First Letter

 ​Kerri’s Dance Studio … 1851 Madison Ave. Suite 500 … 323-7396
www.kerrisdancestudio.com
 
Welcome to the 26th season of dance at Kerri’s Dance Studio. We are looking forward to a great year and lots of fun. For those of you who are new to KDS, a special welcome and we hope you enjoy your time with us. Of course to all my returning students, I hope you had a great summer and are ready to get back to dance. I am so excited to get back to class after 4 wonderful recitals – Thanks so much for a great weekend. We are so excited about all the new classes we are able to offer this season and looking forward to watching the kids learn and grow too. And of course, welcome back staff as well! We are saying goodbye this year to Miss Katie, Miss Eastin, and Miss Molly but we are excited to welcome a new teacher, Miss Ashley Cavanaugh will be joining us. Ashley grew up at KDS and is excited to be back teaching. While in college she did substitute now and then but we are glad to have her on board full time for Saturdays. Ashley has a degree in early childhood development and is ready to bring her passion for teaching and love of dance together at KDS. Also joining us AGAIN this year after a little hiatus to start her family is Miss Natasha Grimm Gregory. Natasha will be teaching classical ballet and is a retired prima ballerina with Ballet Nebraska, she too grew up at KDS studio until pursuing a ballet career full time at age 15. We are blessed to have her skills and wisdom shared with our students.
            The following are some of the guidelines and policies of the studio. Please be sure to read this section and discuss these things with your dancer/s, especially if you are planning on dropping your dancer off or carpooling.
            The Parking – Main studio (1851 Madison Ave.) There is ample parking RIGHT in front of the studio. We do ask that if your classes are before 6 you do not park directly in front of the businesses on either side of the studio. Also be sure to always watch for little ones entering and exiting the studio. At the Mall of the Bluffs location the best place to park is near the Planet Fitness location. Our bay is just inside those doors near the food court.
            The Dress Code – ALL STUDENTS must follow the proper dress code for class every week. The first time there is a violation of the dress code the student will be warned; a card may be sent home with the student. The next time there is a violation the dancer will be asked to sit out of class and a parents will be notified. All dancers in all classes should wear fitted tops that are made for dance and athletics. NO T-SHIRTS. Athletic tops do not say Old Navy or GAP. Please be sure your tops are designed for dance and athletics. The only pants allowed in class are those that are fitted from the thigh to the ankle and do not lie past the anklebone. If a dancer wears long and/or baggy pants to class they will be asked to take them off and borrow a pair of shorts for class. Shorts, skirts, leggings, and fitted capri pants are perfect for class. No denim please, not even stretch denim. Please use your best judgment when helping your student select dancewear, and if you are not sure, just ask. But do have another selection with you in case you are asked to change. All dancers in classical ballet MUST wear a leotard and tights. NO EXCEPTIONS. This is for the dancers’ safety and proper fit of the shoe as well as visuals for muscle development.
            The dress code is in place so that the staff and I can see posture and body alignment and do our jobs properly in instructing your student. This way you are getting the maximum benefit from your class time. Each individual teacher may have a certain part of the dress code they maintain differently, for example teacher may allow tennis shoes for hip hop. Teachers will address these issues the first weeks of class.
            Shoes – You will find a list of class times and the required shoes for that class in this packet. Shoes and proper dancewear can be purchased from the KDS “Madison Avenue” dance shop. The dance shop will be open Tues. Wed. and Thurs. starting Aug. 8th from 5pm to 8pm. The KDS dance shop carries all the shoes required at the studio in stock and orders take only 5-7 working days. We also have the latest dance fashions in stock so please come in and check us out. Please be aware that the dance shop carries some shoes that are not the “required” shoe for KDS. This is because we supply other studios dancers as well. We would be happy to help you with sizing and fit and show you are new inventory of fun dancewear.
In the Studio – Dance shoes only should be worn on the studio dance floors. Please no street shoes unless otherwise instructed. Cheer students may wear tennis shoes to class as well as all boy hip hop dancers, just be sure they are clean. There is no gum or candy allowed in the studio during classes. Students may not wear jewelry to class that may be distracting from instruction. Parents are expected to wait in the designated waiting areas and not enter the dance rooms without permission. Parents should refrain from speaking to students during class and should wait until the breaks for changing shoes or the end of class. This is so students can focus in class with minimal distractions. Siblings should only be in the waiting rooms when absolutely necessary and should be kept quiet and not permitted to enter the dance room. If the entryways become distracting screen doors or curtains will be closed and parent viewing will only be allowed the first lesson of each month. I apologize if this sounds harsh but it is the best way to ensure class is worthwhile and rewarding and in the end the students feel confident. There is no food or beverages allowed (other than water) anywhere in the studio. Please do not enter other dance rooms, even if they are not being used at the time.
            In the dancers lounge there are benches, coat hooks & shoe cubbies for dancers to store shoes and personal items during classes. No dance bags or coats should be left in the waiting area or brought into dance rooms. Please be sure to label your dancers shoes with their name or initials. Any shoes or other items left behind will be placed on the lost and found shelf for 4 weeks, after that they will be donated.
            Please do not leave valuables in the waiting area. Bring purses into the dance room and leave on the bench in your sight. KDS will not be responsible for any lost, missing or stolen items. It is best just to leave valuables at home!
            In climate weather – Kerri’s Dance Studio will follow the Council Bluffs School district in regards to cancelling due to weather conditions. If CBCSD cancels school for day, has early dismissal, or cancels evening activities due to weather, KDS will cancel classes. If you are unsure we will post on Face book, our website, and put a message on our voicemail by 3:00pm. Classes cancelled due to weather will be made up in the spring. A schedule for those make-up options will be passed out in classes. If you are living in a rural or outlying are or you are just uncomfortable coming into class due to weather, please just call the studio and let us know. We understand and do not want anyone to risk themselves or their kids just to get to class.
 
