Newsletter of the Chicago School of Ballet
Volume VI Issue II
November 2000
From the Director’s Desk
I would like to extend a warm welcome to all new students as well as those returning students. I trust everyone had an enjoyable summer. At the time of publication I am near my due date and am anxiously awaiting the arrival of our new baby. I would like to thank everyone in advance for your support and patience during the time I will be away from the school. I’m anxious to start teaching again and look forward to all the fall activities.
If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to call me before or after studio hours. I may be reached at 312.243.1160.
Please make sure to check the bulletin board each week when you come to class so you will not miss any important school notices or schedule changes. Also posted are performance schedules for dance events around town.
Fall Term
Fall term is September 7- November 27. There will be no classes Thursday, November 23-Saturday, November 25 for the Thanksgiving holiday. Winter term begins November 28. Tuition is due on the first class of winter term.
Watching Week
Parents may attend the last week of classes, November 16-22 for observation.
Halloween
In celebration of Halloween, students may wear costumes to class October 25-31. Just make sure you are still able to dance in the costumes.
Hair-Do Workshop
All students should have their hair in a bun with the exception of the pre-ballet classes which may wear their hair in a pony tail and pulled off the face with barrettes. Join us for our annual hair do workshop Saturday, November 4 from 4:30-5:30. Review the technique or learn from scratch how to get those perfect buns as well as some fancier styles for the holidays.The workshop is free; just bring your own brush. Hair supply kits will be available for purchase at the workshop for $3.00. Please sign up on the lobby bulletin board.
Awards
Beginning this fall term I will be awarding students for outstanding achievement and perfect attendance each term. Let’s all work hard toDon’t forget to check the lost and found box in the office before the end of the term. Afterwards items will be donated to good will.
Uniforms
Pre-ballet A and B classes wear the same outfit. A pink short sleeve leotard, pink tights and pink ballet shoes. A plain pink skirt is optional. Please no tulle skirts or fancy extras. The Dance and Mime shop at 643 W. Grand carries the above mentioned items.
Pre-primary through Grade IV should fill out a separate order form for their required uniforms which will be ordered through the school.
Scrapbook
The scrapbook has been updated. Check it out on the lobby table.Victorian Camp
Make plans now to attend the one day Victorian Camp. It is a wonderful way to dance and celebrate the customs of the season as people did in that era. The date is set for Sunday, December 3. More details and registration forms will be available soon.
Trivia
If you were to be invited round to a dancer’s dressing room after a performance, you would soon notice her stage make-up. Her face would be laden with greasepaint and powder.
The eyes receive special attention, because they are so important to the dancer in expressing various emotions, like happiness, sadness, anger, and so on. But if her eyes and other facial characteristics are to be seen at all clearly by the people sitting a long way off in the audience, then these must be highlighted-which means exaggerating them to make any effect . Make-up is also used to counteract the glare of the brilliant stage lighting.
(Excerpt taken from A Ladybird Book Ballet)
Volume VI Issue II
November 2000
From the Director’s Desk
I am glad to be back teaching. I certainly missed everyone while I was away. The substitute teachers gave me a good report and said how much they enjoyed teaching everyone. Lots of exciting activities are coming up. We will be incorporating our dance steps into the theme of the “Nutcracker” ballet at the beginning of winter term. The Victorian Camp is scheduled for December 3 and promises to be loads of fun. Please make sure to check the bulletin board each week when you come to class so you will not miss any important school notices or schedule changes. Also posted are performance schedules for dance events around town. I would like to extend warm wishes for a lovely holiday season to all my students and their families.
Winter Term
Winter term is November 28- March 3. There will be no classes December 20 - January 2 for the Winter holiday. Classes resume Wednesday, January 3, 2001.
Watching Week
Parents may attend the last week of classes, February 27-March 3, 2001 for observation.
Exams
In the fall we start the preparation for the annual Royal Academy o Dancing exams and assessments. These exams are conducted worldwide by R.A.D. examiners. Somewhat like a “watching day”, an examiner will visit the school in the spring to conduct the examinations. At this time the children present the dance material they have been working on since the fall. A written evaluation is prepared for each student with marks given for good grooming, technique, knowledge of the material, musicality, and dance quality. The decision to enter students in exams is under the discretion of their teacher. Note that at the pre-primary level the teacher goes in with the students and conducts the class.
ir-Do Workshop
All students should have their hair in a bun with the exception of the pre-ballet classes which may wear their hair in a pony tail and pulled off the face with barrettes. Join us for our annual hair do workshop Saturday, November 4 from 4:30-5:30. Review the technique or learn from scratch how to get those perfect buns as well as some fancier
styles for the holidays.The workshop is free; just bring your own brush. Hair supply kits will be available for purchase at the workshop for $3.00. Please sign up on the lobby bulletin board.
Awards
Beginning this fall term I will be awarding students for outstanding achievement and perfect attendance each term. Let’s all work hard toDon’t forget to check the lost and found box in the office before the end of the term. Afterwards items will be donated to good will.
All other levels enter in groups without the teacher to show their work. Assessments are exams which require less material to be shown and are for those students who are just beginning or need more time in studying the basic foundation of their level.
It is intended that the exam be a fun learning experience. With regular attendance and a practice mock exam, no pressure is placed on the student.
By having students enter exams they gain the satisfaction that comes from achieving a goal and moving on to the next challenge. It measures the student’s progress and helps to maintain the high standard of training at the Chicago School o Ballet. Permission slips for each student to enter in an exam or assessment will be handed out in early January. If you have any questions about the exam process please feel free to call 312.243.1160 after 8:00 p.m.
Winter Storms
The school closure policy due to bad weather is as follows. All classes will be held unless there is a message on the school answering machine stating otherwise.Victorian Camp
Flyers and registration forms are on the lobby table for the annual Victorian Christmas Camp. This one day camp offers a variety of activities including dancing, singing, etiquette, and a craft project. Come join in the fun. Hurry, registration forms are due by November 28.
Awards
Congratulations to the following students who had perfect attendance for fall term. Pre-ballet A: Alyna, Aurea, Kinga, Meredith. Pre-ballet B: Tatiana. Pre-primary: Gabriella Weiss, Samantha, Simone, Whitney. Primary: Alexandria, Elaine, Elise, Kelsey. Grade I: Clara, Marina, Nica. Grade II: Stephanie. Beginning ballet: Brooke. The outstanding achievement award for fall term goes to Alexandria Gonzalez in the Primary class who works very diligently each week. Well done everyone!!