This past weekend I put the Recital Show order together. I will post the show order in a few weeks. Make sure you check the spelling of your child’s name.

I also put the Recital picture schedule together. If your child is in ballet and tap, your pictures will be scheduled both weeks, Tap one week, Ballet the other, so you only need to wear one color tights to class picture day. Pictures are April 26-May 6th I will post the schedule April 12. If you ordered tights you will get them with your costume on Picture day.

I have been working on costumes for the classes. Please let me know if you intend to participate in the recital. I need your child’s size.

I ordered tights and Body Liners. It’s not too late to pre-order tights. If you are a dancer age 8 and over in more than one class, you should consider ordering a Body liner to wear under your leotard. Even if you are wearing a black leotard for both classes (Ballet and Tap), you’ll have to change your tights, requiring you to take off your black leotard. There will be a “Dressing Room” but it won’t be a room.

I have a few Program ads available to fill some pages. One 1/2 page ad and four 1/3 page ads. Let me know if you would like to purchase one. If you would like to purchase a different size you have until April 30th.

Mrs Amber Scott has sent out a letter to some corporations and local businesses to ask for donations toward our Recital Night Silent Auction.. If you have anything you would like to donate Please let me know. Would you like to contribute to a themed basket for our Auction? Here are some ideas of Baskets we can make  (I’ll have a sign up sheet in class so we don’t get 20 of the same item).

• Fun in the Sun Basket
• July 4th
• BBQ/Grilling Out

I have had a few people make donations of 2.5 gal bags and large safety pins. Thank you. Also thank you to those that have donated dance shoes and leotards. Some other parents are going to glue me some things, sew some things and search for some things for our costumes. Thank you for your help!

Keep practicing your dances. Smile!

Miss Nicole

April 8, 2022 – April 10, 2022
Ohio Theatre

If you can go to a performance, it would be a great opportunity for your dancer to see a stage performance.

Tickets range from $37 to -$150. Tickets may sell out.

Here are some videos and behind the scenes pictures of Cinderella at BalletMet.

It’s Nearing Time to Pay for the School (recital location)

Just a reminder that I need to pay for the rental of Whitehall Yearling High School.

You can also pay in class- CASH ONLY

Thank You for your support!

I wanted to thank all those parents and families that are making donations above and beyond the $10 Recital Fee and to those that are contributing to our Sponsor a Child Fund. The generosity, support, and kind words of gratitude has… I really don’t know what word or phrase to use. It has at times brought tears to my eyes. Especially from those that are from former families no longer participating in the program.

I am being told by former students of their continuing in the arts in High School and College, and their success. We have many students currently pursuing activities in the arts, as well. If your child is currently participating in dance, theatre or music please let me know. There is a section in the printed program where I let our audience know what our students are doing outside of dance classes. (Please keep it to theatre, dance or music- there just isn’t room to list all the sports, etc)

E-mail Me the Details

• Child’s name, school/organization/club/group
• name of musical/play, 
• name of dance team/squad
• any officer/specialty positions- captain, co-captain, squad leader, chorus, lead
• type of lesson type of dance/musical instrument/

If you’re a former student, let me know what you have been doing since you took classes.  I’d love to know you’re healthy, happy and pursuing your dreams. We want to list your dance groups and performances on our student successes page on the website.

Audition Opportunity

Balletmet is having auditions in April for their Scholarship program. Your child must be between the ages of 7-10 by Sept 1st, 2022. If you’re interested in more information let me know. The last Preliminary audition is April 9th. Those chosen from there will audition again on April 15th. In 2018, one of our students auditioned thru her school and was chosen to receive a full year scholarship and is continuing her training there. We would like to invite her back to talk about her experience.

