Wednesday, December 30, 2009

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Welcome Back


Welcome Back to Dance!

We are starting of the New Year right. Our dressing room area is under construction. We hope to have that finished in the next couple weeks.

Mrs. Megan will be out on pregnancy leave for a few weeks. We welcome substitute teachers Laura Irvine and Megan Harrold to the studio.

We are so excited to have some new instructors, as well as, our existing instructors taking on more classes!

Welcome Ms. Ashley Rogers and 2 new hip hop classes: Wed & Thursday 6:30-7:30 PM

Coming Soon: Mini Maestros for 2-3 year olds.

TUITION POLICY CHANGE: Late Fees are administered after the 5th of each month
COSTUME FEE DUE: January 15th with Recital Commitment form

Monday, December 21, 2009

Christmas Break

TDAC is closed for Christmas Break! Classes start again January 4th.
Have a very Merry Christmas and Wonderful New Year!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Free Tuition?

We are looking for a few parents interested in bartering services for tuition. Different jobs will barter different amounts of tuition. Some jobs require a knowledge of the skills needed to accomplish the task. Please respond only to jobs you feel you would be able to complete. These jobs are for adults and children shouldn't be volunteered. This work would start over the Holiday break and be continued on weekends until finished. Please email if you have interest in one of the below task and we can discuss more details.


1. Painters.

2. Dry Wall Hangers (Experience)

3. Framers (experience)

4. Applying frost to windows. Looking for someone good with directions, detail oriented and patient.

5. Piano Tuner

6. Piano Mover (someone capable of moving a piano safely)

Food Drive Winners

Congratulations to are 2 Food Drive winners! We appreciate all the food that was donated to the Spring Hill Well.

Winners:

Evans Family
McArthy Family

They will each receive a TDAC T-shirt of their choice!

Monday, December 14, 2009

Added Faculty

Dear Parents and Students,

This letter is to inform you that due to a family related issue Ms. Lynette will be moving back to Miami over the Holidays. I have enclosed her letter to the parents explaining more.

As we are sad to see her go we are very excited to welcome new members of our faculty. All classes will continue on as scheduled. Just a reminder classes start again January 4th.

We have updated the website with faculty bios and head shots. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. Below is a list of Ms. Lynette's classes and the new instructors.

Creative Movement
Monday 9:45 & 10:00, Wednesday 10:00, and Friday 10:00 - Ms. Lindsey Fisher

Creative Movement
Wednesday 4:30 & Saturday 9:00 - Ms. Lori Brown

Combination 2 - Ms. Brooke Mihalek
Combination 1/ Monday 5:30 - Ms. Brooke Mihalek & Ms. Cindy Bellini

Combination 1
Wednesday 5:15 & Thursday 3:00 - Ms. Lori Brown

Teen Ballet- Ms. Lindsey Fisher

Hip Hop- Ms. Ashley Rogers (Hip Hop has switched days and we have added more classes)


Thank You,
Megan White

TNDAC.NET
Tndac.Blogspot.Com
615-302-3348

___________________________________________________________________________


Dear Tennessee Dance Arts Conservatory Faculty, Students, and Families,

I would love to begin this letter by saying that I am so very blessed to have the privilege of working at the Tennessee Dance Art’s Conservatory!!! I truly feel that this dance school is a very special place where lives are being showered and nurtured. I believe this is allowing helping students to blossom into more fully reaching their potential in life not only as a dancer, but as a person divinely created with the ability to create and express who God has made them to be!

The faculty at the Tennessee Dance Arts Conservatory is exceptional! They exemplify extraordinary professionalism and excellent technique in their desire to train, and inspire others in the beauty and discipline of art, and specifically in the art of dance! Dance facilities like this one are rare, and are a true gem amongst the art’s community!

I absolutely love the opportunity of working with each of you week after week! Your children make me smile! They encourage me, and inspire me as a dancer and an artist. I tell my family and friends stories about them and they bring joy to my heart! Your children give me greater glimpses into the divine truths that God is wanting to teach me! For the great privilege of working with the families, students, and faculty of TDAC I am forever grateful! The experience of working at the Tennessee Dance Art’s Conservatory has been a blessing to me in every way!!!

It is for this reason, that it has not been easy for me as I prepare to transition to the next step that I believe God is taking me on in life, and that is to move back to my home town of Miami, FL to be with my family. It is a decision that I have been praying about and have continued to sense God leading me towards. Being in Miami will allow me to be able to spend more time with my grandparents who are getting older. It will allow me to help my family with any needs they may have. It is also an opportunity for me to spend more time with my parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, and extended family most of whom are in the Miami area.

