It Isn’t Just About the Dance

Taken from Sumner Newscow:

Labor Day Blog pt. 3: At Michelle’s Encore Dance Studio, it isn’t just about the dance

SEPTEMBER 03, 2014   CUEBALL

by Tracy McCue, Sumner Newscow — At Michelle’s Encore Dance Studio, it is about keeping the dance simple. It is about age appropriate music and costumes. It is about affordable pricing and a budget friendly year end recital.

And it is about life.

If you act now, you can start a whole new season of dance for your child and see what Wellington’s now most established dance studio is all about.

This will mark Michelle Crittenden’s fifth season at the studio, located at 205 S. Washington. When people come to register there will be a full lineup of classes starting from the Itty Bitty to Combo Level 1 and II, to ballet, jazz, tap, pom, and hip hop. There is something for everyone Monday through Thursday.

Here are the dancers who started Tuesday at Michelle’s Encore Dance.

Classes started this week, but there is still plenty of time to register. Only you might want to act fast. These classes are filling up. Sumner County children are discovering that classes at Michelle’s Encore Dance Studio are a lot of fun. Parents are discovering just how affordable dance classes can be. 

Crittenden opened her doors in January, 2010, and it has been full steam ahead ever since.

Her story is a good one. She grew up in a small town in White City, Kans. with a population of 500 which didn’t have a dance studio. So she didn’t grow up dancing but was a cheerleader.

It wasn’t until she went to Butler Community College that she fell in love with the sport. She would transfer to Kansas State and become a member of the Classy Cats.

In 1998 with a degree in journalism and mass communications, Crittenden graduated and married Danny Crittenden. They had a bright-eyed little girl named Adelynn Brynn.

“After college, I coached and worked with many high school and college dance teams and continued taking dance classes,” Crittenden said. “I cheered for semi-pro teams and couldn’t shake the ‘dance bug.’”

In 2007, the Crittendens moved to Wellington and danced and coached the Wichita Wild dance team.

“After that with support from friends and family, I decided to go for it and open a studio,” she said. “I wanted to make dance affordable, so that all kids have a chance to try dancing.

“Dance has opened so many doors for me in my life.”

Crittenden said a lot of people don’t realize that junior colleges in Kansas give books and tuition scholarships to members of the dance team.

“Without that – I’m not sure how I would have gone to college,” she said.

Michelle chose the name Encore for the studio because for her it was the end of her show – performing the dances – to now coming back as a teacher – to share her passion for dance with others.

“I wanted to use dance to bring something positive to the community,” she said. “We have been able to raise money and awareness for local charities like the Michael Day Benefit, Wellington Food Bank, and Relay for Life and hope to do even more in the future.”

This year’s dance schedule is a good one (see full schedule here).

As one can tell, at Michelle’s Encore Dance Studio it is more about dance. It’s about building a positive foundation and being a good citizen.

Click on the website here for more information. Also, click on the colorful ad on the left for news updates and dance specials throughout the year.Want to hear more about our studio? Like our facebook page or visit our website. We'd LOVE to have you come dance with us! 

-- Miss Michelle    join us here -->   and here --> 

Heck, why not register for class right now? Go ahead!

Michael Day Dance FUNdraiser

Michael Day Benefit- Dance FUNdraiser
Open to dancers ALL AGES - however, dancers under 5 must be accompanied by an adult! 

There is no charge for this event, but donations are greatly appreciated and will be given to The Michael Day Benefit.
Click here for Facebook Event

This year Wellington’s dance studios are joining forces for a dance fundraiser for the Michael Day Benefit.

Aug. 16: Dancers will learn TWO fun dances at Memorial Auditorium from 10am to noon. Dances will be taught by Michelle’s Encore Dance Studio and The Simply Elite School of Dance and Gymnastics.

Aug. 23: Dancers will perform both routines at the Michael Day Benefit at 7:00 pm at Meadow Lanes Bowling Alley.

Please bring a water bottle for quick drink breaks.
For the performance, dancers should wear a colorful shirt, black shorts or pants, and tennis shoes- as they will be dancing on the grass outside at the event.

The Michael Day Benefit: Each year the money raised is donated directly to the Muscular Dystrophy Association (www.mda.org), Parent Project MD (www.parentprojectmd.org) and used for local organizations and persons on behalf of the Michael Day Benefit.

No experience or dance wear needed. Just bring yourself, a water bottle, and be ready for a FUN DAY! 

Want to hear more about our studio? Like our facebook page or visit our website. We'd LOVE to have you come dance with us! 

-- Miss Michelle    join us here -->   and here --> 

Heck, why not register for class right now? Go ahead!

Dance Class Descriptions

2015 Spring Class Offering
It will be RECITAL TIME before we know it! There is still time for your dancer to join a class and get started before we begin our recital preparations! Here is the most up-to-date list of classes we offer for our Toddlers-High School dancers! Contact us if you have any questions! 

