February Newsletter 2015

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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.

 

January Newsletter 2015

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Classes Resume

Classes resume Monday, January 5th.

Grace United Bathroom

The bathroom at Grace United is undergoing renovation. For the foreseeable future, students will need to use the restroom in the adjoining building. Look for the double doors marked “Church Library.” Restroom is to your left. We apologize for the inconvenience.

 Second Semester Payments

Our second semester begins January 12th. For parents paying by the semester, second semester tuition is due. (This applies primarily to students at Kinkaid and Cathedral House.)

 thermometer coldCold Weather Attire

It has finally begun to act like winter!  With lower temperatures, we recommend that students dress a little more warmly for class. 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, Fashion Camp, and hip hop camps will return. New this year is a Princess Camp, with a princess for every day of the week.  New this year too is a two week-long Dance Intensives for dancers ages 10-17.  The Intensives offer two daily dance classes in ballet, jazz, and modern, dance history films, and a stage make up class!

 Dance in Houston

Jan. 9. Diavolo. SPA. Jones Hall 8 pm. Info: spahouston.org.

Jan 30. Cedric Andrieux. CAM. 7 pm. Info: camh.org.


 

 

 

 

 

 

December 2014

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Classes Dec. 15th  – Jan 4th

The Claire School of Dance will be  CLOSED for winter break December 15th through January 4th. Classes will resume Monday, January 5th.

 New York Nutcracker

At 2 p.m. December 14th, the Claire School of Dance will present our 13th annual New York Nutcracker onstage at St. John’s School, Buffalo Speedway at Westheimer. Admission to this one hour production is $15 for adults, $10 for children.

Every performer gets 2 free tickets.  Free tickets are picked up at the run-through rehearsal 1:30-3:30 p.m. Saturday, December 13th, at our Grace United studio. You may also purchase tickets and pick up t-shirts at this time. If you did not order a t-shirt, we may have a limited number of extra t-shirts available. Payment is required for pick-up.

Tickets will also be available for purchase at the door. Box office opens at 1 p.m. Doors open at 1:30 p.m.

This year we are delighted to welcome Houston performers Catalina Alexandra, Christopher Cardenas, Kelsey Jean, and Kendall Kramer.  You won’t want to miss this special New York Nutcracker performance!

Nutcracker Bouquets

Post-performance bouquets are a traditional offering to dancers. Custom Nutcracker bouquets may be ordered until 2 p.m. Saturday, December 13th. They will be available at the box office starting at 1 p.m. Sunday, December 14th. These specialty flowers are $15.

Orders may be placed on the bulletin board in the waiting rooms or at t shirt pickup.

 

New! Nutcracker Raffle

This year for the first time we will be holding a Nutcracker raffle. Our gift baskets include certificates for Pilates and gyrotonic sessions, aromatherapy products and more! Goodies for tiny dancers include DVDs, dance wear, and more! Tickets are just $1!  Proceeds benefit our scholarship fund.

 

Winter Break Camps

It’s the return of Camp Candy Cane and Winter Wonderland Camp!  Camp Candy Cane will be held December 22 & 23. Winter Wonderland will be held December 29-31.  Fees are $120 for Candy Cane ($100 for Claire Dance students) and $180 for Wonderland ($150 for Claire dance students). Open to students ages 4-11, our winter break camps include baking, crafts, and lots of winter fun! Partial attendance possible on a space available basis. Registration is online.

 

 

 

November 2014

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Thanksgiving Break

There will be NO CLASSES Thanksgiving week, November 24th – 29th.  Classes resume December 1st.

thanksgiving clip art pumpkins

Make up Class

A make up class WILL be held for the Monday Level 1B class Monday, November 24th, at 4 pm at Grace United as well as for the Jazz Monday, November 24th at 6 p.m. at Lambert Hall.

 

New York Nutcracker Dec. 14th

Our 13th annual production of the New York Nutcracker will be held at St. John’s School 2 p.m. Sunday, December 14th. 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 13th.

 

Nutcracker T-shirt Orders

Last day for Nutcracker t-shirt orders is Saturday, November 15th. 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 14th. You can leave a check in the waiting room mailbox OR mark the form “charge my card on file.”

 

Dance in Houston

 Nov. 14-15. Fresh Cuts. Psophonia Dance Company.   8 pm. Vault. 1824 Spring St. #124.

