Halloween ALL WEEK. Students are welcome to wear dance costumes or halloween costumes (within reason) to class all next week. Of course be sure that he or she can still move and participate in the class in said costume, if not, maybe just a mask or face paint….

Lots of new studio spirit Merch!

Order the new Be Kind shirts and the crystal bling warm up jackets before October 31 in order to have them ready by Christmas

Or, choose some of the in stock items we have! Bagged and ready for you to pick up in the front of the studio during any studio hours.

https://heathers-dance-co.square.site

Please note that parents that want to watch the dance classes, each class is live streamed through the BAND app and can be viewed as the class is live.  Please set up your Name on the app so that I can tell who your student is.  Example: Heather Reed (Kris mom) .  I periodically check to see who is watching, if I do not recognize the name I will either stop the live stream or remove you from the group.  (We have to be careful of creepers).  Also, please only watch YOUR students class.  It may be entertaining to watch other classes but that is not fair to the students that are in the class.

I have recently put a QR code reader on the door of the studio so you can join right from your phone if you’d like.  Just open your camera and hold it over the code, a link will pop up to open, then follow instructions from there.

Band App- Heathers Dance co  here is a link to directly join the group.  I also use this group to post randomly about studio information. 

Saturday mornings for 8 weeks. Tumbling

Ages 5-9 8:30-9:15am

Ages 7 and up that have a standing backbend (back AND up) 9:15-10:00am

Ages 9 and up that have a strong back walkover EVERYTIME 10:00-11:00am

View our 2020-2021 Class Listings with Register Option

Wed Pre Combo-Virtual ages 3-4 Wednesdays 2:30-3:10

Wed Combo 1 – Virtual ages 5-6 Wednesdays 3:15-3:55

Tues Combo 2 – Virtual ages 7-9 Tuesdays 3:30-4:10

Thurs Combo 3 and 4 – Virtual ages 10 and up Thursdays 3:30-4:10

Register online like a regular class.  A zoom link will be emailed to you when classes start.

There are also some private lesson options, message me if you are interested in that option.

There has been a minor schedule change.  Musical theater has been moved to Thursday’s 5:30-6:15 (it will include acting, singing and dancing this season)

Ballet/Lyrical level 3 is combined with either level 2 or 4.  If your dancer ages 10-12 in interested in ballet/lyrical, please message Miss Heather to see which class would be better for him or her.

The studio will be open Tuesday August 18th from 5:00-7:00pm then closed the following week and open again for the Open House Sept 2 from 3-7.  If you would like too make a payment, please mail to 221 N. Clinton Ave. St Johns, MI  48879 or Venmo @heather-reed-180 or PayPal heathersdancestjohns@gmail.com or pay with a cc online.

ONLINE REGISTRATION BEGINS SATURDAY AUGUST 1.

Ask questions anytime: text or call 517-256-2074, email heathersdancestjohns@gmail.com

IN STUDIO OPEN HOUSE – Meet the teacher, see the studio, get sized for shoes, etc.

Wednesday August 12th. 3:00-7:00pm

Wednesday September 2nd, 3:00-7:00pm

CLASSES START SEPTEMBER 8TH (The Tuesday after Labor Day)

Recital T-shirts Order Link

Order your recital t-shirt with cast list on the back by June 26th. You will be able to pick them up directly from Sports Stop.

If you’d like to order a recital video, please email Miss Heather heathersdancestjohns@gmail.com to place the order and send $37 DVD fee via snail mail to the studio 221 N. Clinton Ave., St. Johns, MI  48879, or Venmo @Heather-Reed-180 or PayPal, Heathersdancestjohns@gmail.com  Video’s will be ready in 4-6 weeks from the recital date.

SUMMER CAMP SCHEDULE AND 2020-2021 SEASON SCHEDULE WILL BE POSTED LATE JUNE!

Hello Dance Families,

This week dance class is the dress rehearsal, please have students wear costumes to class to practice in.  (Hair and makeup is optional).  The schedule with each student name and practice time is at the end of this email. Please look carefully as some students show and practice times have changed from last week.

How the Recital and Pictures will work:

Each show has 35-43 students participating in it. Show A is at 10:00am, Show B is at 12:00pm,. Show C is at 2:00pm.  SHOW A AND B ARE ABOUT AN HOUR LONG, SHOW C IS ABOUT 1 1/2 OR 2 HOURS LONG.

PLEASE REMEMBER THAT WE ARE STILL TRYING TO LIMIT OUR EXPOSURE TO EACH OTHER AND BEING IN PUBLIC.  As much as I would like to make this a huge community event, we will need to limit the number of people that you invite to watch.  Please be aware that I have several students that have low immune systems that are still wanting to participate but need to limit their exposure to others.  Please only have 1-2 people per student come to watch.  I ALSO ENCOURAGE YOU TO WATCH YOUR STUDENT, GET PICTURES TAKEN AND LEAVE THE AREA TO MAKE ROOM FOR OTHERS.