Miss Nicole

Spring Session starts this week, March 21, 2022

April 18-20 No Classes at Whetstone (School’s Out for Spring Break)
                  Classes will continue as usual at Far East

April 25-May 6 Class Pictures in Costume (Costumes handed out during class)
             Your child’s picture day will be announced at least one week prior
              Please pre order tights now to have in time for pictures, if you haven’t.
              Please pay $10 recital fee/donation by April 1st, if you haven’t.
              Please order Program Ads by April 30th, artwork due by May 6th

May 14 Deadline to order Candy Bouquets, Flowers and Dress Rehearsal Meals

May 20 No Fri classes at Far East (I will be at the High School setting up for the Dress Rehearsal)

May 20 Dress Rehearsal (Costumes are to be worn)
             Whitehall Yearling High School
             Dancers Arrive by 6 pm

May 21 Recital (Performance)
             Whitehall Yearling High School
             Dancers Arrive by 6 pm
             Show 7 pm

More information about the recital and reminders will be going out weekly.

Recital Music: All classes have started their dances. II will be e-mailing each class the name of their song, so you can practice over registration week. I added a Pre-tap class on Friday’s at Far East- this class has not started so their song has not been chosen, yet. If you have not let me know if you want to return for Spring session, please let me know. Also, if you want to add a class, let me know which.

Class availability for Spring: I’ll be sending out an e-mail confirming your place in class next session and how to register.  There will also be an e-mail letting everyone know how many openings remain for all classes.

Program Ads: I have started working on the programs. Inside the program will be the order of the show, class recital pictures, recital sponsors and donors, perfect attendance for Winter and Spring Sessions, credits and Thanks Yous to my volunteers and supporters. On the back cover gives registration and class dates for Summer. Please purchase your program ads as soon as possible, so I can design them (if you want me to design them) and I can arrange the book. If you purchase your ad now, I’ll at least have the size and you can get me the artwork- wording or picture by May 6th. Many people want to include their child’s costume picture. We do need small ads to fill in pages so please consider purchasing small ads 1/4, 1/2, 1/3 page. Also, a shout out to your child is only $1. You can say things like “Good Luck Mitzy!” “You’re a Star! Joanie”

Whitehall Yearling High School: There have been some changes to Whitehall Yearling High School since we last used their Theatre. The choir room and “dressing rooms” have been turned into a work program area for the High School students, so we may have to use the gym for staging (lining up the dancers). Also, we may have to construct a dressing room for those that have costume changes. I have an appointment to see the school again the first week of April, to see if there is any room we could use for the older girls. I do have poles and fabric from past years to do build a dressing area, however, as an added precaution dancers 8 years and older, in more than one class, may want to invest in a body liner to wear under their leotards/costumes. We added body liners to our website as a convenience to you. Additionally, we have to protect the gym floor (tap shoes) so we will need to purchase tarps or plastic to put down under the dancer’s chairs. an area about 20′ x 30′ or bigger. 

Costumes: Now that the music has been chosen for the classes, I’m starting to think about costumes. I would like a few classes to wear a different color leotard than the tradition pink or black. I will provide these, but I need your child’s size. Please fill out a Recital Participation Form and turn it in when you pay your recital fee. For those that pay on-line, I’ll give you a form to fill out. If you have any leotards you would like to donate, we appreciate any colors/sizes. Red, Navy Blue, Lavender, Pink, Black, White, Lt Blue, etc.

Some things we need: In addition to leotards, we need 100’s of large Safety Pins (diaper size), and 2.5 gal glider plaster bags. I use the plastic bags to store and distribute the costumes. Dollar tree has 5 bags for $1.25.  The gliders are easier to close. 

Donations: Your monetary donations help with all these added expenses that occur. Thank you for your generosity and support.

There is so much going on, it’s the most exciting time of the year! We have one more class this session March 9-12. Spring Session starts March 21. Make sure you get the upcoming dates sheet to mark your calendars for deadlines, etc.

Miss Nicole

Whether this is your child’s first Dance Recital or their 10th, we want it to be special for them. This is a special day for your child to be a star. We want you to invite as many friends and relatives to watch your special dancer.

We’re doing all we can to make this experience memorable and affordable.

