Author: misskatie721@yahoo.com

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December 2019 recap

Happy Holidays everyone!

I sit here writing this as our new heating system is being put it.  What a way to end 2019 here at Shooting Star!  I can’t wait for everyone to be able to enjoy it.

December is a short but action packed month!  This month we used our holiday playlist listening to songs from Christmas, Hanukkah and Kwanzaa. With hot upbeat it is, it’s always a favorite.  Two of our favorite action songs are the Christmas freeze dance and the reindeer pokey.

 

 

 

For our small prop we brought out the beanie babies (special shout out to my mom for buying them for me in the 90’s!)  We get to rock the babies, feed them, play with them, put them to sleep and much  more.  This activity provides a moment of calm in what is usually otherwise a crazy season.

For our large props we are using the curved beam and small hoops.  Both of these not only challenge balance and patterning skills, but make the little dancers think about exactly where they need to put their feet.

Of course our balloons continue to work on hand eye coordination and many were excited to see the new purple ones.  They also provide a nice segue between halves of the class and give the kids a break from concentrating for a few minutes, enabling them more ready to work again after.

And with December came Frog jumps in the acro portion of class where we focused on jumping high not far and touching the ground after each jump.

Our Sparkling Stars 3 and 4 also focused on marching this month.  We worked one or two at a time to march both forward and backward, lifting our knees high and pointing our toes.

All our sparkling stars classes have been building their repertoire each month but special shout out to the Sparkling Stars 2’s classes who added shuffles this month – their first 2 sound tap move!

Our shining and dazzling stars had a great month as well.  We spent the month focusing on technique and skills we are going to need for recital. When we get back from the holidays recital prep will be in full swing!

 

Our Shining Stars 1 and 2 have been working very hard on not only mastering steps to the front, but backwards as well!

 

 

We hope you had the happiest of holiday seasons and a fabulous new year!  Remember we reopen January 5th with drop in and dance and family dance class.  See you then!

 

 

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November 2019 recap

Hello!

What a month November was!  We are settling in nicely to class and it was our first theme change, from Pumpkins to Tea Party.

This month we got to play dance, freeze, melt which not only experimented with different types of movement, but also had us counting the beat.

We introduced our balancing pods.  Not only do they have different textures, but also different levels of firmness so we constantly challenged core muscles to adapt as they moved between the pods, creating different combinations every time.

Our Sparkling Stars 2-4 also worked on baby bridges in acro this month.  This trick helps to strengthen the back of the legs, glutes and back.   It is an excellent starting point for actual bridges and helps them develop the strength they need to execute that.

Our littlest dancers added in more large motor skills work where we got to jump, gallop, march, tip toe and start skips.

Our small prop this month was scarves.  We can use them to practice hand eye coordination by tossing and catching as well as speed changes (fast/slow) and directional changes (front/back, right/left).  Sometimes we just like to put music on and let our dancers move where it takes them!

After all that we still had time to play ball, and add more ballet and tap steps to our repertoire.

As if that were not enough – our 6 and older students put on not one, not two but three performances of the winter showcase!  The first two took place on Sunday, November 17th at Park Crescent and Job Haines Homes respectively.  Our final and big performance took place November 22 at the Doris M. Byrne Performing Arts Center at Mount Saint Dominic Academy in Caldwell.   They worked so hard to pull this together in just 8 short weeks and I cannot express how proud I am of them, not only for their performances, but also how when needed we shared shoes, provided hugs to each other and truly came together as the family we are to support each other.

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September and October wrap up

What a great start to our new year!  We have the highest enrollment in recent memory and we couldn’t be happier meeting new friends and reconnecting with old ones!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With out first 6 weeks wrapping up I wanted to give you a look into some of the classroom happenings.

In our age 2-5 classes we have had a pumpkin/fall/Halloween theme, both in our music activities, as well as some of our small props.  We flew like witches, shook like skeletons, tiptoed like ghosts and crawled like cats during our large motor time.

We also used pumpkins and talked about how they grow as well as incorporated our leaves and pretended we were falling off the trees.