I am not selling tickets or setting up seating.  Please bring your own lawn chairs.  We will have a table for donations to help cover the cost of renting the stage.  If every family donates $5, we will cover the cost, anything additional will go toward studio summer expenses.  I appreciate your generosity.

Students with costume changes, we are setting up a little “tent city” in the grass stage right (by the ramp).  We have several parents already bringing tents with separate rooms and pop up shanties, but if you have anything to bring, it would be helpful to keep kids distanced and modest while changing between routines.

When you arrive (ARRIVAL TIME DEPENDS ON YOUR PICTURE SCHEDULE, BUT PLAN 15 MINUTES BEFORE THE SHOW STARTS),  please find a space to be in.  Students will meet at the bottom of the ramp (stage right) to line up for their routine.  They should stay with their parent until their performance, unless, of course, they are in multiple routines.  We will have 8.5×11 signs with the class song name that we will hold up so that you can see when we are “calling” you to be ready.  We will have 1 class on stage, 1 on the ramp, and 1 getting ready at the bottom of the ramp.  We, of course will be keeping the student distanced as much as possible.  If you’d like your student to wear a mask until they go onstage, that is perfectly acceptable to me.  I am happy to hold it until they come off stage.

The Picture schedule is also attached.  The photographers will have roped off areas and distance lines for everyone, along with sanitizing procedures between students.  The schedule is not set in stone.  If you arrive and see that there is room for you, get your picture taken.  I have tried very hard to have students be able to arrive in their first costume, get picture taken, then perform or perform then get picture taken so that it is close together.  The students that are in multiple classes, of course, are different, but I have still tried to make it quick and easy.  You are not required to purchase pictures, but the studio wall composite will be all individuals this year versus groups.  If you do not want to get pictures taken, I am not offended, if you only want to get pictures taken with 1 costume, or with siblings, that is all fine with me.  HOWEVER, to make the process go quickly, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THAT YOU PREORDER PICTURES FROM THE LINK I SENT LAST WEEK OR  ON THE STUDIO WEBSITE.  AND, HAVE POSES PICKED OUT FOR EACH COSTUME.  I will not be there to pose students since I will be running the shows.  Again, our goal is to pose, snap, and go!

T-shirt orders will be ready next week.  I will send an email to families to notify them when they can pick them up directly from Sports Stop.

SUMMER DANCE CAMPS: I will be offering a few summer dance camps in July.  Info to be posted later.

Attachment: PICTURE SXCHEDULE 2020.pdf (43.2kB)

Attachment: Modified Dance Schedule 2020.pdf (49.1kB)

PRACTICE SCHEDULE FOR THIS WEEK. (ALSO ATTACHED AS AN EXCEL SPREADSHEET)

As restrictions begin lifting and the weather gets good, I’m looking at lots of different outdoor options for the dance recital.
We are making all routines “no touch” and modifying or removing lifts, partner work, and floor slides (if we have a “less than desirable” stage flooring).
We may not be able to gather in large groups, so I am also making a plan to have 3-4 smaller recitals by family to showcase these great kids hard work, beautiful smilies, costumes, and to reward them for sticking with the zoom classes.

Get started with Zoom:
Zoom is a free app/online download. If you’d like to use your phone or tablet you can download the app through your Google Playstore or Apple App Store. If you are using your computer, you can download here: https://zoom.us/signup. You will need to have this app in order to participate in the class. This allows everyone to see each other and the teacher to answer any questions you have while also ensuring you are dancing safely and correctly. Classes will be 20-40 minutes, depending on the level and style. Assuming you are dancing in your bedroom, basement, living room, etc., we will do our best to give you a complete, yet modified class. All dancers can take classes at their level or below, but may NOT take a class at a higher level as we don’t want you to practice incorrectly or hurt yourself.

To join the class: simply click on the link to the class listed under the “Zoom schedule”. That tab will log you right in to the class (or waiting room if you’re a few minutes early). If you are having issues accessing the class feel free to call or text Miss Heather at 517.256.2074. Feel free to give the link to caregivers as needed if parents are still at work during the class.

You can also find the zoom links, the meeting ID, and passwords on our HDC  Calendar

What to wear:  Dancers can wear whatever is comfortable to move in. If you’d like to put on leotard and tights to have some “normalcy” during this time, feel free- I actually recommend it! If you want to wear yoga pants and a t-shirt, that is fine too. Please avoid super short shorts (because we can see you at home) and baggy pants (because we can’t offer any corrections without seeing your legs). Typical dance shoes are best.

What you need: 

• Find any space that you can move around without too much around you. If the weather is nice, feel free to dance outside!
• Pre Dance and Pre Combo: need a scarf this week.
• Tumbling: have space, all levels need a stuffed animal of some type.
• Ballet classes (level 1 & up): find something to use as a barre such as a wall, counter, or chair. Ballet barres are traditionally 42-44” off the ground. You can do ballet on carpet or hardwood/laminate, just make sure you wont kick anything.
• Jazz, Hip Hop class: Find a space that you can lay on the ground comfortably and move around without too much around you.
• Tap Classes: If possible, find any floor in your house that isn’t carpet. Laminate, hard wood, etc. work best. Title is difficult and sometimes too slippery. A piece of plywood or cardboard will stop your floors from being marked up.

