HDC October newsletter 2026

What a great start to the season!  We started off quite busy in all classes.  Here are some happenings and reminders.

All female dancers are required to wear leotards each week.  (ahem pre teens and teens) We allow sweatshirts and tshirts over leotards if it makes you more comfortable to start with but you should always have a leotard on under and be ready to take the sweatshirt off.  We understand if, once in awhile, you forget and come after a sport without one.  Just let the instructor know.  Another note about leotards: I see many younger dancers with their biketards on backwards.  Little girl biketards and leotards should have the high part of the leotard in front, not the scoop.  NO JEANS OR JEAN SHORTS. Please look like a dancer when you come to class.

EVERYONE should have the correct shoes and batons now.  Here is a link to the dress code page that has the Nimbly shopping link if you still need to order shoes.  Hip Hop classes (Tues and Wed) those shoes are ordered, and many are here already. https://heathersdancecompany.com/dress-code/   PLEASE LABEL YOUR DANCE SHOES, ESPECIALLY IN COMBO CLASSES.

Performance Opportunities:  None of these are required. If your student cannot participate, they will still learn the routine and be part of the class.

Christmas Program 2026 Sunday November 29th 2:00pm.  Dress Rehearsal Monday Nov 23 6:00pm  Tickets will go on sale Sunday Nov 1st at 12:00noon.  Each dancer will be allocated 4 tickets to purchase until all families have had the opportunity to purchase, then additional tickets can be purchased after Nov 8th.  We have 4 lessons in October, and 3 lessons in November before dress rehearsal and Thanksgiving, so we will spend most of the class times this month on learning these routines.

Costumes for Christmas program.  I will be assigning each class something to wear.  It will be as simple as possible.  The goal is for you to not have to spend a lot of money and to use something they will wear again.  Example: red shirt with black leggings, or Christmas dress.  We like having the program this early so that everyone can get in the Christmas spirit after thanksgiving, then have a lovely December without any stress. ?

JUST DANCE 2027 Saturday May 15th 11:00am show A, 3:30pm show B. REQUIRED Dress Rehearsal Wed May 5thfor ages pre dance, stage 1 and stage 2.  Thurs May 6th for Stage 3, teen, and advanced classes.

Costumes for the season end recital will be shown next week during PARENT WATCH WEEK Oct 5-10th. In order to participate in the spring recital dancers are required to attend the dress rehearsal, and purchase the chosen costume.  If there is an issue, please reach out to me and kindly, let me know of the conflict so I can try to work around it.  Orders for the recital costumes are Due Friday Nov 6th at the latest.  We will measure dancers in each class. Our instructors work very hard to find the best costume for each class. We work to find great costumes that fit EVERY body style and size, are not too itchy or chokey, and are within out price range.  The show (A or B) that each class is scheduled to perform in will also be announced with the costume orders. 

COMPETITION TEAMS! Late Dec-early March. Available for ages 6-18 We are proud to offer our currently registered students the opportunity to expand their dance skills and performance levels by joining one or more of our 5 competition teams this season.  Please note that this is not like “Dance Moms” although we do get a bit more strict with a competitive team, our goal is to encourage dancers to try and commit to something new, learn about being on a team that supports, encourages,  and gets to know each other better, and to be able to learn a routine and perform it on stage 3 weekends in a row!  Registration for comp teams starts Oct 4th.   When the classes are available, they will show up to register in your dance account. We have 1 long practice during Christmas Break to learn choreography, then have practice each Saturday in January, then participate in 3 competitions in late Feb-Early March.  

Here is a link to all the info including dates and price. Competition Teams 2027 Info Word Doc

Here is our BAND that I’ve already posted pictures of costumes for each team.  Competition Team Band 2027

#1 Hip Hop Sr team: Ages 9 and up, hip hop routine, Music: some cool mash up I haven’t made yet, High energy with classic hip hop moves and tricks   

#2 Hip Hop jr team: Ages 6-10 hip hop routine for our younger or less experienced dancers to Happy Dance by Scott&Mark Hoying 

#3 Jazz Team: Ages 9-18, Jazz routine. Music: TBA High energy, sassy routine with kicks, ripples and jumps 

#4 Lyircal team: Ages 9-18, Lyrical routine, Music:  TBA High energy with strength and story telling, turns and flexibility  

#5 Tap Team + Jr Jazz team: Ages 6-18 Music: Michael Jackson mash up with tap dancers ages 7 and up with appropriate skill, and jazz funk ages 6-10 (all would wear the same costume but we have 2 styles of dance happening at the same time)  

Little Caesar Pizza Kit fundraiser info was emailed out last week.  Paper orders are due to the studio by Saturday Oct 10th at 10:30am or sooner.  (the studio is only open Saturdays from 9:30-10:30am).  All online orders must be placed by Sunday Oct 11th by noon.  We will have delivery the week of Oct 26th.  Exact date and time TBA. Fund raised go toward costume expenses, recital props expenses, costume and tuition angel fund.