It is not a decision that has come about easily, but rather with much prayer and contemplation. I believe that this is the next step in the journey that God is taking me on, and have sensed His affirmation of that as I have proceeded to move forward with this move.

Although I am certainly going to miss all of you and the privilege of working at TDAC each week, I am absolutely thrilled about the amazing teachers that are coming in to take my place!!! Some of them are personal friends of mine and fellow dance colleagues. I am very much looking forward to the opportunity that your children will have to work with such amazing instructors, and I look forward to being able to come and visit the studio in the coming months when I am in town, and continue to support your children in their training and efforts!

Please know that you will be in my thoughts and prayers and that I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have worked with all of you at the Tennessee Dance Arts Conservatory! If I ever return to the Spring Hill area, I hope that I will have the privilege of working with all of you again!!!





With Much Love and Gratitute,

Lynette Villa de Rey

Lynettederey@gmail.com



www.derey.net



www.actinternational.org

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Ballet Memphis


Pictured: Courtnee Phelps, Rachel Smith, Katie Messina, Emma Moulton, Hannah Evans, Rebecca Campbell, Hailey Evans, Jasea Howell, Abbie Jones.

Students from our Ballet Program drove to Memphis today to see BALLETMEMPHIS perform The Nutcracker. Thank you Mrs. Howell for putting together this wonderful field trip.

Ballet Memphis Blog

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Christmas Parade



Students from last years performance of the Spring Hill Arts Center's School of Dance Nutcracker dusted off their costumes and put them back on for one more night. Along with a few new friends The Tennessee Dance Arts Conservatory braved the cold windy weather to celebrate the magic of the Nutcracker.

The Spring Hill Parade was December 5th 5:00 PM.

In this picture: Hannah Evans, Hailey Evans, Katie Messina. To see more click on the photo for larger image. For more pictures from the parade click here

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Article on Luigi in this months Dance Spirit Magazine



Lauren Kay | December 1, 2009
Dance Spirit Magazine


From Miami to San Diego, it’s not unusual to walk into a new jazz class and still know the beginning of the warm-up: As you lunge onto your right foot and push into your right hip, you stretch up through a lengthened right arm overhead. Then you switch to the other leg and continue to alternate sides in a rhythmic sway that’s both relaxing and invigorating. (See images at left.)


This universal step came from a single source—and his name is Luigi. As one of the fathers of classic jazz dance (along with Jack Cole, Matt Mattox and Gus Giordano, among others), Luigi developed a codified approach to jazz technique, which he describes in his book, Luigi’s Jazz Warmup and Introduction to

Jazz Style and Technique. Now, the sprightly 84-year-old’s unique approach has become the backbone of classic jazz dance. “Luigi’s technique is the finest foundation a jazz dancer can have,” says James Gray, dance captain for the Broadwday production and tour of the musical Young Frankenstein. “Every student should experience his style.”

A native of Steubenville, OH, and one of 11 children, Eugene Louis Faccuito (Luigi’s birth name) began performing with encouragement—and informal lessons—from his brother Tony. Luigi also took tap lessons for three years with Lenora and Angela McKean, and toured as a singer with a performing orchestra in his teens.

A duty tour in the army from 1943 until 1946 interrupted his developing performing career, but upon his return, Luigi moved to Hollywood to study ballet with the famous instructor Madame Bronislava Nijinska. However, he soon realized he wanted a more diverse dance education. So he switched to Falcon Studios, where he began studying with director Edith Jane, as well as Michel Fokine and Eugene Loring, great instructors of the MGM Golden Era.


Then, just months after moving to Hollywood, a terrible car accident put Luigi in a coma. When he woke, one side of his body was partially paralyzed. Doctors worried he would never walk again. But Luigi remembers, “Something inside me kept saying, ‘Never stop moving.’ All I could think about was getting back to dance.”

During the three months Luigi spent in his hospital bed, he practiced a set of angular port de bras created by Micho Ito, a eurythmic dancer. Luigi adjusted the placement of Ito’s arm movements (which were originally designed as exercises for musical conductors), putting them farther in front of his body, as in ballet, to create stability. From there, the nexus of Luigi’s own technique emerged. Now, if you take Luigi’s technique class in NYC (which he and his assistant Francis Roach still teach daily at Studio Maestro), you’ll learn the 24 arm motions Luigi created and dubbed L’urythmics.

One year after his accident, Luigi made it back into the studio, where he developed other exercises that helped his post-injury body. “As I tried to dance again, I fell a lot in the center,” Luigi says. “I decided I had to do the same thing away from the barre that I did at the barre.” He began by putting his arms in second position, palms facing the floor, to stabilize himself—as if he were pressing down on an invisible barre. He also incorporated épaulement from his ballet classes. “Épaulement helps you shift from one position to the next, and puts you in the right spot for each transition,” Luigi explains. Karin Baker, a Luigi devotee and Broadway veteran who danced in the original cast of 42nd Street, finds that Luigi’s use of épaulement “teaches you to connect A to B. He helps you understand how movement flows from one place to the next.”

