Latest News

OCTOBER NEWSLETTER
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SEPTEMBER NEWSLETTER
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NEW FAMILY PRE-REGISTRATION
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FINAL NEWSLETTER / PRE-REGISTRATION 2018 - 2019
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WELCOME!

A very warm welcome is extended to all students of Grace Academy. We hope that you are enjoying a fun filled summer and are looking forward to a wonderful year of dance. As always, Grace Academy is looking forward to continuing to develop a strong technical foundation in each of our dancers, while instilling a natural love of movement and creativity. This year marks our 16th year of excellence in dance! At Grace Academy, we are proud to offer the finest in dance and theatrical training, where students are given opportunity to learn in an environment of artistic and technical excellence. As one of Oakville’s only noncompetitive studios, we are proud to offer an environment that is caring, and where dancers learn to be encouraging, supportive and respectful of each other. Age appropriate syllabus work, music and costuming is chosen with great care so that parents can always be assured of the very best for their child!

REGISTRATION

MANY OF OUR CLASSES ARE FILLING UP QUICKLY OR ARE ALREADYFULL – WE HAVE HAD A LOT OF FAMILIES PRE-REGISTER AGAIN THIS YEAR(All families who were with us last year were given a chance to do this in June). PLEASE DO NOT DELAY IN RETURNING YOUR REGISTRATION IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO SECURE A SPOT.

This year we ran a fun contest for all students who had registered by June 16th. Congratulations to Evelynn Rougier , who was the winner of a $100 gift card to Instep Activewear!! If you have not yet registered, registration can be completed by mailing your signed registration form, along with the correct fee and post dated cheques to:

785 Pacific Road, Unit 1

Oakville, ON L6L 6M3

(or dropped off through the slot on our front door)

Registration forms can be found online at www.graceacademy.ca. We strongly recommend calling the school to discuss class availability and fees prior to mailing in your form.

FEES

PLEASE READ THIS INFORMATION CAREFULLY

Families who have pre-registered should have received a separate email indicating the balance of fees owed and due date. Fees may be mailed in or dropped off at the studio (through the slot on the front door).

If you prefer to drop these off in person, please stop by on AUGUST 23rd or 30th between 5 and 7pm or contact us to make other arrangements.

ALL FEES INCLUDE HST

Please consult the fee structure for the correct amount, or, where there are a combination of classes, kindly verify the amount with the Academy. The Academy year is divided into 3 terms of approximately 11 weeks each. Fees are payable with registration and on or before the 1st day of each term thereafter and will only be refunded at the discretion of the director. Late fees will be charged an additional 2% per month over due. ALL PAYMENT SHOULD BE MADE BY CASH OR CHEQUE.

3 CHEQUES MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH YOUR REGISTRATION:

1. 1ST TERM FEES – TOTAL FEE OR BALANCE OWED IF ALREADY PREREGISTERED THOSE WHO HAVE PRE-REGISTERED MAY POST DATE THIS CHEQUE FOR AUGUST 24TH – ALL OTHERS MUST DATE THE CHEQUE FOR THE DAY ON WHICH THEY REGISTER
2. 2ND TERM FEES – DATED FOR NOVEMBER 27TH 2018
3. 3RD TERM FEES –DATED FOR MARCH 18th 2019

The Academy requires half a term’s notice if a student is to be withdrawn.
PLEASE MARK THE DATES CAREFULLY ON YOUR CALENDAR. A $25 FEE APPLIES TO ALL NSF CHEQUES

TIMETABLE

The proposed timetable for the 2018/2019 season accompanies this letter. This timetable is subject to change based on registration. Where there is insufficient registration for any class, this may be cancelled and an alternative given. Students will be watched carefully to ensure that they have been placed in the correct level. Teachers will discuss this with the parents, should a problem arise. Every effort is made to do only what will be of benefit to each individual child. Parents should remember that because dance is a physical activity all students will develop and progress at different rates.

