January newsletter 2013

January 2013
It’s a New Year! Hope you all had a great holiday season, and are surviving the cold! Time to get back to work! J
Tuition: Remember that tuition is due the first class of the month. I really hate charging late fees, so get your payment in on time. Please talk to me if you have a financial situation arise. I am more than willing to break payments down. Late fees of $10 per week are assessed after the 10^th of the month (the 12^th for this month only).  Please bring cash or make checks payable to Diva’s Dance Studio or Andrea Olsen.
Attendance: Please make sure dancers attend all classes possible. (I know most of the time they do anyways!) We are only a few months away from competition time and we will be moving quickly on our routines to get them polished and ready to go! We will also be having extra practices in a gym so that we can get the feel of performing on a gym floor. I will send out dates and times as soon as I get them scheduled. I try hard to keep them on regular class days, but they may vary a bit. We will also have a dress rehearsal where we practice in our costumes.
Costumes: Costumes have been ordered! As soon as they arrive, I will send them home with your dancer. (Costumes will be sent home around the middle of March.) When you do receive your costumes, please try them on your dancer to make sure they fit correctly, and let me know of any issues immediately. Also, get your accessories ordered ASAP!
No class: Martin Luther Day is January 21^st. We will not be having class that day. (See calendar) All other classes will be as normal.
Hair and makeup class: I will be holding a hair and makeup class. Minis will be from 6:45 – 7 pm right after your class. I will go over hair and makeup as well as answer any questions. ALL pre-show and Stars Show Team will be from 7 – 8 pm. I will give a demonstration on how to do the competition hair and makeup, as well as give a sheet out with the colors and information. I encourage ALL dancers in pre-show and Stars to attend, as well as 1 parent. I will be available to answer any questions as well.
Costumes and accessories: All costume money not paid in full will now begin accruing interest of 10% of the balance due per week. If you would like to work out a payment plan, please speak with me and we will work something out. Also, I sent home a few weeks ago the costume accessory lists. If you need another one, please let me know and I can get you another one. These items are required for competition. You do not have to order them from the website on the paper, but if you do it ensures that you receive the correct items. If you have questions, or need another form, please let me know.
Calendar: A January calendar is attached to this letter. It will also be posted on the website and hung in the studio. If you ever lose your newsletter or calendar, check the studio board, or the website: www.divasdancestudio.com.
POD: Our next parent observation day will be February 25^th – March 2^nd.
Hip hop pre-show: It’s time to register for our hip hop classes! These are pre-show competition classes. There is a small increase in tuition and an extra costume and competition fees associated with these classes. In these classes they will be taught hip hop technique as well as 1 hip hop routine that they will perform at competitions as well as the recital. We do not have the price of the costumes yet. We did a census last year and many people like the idea of combining the boys and the girls together for these classes, so that is what we did! Our boys and girls hip hop classes will be together this year! We think that will be an awesome opportunity to have the classes together. Classes will be as follows: Sr. CREW (ages 12 – 18 yrs, open to boys AND girls): Saturdays 11 am – noon; Jr. CREW (ages 6 – 11 yrs, open to boys AND girls): Saturdays Noon – 1 pm. These classes will be taught by Allie Olsen, our new technique teacher. Registration for these classes is open, and there is a maximum number open for these classes, 12 dancers per class. If you would like to register, please call, email or talk with me to register your dancer. If you have any questions concerning hip hop, please don’t hesitate to ask. Classes will start January 12^th and will run until the end of May.
Competition dates: Here are our competition dates and locations for this year! (I do not have our spring recital date yet, though.)
               * March 23^rd: Dixie High School in St. George. This is for the Stars Show Team ONLY. (Information on hotel booking will be emailed.) Times TBA
               * April 13^th: Maple Mountain High School in Spanish Fork. This is for ALL teams: Stars Show Team AND Pre-show, INCLUDING Mamas! Times TBA
               * May 4^th: Payson High School in Payson (Location may change!) This is for ALL teams: Stars Show Team and Pre-show. (No Mamas) Times TBA
               * May 18^th: NATIONALS at Cottonwood High School in Murray. This is for the Stars Show Team ONLY.
               * May ??: Spring Recital, date and location TBD. This is for ALL teams: Stars Show Team AND Pre-show, including Mamas.
Please put these dates down on your calendar! If you have questions, please feel free to ask and I will gladly answer them for you.
Competition fees: Here are the fees associated with the competitions:
               * Minis pre-show: $56
               * Express, Junior, Senior pre-show: $84
               * Express, Junior, Senior pre-show with hip hop: $112
               * Hip hop only: $28
               * Mamas: $28
               * Stars Show Team: $275
Competition fees are due by March 2^nd.(Star Show Team must make ½ payment by February 2^nd , as per contract.) We will be doing a cookie dough fundraiser starting in first of February to help cover competition fees. (Fundraisers are always optional, they only benefit YOU! More info to come home soon. ) As we get closer to the dates, I will send home detailed times and information.