Thanks to his unique rehabilitative exercises, Luigi was soon back onstage. After performing in a Falcon Studio showcase, he was snatched up by MGM scouts and began dancing in movies. (Catch him in classic films like An American in Paris, Annie Get Your Gun and White Christmas.) On set, he met his mentor, the legendary Gene Kelly. Kelly renamed the dancer Luigi (“He told me there were too many Genes!”), and encouraged Luigi to be proud despite residual physical issues. “Originally I hid my face on set because it was still a bit paralyzed,” Luigi says. “Gene told me, ‘Keep doing what you’re doing but lift your face. It’s beautiful.’ That helped create the carriage I stress in my technique now. It’s like you’re leaning your face up to feel and see everything you can.”

When Kelly’s assistant, Alex Romero, asked Luigi to assist with and perform in Broadway’s Happy Hunting, Luigi jumped at the chance. During the show’s run, he took another of Kelly’s suggestions and showed his technique to dancers in NYC. A loyal student following quickly emerged. Soon, he opened his own studio. It was a success from the start, with stars like Barbra Streisand and Liza Minnelli filling his classes. Because his technique allowed each student to align his or her body individually, classes attracted actors and singers learning to dance, along with avid dance veterans. “I opened around the time that West Side Story first came to Broadway, and suddenly performers had to act, sing and dance all at once,” Luigi says. “There were no separate choruses anymore.”

Since then, Luigi has dedicated himself to teaching. “I want to help students work on each movement and moment fully. Then they can execute the steps correctly and not lose the ‘moving’ part of dance,” he explains. “I want to help dancers achieve that combination of feelings—desire, elegance and sophistication.”

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Sugar Plum at Longview Recreation Center






This morning students from TDAC put on an 1.5 workshop for students ages 3-8 years old. This event included meeting the cast of Nutcracker, hearing the story, learning dances from the nutcracker, craft and snack. It was a fun morning!

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Sugar Plum Event Nov. 28th






Today we had our Sugar Plum Fairy Event. All the students had so much fun.
Students began by listening to the story of The Nutcracker. Then, as we stretched and did our ballet class we learned to march like soldiers, jump like Chinese tea, fall like snow, kick like Russian candy canes, clap like chocolate Spanish, and twirl like the Sugar Plum fairy herself.

Crafts and snacks followed dance class. After that students used bells and eggs to sing Christmas Carols. We ended our day with Pizza and the Nutcracker Movie. It was a great time.

Thank you to all our students who volunteered to play characters of the Nutcracker cast!

Come see them again at the Spring Hill Parade
December 5th 5:00 PM (Main Street)

Friday, November 27, 2009

December Newsletter & Observation Schedule




Please remember that January tuition is due before the first of the new year. To ensure payment is in on time please pay before TDAC Christmas Break.

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Studio Closings for Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving!
The studio is closed Wednesday - Saturday this week. We hope everyone has a well rested break with their family and friends.

Remember:
Students participating in our "Drop and Shop" Parent's Day Out event we will see you Saturday November 28th 10:00 Am.

Monday, November 16, 2009

Thanksgiving Sale!

Happy Thanksgiving!

We at TDAC are so thankful for all our students beautiful shining faces and excitement to learn the art of dance. In celebration of our thanks we are having a big Sale!!
This sale will be effective 11/16-11/23

*1/2 off School Merchandise (Including Bags! $10.00 bags and $8.00 T-Shirts )
* BOGO LEG WARMERS! 2 for $10.00 (These are allowed to be worn in class)
* Buy a tutu receive a free pair of leg warmers!


*Reminder we are closed for Thanksgiving Break 11/25-11/29.

*December Tuition is due December 1st.
(Doors are closed for the break the week before so make sure you have got your payments in before time or mail them to us)

Friday, November 13, 2009

Tutus for Sale




TDAC is selling a limited amount of children's tutus this holiday season. The proceeds will be donated towards a local couples adoption fee. They will be adopting a baby boy from Louisiana at the end of January.
Tutu's come in pink, purple, blue, and yellow while supplies last!


Also for sale:


Matching leg warmers plus many more colors!
Ballerina Bear Ornaments..
TDAC Merchandise

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Questions and Concerns?

