DEAR PARENTS,

We hope you are all enjoying being part of our NAPA family 2022 and starting to understand all of our procedures and opportunities. When COVID restrictions ease even more we will organise a couple of socials for our kids and parents. Our P & F have always assisted in this, and we have had some fantastic social events in the past until COVID made it too difficult and risky. So, let’s hope we can do something soon so we can get to know you all even more.

UNIFORMS

GENERAL: Our online store will close this Monday, 21 February at 6pm for our Dance Wear and NAPA T-shirts.

MINIS: Our online store is open for our Minis who have their own special uniform. This is a little 2 piece which costs $79. Students doing Mini Ballet can wear a leotard if they wish but it's not compulsory, our Mini 2-piece uniform is fine. If you want your child to wear a leotard, these can be purchased from Park Ave Dance shop in Burleigh.

If you would like to try on some sizes on your child, a couple of lovely mums have volunteered to assist by coming half an hour before Mini classes next Saturday to assist in checking on the correct size for your child. They will be sitting outside under the shade cover with some samples. Once you know the size, you can go onto the portal to order your child’s uniform. We will close the Mini’s orders off on 7 March. Please also note that Miss Alana would like all of her Mini’s with long hair, to have it in a bun for classes, as loose hair in their faces is currently a problem. Please also note that student bags are stored on the shelves in the Games room, not brought into class. Water bottles are allowed in class.

DRESS REQUIREMENTS FOR CLASSES

Please note the information below which is directly from our Parent Handbook. Sadly, we still have children turning up for class who are not dressed appropriately; hair and shoes seem to be the main issue. Please ensure your child is dressed according to our requirements as this is part of their training.

Eisteddfod classes must wear the uniform to every lesson, other dance classes can either wear our NAPA uniform or other appropriate dance gear (leotard, leggings, dance shorts, crop top, fitted singlet). Hair must be off the face and shoulders in a neat bun or ponytail. Jazz shoes can be black or tan (Bloch or Capezio split sole). Ballet shoes – elastic for class and ribbons must be sewn on for exams. Tap shoes should be black lace up (preferably split sole).
Music Theatre and Acting – casual clothing that allows freedom of movement. We ask that students wear a NAPA T-shirt as much as possible. Do not wear thongs, sandals, skirts, dresses or jewellery.

FAME

We are excited to announce that we have been granted the Rights to perform the fabulous musical Fame! This will be performed by our Broadway Bound class on 14,15,21,22 October. As this is a large group we may need to extend these dates to accommodate the large audiences they will bring, we don’t want anyone missing out on tickets.

PERFORMANCE TEAM UPDATES

Our group competitions are now locked in for the year and our dates are:

Future Stars - May 20-22
Murwillumbah Civic Centre

Get the Beat - July 30-31
St Pauls - Brisbane (Bald Hills)

Gold Coast Eisteddfod - August 11-14 and 19-21
HOTA - Bundall

Get the Beat - The Finals
September school holidays (dates TBC)
Sunshine Coast

Now that we have competition dates to work towards, please ensure that your child is in all classes (unless they are sick). Being a part of our Performance Teams is a big commitment, and exemplary attendance is a vital part of that. If your child is sick, please let us know that they will be absent. If they are injured, please still send them to sit and watch. That way they can still be part of the learning process and ensure they won't miss out on any changes made in class sessions.

If you have questions regarding COVID isolation rules, please refer to our previous newsletter or the website.

ONLINE LEARNING

One of the positives to come out of COVID was our online learning which we established during those periods of lockdowns, when we taught our classes online. We have continued this platform on our website to enhance our students’ training. Teachers can use this to put up routines or songs to practice at home, or even provide activities to help with their understanding of the content of their work. If a teacher is using our online learning at any time they will email you with the password to get into the online class. The classes are listed on the online learning page, you click on the class your child is in, then use the password to get into the content. If there is not a page listed for your class, it just means that online content has not yet been made available this year.

A SPECIAL VISITOR

Our Advanced Acro class was treated to a special visit by Miss Greta’s acro teacher who taught her when she was young. Mai Belagamba who will be turning 102 next birthday, gave the students some treasured feedback from someone so wise and experienced. Longevity might be the result of lots of acro in your life.

TEACHER COMMUNICATION

Please ensure that you are only reaching out to our teachers via email and not on their personal social media or mobile numbers. Our teachers work long hours and some race here from day work, university or other studios, and they may need 24-48 hours to respond to your emails. Please don't try to "catch them" between classes, as this may be the only time they have to eat, go to the bathroom, or simply catch their breath after a long day. If you need to chat with them in person, please email to organise a suitable time to do so. Alternatively, you can see Laurie or Kimberley on the front desk, and they will be more than happy to help with any queries!

SOLOISTS

Our soloists are already hard at work at local comps and we love seeing all of your amazing results. Make sure you're following our Instagram page to stay up to date with our kids successes! Chookas to all our first time soloists who are working hard towards their first ever competition! We know you will be amazing.

JUNIOR DANCE EXTENSION PROGRAM

Our Junior Extension Program has started with a bang, with the successful students attending weekly technique classes with Miss Lucy Ellis (founder of International Dance Technique) and our Miss Greta Brinsley (founder of Acrolink). This class has attracted amazing dancers from all over the Gold Coast and the progress that has already been made is exceptional. How lucky are our cherubs to have such an awesome opportunity to work with such fabulous teachers on a weekly basis.

ON AIR

We have now converted our Yellow Room which is a private singing studio to also be a recording studio. Laurie installed the soundproof panels during the holidays and David has set up all of the equipment so we have a recording facilities for our students.

FROZEN

As mentioned in the newsletter a few of us are going to see our fabulous Courtney in Frozen at the 6.30pm session on the 27 March. If you are joining us by purchasing your tickets for this date, could you please email me ([email protected]) so that I know how many will be there if we are able to organise a special meet with some of the cast after the show.

Have an enjoyable week everyone.

Lynn