November 2016

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Thanksgiving Break    thanksgiving-words

There will be NO CLASSES Thanksgiving week, November 21st – 26th.  Classes resume November 28th.

Two New Newsletters

In addition to our monthly newsletter of CSD activities, we are proud to introduce two additional newsletters: On Pointe, a dance history newsletter and Da Capo, a music history and theory newsletter.

These newsletters, which will appear regularly, will give parents and students alike additional information about dancers, choreographers, and different styles of dance, as well as introduce famous composers, eras of music, and musical terms.

Look for our new study unit bulletin board!

 Anna Pavlova – Ballerina

Our study unit for this month is the famous ballerina Anna Pavlova. Born in Russia in 1881, she popularized ballet by traveling the world. Her most famous role was The Dying Swan. You can download a fact sheet and coloring page here.

Dance in Houston

Nov. 12. The Nutcracker. TKB Center for Ballet. 1, 4 and 7:30 p.m. Berry Center, Cypress. Info: tkbballet@att.net.

Nov 10-11. Cinderella. Misty Copeland of American Ballet Theatre.    7:30 pm. Hobby Center. Tix/info:  www.thehobbycenter.org.

Nov. 25- Dec 27. The Nutcracker. Houston Ballet.  7:30pm.  (2:30 matinee.) Wortham Center. Info/tix: www.houstonballet.org.

 

October 2016

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No Classes On Halloween

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

 New York Nutcracker

Due to renovations at St. John’s this December, and a lack of an alternate location, we regretfully announce that for the first time in 15 years, we will not be presenting a New York Nutcracker.

Instead, we will be presenting a new show, Bonjour, Paris!, as our recital performance. Tentatively scheduled for May 21st, this show will be open to all students preballet and up.bonjour-paris-sample-logo-with-pink-girls-2

We will distribute performance information in February and begin rehearsals in March. You can read more here.

Bonjour, Paris!

We are excited to announce a new format for our end of year Parent Day Demonstration. In May 2017, we will present a costumed performance of Bonjour Paris!, a brand new show, original to the Claire School of Dance.

Trick or Treat – UNICEF

unicef trick or treatBring 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. The Claire School of Dance will match the Trick or Treat for UNICEF donations. And it’s fun!

Pumpkin Decorating Party

Join us Saturday, October 29th, for a pumpkin decorating party 10 a.m. to noon at Grace United.  Purchase a pumpkin from Grace United’s annual pumpkin sale and get free stickers and cookies from Claire School of Dance!

Dance in Houston

Oct. 7-22. Comedy Dance Festival Suchu Dance.   8pm.  The Pilot (formerly Frenetic Theater)  Fridays and Saturdays.

Oct. 20-22 DEEP: Seaspace. Karen Stokes Dance. Zilkha Hall 8 p.m.

Oct. 29 & 30. Flamenco Andaluz – Dia de los Muertos. .The Pilot.  8pm.   For information email: flamencoinfo@gmail.com

 

 

 

 

August 2016

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Summer Classes End July 31

 

Summer classes at our Heights studios end Saturday, July 31st. (Classes at Cathedral House end August 3rd.) Claire School of Dance will be CLOSED during the month of August for our annual “freshening.”

lemonade clip art

Pilates classes DO continue all August, except for August 16th, when Miss Renee is out of town.

 

Enjoy the rest of your summer! We look forward to seeing everyone after Labor Day!

 

 

 

Summer Fun

 CSD summer camps were enjoyed by all!  Be sure to check out our Facebook page for photos of our summer fun!

 

Fall Classes Begin Sept. 5th

Fall classes begin the day after Labor Day, Tuesday, September 5th.

 

Fall Registration Open Now

 On-line registration for fall classes is now open.  Some of our classes are nearly full so register quickly to reserve your spot!

 

 leotard clip artUniform Reservations

 We have some Level 1, Level 2, preballet, and primary uniforms on hand. Please call to make your reservation. Payment is required to reserve your uniform.

 Uniform Orders

 We will be sending in an order for leotards and skirts.  Please place your order via phone or email by AUGUST 15TH. Orders may be picked up by appointment after August 24th or at your child’s first class. All orders must be prepaid.

 

Dance in Houston

 August 13. Incredible India Festival. Miller Outdoor Theatre 8:30 pm. FREE.

August 17. Dance Theatre of Harlem. Miller Outdoor Theatre. 8:15 pm. FREE.

