOTE TO NON-COMPANY PARENTS- WE ADVISE YOU TO PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS WITHIN FIRST TWO WEEKS OF TICKETS GOING ON SALE TO ENSURE YOU GET YOUR SEATS. WE DO EXPECT TO SELL OUT

TUITION- BE SURE YOUR ACCOUNT IS PAID IN FULL BY MAY 15TH, THIS INCLUDES JUNE’S TUITION.

COSTUME PICK UP DAY- FOR THE YOUNGER DANCERS, THIS YEAR WE WILL BE SETTING A DESIGNATED DAY AND TIME FOR YOUR CHILD'S COSTUMES TO BE PICKED UP. AT THAT TIME, WE CAN EXPLAIN HOW STRAPS, HAIR, AND HATS, ETC. ARE TO BE WORN.

DANCERS- BE SURE YOU ARE WEARING LEOTARDS AND TIGHTS TO CLASS AS COSTUMES WILL BE TRIED ON OVER THEM!

MULFORD RECITAL 2010

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Recital Volunteers- BE A SUPERMOM OR SUPERDAD!-----BACK STAGE AND RECITAL SUPPORT CREW. Volunteers will be placed where most needed. Anyone interested in volunteering to help during rehearsal and recital is welcome and appreciated! The recital weekend is a hectic experience, and any help you can offer would be wonderful. We need „SUPERMOMS‟ to supervise each class during rehearsal and recitals. Moms must assure that each child in her care is safe and accounted for. They are responsible for making sure that each child is in the proper costume, has the proper shoes, tights, and accessories, and is backstage at the appropriate time. We also need „SUPERDADS‟ to assist in jobs such as scenery and security,

If you would like to help with the rehearsal and/or recital please sign up at the front desk beginning in May. LET US KNOW IF YOU CAN HELP. LET US KNOW WHICH SHOW OR SHOWS YOU ARE AVAILABLE. PLEASE LET US KNOW BY MAY 15th. WE DO NOT WANT YOU TO HELP ON A NIGHT YOU WANT TO WATCH THE SHOW! VOLUNTEERS NEED TO BE AVAILABLE FOR THE ENTIRE SHOW INCLUDING CONNECTING PARENTS WITH DANCERS AT END OF SHOW. THANKS!

THERE WILL BE A VERY IMPORTANT RECITAL VOLUNTEER MEETING IN JUNE IN STUDIO.

Pre-Planning The recital isn't a one-day activity. Gather all costumes accessories, shoes, and makeup several days in advance so you‟ll know if something is missing or isn‟t right. Make a checklist of your child‟s routines, listing their costumes, tights, shoes, and any accessories and refer to it to make sure you have all your supplies before going to the auditorium. Please put your child‟s name on costumes, shoes, tights, etc. Be careful not to use a marker or pen that may bleed through costume. Bring at least one extra pair of tights. Also bring:

extra hair gel

hair nets

bobby pins

hairspray.

Other handy extras include: Baby wipes/Shout wipes (to fix makeup mistakes or wash hands) Baby Powder (for itchy costumes) Safety Pins (For repairs) Clear Nail Polish (to remove minor holes or runs in tights when there isn‟t time to change them) Nail Polish Remover (in case you forgot to take it off already)  Pain Reliever of Choice Band-Aids (the “invisible” kind)

