March 2014 Newsletter Name: _____________________________

Welcome to Term 1!

A special welcome to all our new students and welcome back all of our returning students. Everyone has settled in well and will be making new friends and enjoying classes.

To all our returning students, all the teachers want to say how pleased they are to see you returning as loyal students each year. You form the basis of our school and have given us our wonderful reputation – keep up the good work in your dancing!

Fees – enrolment fees should all now be paid, to ensure your child is covered by our insurance. All term fees are now due and can be paid by direct deposit (details overleaf) or cash/cheque at the Warners Bay studio.

Important Future Dates to Jot Down in Your CalendarOpen Week – will be held during week 8 – 24th to 29th April, for parents and relatives – please check which classes are available for viewing. You are invited to come and support your child.

Winter School – will be held Monday 7th July to Thursday 10th July (2nd week of school holidays)

Demonstration – our annual demonstration and awards presentation for all students will be held Saturday 16th August.

Please remember, for the smooth and professional running of the Centre:

Under no circumstances can any child leave the studio unaccompanied. Parents/carers must come into the studio foyer to pick up children. Please pass this important safety rule onto grandparents or other people who may pick up your child. This applies to all studio locations.

All students are to come to class with their hair in a bun, with the only exception being hip hop classes. We request that students bring their own water bottle to classes during hot weather. All students from Grade 2 upwards must cover their leotards with either street clothes or a character

skirt when outside studio premises. Uniform - all students are required to wear the correct uniform to jazz, modern, tap and hip-hop

classes, including Performance Group classes. The only exceptions are Level 6 Jazz, Modern and Tap students who are not required to wear the studio uniform to class but will need a studio T-shirt or singlet for the Demonstration.

Parents are not permitted in dressing room areas in Warners Bay studio – this is a child protection policy which must be complied with by all non-staff personnel.

Diary Dates – Term 1 & 2

24 th to 29 th April Open Week

5 th & 6 th April Ritz & Glitz Groups Day

Saturday 12 th April End of Term 1

11 th to 17 th & 21 st to 23 rd April Ritz & Glitz solos

Monday 28 th April Term 2 commences

2 nd & 3 rd April Winter Dance – 12 & 14 yrs

17 th & 18 th May Narrabri Senior Groups

Lake Macquarie Dance Centre

JacketsAs the weather becomes cooler our studio jackets are a great cover up to wear to and from the studio, for eisteddfods and for general wear. We also have cross-overs for Pre-school to Kinder levels. All Performance Group members must wear their studio jacket to all eisteddfods.

Jazz ClassesAs of the beginning of each year there is a movement between classes of students who have turned the age relevant for the next level. Our studio prides itself on our Jazz classes being age appropriate in all aspects of Jazz dance including music and costumes. To help maintain this standard, the following age groups apply to classes:

Kinder Jazz & Jazz 1 - 5 and 6 years Jazz 2 - 7 to 9 years Jazz 3 - 10 to 12 years.

Please note that jazz students remain in the same level for at least 2 years.

Adult ClassesWe are holding adult ballet classes this year. You will get to improve your general fitness, strength and flexibility. Please see Debra for details.

Web Site and FacebookCheck out our new and improved web site – www.lakemacdance.com.au We will have copies of our newsletters posted here, lots of photos and news. Let us know what you think should be included. Note that the password to access the newsletters section is lmdc14.Also attached to our web page is our face book link where we will be featuring photos of different classes each week.

Direct Deposit Payment for Class FeesThis method of payment is now available – details are account name: Lake Macquarie Dance Centre, Westpac, BSB: 032521, Account No. 215222. Please make a separate deposit for each student (not one deposit per family) and use student name as the reference in the deposit.

Performance Groups and SoloistsAn invitation has been offered to students who I feel would benefit and be capable of being a member of our performance groups. This is a way to extend the students in their dancing and for them to be a part of a team. If you have any questions please see me after classes or ring me. This time of the year is also a good time for starting a dance routine to perform as a soloist or a duo – again please speak to me soon if you are interested.

Winter Dance FestivalPlease note a new rule that applies to all competitors – all entrants are to wear dance tights in all sections including Modern and Contemporary – please see your teacher for solo costumes.

Toronto ClassesDon’t forget that we have Wednesday classes at Toronto Sailing Club for Junior Jazz / Hip Hop, Junior Contemporary, Jazz 3/4 Level and Teenage Hip Hop. We have vacancies in all classes so please, if you know of anyone who would be interested, let them know. We also have spaces on Mondays at Toronto for Kinder Ballet and Jazz 1 and 2 classes. We are also still taking enrolments for our Pre School classes for 2 ½ to 4 year olds at Warners Bay and Toronto. Please ‘spread the word’ about our wonderful studio!

Alexandra FordCongratulations to our ex-student and teacher Alex! Alex has just been offered a professional dance contract with the New Zealand-based contemporary dance company “Footnote”.Alex had her training with LMDC through to her Advanced 2 ballet exam (distinction) and then was accepted into the Royal New Zealand School of Dance where she graduated last year. This is a wonderful and well deserved achievement. See more on our Facebook page.

Yours in Dancing,

Debra.