 

*Multiple Class/Family Discounts Available   

REGISTER TODAY! Contact Michelle Crittenden  h: 620-326-6401 c: 785-466-6338

info@encoredancewellington.com   ©2015 Michelle’s Encore Dance Studio 

YOUTH DANCE PROGRAM 

Movement and Dance classes for the youngest dancer!

(Classes Jan 5-April 30)

Mini Movers Classes (Ages 2-5)

Mini Movers - Toddler: (Geared toward ages 2-3)

FUN MOVEMENT & DANCE CLASS for the youngest dancer! Curriculum designed for boys and girls to encourage creativity and independence through music and movement. Basic dance elements will be introduced, as well as teamwork and making choices, while learning to follow dance class etiquette. $36/mo.* + recital & costume fees

Mini Dancers - Pre-School - KDG: (Geared to ages 4-5)

Great beginner class for the new dancer. Curriculum designed for boys and girls to explore creativity through music and movement. Basic dance elements and ballet terminology will be introduced, while children gain independence, learn sharing, teamwork, and follow dance class etiquette.
$36/mo.* + recital & costume fees

Youth Dance Classes (Age 5-6-7)

Combo I:
Young dancers will learn the grace, poise, and terminology of ballet with upbeat skills and movements of jazz class. Emphasis is placed on teaching proper technique, & encouraging a passion for dance. Great for new or beginner level dancers. Young dancers learn dance class etiquette including to control bodies, and respect classmates. $36/mo.* + recital & costume fees

Combo II:
In this upbeat level II combo class designed for dancers that have learned to control their bodies (and voices) in combo I, and improve upon their ballet basics with upbeat skills and movements of jazz class. Emphasis is placed on improving proper technique and encouraging a passion for dance. $36/mo.* + recital & costume fees

JUNIOR DANCE PROGRAM 

Dance classes for the students Age 8-11!

(Classes Jan 5-April 30)

Junior Dance Classes (Ages 8+)

Ballet I & II: 

** Ballet is the foundation for all dance classes. **

Dancers will learn the grace and terminology of ballet, while building balance and coordination. Ballet and jazz classes build strength and skill year upon year and it recommended for all dancers.  $36/mo.* + recital & costume fees

Jazz I & II:
This high-energy class will teach dancers as proper jazz footwork, terminology, and basic technique. Skills include leaps ad turns. Ballet & jazz classes build strength & skill year upon year & it recommended for all dancers. $36/mo.* + recital & costume fees

Hip Hop I & II:
This high-energy class will incorporate strong hip hop motions and rhythm. Great start for dancers new to hip hop style ** Add Jazz class to increase technical skills and coordination! $36/mo.* + recital & costume fees

Pom I & II:

** Great for future cheerleaders or dance team members.  **
This class will allow dancers to learn jazz skills-skills- such as leaps, turns, and kicks, and sharp motions of pom. (Did you know that Junior Colleges offer Books and Tuition Scholarships to members of the Dance Team? Just something to think about!) 

$36/mo.* + recital & costume fees

Tap II: 

This upbeat, high energy class improves dancers' rhythm of basic tap steps, balance, and weight transfers to create fun dance combinations. $36/mo.* + recital & costume fees

Lyrical: 

** Ballet is the foundation for all dance classes. **

Dancers will combine grace and strength training of ballet with the beauty and emotion of lyrical dancing- in this combination of ballet and jazz.  $36/mo.* + recital & costume fees

TEEN/SENIOR 

DANCE PROGRAM 

Dance classes for the students Age 12-18!

(Classes Jan 5-April 30)

Teen/Senior Dance Classes (Ages 12-18)

Lyrical: 

** Ballet is the foundation for all dance classes. **

Dancers will combine grace and strength training of ballet with the beauty and emotion of lyrical dancing- in this combination of ballet and jazz.  $36/mo.* + recital & costume fees

Jazz/Hip Hop Combo:
This high-energy class will teach dancers as proper jazz footwork, terminology, and basic technique. Skills include leaps and turns. The high-energy hip hop portion of the class will incorporate strong hip hop motions and rhythm. Ballet & jazz classes build strength & skill year upon year & it recommended for all dancers. $36/mo.* + recital & costume fees

Optional Junior/Teen/Senior Classes (Ages 8-18)

Pom:

** Great for future cheerleaders or dance team members.  **
This class will allow dancers to learn jazz skills-skills- such as leaps, turns, and kicks, and sharp motions of pom. (Did you know that Junior Colleges offer Books and Tuition Scholarships to members of the Dance Team? Just something to think about!) 

$36/mo.* + recital & costume fees

Tap: 

This upbeat, high energy class improves dancers' rhythm of basic tap steps, balance, and weight transfers to create fun dance combinations. $36/mo.* + recital & costume fees

*Multiple Class/Family Discounts Available   

REGISTER TODAY! Contact Michelle Crittenden  h: 620-326-6401 c: 785-466-6338

info@encoredancewellington.com   ©2015 Michelle’s Encore Dance Studio 

2014 Dress Code:

2014 Dress Code: 

We will be enforcing a more strict dress code for the season. We all perform best when we are dressed the part. Dance class is a special place for dancers and wearing proper attire will put dancers in the proper mindset to do their best.            Thank you- Michelle

Please put your dancer’s name on your things. 

