November 2010
Hi everybody. I hope you all enjoyed your half term break. It has been a very challenging start to the year. The first half term is always slightly strange as we wait to see who is coming back, who leaves us and, excitingly, who chooses to join us. All of this coming and going naturally affects the dynamics of the classes, but I am please to report that things have now settled down and everyone is working well.
I think it is fair to say that
the economic downturn has now finally reached us. We have had several pupils not return due to
their parent’s change in financial circumstances. This is truly tragic. We would urge you to talk to us first, as we
would much rather come to an arrangement than lose a talented pupil. Financial upheaval comes and goes, but
talented children only get one shot – don’t be afraid to ring and talk.
Similarly, we have found that the rents have suddenly increased at some of the properties that we use, and bank charges have gone through the roof. We have not passed this cost on to you, and will endeavour to keep our costs frozen for the foreseeable future. However, it will mean that we will have to be tougher on fees coming in, so that we can meet our commitments promptly.
So what are we going to do this
year????????
Exams
The first batch of IDTA exams are
scheduled as follows :-
East Ardsley
& Morley – Thursday 25th
November 2010 – East Ardsley Community
Centre
Alwoodley – Tuesday 30th December 2010 –
Alwoodley Park Methodist Church Hall
We are currently preparing
accounts, and most of you should have received your consent letters by
now. A timetable should be available
online this week – watch this space, but in the meantime, here are a few
answers to some common questions :-
Why is it during the week? – in this particular instance we cannot get either hall on a Sunday.
Why is it during school time? – put simply we have few other options. In both sessions we have structured the day so that it starts in the afternoon, and goes on into the evening. We try to have younger children earlier in the session and the older ones, or those who come from a different centre, later in the day. You may find that because of the way the day is structured that you do not have to take time off school.
Will I get an absence mark at school? - NO! Any absence for a dance exam should go down as educational authorised absence and you should not be penalised. Letters for school will be available shortly for you to take in. If anyone has any problems with a particular school, please get in touch with me, and I will be happy to speak to them.
Why do I have to come to East Ardsley when I don’t train there? – Simple, hall availability. We have to have our sessions where we know we can the hall uninterrupted for a long time. Street Level students have always travelled to East Ardsley, and I know this can be a little frustrating. Another reason for converging on one Centre is that every examining body requires a minimum number of exam entrants/fees, and there simply is not sufficient to meet this criteria at Morley and East Ardsley Methodist Church. Therefore, we have to join with the Main School to do exams.
Why do I have to do exams? – this School is committed to tangible achievements. We believe that you should “get something for your money”. In the dance world you don’t get anywhere without exams. There is a common misconception that you can get places in life without actually doing any real work, this does not happen in the dance/performance world – even Cheryl Cole has all her dance exams. Exams offer the student a way of measuring their progress, and give them vital confidence in performing.
I feel I have been put forward for too many/too few exams – speak
to your teacher. If you can’t afford to
do them all in one session, then ask if you can do some in this session and
some in the next. The only problem
arises if there is a team exam as clearly your decision will affect everyone
else in that team. In those
circumstances, it may be sensible to do the team one first and delay the
solo. N.B. Parents please don’t forget to ask your child
what they want to do, your decision may well affect the way they feel in class,
you don’t want them quitting because your decision made them feel they had been
left behind. Conversely, if you feel you
aren’t doing enough, speak to your teacher for an individual exam plan.
Zumba!!!!!
It’s here. Starting :-
Tuesday 2nd November
at Alwoodley at 6.30pm
Saturday 6th November
at Alwoodley at 10.00am
Saturday 6th November
at East Ardsley at 2.30pm
It’s fab, come along and enjoy
loosing those pounds – the party season is looming, just how good to you want
to look in that LBD?????? £5 per
session, drop in basis.
Troupe
What is Troupe? Troup is a different set of dance competitions. The idea is that they are fun, and no prior
dance experience is necessary – although you will be worked hard!! We put you into teams and you are given a
dance to learn. The teams will then
compete against others in the local area.
The minimum age is 3 and there is no upper age limit.
We are looking for two or three
teams to start with.
The “audition” will be on Thursday 11th November at 5pm at East Ardsley Community Centre. The audition will comprise of a general class, with a few routines to give us an idea of the age limits and technical ability of those who want to be involved. The audition fee is £2 per person payable on the night (no exceptions for capped fee). The majority of practise will then continue on a Thursday at 5pm, with the normal fees applicable to this school.
All successful candidates who are
place in a team will be expected to compete and to buy a suitable costume to
perform in, we will of course give you lots of notice.
There is space for some teams to work at Morley and East Ardsley Methodist Club, but you MUST come to the audition in order for us to assess you.
Don’t forget to mention this to
your friends who are not currently in the School, as any who are joined will
form part of your referral discount.
One last thing, we will also need some parental support, so if anyone fancies getting involved, please put your name forward.
Halloween Fundraising
Well done all you witches and beasties, your ghostly activities raised £37 at EACC and £27 at AMC. Both amounts will be put towards your Christmas parties later in the term.
Show?????
Yes I am on the case. The problem is the cost of theatres. I am going to see another this week, and if it is suitable I will look at booking it. If not, then I will book a school/community hall. We really need to get on stage this year. The Show will be open to EVERYBODY in the school, and for once will be a display rather than a story, so if you have any ideas – put them forward.
And finally………..
I am delighted to advise those of you that know her that Emily Johnson is making a good recovery, and will hopefully be back with us in the New Year – can’t wait to have her back!!! We’ve missed you Emily.
Deborah