With the Holidays around the corner we have a lot of questions and concerns. Here are some FAQ:


Q. When are you closed for Thanksgiving Break?
A. November 25-29th

Q. When is Parent Observation?
A. There will be a schedule for Parent Observation handed out to all classes the week after Thanksgiving break. All classes observed classes will meet in Studio A (yellow studio) for their designated week.

Q. Can boys attend the "Drop and Shop" Event?
A. Yes, boys are welcome and encouraged to attend our event.

Q. When will we know more about the Spring Concert?
A. At parent observation we will discuss the details of the Spring Concert.

Q: When are you closed for Christmas Break?
A. December 21-January 3rd

We hope that helps a few of your questions. For more questions please email INFO@TNDAC.NET

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Leg Warmers for Sale!





Coming Next Week:
We are selling some warm weather necessities starting with leg warmers!

14 inch leg warmers available in similar colors to above.
$8.00 each.


Why warm up?

Several changes takes place in the body once physical activity is initiated. A person's respiratory rate, blood flow, and oxygen and nutrient levels delivered to the cells increases. The rate of increase should be regulated in a steady pace to prepare the body for the physical stress that exercise will demand. If one fore goes this priming procedure, the body will function less efficiently and the workout will produce less quality results. Warming up preps up the nervous system, heightens mental awareness and alertness, and loosens up joints and muscles to make them less prone to injuries. Warm ups jump starts the fluid located in the joints, minimizing the risk for wear and tear of the muscles. It gives the heart a suitable period to adjust and pump up blood and nutrients into muscles.

Saturday, October 31, 2009

November Newsletter


Click on PDF for Larger Image

Giselle

Ballet Program Students took a field trip last week to see Nashville Ballet's Giselle. We had 25 in attendance, all dressed to the nines, and well behaved. We are so proud of our ballet students and their theater etiquette. Our children's instructor Ms. Alex Meister was part of the performance cast as a peasant girl. Students stayed for an hour long question and answer after the performance. What a great experience.

Ballet 2 student Savannah Pelkey wrote a review on Giselle:

" My favorite part of the ballet Giselle is when she, her love, and all the maidens were in a long line making a circle. I thought it was so neat and beautiful, especially how it was on pointe shoes and they didn't even look like anyone messed up. Another part was when the maidens were in a line and then Giselle went on pointe in arabesque.

From watching Giselle I can make a lot of improvements. She had her stomached sucked in so much it looked great and how relaxed she was with her arms they look very gentle but strong."

Ballet students will be attending a performance of Nutcracker by Ballet Memphis this December. If you are unable to attend that performance be sure to see Nashville Ballet's Nutcracker or watch the DVD!

For more info on Nashville Ballet.

Tennessee Association of Dance

Students Madison Hopkins and Katie Messina were awarded scholarships to attend Tennessee Association of Dance’s annual statewide conference. This was a taste of the “real world of dance” for both of them. Students got to take from well known choreographers and dancers such as; Laura Brenner (Head Instructor for Giodano Jazz Dance) Pamela Pietro (Tisch NYU Staff Member), Travis Gatling (Ohio State Staff).

Student Katie Messina writes about her experience:

"When I went to the dance conference I was blown away by how many classes there were. It went by so fast! I learned different warm ups and different styles; it was a challenge, but I caught on. My favorite class was Giordano jazz. Our teacher, Miss Brenner, had amazing skill and technique. She came all the way from Chicago that day.

I liked the idea of being in intermediate ballet and jazz but what I didn't realize at first was that I was probably one of the youngest in my group. I was dancing with high school girls. We got to learn some of a dance that took Miss Brenner a year to learn. I was pretty impressed with how well everything was done in the jazz class.

I was even more amazed that Miss Megan knew the jazz teacher. That is part of what made it an inspirational experience. The most inspiring thing about the conference was that I was dancing with other people and learning different types of jazz. I learned that even a small school can do big things!"

Check Out Giordano Jazz

Learn More about Tennessee Association of Dance

"Drop and Shop" Parent's Day Out Event


Sign Up Now!

November 28
10:00-1:00 PM

Have a morning with the Sugar Plum Fairy. Characters from the story Nutcracker will be socializing at the event! Students are encouraged to dress up as fairies, princesses, Christmas elves etc. Morning will include a 45 minute Ballet Class with the Sugar Plum Fairy, Craft and Story Time, Pizza Lunch, and watching the Nutcracker Movie.

Students ages 4-8 are encouraged to attend, but all our welcome.

$25.00 a student and $10.00 each additional sibling. (Older siblings who would rather help than participate are welcome to volunteer)

MUST register by November 21st! Limited Space. (please note food allergies due to craft and lunch time)

Pumpkin Festival









Pumpkin Festival was a great end to the Company season. It was a chilly day, but our students took the stage like champs. I would like to thank the students for their hard work and dedication to the performance group. I also, again want to thank my instructors for volunteering their Saturday morning and afternoons for two months to TDAC Company. We are blessed to have the wonderful instructors we do. Thank you Ms. Lindsey and Ms. Lynette for sharing your beautiful talents as dancers! The crowd was full and the spirits were high.

