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Greetings!
Welcome to our new AFDS families and welcome back to our returning ones. We hope you have all had a relaxing summer and are getting geared up for all the activity this fall, especially dancing at AFDS!!
I've missed all of you so much and am looking forward to seeing everyone and getting to know all our new students and their families.
CLASS TIME REMINDER
The AFDS faculty teach classes back to back and cannot hold discussions with parents between classes. Please do not approach a teacher to discuss something during class hours. If a teacher stops to speak with parents, even for a moment, he or she is leaving the dance studio unattended which is not acceptable. We ask that you respect this policy of NO conversations between classes between parents and faculty.
Your questions, concerns, comments should be brought directly to Robin. She will notify the appropriate staff member or schedule a conference if one is needed.
We are so excited to share our amazing renovated and updated 6000 square foot facility, with you and your entire family! The NEW UPDATED AFDS features: - Four state-of-the-art studios, all brand new flooring!
- Brand new carpeting throughout waiting areas and dressing rooms
- Fresh coat of paint everywhere
- New plaque shelving to display our dancers most special achievements
- Six restrooms with motion sensor lighting and new flooring.
- Six private changing rooms with NEW overhead motion activated LED lights.
- Brand new reception desk with dance wear and shoes
- Homework/waiting area with large flat screen TV with reminders of events and happenings around the studio.
- BRAND NEW high-def cameras with wide angle lenses for improved parent viewing
It really is the most beautiful studio around. Guest choreographers and families coming from other studios remark immediately upon entering. We are beyond excited to get this year underway and can't wait to see all the dancers back in action.
Sincerely,
Miss Abigail Fine
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Updated Calendar & Opening Days!
New GOOGLE Calendar On the Website!
www.afdance.comSelect "Calendar" Classes begin Sunday, 9/13, but we are closed 9/14 and 9/23. This calendar will be updated as we go along the year. Father & Daughter dates will be determined in December 2015. Stay tuned. Please take a moment and review the google calendar to make sure you don't miss a beat.
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WHAT TO BRING WITH YOU THE FIRST DAY OF CLASSES
Please print and complete this form (see notes below)
With the recital week mid May again (May 9-15th), we need to order costumes in the first 8 weeks of class to ensure they arrive on time.
Make sure to leave room when you are measuring, we recommend adding a minimum of 2 inches for growth but you know your child best. Please print out the form, fill it out and turn it in to the front desk on the first day of class.
If you need help, please come in at least 15-20 minutes early or plan on staying 15-20 minutes after class, and it would be our pleasure to assist you. We thank you in advance for your help and patience as you won't be the only one who needs assistance.
A FINE FACULTY 2015-2016
We have an amazing group of teachers lined up, all of whom share a passion for teaching dance to kids. Check out the quick bios on the right. For more in-depth bios, visit our website under the http://afdance.com/faculty.php tab.
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Getting to the AFDS322 Reservoir Street, Needham Directions Off Central, turn South onto Reservoir Street. Continue straight until nearly the end of the street. You will see signs directing you to 322 Reservoir, a red brick building with green awnings. Please use the center doors. 
Parking Parking is sometimes difficult at early evening drop off and pick up times but if you remain patient and careful you'll definitely find a place to park. We will also do our best in the winter to have an apprentice or faculty member outside for quick drop offs. If you park in spot marked for other businesses, or make your own spot, you could be towed at your own expense.
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DRESS CODE & REQUIRED DANCE SHOES
Under "Dress Code" on the website you will find the basic information. We have set up a fabulous deal with Curtain Call and Capezio to bring you the best quality shoes at deeply discount prices. Please visit http://afdance.com/dresscode.php for more info.
Please Robin at the desk to size your child. Remember there may be people in front of you so please be patient.
HELPFUL HINTS ABOUT DRESS CODE:
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BLACK leotard (no colorful under garments permitted) -
BLACK SPORTS BRAS ONLY!
- TAN OR PINK tights for all ballet and dance classes. Technique class you may remove your tights ONLY if your teacher gives you permission. But no wasting time, move quickly.
- Appropriate shoes. Remember, if your child's shoes fit from last year, please continue to wear them. There is no need to buy new ones until December 1st (competition dancers) and January 1st (recreational dancers)
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Hair
MUST (repeat MUST) be pulled away from the face and be secured in back either in ponytails, braids, twists, buns, etc.