We also got to use our rhythm sticks finding the beat and tapping to the music along with other fun variations such as tapping high and hitting the floor.

 

We have introduced our campfire as well.  We will be using the camp fire as a visual aide to help the children make the right size circle.  If they are too far away they will be too “cold”, and if they get too close they will be too “hot”.  We also are using the  fire to practice pointing and flexing as we warm our toes then we warm our heels.

Finally during this 6 week set we used our balance beam and large hula hoops to practice balance and jumping.  We just love how the beam sparkles and all the ways we can walk on it!

 

Finally all our under 10 friends had a blast during our bring a friend/sneak peek/my favorite costume week!  We so loved meeting all your friends and we can’t wait to dance with them again soon!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Shining Stars have been getting acclimated to their new curriculum this year as well.  Our 1st graders have been learning how to stand at the barre in tap and are getting to explore jazz dance this year!  Our second graders are really expanding their ballet vocabulary and working on a front back motion which we use in balchange in tap, balance in ballet and chasse (in both ballet and jazz!) And our 3rd/4th grade class is learning to work at the barre in ballet and on their transitions between sides without stopping in tap.

In other news our Illuminations Dance company is hard at work getting ready for our winter showcase as is all our 1st grade and up students.  They have been working hard to learn, polish and perfect these performances so they are ready for November 22.  These  Dazzling star classes have really been focused on technique and learning to work together as a group as well.  Keep up the good work!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I hope you enjoyed our recap of the first 6 weeks or so of class.  Look for our November one in you December newsletter!

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Your first class (Age 4 and up)

What an exciting day!  Whether your dancer is new or has been here before for class or even as a sibling a whole new adventure awaits them this year!  Just a few things to keep in mind as we start this journey to help it go smoothly for all of us:

  • Parking is metered on Broad Street as well as the large municipal lot that you can enter behind Town Pub.  Parking a little further up Pitt and Baldwin Streets are free, just a little walk. Note that when there are events at Foley Field their parking can overflow into where our dancers park.
  • Getting there a little early to get friends ballet shoes on and them situated is never a bad thing.  The less stress for both of you the better. Tap shoes will need to be worn first.  Ballet shoes will be put in your studio bag.  Please note that the studio will open 5 minutes before class starts.
  • Please use the bathroom beforehand.  Of course, they can go during class, but with such a short time in class we hate for them to miss a minute of the adventure. 
  • Tears are a normal way for the young to express any emotion – happy, sad, overwhelmed, tired etc.  Do not get upset if there is some crying. A parent myself, it can be hard to see it, but little dancers are trying to process so much, new people, new friends, new environment, new activities.  It can be all part of the process. I will work with you to get to a level we are all comfortable with.
  • Please don’t compare your child to the others.  Some separate and acclimate faster and others slower.  They all have their own journey. It can be hard, but trust in the process and know we will all get there.
  • Remember they react to how the adults around them are feeling.  The less stress we project the less they will feel.  A lot can happen the first class, but it does even out. Patience, love and acceptance of their journey go a long way to getting there.  I will always ask the first time if it is ok to let them cry (with someone soothing them of course), and we will work together to make them comfortable.

Enjoy this – it is a great day for everyone!  We are excited to go on this adventure with your little dancer and can not wait to see what this year brings.  I truly adore this age as they make so much progress in such a short time and are just a blast to work with. Any questions let me know.  

Thanks,

Miss Katie

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Your first class (Age 3)

What an exciting day!  Whether your dancer is new or has been here before for class or even as a sibling a whole new adventure awaits them this year!  Just a few things to keep in mind as we start this journey to help it go smoothly for all of us:

  • Parking is metered on Broad Street as well as the large municipal lot that you can enter behind Town Pub.  Parking a little further up Pitt and Baldwin Streets are free, just a little walk. Note that when there are events at Foley Field their parking can overflow into where our dancers park.
  • Getting there a little early to get friends ballet shoes on and them situated is never a bad thing.  The less stress for both of you the better. Tap shoes will need to be worn first.  Ballet shoes will be put in your studio bag.  Please note that the studio will open 5 minutes before class starts.
  • Please use the bathroom beforehand especially if potty training.  Of course, they can go during class, but with such a short time in class we hate for them to miss a minute of the adventure.  Know that we will not change diapers.  Please make sure your number is on file and we will call if there is a situation that cannot wait.
  • Tears are a normal way for the young to express any emotion – happy, sad, overwhelmed, tired etc.  Do not get upset if there is some crying. A parent myself, it can be hard to see it, but little dancers are trying to process so much, new people, new friends, new environment, new activities.  It can be all part of the process. I will work with you to get to a level we are all comfortable with.
  • Please don’t compare your child to the others.  Some separate and acclimate faster and others slower.  They all have their own journey. It can be hard, but trust in the process and know we will all get there.
  • Remember they react to how the adults around them are feeling.  The less stress we project the less they will feel.  A lot can happen the first class, but it does even out. Patience, love and acceptance of their journey go a long way to getting there.  I will always ask the first time if it is ok to let them cry (with someone soothing them of course), and we will work together to make them comfortable.

Enjoy this – it is a great day for everyone!  We are excited to go on this adventure with your little dancer and can not wait to see what this year brings.  I truly adore this age as they make so much progress in such a short time and are just a blast to work with. Any questions let me know.  

Thanks,

Miss Katie

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Your First Class (Age 2)

What an exciting day!  Whether your dancer is new or has been here before for class or even as a sibling a whole new adventure awaits them this year!  Just a few things to keep in mind as we start this journey to help it go smoothly for all of us:

  • Parking is metered on Broad Street as well as the large municipal lot that you can enter behind Town Pub.  Parking a little further up Pitt and Baldwin Streets are free, just a little walk. Note that when there are events at Foley Field their parking can overflow into where our dancers park.
  • Getting there a little early to get friends ballet shoes on and them situated is never a bad thing. Please note the doors open up 5 minutes before class starts.  The less stress for both of you the better.
  • If potty training, please use the bathroom beforehand.  Of course, they can go during class, but with just 30 minutes we hate for them to miss a minute of the adventure.  Know that we will not change diapers.  Please make sure your number is on file and we will call if there is a situation that cannot wait.
  • Tears are a normal way for the young to express any emotion – happy, sad, overwhelmed, tired etc.  Do not get upset if there is some crying. A parent myself, it can be hard to see it, but little dancers are trying to process so much, new people, new friends, new environment, new activities.  It can be all part of the process. I will work with you to get to a level we are all comfortable with.
  • Please don’t compare your child to the others.  Some separate and acclimate faster and others slower.  They all have their own journey. It can be hard, but trust in the process and know we will all get there.
  • Remember they react to how the adults around them are feeling.  The less stress we project the less they will feel.  A lot can happen the first class, but it does even out. Patience, love and acceptance of their journey go a long way to getting there.  I will always ask the first time if it is ok to let them cry (with someone soothing them of course), and we will work together to make them comfortable.

Enjoy this – it is a great day for everyone!  We are excited to go on this adventure with your little dancer and can not wait to see what this year brings.  I truly adore this age as they make so much progress in such a short time and are just a blast to work with. Any questions let me know.  

Thanks,

Miss Katie

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VIP Registration

Hello!

**Please note – no child should not dance because of payment problems, please speak to me and we will see what we can work out.  This will be decided on a case by case basis**

VIP registration is here!  We are so excited to open up our 2019-2020 season to our currently enrolled students.  All you need to do is fill out the form between now and June 14th and receive these amazing benefits:

  • You will keep your 8 tickets for recital (registrations after June 15th will only receive 6 in their package)
  • half price drop in and dance classes all summer for ages 2-5
  • 10% off our Thursday night party series for ages 4-10
  • reserve your spot so you don’t get wait listed
  • discounts on PJ party and any other events we hold this summer
  • Super exclusive VIP party and breakfast for our returning families on 8/25
  • Start earning referral bonuses ($20 account credit when the student you refer pays their first month and $5 additional for the next two months paid)
  • Register siblings that are not current students early as well (please see me as it will be a different form)
  • ability to pay in 2, 5 or 10 installments.