Water to drink

MULFORD RECITAL 2010

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Hair and Makeup and Costumes Uniform hairstyles are required. Please check with your child‟s teacher for which hairstyle they will be using. All female students are required to wear stage makeup for the recital in colors of plums. I have included an article found in a dance magazine about the importance of wearing stage makeup on stage: “The Finishing Touch: everything you want to know about stage makeup” By Kay Klausner Ever hear the expression “They don‟t come to watch your feet”? It‟s especially true at recital time, when proud parents come to see their young dancers perform. No matter how much work has gone into the technique and choreography, the overall production effects and the beautiful smiles help make a performance memorable. Makeup contributes significantly to that overall impression. Consider it the finishing touch-professional polish and a confidence booster rolled into one-that transforms your dancers into performers. The answers to the following commonly asked questions will help makeup-challenged parents send their dancers onstage looking their best. At what age should a dancer start wearing makeup? All dancers who are in costume and onstage should wear makeup. Think of it as part of the costume. Does that include preschool-age children? Yes, because we want to see their bright eyes and big smiles. The only way to do that is with makeup-without it, features disappear and skin tones look washed out under stage lighting. Is makeup safe for young children? Yes, today‟s makeup formulas are lighter and easier to apply, so they won‟t damage even the youngest of most delicate skin. Should the makeup match the costume? Many dance schools have students who participate in several dance styles. Trying to change costumes and makeup is usually too difficult to do in one show. Having one color palette for the entire studio tends to be less confusing. What kind of blush should we use, and where should it be applied? Blush is an essential part of a dancer‟s makeup kit and important in achieving a uniform look onstage. A deep blush in a raspberry or terra cotta shade will work best for a variety of skin tones. You need a strong blush to frame the eyes and show the emotion of the dance. Use a powder blush because it will hold up best against heat and perspiration. Start at the apple of the cheek and brush backward to the ear. Then add a lighter color of eye shadow-gold, white, or sparkle-to the top of the cheekbone to highlight the eye and lift the cheekbones. Tips for perfect stage makeup More is better! If the makeup looks beautiful up close, it won‟t be enough onstage, where the costumes, lights, and movement wash away the color. Remember, you want to see those beautiful smiles! Goldrush Magazine Nov/Dec 2005

MULFORD DANCE STUDIO RECITAL MAKE-UP- Base- 1 or 2 shades darker than your skin tone/undercover for under eyes/black mascara/black eyeliner/eyeshadows- use plum family with different shadings/blush/lipliner+lipstick

Other Costume Rules Please remember no jewelry and only clear nail polish or no nailpolish should be worn. Undergarments should be limited to tights and, if needed, undergarments made for under costumes.

MULFORD RECITAL 2010

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Rehearsal The rehearsal allows the students to become familiar with the auditorium surroundings and feel comfortable with their performance and being onstage. Lighting, music, cues, set changes and all other logistics for an organized and professional performance are rehearsed so that the students make the best impression possible. Participation in the rehearsal is expected and very important for the dancers. We run an organized and timely rehearsal; your help with the process will guarantee a professional production. Please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to rehearsal start time. Dancers will sit in the auditorium and watch the rehearsal. Rehearsal is also the only opportunity for parents to videotape and take flash pictures.

• Finale All students participate in the finale, which will be rehearsed during the last month of classes. A run-through of the finale will take place at the rehearsal. • Rehearsal Guests ONLY ONE PARENT/GUARDIAN may accompany each student to the rehearsal. No other guests please! Additional attendees at the rehearsal will be subject to the full cost of a recital ticket. Auditorium Rules for OUR NEW RECITAL LOCATION No eating, drinking or smoking is permitted in the auditorium! Dancers will remain with their class „SUPERMOMS‟ in assigned dressing rooms during recitals when they are not onstage.

Recital Performance Arrival and Dismissal Upon arrival, Parents or guardians will check their dancer in at hall desk. Then, the student will be placed under the supervision of their class “Supermom(s)’. Students will remain backstage for the entire performance. Parents are not allowed in the dressing rooms after the children have been checked in for the recital. If your child will not be participating in the finale we ask you wait to pick her/him up at intermission. Any student leaving early will not be permitted to perform in finale.

Parents of students in combination classes- Upon arrival, Parents or guardians will check their dancer in at hall desk. Then, the student will be placed under the supervision of their class. You will receive a class index card. This card is used to pick up your child after recital. After the finale, Parents of children in combination classes must pick up their child at door of dressing room. If you wish to pick up your child after her dance she may not return to dressing room again. If you take your child into the auditorium to watch the show you must have a ticket/seat for her.