Parent Watch Weeks and Studio Calendar: HDC Calendar and parent watch weeks  The next Parent Watch Week is October 5-10th.

Parents, we absolutely love to partner with you to help your child become confident members of society.  I love the support that each family gives their child.  However, you are also distracting.  Please refrain from taking together or taking calls while in the studio (sound travels weird in there) and especially from waving or hollering across the dance floor to her or him.  The support you offer during parent watch weeks is as a silent observer unless the instructor requests something different.  We appreciate you!  Don’t forget that you can watch the classes on the livestream app BAND.  Be sure to include your first and last name in your profile so I can easily determine who is watching.  I want to be absolutely sure that it is only parents of the students that are watching and that a creeper didn’t get the link somehow. If I cannot tell who you are or who you belong to, you will be removed immediately.

HDC 26-27 season BAND  this one is for everyone

HDC Teen and Stage 3 BAND  this one is for students In Tuesday teen classes or Wed Stage 3 classes only.

SANTA PARADE: Friday Dec 4th (glow yourself up and walk or ride on our float in the parade). Starts behind the courthouse and goes up Clinton Ave.  We end behind the dance studio that will be open for warmth and coco and pictures with the Nutcracker Characters. (sign up to participate under events in our app)

Download our HDC APP:

Google Play Link

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.heathersdancecompany.mi

App Store Link

https://apps.apple.com/app/heathers-dance-co/id1642078746

https://app.jackrabbitclass.com/jr3.0/Openings/OpeningsDirect?OrgID=512919&session=2026-2027&sort=age,startdate,starttime

Mondays

4:15-5:00 Pre Combo ages 3-4 

5:00-5:45 Tumbling/HH Jazz 1 ages 5-6 

5:45-6:30 Ballet/Tap 1 ages 5-6

6:30-7:15 Tumbling 3 ages 10+

7:15-8:15 Advanced Tumbling ages 10+

8:15-9:00 Adult variety ages 18+

Tuesdays

3:45-4:30 Pointe ages 12+ (approval required)

4:30-5:15 Baton experienced ages 9+

5:15-6:00 Musical Theater teen ages 9+

6:00-6:45 Ballet/Lyrical Teen ages 13+

6:45-7:30 Tap Teen ages 13+

7:30-8:15 Jazz/Pom Teen ages 13+

8:15 -9:00 Hip Hop Teen ages 13+

Wednesdays 

3:45-4:30 Combo early 1-2 ages 5-9

4:30-5:15 Combo 1-2 ages 5-9

5:15-5:45 Pre Dance ages 2-3 

5:45-6:30 Pre Combo ages 3-4 

6:30-7:30 Jazz/HH/Pom 3 ages 10-12

7:30-8:15 Ballet/Lyrical 3 ages 10-12

8:15-8:45 Tap 3  ages 10-12

Thursdays 

4:15-4:45 Pre Tumbling ages 2-3 

4:45-5:30 Tumbling 2 ages 7-9

5:30-6:15 Jazz/HH 2 ages 7-9

6:15-6:45 Tap 2 ages 7-9

6:45-7:15 Ballet 2 ages 7-9

7:15-7:45 Baton jr ages 7-12

7:45-8:15 Musical Theater jr ages 7-12

8:15-9:00 Disney

Saturdays (all multi age/ level- designed for siblings to participate together recommended ages 5+)  no Saturday class in the month of December. 

9-9:45am Tumbling multi age/level ages 5+

9:45-10:15 Pre Combo (no tap, mostly tumb) ages 3-4

10:15-11:00am Musical theater child/adult 

Sunday May 31 1:00 show and 5:00 show

Clink the link to view the program from Canva without an account

https://canva.link/bpk259v8bs9ddo7

Spring Session Classes accepting registration now.

https://app.jackrabbitclass.com/jr3.0/Openings/OpeningsDirect?OrgID=512919&session=spring%202026

Spring-one day dance camps: Saturday May 16 only

Musical theater with Miss Izzy: ages 7-9 
9-10am $25

Musical theater with Miss Izzy: ages 10-18
10-11am $25

Try dance with Ms Heather: ages 2-3
11-11:45am $25 (all styles offered for this age)

Try dance with Ms Heather: ages 3-4
11:45-12:45pm $25 (all styles offered for this age)

Pre registration required

Tights!

