Lisa’s Letter for Simcoe, Volume 25 Issue 1

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Welcome back!

I am so pleased to welcome back former clients and to meet new families who have joined us for our TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY!

Since registration is now fully online, please take a moment to introduce yourself to me in September as I miss the opportunity to meet everyone during the “old” registration process.

Section links

Recital Dates for 2025

Recital dates are May 31st and June 1st at the Sanderson Centre in Brantford. There will be three separate performances but each recreational class performs in only one show. Please inform us of any conflicts ASAP!

Dress rehearsal will be at the Sanderson Centre, Brantford on Wednesday, May 28th.

Picture Day is booked for Sunday, May 25th at the studio.

After recital, all students will head back to class for two more fun-filled weeks of dance! During the first week, dancers are welcome to “try a new class”. The second week will be “bring a friend” to dance. Our last day of classes will be Monday, June 16.

LNDC Staff

I am so happy to announce the addition of several instructors who are former LNDC graduates! We welcome Sarah Allen, Sarah Wilkinson, and Emma Onifrichuk. Another former graduate, Kylie Hamelin, will be filling in for Miss Diane until she finishes her maternity leave.

Instructors

Admministrative Staff

I am so pleased to introduce such an amazing team!

  • Kathryn Gorzo – Office Manager
  • Teraina Clark – Sub Office Manager & Photographer
  • Wendy King – Competitive Costume Coordinator
  • Jane Dawson – Recital Costume Coordinator
  • Rick Ward – Accountant
  • Jarrod Daley – Tech Support
  • Shari Hamelin – Custodian

Dance Studio Pro Software

We are still on a learning curve with our new software.

There is a 2% “convenience fee” that we must charge if you sign up for Auto Pay. This will allow your tuition to be taken out the first of every month. We understand that this “convenience” might not be worth it. You are welcome to switch to E transfer instead!

Also, the tuition statement in your parent portal does NOT include HST. That gets added on when you make a payment. We have not raised our tuition this year.

Tuition is divided evenly into 10 instalments due the first of every month beginning in September. Christmas and March break are NOT included in tuition. All other charges such as spirit wear or recital USB’s can be paid with e-transfer, credit card/debit in the office (again a 2% convenience fee for credit card payments and for 1% debit card payment in the office), or going into your parent portal and paying with credit card (again a 2% convenience fee for credit card payments).

Download the DSP App through the App Store or Google Play. The app is a great way to stay on top of all studio communication, especially if your email system tends to put our emails in your spam folder.

Student Information

Please let Kathryn know if your child has any health or developmental issues so that the teachers can be aware and, therefore, contribute to his/her success.

In the Parent Portal, you can add information to Medical and Allergy Notes.

Costume Deposits

To help us with the extensive expense in ordering recital costumes, we will be charging a $50.00 costume deposit per class. Ex. If your child takes tap and acrobatics, a deposit of $100 will be required by January 1, 2025.

New Second Location in Brantford!

Sean and I are very excited to announce that a second LNDC will be opening in Brantford this coming October! The studio at 18 Papple Road will be directed by my colleague Vicki Fletcher, and it will have the same high expectations for all dancers, a strong and supportive faculty, and the same family atmosphere as we have here in Simcoe. Please find more information on our website and spread the word to your Brantford friends and family!

Recital USB

You can still purchase a USB that includes all three Spring Recitals! They are $60.00 including HST. They can be ordered though your portal, under Shop, then Store.

Recital Medallions

There are leftover medallions for any dancer who left early in the office as well as extra programs.

Recital Photos

If anyone forgot to pick up their pictures at recital or if you wish to order additional copies, please contact Henry at henrymendel@rogers.com

Lockers

All dancers are welcome to rent a locker for their belongings.

Here is the procedure:

  1. Students can sign up for a locker beginning Monday, September 16th.
  2. The cost to rent a locker for the year is $45.00. That includes a $5.00 lock rental that must be returned for a refund.

LNDC Shoe Swap

There is a box of used shoes by the stairwell that parents can search through. In return, we ask that parents also contribute used shoes to the box for others to enjoy!

RAD Ballet Examinations

We had a fantastic celebration for the ninety-five ballet dancers who participated in ballet exams and class awards at our diploma day this past Thursday evening!

Ballet students at LNDC have the opportunity to take an examination (with recommendation from our Ballet faculty) in their grade level. An examiner from the Royal Academy of Dance comes to the studio for this event.

Please speak with your teacher if you have any questions.

Ballet Dancewear

Grade 1 – Grade 5 dancers will need a character skirt and Black oxford style character shoes by the end of October. We have a seamstress in Waterford who makes the skirts for us. Please contact Jacqueline on her cell 519 410 2488 with your dancer’s waist size and length from the waist to 3 inches below the knee.

Shoes can be purchased at Step n Out in Hamilton or Al’s Shoes in Simcoe.

Character Skirt Exchange

If your child has outgrown her character skirt, please bring it in and hang it in the staff room costume rack. Please label your name, contact number, and the price you wish to receive. We recommend half the cost that you paid for it. That way several LNDC dancers can benefit from gently used character skirts this coming year!

LNDC Competitive Performance Company (CPC)

In addition to recreational dance, LNDC offers competitive dance to children who exhibit exceptional talent and/or potential. Students must be strong dancers in both jazz and ballet before being considered. An extra commitment is required from families who pursue competitive dance. The CPC travels to four competitions where they perform their routines before a panel of adjudicators. If you would like more information, please see Lisa or Kathryn for a handbook.

