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Last Class May 8th

Hard to believe but the last class of the academic year has arrived. This week – May 3-8 – is the last week of dance classes for the 2020/2021 school year. We will miss seeing our students every week!

Registration for Summer Camp/Classes

Registration for summer classes and camps is open now.

At this time, we are still observing COVID precautions, including smaller classes so space is especially limited this summer. New this year is our Samson Arts & Nature Camp. This series of two-week sessions offers children the opportunity to learn about animals and their habitats while practicing skills like reading comprehension and writing. Whether you are looking for a way for your child to “catch up” after a year and a half of virtual school or whether you’re looking for memorable summer fun – Samson Arts & Nature Camp is what you’re looking for!

Another exciting camp is our American Girl Doll Camp. No doll is needed to explore life in America in the first half of the 20th century. Make a Teddy bear, watch a Betty Boop cartoon, and learn to dance the watusi! Only a few spots remain!

Registration for Fall Dance

Registration for fall dance class is open NOW. We will be sending parents an email with information regarding class placement for the fall. Although we hope conditions will be back to pre-COVID status by September, for the time being we are limiting enrollment in classes. We encourage parents therefore to reserve their spot early.

Registration for 2021/2022 Samson Academy

Registration for the 2021/2022 academic year for Samson Academy is also open now. Samson Academy provides an education for Kinder through Grade 5 blending British educator Charlotte Mason, Montessori, and the classical approach of The Well-Trained Mind. Our in-person classes are micro-sized, allowing us to give individual attention to each student. We provide hands-on learning in a focused, yet open environment with plenty of time for outdoor activities. Our maximum class size is 8 students so space is extremely limited.

Information Meeting about Samson Academy

Need more information to determine whether Samson Academy is right for your child? Come to our information meeting Saturday, May 22nd, at 4 p.m. at 1703 Heights Blvd. Ms. Claire, the school director, will present information on the school’s approach. Parents will have an opportunity to ask questions and tour our facilities. RSVP to info@samsonacademy.com to reserve your spot.

Classes Resume in the New Year

 

Classes resume Monday, January 8^th. We look forward to seeing everyone in class!

 

 

Jerome Robbins – Jan. Unit Study

Our unit study for January is choreographer Jerome Robbins. Click HERE for a downloadable handout with links to videos.

 

Ms Claire Performs

Saturday, February 3rd, Ms. Claire will peform with three Houston choreographers at JoMar Gallery, 5247 Langfield. Also included is an exhibition of Ms. Claire’s photos, entitled “The Women in My Family All Sewed.” Doors are open 7-9 p.m. Performance at 7:30 p.m.

 

 

 

 

Cold Weather Attire

Imagine! Houston weather actually acting like winter!  With lower temperatures, we recommend that students dress a little more warmly for class. Close-fitting 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 31^st. New this year are On Your Toes Ballet Camp for 4-6 year olds and Coco Camp. The popular Frozen, Fairy Magic, Cupcake and Princess camps will return, as will Ooh la la Paris!  and Anime camps Space is limited. Be ready to reserve your spot!

 

Dance in Houston

Jan. 14. Broadway Jazz from Jack Cole to Bob Fosse. Lecture with video clips. 3 p.m. Jewish Community Center. 5601 S. Braeswood. Info: www.erjcchouston.org.

Jan 27 Choreographers X6. Special guest Houston Ballet 2. JCC.  Info: www.erjcchouston.org.

 

Fall Classes Start September 5th

Our academic school year begins Tuesday, September 5^th  and runs through Saturday, May 12^th . Many classes are full but we do have room in others.  We have also added some exciting new classes to our schedule. If you have not already registered, be sure to sign up right away.

New 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

Harvey Relief

Our hearts have gone out to all those affected by Hurricane Harvey. The scenes of both devastation and of selfless giving have touched us deeply. When Beth Everitt, a teacher at Houston Ballet Academy, approached us with the idea for us to host a three day benefit for those who lost their homes in Harvey, we were thrilled for the opportunity to help out.  Teaching five classes a day, Beth raised over $8,000! All proceeds will go to benefit those who lost homes and vital household goods. Thank you, Houston! You make us proud!

New! Tiny Toes adds Sat class

Tiny Toes, the CSD parent ‘n me class for 18-30 month olds, has now added a Saturday class to the schedule. Our classes include music, movement, and art in a fun-packed 30 minutes of games designed to stimulate developmental milestones. Nannies and grandparents are also welcome!    Choose between Wednesday or Saturday morning and come laugh and learn with us!

 New! Modern for 7-11 year olds

Based on the fun we had in modern class during our 2017 Summer Intensive for 7-11 year olds, CSD had added a modern class for 7-11 year olds to our schedule. This class, taught by Ms. Claire, meets 5-6 Thursdays at Lambert Hall.

New CSD Video

In what is now a CDS summer tradition, we are proud to announce Add On, our latest video project, which can be seen on youtube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LUeKmUSJiQU

Performers are participants in the 2017 Summer Intensive for 7-11 year olds.  Add-On is fourth is a series of dance videos produced by the Claire School of Dance.

September Unit Study: Trisha Brown

Unique to CSD is our unit study program: every month we include a unit study in our lesson plan, introducing our students to famous dancers, choreographers, ballets, and composers. The unit study for the month of September this year is Trisha Brown. Ms. Brown, who passed away earlier this year, was a pioneer in post-modern dance. Click here to see our handout.  And be sure to check out the Unit Study Bulletin Board, found in all three waiting rooms, to learn more about significant artists who were a part of early post-modern dance. CSD, because the more you know, the richer your enjoyment.

Ms. Claire at ABT NY

In August Ms. Claire spent 10 days in New York City, at an ABT teacher training session.  Ms. Claire is certified in Pre-Primary through Level 3. The August session was a refresher course. “The National Training Curriculum is so rich that I learn more at every session,” says Ms. Claire.

Dance in Houston

September 22. The Velveteen Rabbit. OCD/Dance San Francisco. 7:30 p.m. Wortham Theater. Info: spahouston.org.

September 21 – Oct 1 Mayerling. Houston Ballet. 7:30 p.m. Wortham Theater. Info: houstonballet.org.

 

NO CLASSES JULY 1st  – 4th

In observation of Independence Day, the Claire School of Dance will be CLOSED from Saturday, July 1st through Tuesday, July 4th. Classes resume Wednesday, July 5th.

Come to Our Open House July 22!

Saturday, July 22^nd , from 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., we’ll be offering a free photo session, 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 and some lemonade.

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.  Donations for pink lemonade go to breast cancer programs. Drink Pink!

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!