Classes that are Pre Dance, Pre Combo, Pre Tumbling, and Stage 1 (on Thursdays) had tights included in the price of their costumes and I have handed them out this week.  I had ordered Medium Child for a few dancers but believe I have them toddler or Small Child instead.  If you would like a larger size tights for your dancer, please reach out to me, as I have an excess of MC and not enough toddler.  I am ordering tights again THIS Sunday, so if you’d like me to order tights and you pick up at the studio, just LMK what size you’d like.  All dancers should have tights the color of their flesh.  Natural. (I remember the days, when I was a teen in dance in the 80’s and we all wore shiny tan tights- blech!- lol) 

If you’d prefer to order them yourself and have them delivered directly to you, here is the link to the studio shop. 

Recital Tights shopping link 

Please remember that all dancers that are changing costumes, should have a nude color leotard under their costume.  It is twofold, a barrier against itchy costumes, and it maintains modesty.  We increasingly need to allow dads into the dressing room to help their daughters get ready for their show so we maintain modestly by not having anyone completely naked in the dressing room.  We do have pop up changing pods that dancers can use.  Included in that tights shopping link are some bodysuits you may choose.  It says required for all of them- but that is just so they show up on the list correctly.  You can also order from Amazon (just search nude bodysuits for girls or women).  If your young dancer is extremely sensitive to the costumes, you may choose a long sleeve nude Leo to wear under the costumes.  I told parents in the class this week that you may alter the costume however you need to in order for it to be comfortable for your dancer.  This should be within reason, of course. Taking clips out, adding velcro or buttons or snaps is perfectly acceptable. Be sure to have headpieces and hats to be able to secure to head with extra clips or elastic. 

Used Shoes:

This is the time of year that students are growing out of shoes and no one wants to order new shoes for 2 months of classes.  Ive recently received a large donation of used tap and ballet shoes.  All the shoes on the front shelves have been donated and can be swapped out with your current shoes or you can donate $10 to the studio shoe fund to take the ones you need. Leave a pair, take a pair.  

VOLUNTEER AT THE RECITAL! 

I need help at the dress rehearsals, and at both shows.  Here is the sign up genius to sign up for a spot to serve.  If you are volunteering in the dressing room, you may still watch your dancer perform from backstage.  We will need lots of help for the first show since it is the largest show.  Please note, that I will, again, have security at the program.  Students aged 9 and under will need to be signed in by a parent, and may not leave until all their routines are finished and the same parent signs them out.  We will begin our grand finale dance in all classes this week!  Try to stay for the entire show if you can, it is always fun to see everyone on the stage at the end of the show and everyone gets excited to do this fun “Celebration” dance. 

Sign up to help at the recital or dress rehearsal here

Where do I need the most help?  I am not allowed to leave my flooring or mats at the school between the 2 dress rehearsals, I am looking for an enclosed trailer to borrow for that day/night.  It needs to be big enough to hold the portable flooring and the mats at least, so like 12 foot. 

I always need help loading up at the studio and unloading at the high school then reversed on both dress rehearsal days, then again before and after the actual shows on Sunday. 

I will need lots of help in the dressing rooms, especially during the 1pm show that has the most littles in it.  Please consider helping keep them engaged, calm, change costumes, or shoes, and assist with potty breaks.  It’s loud and fun.  

Bring your costumes to dance class to practice with them in class the Week of April 20-23.  This is the week before pictures.  Please still bring or wear a leotard to change into in case there is an issue with the costume.  It is helpful for students to practice with costumes even before they get on the stage for dress rehearsal. 

Recital Show A tickets are sold out.  If your dancer is only in that show and you still need tickets, please message or email me. I have a few people that are willing to trade seats if necessary.  Lots and Lots of tickets are still available for Show B 5pm.  Please note that we have never had a sell out situation like this before for 1 show.  I am assuming it is because everyone wants to get done early on a Sunday, which we understand.  Teens and Pre Teens would prefer you see them in their second show as that is the one they tend to do better in.  If you would like to trade tickets to a show, please message me.  I will make the ticket link public in May if there are any left by then. 517-256-2074 Ms Heather.

