Welcome Back to Dance!
Welcome to the Academy of Performing Arts
This packet will be your reference for the year, containing important information, so please keep it handy and refer to it throughout the year!
CLASSES WILL BEGIN ON MONDAY, AUGUST 19TH.
STAY INFORMED
WEB: www.taosdance.com
EMAIL: taosdance.com
STUDIO LINE: (575) 770-0189
INSTAGRAM: @taosdance
FACEBOOK:@taosdance
Everyone has a better experience when we keep the lines of communication open,
A Letter from Amber Vasquez,
After a full and exciting summer, we would like to welcome back our returning students and welcome our new students. We also welcome our teachers back as well.
• Ms. Michelle Roaque will be teaching tap, ballet and Adult classes this year,
• Ms. Angel Wilson will be teaching classic Jazz, Hip Hop and Theater dance,
• Ms. Ashley Turin will return again this year and will teach Jr. contemporary and Sr. contemporary. Ashley and her husband are very excited to announce that they are pregnant and will be due sometime in March!
• Ms. Tuesday Faust is coming back strong after a very successful summer of dance camps. Tuesday will be teaching childrens and Junior Ballet classes as well as a modern dance workshop for the childrens division.
• Ms. Amber Vasquez will be teaching Ballet, Pointe, Variations, pre-pointe, Modern, Company rehearsals, studio outreach classes, cardio barre and adult classes. She will be running her 12th year of school outreach programming and has just completed a Master class tour where she taught Horton technique proceeding the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Performance in New Mexico.
• We are also very excited to welcome back Ms. Kathleen Martin professional dancer and reality television star as a full-time member of our staff! Ms. Katie will be teaching ballet, pointe, stretch, and private coaching.
• This year Ms. Laryssa Short will be joining us fresh off her exciting opportunity this summer to dance at Dancerpalooza in Long Beach where she was invited to be a student choreographer and learn from celebrated choreographers such as Travis Wall.
• And of course, Ms. Casandra Romero will be returning after the birth of her beautiful little girl Zia this August.
Building a stellar dance staff
It is not required for dance teachers to do a minimum amount of professional development each year the way it is for so many other professions. But the teachers at A.P arts have made a commitment to dedicate themselves to professional development not only as dancers but as teachers of young people. This is a wonderful thing because the dance industry has changed in so many ways over the past twenty years. The research and concepts behind learning and teaching dance keeps increasing. By continuing to enhance our knowledge, skills and understanding on a regular basis, not only do we benefit the students we teach, but it keeps us on our toes as we bring new skills into the classroom and into our choreography. The collaborative instructors at AP. Arts have several professional development opportunities booked for the upcoming season touching on topics such as anatomy and injury prevention, industry standards for training, psychology of the young student and more! This will not only light a fire under our own love of movement, but it will enhance our understanding so that we may continue to deliver a style of teaching that is current, informed and appropriate.
A year of incredible guest teachers
After being chosen and invited as a participating member of Regional Dance America last spring, A.P arts has been busy building a new pre-professional program for ages 10 and older which abides with the training recommendations and expectations of the national dance education program. We have had the great opportunity to take or instruction staff to professional development programs over the summer, as well as bring up incredible dance artists to Taos! This past year we welcomed Patricia Dickensen, Artistic director of Festival Ballet and Dance Magazine’s “Ballet Teacher of the Year” recipient two consecutive years! Alex Osadnick, previous ballet master at Ballet Idaho and current Artistic Director for Ballet Wichita. Claire Moore & Cole Henry Jones two incredible dancers from Columbus Ohio who taught our students about authentic movement and improvisational dance. Dr. Stephen Legate, Previous principal dancer with San Francisco Ballet and coveted Erik Bruhn Classical Dance Prize winner. Dr. Mariana Shedden, Romana’s Pilates certified teacher who specializes in dance medicine. My dear friend Kyle Linzer, who trained at the University of the arts in Philadelphia and now teaches and dances with Festival Ballet. And most recently the fun and talented Taylor Gordon who has traveled all through the world teaching and performing, most recently spending 3 years in Japan creating a theater dance program for the Japanese University system! We were also honored to have two of our graduate alumni join us over the summer and teach. Athena Dunleavy home from UNM taught Modern dance technique and Maya Forte, new graduate from New Mexico School of the Arts taught ballet technique and modern dance.