No Jewelry. 

Hair MUST be securely up and out of the dancer’s face. Hair in the face is very distracting to both the dancer and the teacher. It also prevents the teacher from seeing proper alignment of the head, neck, and shoulders. Please put extra ponytail holders in your dancer’s bag! 

Itty Bitty, Youth Combo I & II:

Leotard and tights allow teachers to see the dancers alignment and posture to teach proper placement to improve technique and prevent injury. Ballet slippers or slip on jazz shoes. Itty Bitty may go barefoot- but should not wear tights as that is very slippery.

Tap, Jazz, and Pom Classes:

Leotard and tights allow teachers to see the dancers alignment and posture to teach proper placement to improve technique and prevent injury. Dancers may wear dance/bootie shorts, dance leggings, yoga pants/jazz pants. Please note- to prevent slipping, pants should not be longer than the ankle. 

Lyrical/Ballet:

Leotard or tight fitting tank top will allow teachers to see the dancers alignment and posture to teach proper placement to improve technique and prevent injury. Dancers may wear dance/bootie shorts, dance leggings, yoga pants, jazz pants. 

Hip Hop:

Swag is the name of the game here. Emphasis is placed on body isolations and dancing with feeling and power. Dancers should wear dance wear or athletic wear that allows them to move freely and feel confident. Clothing can be loose, but not distract them from the lesson.

Shoes:

Itty Bitty, Combo, Ballet: Pink ballet slippers (I do not recommend the ballet slippers from Walmart or Target. They are very slippery and fall off the dancer’s feet. Invest the extra bucks on a good canvas or leather slipper!)

Tap: 

Youth or Beginner Tappers:  Black tap shoes with rubber band tap ties (will be available at the studio) 

Age 9+:  Prefer a tap shoe with laces to allow for more complex movements. Other shoes will work fine. 

Jazz: Black Slip on Jazz Shoes or Tan Slip on Jazz Shoe. (May vary by routine esp. for competitions)

Lyrical/Ballet: Pink ballet slippers, tan jazz slip on, foot/toe pads

Hip Hop: CLEAN Tennis shoes (No street shoes) 

You wouldn’t wear tights and a leotard to basketball practice, please don’t wear basketball shorts and t-shirts to dance class.  

Want to hear more about our studio? Like our facebook page or visit our website. We'd LOVE to have you come dance with us! 

-- Miss Michelle    join us here -->   and here --> 

Heck, why not register for class right now? Go ahead!

Summer Dance Fun

There are still 2 weeks left for our Summer Dance session. Since we offer a new dance style each week, it's like a new class every week! New dancers won't be behind! 

Contact us if you want more information on summer dance or to get future updates!

Want to hear more about our studio? Like our facebook page or visit our website. We'd LOVE to have you come dance with us! 

-- Miss Michelle    join us here -->   and here --> 

Heck, why not register for class right now? Go ahead!

Recital Photos

Did you all get your pictures picked up? I am so excited to put these in the window! 

Thanks to Susan's Portrait Designs for the beautiful work! 

Susan's Portrait Designs

www.susansportraitdesigns.com
107 W Lincoln Ave  Wellington, KS 67152(620) 326-2595

Want to hear more about our studio? Like our facebook page or visit our website. We'd LOVE to have you come dance with us! 

-- Miss Michelle    join us here -->   and here --> 

Heck, why not register for class right now? Go ahead!

Summer Dance 2013

Summer Dance Classes:
June 3 - 27, 2013
Age 2 & 3 Thurs. 5:15-5:45 (30 min.)

Age 4 & 5 Tues. 6:00-6:30 (30 min.)
Age 5 & 6 Tues. 5:15-6:00 (45 min.)
Age 7,8,9 Thurs. 5:45-6:30 (45 min.)
Age 10-12 Tues. 6:30-7:15 (45 min.)
Age 13+ Thurs. 6:30-7:30 (1 hour)

Classes meet once a week for the month of June. Each week instructors will focus on a different dance
styles based on age level. We look forward to a fun, high-energy summer!

How Much Does It Cost:
$36 for current dancers
$41 for new dancers.
Family discounts apply!

Can't Committ to the WHOLE month?
That's OK- you can pay by the class! $10/class.

Schedule subject to change due to enrollment. Please contact the studio prior to dropping in for classes. Thank you! 

Like our Facebook page to get the lastest updates!

https://www.facebook.com/EncoreDanceWKS

Contact the Studio   |   Studio Home Page 
  

** Download 2012 Agreement/Registration Form ** | 2012 Tuition/Fees

Contact the Studio | Get Updates First on Facebook!

Want to hear more about our studio? Like our facebook page or visit our website. We'd LOVE to have you come dance with us! 

-- Miss Michelle    join us here -->   and here --> 

Heck, why not register for class right now? Go ahead!