Hi Everyone! Hope all of our dancers are now adjusted to their new dance classes. I think overall the year has begun very smoothly. This is the third of several newsletters to come. As mentioned previously our newsletters will be sent every 4-6 weeks. If you have not received the previous newsletters please let us know and we will get those to you as soon as possible. If you have any concerns please do not hesitate to contact us. The best way to reach us is via email at mhdcdance@comcast.net Don't forget to become a friend on facebook at Melissa Hoffman Dance or a fan at mhdancecenter. Please note: as of November 15th we will be adding late fees to all accounts in arrears. Please be sure your account is up to date. As a reminder November marks payment #4. ****We will be closed Wednesday November 23-Sunday November 27 for Thanksgiving**** |
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Snow Policies
How To Be Prepared...
It is hard to believe that we already need to address snow days. In general always refer to our studio answering machine at 886-7909 or our website www.mhdancecenter.com for updates.
AM Dance Classes
If school is cancelled or delayed in Hudson, Litchfield or Londonderry there will be no am classes. As was the case with this week's power outage, if we can hold class we will call you.
Afternoon Dance Classes
For afternoon classes we will post by 2pm. If there is no school does not necessarily mean we will not have dance
If any day is cancelled more than 2 times we will schedule a makeup class-otherwise feel free to do a makeup in a similiar or same type class. |
In The News
Our Dancers In the News
We are truly proud of ensemble Subtle Intuition who did an amazing job performing the National Anthem at the Moore Mart event in Londonderry last weekend. Moore Mart is a non-profit organization that collects goods to send to our service men and women in Irag and Afganistan.
This weekend several of our dancers will participate in Dancers Making a Difference which raises money for a local Food Pantry. We are also extremely proud of our continued efforts with the Make a Wish of New Hampshire-last year we exceeded $100,000 donated. Sixteen years ago I realized that the dancers could do something great by doing something they love!! And, giving to other children made so much sense.
Each year in the month of February as close to Valentine's day as possible, our dance companies along with dancers 6 and up that would like to commit to a few rehearsals get the opportunity to perform. With the money raised for the performance as well as a raffle bigger than I have ever seen, we are able to raise $5-$10,000 a year. It is definitely our favorite day of the year!! It is also heart warming to see some of the children who have benefited by having a wish granted. Mark your calendars for February 5th! Be watching for more information on how to participate in our next newsletter! |
Featured Family
Meet the Shaw Family from Amherst, NH
We are very proud to have been part of the MHDC family for over 11 years now! It all started when we moved from FL to NH back in 2000 and began taking classes at Melissa Hoffman Dance Center because of excellent recommendations from studios around New England . The 4 Shaw girls have all enjoyed attending classes and calling the studio their second home. First, we have Amanda, who is 19 and a sophomore at the Boston Conservatory majoring in dance. She enjoyed being part of the MHDC company for 10 years and currently choreographs routines for MHDC and other local studios. Then we have Katie, she is 18 and attending Keene State College majoring in film production. She was also involved with the dance team for many years and still visits the studio every now and then to substitute teach on weekends. Next we have Becky (14) who spent her early years dancing here, but found her passion in basketball and is now pursuing that. Lastly, we have Emily who you can find around the studio to this day! She is 13 and absolutely loves taking class, and spending time with her friends at MHDC.
The parents? Glad you asked! We have our dad, Darin, who is the senior pastor of Christ's Church of Amherst . And our mom, Shari, who works as a flute instructor and substitute teacher in Amherst , Mont Vernon , and Tyngsboro. You could say our lives are busy with colleges, middle and high schools, work schedules, basketball games, dance classes, competitions and performances but we love every chaotic minute of it! We are so glad that we have found a second family and home in MHDC. We have not only received an outstanding dance education here, but also gained life long friends. Thank you MHDC, for helping sculpt us into the dedicated individuals we have grown up to be, and continue to become. |
Peek Week
Get Your Cameras Ready!
During the week of Monday November 14-Saturday November 19 we will be holding our annual Peek Week. This is an opporunity to see your dancers class in full. Be sure to bring your cameras!!
A couple of things to note about Peek Week..
1. Your dancers may act differently with a room full of people-this is normal.
2. Teachers will make general corrections, but tend not to single out any dancer while there is a full room-can be embarassing to the dancer.
3. Though we welcome younger siblings we do ask they you do not allow them to wander about the dance room
4. Above all-enjoy the class!!
Note: The parking lot as well as the building will be very hectic. |
Costume Deposits
It's Time to Begin Preparation
During the same week as Peek Week costume deposits will be due for our annual performance on Saturday June 23. Planning for recital is much like planning a wedding, but for hundreds of bridesmaids and groomsmen. Costume orders must be placed early to guarantee on time delivery.
Although recital participation is not required it is a time a year our dancers young and old (the 3 year olds are the hit!) can't wait for! If you or your dancer chooses not to participate please let our office know.
A deposit of $65 is due for each class your dancer participates in. This will not include any technique classes (for those who take multiple ballets please make one deposit at this time and we will determine which classes perform), music theatre, lyric and Parent/Tot (these classes do not perform in the recital). Balances will be due by March 15 and will appear on your accounts by March 1. These balances generally run between $5-10 for our youngest dancers (though at times there is not a balance) and $10-20 for our older dancers. Most classes will receive tights with their costume as well. **These deposit charges will appear on your account as of November 1 if you choose to pay this via your online account or in our office prior to the week of November 14.
The following classes will not require a deposit as we will put costumes together at a later date. Hip Hop 11+, Hip Hop 13+, Adv Hip Hop, Hip Hop 10-12, any pointe, any male dancer-***for our male dancers: please let us know if a charge appears on your account for your male dancer as they automatically are assigned by class.
Please be watching your email as we will be sending recital forms separately. Please note: we cannot order a costume without a deposit.
***Note: if you have dancers in multiple classes and need to set up a payment plan please do so with our office before the deadline of November 19*** |
Upcoming Events
Quick Look of Calendar Events
November 11th
Veterans Day
We DO have classes
November 14th - November 19th
Peek Week
November 19th Costume Deposit Deadline
November 23rd - November 29th Closed for Thanksgiving Break
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Book Your Birthday Bash
Allow Us To Make Your Child's Day Truly Special!
The votes are in and MHDC is the way to go for celebrating your child's special day! Dedicated to making each party a unique experience, MDHC offers a variety of party themes, in addition to creating your own theme! Kids love the non-stop fun and games while parents love the ease of planning and hosting (not to mention not having clean up duty).
Here what a couple parents had to say:
"The girls all had a fabulous time! Miss Adria had them up and grooving the whole time with fun, active games and dance routines! The staff took care of absolutely everything, all we had to do was bring the cake and party favors and then enjoy watching the fun!"
-Carol Goff, mother of Chloe
This year I decided not to have my daughter's birthday party at home to avoid dealing with the after party mess. I saw the MHDC website offering Birthday Bashes and thought it could work. I was right! My daughter had the best time celebrating with her friends. The girls danced, played several games and the staff was super professional, efficient and sweet! I was thrilled that I didn't have move a finger while enjoying and having quality time with the moms! If you are looking for a great place to celebrate your child's birthday party, think MHDC! They take care of all the details, your kids have fun and parents feel pampered by the staff!
-Isabela Bennet, mother of Cassia |
We hope you will take full advantage of all the new offerings MHDC now has. We will be open on Veterans Day November 11. Enjoy the fall weather and see you at Peek Week!!! |
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Zumba Fitness
Come see what the latest dance/fitness craze is all about! The first class is free so grab your friends and come join the party!
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