Amy Gould Ballet School & Dance Crew Newsletter 

1st TERM                           CLASSES START MONDAY 16TH                     JANUARY 2012
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NB The term starts Monday 16th January.

May 2012 be a healthy, safe and financially great year for everyone.

WELCOME
To all our new dancers and their families, we hope you will have a long and productive time with us.

FEES
Have been slightly increased + 6%, as per 4th term 2011 newsletter. Any queries – give me a ring.
When bank payments are made please put your name as reference or your account reference which will be first letter of your surname followed by a number. E.g  Mrs Blogg might be B90 (See account)

Please settle any outstanding accounts asap.

CLASSES 2012
The majority of classes will stay the same.  A few changes might be necessary with the Saturday morning classes which will be sorted out in the first 2 weeks of the term.  

From the 2ND term those dancers who come on Thursday 4.15 & Sat 9.15 will have their classes extended to an hour per class.  

New additions to the timetable:
Wednesday and/or Saturday beginner class for children, Thursday morning adult ballet classes and in the week Point work classes.

The Wardrobe and our 2nd dressing and storage area have been transformed with the magic hands and hard work of Gledalene Benjamin and Sandra Louw.  They spent many days in the holidays packing and sorting clothing and props and the million and one bits and pieces that we use when we create a production. I am so grateful for the order they have created out of what was fast becoming slightly chaotic.  It will make all our lives so much easier when we need to find things.  Sandra Louw will be in charge of the wardrobe and no one and I think they mean me as well, will be allowed to rummage around looking for things without her permission.

THANK YOU PARENTS & DANCERS
To everyone involved in our 2011 production that we took to Tulbagh to assist with Roshlyn Abrahams and her school’s fundraising a really big thank you.  For not only supporting this venture but for the spirit in which you all contributed your time, effort and money to make this the success it was from so many aspects.  I really do have wonderful parents in the school and now it is officially in writing!

There are many people I would like to thank for all the support they provide quietly, in the background and some not so quietly.  Forgive me if I miss anyone: Portia and Derek Southgate, Verna Oliphant, Sue Duke, Carol Neethling, Sandra Louw, Claudia Flatwell, GLendalene Benjamin, Carmelita Adonis, Tania Clarence, Faith Thysen-Dennis and James Gallagher

URGENT REQUESTS
Those who took photographs and videos please let me have copies if possible, as soon as possible.
Coat-hangers!!!!!
Anyone with unwanted coat-hangers?  Our wardrobe would gratefully benefit from any offerings you would like to pass our way.

INVITATION
During the first term we will be presenting, `a behind the scenes look at our last year’s production.’  Discussing the various aspects will be myself, Gordon Mackay the composer, Anthony Koeslag photographer, Glendalene Benjamin costumiere and auntie Sylvie (Sylvia Nieuwenhuys) the pattern maker.  All parents and dancers are welcome to join us for light refreshments on this occasion when we provide you with what really went on behind the scenes in the creation and development of Changing Seasons. We are planning this evening for the end of February but will send out invitations closer to the time.  Please contribute ideas or suggestions you might have in this regard.  I really appreciate  everyone’s input.

LEC-DEM IN 2ND TERM
In the 2nd term we will once again present a selection of the different levels of our work in order for you to see how the dancers are growing and developing in their training.
I think it is vital that parents are as informed as they can be in order for them to assist in this process.

Parents day at Sid G Rule School in Grassy Park November 2011
This was well attended by the majority of parents or family members.  I was very happy with the new intake at the school during 2011 and there are many talented children in the classes who worked exceptional well throughout the year.
Ballet is a long and intensive training and requires strong parental and family support to encourage the dancers on the sometimes rocky road of dancing.
Hopefully this crop will continue growing as they started out.

DANCE CREW

Dance Skill training program
Another new venture is the development of this program.  Teachers, community workers or anyone working with young people and youth are welcome to contact me for an interview.

2012 PERFORMANCE
I have started talks with a French singer for combined performances in December.  Am excited at this prospect and will keep everyone posted as to proceedings.

ImagineMag! a South African Arts & Culture On-line Magazine – a product of Dance Crew
Edition 14, Feb/Mar edition will go live early in February.  Our site is www.imaginemag.co.za  If you would like to be included on our data base so that you receive a reminder as each new issue goes live (every 2nd month) please email info@imaginemag.co.za

We are looking for more people to assist with the selling of advertising for Imagine.  We pay a good commission on any advertising brought in.  Please contact me if interested.

CONGRATULATIONS
To Rachel Botes, now Colyn, on her marriage in December.  We wish her and her husband well in the years ahead and shall enjoy adding him to our family membership.

To Leanne Feris who whilst on holiday in New York attended some ballet classes there.  We look forward to hearing more about that.

Let us continue dancing with enjoyment and dedication everyone.

Amy Gould