hello from studio news!

January 2016
HELLO FROM
STUDIO NEWS!
Back to Dance, Oh Happy Day!
Welcome to STUDIO dance! We’re so excited to back in the studio walls with new and
returning friends! If you’re new to Studio, we’re so glad you chose to join us and our
great big dance family. If you have any questions, ASK!
Inside this newsletter, you’ll find information about upcoming events, teacher profiles,
student spotlights, a little dance history, and insight to the world of dance. Ever wonder
why we have a dress code, or what’s the deal with all these rhinestones and sparkles?
And who is that furry little thing overseeing rehearsals? Well you’re in the right place!
Each month we’ll keep you updated with what’s going on now, and what’s coming up.
There’s always a lot happening round these parts!
On the last page, you’ll see upcoming dates and contact information for all your STUDIO
teachers. Keep on eye on that page; we’ll be adding dates and important events
through the semester.
Welcome to Our NEW SPACE
Have we said how PUMPED we are about our new lo cation? Seriously y’all, check out
that parking lot! And the new lighting! And all that nearby shopping and eats? Le sigh.
Take a chance to explore our new space. We hope you’ll love it as much as we do!
We’ve worked hard to make it feel like home. Taking care of a studio is a BIG job. With
so many dancers and families coming in and out every day, we need everyone’s help to
keep it fresh and so clean, clean!
Inside this issue
The Scoop on Dress Codes .....1
The Scoop on Dress Codes .....2
JUMP! ATLANTA....................3
Project 7 Workshop ................4
So what can you do?
Help us out by making sure you and your dancer grab everything that belongs to you
before you leave.
Toss your trash. In a can. Preferably a trash can.
Label your dancer’s items so if something gets left behind, it’s easy to find!
STUDIO is a water only zone! Fuel your body for dancing with water and healthy snacks!
Spread positivity and kindness. We all need sunshine in our lives!
Important Dates-Contacts
Page 6
Want to know
what it takes to
make a pointe
shoe?
There’s a fascinating video on
YouTube we encourage you to
check out!!
*What’s in a Ballet
Shoe: The Making
of a Ballet Shoe
http://youtu.be/
RKBTtVTT3qA
Here’s a great reference for new
and existing
Pointe Students:
*How to prepare
your first pair of
pointe shoes
https:www.youtube
.com/watch?
v=Z_iFOZHasBk
The Dress Code Debate
Do I have to have a bun? Can I dance without shoes today? Aren’t pink tights and tan
tights pretty much the same thing?
There’s a trend in some studios these days of moving towards a more relaxed dress
code. There are some places where you walk into a ballet class and you’ll see baggy
pants, loose tanks, and loose buns. Or as some our students lovingly call it, a “Miss
Lindsey Bun.” The truth is, there is a place for all of those...but we feel that place is
not in a ballet class. And maybe not your jazz, tap, or contemporary class either. Let
us explain.
Ballet in particular has an established history of a “uniform” for class. The classic leotard, pink tights, pink shoes (or black tights and shoes if you’re a male dancer) and
bun have a purpose beyond what you may expect. At a basic level, it’s a uniform. It
labels you as a student of your art. It’s respectful to your instructor and says, “Miss
Cassidy, I’m here and I’m ready to learn!”
Uniform dress allows the teacher to see at a glance students who
need even the slightest correction in body placement.
Your leotard or jazz pants allows your teacher to see the lines of your body. Are you
hips out of alignment? Are you engaging your abdominals? Are you arching your
back improperly? Loose garments can hide all of these and more. If we can’t see your
body, we can’t make sure you’re moving safely and appropriately!
Flailing hair is in a word, distracting. That tidy bun keeps your hair out of your eyes.
Super important for nailing multiple turns or performing a complicated phrase. Clipping your bangs back or forming a neat ponytail does the same in other classes too.
When Ms. Caitlin was in high school, she had very long hair. During one modern
class, another dancer stepped on it as Ms. Caitlin was trying to stand up from the
floor. Ouch. Take her word for it.
Tights keep your legs WARM! Warming up properly and keeping your muscles warm
is key in preventing injury and dancing at your highest potential. They also protect
your knees from the dreaded marley burn! Pink tights especially highlight the muscular delineation of the leg, enhancing the dancer’s line.
If you have any
questions about
dress codes in your
classes, your teachers are happy to
JUMP Atlanta: April 15-17, Now Open to All Studio Dancers
For the first time EVER, Studio is opening up registration for JUMP!
Dance Convention weekend to ALL of our
students.
We invite you to join us for a weekend of classes with some
of the biggest names in dance today.
At JUMP, dancers are divided into classrooms by age and
take part in a variety of dance styles for the duration of the
weekend. It’s an INCREDIBLE experience, invigorating, inspiring, and educational for parents and dancers alike.
JUMP kicks off Friday evening with some really fun classes,
then continues Saturday morning with an Opening Show and
classes until around 3. Sunday morning begins with classes
and ends early afternoon with a not to be missed Closing
Show and Awards Ceremony.