Stars Show Team: I will be emailing your tardies and absences to you to let you know where you are. Please remember to wear your company outfits to your company classes and appropriate dancewear to your technique classes. (Sweats and hoodies are not appropriate. The teacher needs to be able to see your body alignment. Please wear dancer wear under your sweats and remove the sweats after warming up. If it is a problem, we will have you wear your company outfits to technique as well.
We are nearing our first competition, only a few weeks away! Our first competition will be in St. George! (As per popular demand!) Attendance is VERY important! Especially when there are few holidays on Monday’s and we will not have class. We will be moving quickly to finish our routines. Lyricals should be finished this week or next and then we will move on to SHOW.
There will be a hair and make-up class on January 22^nd. It is MANDATORY for ALL Stars Show Team members and 1 parent. I know it may conflict with Young Women’s, I try hard to NOT schedule things on nights when it may. This is the night that will work best for dancers and parents.
½ deposit on your competition fees are due by February 2^nd. In the contract it stated that the full amount be due by the 2^nd, but I am giving you an extension so you can participate in the fundraiser if you choose. The deposit must be made or your dancer will not be allowed to compete in the first competition. If a balance is owing on costumes or competition fees, your dancer may not be allowed to compete until your account is brought current. If you need to arrange a payment plan, please talk with me.

I am so proud of how hard the dancers are working this year…I have a feeling its going to be a really GREAT year!! As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to email, call, text or talk with me after class. Thanks!

Andrea Olsen, 801-836-6167, divasdancestudio@gmail.com
Emily Miller (pre-show instructor), Allie Limas (technique, hip hop instructor)