Today's show consisted of:

Rodeo- Ballet
Ms. Lynette & Ms. Lindsey's Duet
Bonanza- Jazz
Amazing Grace- Courtnee's Solo
Barn Dance- Tap
Ms. Lindsey's Solo
Hip Hop
Ms. Lynette's Solo

This was the conclusion to the 2009 TDAC performance company. Thank you all.
Please view all today's pictures on our FLICKR (PHOTO SITE)
Ms. Megan

Monday, October 26, 2009

Winter TDAC Merchandise


Limited time only TDAC is offering Winter Merchandise!
We are taking orders for two weeks ONLY!

Also this winter we will be selling Leg Warmers, Fun Colored Dance Bags, and Holiday Cheer!

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Opening "You're a Good Man Charlie Brown"

Friday October 23rd TDAC Junior Company opened for the Old School Theater's production of You're a Good Man Charlie Brown. Students took the stage at 6:45 and presented a 15 minute performance of works from their Western Show. Rumor has it the crowd was the largest yet! Students did an excellent job on staged and off. Our performance has multiple dancers in multiple dances. Many of the students have to rush to change their costumes in about 50 seconds. Their quick change speed was amazing. Practice makes perfect.

As we do each performance I see the students beginning to understand "performance" and "theater" a little bit more. This is exciting because the intentions for the TDAC company are to teach children how to translate the art of dance to the stage. So often we come into class and focus on the feet or the legs. We forget there are other important part of the bodies. First of all the breath. Dancing with out breath is like singing without breath. To breathe properly while dancing can bring a work of choreography alive. We also tend to forget about our finger tips which extends the line of arm infinitely. Last but not least, our faces. We are presenting ourselves as entertainment to our audience. Our faces should reflect the mood in which we are trying to translate through our movement.

There are may other aspects of this performance company that I hope our students take away from their experience in the company this year.

1 Responsibility: It is a Performers responsibility to:
- Remember their choreography
-Always be at every rehearsal and show BEFORE call time.
-Remember dates, performance, rehearsals, etc
- To take care of their "tools" (costume, make up, shoes, etc)

This responsibility doesn't only effect the individual dancer, but the whole group. Anytime a performer forgets one of the key points above it becomes a hinder on the company as a whole.

2. Respect
- Respect yourself and be proud of your accomplishments
- Respect your elders, instructors, producers, and directors
- Respect your "tools"
- Respect your "Teammates".

Being in a company can sometimes be translated like a sports team. If you were to show up to a soccer game without your shin guards after warm ups would your coach let you play? If you weren't allowed to play and you were your teams only goalie would that hinder your team?


We hope that through programs such as the TDAC company that we can begin to establish a foundation for a performer. You're never too young to learn and utilize the characteristics of a great performer or teammate.

The program is free to all students and rehearsals are a minimum of once a week. We've taken a "come one come all approach" opening our arms to introducing our students to this experience.

See the Company Perform Again:

Saturday October 31 1:00-2:00
Pumpkin Festival- Downtown Franklin
City Hall Stage

FREE

Friday, October 23, 2009

Coupon Class Located at TDAC

Learning how to save money you already have is amazing!! My family went from spending $600 a month on groceries to only spending $300 a month. What would you do with an extra $300 each month?

Come to a workshop and learn how to drastically cut your budget on your shopping expenses..



Classes are 1.5 hours long and cover basic and advanced topics:
1. Gathering and Organizing Coupons
2. Using online resources to find your own deals
3. Effectively Using Coupons - a lot more than just clipping and handing over a coupon!


I will teach you everything you need to be able to save at least 50% each week on your Grocery, Household, and Personal Care expenses.

Please note that due to space and time constraints I ask that you refrain from bringing infants and children to the class.

WHEN: Saturday October 24th 11:30 to 1:00 OR Tuesday October 27th 12:00 to 1:30
COST : $10.00 per person
WHERE: Tennessee Dance Arts Conservatory
RSVP at springhillsavers.eventbrite.com
QUESTIONS? Call Jenni Evans 931.388.47086 or 615.525.1607

Food Drive


< Click on Image to view Full Size>

Starting Monday we will be collecting food for The Well. Please have students bring canned goods and other non perishable items to drop in the studio lobby. There will be large Christmas boxes for collection. All donations can be anonymous. Students who want to participate in a contest to bring in the most food are more than welcome to report their donations to the front desk. The student who brings in the most items will receive a Free TDAC T-shirt.