Some of the amazing dancer-choreographers
we’ve had the pleasure of taking classes from in
the past: Mia Michaels, Mandy Moore, Misha
Gabriel, Mike Minery, Nick Lazzarini, Katy
Spreadbury, Willdabeast, and Andrew Wingheart.
If you are interested in joining us, you can contact Cassidy
and register by Jan 25. Check out www.jumptour.com for
“Great dancers are not great because of their technique, they are great because of
their PASSION”~ Martha Graham
Meet the Studio Owner: Ms. Cassidy
Ms. Cassidy Carson
is our fearless leader, the cheese to
our macaroni,
teacher extraordinaire. You probably know she’s a
mom to Delaney
and to her fur baby
Jolly. Here are a
few things you
might not know:
1. Ms. Cassidy can
twirl fire and
swords. In high
school, she was a
majorette with
some serious skills.
2. She loves sing-
ing and even provided live vocals
for a company
piece this past
spring.
3. She comes from
a family of successful entrepreneurs
in the Athens Area
spanning over 200
years.
4. She has participated in Dancing
with The Athens
Stars for the past
several years. This
is a fundraising
event benefitting
PROJECT 7 WORKSHOP AT STUDIO DANCE ACADEMY
FEB 7, 2015
JOIN US IN FEBRUARY FOR A ONE DAY IN-HOUSE WORKSHOP WITH CHERISE WAKEHAM’S PROJECT 7 DANCERS. OPEN TO ALL DANCERS AGES 7 AND UP. Any dancer may participate, not just Studio dancers! Invite your
dance friends for an amazing day of learning and movement exploration. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to
enjoy classes from professional dancers working in our own backyard: Atlanta!
Be sure to check out Project 7 at www.project7dance.com
“You’re never too good to take class with someone younger or less skilled than you.
And you’ll become stronger by continually revisiting the basic foundations of your
training.” ~Francisco Gella, Master Teacher and Choreographer
From the Project 7 Website:
“Project 7 is a one-of-a-kind professional contemporary dance company that brings an energized sense
of contemporary dance to Atlanta
through engaging experiences with
our audiences, giving back to the
community, and setting a positive
example for young dancers. Under
the direction of Cherrise Wakeham,
Project 7 members commit to the
company with the utmost professionalism and are performers, leaders, and educators in all disciplines
of dance. Since its establishment in
2007, Project 7 has been recognized in Dance Magazine for its
“edgy, explosive L.A. contemporary jazz” style. Founder, director,
and choreographer, Cherrise
Wakeham, has had her work with
Project 7 reviewed by ArtsCritic
ATL as being a “contemporary style
with an undercurrent of risk-taking
and emotional honesty.” The company has been invited to both The
Joyce Theatre and Pulse National
Galas in New York City. Entering
their seventh season, Project 7 continues to bring their style of movement to the Atlanta area by hosting workshops at local studios,
guest performing for charitable
events, and producing 2 fullevening length shows. “
Dates to Remember!
Monday January 25: JUMP! Atlanta Registration Fees Due
Sunday February 7: PROJECT 7 In-House Dance Workshop at Studio
One day contemporary workshop led by the fabulous dancers of Project
Seven and their director Charise Wickham. Open to all dancers...invite your
friends!
Saturday February 20 : Project Dance Concert benefitting Project Safe in Athens
Seney-Stovall Chapel, Athens Ga. Hosted by Studio and featuring dancers
from all over Georgia. Open to the public...buy your tickets and support a
wonderful cause!
March 20-26: Parent Observation Week
April 15-17: JUMP! Convention Atlanta, Atlanta Hilton
Open to all STUDIO dancers
April 22-24 Star Systems Dance Competition (Current Company Members)
Classic Center, Athens. Schedule is released 1 week prior to event. Want to
know what dance competitions are all about? Come support our company
dancers and see what they’ve been working on all year. Free and open to
the public!
Saturday May 21: Studio Dance Performance Company Auditions
Studio, 1:30-4:30 pm. Open to all dancers 7 and up. Ballet attire, bring all
shoes. Love to dance? Want more opportunities to perform? This is for
you!
Tuesday May 30– Saturday June 4: Recital Rehearsal and Performance Week
Seney-Stoval Chapel, Athens. “Kaleidoscope” Detailed
schedule to come.
Costumes, rhinestones, fabulous dancers, oh my!
STUDIO DANCE ACADEMY
OMNI West Center
2361 W. Broad Street
Athens, GA 30606
706-354-6454
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Your STUDIO contacts:
Send a message via Facebook Studio Page OR
Studio Owner-Cassidy Carson: [email protected]
Studio Co-owner-Beth Shackleford: [email protected]
Caitlin Bradley: [email protected]
Lindsey Higgins Andrews: [email protected]
Genie Wiggins: [email protected]
Shervoski Couture: [email protected]
Chappell Coleman: [email protected]
Marianne Hale: [email protected]
Codi Belle Smith: [email protected]
Our contact hours are 10 am-8 pm Monday –Friday, except for emergencies