Social Media

Please join our private Lisa Naves Dance Company Facebook group!

Follow us on Instagram at @lndcdance and @lndcdancebrantford

Please take the time to leave us a Google Review!

Lobby Information Displays

You will notice the new TV screens installed to keep you up-to-date on current events at the Lisa Naves Dance Company. Many thanks to Jarrod Daley for all of his hard work!

Family Viewing Week

November 4-9 One family member is welcome to come right into the studio to view classes! Please… no younger siblings which will disturb the focus of the class. This is a good way for our ballet faculty to update parents on whether or not dancers might be ready for an examination.

Reminders

  • All past due accounts are subject to interest at a rate of 1.5% per month or 18% per annum. A $30.00 processing fee will be added for all pre-authorized amounts that are declined by the bank.
  • There are no tuition refunds for withdrawal from class during the middle of a month. Payment for the next month and thereafter will be stopped. The deadline to drop any or all classes is January 1, 2025. Since recital costumes must be ordered at that time, a dancer who drops after this date will be charged a $100.00 cancellation fee per class to cover the cost of the costume.
  • If a dancer is absent from classes, payment must still be made. It is the responsibility of the dancer to attend classes regularly. In cases of injury or prolonged illness, a doctor’s note must be provided in order to receive credit for classes missed.
  • Please call the studio when the dancer is absent, for any reason. If you know you are going to be away for an extended period of time, please let your teacher know. There is a section in your parent portal to do this as well, under Attendance, and follow the prompts.
  • The studio will be closed for the following holidays and events:
    • Fair Day (Tues. Oct. 8)
    • Thanksgiving (Mon. Oct. 14)
    • Halloween (Thurs. Oct. 31)
    • Family Day (Mon. Feb. 17)
    • Good Friday (April 18)
  • Dancers are welcome to make up these classes by joining an alternate class.
  • Please do not park in front of the World of Plumbing loading dock or next door at the Union building. Also, do not park in the one space designated for our tenant.
  • There is a baby change table in the girls’ change room bathroom upstairs and also in the downstairs family washroom. We also have a microwave in studio A lounge. There is a water fountain on each level. There are two homework areas in Studio C Lounge and Studio A Lounge.
  • We have NEW wireless Internet access. Access via QR code will be posted throughout the studio and on the info displays.

LNDC Important Dates 2024-2025

  • Monday, September 9 – First Day of Classes
  • Tuesday, October 8 – Young Canada Day (studio closed)
  • Monday, October 14 – Thanksgiving (studio closed)
  • November 4-9 – Family Viewing Week (one parent per dancer)
  • Sunday, December 15 – ASSISTANT CHRISTMAS PARTY!
  • December 23-January 4 – Christmas Holidays
  • Monday, February 17 – Family Day (studio closed)
  • Sunday, March 2 – Competitive Performance Company Showcase! (SCS)
  • March 10-15 – March Break
  • April 18 – Good Friday (studio closed)
  • Sunday, May 25 – Recital Picture Day at the studio
  • Wednesday, May 28 – Recital Dress Rehearsal at the Sanderson Centre
  • Saturday, May 31 & Sunday, June 1 – LNDC 25th Annual SpringRecitals! – (Sat. 1pm, Sat. 6:30pm, Sunday 1pm)
  • Wednesday, June 11 – CPC Auditions for 2025-2026
  • June 16 – Last Day of Classes
  • August 5 & 6 – LNDC Summer Intensive (Both days mandatory for CPC)

LNDC Student/Parent Expectations

Student Expectations

  • Please be on time for all classes and visit the restroom before class.
  • No water bottles are allowed in the studios. Please label your bottle and use the fountains to refill.
  • Please label all footwear, bodysuits, etc. with your name.
  • No jewelry or gum is allowed in class.
  • A positive and respectful attitude is expected at the studio.
  • Students shall not gossip, put down, or act better than other students.
  • Cyber-bullying, or bullying of any kind, will NOT be tolerated!
  • Please remove all shoes at the front door and place them on the shoe racks.
  • Please pick up after yourself and keep the change rooms tidy.
  • No food is to be eaten in the change rooms.
  • Attendance at every class is necessary and expected.
  • If you must be absent, please phone or email the studio to let us know. There are no refunds given for missed classes.
  • Please leave all valuables at home! We are not responsible for lost or stolen items.
  • Please notify Kathryn or a teacher immediately if you witness any theft, vandalism, etc. Remember, this is your second home!

Parent Expectations

  • Please label your child’s dancewear and footwear.
  • Check your email for notifications on a regular basis!
  • Please inform Lisa and Kathryn if your dancer has any medical or behavioral issues of which teachers should be aware.
  • Please remove all shoes at the front door, especially in slushy weather!
  • Younger siblings of dancers are more than welcome at LNDC! However, no horseplay will be tolerated. Parents: please keep an eye on your children and help to tidy up after them. They must remain on the same floor as you and cannot play in the stairwell.
  • Please contact the studio if your child will be absent.
  • Please encourage good attendance and being on time.
  • Please be prompt in picking up your child after class (especially late at night)
  • Please make sure that your child is adhering to the dress code and is properly outfitted.
  • Please encourage practice at home.
  • Please speak to Lisa immediately if there is a concern to avoid spreading negativity throughout the studio. If we do not know of a problem…we cannot attempt to fix it!!!
  • Please encourage students to keep valuables at home.
  • Please check the Lost and Found boxes regularly (girls’ change rooms).