Tix/info:  www.psophonia.com

 

Nov 14-15.  X.  Celebrating Revolve’s 10th anniversary. Revolve Dance. 8 pm.  The Barn. Info/tix: www.revolvedance.com.

 

Nov 21-22. Dat is Het. Farrell Dyde Dance. The Barn. Info/tix: www.farrelldyde.org.

 

Nov. 28- Dec 28. The Nutcracker. Houston Ballet.  7:30pm. Wortham Center. Info/tix: www.houstonballet.org.

October 2014 Newsletter

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New York Nutcracker

Rehearsals for the 13th annual New York Nutcracker begin Sept. 29th. This year’s performance tentatively takes place at St John’s Theatre at 2 p.m. on December 14th (December 7th as a second choice.) We are still waiting from the theatre for our confirmed date. Parents will be notified as soon as we hear from St. John’s.

Participation fee is $125 ($175 for students in two dances), due by October 18th. Children in Preballet, Primary, and Level classes are automatically assigned roles. Children who are not participating must inform the office in writing by October 18th .

Parent letters and permission slips will be sent home the week of Oct. 6th.  It is anticipated that we will have our confirmed date by that time.

New this year:  we are inviting Preballet students to participate in the New York Nutcracker .  AND we are inviting professional dancers from the Houston dance community to perform. We are excited about our changes! This year’s show will be better than ever!

Trick or Treat – UNICEF

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 25th, 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. 1 Third Coast Dance Film Fest. Diverseworks. Info: diverseworks.org.

Oct. 10. MOMIX. Society for the Performing Arts.   8pm.  Jones Hall.  Info: www.spahouston.org

Oct. 16. Manon. The Royal Ballet. Various movie theatres around town. Check movie listings.

Oct 25. The Legend of Love. Boishoi Ballet. Various movie theatres around town. Check movie listings.

 

 

September 2014 Newsletter

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Fall Classes Start

Our academic school year begins Tuesday, September 2nd  and runs through Saturday, May 16th.

New for Level 4s!

In addition to welcoming former Houston Ballet member Genie Lanfear to our Level 4 staff, we also welcome gyrotonic instructor Joe Modlin, who will be teaching our Level 4s once a month. Gyrotonic was developed by a former Houston Ballet member. It focuses on developing free movement of joints and stabilization of the body through counter-balance.

yoga stretch

 

Adult Classes

Pilates classes on Thursday evenings are now at 7 pm!  This one hour class is $15 a class.

Our Saturday advanced beginner adult ballet is now noon to 1:15 at Grace United.  Classes are $15.

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

Drop in rate is $20. Class cards are $150 for 10 classes and $85 for 5 classes. Cards are good for 4 months.

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

 

 

Dance in Houston

September 4-14. Midsummer’s Night Dream. Houston Ballet. Wortham Theater.

September 18-28. From Houston to the World. Houston Ballet. Wortham Theater.

August 2014 Newsletter

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White Linen Performance

 Saturday, August 2nd, is the date for White Linen Night performance by Claire School of Dance students.

 This year’s White Linen Night performance takes place at 6 p.m. on the Boulevard in front of Heights Christian Church, 1703 Heights Blvd.

This year’s performance features special guest choreographer Leslie Scates. Ms. Scates is a long-time Heights resident and well-known Houston choreographer, who returns from performing and teaching in Germany just in time for our performance.  Ms. Scates specializes in ensemble thinking, a rigorously systematic approach to developing spatial awareness and group dynamics.  Ms. Scates is also adjunct professor of dance at U of H.

Cookies and lemonade will be served in fellowship hall after the 15 minute performance.

Welcome Genie Lanfear!

We are proud to announce that Genie Lanfear, formerly with Houston Ballet, will be teaching our Level 4 class starting in September.  Genie will also be teaching our Thursday evening Pilates classes, which move to a new time slot of 7-8 pm.  Welcome, Genie!Welcome Genie Lanfear

Classes Start September 2nd

The day after Labor Day, September 2nd, is the first day of classes at our Heights studios and at Cathedral House Montessori and the Kinkaid School.

Fall Registration Open Now

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

Uniforms

We have a limited number of preballet, primary, and Level I leotards and skirts. Contact the office. Uniforms may also be purchased through Costumes and Dancewear on Dunlavy. Mention the Claire School of Dance and get a 10% discount!