All classes have been modified to accommodate a smaller space than the traditional dance studio, so you should be able to take class in your bedroom (great excuse to clean your room!), basement, family room, or kitchen.

​Remember teachers will also be teaching in their homes (my dogs and cats really like to videobomb), so it’ll be a learning process for everyone!

Here is the daily zoom class schedule. Remember that you can take any class that is of the same level or below what you are currently enrolled in.

Calendar for ZOOM Classes

Heather’s Dance Co (HDC) families,

I am praying this virus is stopped in such a miraculous way that only GOD gets the glory! We are adapting every day to what the new “temporary” normal is looking like and are excited to announce that our new normal includes LIVE online classes starting next week, but kicking off with a dance party Friday night! We were excited to get content onto the YouTube channel Heather Reed- HDC Youtube Videos, emailed out and put on the band app this week to help us get through March, but it appears we may be social distancing for a bit longer. This method allows us to reach our families, connect with the dancers, and still provide you a quality dance experience the best way we can, given the circumstances.

While we were originally closed for Spring Break next week, it seems that now is the time kiddos and families need routine and activities to stay positive. We are hoping to be a positive part of your day and something for your kiddos to look forward to. Our faculty will be offering these exclusive LIVE online classes for all current HDC families through Zoom video conferencing starting Monday, March 30^that regular class times. We have had great success testing this model out with a few teens and parents over this week and are excited to expand our offering to every age and level.

Check out more details about the HDC website- Zoom Classes You can pick to join in for any class time at your level or below. (This is a great opportunity to make up missed lessons)

PARENTS OF TEENS : I would love to send your dancer his or her own invite to each class, if you reply to this email with your dancer’s name and phone number or email address or both, I will invite them to each of their classes.

Kicking it off with a ZOOM Dance party Friday night!  Friday March 27^th 7:00pm-7:30pm ages 2-9 (levels pre, 1, and 2)  7:45pm-8:15pm ages 10 and up (levels 3, 4 and adv) Be ready for a dance scavenger hunt, awesome beats, and a dance challenge!  DANCE PARTY AGES 2-9 Meeting ID: 606 461 238 Password: 073718  DANCE PARTY AGES 10 AND UP  Meeting ID: 997 299 881Password: 006875

Test for parents and teens Thursday March 26^th at 7:00pm  Set everything up and join this test meeting before Friday night. TEST ZOOM MEETING  Meeting ID: 452 711 780 Password: 009311

*At this point we are hoping we can reopen the physical studio on April 14 or 15^th.  Time will tell, but everything scheduled after that date is currently still happening.

**Pictures have been tentatively moved to the day of the Recital.  (definitely not my first choice due to hecticness, but we will do what we need to do) Recital tickets will go on sale Saturday April 25 at 10am.

***April and May tuition is due as usual. May classes will now be extended until May 22^nd (possibly beyond) Log into the parent portal Parent Portal HDC to pay with a credit or debit card,  send tuition via paypal as a friend heathersdancestjohns@gmail.com, or mail a check to the studio 221 N. Clinton Ave. St. Johns, MI  48879

While we are hoping most families will join us for these online classes and continue to support the dancers and studio, we realize this may not be suitable for everyone. If you are not able to join in the zoom classes or are having a financial hardship due to this pandemic and are seeking financial aid in the form of tuition assistance, more time to pay, or to drop your students class, please email Miss Heather at heathersdancestjohns@gmail.com or reply to this email.

If you able and interested in donating to the studio at this time we would appreciate any amount of support. Your donation will ensure that Heather’s Dance Company can continue to pay our teachers and stay open via zoom during this pandemic, so that when the social distancing/quarantine does end, and it will, we can still be here to share our love of dance with you and the community as we have done for 25 years. Make your donation Donation Portal today (to log in use email: hdcmissions@gmail.com password Dancedonation2020) and help keep the arts alive.

As always, we are so thankful for the wonderful families of this community. Whether you are needing aid, joining us for online classes, or making a donation we value each and every one of you. We hope you and your family are staying safe and doing well. Please note that Miss Heather and staff will be praying for each family individually this weekend throughout the weekend. Please reach out to us if there is anything (even beyond dance) that we can do to help you and your family during this time.

Thank you for your continued support of our studio, our staff, and the arts,

Dancingly Yours,

Miss Heather

Until the restrictions are lifted due to the COVID-19 virus, the studio will be closed.  Please stay tuned to your email accounts and the studio BAND app to stay updated with virtual class links and challenges.  We know that it is not the same as being in the studio, but we are all in this together.

Miss Heather