AGE RESTRICTIONS

MINIMUM AGE REQUIREMENTS:

Ballet – 3 years by September 1st 2018

Tap – 7 years by September 1st 2018 OR 3 years of dance at Grace Academy – at Miss Knapp’s discretion

Musical Theatre – 7 years by September 1st 2018 - All students must be taking one form of dance. Dancers will be divided based on age and dance level

Modern jazz – 6 years by January 31ST 2019 OR 2 years of ballet at Grace Academy

ALL STUDENTS wishing to take hip hop MUST also be attending the corresponding modern class

Intermediate foundation ballet 1st year students must attend 2 classes of ballet per week in order to be considered for pointe work.

Intermediate foundation ballet 2nd year students and above MUST be attending 2 regular ballet classes per week to work on pointe

We recommend that students in grade 1 ballet 2nd year and above attend 2 classes per week in order to progress through the level in 1 year (please discuss this with Miss Knapp if you have questions). Students who do not attend twice a week will not necessarily be ready to move ahead to the next grade level. We HIGHLY RECOMMEND ATTENDANCE IN 2 CLASSES A WEEK IN ORDER TO ACHIEVE A GOOD STANDARD

Musical theatre students must be taking at least one form of dance

Those interested in The Spirit Moves Christian Dance Company, Pure Grace Performing Company or James and the Giant Peach should speak to Miss Knapp. Dancers who have pre-registered for these groups will receive details about the year through email.

THE SPIRIT MOVES CHRISTIAN DANCE COMPANY

The Spirit Moves will be entering its 19th season this coming September!! Using contemporary Christian worship music, dancers learn a large repertoire of choreography throughout the year. Practices are held every other Friday (with some exceptions) and dancers take part in worship services at approximately 4 churches during the year. We also present our own spring concert to fundraise for various local charities, and take part in Grace Academy’s year end production. It is a fabulous opportunity for your dancer to learn about giving back to others and to share their talents in a way that brings joy to those around them. If you are interested in learning more, please email Miss Knapp at graceacademy@sympatico.ca

PURE GRACE

Our performing company, Pure Grace, had another incredibly successful season this year! Dancers grew both technically and artistically and had the opportunity to perform in a variety of venues!

Pure Grace is a non-competitive performance company. This is a wonderful way for dancers to enhance their performance skills, while increasing their technique and knowledge of a variety of dance styles!

Pure Grace is offered to the serious dancer, who is committed to challenging themselves with new work, enhancing their technique, and performing at a high standard. While this is a non-auditioned group, dancers must attend a minimum of 2 ballet classes and 1 modern class per week in order to participate. The group is open to dancers enrolled in grade 2 ballet and above, and will be sub-divided according to dance grade level.

There will be an opportunity to learn choreography at a fast pace, in a variety of styles. Guest choreographers will join with our regular teaching staff. Dancers will also have the chance to learn short solo or small group pieces. Performance opportunities beyond our year end performance will be offered.

Rehearsals will take place during the week (one hour per week-see attached timetable). All rehearsals will be mandatory. Additional practice time and solo/ small group work will be scheduled on various Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, throughout the year.

Space will be limited. If your dancer is interested, please speak to Miss Knapp to receive further details!

We hope that many of our dancers will consider this to be an incredible opportunity for growth - we are so proud of what our dancers have accomplished this past year!

We will keep you informed of any opportunities to show your support and see our new company in action! In addition, if you are interested in having our dancers perform at an upcoming event, please let us know! We are always looking for performance opportunities!

FACULTY

Grace Academy is very fortunate to have Sarah VanDuyvenvoorde on staff. She has been teaching modern, jazz, hip hop, tap and ballet for 25 years and is an Associate of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing. Sarah also holds advanced certificates in ballet, modern, tap and national dance. For those of you new to the school – our dancers call Sarah “Mrs. Van Dunk” – a combination of her maiden and married name- and much easier to pronounce! Sarah brings creativity, energy and a genuine love of children to all of her classes!

Ali Daly also joined our staff in 2017. Ali is a Ryerson University graduate with a B.A in Creative Industries. She specializes in hip hop dance and has trained with various projects in Toronto including: O.I.P Dance Company, Professional division at BOSS Dance Company and is co-director of The Clique Dance Crew. Ali also co-produces a dance workshop and event series called The Industry Toronto. Ali has performed in Toronto showcases including: Fever After Dark, The Industry Season 2, Choreoball, The Dance Teacher Expo, Bazaar, The Beatdown, G.O.A.T Dance Competition and many more. Recently she has joined the team at da Costa talent management to continue to expand her knowledge of the performing arts industry.