            *IMPORTANT  POLICY - Lesson and other fees – Lesson fees are due the first week of every month. You will be required to pay for lessons whether or not your student attends classes. If a student misses three lessons in a row their position in class will be made available to anyone on the waiting list. If you know your student will be absent from class please call and let us know. If your student will be absent three weeks or more please see your instructor to make arrangements for their class position to be held. If you quit and do not notify us, you will be charged for the lessons and possibly turned over to collection until some form of notification is received. If you would like to drop or add classes there is specific paperwork that needs to be filled out and is available upon request at the receptionists desk. You can pay online, through our online registration/parent portal or at our desk in the main location. The desk is open Mon.-Thurs. from 4:30 – 8:30pm and Saturdays from 8:45am – 11:45am.
Again this year is the pay in bulk discount. We are offering both a monthly fee as well as a bulk trimester fee. The trimester fee saves 10% off the total amount of lesson fees for 3 months. Please understand you cannot receive a trimester discount if you are already late in payment. Example the 2nd trimester (3 months) payment is due on or before Dec. 15th. If you come into pay after the 20th (5 day grace period) you cannot receive the discount. You will owe the full price for December as well as a late fee. You can pay January, February, and March in a trimester and receive the discount. Keep in mind being “off” in trimester months will mean you may have to pay a month or two at regular price. I hope everyone understand this. Please let me know if you have any questions. Also please keep in mind lesson fees are non refundable unless there is a medical problem. Once you have paid those fees your student is guaranteed that position in that class for that amount of time. Lesson fees can be transferred under most circumstances. To receive the trimester discount you must come into the studio and make your payment at the desk. You can pay monthly fees and other fees online but trimester discounts must be paid at the desk so our staff can enter the discount into the system. In the online system lesson fees will be posted 3 months at a time. If you are paying monthly they are not due until the 15th of each given month but you will see 3 months at a time on your account. Do not be alarmed, it is there so you can pay at your leisure and to help with trimester payments for those who choose this route.
            If your lesson fees have not been received by the 20th of the month at 4:00pm, a $10.00 late fee will be added to your account. NO EXCEPTIONS. All lesson fees and late charges will need to be paid in full before the spring recital in order to participate. Postdating a check does not exclude you from late fees. Monthly lesson fees that have still not been paid after the 20th of the next month will be subject to another $10.00 late fee.
            Your costume deposits are due by Aug. 31st or at the time of registration if after this date. Some of you may have paid these at the time of registration, if you are not sure you can look at your account online or give us an email or call. These fees are NON-REFUNDABLE and NON-TRANSFERABLE after October 15th. Request for refunds or transfers MUST be received in writing. All costume balances and an itemized costume bill will be passed out as soon as costumes are selected. The costume balances will be due by January 5th. A costume for your student will not be ordered without the balance paid in full. If the balance is received late you take a chance of your students costume will not arrive in time for the spring recital. Recital T-shirts will be included on this bill. Tights WILL NOT be included on this bill and it will be your responsibility to purchase the correct tights for each costume.
On April 16th recital fees will be due. After paying this fee you will receive your reserved tickets for the spring recital. The fee is $50.00 per family. Each family will receive 6 tickets to the show. Additional tickets will be available for purchase on April 16th as well for $10.00 each.
 