- For all BALLET classes, your child must be in a secure bun.
For children with shorter hair, use headbands, bobby pins, barrettes, etc. to hold hair off the face. This is so important to maximizing your child's progress in dance.
- The front desk will NOT always have extra hair ties so please be sure to stock up your dancers bag full of the things she needs to secure her hair.
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AFDS Studio Polices
The dancers and faculty are very excited to have our beautiful space all updated and back in tip top shape, so we ask you respect the rules and make sure if you have family, friends, siblings with you they respect it as well.
Keeping our Studio Clean and Functional
- No street shoes are allowed on the studio floors -- EVER. (That means you, too, mom & dad!) We have replaced and installed the high-tech, sprung floors covered in specialized dance-quality materials to protect dancers' joints. Grit from outdoor shoes ruins these floors! To keep the floors nice, everyone should wipe their feet on the entrance carpet. Dancers should put their shoes in the dressing room cubbies before class and wear their dance shoes to the classroom. Parents, if you are visiting a classroom, please just slide your shoes off before entering. Thanks!
- No food or drinks are permitted anywhere in the studio except for the homework/waiting room. Gum is not allowed anywhere in the building. Please be courteous and clean up after yourself and little ones.
- ONLY water bottles are permitted in the studios for the dancers. Please do not send your kids with snacks to eat during water breaks. Food is not allowed in the studios. Eating during class is messy and bad for your dancer's performance. Students can eat between classes while seated in the homework area ONLY.
- Children and parents are NOT permitted to enter ANY studio without an AFDS staff member. Dance rooms without classes cannot be used as playrooms. With all the high tech equipment and mirrors, this is an especially important rule. Please respect it.
Homework Room/Waiting Area Etiquette
- The lobby and the homework/waiting area are "quiet areas." Please show your respect to our dancers, the instructors and other families by keeping noise levels to a minimum at all times. If you are unable to keep your kids/group quiet, you will be asked to leave the building and come back at pick up time.
- Always clean-up after yourself and your children. Obviously this is just common courtesy and I don't need to remind the majority of you. However, there are always a few...!
- Lost & Found will be located in the back corner of the dressing area tucked back near the cubbies. This will be cleaned out periodically and donated so make sure to check often for your lost items.
Student Behavior - Please make sure students are on time for classes, in appropriate attire, and with hair pulled away from the face.
- All staff and instructors should be addressed as "Miss" or "Mister" and their first name. This shows basic respect for your teachers and must be followed.
- No foul language, attitude, yelling or disruptive behavior is allowed in the studio at any time. If a student becomes agitated or frustrated, he or she is encouraged to sit quietly for a moment until able to rejoin the class.
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AFDS DANCER OF THE MONTH
Beginning Janaury 2015 we instituted a new program at AFDS called "A Fine Dancer of the Month". The Dancer of the Month will be someone who the staff wants to recognize for exceptional attitude, effort and character. The Dancer of the month will be someone who is hard working, friendly, enthusiastic and open minded. All the qualities that we value here at AFDS. Dancer of the Month will be chosen by a consensus of the staff.
Look for our January-April 2015 A Fine Dancer of the Month website. Each DOTM will receive a free pair of dance tights from our store as well as special certificate congratulating them.
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HIP HOP & TUMBLING CLASSES
We are adding more acrobatics and tumbling classes to our schedule. Please let us know if you want to add one to your dancers schedule. Acrobatics and Tumbling is great for dancers of all ages becasue it helps their conditioning, strengthening and flexibility. We love having our dancers work on their tricks because it helps them to feel confident in and out of the studio. We have these classes as full year, but with no performance. If a class of kids wants to perform I will check with the families before we decide to do this. Monday 5:30-6:30pm REGISTER HERE
Kids Hip Hop (ages 8-11)
Tuesday 1:45-2:45pm REGISTER HEREHip Hop & Tumbling (ages 5-7)
Tuesday 4-5pm REGISTER HERE2 rooms available if we need different level Wednesday 4-5pm Kids Hip Hop & Tumbling - FULL
Thursday 4-5pm REGISTER HEREThursday 5:30-6:30pm REGISTER HERE <---- 1 spot leftHip Hop & Tumbling (ages 9-12)
Thursday 6-7pm REGISTER HEREThursday 7-7:30pm REGISTER HERE
Only available as an add on class to existing program.