Encourage your children to take the time to donate food to the families of Spring Hill that may not be able to afford food this Holiday season.

More info on The Well's Website
http://www.springhillwell.org/


10 “Feed the hungry,

and help those in trouble.

Then your light will shine out from the darkness,

and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.

11 The Lord will guide you continually,

giving you water when you are dry

and restoring your strength.

You will be like a well-watered garden,

like an ever-flowing spring.”

Isaiah 58:10-11

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

TDAC T-Shirts On Sale Now!


Read our blog? We want to know. Make sure you leave your comments!
Don't read our blog? You should!

We are currently running a school wide special on T-Shirts.
BUY 1 get 1 40% off!

We are now also running a secret sale for our internet friendly students. Mention this blog and get 25% off any TDAC Shirt.
This is for a limited time until shirts run out.

Be sure to check our blog weekly and become our friend on Face Book.
Facebook.com/TNDAC

Monday, October 12, 2009

FALL BREAK!

TDAC IS CLOSED OCTOBER 17-20th for FALL BREAK. NO SAT, MON, TUES classes next week.

Hope everyone has a safe and fun holiday!

Saturday, October 10, 2009

"Touch a Truck"


Students in the TDAC Youth Company performed this morning at the "Touch A Truck" event in Spring Hill.
The thirty minute set included the four staple pieces from the company's Western Themed show, as well as, two solos and one duet from guest performers.
Ballet student Courtnee Phelps performed a beautiful solo to a twangy version of Amazing Grace. She was elegant on stage and so beautiful. Teachers Ms. Lindsey and Ms. Lynette performed a contemporary duet and then Lindsey performed a beautiful solo.
The company braved the chilly weather with smiles on their faces!

See the company perform next:

Friday October 23 6:45
Old School Theater
Good Man Charlie Brown

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Dance Class Etiquette

At TDAC we strive to not only teach children classical dance education, but the proper etiquette that should be followed in the dance class room. Please take a moment to review these great tips that are respected an followed by most professional dance schools and companies across the globe.

Dancers spend long hours in the classroom. It’s no doubt that the classroom starts to become the social circle after so many days and hours with the same people. When dancers don’t follow a certain code of conduct, they tend to disturb a classroom while they’re trying to focus and learn. Granted most dancers are very young, but that isn’t an excuse for poor choices in conduct, attire, chatter or attendance. Disrupting the focus of others dancers is a disservice and should be corrected immediately by the dancer themselves. We all slip, and make mistakes, but taking responsibility and making certain we note not to repeat the offense is evidence of good character in a dance student.

Chatter During Class
No matter the level of a dancer, there is no excuse for talking during a class or rehearsal. It is entirely disrespectful to the teacher/choreographer and to fellow dancers. The worst offense is talking while the instructor or choreographer is also talking, that is not only impolite in general, but beyond rude. This person is here, dedicating their time and effort, to make you a better dancer. Abstain from talking during class as much as possible and show your choreographer or teacher that you are focused and eager to learn. It goes a long way.

Cliques
Dancers inevitably form friendships with other dancers. Think about this though: do you remember walking into class as a new student and noticing the cliques of girls who were unwilling to be friendly and say hello to you? Don’t be one of them. Make certain that you know ALL of your fellow dancers in your classes and performances. Make an effort to make people feel welcome and comfortable. Too often dancers get arrogant and they don’t associate with other students who aren’t on their “level”. That shows immaturity and lack of compassion. Everyone starts somewhere and you never know where you might bump into that one dancer you gave the cold shoulder too later down the road. They just might be the next big choreographer that doesn’t give you that job because they remembered your attitude. It is hard enough to learn as a newcomer, so be kind and open to your fellow dancers.


Inappropriate Attire
Young dancers are in shape and full of confidence. At a certain point in training they will feel they need to express themselves with other things such as fashion. Not all classrooms are strict, but a dancer should not wear clothes that will distract themselves or others from their main focus. When dancing, the proper dance gear should be worn per dance style. Every dance clothing outlet has a variety of clothing that is appropriate. The dance instructor will usually request a specific type of attire that should be adhered to. Remember, every time a dancer goes our on a limb with their attire, it usually draws their focus away from the dancing. Dressing too sexy or too punky is not going to help your dance training, save it for the street!