 
 
 
            Important dates to mark on the calendar –
August 31st – Costume deposits due
September 5th – Full session classes begin
Oct. 24th – 30th – Halloween party week. Kids ages 8 and under can dress up for classes. All ages will have parent observation and treats at the end of classes. We will also be measuring for costumes this week.
Oct. 31st – No dance classes – Please enjoy the time having fun with your family!
Nov. 20st – 26th – Thanksgiving/Fall break – No dance classes this week. Staff will be in studio working on costume ordering and recital preparation
Dec. 23rd – Jan. 5th– Christmas/New Years Break – No dance classes.
Jan. 5th – All costume balances due.
March 26th – April 1st – Easter/Spring break – No dance classes - Staff will be in the studio to prep for recital.
April 17th - Tickets for the recital will go on sale and be available for pick up.
May 14th – 18th – Tentative dates for studio pictures for all classes.
June 8th – Dance recital rehearsal – schedule will be published at a later date
June 9th & 10th – Dance recitals – More details on times to follow.
 
I realize that dance is not something for everyone. If you decide to no longer attend classes throughout the season, please call and let us know so the proper adjustments can be made. It is not only difficult for the instructor when a student quits unannounced; it his hard on the other students in his or her class. We encourage that once classes have begun learning their recital routines, students finish the season.
            In what class a student is placed is at the sole discretion of Kerri and staff. If your student is not satisfied with their class placement, please feel free to give us a call but in the end Kerri will make the final decision. It is important a class is not too difficult for a student, if so the student will almost always feel frustrated and behind. Sometimes a class may appear to be too easy. This may mean the instructor feels like a student needs to focus on the details of technique and placement before they advance to the next level. Each student is individual in their learning and advancement, so comparing one student to another may not always be the best way to analyze a students’ progress.
            Thanks again for registering for classes at Kerri’s Dance Studio. Again, I am looking forward to an incredible season. 

Kerri’s Dance Studio   …   1851 Madison Ave. Suite 500   …   (712) 323-7396
www.kerrisdancestudio.com
March 2017
Our season is moving along so fast, we are starting our last trimester this month and our show is getting very close. I hope your little dancers are getting excited! There is lots of info in this newsletter, please read and mark calendars carefully!
Reminder - The last trimester payment is due on or before March 15th. Monthly fees are due by this date as well. Please pay on time to avoid late fees.
Spring/Easter Break will be April 10-16th. (Holy Week). There will be no classes this week, enjoy time with your family.
 
Our Daddy/Daughter dance rehearsals are starting this month. All are welcome, we did have a sign up sheet but this does not mean you cannot still join us. Our March rehearsals will be held on Sat. March 11th and Sunday, March 19th at the main location.
11:30 – for ages 3-6 yrs - 12:00 – for ages 7-11 yrs
12:30 – for ages 12 and up
 
On March 11th at 10:00am at the main location, Miss Kerri will be offering a Dance Team audition clinic. This clinic will go over everything a dancer needs to know to audition for their high school dance team. Pom technique, kick line work, leaps, turns, everything! This clinic is open to all dancers from any school or studio grades 6 and up. Cost is $15 each.
 
March for our beginner combo classes will be Super Hero and Princess Power month. All dancers in these classes are encouraged to wear princess and/or super hero costumes all month. We will be doing fun themed activities and dances to bring out all our smallest dancers super powers!!
 
Drop in tumbling is back for March as well. Saturday March 18th we will have drop in tumbling at our Mall of the Bluffs location. Classes are $10 each or you can use your tumbling punch card.
11:30 – 12:00 – ages 3-5 years
12:00 – 12:45 – Ages 6-8 years
12:45 – 1:30 – Ages 9 and up
1:30 – Open for private lessons, please pre schedule.
 
Costumes are starting to arrive!! If your dancer receives a yellow costume card in class it means their costume is ready for pick up. Please bring the card to the desk to pick up the costume. All accounts must be current to pick up costumes. Once you have picked up the costume, please wait until you are home to open it and try it on. Contact the studio as soon as possible with any sizing issues or questions. Please understand you may need to make adjustments in straps, hems, etc. If you need help with these tasks we can also give you some names of seamstresses or sewing assistants. We will continue to pass out costume pictures as availability dates are confirmed. Pictures of costumes continue to be passed out and posted. Check at the desk if you need a copy. Be sure to plan accordingly for the proper tights and shoes for the June recitals and pictures.
Dance and tumbling pictures will be taken during regular class times May 15-19th at the main studio location. Saturday dancers will be scheduled during the week and an exact day and time list will be published soon. Pictures will be taken by Move Up Images/Image Society. They offer very affordable packages and online pre ordering as well. Lots more info will come home about pictures. We will do a group picture in EVERY costume, you may choose to do individuals and buddy pictures as well. Even if you choose not to purchase pictures we hope to get everyone there for group pictures!
 