Picture order forms are at the studio!  I keep forgetting to hand them out.  There are lots of affordable package options, not just what I included in the email before since it seems that the main order form did not download and send correctly. Picture date is Saturday April 25th. The schedule is attached.  

Here is all the line up information again for the shows.  It was last updated April 6th. Please go by this, and not what is written on the costume pictures at the studio.   Also included is the cast list that will be on the back of the recital t-shirts.  Please double check for correct name spellings. 

Attachment: Show B by family.pdf (926.7kB)
Attachment: SHOW B 5pm detailed updated Apr 4.pdf (357.2kB)
Attachment: Show A by family.pdf (1.1MB)
Attachment: SHOW A 1pm detailed update apr 4.pdf (411.2kB)
Attachment: DR Wed May 20 detailed updated Apr 4.pdf (276.4kB)
Attachment: DR Thurs May 21 detailed updated Apr 4.pdf (254.6kB)
Attachment: Tshirt back 2026.xls.pdf (26.2kB)

Attachment: recital guidelines 2026.pdf (183.4kB)

Attachment: Picture Schedule 2026-2.pdf (215.8kB)

If you do not already have the HDC app, please get it here.  All dance info is handy right here and much of it feeds right from our website. 

updated: April 4th, 2026

DR Wed May 20 detailed updated Apr 4

Download

DR Thurs May 21 detailed updated Apr 4

Download

SHOW A 1pm detailed update apr 4

Download

Dress Reh Wed May 20 by family

Download

Thurs May 21 dress reh by family

Download

SHOW B 5pm detailed updated Apr 4

Download

Show A by family

Download

Show B by family

Download

The last email I sent that had detailed recital information for what show each routine was in had some major flaws (including the Show A time).  As you know, I strive to help families save money and not have siblings or younger dancers in different classes split up between shows.  I am unlike most dance studios in the industry with this goal.  I am not always successful and I definitely was not this last time. Therefore, I have had to make some changes to the last line up sent.  Several, but not all, classes are in both shows.  If any class stage 1 or 2 is in both shows, I have put them at the end of Show A and the beginning of Show B so that families can plan to attend only 1 show if they want.  Performers could come late or leave after ALL performances are done.  Between shows, families are encouraged to leave and get lunch with friends and family. HDC staff is not responsible for your dancer if he/she stays at the school between shows. 

Remember that I will also need VOLUNTEERS at both shows to remain backstage and handle lining up students, engaging with dancers in the dressing room, etc.  I will have sign ups for that very soon.  I encourage you to consider volunteering at the show that you will not be watching if possible. 

Below is the new and improved Dress Rehearsal line up with call times for each class. (dates remain the same-very minor changes). 

Wednesday May 20- Stage 3, teen and adults

Attachment: Dress Rehearsal May 20.pdf (69.2kB)

Thursday May 21- Stage Pre, 1 and 2

Attachment: Dress Rehearsal May 21.pdf (291.0kB)

CLASS LISTING

Mon Tap 2 In the Mood Again Show A and B 
Mon Ballet 2 Flowers Show A and B 

Mon Jazz/HH 2 Spark Show A and B 

Mon Tumbling 2 Zoo Show A and B 

Mon Tumbling 3 The Love I Have For You Show A and B 

Tues Pre Combo tap I’m a Unicorn Show A 
Tues Pre Combo ballet Kindness Keepers Show A 

Tues Baton Goo Goo Muck Show A and B 

Tues Musical theater Mary Poppins Mash Up Show A and B 

Tues Teen Tap Soda Pop Bop Show A and B 

Tues Teen Jazz Copacabana Show A and B 

Tues Teen Lyrical Truth Show A and B 

Tues Teen Hip Hop 90’s Mash Up Show A and B 

Wed Pointe Have Your Way Show A and B 

Wed Combo 1 2 tap Kids Under Cover Show A 
Wed Combo 1 2 ballet When Will My Life Begin Show A 

Wed Pre Dance Big Brown Boogieing Bear Show A 

Wed Pre Combo tap Box of Crayons Show B.    
Wed Pre Combo ballet Kaleidoscope Show B 

Wed Lyrical 3 Honest Show A and B 

Wed Jazz 3 Confident Show A and B 
Wed Hip Hop 3 Debut Show A and B 

Wed Tap 3 Wonderland Show A and B 

Thurs Pre Tumb Walking with the Penguins Show A(Rennie, Hazel, Kendal, Sloan, Cyrus) 
Thurs Pre Tumb Walking with the Penguins Show B (Lyla, JoAnna, Magnolia, Adyson ) 