The newly formed Company Program brings true pre-professional training…
This Optional pre-professional program for dancers ages 10–18 allows the young dancers the opportunity to train in a cohesive, dual focus program including ballet and modern. Participating dancers will have the opportunity to compete at the Youth America Grand Prix International Ballet Competition, rehearse with nationally renowned choreographers and perform ensemble works throughout the season. And, thanks to our Regional Dance America connection, we will be able to offer each of our students a professional dance mentor in the style of dance they are most drawn to. Dancers from New York City Ballet, American Ballet Theater, San Francisco Ballet, Dallas Ballet and Cisne Negro Dance Company. These mentors will have an opportunity to work with the students as well as help coach their student with the professional expectations of becoming a dancer. This is an exciting and possibly life changing opportunity for our students who don’t have the opportunity to meet and dance with professional dancers the way they would in a bigger city.
We are excited to spend our year with you!
Amber Vasquez
DANCE ATTIRE:
Proper attire is required for all classes: Jeans are not permitted to be worn for any class Our Policies. Teachers have final approval on class uniforms.
Children’s Ballet Attire :
Girls: Any Solid colored bodysuit with attached skirt, Pink ballet tights, Pink Ballet Slippers, hair in a ponytail or a bun please.
Boys: Black leggings or shorts and White fitted T-shirt or white tank Black Ballet Slippers Junior and
Senior Ballet Attire:
Girls: Black leotard with no skirt, alignment belt in pink or white, Pink ballet tights, Pink Ballet Slippers. Hair up in a bun or clip with bangs pulled back. Underwear is not worn under the leotards (similar to a swimsuit)
Boys: Black leggings or shorts and White fitted T-shirt or white tank Black Ballet Slippers
Jazz: Any color leotard and tights or stretch pants/leggings, Black jazz shoes, hair must be up and out of the face Hip Hop- Exercise appropriate attire. Jazz shoes or hip hop sneakers only. Hair puled back in a pony tail or bun.
Tap: Any color leotardand tights or stretch pants/leggings and a fitted top, hair must be up and out of the face in a pony tail or bun. Black tap shoes
Modern & Contemporary: Any color bodysuit and tights or stretch pants/leggings and fitted top. Bare feet (preferable) or modern dance appropriate footwear. Warm ups permitted at teachers’ discretion. hair must be up and out of the face in a pony tail or bun.
Students must be prepared with proper attire for all classes or they will not be permitted to participate. Hair should be up and off the face, or in a bun for ballet. In this respect, it is advisable that students show up 5 – 10 minutes early for class so that they have plenty of time to change and are ready for the start of class. Please ask us if you are unsure of where to buy dance attire and shoes or how to wear hair.
STUDENT CONDUCT
In addition to the dress code, conduct in class as well as in the waiting and changing areas is very important. Please be respectful of your teachers and other students before, during, and after class. Students must listen to the teachers and follow directions. In the waiting and changing areas it is important to remain quiet while waiting for class. These rules are in place so that students can learn without disruption and distraction. Parents and friends are asked not to stay in the classrooms and watch classes. Don’t worry though! Parents may wait in the lobby.
Childrens Ballet has the following scheduled watch weeks:
• Childrens Ballet 1: Watch week will be the first week of classes
• Childrens Ballet 2 & 3: Watch weeks will be the week of September 9-14th
CLOSURES A.P ARTS
does not take Monday Holidays. We will be closed for the following holidays: Fall Break: November 25th -29th Winter Break: December 22th – January 5th Spring Break: March 16th – March 21st
INCLIMATE WEATHER
Classes may be closed due to weather, A.P arts will follow the UNM Snow policies unless you have been contacted otherwise. You can find up to date information about class cancelations on our website www.taosdance.com, our facebook page (@taosdance), Instagram (@taosdance), posted on our doors/boards, email as well as on our answering machine (575) 770-0189.
FEE STRUCTURE & PAYMENT OPTIONS
For your convenience, A.P arts offers a number of payment options.
1. We accept credit card payments in the office or on our website www.taosdance.com
2. We can set up automatic payments from the credit card of your choice
3. Your teacher is available to take your cash or check payment after class. Checks can be made out to your teacher directly or A.P arts
4. Or, you can simply put your cash or check payment (in a marked envelope with student’s name) in our payment box in the lobby to ensure that we get it in time. Checks can be made out to your teacher directly or A.P arts Those who fail to pay their invoice before the end of their specified payment period will incur a late-payment penalty of $5.00 for each missed invoice. As well, students with outstanding fees at the end of the year will not receive costumes, nor be permitted to participate in the recital. We encourage all parents and students to use post-dated checks to avoid these penalties.
REFUNDS
A.P arts does not offer refunds or make-up classes for missed classes. You may make-up a class by scheduling a make-up time with your instructor. PLEASE BE CONSIDERATE, If you plan to disenroll your student please personally notify your teacher that you will not be returning to the studio. If you do not let us know by the next billing date your account will continue to be billed and you will continue to be expected to pay tuition because we are holding a spot for your student.