As well as our student benefits throughout the year:

  • Free seasonal parties for student and a friend.
  • Deep discounts on birthday parties held at the studio.
  • Discounts and early registration on all studio events.
  • Sparkle bags for you and your student for online recommendations regardless of whether the person registers or not.
  • Learning from a tried and true syllabus that has been updated to the ultimate classroom experience.

What do I need to do?

It’s easy!  Just fill out the form emailed to you or find it here.  No payments need to be made until 9/8/19, and if you need to withdraw your registration we ask you do it as soon as you know.  Please note that everyone that pre-registers will be paying this year’s prices, as discounts from 18-19 will expire in June.

Forms:

If you have any questions about anything for next year please see me or email info@shootingstardancenj.com .

We have so much planned and it’s going to be a great year!  Can’t wait to present it to you!

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To Sign Up or to Drop In?

You may be looking at the offerings of our studio or other studios and see an array everything from a drop in class to classes that run a full year.  It’s enough to make your head spin!  So we are here to break down the difference between the two in our studio in order to make your decision easier.

 

Drop In Class Regularly Scheduled class
Commitment No commitment- come and go as you please. Typically a month to month commitment with the expectation you are going to try for the entire 10 months.
Lesson Plan Can vary depending on age of participants, will usually fall into a middle age category. Researched curriculum with a clear progression through the program, and consistent themes and prop rotation.
Participants Can vary from 1 to 10 depending on the week, so interaction and socialization amounts can vary. Set number of participants which helps foster connections, interactions and socialization among peers.
Price Is slightly cheaper, but there are no discounts for other events, no birthday party discounts, no free events or “fun weeks” that we have studio wide. Is slightly more expensive but includes discounts on studio events, discounted birthday parties, early registration for classes and events, free events for students, small appreciation tokens, and fun weeks at the studio.
Performance No Optional but all dancers age 3 and up are invited to be a part of recital.

To sum up drop in classes are meant to be a once in a while option when you are looking for something new to try, something to do or can not make a long term commitment, not in place of a regularly scheduled class.  Either way we hope you make it in and dance with us soon!

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Why do we perform

Dance is classified as a performing art since a big part of the art form is performing it for others.  But I’m not aiming to be a professional ballerina you may say, so why should I perform?  Read on and learn how performance can help everyday life.

Performing any art, not just dance, can help build confidence.  Nailing a routine, hitting the perfect pitch, finding the right cord can give anxious performers a much needed boost of self esteem. Couple that with an active audience that shows their appreciation through applause and cheers, and you have a winning combination.

Performing can help develop quick thinking.  Rarely does a performance go as planned.  Headpieces can fall off blocking routes on stage, music systems can fail in the middle of the song, another performer may not hit their mark, but as they say, the show must go on.  Performers must asses the problem and quickly adjust and find a solution all the while keeping the performance going.  This can translate into quick thinking during real life problem solving.

Performers who start at a young age do better with presentations and oral reports when in higher learning or at a job typically. Because they are used to presenting for a crowd, they remain calm and collected (at least on the outside!) when needing to speak in front of people.

Performing can provide another outlet to express emotions.  Giving your all to a performance that is emotionally demanding can be cathartic, helping those who may not be able to find the words to express what they are going through.

Tell us:  what is your favorite dance performance?

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4 Reasons Why it is Important to Warm Up

Before we attempt any strenuous activity we are always told we should warm up. But why?  Here we give you 4 reasons why it is so important to not miss your warm up in class:

  1. Warming up gently gets the heart rate up.  Walking, marching and jumping jacks are all a great way to start.
  2. Warming up increases the blood flow to the muscles.  This helps to get the muscles prepared for more vigorous movement as well as helping to loosed the joints.
  3. Warming up helps warm the muscles so they are ready to stretch.  You never stretch a cold muscle.  When muscles are warm they are much more pliable and stretch easier.
  4. Warming up can lessen the risk of injury and muscle soreness.  If are joints are looser and muscles more pliable the chance of moving wrong and overextending them leading to injury greatly lessens.

Tell us:  How do you like to warm up before an activity?