Welcome back to another exciting term at TDC, we finished our Spring Term on such a high with a fab results at a dance competition and a great Tap exam session, I am ridiculously proud of all of my students. We have lots more to come this term.
SATURDAY 6TH MAY– FEES TO BE PAID BY OR 10% WILL BE ADDED TO YOUR INVOICE
SATURDAY 3RD JUNE– IF YOU PLAN ON GIVING NOTICE FOR THE AUTUMN TERM PLEASE INFORM US BY THIS DATE TO AVOID BEING CHARGED
Regrettably this section of the newsletter isn’t as positive. I have recently been informed by the WERFA committee that the hall rent will again be increased over the next few months due to the ongoing increased inflation and energy rates. It is concerning that the rent has doubled within a year (in particular since I took over the dance school which has been on this premises for many many years!).
I would like to say I am in negotiation with the committee, in particular to challenge any further increase within such a short space of time but communication seems to have ceased on their part. I will of course keep you all updated.
I feel I don’t have much option at moment but to inform you fees will have to be increased again, effective from September 2023. I have sought advice from fellow dance teachers all working within the Greater London area and have agreed on the following prices- this is also to allow if the WERFA were to increase the rent again. I have also researched local dance schools and the below prices are in line/ competitive with the other schools in the area.
£6.30- 30 minute class £7.05- 45 minute class £7.50- 1 hour class
Alternatively I could look for another hall locally, although I am aware this may have a bigger impact as many of my students live in the surrounding roads of the WERFA. This is something I had considered when the hall rent last increased. Unfortunately for us, Isleworth is a busy and lovely place to take part in hobbies so hall availability is very much limited. Very much open to suggestions if anyone has any.
After the success of our stunning Elite Team uniform I have decided to introduce a brand new TDC Uniform which will be available to order later in the term.
Black TDC branded Leotard (for Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Acro and Strength & Conditioning)
Black Chiffon Wrap Skirt (for Ballet and Combined Ballet & Tap classes)
Black Leggings or Tights (over the top of Leotard for Tap, Jazz and Strength & Conditioning)
Pink X-Over
This will be for all age groups, from my Tiny Tots to my seniors. Boys and Street Dance Uniform as before (please see Uniform List on website)
Please do not worry if you have recently bought new dance apparel or your child is due new uniform. We are currently still in the design stage of the ordering process however I’m hoping it won’t be long until the new leotard can be ordered.
There will be no rush to order the uniform if your child still fits comfortably in their leotard or skirt and if it no longer fits your child can wear either a fitted black T-shirt or vest and leggings.
The order process for our new leotards will be slightly different. They are from a different supplier (not IDS) who specialise in high quality dance wear. There will be a separate website to purchase this from which will be added to www.the-dancecompany.co.uk when ready. I plan to hold a ‘Uniform Afternoon’ so you can see the leotard before ordering and get an idea of the sizing. Our personalised Zoodies and T-shirts and other branded items will also be on display.
Dance shoes, ballet skirts, x-overs and boy’s uniforms will still be provided by our current supplier (link on website under Uniform).
The price range for the new leotard is slightly more than our unbranded Royal Blue leotards. I anticipate they will be between £30 and £36. The quality of the leotards are far superior and I will suggest going larger to get longer use out of them. From experience my student’s leotards can fit them over a few years. Going forward I hope to also have my students wear the leotards for exams.
Myself and Miss Harriet have also discussed we will use the WhatsApp platform to help you in the future sell any uniform to other dancing parents.
I have been umming and ahhing whether to change the uniform over the past few months, I have researched other dance schools and some have made a very good impression. We have a lot of talent in the school and a smart polished uniform will add an extra bit of WOW! I can’t wait to showcase this.
From September there may be changes to your child’s lesson times. I haven’t finalised the timetable yet but have spoken to parent’s most affected by this change. Some of my students will be moved up to the Grade above, this could mean they go from a combined class to separate Ballet and Tap classes (please be aware classes will also be charged separately so fees will be significantly more). Please keep an eye out on the website for updates.
Myself and Miss Harriet have also made the decision to not automatically move children up to Pre Primary Ballet and Tap from Tiny Tots, which is what traditionally happens when a child starts Reception. Reflecting on the past term not all children are ready for this big move into a more disciplined class and this is completely fine. The last thing I want is for any of my students to loose their love for their dance lessons because of this big change. The children could benefit more staying in a ‘free’ class and will be moved up when they will be comfortable with this transition. It may be we do this in stages.
Start of Term: Monday 17th April 2023 – Half Term: w/c Monday 29th May & Saturday 3rd June – End of Term: Saturday 15th July
Grooming forms a strong part of the etiquette and uniform for dancers. It allows us teachers to observe the line of the head and neck, which are all important aspects of good training in posture and alignment starting at the age of three. It is tricky to concentrate on movements if your hair is flicking across your face and eyes.
For Ballet, Tap and Acro all hair for girls should be in a bun (using a hair-tie, donut and hair pins is all you need, see us if you are not sure) Hair should be pulled back from the face with a pink headband and clips to secure although if hair is in a bun a headband is not necessary. We understand that putting very young dancers’ hair back into ponytails and buns can be challenging!!
Strength & Conditioning and Jazz hair must be worn in a pony tail (high if possible) and off the face- no headband needed.
Street Dance skirts and dresses for girls are not suitable, leggings, cycle shorts, tracksuit bottoms are. TDC Black Zoodies and Black T-shirts are part of the Street Dance uniform. No headband needed and hair needs to be tied back (not down).
Correct uniform must be worn in each class. Combined Ballet & Tap classes need both pairs of appropriate shoes. Please refer to the website or ask Miss Meg or Miss Harriet.
TDC MOTTO ‘IF YOU LOOK LIKE A DANCER, YOU FEEL LIKE A DANCER’
Thank you as always for your continued support.
Meg x
I.S.T.D. DDE Ballet & Tap, Associate Street Dance, First Aider
All staff hold DBS certificates
07376 397748
www.the-dancecompany.co.uk
E-Mail: thedanceco_@hotmail.com