Being Tardy or Absent
There are always those handful of dancers that arrive late to a class or a rehearsal or miss often. When a dancer comes in late to class it not only affects the focus of the entire class and the teacher, but it doesn’t help the late dancers own focus as well. Coming in late to class usually isn’t allowed since lacking a proper warm-up could cause serious injury. Dancers who are late and/or absent from their classes and rehearsals really throw the entire group off. Especially when there is choreography involved. It is very rude, disruptive and disrespectful to everyone involved. If a dancer regularly can’t make a class on time, or if they have to miss more than a couple times, then maybe they should just drop the class or performance schedule. There are other dancers out there that are eager for each and every class they have in their schedule, and dancers who are hard-working and eager to take your spot in that dance!


Spacing in Class
Every so often a classroom will be a bit crowded. Students need to be extra careful in these situations to allow even and proper spacing so that all the students can get maximum visibility and use out of the class. It is uncouth for a dancer to step directly in front of another dancer who was already spaced and there before them. Certain dancers choose the front of the class, that is fine, but if you aren’t already placed in your “spot” before the rest of the class settles in theirs, don’t walk in front of the others and block their view. It isn’t thoughtful or kind.


Respect for the Teacher
The worst offense a dance student can do above all the others, is to disrespect the teacher. Disrespect comes in many forms. The above mentioned are some of them. Another form is your body language and eye contact or lack thereof. When a teacher is talking, you should be listening quietly with a perky ear. Think of their lesson as an investment to your dancing education, be thankful for it and show courteous behavior. Each time a teacher says a correction out loud, assume it is you and check to see if you need the same adjustment. Smile and nod at your instructor when you get a correction. And if you’re with a choreographer, don’t challenge their ideas; you are their canvas to paint on. It is not anyone’s place but the choreographer to determine the spots in the dance and what you will be doing or wearing.


If you act professional in all your dance endeavors you will inevitably be a better dancer. A dancer needs to be certain they are kind, courteous and ultimately focused. So anything that is done against that grain will produce undesirable results. If a dancer finds they cannot or will not follow this code of conduct, maybe they should look into some other interests that don’t require this amount of discipline. Maybe they just aren’t cut out to be a true dancer. So be on your best behavior and you will really shine as a fellow dancer and dance student. Learning to take class is the first step to becoming a professional in the dance industry. Be smart and mindful to achieve dancing success!

Saturday, October 3, 2009

The Show Must Go On




Saturday October 3 The TDAC Youth Company performed at the Spring Hill Country Ham Festival. We are very proud of girls performance. Especially how well the students in the tap and hip hop performance continued their dances without music. They performed a modified show to fit a very tiny stage out doors.

Congrats on your first show!

See them perform next:

Saturday October 10 11:15
Thompson's Station Baptist Church
"Touch a Truck" Event

Friday, October 2, 2009

Adult Classes

TDAC is currently offering $5.00 Pilates and Yoga classes for adults. These classes are offered at the same time as our morning kids classes. The hope is that parents will kick off their shoes and join in class rather than sit and wait in the lobby or their car. Classes are 45 minutes long.

Pilates- Beginner Mat Class
Class focuses on the basics of pilates mat. Students will be encouraged to start at the intro level and slowly progress taking many weeks to reach the full potential of the beginner mat series.

What is Pilates
Pilates, pronounced /pɪˈlɑ:ti:z/, is a physical fitness system developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates in Germany. Pilates called his method Contrology, because he believed his method uses the mind to control the muscles. The program focuses on the core postural muscles which help keep the body balanced and which are essential to providing support for the spine. In particular, Pilates exercises teach awareness of breath and alignment of the spine, and aim to strengthen the deep torso muscles. Each Pilates exercise is a lesson in opposition. Movement in one direction is lengthened and controlled into the next, while oppositional muscles stabilize. This allows Pilates to lengthen and strengthen muscles simultaneously, helping to create an energized, pain-free, flexible and strong body.


Yoga- Gentle Yoga
Taught by Bonnie Palmer owner of Bounce Back Yoga in Spring Hill

http://www.bouncebackyoga.com/

For more info you can call 302-3348 or drop in anytime.

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Student Madison Hopkins Makes Tap Dancer Role

Student Madison Hopkins auditioned and made the role of the "Tap" dancer is a children's film series about Music.
Here are some images of her on set.


Wednesday, September 2, 2009

September Events

At TDAC we encourage you to support your local arts! Here are some events around town this month.

SPRING HILL

Spring Hill Library
Story time Dance
Thursday September 3rd 11:00-11:20

Maury County Arts Guild
SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK LIVE (T.A.G.)
September 18 - September 27
Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday Matinees at 2:00 p.m.