We will post our recital T shirt list in both the main studio and mall location the first week of March. All dancers participating in the recital will receive a recital themed T shirt at the recital rehearsal. Please check the list posted for the correct spelling of your dancers’ name and list any corrections needed. Please also list the size of T shirt you would like for your dancer as well. This list will also be used to spell check the programs. This list will only remain up until April 1st. PLEASE check names and choose sizes by then! All dancers had the cost of their T shirt included on their costume bill. This is a great memento of the recital and the kids love them. They feature the theme for the season recital on the front and all the dancers from the studios names on the back. They are fun!!
 
For our tumbling and cheer students we will be holding a performance showcase on Saturday, May 13th at 3:00pm at Abraham Lincoln High school in the gym. Participation is not required but we wanted to give these great kids an opportunity to show off their skills and progress. Miss Kailey and Miss Molly will pass out packets with all the information regarding the showcase and apparel orders but please mark those calendars now!
 I am really looking forward to this event and seeing all the kids’ progress over the year.
 
The list of which show each dancer will be performing in will be published before the end of the month. I am down to the final touches and checks of this list and I appreciate your patience, it can be quite the undertaking. At this point we can no longer take any requests, for future reference all recital requests must be received before Jan. 1, if not sooner. Ideally at the time of registration.
 
When your dancer brings this list home please read it carefully and read each column. Dancers’ grades 3 and up may be scheduled to perform in multiple shows. Again our recitals and rehearsals are Fri. June 9th - Sunday, June 12th. Please block these days out and plan accordingly. Rehearsal on stage is required for all dancers to participate in the recital. I will have specific time lists for you as they date draws near.
 
In April (shooting for the 15th) we will begin passing out what we can recital packets. These will have rehearsal schedules, picture ordering info, recital video order info, competition team audition info, summer class schedules, fall registration info & so much more. Be on the look out for all this info!
 
Tickets for the dance recital will go on sale on April 15th at 8:30am. All dance families will have tickets reserved and held for them, families with 1 dancer will have 6 reserve tickets, and families with 2 dancers will receive 7 reserve tickets, and so on. Reserve tickets can be picked up starting April 15th and after the annual recital fee has been paid. This fee is $40 for single dancer families and $45.00 for families with multiple dancers. Recital fees are to cover the expense of the theater rental, programs, tickets, ushers, and more. These expenses can get upwards of $25,000 for our annual show so this fee helps split the costs among all families participating.
 
We also sell program ads and flowers to help alleviate the costs. If you are interested in purchasing an ad in our recital program please see Kerri or Mindi at the desk. We can get you all the ad size info and pricing.
 
We want to take this time to tell you how much we appreciate your business. Thank you for trusting your dance education for your child with us and please let us know if you have any questions or concerns about the upcoming dance recital. We want it to be stress free, fun, and all about the kids.

Trinity our December/January tumbler of the month! She was nominated by Miss Molly for her work ethic and determination! Trinity is 9 years old and in third grade, she has been in tumbling class for three years as well as ballet and hip hop class. Her favorite part of class is stretching and head stands! She is working hard toward her goals of mastering her 1 handed kart wheel and backbend . She wanted to let you all know she finally conquered her cartwheel, it's not perfect but a big improvement from when she started! Great job!!
​
Lillian and she is our December/January dancer of the month! Lillian is in the beginner tap/jazz class and was nominated by Miss Kerri because she stays focused in class, works hard, and treats her classmates with friendship and respect! Congrats Lillian! Keep up the good work!

Thanks everyone… keep practicing and keep up the great work!!
 
Miss Kerri and Staff!
 
 
 
 
 
 

December 2015

Just a few reminders in a very busy month!!
Lesson fees are due by the 15th of the month, late fees will be added to accounts on the 20th of the month. If you are paying trimesters, the 2nd trimester is due by the 15th as well. Please pay on time to avoid late fees.
 
Costume balance sheets/bills are coming home this month. The costume balances are due by January 10th, costumes will not be ordered if balances are not paid. Please pay on time to ensure your costume arrives in time for studio pictures and the recital. If you receive the bill and have any questions do not hesitate. These balances will be posted on your account and can also be paid online. If you DO NOT receive a bill by the 19th let us know asap so we can make you a new copy.
 
Pictures of costumes will be sent home with students as soon as all selections and orders are confirmed. These pictures will list the needed tights and shoes for each costume. All tights listed will be stocked in the studio shop. If you are unsure just check at the desk, we are happy to help. We will also post pictures in the studio for reference.
 