Recital Donation/Fee: This donation/ “fee” helps cover costs for recital expenses, covering the cost of the recital location, and any other expenses throughout the year. We ask that every dancer that wants to participate in the recital donate $10. We understand that not every dancer will or can participate in the recital. Our budget is only as big as what we collect in recital fees and donations, and from what is carried over from the year before. Our recitals have outgrown the city rec centers and most theatres in town. We have from 400-700 audience members, most theatres only accommodate 200. Please donate by April 1st. Please let me know if you would like your child to be sponsored, we don’t want a child to miss out because of finances.

Tights: We ask that all Ballet students wear Pink Tights and Jazz and Tap Students wear Tan Tights for the Recital. You do not have to purchase tights thru us, we offer this as a convenience to you and we are selling them at almost cost. Tights are $5 a pair. Tights will be passed out on picture/costume day. Deadline to order tights is April 15.

Other Fundraising: Fundraising pays for what the recital fees don’t cover. Most of these funds come from recital sales/pre sales. The additional costs of the recital, beyond the rental of the recital location, include costuming classes, props, any unexpected charges, bank fees, paper and ink for newsletters, website fees, colors for the stage and classrooms, recital signage, repairing broken tap shoes, etc. It also makes it possible to do fun things such as, stars on the dressing room doors, awards at the recital, etc.

Donate: Not only can you donate gently used dance attire and costumes and accessories, but you can also make a monetary Donation, Sponsor a child, place an ad in our program, purchase flowers or candy bars for your special dancer at the recital, and volunteer your time.

Recital Program Ads: The program is an added touch of going to the theatre for our audience. Inside is the order of the show and all class pictures get put in the program. You can purchase an ad for your business or a special message to your child/class. Program ads range from $1-$20. Order due by April 30th, Artwork due by May 6th. Please ask to see a sample program. These make great keepsakes.

$1.00 One line ad (25 letters)
$5.00 ¼ page
$10.00 1/3 page
$15.00 ½ page
$20.00 Full Page

Candy and Flower Sales: We will be selling Carnations and Candy Bars at the recital. $2.00 each. You can pre-order flowers, bouquets and candy bouquets before the recital. Deadline is May 13th. A limited number of Single Flowers and candy bars will be sold at the recital. We tend to sell out at the recital, so pre-order yours now.

Silent Auction: Please let me know if you would be interested in bidding/donating toward a Silent Auction at the recital.

Volunteer: This program would not be possible without your help, support and donations. Please let me know if you would be interested in volunteering at recitals or making costumes and props.

Dress Rehearsal Meals: Mrs. Amber Scott is again offering a sack meal to anyone who wants to pre-order them for the Dress Rehearsal. Friday night can be very hectic to get your little one fed and ready for the dress rehearsal so she is offering a hot dog, small bottle of water, fruit snack and either an applesauce or a banana for $5.00. Meals will be ready to be picked up by 5:45 pm to be eaten by 6 pm.

If you have other suggestions on how to raise money for our program please let me know.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to e-mail me. Check our current student blog weekly for updates and info.

Thank You,
Miss Nicole

Please mark your Calendars

Hi Everyone,

The following are important dates for all Far East and Whetstone Dancers.

I’m getting conflicting information about when the centers will be open during Spring Session. Originally, I was told there were no holidays, and the session was 9 weeks. But now there is mention of the centers being closed during Spring Break.

I will let you know as soon as I have official word.

My job is not easy, everything I do is based on unknowns. I try to schedule my classes following the City Sessions, so it is easier on you, the parents, to plan your family’s schedules. If the center or the room is not open certain days, I cannot teach. Which means no classes during registration weeks, and breaks. But sometimes other events conflict with the classroom’s availability or they close the centers early. 

Planning the recital has challenges, too. Finding a location big enough and that we can afford is number one. We have done recitals in the Whetstone Auditorium but there aren’t enough chairs and it becomes standing room only and sometimes people end up standing outside the auditorium trying to look in. That situation is unpleasant and unsafe.