OFFICE HOURS
A.P arts is opened for classes on Monday through Thursday, from 3:30 – 8:30, Friday’s from 3:30 – 6:30, and on Saturday’s from 10:00 – 1:30. However, we do not have office personnel. If you need to see us, please feel free to set up a time to speak with your teacher, email the school or your teacher directly, text the school or your teacher directly or call the school or your teacher directly. We will get back to you when we are back in the office.
PERFORMANCES
1. This year, our Company students will be presenting “Memoire De Sept” an original ballet about 7 childhood memories including, sleepovers, sibling rivalries and parades. The show will take place at Old Martina’s Hall and will be set in a dinner theater cabaret.
2. Our School wide Winter show will take place around December 13th and 4th although dates at this moment are still tentative. We will be presenting “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. All students are invited to perform in this show! There will be a $5.00 suggested donation.
3. Our annual recital will take place May 1st & 2nd at the Taos Community Auditorium. This is a professionally produced show and includes costumes, lighting, video and the works. We will have rehearsal week the week of April 20-25 as well as several rehearsals in the theater the week of April 27th -May 1st. All students are invited to participate in this show excluding the drama classes who will have their own show. There will be plenty of time to prepare for the show throughout the year, but please feel free to ask us any questions that you may have!
SCHOOL CALENDER
FIRST SEMESTER:
August 19th Classes Begin
August 19-24th Childrens Ballet 1 watch week. Families are welcome!
August 22nd- Assistant meeting for Children’s classes 5:00 PM
August 26th- August tuition due (full amount)
September 7th- September tuition due (full amount)
September 9-14- Childrens Ballet 2 & 3 watch week. Families are welcome!
September 13th & 14th The Paseo, come see us dance! 7:30 & 8:30
September 13th Bake Sale @ the Paseo 7:00-9:00 PM
September 14th Bake Sale @ the Farmers Market 9:00-12:00
September 2nd Labor Day, Yes, we have classes!
October 7th-October tuition due (full amount)
October 12th- The Living Center Performance. Time TBA
October 14th- Columbus Day, Yes, we have classes!
October 31st- Halloween, yes, we have classes!
November 1st- Dancewear Order
November 11th- Veterans Day, Yes, we have classes!
November 7th- November Tuition Due (full Amount)
November 22nd- Company Dress Rehearsal @ Old Martinas Hall
November 23rd- Salon de Danse 1:00 & 6:00 @ Old Martinas Hall
November 25th -30th Fall Break- NO REGULAR CLASSES
December 6th- Holiday party for Company Members
December 7th- Recital Commitments due! NO Tuition due this month!
December Winter School Show Dates and Times TBA
December 16-21- Last week of classes for 2019
SECOND SEMESTER:
January 6th- Classes Begin for the Spring Semester
January 6th- Dancewear Order
January 13th-Tuition Due for January (Full amount)
January 20th- Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Yes! We still have classes!
February 7th- Tuition due for February (Full Amount)
February 14th- Valentines day, Yes, We still have classes!
February 17th- Presidents day, Yes, We still have classes!
February 28th- March 1st – YAGP in Denver
March 7th- Tuition due for March (Full Amount)
March 8th- Daylight savings time…Set your clocks
March 9th- Dancewear Order
March 16th -21st SPRING BREAK NO REGULAR CLASSES
March18th – 26th- Rehearsal Week
March 27th-30th -Dress rehearsal week
April 10th- Good Friday, Yes, we still have classes!
May 1st – TCA RECITAL 6:00 PM
May 2nd – TCA RECITAL 2:00 & 6:00 PM
May 3rd- End of Spring Semester
SUMMER SEMESTER:
May 4th- Auditions for Guest choreographer TBA Senior students only
May 9th- TCA SHOW Guest choreographer TBA
May 11TH-22nd – Ballet Boot Camp ages 8+
May 23rd- 31st- Studio Closed
CONTACT US:
If you have any questions or concerns, you can Call, Text or e-mail us at:
John biscello: call or text 575-377-5515, email [email protected] (taos ensemble)
Tuesday faust: call or text 575-224-1763, email [email protected] (childrens ballet 1,2,3 and junior ballet 1)
Kathleen Martin: email [email protected] (ballet, pointe, stretch, YAGP coach)
Angel palmer: call or text 575-779-8667, email [email protected] (jazz, hip hop)
Casandra Romero: email [email protected] (flamenco 1 & 2)
Laryssa Short: call or text (575)-779-5113 (modern, ballet, cardio barre, improv)
Ashley Turin: call or text 419-304-8475, email [email protected]
Michelle Roaque: call or text 575-613-0997, email [email protected] (tap 1&2, adult ballet)
Amber Vasquez: call or text 575-770-0189, email [email protected] (ballet, pointe, company, accounting, facility management)