December calendar 2012

Click to view larger image

December newsletter 2012

December 2012
Its December! We are nearly half way through our year already! So proud of all the dancers and how hard they are working. Please make sure they are practicing with their cd’s at home. It really truly helps. If you need a new cd, they can be purchased for $2.
Tuition: Remember that tuition is due the first class of the month. I really hate charging late fees, so get your payment in on time. Please talk to me if you have a financial situation arise. I am more than willing to break payments down. Late fees of $10 per week are assessed after the 10^th of the month.  Please bring cash or make checks payable to Diva’s Dance Studio or Andrea Olsen.
Statements: Printed statements were sent home last week. If you were absent, they will receive them this week. Highlighted items are payments that are due. If you have questions, please let me know.
Christmas break: We will be having Christmas break from December 20^th – January 5^th. (See calendar) Classes will resume Monday, January 7^th.
Potty breaks: Potty breaks during class are becoming distracting, especially in our Mini’s and Express pre-show classes! Potty breaks seem to be contagious! When one needs to go, they ALL need to go… Please make sure your dancer uses the restroom before she puts her dance clothes on. Or bring her a few minutes early and have her use the restroom here. I understand there are “potty emergencies”, but as mention, it seems to be contagious. And each time a dancer needs to go, it sets up back by about 5 minutes. Imagine 5 girls in one class need to go potty; that will set the class back 25 minutes. I remind the dancers to use the potty before they put their dance clothes on. I also remind the dancers that arrive early to use the restroom before class starts. Your help with this is greatly appreciated! I will not tell a dancer “no” if she needs to go, but would really like to limit our potty breaks to keep class moving smoothly. Thanks for your cooperation and understanding.
New technique teacher: We have a new technique teacher. Claudia, our previous teacher, was asked to join the BYU Dance touring company! She will truly be missed! But she has referred a friend of hers who danced with her on the non-touring team. Her name is Allie Olsen. We are so excited to have her, and know she will be a great addition and replacement. Welcome Allie!
Costumes and accessories: All costume money not paid in full will now begin accruing interest of 10% of the balance due per week. If you would like to work out a payment plan, please speak with me and we will work something out. Also, I sent home a few weeks ago the costume accessory lists. If you need another one, please let me know and I can get you another one. These items are required for competition, but they also make great gifts for your dancers! You do not have to order them from the website on the paper, but if you do it ensures that you receive the correct items. If you have questions, please let me know. ALL dancers have been measured for costumes and they are in the process of being ordered. I have also included a discount code for Discount Dance Supply. Follow the directions on the coupon for ordering instructions.
Calendar: A December calendar is attached to this letter. It will also be posted on the website and hung in the studio. If you ever lose your newsletter or calendar, check the studio board, or the website: www.divasdancestudio.com.
POD: Our next parent observation day will be December 10^th – 14^th. I encourage parents to bring any recording device to record your dancers doing their dance(s) so they can practice over the holiday break. Having 2 weeks off, they may forget if they don’t practice. Cell phones with a video recorder, Ipads or tablets, cameras or video cameras will all work!
Solos, duets, trios: This is a great way to get more competition and performing opportunities. If you would like more information about solos, duets or trios, please call or email me and I can discuss with you what is expected and what the cost is. If you are interested, all music, costumes, and choreography must be approved by me. I must know ASAP if you are interested so we can get music cut and costumes ordered. If I do not hear by December 8^th, there will not be enough time left to get your music cut and the dance started.
Competition dates: We are finalizing dates for competitions. We should have dates by the first of January, if not sooner. Dates will be emailed, and will appear in the January newsletter. Any competition fees will be included in the email/newsletter. (I need to know the date of prom at Lehi High, so I can schedule around it…)
Cold weather: As the weather is starting to turn cold, please make sure your dancer dresses warm to class. I will have them take layers off as we warm up, but I want to prevent injuries, and trying to dance with cold bodies is a recipe for disaster! Let’s all stay healthy this year and dress warm for class. While attendance is very important, please use good judgment when determining on whether to send a sick child to class or not. We don’t want to spread too much around!
Studio gear: We have warm-ups ($65 for the set), t-shirts (starting at $10) for adults and dancers, duffle bags ($40), hanging costume bags ($35), and small back sacks ($4 for pink, $8 for red)! Most items on hand! If you want to have your dancers name put on an item, it’s only an additional $5 per name. These items make GREAT Christmas or birthday gifts! Any items you want embroidered for Christmas must be ordered by December 7^th. Come check the items out in person! I will be sizing ALL dancers that do not currently have warm-ups, in case you want to get them any item for Christmas. If it is a gift, please specify so I know to not hand them the item when they are done.
Hip hop pre-show: It’s time to register for our hip hop classes! These are pre-show competition classes. There is an increase in tuition and extra costume and competition fees associated with these classes. In these classes they will be taught hip hop technique as well as 1 hip hop routine that they will perform at competitions as well as the recital. We do not have the price of the costumes yet. We did a census last year and many people like the idea of combining the boys and the girls together for these classes, so that is what we did! Our boys and girls hip hop classes will be together this year! We think that will be an awesome opportunity to have the classes together. Classes will be as follows: Sr. CREW (ages 12 – 18 yrs, open to boys AND girls): Saturdays 11 am – noon; Jr. CREW (ages 6 – 11 yrs, open to boys AND girls): Saturdays Noon – 1 pm. These classes will be taught by Allie Olsen, our new technique teacher. Registration for these classes is open, and there is a maximum number open for these classes, 12 dancers per class. If you would like to register, please call, email or talk with me to register your dancer. If you have any questions concerning hip hop, please don’t hesitate to ask. Classes will start January 12^th and will run until the end of May.

