January 2016

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

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

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

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

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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July 2015

Come to Our Open House!

Saturday, July 25th , 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.4th of july

 

NO CLASSES JULY 4th

In observation of Independence Day, the Claire School of Dance will be CLOSED Saturday, July 4th. Saturday classes will meet August 1st as a makeup.

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!

July 11th New Frozen for 3s

We have opened a new Frozen for 3 year olds Saturday July 11th. Registration is online or call our office.

A Few Summer Spots Left

We have a few places left in Fairy Magic Dance Camp and Frozen Camp, as well as in Hip Hop Camp. 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 2015

Summer Programs Start June 6thlemonade clip art

Our summer classes start Saturday, June 6th and end Saturday, August 1st.  There are no classes Saturday, July 4th.  Our summer camps start Monday, June 8th. We have some space in our classes and camps – it is not too late to register!  If the system lets you enroll, there is space!

CSD on TLC’s Little Couple

This spring the Claire School of Dance was host to TLC’s reality show The Little Couple.  This episode airs Tuesday, June 9th at 9 p.m. Check out our 2 minutes of fame!

A Few Summer Spots Left

We have a few spots left in our camps: Frozen, Fairy Magic, and Princess Camp, Ooh la la Paris! and Camp Cupcake for 3 to 6 year olds. 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: Advanced beginner adult ballet noon to 1:30 Studio A at Grace United.  these classes are taught by our own Miss Genie, a former dancer with Houston Ballet.

Sundays:  noon to 1:30 Studio A intermediate/advanced adult ballet classes.  These classes are taught by a rotating schedule of teachers, currently or formerly dancers with Houston Ballet.

Thursdays 7-8 pm and Saturdays 10:45-11:45 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 $90 for 5 classes. Cards are good for 4 months.

Come join us!

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, help with water breaks, and generally make our excited dancers “stage ready.”

Attention Family Photographers

If you have any special photos of in-class or Hogg Demonstrations you would like to share, please post them on our Facebook page or email them to us.

 

April 2015

Chalk It Up!chalkitupshirt.indd

Chalk It Up! is a FREE  family event giving children and parents the opportunity for sidewalk drawing and watching an artist at work, as well as getting (temporary!) rainbow colored hair! Donations benefit autism programs in Houston.

The event is Saturday, April 18th, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Grace United Heights Blvd parking lot. (Parking is available in the Yale Street parking lot.)

Artist Anat Ronen, currently painting a mural at Blackshear Elementary, is the featured artist.  You can see her work here: http://anatronen.com/houston-murals/index.html

Don’t miss this exciting event!

chalk hair dye kids(P.S. We are looking for volunteers to help out with the rainbow hair station. Contact the office if you can take a shift.)

 Save the Date

Our Parent Day Demonstration for kinder students and up is Saturday, May 16. Please let your teacher know if your child  will be unable to perform.

 Summer Registration Open

On-line registration for summer classes and camps is now open.  The popular Frozen, Fairy Magic, Fashion Camp, Camp Cupcake, and hip hop camps return. New this year is a Princess Camp, with a princess for every day of the week.  New too is Purple Crayon, an arts & poetry camp for 7-11 year olds.

Summer Intensives

Registration is also open for our summer intensives. June 1-5 is the intensive for Levels 4-7 while July 27-31 is the intensive for Levels 1B-3. Our intensives include daily dance classes in ballet and modern as well as an optional stage makeup workshop. More information is available on our website.

Dance in Houston

April 2-4. Dance Salad. Different program of world class dance every night. 7:30 pm Wortham Theatre. Info:

http://www.dancesalad.org.

April 17. Compagnie Káfig. A mixture of hip-hop, bossa nova and capoeira performed by all male cast from shanty towns in Brazel.  8 p.m. Wortham. Info: spahouston.org.

 

March Newsletter 2015

No Classes March 9-21

The Claire School of Dance will be  CLOSED for spring break March 9-21. Classes will resume Monday, March 23. Please note our break is TWO WEEKS.

 
Make up Classes

The following classes will have make up classes the week of March 9th:

Tuesday Level 4 5 pm at Grace United

Tuesday CM1 5:45 at Grace United

Tuesday CM3 6:15 at Grace United

Wednesday Level 1 6pm at Grace

Saturday CM1 9:30 at Grace United

Saturday CM3 9:30 at Grace United

 

picture dayPicture Day – March 28th      

Alisa Murray, long-time photographer for Houston Family magazine, returns to take class and individual photos Saturday, March 28th.  Class photo times will be posted in the waiting rooms and on our website.  If you cannot make your child’s class time, you are welcome to drop in any time between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. for an individual photo.  A photo session at Alisa’s studio may be arranged with Alisa, for those students out of town March 28th. Contact Alisa directly to arrange a private sitting.

Save the Date

Our Parent Day Demonstration for kinder students and up is Saturday, May 16. Please let your teacher know if your child  will be unable to perform.

 Summer Registration Open

On-line registration for summer classes and camps is now open.  The popular Frozen, Fairy Magic, Fashion Camp, Camp Cupcake, and hip hop camps return. New this year is a Princess Camp, with a princess for every day of the week.  New too is Purple Crayon, an arts & poetry camp for 7-11 year olds.

Summer Intensives

Registration is also open for our summer intensives. June 1-5 is the intensive for Levels 4-7 while July 27-31 is the intensive for Levels 1B-3. Our intensives include daily dance classes in ballet and modern as well as an optional stage makeup workshop. More iinformation is available on our website.

Dance in Houston

March 12-22. Modern Masters. Houston Ballet. 3 pm and 8 pm Wortham Center. Info: houstonballet.org.

March 13. Tango Buenos Aires. SPA. Jones Hall. 8 p.m. Info: houstonspa.org.

March 31. Sounds of Scotland. Jones Hall. 7 pm. Info:  http://stes.org/soundsofscotland/.

 

February Newsletter 2015

register now


Registration Open

On-line registration for summer classes and camps is now open.  The popular Frozen, Fairy Magic, Fashion Camp, Camp Cupcake, and hip hop camps return. New this year is  Princess Camp, with a princess (from Belle to Rapunzel) for every day of the week.  New too is Purple Crayon, an arts & poetry camp for 7-11 year olds.

Summer Dance Intensives

New this year too are two week-long Dance Intensives, one for intermediate and advanced students Levels 5-7 and the other for dancers ages 9 to 11, Levels 1B-3.  The June Intensive for students ages 12-17 offers two daily dance classes in both ballet and modern, dance history films, and a stage make up class. Former Houston Ballet soloist Kelly Myernick teaches.

The July Intensive for students ages 9-11 offers classes in ballet, jazz, modern, and an end of camp video performance. Genie Lanfear, formerly with Houston Ballet, teaches.

Spaces do go quickly so sign up now!

 Purple Crayon Art & Poetrypurple-crayon camp logo

New this year is an art and poetry camp for 7-11 year olds. Our own Miss Rebecca, who also teaches with WITS, will be the teacher for this 9 am to 2 pm camp. Registration is now open. Space is limited.

 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

Jan. 30- Feb 1. Love Lies Bleeding. Alberta Ballet presented by Houston Ballet. Cullen Theatre at the Wortham. 8 pm. Info: houstonballet.org.

Feb 26-March 8. Romeo and Juliet. Houston Ballet. Wortham Theatre. Info: houstonballet.org.