Natalie Spurrell will return to work with the musical theatre class. Natalie holds a Bachelor of Music and a Bachelor of Music Education, majoring in voice. She also recently completed her Masters in Music Education with Boston University. She is the owner and director of Spurrell Singing Studio in Oakville. She has directed many musicals and award winning choirs – most recently, the Spurrell Studio Choir was chosen to attend International Choral Kathaumixw in Powell River, British Columbia and received The Elmer Iseler Award for the best performance of an original Canadian choral composition. They have also achieved 1st place at Nationals with the FCMF (Federation of Canadian Music Festivals) and a gold standing at MusicFest Canada.

Dia Frid will also return to work with the senior acting classes. Dia’s work as playwright, director, actor, teacher and coach has seen her work in a variety of educational institutions. These include the University of Toronto’s Erindale campus, Sheridan University, Ryerson University, Canadian Indigenous Theatre, Mayfield School of the Arts, The Creative Theatre Company, First Light Theatre Company as well as various schools in Oakville, Burlington and Hamilton. Most recently, Dia has created FridKids - taking classic children’s literature from ‘page to stage’ and allowing young people to perform and produce live theatre!

TERM DATES/HOLIDAYS AND EXCITING EVENTS

Autumn Term: Saturday, September 8th – Monday, November 26th
Winter Term: Tuesday, November 27th– Friday March 8th 2018
Spring Term: Monday, March 18th – Saturday, June 1st 2019

No classes will be held during the following holidays/special events:

Saturday October 6th and Monday October 8th (Thanksgiving)
Wednesday, October 31st (Halloween)
Tuesday December 4th - “Pure Grace” performance at the Meeting House - details to follow
Tuesday, December 18th 2018 to Friday January 4th 2019 inclusive (Christmas break)
Saturday, February 16th and Monday February 18th (Family Day)
Thursday, February 28th (Pure Grace Performance at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts)
March 9th - March 17th inclusive (March break)
Friday, April 19th - Good Friday
Monday, April 22nd - Easter Monday

CLASSES WILL RUN ON THE SATURDAY OF EASTER WEEKEND (April 20th ) AND ON MAY LONG WEEKEND (May 18th -20th ) AS USUAL. THESE WILL BE IMPORTANT SHOW REHEARSALS!!! PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND!

OTHER DATES OF NOTE:

SEPTEMBER 30TH– CIBC RUN FOR THE CURE – “WALK WITH GRACE” – see further info in this letter
NOVEMBER 3rd-9th - PARENT OBSERVATION FOR MISS KNAPP’S CLASSES (for our younger classes only –details to follow)
NOVEMBER 10th -16th – PARENT OBSERVATION FOR MRS.VANDUNK’S CLASSES (for our younger classes only –details to follow)
NOVEMBER 26th - DECEMBER 15TH INCLUSIVE - ‘TOONIES FOR TOYS’ FUNDRAISER TO SUPPORT THE SALVATION ARMY TOY DRIVE (details to follow)
DECEMBER 4th - PERFORMING COMPANY ‘PURE GRACE’ PERFORMANCE AT THE MEETING HOUSE - JOINED BY SPURRELL SINGING STUDIO DETAILS TO FOLLOW
DECEMBER 15TH – ANNUAL CHRISTMAS PARTY – JOIN US FOR CAROLLING AND GOODIES – AN AFTERNOON OF FUN FOR ALL DANCERS AND THEIR FAMILIES
FEBRUARY 9TH-15TH INCLUSIVE - ‘LOONIE FOR LOVE’ WEEK - Details to follow
MARCH 31ST - PURE GRACE PERFORMANCE AT FILM.CA CINEMAS -Details to follow
SUNDAY APRIL 7th – THE SPIRIT MOVES ANNUAL EVENING OF DANCE AND SONG – a performance to raise funds for a local charity –details will follow
MAY 26TH - JUNE 1ST - PERFORMANCE WEEK !!! All dancers are invited to participate in our ‘most wonderful week of the year’ and perform at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts!!
(ALL DATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE - UPDATES WILL BE GIVEN THROUGHOUT THE YEAR)