 

July 2014 Newsletter

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July Newsletter

drinkpink

Come to Our Open House!

Saturday, July 12th , 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. 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!

 Our Summer Performance

This year we perform for White Linen Night, 6 p.m. Saturday, August 2nd  on the boulevard in front of Lambert Hall.  Free!  Join us for lemonade and cookies after the show!

 A Few Summer Spots Left

We have a few places left in Fairy Magic Dance Camp and Cinderella Camp, as well as in Hip Hop Camp and Hairspray, our Ballet ‘n Broadway camp. You can register online at www.clairedance.com or at our office or Open House. Sign up now!

Fall Registration Open Now

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

June 2014 Newsletter

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Summer Classes Start June 2nd!

Summer Dance

Our Summer Dance program begins Monday, June 2nd  and runs through Saturday, July 26th.

 A Few Summer Spots Left

We have a few spots left in our camps: Frozen, Fairy Magic, and Cinderella for 3 to 6 year olds. Hairspray, Hip Hop, Ooh la la Paris!, and Fashion Camp for 7 to 11 year olds.

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

Free Hippity Hop Class

We are offering a free hippity hop class for 5 and 6 years Saturday, June 14th 11:30 to noon at our Grace United location.  Hippity hop is a hip hop class designed to be appropriate for young children. Our summer hippity hop class runs from June 21-July 26 for a special introductory rate of $60.

Students are also welcome to try Hippity Hop now for a fall registration.

We’ve Got a New Look!

The Claire School of Dance has a new logo and a new website.  We are celebrating our new look all week.  Be sure to check out our new place on the web!

 Adult Ballet Classes

Starting June 7th our advanced beginner adult ballet Saturdays moves to noon to 1:15 at Grace United.

New on Sundays:  noon to 1:30 intermediate/advanced adult ballet classes.

Drop in rate is $20. Class cards are $150 for 10 classes and $85 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, do quick changes, and generally make our excited dancers “stage ready.”

Dance in Houston

June 5-11 Swan Lake. Houston Ballet. Wortham Theater. Evening and matinees. Info: www.houstonballet.org.

 

 

May 2014 Newsletter

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Summer Schedule Additions

We’ve added several camps and classes to our summer schedule:

  • beginner Ballet and Tap for 11-13 year olds Monday evenings and Wednesday afternoons
  • Frozen for 4-6 year olds June 9-13, 9am to noon
  • Little Mermaid for 4-6 year olds June 9-13, 1-4pm (free lunchtime supervision for those campers doing both Frozen and Little Mermaid);
  • Frozen for 3 year olds June 21, 4:30-6pm
  • Frozen for 3 year olds July 12, 11:30-1pm
  • Camp Cupcake for 5-9 year olds July 21-25, 9am to noon

We offer early drop off and late pickup for selected camps. Be sure to let us know your needs!

Spots go quickly so register now to reserve yours!

Toddler Reading Circle

Wednesday mornings 10-11 in the Art Upstairs room at our Grace United studio. Come join us for a story and a craft! (Note: We only meet twice in May.)

  • May 7th One Fish Two Fish
  • May 14th Planting a Rainbow

Parent Demonstrations

All Toddler, CM1 and CM2 classes will have their Demonstration in class, the week of May 12th. Parents are invited to watch what the children have learned. All children will receive fairy crowns and flowers. NO MAKEUP CLASSES ARE ALLOWED THE WEEK OF MAY 12th.

(If your child DOES NOT wear a uniform, her demonstration is in class. If she DOES wear a uniform, she is in the May 18th performance.)

Students who take classes at Lambert Hall and Grace United and who are in Preballet, Primary, or any Level class have their Parents Day Demonstration Sunday, May 18that 3pm at Hogg Middle School in the Heights.

Students should arrive by 1:15. Dress rehearsal starts at 1:30. 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).

We will be video taping. Orders for DVDs will be taken the last week of class and at the Demonstration.

Students at Cathedral House have their Demonstration May 16th on the following schedule:

  • Toddler 2: 10:30
  • Primary 1/2: 10:00
  • Kinder: 9:30

Kinkaid students will have their Demonstration May 16th at 2:00pm in the Big Room.