If you pick up your child at any time, they may not perform in the finale.

Special note: Please do not attempt to pick up your child during the performance. This is for the safety of all children. All students will be under the supervision of responsible adults and will be safe for the length of the performance. If you are nervous about leaving your child, be a volunteer! The dressing rooms will be stocked with various activities. Please do not send in juice or foods that will stain costumes!

On show day, No dancer may be in auditorium in costume!

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Why do parents have to buy tickets to recital? In order to give students an opportunity to experience a professional theatrical show, we hold our annual recitals at a high school auditorium. There are many costs to put on a show of this caliber. Here’s an example of some of the costs incurred; VENUE, LIGHTING, SOUND, BACKSTAGE CREW, INSURANCE, TICKETS, PROGRAM BOOKS, SCENERY, PROPS, TRUCK RENTALS, MUSIC EDITING, JANITORS, TROPHIES, STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS, AND LOCAL LAW ENFORCEMENT. THIS IS JUST SOME OF THE EXPENDITURES.

Reminder- your tuition during the year pays for teachers and secretaries salaries, building rent and maintenance, office supplies, utilities, phone bills, etc., and upkeep of studios.

We understand that it can add up to have your child in the recital. That’s why we are doing everything we can to be able to continue to give these opportunities and yet keep costs down. We have thought about not having recitals and just do in-room performances but if we didn’t have the shows we feel the dancers wouldn’t get the full experience we believe is so important for their training.

Can I videotape the recital? No, you may only videotape the rehearsal. Nearly every studio implements this same policy. Let us explain why: Safety of the dancers: Both physically and preventing exploitation. We want to be able to control who tapes your child. There have been problems at venues where someone was taping or photographing students and should not have been. The enjoyment of those around you: No one wants to try to look around someone else who is blocking the stage to “get that good shot.” Choreographic licensing laws: A big one to those of us in the arts. When we go to dance competitions, we have seen cameras confiscated under this same law. Many studios do not allow even taping of the rehearsal, however, we feel that: With the house lights on, you can monitor who is taping your child. You can stand up and move around, not worrying about blocking someone. We do hire a professional to come and shoot the recital and sell copies to you at the lowest cost we can! The recital is available on DVD and you get the entire show! Parents have told us that their children LOOOOVVVVEE watching themselves, their friends, and other dances over and over. It makes a great gift for grandparents, too! Order forms are available at the front desk!

MULFORD RECITAL 2010

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REGISTER FOR SEASON 2010-2011!

FREE REGISTRATION!

Pre-register for fall and you do not have to pay the registration fee! THAT’S A SAVINGS OF $25. We are making this offer for our current students only! Register by rehearsal day. YOU MUST MAKE YOUR FIRST QUARTERLY PAYMENT IN ORDER TO REGISTER. ONLY QUARTERLY PAYMENTS WILL BE ACCEPTED FOR THIS OFFER. Class schedule will not be ready for the fall season.

LAST DAY OF REGULAR CLASSES- June 19TH

SUMMER DANCE PROGRAMS- INFORMATION WILL BE OUT IN MAY AND REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER LESSONS BEGINS IN JUNE. SEE LITERATURE FOR SUMMER.

SUMMER PROGRAMS ARE OPEN TO ALL STUDENTS. WE OFFER;

*DANCE CAMPS- ages 4-9 and 7-11

*6-WEEK WORKSHOP- all ages

*SUMMER INTENSIVE- ages 7 through adult

DANCE COMPANY AUDITIONS-

PETITE COMPANY AGES 9-13

JR. AND SR. COMPANY AGES 14-19

Audition Fee $25.

Final Note I realize this is a lot of information. Please keep this information nearby to refer to during the next few weeks. If you have any questions regarding any of the information listed, please call or come talk to your child‟s teacher at the studio. I am greatly anticipating this year‟s recital experience, and I appreciate your help and dedication to making the show the best it can be!

-Thank You, Miss Kim and all the teachers!