If you have any questions, please feel free to email me or talk to me before or after your student’s class.

Andrea Olsen, 801-836-6167, divasdancestudio@gmail.com
Emily Miller (pre-show instructor), Allie Olsen (technique instructor)

November 2012 calendar

Click to enlarge

November newsletter 2012

November newsletter 2012:
We are progressing right along with our routines. CD’s were sent home last week for our pre-show classes. If you weren’t in class last week, your will be send home this week. If you need a replacement cd, they are $2. Please allow your dancer to practice. It really makes a difference in their progress.
Tuition: Remember that tuition is due the first class of the month. I really hate charging late fees, so get your payment in on time. Please talk to me if you have a financial situation arise. I am more than willing to break payments down. Late fees of $10 per week are assessed after the 10^th of the month.  Please bring cash or make checks payable to Diva’s Dance Studio or Andrea Olsen.
Registration forms: I am still missing several registration forms. Please return those to me asap! If you have lost yours, I will be more than happy to give you another. It is crucial to have information on hand. Also, if your information happens to change throughout the year, please let me know.
Thanksgiving break: There will be NO classes November 21^st – 23^rd for Thanksgiving Break.
Costumes: If you haven’t had a chance to check out our costumes, they are shown on the website: www.divasdancestudio.com under the blog tab, as well as on our Facebook page. ALL final costume payments are due by November 16^th. This week I am sending home the accessories you will need for competitions. Purchasing items are easy to purchase! Purchase deadlines are on the sheet as well.  You are welcome to start purchasing items now, but all items must be purchased by the deadline. How to order using the sheet: go to www.costumemanager.com and click on the “dancer” tab. It will ask for your class ID. That is the “CM-12-…..” number at the top of your sheet, click submit. The it will ask for and email and your dancers name. Enter it in and it will bring up the class name (ex: “small stars”, “minis preshow”). Click on the class and it will bring up the items. You will then select the sizes you need and finish your purchase. Its that easy!! If you have questions, please let me know. You do not have to order your items from this website, but it makes it easy for you and it will ensure that you purchase the correct items.
Fundraiser: If you participated in the fundraiser, all items have been delivered to the studio. All profits have been added to your account and the remaining balance is due. Emails have been sent showing profits and remaining balances. If you have a problem with your order, please contact Aubri Bale at 801-836-6986 or snabale@msn.com.
Calendar: A November calendar is on the back of this letter. It will also be posted on the website and hung in the studio. If you ever lose your newsletter or calendar, check the studio board, or the website: www.divasdancestudio.com.
If you have any questions, please let me know. Thanks!!
POD: Our next parent observation day will be December 10^th – 14^th.
Turbokick/PiYo: Our Turbokick and PiYo classes will end as of December 13^th. Use your punches between now and then, as refunds will not be given.
Cold weather: As the weather is starting to turn cold, please make sure your dancer dresses warm to class. I will have them take layers off as we warm up, but I want to prevent injuries, and trying to dance with cold bodies is a recipe for disaster! Let’s all stay healthy this year and dress warm for class. While attendance is very important, please use good judgment when determining on whether to send a sick child to class or not. We don’t want to spread too much around!
Solos, duets, trios: This is a great way to get more competition and performing opportunities. If you would like more information about solos, duets or trios, please call or email me and I can discuss with you what is expected and what the cost is. If you are interested, all music, costumes, and choreography must be approved by me. I must know by November 30^th if you are interested so we can get music cut and costumes ordered. 
Studio gear: We have warm-ups ($65 for the set), t-shirts (starting at $10) for adults and dancers, duffle bags ($40), hanging costume bags ($35), and small back sacks ($4 for pink, $8 for red)! Most items on hand! If you want to have your dancers name put on an item, its only an additional $5. These items make GREAT Christmas or birthday gifts! Any items you want embroidered for Christmas must be ordered by December 7^th. Come check the items out in person!

