November 2018

 

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

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

 

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

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

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!

 

April 2018

Fall Registration Open

 

Brochures for our 2018/2019 year will soon be available.  Registration for fall classes will begin April 2nd.

 

 

April Unit Study – Joseph Haydn

 

Our unit study for April is the composer Joseph Haydn (HI din). Click here for a downloadable handout with youtube links. This year’s recital is based on the music of Haydn.

 

 

 

Save the Date – May 20!

 

Our big performance of the year – Sweets for the Sweet! – will be held Sunday, May 20th. 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 Haydn. Costumes are based on the court of Marie Antoinette, a contemporary of Haydn. This performance is going to be sweet!

 

 Come to Class!

 

As we get ready for our end-of-year performances, we remind parents that it is more important than ever for students come to class regularly. Progress – and rehearsal – depends on attendance.

 

Summer Registration Open

 

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

 

Dance in Houston

 

April 13-15. Don Quixote.. Houston Ballet. Hobby Center. 8 pm. Info: houstonballet.org.

April 20-21The Forgotten Empress. Asia Society.  Info: asiasociety.org.

April 20-May 6 West Side Story. Houston Grand Opera. Resilience Hall at George R Brown. Info: houstongrandopera.org

March 2018

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.

December 2017

NO CLASSES Dec. 18th  – Jan 6th

 The Claire School of Dance will be  CLOSED for winter break December 18th through January 6th. Children’s classes will resume Monday, January 8th.

 Parents Day in December

Parents are invited to attend class Dec. 11-16th for a first-hand look at what students have been learning. Free candy canes at the end of class!

Miss Maria’s Parent Day

Attention Miss Maria’s classes! Miss Maria will be out of town for the holidays during our regular Parent Day week. Miss Maria will therefore have her Parent Day December 4th and December 9th.

There will be a substitute teacher for Miss Maria’s classes December 11 and 16.

 Unit Study: Balanchine

 Our December unit study is renowned George Balanchine, choreographer and co-founder of the New York City Ballet. You can download our handout here.

 Snow on the Boulevard

 Come and play in the snow, drink hot cocoa, see Santa Claus and more! Sunday, December 17th at 3 p.m. Sponsored by Grace United Methodist Church.

Dance in Houston

 Dec. 1 & 2. Emerging Choreographers. U of H. Quintero Theatre. Tickets and information: http://www.uh.edu/kgmca/theatre-and-dance/buy-tickets/2017-2018/.

Dec. 30th- Jan 6. The Nutcracker. Houston Ballet. Hobby Center. Info: houstonballet.org.

November 2017

Thanksgiving Break

 

There will be NO CLASSES Thanksgiving week, November 20th – 25th.  Classes resume November 27th.

 

Halloween Makeup Classes

 

Tuesday evening and afternoon classes will have a makeup class Tuesday, November 21. This is to make up for the classes cancelled on Halloween.

 

Tuesday morning classes do NOT meet during Thanksgiving vacation.

 

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!

 

November Unit Study – Bollywood

 

Our study unit for this month is Bollywood. “Bollywood” as a film genre generally refers to musicals with melodramatic themes. The dance in Bollywood films is based on Indian classical and folk dance. you can download an Indian dance coloring page here.

 

Dance in Houston

 

Oct 29. Bollywood Blast. Miller Outdoor Theatre. 7-8:30 p.m. FREE.

 

Nov 4. Flamenco Ensemble.    7:30 pm. MATCH (Midtown Arts and Theatre Center of Houston, 3400 main.)

 

Nov. 15. Jubilee of Dance. Houston Ballet.  7:30pm.  Hobby Center. Info/tix: www.houstonballet.org.

 

January 2017

Classes Resume

Classes resume Tuesday, January 3rd.

Bonjour Paris! Performancegraf1 copia

New this year is our expanded May performance. Students preballet and up are eligible to perform. Information about our May 21 performance, Bonjour Paris!, is online.  Click here to download the parent information letter and here to download the permission slip.

 Permission slips and performance fees are due February 4th. Scholarships are available. No child is left out for lack of funds.

 Bonjour Paris! is an “opt-out” performance. Parents must notify us by February 4th if your child will not participate. Failure to notify us may result in assessment of the performance fee.

In April, we will be asking for parent volunteers to help backstage during the show. Parents help make the show possible!

We take this opportunity to remind parents that putting on any show requires commitment. A last-minute cancellation affects all the other children in the dance.  The performance is Sunday, May 21st and rehearsals for all dancers are scheduled for Saturday, May 20th. Reserve the dates on your calendar now!

Martha Graham – Unit Study of the Month

Our Unit Study for the month of January is Martha Graham. Click here for a handout with links to youtube videos of Martha Graham herself as well as a more recent performance of Appalachian Spring.  Be sure to check out the bulletin boards in all waiting rooms for additional information on Graham technique and the artists who worked with Graham.

 Save the Date! February 18th GLOW Family Fun

February 18th students and their families are invited to GLOW, a family fun event sponsored by the Claire School of Dance. Wear black and use glow-in-the-dark tape (supplied by us) to create colorful costumes!  The fun happens in the basement of Grace United 6-9 p.m.  Come GLOW with us!

Summer Dance

Registration for summer classes and camps will open January 31st. New this year are Moana Camp, Trolls Camp, and Imagination Station ! Also new is a dance Intensive for 7-11 year olds. The popular Frozen, Fairy Magic,  and Princess camps will return, as will Ooh la la Paris! Camp. Space is limited. Reserve your spot today!

 moana-with-title

 

 

 

 

Dance in Houston

Jan. 13. Balé Folclórico da Bahia. (Brazilian folk dance). SPA.. Jones Hall 8 pm. Info: spahouston.org.

Jan 20. Shadowland. Pilobolus  SPA. Jones Hall. 8 pm. Info: spahouston.org.

Jan 28 Choreographers X6. JCC.. Info: www.erjcchouston.org