Dance News - December 2024

Written By Kyle Mathews

IMPORTANT LINKS

Spring Dance Recital (March 16, 2025)

The Nutcracker and the Magic Carousel (February 16, 2025)

General

Dear Music House Dance Families,

Welcome to Family Week! With The Nutcracker, Spring Dance Recital, and pointe readiness assessment approaching, it is an exciting time for Music House dancers! 

SPRING DANCE RECITAL DATES AND LOCATION

All Music House dance students will be performing in the Spring Dance Recital:

  • Date:

    • Sunday, March 16, 2025

  • Where: 

    • ChiArts High School, 2714 W. Augusta Blvd

  • Times:

    • 1:00 Female-Only performance for West Rogers Park Girls Only Classes

    • 2:30 for West Rogers Park classes  

    • 4:30 for Humboldt Park classes 

Rehearsals

Each class will have one rehearsal on the weekend of the show. The rehearsal schedule will be announced in January. Rehearsals will be mandatory and closed to parents and families. 

Note: There are no dance classes at the studios on March 15-16 due to the recital / rehearsals.

Opt-out of Recital

If you wish for your dancer to not participate in the recital, you must complete the Opt Out form before Jan 15 so that we do NOT charge the $75 participation fee to your Music House account.

AT-HOME PRACTICE

Practice music and videos will soon be available. Note that Music House’s 100 Day Practice Challenge will start in January. This challenge is a wonderful opportunity for prizes and motivation for practicing in preparation of both the Spring Dance Recital and The Nutcracker and the Magic Carousel. Dancers can practice on low-pile carpet, wood, and other smooth flooring; if you want to provide a proper and safe surface, you may decide to purchase or build an at-home practice floor or dance mat (makes a great gift!).

PARTICIPATION FEES FOR THE SPRING DANCE RECITAL

Each dancer has a $75 participation fee per class, to be charged on January 15th. Dancers who participate in two or more classes will pay no more than $150 total. 

The costumes will be coming home with dancers in early March. While measurements help get the best fit for sizing, you may need to make small adjustments. LABEL EVERYTHING WITH YOUR DANCER’S NAME; this includes dance shoes, tights, water bottle, snack container, etc.

TICKETS TO PERFORMANCES

Live performance is an important part of the learning process. Be there to applaud your dancer!  Tickets for the Spring Dance Recital can be purchased at HERE. Tickets are $20.00 when purchased prior to the day of the show. Tickets are $25.00 when purchased the day of the show. Seating is general admission for all performances.

DANCE HAIR OPTIONS

Unless specified otherwise by the teacher, all dancers should have their hair secured neatly away from the face and off the neck for classes, rehearsals, and especially performances.

For dancers with long or mid-length hair, options include...

  • Ballet Bun or Braided Bun

For dancers with textured hair, options can include...

  • Bantu knots

  • Sleek high poof

  • Boxed braids

For dancers with hair too short for a bun, options can include...

  • Gel or bobby pins cross-pinned to secure hair away from the face

  • Small ponytail(s)

  • Thin headband matching the costume

DANCEWEAR BASICS

Now’s a great time to make sure your dancer is set for their basic dancewear.

  • Skin Tone Leotard or Base Layer: Music House requires all dancers to have a skin tone base layer for all dance performances. This is for the dancers’ safety and modesty.

  • Tights: Most costumes and class dancewear require tights. While this doesn’t apply to all dancers and costumes, it is good to have a clean pair of dance tights and a backup pair for all performances.

  • Dance Shoes: Most dance injuries derive from poor footwear. Check that your dance shoes are not worn out and that they are properly fitted and clean on the bottoms.

  • Dance Undergarments: Don’t forget to address any undergarments your dancer may need for comfort and support. Dance-specific items are available for purchase in breathable fabrics in a range of skin tones.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding  Music House’s Dance Program, we are here to listen.

Sincerely, 

MH Dance Team 

Kyle Mathews
Next

Dance News - October 2024