Cecil Dancenter Newsletter

September 2024

NEW CLASSES AND CLASS INTEREST

We are beyond excited that we have so many full classes already! In order to help all of our students enroll, we have added the following new classes:

• Monday 9:45am Toddler Dance
• Tuesday 4:15pm Combo
• Thursday 4:15 Level 1 Modern

If you would like to enroll or switch your current enrollment to any of these classes, please contact the office and we will get you squared away.

In addition, we are looking to offer another Level 1-2 class on Saturday mornings, so if you have any interest in the below styles, please let us know and we will put you on an interest list!

• Tap
• Jazz
• Modern

SPECIALTY CLASSES

Did you know we offer the following classes … adult classes, boys only classes, toddler classes, and teen classes? Pilates classes are also available (a separate rate structure applies to our fitness program). Click here for our class schedule or contact us for more information.

FALL INTO OUR FITNESS CLASSES - ALL BODIES ARE WELCOME

Our Pilates classes are just what you need to start that journey to building a better you! Join anytime... class pricing will be prorated. Click here for our fitness webpage.

• PILATES: Mondays from 10:30am - 11:30am and Fridays 2:00pm - 3:00pm. Want to dramatically transform the way your body looks, feels, and performs without bouncing, jarring, or stressing the body? Pilates is a safe, sensible exercise program that focuses on strengthening deep core postural muscles, creating a sleek, lean body.  No matter what your age or condition, Pilates will work for you! Instructor Tina Travers will put you through the paces to get results and have you feeling your best!

PARENT OBSERVATION

From Monday, October 21 - Saturday, October 26, parents are welcome to enter the classroom for the last 15 minutes of instruction time to see what their child has been learning. 

IN MEMORIAM... PAIGE MICHAEL'S FIGHT

Paige Elaine Michael, age 15, of Oxford, Pennsylvania, passed away on August 15, 2024, after a courageous five month battle with leukemia. Paige had been dancing since the age of two and attended Cecil Dancenter performing in numerous ballets with Cecil Dance Theatre. Her favorite show to dance in was the Nutcracker, especially since she loved Christmas. She had planned to continue dancing in college and wanted to choreograph for a dance studio when she was older. Paige was known for her infectious smile, vibrant spirit, and bubbly personality. She was pure joy and made the lives of everyone she met brighter. We will miss her and ask that if you are able, to please donate to the Eli Seth Matthews Leukemia Foundation, Inc. and please add in the note section “Dr Gresh’s research, in loving memory of Paige" at the following link: https://www.braveeli.com/donations/

STUDIO NOTES

• “Ballet Tech” means the class will focus on technique for the entire year and will not perform in the recital.
• Each lobby has a locked deposit box for you to drop off payments and/or paperwork when the office is closed. Please feel free to use this secure method to keep your account current and to return registration information.
• We have a lost and found bin at each studio location for items that get left behind; however, this bin is emptied several times a year with unclaimed items donated to Goodwill or discarded. So don’t delay… look today for lost items!

2024 RECITAL

• If you did not receive your trophy at the recital, you may stop by the office to pick one up. If your child participated in the final session but was not able to be in the recital, he/she is still eligible to receive a trophy.
• Elkton High School recital DVD's are still available! To order one, call the office or complete an order form from the lobby.
• If you ordered a recital DVD, they are available for pick up in the lobby of the main studio.
• If you had recital pictures taken in our studio by Amorin Photography, an email was sent out with ordering information.

To order photos from the EHS dress rehearsals, visit: http://amorinphotography.com and click on the dance gallery.

RECITAL DATES 2025

• Studio Recitals: Creative Dance and Dance Basics classes will have their recitals at our studio Saturday, May 31 – Wednesday, June 4.
• Elkton High School Recitals (Dance Fundamentals classes & up): ** NEW** Please mark your calendars now for the weekend of June 7 and June 8 for these recitals which is one week earlier than normal!  Classes will also have a stage and dress rehearsal the week leading up to the recitals (June 2 - 6), so plan accordingly for attendance at these rehearsals.

WE WANT YOU TO "LIKE US"

Keep up-to-date with general studio information by "liking" our Facebook page... click here. 

DRESS CODE

Please click here for information regarding our dress code for each of our dance styles. It is important that you dress appropriately so that the instructor can make sure your technique and form are correct. For classes requiring dance shoes we recommend purchasing those shoes at The Dance Station. Slippers found at Walmart or discount stores are not recommended as it's hard for the instructor to see if the foot is properly pointed.

NOTES ON ATTIRE: Although it is becoming more common to see professionals in the dance industry wearing crop tops, halters and sports bras, our studio requires dancers come to class dressed modestly with their torsos covered. We strive to promote a level of confidence that focuses on dance and not body image; therefore, students will be asked to change if they come to class exposing their torso. If you have any questions or concerns about this, please contact the office. Thank you for helping us to provide a family friendly atmosphere at Cecil Dancenter.

BALLET SLIPPER TIP

Please tuck your dancers ballet slipper laces underneath the top of the shoe. The lace may be cut shorter so it's more comfortable for your child (just make sure to double knot the lace). This provides a more aesthetic look for the mature dancer and for our younger dancers it helps the child/teacher to spend time on instruction rather than tying shoe laces.

PRIVATE LESSONS 

Private lessons are a great way for students to get personalized attention and individualized corrections. We have staff members available to give private dance lessons at a rate of $25-$82/hour. If you are interested in private lessons, please contact our office.

WALKING TRAILS

If you are looking to fill the time while your child is in dance class, we have walking trails behind the studio property that go behind both of the neighboring businesses and leads to the Elk Creek. Parents, or the entire family, can take time to enjoy nature and the trails. Make sure to check for deer ticks after walking the property.  

The Dance Station

Visit The Dance Station located next to studio C for all your dance wear needs. The September special is 10% off shoes.  Hours of operation: Monday thru Friday 11:00am-7:00pm; Saturday 9:00am-4:00pm; Sunday 10:00am-3:00pm for September. www.thedancestationllc.com; 443-674-8075