April 2019

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Fall Registration Open

Brochures for our 2019/2020 year are now available.  Registration for fall classes will begin April 2nd.

Our Recital – Sunday April 7!

Our big performance of the year – All You Need is LOVE! – will be held Sunday, April 7th. at St. John’s School. All participating performers will receive two free tickets.  Additional tickets will be on sale at the run-through rehearsal and at the box office the day of the show.

This year’s musical theme is the 60s. Fashion, artists, and current events will all be reflected in the show. This performance is going to be groovy!

April Unit Study – Alice Coltrane

Our unit study for April is the jazz artist Alice Coltrane. One of the few jazz harpists, Alice Coltrane, a composer in her own right, was the widow of jazz great John Coltrane.

New Picture Day!

Due to circumstances beyond our control, we had to cancel our March photo day. Parents are now invited to bring their children – siblings welcome! – and their cameras to Grace United on Saturday, April 27th. Consult schedule for your child’s time slot or come anytime between noon and 2 p.m.

Summer Registration Open

On-line registration for summer classes and camps is now open.  Frozen, Fairy Magic, Camp Cupcake, Princess, Paris, On Your Toes ballet camp and SING (the movie) jazz camp.  Brochures are available in all waiting rooms.

Dance in Houston

April 14. Pilobolus. SPA.Jones Hall. 8 pm. Info: spahouston.org.

April 18-20.  Dance Salad. Info: dancesalad.org.

April 26-28 Alice In Wonderland. Nathaniel Center, Kingwood. Info: www.kingwooddancetheatre.com

March 2019

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February 2019

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REGISTRATION NOW OPEN FOR SUMMER DANCE

Summer Dance

Registration for summer classes and camps is now OPEN. Returning are On Your Toes Ballet Camp for 4-6 year olds  and SING  Jazz Camp. The popular Frozen, Fairy Magic, Cupcake and Princess camps will also return, as will Ooh la la Paris!   For 3 year olds, we offer a very special Teacup Fairy Mommy n Me camp. Space is limited. Reserve your spot today!

 

Uh Oh! A Typo! Dance Intensive is in JULY

A typo got by our eagle eyes in the summer brochure. The Dance Intensive for 7-12 year olds is JULY 8-12. The brochure says “June.”

 

 

Cold Weather Attire

Did someone say “polar vortex”?  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.

 

 

February Unit Study – Judith Jamison

Our unit study for February is Judith Jamison, dancer, choreographer, and former artistic director of the Alvin Ailey Dance Company. Click here to see rare footage of her 1971 signature piece, Cry. Click here to see the full 1986 performance by Ailey company member Deborah Manning.

 

Dance in Houston

 Feb. 16. Choreographers X6. Jewish Community Center, 5601 S. Braeswood.  713-551-7217. Info: erjcchouston.org/arts.

 Feb 21-March 3. Sylvia. Houston Ballet. Info: houstonballet.org.

 March 1-2. Peter and the Wolf. Uptown Dance, 7417 Shadyvilla. Info:  Uptowndance.org.

January 2019

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Classes Resume in the New Year

Classes resume Monday, January 7th. 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 31st. 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.

 

December 2018

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No Classes Dec. 17th  – Jan 5th

 The Claire School of Dance will be  CLOSED for winter break December 17th through January 5th. Children’s classes will resume Monday, January 7th.

 

Parents Day in December

Parents are invited to attend class Dec. 10-15th for a first-hand look at what students have been learning. Free candy canes at the end of class!

 

Ms. Claire – Floor Barre Workshop at CSD

The Claire School of Dance hosted a floor barre workshop for dancers and teachers November 4th. Taught by former Houston Ballet member Alex Pandiscio, the workshop was attended by Ms. Claire and CSD teachers.  The exercises will incorporated into CSD ballet classes.

 

 RECITAL DATE CHANGE

The new date for our recital is April 7th. The new date for our tech rehearsal is the afternoon of April 6th. This will help us avoid conflicts with Palm Sunday.

 

 

Unit Study: Balinese Dance

Our December unit study is Balinese dance. The graceful figures from the country of Bali were the basis for jazz dance.

 

Snow on the Boulevard

Come and play in the snow, drink hot cocoa, see Santa Claus and more! Sunday, December 16th at 3 p.m. Sponsored by Grace United Methodist Church.

 

Dance in Houston

Nov 23 – Dec 29. The Nutcracker. Houston Ballet. Wortham Center. Info: houstonballet.org.

November 2018

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Thanksgiving Break    

There will be NO CLASSES Thanksgiving week, November 19th – 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.

 

 

 

October 2018

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No Classes On Halloween

After consultation with many of our Wednesday parents, we will NOT hold any classes Wednesday, October 31. Happy Trick or Treating!

 

Halloween Class Makeup

Make up classes for Halloween will be held Wednesday, December 19th, at the usual class times.

Trick or Treat – UNICEF

Bring your dimes and quarters to dance class — we will again be collecting donations to UNICEF. You can also ask your teacher for a UNICEF donation box and turn it in after Halloween. CSD will match the Trick or Treat for UNICEF donations. And it’s fun!

 

 

Oct. Unit Study – Gwen Verdon & Carol Haney

Our October unit study focuses on dancers Gwen Verdon and Carol Haney. Verdon was assistant to choreographer Jack Cole. Both women worked with choreographer Bob Fosse and each brought their considerable skills to the silver screen.

 

New! Parenting Blog

Starting October 1, our website will feature a blog with reviews of books on parenting. Our first series will be based on How to Talk So Kids Will Listen. You can find our parenting blog here.

 

 

 

 

 

Dance in Houston

Oct. 4. Intro to Bollywood Dance Workshop. Jewish Community Center, 5601 S. Braeswood. For those 16 and up. $12 preregistered, $16 at door. Info: erjcchouston.org/arts.

September 2018

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FALL CLASSES START TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 4th

Our academic school year begins Tuesday, September 4th .

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.

July 2018

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Come to Our Open House!

 

Saturday, July 28th , from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., we’ll be offering a free photo session, free trial classes, cookies,  and registration and class information for fall classes.

 

Ms. Claire will be taking portrait photos of each child.  The photo session and downloads are free. Prints will be available online. You can see proofs before ordering. Ms. Claire’s portrait work is on display in the Grace United waiting room.

 

After their photos, children are invited to have a cookie.

 

Sandra will be on hand with her laptop to take registration, uniform orders, and payment.

 

 

 

 

 

FREE Trial Classes July 28th

 

As part of our Open House, we are offering a FREE hip hop class at 11:15 a.m. and a FREE jazz class at 11:45 a.m. Both classes are for 7-11 year olds and both last 30 minutes. Come hop, pop, and lock!

 

CSD CLOSED JULY  4th

 

In observation of Independence Day, the Claire School of Dance will be CLOSED Wednesday, July 4th.  Enjoy your Fourth!

 

 

 

A Few Summer Spots Left

 

We have a few places left in Ooh la la Paris! Camp, Camp Anime and Princess Camp. You can register online at www.clairedance.com or at our office. Sign up now!

 

 

Fall Registration Open Now

 

Our classes fill quickly! Register now to reserve your spot.

May 2018

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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 7th.  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 20th performance.

Students at Cathedral House have their Demonstration May 11th . 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 20th 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!