We are so excited so many of you had the chance to attend the free drop in tumbling classes held with our new instructor Josh last month. We will be holding drop in tumbling again in December on Saturday, Dec. 10th and 17th. Classes will be $8.00 each for current KDS students and $10 each for others. Cash or check only please. Tumbling punch cards are also available. See the desk for details. The schedule will be as follows –
Ages 3-5 years – 11:00am – 11:45am
Ages 6-8 years – 11:45am – 12:30pm
Ages 9 – 12 years – 12:30 – 1:15pm
Pre scheduled privates available 1:15-3pm
Check at the desk for availability
 
The senior members of the KDS competition team will be hosting kid’s holiday party on Sun. Dec. 11th from 12-5pm. This event is designed to give parents time to go shop or wrap while kids are entertained with dance, tumbling, crafts, games, snacks, and more. Cost is $20 per child for 1 hour or entire time. Take some time for yourself and support these hard working dancers. The big guys will also be stopping by for a visit and pictures. We will also have a secret wrapping station if you need some of your gifts wrapped from your day of shopping!
 
Please remember as it gets colder to please be sure your dancer is following dress code. I have seen a few jeans and some T shirts. L
 
There will be no dance classes for Christmas/New Year’s break from Dec. 19th - Jan. 1st. Classes will resume on January 2nd. You may see cars in the lot or staff at the studio but that is because we will be working on recital back drop, choreography, and costumes in preparation for the annual dance recital in June. Enjoy your time off with friends and family and get ready to start recital dances as we come back into classes.
 
We are very excited to announce we will be launching our new website on December 1st! This will have all the features of the old sight but with a new easier to use layout, a modern design, and updated pictures and references. For the month of December both the current site and the new site will be up and functioning while we transition but after this month all traffic will be pushed to the new site automatically. Be sure to check it out, special thanks to former KDS dancer Bri Harding for her amazing design work!
www.kerrisdancestudionew.com
 
Have a very happy holiday and enjoy the time with your children and families. We are so excited to get started on all the great dances we have planned for the recital after break. It will be another amazing show. Make sure you have the date on your 2017 calendars June 10th and 11th!
 
Kerri and Staff

October Tumbler of the Month
Abigail Nielsen
Abby was nominated my Miss Molly and Miss Haleigh for her positive attitude and smile! Here are some questions we asked Abby!
What is your favorite part of tumbling class? -My favorite part is getting to try new skills. What is your favorite tumbling skill to do? - I like to work on back tucks and round off back handspring.
What are your goals for your tumbling season? - Back tuck and aerial
As a parent what made you choose tumbling class for your daughter? - Abby has always had an interest in tumbling and seemed to have a real love for it. We chose tumbling for her so she could continue to learn and grow in her tumbling skills and learn to tumble safely.
Is there anything special you or Abby would like to add to your interview? - Thank you to Miss Molly, Miss Darbi and Miss Haleigh for all your help and support!
 
October Dancer of the Month
Katelyn Harms
Katelyn is tickled pink that she was chosen after being nominated by Miss Mali for her work ethic and performance skills. 
Out of tap, jazz, and ballet, her favorite is ballet.
Her goal is to be a better tap dancer. Her mom, Dara, says she put her in dance class because she danced as a young child and she has fond memories of dancing on stage and hoped she would enjoy it, as well.
The special thing she wanted to add about dance class is, "I love it!
 
November Tumbler of the Month
Caydence Johnson
This is Caydence and she is our November tumbler of the month! Caydence is in third grade and is 10 years old, her favorite thing about tumbling class is learning new skills. She hopes to add in dance lessons as she gets older. This is her second year of tumbling and she loves to practice back bend kick overs! Caydence wants to thank Miss Molly for her guidance and nomination!
 
November Dancer of the month
Maggie Hough
Maggie is 11 years old and in 6th grade at Underwood Middle School. Maggie’s favorite class at KDS is tap and her goals for the season are to land her double pirouette, gain overall confidence, and have fun!
Maggie started dance class at age 6 when she decided to give up soccer to try dance. She loves learning new skills and this year added tumbling class to her weekly lessons and she loves it. Maggie’s quote “I would like to thank all of my teachers I have had during dance at KDS, who help make dance fun every week and help me learn new things. I love dance so much, I always get in trouble from my mom for dancing in restaurants and Target – Thank You”
 
We are really enjoying the new dancer and tumbler of the month program and we hope you are too. Remember you too can nominate a student you see working hard, smiling, showing dedication and teamwork. Just drop us an email or stop by the desk!