Archive for category: Newsletter

Classes Resume in the New Year

Classes resume Monday, January 7^th. We look forward to seeing everyone in class!

Mats Ek – January Unit Study

 Our unit study for January is choreographer Mats Ek. Click here to see the vacuum cleaner dance (!) and here to see the incomparable Sylvie Guillem perform “Smoke.”

Miss Rebecca and Miss Reagan Perform Ms. Claire’s Work

 Tuesday, January 15th, Miss Rebecca and Miss Reagan perform in  Ms. Claire’s latest work “The Earth and Dark” as part of Mind the Gap at MATCH, 3400 Main Street. Performance at 7:30 p.m.

Cold Weather Attire

 Imagine! Houston weather actually acting like winter!  With lower temperatures, we recommend that students dress a little more warmly for class. Close-fitting sweaters and leggings or leg warmers are welcome in class on those “winter coat” days.

Summer Dance

 Registration for summer classes and camps will open January 31^st. The popular Frozen, Fairy Magic, Cupcake, On Your Toes, SING Camp, and Princess camps will return, as will Ooh la la Paris!  camp. Space is limited. Be ready to reserve your spot!

Recital Permission Slips Due!

 Permissions slips, scholarship requests, and opt out notifications for the April 7th recital are due January 19th.

Dance in Houston

 Jan. 15. Mind the Gap. Seven Houston-based choreographers show their work at MATCH, 3400 Main Street. Parking in the garage across the street. Tickets are $10 and $15.  Tickets at door or  www.matchhouston.org.

Thanksgiving Break    

There will be NO CLASSES Thanksgiving week, November 19^th – 24th.  Classes resume November 26th.

Ms Claire – Anatomy for Ballet Teachers Workshop

In October, Ms. Claire took part in a workshop in anatomy for ballet teachers taught by Judith Reyn, former dancer with Royal Ballet Company and Stuttgart Ballet who now tours the world teaching anatomy for ballet teachers.

November Unit Study – Bob Fosse

Our study unit for this month is Bob Fosse.  Bob Fosse is known as choreographer for the movies Damn Yankees, Pajama Game, Cabaret and Sweet Charity, as well as numerous shows on Broadway.

Follow Us on Facebook

Be sure to follow us on the Claire School of Dance Facebook page! Get updates in real time and check out our adorable tiny dancers!

New! Recital Dates

Due to theatre availability constraints at St. John’s School, our spring recital will be held the weekend of April 13 & 14th.

Dance in Houston

Nov 4. Honey, I’m Home. 7:30 pm. Noon OR 2 p.m. OR 4 p.m. Cherryhurst House. Info/tix: Hopestoneinc.org.

FALL CLASSES START TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4th

Our academic school year begins Tuesday, September 4^th .

Our satellite schools (Grace Day, St. Matthew’s and Cathedral House) start the following week, September 10th.

Uniform Sales – Saturdays August 25 and September 8

For the convenience of parents, we stock leotards and skirts for classes preballet and up. We will be at Grace United noon to 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 25, and 9 a.m. to noon on Saturday, September 8th to sell uniforms and take orders. Unless the leotard is special order, uniforms are $35 plus sales tax. We can take cash, checks, and credit cards.

Note: we do NOT sell ballet slippers. For those we recommend Costumes and Dancewear on Dunlavy, one block south of West Gray.

Parent Handbook

To keep parents better informed, we have created a downloadable CSD Parent Handbook. Get your copy here: http://clairedance.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/CSD-parent-handbook816.pdf

Ms. Claire performed in Mexico

In August Ms. Claire spent 5 days days in Mexico City at the invitation of the International Festival of Contemporary Dance.  Ms. Claire performed her solo Simple Things.

Sept Unit Study – Jack Cole

We kick off our new year with a long look at jazz dance. Check our website for handouts and our bulletin boards for more information about the dancers and choreographers who created this art form.

Free Trial Classes!

CSD is offering FREE trial classes for 7-11 year olds in hip hop, modern, and jazz September 5 and 6. Hip Hop meets 4:45-5:30 Thursdays at Grace. Jazz meets 6-7 Wednesdays at Grace. Modern meets  5-6 p.m. Thursdays at Lambert Hall. Students wishing to try both hip hop and modern should contact the office. Come learn a fun new way of moving!