UNIFORMS

Please refer to the attached list for the correct uniform. We ask that you check this list carefully. All uniforms, including shoes can be purchased from INSTEP ACTIVEWEAR in Oakville (905) 844-4415/www.instepactivewear.com . Instep carries a large variety of bodysuit colours that are suitable for modern jazz as well as all other necessary items. Please contact the Academy if you have any questions.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THERE IS A COLOUR CHANGE FOR THE PRIMARY 1ST YEAR BALLET - GRADE 1 1ST YEAR BALLET GROUPS THIS YEAR. THE LIGHT BLUE HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED AND WE WILL NOW WEAR LILAC!

Students should attend class in the appropriate uniform with their hair neatly off the face. Buns are required from grade 1 ballet onwards; pony tails are appropriate for modern and tap ☺ No jewellery is to be worn to class. Older dancers should choose appropriate undergarments to wear under their bodysuits. Proper grooming is an important part of each dancer’s training.

PLEASE NOTE: STUDENTS WHO HAVE BALLET AND MODERN OR TAP CLASSES THAT RUN BACK TO BACK MAY WEAR CONVERTIBLE BALLET TIGHTS TO MODERN/TAP RATHER THAN BLACK TIGHTS.

GRACE ACADEMY DANCEWEAR! - NEW THIS YEAR!

We are excited to announce that this year, Grace Academy jackets, tops, leggings and sweatpants will be available for purchase! Look for more information to follow - we will be ordering in mid September!

NEW BODYSUITS AT A DISCOUNT

We have a number of brand new bodysuits in some fabulous colours that are left over stock from our performances. These are being sold for $15 each - well below 1/2 of the in store price . If you are interested in having a look at what we have, please email the studio and we can arrange a time - or drop by on when we are at the studio taking registration (August 23rd /30th 5-7pm)! Payment will be cash only.

2ND HAND UNIFORM SALES

Each year a number of families express an interest in selling uniform items. If you have an item to sell, a note may be placed on our bulletin board listing size, colour, cost etc. Please email this to the studio and it will be put up for you. Notices can be put up at any time during the year. If you are interested in purchasing a 2nd hand item please stop by the studio to look at the board - or ask us to email you a list of items that are already posted.

STUDENT VOLUNTEERS

We are always grateful for the help of our older students in the little ones’ classes each year. Thank you to all of you who have volunteered to help in the 2018/2019 season. As class lists become set you will be contacted to discuss your availability.

EXAMINATIONS

In some levels of ballet and modern, students will be encouraged to take examinations with The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing in their course of study. This will occur at the discretion of the director, and only when it is felt to be beneficial to the student. These examinations act as a method of measuring progress and maintaining a standard that is recognized internationally. They provide the dancer with the opportunity to work towards a goal and develop self confidence and presentation. Further details will be made available to the parents as the year progresses. If you would like more information ahead of these details, please email us.

ABSENCES

When possible, would parents please inform the Academy if their child is to be absent from class for any reason. This will help with planning the material to be taught. Please remember that regular attendance is extremely beneficial to all dancers, allowing them to feel comfortable and perform at their highest level.

YEAR END PERFORMANCE

All students at Grace Academy will be invited to participate in a year-end production at the Oakville Centre for the Performing Arts.

This year’s performance week will run from May 26th- June 1st inclusive! PLEASE MARK YOUR CALENDARS NOW!

Performance week is the most exciting time of year for all students! Grace Academy prides itself on presenting a high quality, professional performance each year and feels that this is an extremely important part of our dancers’ training! Dance is a performance art and our year end production gives our students the opportunity to perform on a professional stage in a positive and educational atmosphere. Being a part of our production instills self confidence, responsibility, self discipline, co-operation and team work in all of our students. Dancers will also learn about theatre etiquette and various aspects of what goes on ‘behind the scenes’ to create a production. And – it is a lot of fun and creates memories that will last a lifetime! ☺

Further details regarding our performance will also be sent home throughout the year.