TDAC
Swing Dancing!
SINGLES or PARTNERS... ALL WELCOME!
We are proud to announce a 8 week course for partners or singles in East Coast and West Coast Swing! Starting September 8-October 27. Every Tuesday night 7:30-8:30.
Course Cost: Single $75.00 Partner $145.00




NASHVILLE BALLET

Students 8-12 Interested in Auditioning For the Nutcracker
Be part of the magic in Nashville Ballet's encore performance of Nutcracker! Auditions will be held on Sunday, September 13th and Sunday, September 20th. Both auditions will be held at the Nashville location at 3630 Redmon Street, Nashville, TN. 37209. *All participants must be age 8 by December 31, 2009. Girls should wear proper dance class attire and boys should wear shorts and a T-shirt.
All those auditioning should bring a full-body photograph. There is a $10 audition fee and only one audition is needed.

For more information, please call 615-297-2966 ext 20 or email rnorfleet@nashvilleballet.com

Boys *7 to 11 Register at 11:00 am - audition from 11:30 am -12:00 pm
Girls *7, 8 & 9 Register at 11:00 am - audition from 12:00 -1:00 pm
Girls 10 & 11 Register at 12:00 pm - audition from 1:00 - 2:00 pm

Ferdinand and the Bull
FREE at The Nashville Library
September 26 10:30

BELMONT

Wednesday, September 16
NIA Dance: "Creative Flow through Conscious Movement”

Adrienne Young, Alumna, Belmont U
"Arising from stillness come the sounds of the earth. To the open ear, these sounds are music. This music invites us
to move." NIA (Neuromuscular Integrative Action) is a cardiovascular blend of dance arts, martial arts and the
healing arts. It integrates these movements, concepts, and philosophies by embracing the gifts of the healing arts; the
power and mindfulness of the martial arts and meditative techniques; the grace and fluidity of the dance techniques;
and the awareness and alignment through integrative body therapies. Movement becomes self-empowering,
fostering personal growth and well-being. This class is for everyone –dancers and non-dancers alike. (C&A)

Black Box, Troutt Theater
11:00-11:50 am

More info: Belmont

VANDERBILT

Kidd Pivot
Vanderbilt Great Performances
September 24th 7:30 PM
$10.00 at the door with student ID
*Join the modern program in attending this event!


TPAC


WICKED @ Tennessee Performing Arts Center

Start Time: Wednesday, September 2, 2009 at 7:30pm
End Time: Sunday, September 20, 2009 at 6:30pm
Location: TPAC's Andrew Jackson Hall
Street: 505 Deaderick Street
City/Town: Nashville, TN

Phone: 6157824040
Email: marketing@tpac.org

Monday, August 31, 2009

Please remember to wear a cover up to and from dance.

Parents and Students,

I can not stress enough how important it is for your child (specially teens) to be fully covered when entering and exiting the building. This means work out clothes, a dress, school clothes. Anything that covers the tights and leotard.
The reason we have established this rule is from the experience of myself and my teachers in the 20 years of teaching we have heard of far too many situations or stories that are avoidable by students covering up when leaving dance. Please remember we're in a public place with our closest retail store being a large chain store for construction workers and men. I don't want to worry anyone, but simply remind you why we have our policy.

Your child's safety is super important to us. We have established check in/check outs for this reason. We don't dismiss our children from classes until the parent is present for this reason. I hope that you support us in these steps towards protecting our children.


* please refrain from wearing dance shoes outside to prevent avoidable wear and tear.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

A mention in the News...


Spring Hill Arts Center branches into independent businesses

Remember, to support your local arts.

We had our official Ribbon Cutting Ceremony this week! We are excited to announce we are up and running. Classes start this Monday. 
Check out our schedule to see which classes still have openings left.


Thursday, August 6, 2009

Congrats! 2009 Performance Group

Casting for Fall Performance:

Rodeo (Ballet)

Madison Hopkins
Tori Ingram
Katie Messina
Hannah Evans
Brooklyn Shipley
Haley Wilder
Hannah Evans

Barn Dance (Jazz)

Julianna LeRoy
Madison Hopkins
Caitlyn Herman
Katie Irvine
Sarah Hall

Hip Hop

Abbie Jones
Katie Irvine
Sarah Hall
Haley Wilder
Reagen Boone

Tap

Julianna LeRoy
Madison Hopkins

* Any student still interested in joining the Fall Show will have to set up a separate audition with the instructors

CHRISTMAS PERFORMANCE

Casting for Christmas Show will be later in the season


More about the Company:
* There is no charge for being in the company. All students must purchase a TDAC track jacket with students name on the front, will be responsible for performance wear, and MUST maintain a B average in academics.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Welcome to the Tennessee Dance Arts Conservatory


This blog will be updated weekly with high lights from our classes, work shops, and student life. We hope you enjoy the insight into our studio. You must be a member to view this blog. If you would like to become a member of this blog please send an email to megan@tndac.net

Thank You,
Megan White