July 2016

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Come to Our Open House!drinkpink

 

Saturday, July 16th , from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., we’ll be offering a free photo session, cookie decorating,  and registration and class information for fall classes.

 

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

 

After their photos, children are invited to decorate a cookie in our cookie workshop.

 

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

 

Drink Pink!

 

Also at our Open House is the Claire School of Dance-sponsored Drink Pink! lemonade stand.  Proceeds from the sales of pink lemonade go to breast cancer programs. Drink Pink!

 

NO CLASSES JULY 2nd or 4thjuly 4th clip art

 

In observation of Independence Day, the Claire School of Dance will be CLOSED Saturday, July 2nd and Monday, July 4th. Sunday classes will meet July 3rd with the ever fabulous Lindsay McGill teaching.

 

Pilates for Adults Tues 7:30 pm

 

Our adult Pilates class meets every Tuesday at 7:30 pm in Studio C on the second floor. It was inadvertently listed as starting at 7 pm in the June newsletter. We apologize for our error. Pilates strengthens and stretches. Come help that aching back!

 

A Few Summer Spots Left

 

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

 

Fall Registration Open Now

 

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

June 2016

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summer-sun-clipart

Summer Classes Start Saturday, June 6th 

Summer Dance

Our Summer Dance program begins Saturday, June 6th  and runs through Saturday, July 30th. There are no classes Saturday, July 2nd, or Monday, July 4th.

Parent Day Thank You

Thanks to all the parents who attended our Parent Day Demonstrations.

A special shout-out to all the moms who helped pin on fairy crowns, helped with water breaks, and generally made our excited dancers “stage ready.”

Ms Claire to Perform

Simple Things, a new piece choreographed by Ms. Claire, was selected to be part of Barnstorm, a festival of contemporary dance. Performances are June 23rd and June 25th at the Barn, 2201 Preston, near Minute maid Park. Teachers Miss Linda and Miss Phoebe also perform. Ms. Claire’s solo will also be part of “Passage,” a full length evening work to premiere in September. Tickets are available online at http://dancesourcehouston.org/the-barn/schedule-tickets/.

 

New classes for 7-11 year oldsjazz kick

We have added two new classes for 7-11 year olds: jazz and tap – to Wednesdays at Lambert Hall. Taught by the newest addition to our staff: Miss Heather. For those students who want to MOOOVVE! Classes start this summer and are also on our fall schedule. Come to the first class for a free trial!

A Few Summer Spots Left

We have a few spots left in our camps: Frozen, Fairy Magic, Minions, Camp Anime, Princess Camp, Ooh la la Paris! and Camp Cupcake for 4 to 6 year olds. Minions, Camp Anime, Ooh la la Paris! and Camp Cupcake for 7 to 11 year olds.

Register online at clairedance.com or at our office. Spaces do go quickly so sign up now!

Adult Classes

Saturdays: Beginner/Advanced beginner adult ballet 12:30-2 pm Studio A at Grace United.

Sundays:  noon to 1:30 Studio A intermediate/advanced adult ballet classes.

Tuesdays 7-8 pm Pilates mat classes in Studio C. Pilates strengthens your back and abdominal muscles.

Drop in rate for ballet is $20; for Pilates $15. Class cards are $150 for 10 classes and $85 for 5 classes. Cards are good for 4 months.  Come join us!

 

 

May 2016

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Parents Day DemonstrationsCAT_Ballerina-recital

Students at Cathedral House have their Demonstration May 27th . See scheduled posted in Cathedral House lobby.

 

All CM1, CM2, CM3, hippity hop, and tap classes at Lambert Hall and Grace United will have their Demonstration in class, the week of May 16th.  Parents are invited to watch what the children have learned. All children will receive fairy crowns and flowers. Because we added a week to our spring semester, there are NO FURTHER MAKEUPS.

(If your child DOES NOT wear a uniform, her demonstration is in class. If she DOES wear a uniform, she is in the May 22nd performance.

 

Students who take classes at Lambert Hall and Grace United and who are in Preballet, Primary, Jazz, or any Level ballet class have their Parents Day Demonstration Sunday, May 22nd at 3 p.m. at St. John’s School (same theatre as the Nutcracker).

 

Students should arrive by 1:00. Dress rehearsal starts at 1:15. Doors open at 2:30 for parents.

 

Students must wear the class uniform and wear hair in a bun or pony tail (if long) or pulled off face (if short).

