Spring has almost sprung, and we are dancing into spring! We have been learning our dances and getting ready for our performances on May 24 and 26th.

Be on the lookout over the next few months for more specific details on rehearsals and tickets. There are a lot of exciting things happening at The Children’s Ballet!

Policies Reminder

Weather Closings: We are closed according to the Danville Community School closings. Check our Facebook page for confirmation and Saturday closings.

Illness: To limit the spread of illness, please keep your dancer home if they stay home from school the same day.

Attire: Students should arrive at the studio ready to dance, with hair neatly in place, wearing clean, neat, uniform ballet attire. Dressing properly for class is a lesson in itself as students learn both discipline and cooperation.

Summer Classes

We are excited to announce our summer classes for 2018! There is something for everybody – a great way to keep up dance over the summer or try something new! Register online here.

Performance Updates

Attendance
As we learn our dances for the performance, attendance is very important! Learning a dance is a team activity. Please email emily@thechildrensballet.com if you will be absent from class.

Schedule

Our tentative schedule* for tech week is as follows:

• Saturday, May 19, 9 am – 1 pm Tech for all M/W classes (specific times TBA)
• Sunday, May 20, 6 – 9 pm Rehearsal (M/W classes)
• Monday, May 21, 5 – 8 pm Rehearsal
• Tuesday, May 22, 5 – 8 pm Rehearsal
• Wednesday, May 23, 5 – 8 pm Dress Rehearsal
• Thursday, May 24, 6:30 pm Performance of The Golden Cuckoo
• Saturday, May 26, AM photos (participation required even if you are not purchasing)
• Saturday, May 26, 2 pm Performance of The Golden Cuckoo

*Schedule subject to change. Specific rehearsal times for each class will be announced soon. Rehearsal times for soloists/groups will be sent out by Miss Emily and will start this month. All tech week rehearsals and performances are at Danville Community High School.
Volunteers
Putting on a full-length ballet is only possible with all of our fantastic volunteers. During rehearsals, large scenery and sets must be assembled, backdrops hung and small props created. After the performance, every item from the ballet must be removed from the high school. If you are willing to help during rehearsals, the performance, or with tear-down please email info@thechildrensballet.com.

Studio Spotlight: Sarah Weddle, Instructor

Miss Sarah has been dancing since the age of three, beginning in The Master’s Study for 3 years, and finishing her high school career with The Children’s Ballet. During these years, she studied ballet, pointe, modern, and character dance under Donna Martelli, Deni Jacks, Heidi Eads-Jones, Robyn Wenrich, Melanie Schreiber, and Mandy Mulligan.

After a year of assistant teaching under Emily Miser with The Children’s Ballet, she is now taking classes with the Online Professional Development Institute to earn her Certification in Dance Education and holds a membership with the National Dance Education Organization.

Here is a little Q&A so we can learn a little more about Miss Sarah!

Q: What is your dance background?
I have been dancing for 14 years and assisting for one year. I started dancing with Miss Donna in The Master’s Study homeschool group for three years. Then, I danced at The Children’s Ballet for 11 years.

Q: What is your favorite thing about dancing?
My favorite thing about dancing is the rush – that feeling you get when you finally conquer a difficult combination, or when you walk off stage after a performance you have been working on for months.

Q: Pointe shoe brand?
I wear Russian Pointe Rubin.

Q: What is your favorite ballet step?
I love pirouettes. I may not be great at turning, but I still love it.

Q: What is your dream ballet role?
My dream role would probably be the Sugar Plum Fairy from the Nutcracker. It has always been
my favorite ballet.

Q: What is something that you think is important in becoming a better dancer?
To become a better dancer, I believe confidence, determination, and dedication are key components.