Happy Friday, PSD Families!
This Friday FYI email is our primary method of communication to studio families – please save it for a time when you can read through it thoroughly and bookmark it for reference!
New & Urgent this week:
- The Nutcracker is THIS WEEKEND. We will see you at the Linn-Mar High School Auditorium TONIGHT for Dress Rehearsal and Sunday for the performances!
- The studio and boutique will be CLOSED for winter break from December 18th-January 5th. Your last chance to pick up Boutique Orders, Nutcracker T-Shirts, Recital DVDs, or items from the lost and found before we leave for break will be TOMORROW December 16th from 9 AM- 12 PM.
- Our Classical Ballet Variation Clinics continue! See details below.
Stay tuned to these regular email updates – this is your primary source for all studio news!
Find all of the important dates for the year here: www.thepointeschool.com/policies – we list upcoming dates within the next few weeks in the Friday FYI as well for your convenience!
- December 15 – The Nutcracker Dress Rehearsal @ Linn-Mar High School
- December 17 – The Nutcracker Performance @ Linn-Mar High School
- December 18-January 5 – Closed, Winter Break
- December 25 – January Tuition & Costume Payment Processed
- January 21 – Company Preview Show @ Linn-Mar High School
- January 25 – February Tuition & Costume Payment Processed
- January 31 – Last Day for 2023-2024 School Year Class Registration
The Nutcracker is THIS WEEKEND! We will see you tonight at the Linn-Mar High School Auditorium for Dress Rehearsal and on Sunday for the performances at 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM.
If you are performing, please read through the Performance Handbook for all details regarding this weekend so you can show up on time and prepared for all events. You can find this handbook at thepointeschool.com/nutcracker
If you are still needing to buy tickets for either performance, you can do so via this link.
The studio and boutique will be CLOSED for Winter Break from December 18th-January 5th. Your last chance to pick up Boutique Orders, Nutcracker T-Shirts, Recital DVDs, or items from the lost and found before we leave for break will be TOMORROW December 16th from 9 AM- 12 PM.
Our staff works primarily nights and weekend, so we want to take this time to really allow them to spend time with their friends and family during the Holiday Season. If you need to get in contact with us during this time, please do so via email at [email protected]. We may not respond back at our normal speed, but we will be checking for messages infrequently throughout break.
Experience the magic of some of the most world-renowned classical ballets! We are offering a unique opportunity for your dancers to immerse themselves into the story, technique, and choreography just like a professional ballet dancer! We have clinic options appropriate for every dancer in Level 1 and up spread out throughout the year!
Clinic Dates:
- Friday, January 12th — Coppélia
- Friday, February 16th — Romeo and Juliet
- Friday, May 17th — Don Quixote
Click here to get registered today!
Clinic Schedule (these times and prices will remain consistent throughout all dates)
- Storytime: 4:45-5:15 PM (This portion is FREE, and available to all dancers age 6+ to learn the story behind each of these famous ballets)
- Ballet 1/2: 5:15-5:45 PM ($12)
- Ballet 3/4: 5:45-6:30 PM ($15)
- Ballet 5+ (pointe shoes optional for Intermediate Pointe and up): 6:30-7:30 PM ($18)
As we get into winter weather, a few reminders about winter weather cancellations and protocols at the studio 🙂
- We do not necessarily follow any school district closures – schools consider busses, walking students, and the morning commute – where we do not have busses or walkers, and most of our classes start after the school day is over.
- If we need to cancel classes, we will notify families by email, the studio-wide BAND app, and on our public Facebook page by 8 AM for morning classes and 2 PM for afternoon/evening classes. We may not be able to reply to questions about possible weather closures before those times (if we spent the whole day replying to every individual question, we wouldn’t be able to make progress on our other important work for the studio!)
- Canceled classes for weather are not rescheduled – to make up missed classes, dancers are welcome to attend any class at a similar or lower level within 2 weeks of the missed class. Dancers can just come to the class they’d like for a makeup – no need to check with the office in advance. Questions about what classes would be great options for your dancer? We’re happy to help 🙂
- Every family has a different commute and level of comfort with winter driving conditions – please always make the best decision for your family. If we are open and you don’t feel comfortable driving, no worries – stay home and safe. Makeup classes are always available.
Did you know that we offer free trial classes for new-to-The-Pointe families – and we have a sweet deal for you if you refer a friend to our program? Families can schedule a trial class easily – just have them send us an email and we’ll take care of it!
When a family you’ve referred signs up, please have them list your name in the “Where did you hear about us?” form in online registration. We will send them a $20 gift card to our boutique to help them get the gear their dancer needs for class – and as a thank you, we’ll send one to you, too! Trial classes are easy to schedule online, and are FREE for a limited time!
- Click the links on your phone to download the BAND app and join these groups 🙂
- Please join the Studio-wide BAND here: https://band.us/n/a7aa9b43OcwbP
- If your dancer is in COMPANY, please join the Company BAND here: https://band.us/n/a1ae9741O1XbO (dancers can and should join, too!)
- If your dancer is in COMMUNITY TEAM, please join the CT BAND here: https://band.us/n/a7ab9544OeY4B (dancers can and should join, too!)
- Families have received an email with a unique link to join the BAND group for each class – if you’ve joined us after that message went out, please find your dancer’s instructor after class to get access or shoot us an email ([email protected]) and we’ll get you added!
We’ve added another easy method of communication to get relevant information directly to families – right on your phone!
Studio Lobby & Lounge
We ask that families limit lobby visitors to one parent per child if you’ll be waiting in the lobby during class. We also ask that families ONLY have food in the lounge, and to pick up after eating. We have wipes, paper towels, and a small broom/dustpan in the lounge so the space can stay nice and neat for the next group to use the space.
How to get connected at The Pointe!
We love our studio community and truly work with the best families in Cedar Rapids. We know that it takes a village to raise up awesome kids, and our studio community can be a part of your village. We have a private Facebook group just for studio families – click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1921735994748769 Please also join our studio-wide BAND app: https://band.us/n/a7aa9b43OcwbP (dancers, too!)
Absences
Attendance in class is crucial for dancers to learn and grow. We can only teach students who are in class 🙂 However, we know that things happen and kids may need to miss occasionally. To report an absence so your instructor knows what’s going on with your dancer, follow the steps in this 40-second video! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nstwEOf7e58&list=PLZkeFgMt7mR63GMRqwjdoIM8-U1mxAx-3&index=2
Boutique & Front Desk Hours
We’re happy to help ! We catch up on studio voicemails, emails, and are available at the front desk from 4:30-7:00 Monday through Thursday during the summer. In the school year, we are also open 9:00 AM – Noon on Saturday mornings.
Dress Code
Students who are dressed for dance perform and progress better in class! Find out what your dancer needs for their classes and easily order online here: www.theturningpointeboutique.com
Studio Policies & Full Calendar
Our Policies & Studio Calendar is online! Here you will find all the dates needed to plan a successful season, as well as all policies that help keep our studio running smoothly. You can find the Policies and Calendar on our website here: www.thepointeschool.com/policies
Have a wonderful weekend!
– Miss Vanessa & your PSD Staff