 

Recital Info Online

Parent will find more information on our website here: http://clairedance.com/programs/annual-recital/

 

Call for Class “Mamas”

We are asking for volunteer moms to sit with the children during the dress rehearsal and performance. These moms will also assist getting children to and from the stage as well as during the restroom break between rehearsal and performance. Benefits include a seat in a front row and our undying gratitude.

 

Recital DVD Orders

We will be videotaping the recital at St. John’s. Orders for DVDs will be taken the last week of class and at the Demonstration.

 

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 2016

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GLOW!glow image

GLOW! is a FREE  family event 6-7:30 pm Saturday, April 2nd, in Fellowship Hall (basement) at Grace United.

Dress in black! We will have glow in the dark tape and glow necklaces to decorate yourselves.  We will also have music for dancing as well as beverages and cookies.

This is our third GLOW! and a very special one. Come celebrate the 20th Anniversary of Claire School of Dance!

No More Make Up Classes

In order to avail ourselves of St. John’s Theater for our Parent Demonstration this year, we have added a week to our school year.  Our last class of the year is now Saturday, May 21st. Since we have added an extra class to the schedule, this will be the make up class for anyone who missed a class and a free one for anyone with perfect attendance!

 Save the Date

Our Parent Day Demonstration for kinder students and up is Sunday, May 22. Please let your teacher know if your child  will be unable to perform.

 Parent Demonstration for CMs

Children preK and younger do not perform at St. John’s. Instead parents are invited to attend the last class of the year, the week of May 16th.

 Summer Registration Open

On-line registration for summer classes and camps is now open.  The popular Frozen, Fairy Magic, Fashion Camp, Camp Cupcake, Ooh la la Paris! and Princess camps return. New this year is a Minions Camp. Returning after a long absence is Camp Anime, which highlights the art, culture, and animated films of Japan.

Summer Intensives

Registration is also open for our summer intensives. June 6-8 is the intensive for Levels 4-6 while Levels 1B-3 will participate in our annual video project. The Intermediate Intensive includes daily dance classes in ballet and modern. More information is available on our website.

Dance in Houston

April 23 & 24. Alvin Ailey Dance Company. Jones Hall. 2 and 8 pm Saturday and and 3 p.m. Sunday. Info: spahouston.org.

April 30. Malpaso, Cuban contemporary dance. Wortham. 8 p.m. Info: spahouston.org.

 

March 2016

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No Classes March 7-19spring.break.05

The Claire School of Dance will be  CLOSED for spring break March 7-19. Classes will resume Monday, March 21. Please note our break is TWO WEEKS.

There are NO CLASSES the month of March at Kinkaid.

Make up Classes

Tuesday, March 8.

CM1 4 pm Tuesday Grace United

CM2 4:30 Tuesday GU

CM1 5:45 Tuesday GU

CM2/3 6:15 Tuesday Grace United.
Wednesday, March 9.

4 pm CM3 at Grace United

4:45 pm hippity hop GU

6 pm preballet Grace United

Saturday, March 12.

CM1 9:30 Studio B GU

CM2 10 am Studio B GU

CM3 10:45 Studio B GU

preballet 11:30 am Studio B GU

 All make up classes will receive an email reminder.

 Summer Registration Open

On-line registration for summer classes and camps is now open.  The popular Frozen, Fairy Magic, Fashion Camp, Camp Cupcake, Princess Camp and Paris Camp return. Also returning, after a long absence, is Camp Anime, sharing the art, culture and animated films of Japan. New is Minions Camp!

Brochures are in all waiting rooms. Check our website for more information! Registration is online. Current and former students log in to register. Don’t miss out!

Save the Date

Our Parent Day Demonstration for kinder students and up is Sunday, May 22. Please let your teacher know if your child  will be unable to perform.

 Summer Intensives

Registration is also open for our summer intensives. The intensive for Levels 4-6 runs June 6-8 and includes ballet, pilates/gyro, modern, and variations. Our Summer Video Project for Levels 2/3 meets weekly June 7 through July 25. More information is available on our website.

Dance in Houston

Feb 25-March 6. Sleeping Beauty. Houston Ballet. Wortham Center. Info: houstonballet.org.

 March 10-20 Mixed Winter Rep. Houston Ballet. Wortham Center. Info: houstonballet.org.

March 18. La Compagnie Herve Koubi . SPA. Wortham. 8 p.m. Info: houstonspa.org.

