POSTED: JUNE 17, 2008

Congratulations to all the dancers!!! The performances were fantastic on Sunday. I was very proud of everyone. Come by today for Student Appreciation Day from 4-7pm to celebrate your accomplishment.

To: Arts in Motion Families
Re: Arts in Motion Water Bottles
Post Date: 6/4/08

I have recently become aware of information regarding a chemical in plastic water bottles called BPA or bisphenol A.  Some studies have concluded that the substance may be associated with negative developmental and reproductive effects particularly when heated. I immediately contacted the manufacturer of our water bottles to determine whether our bottles contained BPA.  They assured me that their products comply with current FDA standards though our bottles do indeed contain BPA.  Because they are aware of the concerns regarding these products they are phasing out all of their bottles with BPA and hope to have a BPA free line of water bottles available by the end of the summer. 

Due to this information, we will no longer be selling our water bottles.  We will return to providing cups for the water fountain and are looking into purchasing recyclable cups for the studio.  If you are concerned about using your water bottle, feel free to bring it back to the studio.  In the event that we receive new BPA free bottles I will be happy to replace it for you.

I will keep copies of information from Consumer Reports on file at the front desk if you wish to read it or you can go to the Consumer Reports website (ConsumerReports.org) to get their latest updates. If you have any questions, please feel free to call us at 734-222-6246.

Posted: May 28, 2008/Updated May 29

The concert is approaching quickly.  Tickets will be on sale at the front desk on June 2.  Tickets will also be available at the door.  Each family will be given 2 free tickets.  Dancers do not need a ticket. Toddlers and parents do not need tickets. All other tickets are $7.  Children under 3 are free.  Please do not bring video cameras – we will have the show professionally video taped and will produce DVDs for purchase - $20.  Sign up to receive your copy at the front desk.  You may take photos during the concert, but only without flash.  It is traditional to give a dancer flowers after a performance – nothing extravagant is necessary – a carnation is a lovely choice. Photos from photo day will be distributed at the concert if you have not picked them up at the studio by then. We will not have a reception after the concert, but on June 17 from 4-7 we will have Student Appreciation Day at the studio – Hot dogs, face painters, balloon animals, games and music. 

I will need several volunteers on Sunday: four parents to sell tickets (2 at each show) and two people (1 at each show) to distribute photos.  Let James or me know if you are willing to help with this.

For those of you in the performance at 1pm on Sunday, June 15 (DS 1 and 2 all days, BD 1 and 2 all days):
During your class period the week before the show, we will have dress rehearsal.  That means please bring your costume, tights and have your hair up and away from your face.  We will rehearse a bit and then at the end of class will invite parents in for a practice run.  Feel free to bring video or still cameras if you like.  For Beginning Dance classes we will run both dances – modern/jazz/ballet and their tap piece.  If you are still in need of tights, please let us know asap. 

On Sunday, please come to the theatre at 12:30pm in costume and ready to dance.  If you feel comfortable I recommend a little blush and some pink lipstick so that your dancer will be seen under the stage lights.  Toddlers will dance first (no costume or makeup for them).  I will need one parent per class to volunteer backstage during the show.  Once the children are in place before their piece you will be able to return to the audience to watch the dance from there.  Please let your teacher know if you would like to volunteer for this position.

After each piece the dancers will come down off the stage into the audience to sit with their family.  If you must leave at any point please wait until a dance is over, but if at all possible try to stay. 

For those in the performance at 3 on Sunday you will have a dress rehearsal (costumes only, no makeup) on Saturday 6/14 from 9:20-4.  You are not required to stay for the whole time, just for your own dance’s time slot (see schedule at the end of this note).  You will bring your costumes and leave then at the theatre overnight.  There are two dressing rooms, a backstage area and a cafeteria for changing and waiting between pieces.  Each dancer will be assigned a location when they arrive for dress rehearsal.  The pieces will not be rehearsed in program order.  There will be posted signs that indicate what program order will be on Sunday. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your time slot to find your way to the theatre and get in costume.  If you will be at the theatre for some time bring water and a snack and possibly a book or something to do.

On Sunday, please arrive at the theatre at 2:30 and wait in the cafeteria until the audience and dancers from the first show have cleared out.  Come with makeup on (blush, lipstick, mascara if you wish) and hair done.  Bring water.  All dancers will stay backstage until the show is over.  Leave all costume pieces in designated baskets backstage.

Remember:  we do have class the week after the concert.  If you will not be able to attend, please let James know so we can plan ahead. Also, be sure to register for summer and fall classes - they are filling up!

Thanks and Happy Dancing!!

Rehearsal Schedule for Saturday June 14 at Saline Middle School: 7190 N. Maple Rd., Saline, MI 48176 go to www.salineschools.com and click on the schools link at the top left of the page for a map to the school.