Andrea Olsen, 801-836-6167, divasdancestudio@gmail.com
Emily Miller (pre-show instructor), Claudia Olivia (technique instructor)

October 2012 calendar

Click to enlarge

October 2012 newsletter

October 2012:
We are now a month into classes! I can’t believe the improvement and hard work in just this past month. It is shaping up to be an AMAZING year. Pre-show will be starting their routines within the next few weeks, so make sure you are attending all classes. A few things:
Tuition: Remember that tuition is due the first class of the month. I really hate charging late fees, so get your payment in on time. Please talk to me if you have a financial situation arise. I am more than willing to break payments down. Late fees of $10 per week are assessed after the 10^th of the month.  Please bring cash or make checks payable to Diva’s Dance Studio or Andrea Olsen.
Registration forms: I am still missing several registration forms. Please return those to me asap! If you have lost yours, I will be more than happy to give you another. It is crucial to have information on hand. Also, if your information happens to change throughout the year, please let me know.
Fall break: There will be NO classes on October 11^th – 15^th for Fall Break.
Music: I will be sending CD’s home by the end of the month. You will not receive your CD until your registration fee, costume security fee for all dancers is paid, and tuition is current. I am sending home one per family. You are welcome to make copies or download it to your computer. If you lose your copy and need a new one, there is a replacement fee of $2 per CD. Having your dancer’s music is an important part of her growth and improvement. When they can practice at home, their retention and memory of the routines is so much greater than those who do not practice. Even if it doesn’t look like they remember, they associate different parts of the music with movements. Please allow your dancer to practice often. The older you are, the more you need to practice!
Costumes: We have finalized all costumes. They are shown on the website: www.divasdancestudio.com under the blog tab, as well as on our Facebook page. I have emailed the cost of the costumes. You are welcome to start making payments towards costumes, though. If you would like to pay extra, just either write in on the memo line, or write it on a note when turning in your tuition. The accessories you will need for each costume is listed under each costume. I will be sending home an instruction sheet with easy purchase instructions and deadlines. You are welcome to start purchasing items now, or wait for the instruction sheet to make sure you purchase the correct items.
Fundraiser: We have started our first fundraiser this month. We will be doing a Scentsy, Velata fondue, and Grace Adele purse fundraiser from October 1^st – October 28^th. (We will be doing a cookie dough fundraiser from February 1 – 25^th.) You are welcome to do both fundraisers, or pick just one. Fundraisers are totally optional, they only benefit YOU! We are doing the “Scentsy” fundraiser before Christmas so people can buy the products to give as Christmas gifts. You will receive 25% of sales from the Scentsy fundraiser and 50% from the cookie dough. I will be sending home packets to the ones who requested them. If you would like to start the fundraiser, you are welcome to come pick up a packet anytime, but remember that ALL packets are due by September 28^th, NO exceptions. Orders turned in after the deadline will NOT be eligible to count towards the fundraiser. You will have one family packet, but if you would like more than one packet, please let me know. Please read all the information in the packet completely to understand to fundraiser. This fundraiser will help to pay for costumes. Anything you make extra will go towards your tuition or warm-ups or travel accessories. The cookie dough fundraiser we do in the spring will help pay for competition fees, any tuition left for the year, or towards warm-ups, t-shirts and bags!
Halloween: Wednesday, October 31^st is Halloween! We WILL have class that day, but we will be combining our Juniors and Express classes from 4 – 5:30 pm. We encourage dancers to wear their costumes. We will be “dancing” that day, so make sure your dancer can still move in her costume. Dancers may bring a treat to share if they would like.
Statements: Statements will be emailed out after the 10^th of the month. If you would like a statement at any time, you can email me at divasdancestudio@gmail.com and request one and it will be emailed to you. You are also welcome to email me with and questions or concerns you might have.
Calendar: An October calendar is on the back of this letter. It will also be posted on the website and hung in the studio. If you ever lose your newsletter or calendar, check the studio board, or the website: www.divasdancestudio.com.
If you have any questions, please let me know. Thanks!!
Andrea Olsen, 801-836-6167
Emily Miller (pre-show instructor), Claudia Olivia (technique instructor)