Our 2018 performance “MOVIES IN MOTION” was a huge success and our show week was filled with happy memories, learning experiences, laughter and fun!

DVD production of this performance will be completed shortly. Families who have placed an order will be notified by email when the DVDS arrive and are ready for pick up. Copies may also be handed out to dancers during the first week of classes.

If you missed ordering photographs of the performance, the following website has all photos available for viewing and easy purchase:

website:http://portraitsbywelcomeaboard.photostockplus.com
password: fifteen2018

Photos can also be cropped to feature your dancer (especially for the larger full stage group dance numbers) OR if you would like to view the high resolution photos please contact Anne-Marie May at WELCOME ABOARD PHOTOGRAPHY

• email: info@portraitsbywelcomeaboard.com
• mobile: 905-855-8905

RUN FOR THE CURE

For the 8TH year , Grace Academy of Dance and Performing Arts will be participating in the CIBC RUN FOR THE CURE . THIS TAKES PLACE ON OCTOBER 1st!! We are excited to participate in this fabulous event and to have the opportunity to raise funds to help fight breast cancer! We would like to invite you to join us and to be a part of our team - WALK WITH GRACE!!! All family members are welcome to join us and we are hoping for a large group of family and friends to walk/run together!! You may choose to do 1K or 5K – a lot of our group choose to walk, rather than run, and enjoy the company of our Grace Academy family :) -but you may choose to run too!

This event takes place in Burlington on SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 30TH at 10am

If you would like to join our team, please go to www.runforthecure.com . You can find our location (Burlington/Hamilton/Oakville) and then click JOIN A TEAM - we are WALK WITH GRACE. The site talks you through the registration - it is very simple.

Team members who register by mid September will RECEIVE A RUN FOR THE CURE T-SHIRT WITH OUR TEAM NAME ON IT (exact date to follow). Please speak to Miss Knapp if you would like more information. If you cannot join us, but would like to make a donation, this can be done online or directly through Miss Knapp!

Thank you for considering this opportunity to give back to our community!

OAKVILLE BEAVER READERS CHOICE AWARDS

We are proud to have once again been nominated for the Oakville Beaver Reader’s Choice Awards in the category of Best Dance School – Children, and the Above and Beyond category for Best Customer Service. Please remember to vote for us at:

www.readerschoice.oakvillebeaver.com

The voting begins on AUGUST 2ND We can be found under sports/ entertainment and above and beyond. Thank you so much for your support!

GRADUATES 2018

We are extremely proud of our 2018 graduates and want to wish them all wonderful days ahead as they move on to new adventures. These girls have been a big part of our studio for many years and will be very missed - but as we always say “once a Grace dancer, always a Grace dancer”! Congratulations to the following girls:

Grace Hugill
Katherine Nelson
Avery Penman
Sarah Noordijk
Sarah Hammond
Sarah Carter
Kristen Clay
Abbey Terry
Natasha Wandel

LEAH BATTISTA MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP

In November of 2017, we were extremely sad to have one of our Grace Alumni passed away suddenly. In her honour, we have established The Leah Battista Memorial Scholarship. This yearly award will be presented to the dancer who most embodies Leah’s passion, energy, joy of dance and hard work and is to be used towards the costs of their dance training. This year, it gave us great pride to present the first Leah Battista Memorial Scholarship to Ciara Heath at our year end performance. Through this award, and through a random acts of kindness initiative that will take place on her birthday each year (#bekind4leah), we hope to keep Leah’s memory and her legacy of kindness and giving alive at Grace Academy.

NUTS

Grace Academy strives to be a nut free environment. Please note that we do have dancers with severe nut allergies When sending snacks with dancers who have 2 classes in a row please do not send nut products.

RESPONSIBILITY

Grace Academy is proud to have had students who have shown kindness and respect for others at all times and is confident that this will continue in the coming year ☺

We would, however, like to ask parents to remind their children of the need to be respectful of the property at Grace Academy. Teachers are not responsible for the students at times when they are not in class.

Please remember that the change room should be kept tidy at all times and ALL shoes should be removed inside the front entranceway. Please be sure to place shoes neatly on the mats and shelves provided!