Acro & Floor Tricks (advanced level)
Friday 4:15-5:15pm Kids Hip Hop & Tumbling - FULL
Friday 5:15-6:15pm REGISTER HERE
Hip Hop & Tumbling (ages 9-12)
Sunday 4-5pm REGISTER HEREBeginner/Intermediate
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AFDS HOURS OF OPERATION
TEL: 781-449-4800
Email: Robin@afdance.com
Email: Abigail@afdance.com
Monday 1-9:30pm
Tuesday 1-9:30pm
Wednesday 1-9:30pm
Thursday 1-9:30pm
Friday 12-7:30pm
Saturday (closed except for events/private lessons, etc)
Sunday 4-9pm (sometimes earlier)
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is bridging the gap between art and athletics. She brings professionalism and, organization to every class, routine and costume selection. Holding dual degrees in Exercise Physiology, Nutrition and Health, and Dance and Somatic Movement Therapy, Abigail sets out each day to inspire
dancers to constantly raise their "barre" and have confidence in who they are. She encourages them to learn vocabulary and proper form and placement, even with the little ones while make it silly and fun at the same time. The older dancers are known for saying "Class is over? That was an hour?" She explains things in a way they understands that pushes them to work as hard as they can each day.
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Our studio mom, as well as Miss Abigail's mother, she loves taking care of the families and the children. With band aids and stamps as well as hugs and smiles, she helps everyone feel good, not matter the situation. She brings organizational and superior customer service experience she helps to support the faculty, families and dancers.
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Judging competitions has given Cailin a unique perspective on contemporary ideas in choreography and she is excited to bring that knowledge to our competitive students as well as our recreational classes. Having been a professional performer in Las Vegas, NYC and more she brings teaching and performing experience to our dancers of all ages and levels.
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Our AFDS fitness guru. Her goal every day is to educate and train our dancers to understand why developing a strong body, mind and healthy relationship with oneself and others is important to being a powerful and controlled dancer/person. Miss Jenna has spent her adult life training and getting certified in so many different forms of movement. is a certified strength and conditioning coach and uses this knowledge to help our dancers inside and out of the studio.
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Miss Kristin began flipping and dancing when she could walk. Growing up as a well rounded performer, Miss Kristin's favorite performance experience was when she was hand selected out of thousands of dancers to be a back up dancer at Monster Jam in 2004. To this day, she is most inspired by dancers, no matter their level. She loves helping people and looks forward to everyday as a gift.
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Mr. Sun has been a teacher of ballet for over 23 years in some of the best ballet and competition studios throughout MA. He received his early training at the New York School of Ballet and went on to a professional career, performing as a dancer with the Houston Grand Opera. His witty sence of humor he brings to ballet class has the kids laughing everyday. Then they learn very quickly how to get focused and back to work.
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Brittany holds a BA in Dance from Dean College and has danced in professional and regional groups since 2008, dancing in numerous theaters and public venues with Boston Tap Company and others. Brittany is excited to share her passion for dance with aspiring dancers of all ages.
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with a smile so big and positivity galore, Miss Shawna brings a wealth of knowledge and dance expertise as well an energy and enthusiasm to her classes and the studio atmosphere. Kids love Miss Shawna because she teaches them what loving dance is all about.
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competed as part of a regional and national winning dance company and trained in ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, and hip hop. She recently received her bachelors in both business management and dance. The past two years Sarah has been a part of the Boston-based company, Project Nailz and has had the opportunity to compete at World of Dance New Jersey, taking home second place with her company.
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Artistic Director of Aurora Borealis Dance Company, graduated Cum Laude from Salem State University with a degree in dance. Her training and experience is vast and she is inspired each day by movement and music.
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has been has been recognized nationally, receiving Top Choreographer Awards and has toured with regional ballet companies in MA. She has performed professionally and in the off-Broadway show, "Break The Floor" at age 13. She was a semi finalist on SYTYCD season 2 and since has been traveling the world choreographing and teaching. She is excited to have joined the AFDS faculty.
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Is a well rounded and positive ballet teacher. She believes that dancers can accomplish anything they set their minds too. She add pilates based barre work into her classes and knows the kids love the challenge.
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is a certified dance educator through Dance Teachers Club Of Boston and Dance America. Her passions are ballet and contemporary but is a well rounded dancer and teacher. She loves to inspire dancers to control their body and maintain awareness of their placement. She loves kids and loves to watch them grow throughout the year.
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