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.”

January 2016

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happy new year 2016Classes Resume

Classes resume Monday, January 4th.

 

Congrats, Serianna!

Serianna Hixson, one of our Level 5 students, has been accepted into the Houston Ballet Academy. We will miss her but are so happy and proud! Congratulations, Serianna!

 

Second Semester Payments

For parents paying by the semester, second semester tuition is due. (This applies primarily to students at Kinkaid and Cathedral House.)

 

Welcome New Teachers!

With Miss Ashley out on maternity leave and Miss Genie on to new adventures, we welcome several new teachers to the CSD team: Renee Li, formerly of Hong Kong Ballet and a certified ABT teacher, joins us to teach our Level 5, floor barre, and Pilates classes. Kathryn Porterfield, Phoebe Rust, Linda Gomez, and Erica Blumenthal will teach our hippity hop, creative movement, preballet, Primary, and Level 1 ballet classes, respectively. We are excited to have these wonderful teachers join our team!

 

 Summer Dance

Registration for summer classes and camps will open January 31st. New this year is our Minions Camp with lots of minion fun! The popular Frozen, Fairy Magic,  and Princess camps will return, as will Ooh la la Paris! Camp. We also welcome back the long-absent Camp Anime, this time around for 4-6 year olds.  Returning this year too are our two Dance Intensives for dancers ages 10-17.  The Intensives offer daily classes in ballet, jazz, and modern. Space will be limited so sign up quickly!

 

Dance in Houston

Jan. 15. Friday Flowers. Hope Stone. Houston BalletCenter for Dance.

Jan 23. Body Traffic. SPA. Wortham 8 pm. Info: spahouston.org.

Jan 30 & 31 Triple Focus. JCC.. Info: www.erjcchouston.org.

 

November 2015

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Thanksgiving Breakthanksgiving acorns

There will be NO CLASSES Thanksgiving week, November 23rd – 28th.  Classes resume November 30th.

New York Nutcracker Dec. 13th

Our 14th annual production of the New York Nutcracker will be held at St. John’s School 2 p.m. Sunday, December 13th. Tickets may be purchased from the office or at the door.  The theatre seats 600 so we have plenty of room! Every performer gets two free tickets. Adult tickets are $15 and child tickets are $10. Free ticket pickup and ticket purchase available at the run-through rehearsal December 12th.

 Nutcracker Finale and Run-through  Rehearsal Saturday, December 13th

ALL cast members must attend the 1:30 Nutcracker Finale and Run-through rehearsal Saturday, December 12th at St. John’s School.  St. John’s is located on Buffalo Speedway at Westheimer.

Dancers in Snow, Poodles, Cooks, Gingerbread and Mice: check bulletin board for time of extra Saturday morning rehearsal.

Nutcracker T-shirt Orders

Last day for Nutcracker t-shirt orders is Saturday, November 14th. Poster art on the front and cast list on the back. Sign up sheets in the waiting rooms at both Grace and Lambert. Pick-up is at the run-through rehearsal on Saturday, December 12th. You can leave a check in the waiting room mailbox OR mark the form “charge my card on file.”

Dance in Houston

 Nov. 6. Intensio. Daniil Simkin. 8 p.m. Jones Hall. Info: spahouston.org.

Nov 20-21. The Goddesses. Psophonia Dance Company.   8 pm. The Barn. 2201 Preston St. Tix/info:  www.psophonia.com

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

 

October 2015

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New York Nutcracker
Rehearsals for the 14th annual New York Nutcracker begin October 5th. This year’s performance takes place at St John’s Theatre at 2 p.m. on December 13th

Participation fee is $150 ($200 for students in two dances), due by October 18th. Children in Preballet, Primary, Level ballet, and jazz classes are automatically assigned roles. Children who are not participating must inform the office in writing by October 17th .

Parent letters and permission slips will be sent home the week of Oct. 5th. It is anticipated that we will have our confirmed date by that time.

We are once again inviting professional dancers from the Houston dance community to perform and we are bringing back our lighting designer, Joe Engler. Our special guest artist is Siri Ell. Our New York Nutcracker just keeps getting better!

Trick or Treat – UNICEFunicef trick or treat
We will again be collecting donations to UNICEF. 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 31st, 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 Cuba
In May, Ms. Claire spent a week in Havana, researching Cuban dance. Look for her weekly blog posts in October, describing her trip

Dance in Houston
Oct. 3 Wishing Well. Our own Ashley Horn. Orange Show. 2 and 7 p.m. Pay what you wish.
Oct. 10. Compana Flamenca Jose Porce. Society for the Performing Arts. 8pm. Jones Hall. Info: www.spahouston.org
Oct. 10. Bollywood Masala.Society for the Performing Arts. 8pm. Jones Hall. Info: www.spahouston.org

September 2015

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Classes Start

Our academic school year begins Tuesday, September 8th  and runs through Saturday, May 14th.

Congratulations Caroline Hamilton!

Caroline Hamilton, after being accepted into The Rock’s Summer Intensive, has been accepted into their year-round program. The Rock, in Philadelphia, is known for having trained Michaela DePrince.  Caroline trained at the Claire School of Dance for ten years, beginning when she was just four years old. We are very proud of her hard work and accomplishments!

Ms. Claire – PBT Certification

Ms. Claire took the Progressing Ballet Technique teacher training over the summer and is now a certified instructor. CSD is excited to incorporate PBT, a program of strengthening exercises, into all Level ballet classes.  CSD will also incorporate PBT into the adult Pilates classes and the new Monday night adult ballet class.

New CSD Videos

Summer programs at CSD saw the creation of two new videos. Students in our July Intensive collaborated on a new CSD video production, Minion Socks, which can be seen here:

https://youtu.be/N49kibgz2dA.

Meanwhile, Mr. Lulu, our hip hop instructor, captured the energy of Hip Hop Camp in his video Hip Hop Camp 2015. Watch the fun here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NB6WUvooGvc.

Adult Classes

Three new adult classes this fall! In addition to our Saturday intermediate adult ballet (now 12:15 to 1:45)  we have added a Monday 7:30-8:45 ballet class which features a floor barre for extra strength and placement.   Also on Mondays is our new adult beginner modern class, 6:30-7:30. This class plays with both gravity and rhythm and is accessible to everyone.

Body Awareness, Thursday mornings 8:15-9:00, borrows from Feldenkrais and tai chi to release tension and promote both ease of movement and peace of mind.

Pilates classes, which strengthen back and ab muscles, remain on Thursday evenings 7:30-8:30 pm.

Our Sunday intermediate/ advanced  ballet class remain  noon to 1:30 at Grace United.

All adult classes are pay as you go. Come join us!

Dance in Houston

September 12. Bollywood Blast. Miller Outdoor Theater. FREE.

September 10-20. Manon. Houston Ballet. Wortham Theater.

September 24 – October 4. Mixed Rep. Houston Ballet. Wortham Theater.

August 2015

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Summer Classes End August 1

 Summer classes end Saturday, August 1st. Claire School of Dance will be CLOSED during the month of August for our annual “freshening.”

We look forward to seeing everyone after Labor Day!

 Fall Registration Open

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

 Summer Fun

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

 Drink Pink Successdrinkpink

Thanks to the generosity of those who came to the Open House July 25th, and matching funds from CSD, we were able to donate $156 to Pink Ribbons breast cancer programs.

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 1. Black Heritage Festival. Discovery Green. 4 pm – 10 pm. FREE if pre-registered.

August 1. Rite of Summer. FrenetiCore. Wortham Theater.

August 28-29. Storm Front. NobleMotionDance. Zilkha Hall.

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