Tiny Toes – Early Start

Tiny Toes, the CSD parent ‘n me class for 18-30 month olds, has moved to an earlier time slot. This class, which  includes music, movement, and art in a fun-packed 30 minutes, now starts 9 am Tuesday and 9:15 a.m. Saturday. Nannies and grandparents are also welcome!

Miss Maria – Maternity Leave

Miss Maria will be out on maternity leave this year. We look forward to welcoming her back next summer.

Welcome, Miss Melanie!

We are thrilled to have Melanie Hovis join CSD. Melanie, who also teaches for Houston Ballet, has certificates from Ann Green Gilbert as well as PBT.

Parents Day Demonstrations  

All CM1, CM2, CM3, and the Saturday tap classes at Lambert Hall and Grace United will have their last class and Demonstration in class, the week of May 7^th.  Parents are invited to watch what the children have learned. All children will receive fairy crowns and flowers. NO MAKEUPS ARE ALLOWED IN MAY.

If your child DOES NOT wear a uniform, her demonstration is in class. If she DOES wear a uniform, her class is part of the May 20^th performance.

Students at Cathedral House have their Demonstration May 11^th . See the bulletin board at Cathedral House for  the schedule.

Sweets for the Sweet!

Students who are in Preballet, Primary, Modern, Wednesday tap, or any Level ballet class and who are participating in Sweets for the Sweet! have their performance Sunday, May 20^th at 2 p.m. at St. John’s School (same theatre as the Nutcracker).

Recital Ticket Orders

Sign up sheets for ticket orders are in all waiting rooms. Price and pick up info is  on the sign up sheet.

Recital DVD Orders

We will be videotaping the recital at St. John’s. Order sheets for DVDs are posted in all waiting rooms and at the Demonstration.

Recital Bouquet Orders

Order forms are in all waiting rooms for our “royal” recital bouquet. Bouquets feature roses and a crown ornament and are $20, tax included.

WE NEED YOUR HELP:  Backstage “Mamas”

We are asking for volunteer moms to sit with the children during Saturday morning rehearsals and Sunday dress rehearsal and the performance. These moms will also assist getting children to and from the stage and to and from their photo session backstage (Saturday and Sunday) as well as during the lunch break between dress rehearsal and performance. We also need help with wigs and makeup. Sign up sheets in all waiting rooms. Orientation meeting  10 a.m. Saturday, May 12th at Grace United.

Order your Photo Day photos!

Click on this link to see the gallery and place your orders.  These photos are always GORGEOUS!  https://alisamurrayphoto.photoshelter.com/gallery-collection/Claires-School-of-Dance/C0000kMulZlLaJAU

Summer  & Fall Programs

We have limited spaces in our summer camps and classes. You may register online at www.clairedance.com.

Fall Registration Open

Registration is also open for fall. Placement books are in waiting rooms at both Lambert and Grace. Consult these, or your teacher, if you have questions about class placement for summer or fall. Spaces do go quickly so sign up now!

No Classes March 5-17

The Claire School of Dance will be  CLOSED for spring break March 5-17. Classes will resume Monday, March 19. Please note our break is TWO WEEKS.

Summer Camp Brochures

Summer camp brochures are in now all waiting rooms. On-line registration for summer classes and camps is now open.  The popular Frozen, Fairy Magic, Camp Cupcake, Princess Camp, Camp Anime, and Paris Camp return. New is On your Toes Ballet Camp, Sing Jazz Camp, and Coco Camp.

Click here for more information! Registration is online. Current and former students log in to register. Don’t miss out!

March Unit Study

Our March unit study is dancer/director Gene Kelly.  Click HERE and HERE for links to youtube videos and HERE for a coloring page.

Class Picture Day

Class and individual photos will be taken Saturday, March 24. The schedule for class photos is posted in all waiting rooms and is downloadable HERE.

Summer Intensive

Registration is also open for our summer intensive. The intensive for 7 – 12 year olds runs June 4-8 and includes jazz, hip hop and modern, Parents are invited to end-of-camp performance. More information is available on our website.

Dance in Houston

March 1-4. Rock, Rolls & Tutus. Houston Ballet. George R Brown. Info: houstonballet.org.