Such an exciting time at Surge! The dance competition season has begun, we are preparing for our Spring Show "Dream", and we are focused on making your children the best dancers they can be! This newsletter is filled with information for you!

 

Sincerely,
Annalise Espinosa
The Surge Dance Center

 

New Program!

We want to motivate the Surge dancers to become more flexible and better turners! Practice at home is key! The kids can get onto the Wall Of Fame! If you child is flat on his/her right, left or middle splits they can receive a certificate of recognition and a Surge bracelet.

 

 

We want you children to have every opportunity to be the best student they can be. Hair can be a big distraction if it not properly secure. Please be sure to have your child's hair in a ponytail with clips in bangs or hair off the the neck out of the eyes.  Fixing hair takes away from important learning time in class. A bun is always appropriate for class. It is a great way to help your dancer spot properly on turns. Please remember that dancers should always have a bun for ballet class. It may be a good ideas to send your child to school with her hair up on dance days.  

It will save time if they ride the bus to Surge!

 

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Dance Fundamentals

 

We have had a lot of questions about what make an athletic dancer. Below are a few questions and answers for you!

 

Flexibility

 

Flexibility is one the most important qualities a dancer can posses. Being flexible makes all dance steps easier to do and will give your child confidence  in their ability to perform choreography being taught.

 

FAQ's about stretching:

 

Q:Is stretching in dance class enough to become flexible?

 

A: No,  Daily stretching at home is extremely important. Students read and practice math facts on a daily basis. Just add stretching to your son or daughters daily routine.

 

Q: What age should a student start stretching?

 

A: If a student is old enough to be in dance class they are old enough increase their flexibility. It is easier for students to increase and maintain flexibility through the teenage years if they start young!

 

Q: Is it okay to push my child down in a stretch?

 

A: Yes, but there are a few rules to follow. Make sure your child is warm and has completed a series of cardio exercises first. Then, have your student do each stretch on their own before putting pressure on them.

 

Q: My child is already flexible and can do all her splits. Does she still need to stretch at home? 

 

A: Yes! The dancer who already has their splits should be working on their hyper extended stretches or "over splits."

 

Strength

 

Pairing flexiblity with strength creates a dancer that has freedom of movement! Strength allows dancers to defy gravity, control movements, and turn multiple rotations!

 

Q: Do ankle weights help with strength? Can my student wear them in class?

 

A: Yes and yes! Students level 3 and up  are encourage to wear weights in jazz, lyrical, conditioning.  Your teacher will tell you when to put them on.

 

Q: Are there Strength exercises that my child can do at home?

 

A: Yes! Check out the practice chart for guidance.

 

 

Technique

 

Technique is the cornerstone of dance training. Proper placement and control are vital to a dancers training.

 

Q: How do I help my child better her technique?

 

A: Technique class! At Surge we have a jazz level 4  tech class (Mondays 4pm) and a level 5/6 jazz tech (Wednesdays 6:00pm). We also have a ballet 5/6 ballet technique class (Monday 6:30pm). Conditioning classes are a great way to increase strength, endurance, and flexibility (  various Saturdays at 10:00am level 2 and up).

 

Practice At Home

 

The three dancers who put in the most practice time each month will be entered into a drawing for free summer tuition! The drawing will be held in June! 

 

Click below to download an "at home practice" chart. The Chart must be turned in to the front desk receptionist at the end of each month.

 

SDC At Home Practice Chart 

 

 

 

Lobby / Studio Rules

The lobby at Surge can get crowded at times.  We have found the need to set a few general rules so the common space is comfortable for all to enjoy!

1) Please do not run or participate in horseplay in the lobby.

2) Clean up all garbage in cubbies and on tables.

3) Please do not allow your children practice tumbling or tricks.

4) Use inside voices.

5) Supervise young siblings  at all times.

6) Please discourage climbing or standing on any equipment, furniture, benches, etc., in any part of the studio.

7) Dancers are to wait inside Surge to be picked up. 

8) No playing in the parking lot.

9) No gum in the dance rooms.

10) Parents should only enter the studio room when invited by the instructor.

11) If you would like to speak with your child's instructor on a topic that will take longer than a moment, please schedule a time to have a phone/physical meeting. Please do not try to talk at length in-between classes.

Sick Students  We would like to remind you of our sick student policy. We would like to ask you to abide by the following guidelines when deciding if you should send your child to dance class.   Keep your child home if he or she has the follow symptoms: A fever of 100 degrees or more within the last 24 hours. A contagious virus or a bacterial infection such as pink eye. An uncontrollable cough. An unidentified skin rash.  Your child can make up their class in a similar class anytime within 30 days. We would rather have your child have a productive class when they are healthy rather than to sit out feeling unable to dance. If you are not sure if you should send your child to class, call us at SDC and we can help.   Thank you for your cooperation!

Way to Go Voltage!  SDC's Voltage Team just had an super successful competition this weekend at International Dance Challenge Competition! To name just a few: "The Hill"-Platinum/Best Emotional Execution/ 1st in category, 1st overall Junior small group/ Ultimate 1st overall "Fairytale Romance"-/High Gold/"Proptastic" Award/1st overall Production "More to the Story"-High Gold/ 3rd overall/entertainment challenge invitation "9 Crimes" - Platinum /Emotional Execution award/ 1st overall Large Senior Group/ 3rd Ultimate Overall "Moves Like Jagger"-Platinum/1st in category/ Energy Award/ 3rd Overall Senior Small Group   "Creators"-High Gold 1st in category/ Technical award/ Invitation to Entertainment Challenge  "Another Cha Cha"-High Gold/ 1st place in category /3rd overall Junior Large Group   Check out our Facebook page for to see a few pictures of the weekend!   SDC FACEBOOK    Thank you to all the Parents who helped with sets and props this week! From recovering stolen sets/props, to rebuilding, to loading and unloading....So grateful to have a team like you!

Lead Role Rehearsal

Lead role rehearsals start this Saturday! All Lead and Chorus dancers parents will receive an email outlining a specific rehearsal schedule. The calendar will be sent by email tomorrow.