Thurs Tumb 2 3 4 Lemonade Show A 

Thurs Tumb 1 early That’s How You Change The World Show A and B 

Thurs Tap 1 Happy Feet Show A  
Thurs Ballet 1 Playtime Ballet Show A with Natalie

Thurs Tumb 1 late Golden Show A and B 

Thurs Advanced Tumbling World on Fire Show A and B 

Competition Teams (all 3) Show A and B 

Senior Solos (both) Show A and B 

Line up detailed and by family.  The fastest way to double check what show your dancer is in and if they are all in the same show would be to click the pdf of Show by family, scroll down to the last name that the family is registered under and check it out.  Do this for each show to ensure that your dancer is in 1 or both shows.

PLEASE NOTE THAT SHOW A IS AT 1:00PM AND SHOW B IS AT 5:00PM (since it is a Sunday, we needed to move both shows up so that everyone is done at a decent hour since there is still school the next day)  Both the dress rehearsals and the shows are at St Johns HS Auditorium at 501 W Sickles St. 

TICKETS TO BOTH SHOWS go on sale on Monday April 6 at noon.  Each seat is $15, lap child policy is 4 and under.  (if you purchase tickets to both shows, at the same time, there is a $4 discount for second show tickets).

Purchase Recital tickets Here starting April 6

Suggestion: Show A will be the biggest show, if you have family that can make either show,  please suggest to attend show B.   There is no limit to the number of tickets that can be purchased by a family.  Shows typically get close to selling out the week before the show. 

When the site is live, a screen will pop up asking you to type in your dancers name.  It will highlight which show your dancer is in so that you can double check that you purchase tickets to the correct show.  

MERCHANDISE:  Starting Monday March 30th at 2:00pm, you can use this ticketing link to purchase extra merchandise if you’d like to break up the expenses.  Our “Just Dance 2026” Recital t-shirt with complete cast list on the back, available this year in pink or navy, tank top or t-shirt, our color printed keepsake recital program, our rainbow rose bouquet in 3 or 6 stem, and our professionally recorded recital video available in digital download or USB will all be available to purchase from March 30 until May 15th. 

PICTURE DAY IS STILL SATURDAY APRIL 25!  The schedule is attached.  The majority of costumes are shipping today, there is only 1 teen Lyrical class that won’t get the rest of their costumes until April 11th.  

Attachment: Picture Schedule 2026-2.pdf (215.8kB)

Paper order forms will be at the studio after spring break.  Attached are the forms in a digital mode for you to look at ahead of time.  You can print these and use them if you’d like.  We have lots and lots of options this season.  Please be prepared on picture day.  Each costume and group needs a fully filled out order form to avoid errors and delay in getting you your pictures. 
Attachment: DANCE COLLAGE ORDER FORM-2026-page 2.jpg (802.7kB)
Attachment: DANCE COLLAGE ORDER FORM-2026-page 1.jpg (328.3kB)

I appreciate if you let me know if your dancer cannot make pictures that day so we are not waiting for him/her.  You are not required to purchase pictures but we still like a complete group for our composite and recital program. 

Lastly, ITS SPRING BREAK! NO CLASSES MARCH 30-APRIL 5. Classes resume April 6th and it will be Parent Watch Week!  

Blessings and Dancingly yours, 

Ms Heather

Due to instructor illness, all Tuesday March 17th classes are cancelled.  We will see everyone next week.  

Thank you for your understanding. 

HDC 

Looking for a meaningful way to celebrate Valentine’s Day this year? 🌹

We’ve teamed up with Woodbury Flower shop!
For $40, you can purchase a flower bouquet to be delivered on Saturday, February 14 to someone in the St. Johns area. You’re welcome to send flowers to a loved one—or consider spreading extra joy by sponsoring a bouquet for a senior in a local assisted living facility who would truly love the surprise.

Our dancers will personally deliver the flowers, making this fundraiser extra special. Your purchase supports two people at once:
❤️ the recipient of your flowers
💃 and a dancer raising funds for Dance at Disney

Orders can be placed using the Google Form below.
Thank you for helping us share love, kindness, and community this Valentine’s Day!

ShareTheLove #ValentinesDayKindness #StJohnsMI #SupportLocal #DanceFundraiser #FlowersWithPurpose

👉 Order here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScTxG_MlBVeHQaFXAV7SedwnErgBM7-WUmuPO2N3NGSZv6xxg/viewform?usp=header