I won’t know who is participating in the recital until everyone has paid the recital fee. I won’t know if we raised enough money to pay for the location or how much money is left over to help pay for the other expenses. Many dancers are not even registered in a class yet. We will have new students registering for Spring Session.

Picking music is challenging. I try to pick music based on the personalities of the dancers, their skill level, their age. I try to pick music that has a positive message, clean, entertaining, age appropriate. And some dancers have been in past recitals, so I try to make sure they aren’t dancing to a song they danced to before. But I won’t know all the dancers in a class until Spring session. I may pick a song that says I’m a pretty ballerina and then a boy register the next session. I encourage all children to dance, 

Because I don’t know who is doing the recital, I don’t know how many costumes are needed, or what sizes. I make the skirts and tutus to be adjustable to fit most students. But I have students in 20-22 classes that range from XSC to XXLA, so fitting everyone is super challenging. I don’t have many costumes for the older dancers, so I have been trying to make longer skirts and tutus. It takes 3-5 yrds of tulle to make one tutu, more if it is a long juliet skirt. I try to match the color of the costume with the class song, I may have enough skirts, but not enough hair pieces to match. 

I appreciate everyone’s support. And I understand that sometimes things get confusing, believe me, I’m constantly putting out unexpected fires. Everything should work out fine.

Sincerely,
Miss Nicole

Our goal is to provide affordable dance classes and performance opportunities to children of all ages regardless of financial status. This program is not possible without your support, donations, and volunteering. Any “profits” are rolled over to help cover the next year’s expenses.

Financial Assistance: P.L.A.Y grants are available to those that qualify to help with class fee costs. These grants are offered by the City and will pay $20 toward one class fee per child per session. Applications are due by the first class of each session.

PLAY Scholarship Fund – Columbus Recreation and Parks Department (columbusrecparks.com)

Class Dress options: We have some leotards and tights and shoes that can be borrowed, rented or purchased for any child that needs them. Please return rented or borrowed items so others may use them. If we can, we will even trade your child’s outgrown dance wear for a larger size.

Sponsor a Child Fund: This fund helps those who need help paying for costumes or recital fees.  If you would like your child to be sponsored please let me know. If you would like to contribute to this fund, you can thru the Website.

Sponsor a Child | Dreaming of Broadway Dance Lessons

Costumes: We try to provide some kind of costume for every child for the recital. Costumes may include a skirt, overlay, and hair piece, and /or leggings, top, belt, etc. Providing Costumes for all dancers is a big expense to our program. Miss Nicole teaches 20-22 classes that range from 3-15 students per class. Currently there are about 100 students registered in Dreaming of Broadway Classes at Whetstone and Far East. You can help by donating any old dance costumes, skirts, hair pieces, leotards, leggings, fabric, sequins, beads, tulle, etc.

Any items given out as costumes are to be returned and we store them so they can be reused. We have to replace items that aren’t returned and repair any items that are returned damaged. The cost of replacing and repairing these items can be quite expensive. Some items are no longer available, if we don’t have enough to cover a larger class, we have to buy enough of something else that will. This is why in the past we had some classes order professional costumes.

Props: We provide the props used by any class. We have purchased Umbrellas, Hula Hoops, Masks, Balloons, Beach Balls, Suitcases, Streamers and made other props such as Lollipops, Candy Boxes, and Concession type props (popcorn, cotton candy, sno cones). These props are stored so they can be reused. Learning to dance with a prop is a skill.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to e-mail me.

I’m excited to announce that our Spring Recital will be held at Whitehall Yearling High School this Spring. We have outgrown the rec centers and this theatre is large enough to accommodate our audience of 400-700 spectators. 

This means we can invite as many of our friends and family to come watch our special dancers perform. The recital is free to the general public- no ticket sales.

There is a cost to renting this school so we ask that every dancer participating in the recital to please make a $10 donation to help with the costs of renting the school and other recital expanses.

More information on the recital will be going out in a week or so,

Excitedly,
Miss Nicole

Sponsor

$10.00