Kindly remember that excess noise in the change room can be distracting to the dancers. Please note that space is limited in the changeroom and waiting areas! When possible, we ask that parents and siblings leave the studio while dancers are in class and return for pick up.

We also ask that all parents please remind their dancer that they should stay inside while waiting to be picked up after class. No students should be outside or in the parking lot. Teachers cannot be responsible for students outside of class times. Dancers are welcome to watch the next class if you need to be late for any reason. Please drive carefully in the parking lot and remember that it is a busy place with lots of children ☺ The safety of all of our students is very important to us. Thank you for your co-operation.

CELL PHONES – A few years ago we began to notice that our older dancers were becoming increasingly distracted by text messages and other social media while waiting for classes to begin. During this time, dancers are expected to be warming up and practicing for their class, while socializing with others at the studio. Three years ago, we began asking that cell phones be left at home and not used while at the studio. Please remind your dancers of this expectation. Both Mrs.VanDunk and Miss Knapp will have cell phones on hand should a dancer need to contact a parent in case of emergency or change of plans.

Thank you! Dancers who arrive from school with phones should leave them in their bags and not take them out in the changeroom.

OUTDOOR SHOES/BOOTS - CHANGEROOM

We would like to remind you that no outdoor footwear should be worn in the waiting area or change room (this includes parents and siblings). The dancers will be in bare feet and ballet shoes in these rooms. We thank you for your cooperation. Please put shoes neatly in the entranceway so that it is easy for dancers to enter/exit.

In addition, would parents please remind your dancers to be respectful of the property at Grace Academy while they are waiting for their class to begin. The change room can be a very busy place – please remind children that there is no running around permitted anywhere in the studio. All students and family members are asked to wait quietly in the change room so that the dancers in class are not disrupted. All clothing items should be hung up or folded neatly on one of the shelves underneath the benches.

TAP SHOES SHOULD NOT BE WORN IN THE CHANGEROOM, BUT SHOULD BE CARRIED INTO CLASS AND PUT ON IN THE STUDIO.

PROMOTIONAL MATERIALS WAIVER

From time to time, we publish photographs of our dancers (on our website and in our advertising, on our Facebook/Instagram page or on our bulletin board). In doing this, we always ask for permission from families before materials are published. In order to make it easier for us to use any photos that are taken, we are asking that all families return a waiver. Names will never be used without additional permission. Dancers who do not return the waiver will not have their photographs used. PLEASE NOTE THAT IF WE ALREADY HAVE A COMPLETED WAIVER FOR YOUR DANCER FROM A PREVIOUS YEAR , WE DO NOT REQUIRE YOU TO FILL IN ANOTHER.

COMMUNICATION

Please do not hesitate to contact the Academy at any time with any questions or concerns that you may have. Good communication between Grace Academy and all of our dancing families is extremely important to us. Newsletters will be sent home on a regular basis to keep everyone up to date – please take the time to read these carefully. Newsletters will also be posted regularly on our website www.graceacademy.ca as well as on the studio notice board.

Please remember to have a look at (and like!) our Facebook page. You will be able to find our page under Grace Academy of Dance and Performing Arts ☺ This will be the place for interesting dancing facts –beautiful pictures – inspirational quotes and more! We will share Grace Academy news and important reminders throughout the year and, it will be your first place to look in case of a “snow day”!

New this year - we now have an Instagram page as well! Look for us @graceacademyofdance !

We do ask that you please continue to use our email graceacademy@sympatico.ca and phone number, 905 338-0210 to communicate with us for all questions and information that you need us to be aware of. We may not be on Facebook/Instagram page daily! In addition, please remember to read all the newsletters that are sent home, as full details will not always be posted on the Facebook page.

During class time Miss Knapp carries her cell phone with her so that she may contact parents if a child is ill. If you need to reach your dancer (or their teacher) in an emergency you may call this number (905) 301- 9409. Please do not use it to contact the school on a regular basis as it will interrupt class time. Messages can be left at the Academy’s regular number (905) 338-0210

WE WELCOME YOU TO A WONDERFUL YEAR AHEAD! ☺