NAPA News - Week 9, Term 1, 2026
FROM THE DIRECTOR
Welcome to Week 9… Our final week of term is here! It has been such a wonderful start to the year with so much going on at the studio. It’s hard to believe how much we have already achieved this year. 2 productions staged, many auditions complete and lots of learning and growth from all of our cherubs.
IMPORTANT - as you know, our fee structure is based off a years tuition that is then split into 10 monthly payments. The monthly fee is the same regardless of whether we have holidays that month or not. A few people have questioned our April fees as we also have a few public holidays coming up, that specifically affect our Saturday classes. These public holidays are taken into account when working out the yearly fees, however we have made the decision to begin Term 2 classes on Saturday 18th (last weekend of holidays) as we do not want our Saturday classes to fall behind in their work. We understand that families may be away, but we thought we would still go ahead for those who are here. A reminder for our Opens Large Group and 15’s Large Group Performance Teams that rehearsal is also on that day. If you are not available, please ensure you have emailed Miss Hannah to notify her.
Have a great final week of term and a lovely holiday break!
QUICK REMINDERS
Lost property - Please be sure to check this regularly throughout the year.
Jewellery - a quick reminder that excessive jewellery is not to be worn to any NAPA classes and that any earrings worn in dance class should be small studs or sleepers only. No other jewellery should be worn in dance classes, as this creates a safety hazard for dancers and their peers. PLEASE LEAVE AT HOME to avoid losing anything precious.
Footwear - please note that there will be strict guidelines around footwear at NAPA this year. This is for the safety of our young dancers - Jazz, Combo, Technique and Performance Team students must wear jazz shoes - Hip Hop, Tread the Boards and Broadway students must wear sneakers or jazz shoes - Ballet students must wear ballet shoes and Tap students must wear tap shoes. The only class where bare feet will be allowed is lyrical/contemporary, and we recommend students wear black dance or NAPA socks to these classes. Students will not be able to participate in class if they do not have the appropriate footwear.
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS
SENIOR UNIFORMS
Our senior boyleg unitards have now arrived and our unisex jackets and senior wide leg track pants should be here this week. I also have some new options for Junior and Senior dance tops. Please come in and try on ASAP as we will close orders on Thursday 2nd so we can hopefully get our orders in by Term 2 starting.
A reminder that Performance Team students are required to wear uniform to comp and also to class.
Orders will be closed as of THURSDAY APRIL 2ND.
CONGRATULATIONS BROADWAY TWEENS STUDENTS
Congratulations cherubs! What a talented bunch. We are so excited for this fun musical… It is proving to be a popular one already with all of the kids so eager to get stuck into the show. Miss Laura, Miss Mandy, Miss Jackie and Miss Lucia are also super excited. Have the best time cherubs and teachers!
STAFF SPOTLIGHT - CONGRATULATIONS MR SAM!
We are so proud of or Mr Sam who has recently been in Singapore for two weeks choreographing “A Magical Bay Celebration” for Disney!
Sam worked with Broadway legend Lea Salonga along with a large cast of performers, including Mickey and Minnie Mouse! We are so lucky to have Sam at NAPA sharing not only his talents, but his real world experience with professional companies like Disney. He is such a positive influence on our students and he is so dedicated to our cherubs. We love you Mr Sam and we feel blessed to have you in our NAPA family!
Wellbeing
Rest, Recover, Stay Connected
In the performing arts, there can be an unspoken pressure to “push through”, to show up no matter what, to keep going despite illness or injury, and to prove commitment by persevering at all costs. But the truth is, pushing through when your body is asking for rest often does more harm than good.
Taking the time to properly rest and recover isn’t a setback, it’s an investment in your longevity as a performer. Whether you’re dealing with a physical injury or feeling unwell, listening to your body is essential. Ignoring those signals can lead to prolonged recovery times, more serious injury, or burnout.
That said, staying connected to your craft and your community is just as important. If you’re injured but still able to attend, being present in class or rehearsals can be incredibly valuable. Sit in, take notes, observe others, and engage with the process in a different way. There is so much to learn from watching, listening, and reflecting and it keeps you mentally and emotionally connected to your work.
Similarly, if you’re only slightly unwell and not contagious, consider adjusting your participation rather than stepping away completely. Mark through choreography, sing lightly, or simply be present and absorb. Your involvement still matters, even in a modified capacity.
However, if you are contagious, staying home is the responsible and respectful choice. Protecting the health of your peers and teachers ensures the whole community can continue to thrive. In these moments, rest fully and trust that taking a short pause is far better than risking the wellbeing of others.
Being a performer is not just about discipline and drive, it’s about balance, awareness, and care for both yourself and those around you. Rest when you need it, stay connected where you can, and remember that looking after your health is one of the most important roles you’ll ever play.
CHERUB OF THE WEEK
CONGRATULATIONS, India!
This week we are celebrating India! Indy is one of our 2nd-year NAPA College Certificate IV students, and in her time with us (less than two years) she has already made a remarkable impact. She consistently steps up into leadership roles with quiet confidence and generosity, always ready to support both her teachers and her peers.
Indy is someone who leads with kindness. She is a thoughtful and dependable friend, the kind of person who lifts others up, includes everyone, and helps create a positive environment in every class she’s part of. Teachers regularly notice her strong work ethic, her focus, and the care she brings to everything she does.
Indy is the kind of friend and performer who makes those around her better, not just through her talent, but through her attitude and the way she shows up for others every day.
Congratulations, Indy… we’re so proud of you! ✨
PERFORMANCE TIPS
The Rehearsal Process Begins!
The start of production rehearsals is always an exciting time — new scenes, new choreography, and the first real steps toward bringing a show to life. But with that excitement comes responsibility. How you approach each class and rehearsal from the very beginning can make a huge difference to both your own growth and the success of the entire production.
One of the most valuable things you can do is come prepared. Take the time outside of rehearsals to learn your lines, music, choreography, and vocals as early as possible. When you walk into the room already familiar with the material, you’re able to focus on the deeper work … refining performance, exploring intention, and making strong creative choices.
As rehearsals progress, don’t wait to be told to step up. If someone is absent, be ready and willing to fill in. This not only helps keep the rehearsal running smoothly, but it also gives you the opportunity to expand your understanding of the show as a whole. Directors and teachers notice performers who are proactive, adaptable, and team-focused.
Equally important is your commitment to character … regardless of the size of your role. Whether you’re playing a lead, a featured part, or working within the ensemble, your presence contributes to the world of the show. From day one, start asking questions: Who am I? What do I want? How do I fit into this story? The more you delve into your character early, the more layered and authentic your performance will become.
Consistency is key when it comes to choreography and vocals. Repetition outside of rehearsal builds confidence and allows you to fully commit when you’re in the room. Practise regularly so that you can move and sing with ease, rather than hesitation.
Finally, never underestimate the importance of class and rehearsal etiquette. Be respectful when others are learning, stay quiet and focused when direction is being given, and support your peers by creating a positive, encouraging environment. A strong rehearsal room is built on mutual respect.
The rehearsal process is where the magic truly begins. Show up prepared, stay engaged, support those around you, and make every moment count.