March 24-26. Dance Salad. Wortham Theater. 7:30 pm. Info: dancesalad.org.

 

February 2016

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Summer Registration Opencamp anime ponyo

On-line registration for summer classes and camps is now open.  The popular Frozen, Fairy Magic, Fashion Camp, Camp Cupcake, and Princess camps return. New this year is a Camp Anime, with its focus on the movie Ponyo.  New too is Minions Camp. Nothing “despicable” about Minion- fun with Kevin, Stuart, and Bob!

 Opt In for Text Messages

This is your reminder that all parents will need to “opt in” to receive text messages regarding last minute class cancellation. We make every effort to keep to our schedule but occasionally a teacher is sick and we can’t find a sub. Or the electricity goes out in the building. A text message can save you an unneeded trip.

To Opt In, log into your CSD account (click on “register” on our website, and then “already a customer.”) Your email is your log in. Click on “Contacts,” then your name. On the right, under phone number, you will see a box to check in order to opt in to receive text messages. Click it, then “save changes.” That’s it!

Photo Day

Class and individual photos will be taken by the fabulous Alissa Murray on Saturday, February 13, at our Grace United studio. Class portrait times are posted in all waiting room and on our website.  If you cannot make the class time, you are welcome to stop by anytime between 9:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. for an individual portrait.

 Be On Time! Reminder

Parents are reminded to arrive on time for class and to pick up students as soon as class ends. At the discretion of the teacher, students arriving more than 10 minutes late may be refused permission to attend class.

 Dance in Houston

Feb 6. BalletBoyz. SPA. Wortham Theatre. 8 pm. Info: spahouston.org.

Feb 6-14. Dance Month at the Kaplan. Jewish Community Center. Info: jcchouston.org.

 

Student Spotlight: Serianna Hixson

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ny nut 15 seri 1

Serianna Hixson, a student of the Claire School of Dance since she was four years old, has been accepted into the Ben Stevenson Academy of Dance at Houston Ballet, where she will begin classes in January 2016.

Serianna started taking creative movement classes with Ms. Claire at Country Day Montessori School.  Serianna’s mother, Nicole Broyles, says she remembers that experience as a “sweet time, everything was about discovery.”  Serianna’s dad, George Hixson, says “that was when Serianna first experienced dance and it stuck.”  Serianna took a year of gymnastics and then returned to the Claire School of Dance, this time at the Heights locations, where she remained until this year.

Serianna, now a student at Johnson Middle School, says she always wanted to be a dancer. “My training here (at CSD) prepared me a lot for auditions.   Broyles interjects, “She’s always gotten good advice here as well. One of her teachers, Jen Sommers, encouraged her to try out for Houston Ballet Academy, saying she probably wouldn’t make it, but that the experience of seeing the other dancers would put the work ahead of her into context.”  Broyles continues, “It was good advice that prepared Serianna for the hard things ahead.”

Caroline Hamilton, one of Serianna’s classmates and now a student at the well-known ballet conservatory The Rock , was a role model.  Just a little older than Serianna, Caroline set an example of the need to keep on working.  “You have to work hard,” says Broyles, “in ballet the work ethic is fundamental and that’s true in the work world as well.  People in the performing arts are great at sticking to the work, regardless of rejection, and coming up with creative approaches.” Hixson, Serianna’s dad, echoes this sentiment, “A work ethic applies to life in general.”

All members of the Hixson family concurred that one of the important aspects of the Claire School of Dance was its focus on the individual and its supportive environment.  “There’s a sheltering quality that comes from being a small school that gives the girls a certain self-confidence,” says dad Hixson.  “Even if you don’t end up being a dancer, that sense of knowing yourself prepares you for whatever you pursue.”

Broyles chimes in, “That warm feeling of support, of community, of being challenging but comfortable is, I think, unique to the Claire School of Dance.”

Broyles also credits the dance program at Johnston for Serianna’s progress.  “At Johnston, Serianna takes class every day. That has definitely made a difference.  Then too the dance teacher at Johnston, Mr. Peters, is demanding. He makes the students take responsibility for their own development.” Broyles smiles. “Something all dance teachers have in common, I think.”

When asked for her strongest memory of CSD, Serianna says “getting a solo this year helped improve my focus because I could focus on my own dancing. I got a lot out of recitals too because you can see how much you’ve grown year to year. Performing gets you ready.”