Term 2 Newsletter 2004

Hello Everyone

2004 is well underway. The school continues to grow and this year we have added jazz classes to our timetable. Welcome to our new tutors: Katie Hayward teaching Ballet, Sonya Hitchcock teaching Jazz and Abi Isherwood teaching Pilates. The atmosphere in all the dance classes is great with a real enthusiasm for dance evident across the board. The Level 1 Ballet Monday class is already full with a waiting list and to cater for the huge demand for spaces I am hoping to start an additional Level 1 class on Thursdays.

Farewell to Katie Burton:
We will all be sad to farewell our wonderful Contemporary dance tutor, Katie Burton who is off overseas at the end of the term. Katie will attend a dance festival in Vienna and then intends to spend some time exploring overseas dance/choreography initiatives before returning home next year. We look forward to welcoming her back ready to share her experiences and ideas. I hope to find a suitable replacement tutor for Katie in her absence.

Marian to Finish Teaching at PAS:
Many of you already know that I also teach ballet for another school - The Performing Arts School of NZ. I have had to make a big decision about my own teaching commitments and have decided that I will finish teaching at the PAS at the end of this year. The Torbay school has become so large now that I am finding it hard to maintain energy for both places. This has been a very difficult decision for me to make as this is my 15th year teaching at the PAS but I feel it is time to dedicate myself solely to teaching and running "Marian McDermott School of Dance" at Torbay.

Choreography (Dance Making) Sharing Day:

Sunday, June 20th 1.00pm - 3.00pm approx.

Venue: Torbay Community Hall - perform on the stage.
Students are invited to choreograph and perform a dance.
You need to choreograph it at home in your own time or contact Marian if you want to rent the hall.
It can be any style - ballet, contemporary, jazz, hip hop etc.
Can be a solo or a group - get together with some your dance mates - costumes optional.
You will be able to run through your dance on the stage before the audience arrives.
Sound system will be available - bring music on CD or Tape.
Katie Burton (herself a talented and experienced choreographer) will provide constructive feedback.
Friends and family are invited to watch.
To enter complete an entry form - $10.00 entry fee per item to cover costs.

Don't be shy to have a go making your own dance - it will be a fun learning day for you all!

Reminder - Suitable Dance Attire:
Just a reminder that it is important that the students come to their dance classes neatly dressed in suitable dance attire. Long hair needs to be tied back and for ballet students working at Level 5 and above a bun is recommended.
To enable us to teach effectively any warm covering clothing needs to be close fitting. If you are looking for a crossover or similar cardigan for ballet try "Glassons" or "Shanton" - crossovers are in fashion at the moment and reasonably priced.

Fee Payment Via Internet Banking or Direct Debit:

This option may suit some of you. My bank account details are as follows;
Name of Account: Marian McDermott School of Dance
Account #: 12 3059 0468074 000
Details to appear on my statement: Please include the words "Dance Fees" and clearly identify yourself by writing the name(s) of the student(s)

Annual Show Reminder:

Venue: Centrestage Theatre, Orewa.

Performances:
Saturday October 30th: 6.30pm
Sunday October 31st: 1.00pm and 4.30pm
To cater for the needs of the youngest students Level 1 Ballet students will dance in one performance only, Level 2 and 3 Ballet students will dance in two performances - details will follow closer to the time.

Theatre Rehearsals:
Friday October 29th: 4.00pm onwards - All Ballet students
Saturday October 30th: 8.00am onwards - Senior Ballet students, Contemporary Dance students and
Jazz students.

Please note these dates in your diaries now.

See you all there!

Marian

"Positively Ballet"

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