October 20, 2008

Dear Dancers,

We are in full swing of another exciting season!  The staff and I have enjoyed the first few weeks, and we are settling into our routines for this season.  I have enjoyed meeting our new dancers and their families.  I sincerely thank all of our dancers who have dealt with the studio juggling and class time changes during the first few weeks.  Finalizing the logistics of what style dance works on which floor, and class size to room size has proved to be a quite a challenge for me this year!  I am thankful that you all have been so patient and wonderful as we work through the kinks.  Now I should be able to switch into “auto” and watch your dancers bloom! 

I am thrilled to welcome back Miss Karen, Miss Lauren, Miss Gabrielle, Miss Melissa, Mr. Glen, and Mr. Steven, our fabulous instructors from previous seasons!   In addition to our returning instructors, we would like to welcome, Angel Gallo to our Modern, Lyrical and Children’s Program, and Kristine Antis as our newest Ballet Instructor.  Each of their creative styles and talents will be an asset to the Encore Staff and the growing programs at Encore Studio. 

Due to the crowding in the studio between classes, we will no longer offer end of class viewing during classes.  We will have end of class viewing the last week of each month.  We also ask that parents and waiting family members remain quiet while class is in session.  The dancers are easily distracted if they hear their Mom talking!  While visiting Encore Studio, we ask that you do not bring snacks or drinks (especially coffee) into the facilities.  We have many little ones running around and the risk of spillage is very high!

This year we will post all correspondence on the website. We are trying to “go green” and convert to a paperless system!  This means no monthly statements.  We have set up our autopayment system for your convenience.  Your installment will be taken out on the first of each month, and you will receive an email notification.  If you are late paying your account, you will receive a $25.00 late fee along with a statement reminder.  Please continue to check our website at www.encorestudio.com for pertinent updates.  Monthly news will be posted under the current info link, and the director note will change  periodically.  I will also use this forum to send notices when it is closer to recital time.  We are also utilizing the email system so please be sure to check your email often!  It is helpful if you bookmark this site so that you are prepared to check for updates or information that may pertain to you or your dancer.   We will also use the website to make announcements due to inclement weather if they arise.

If you have not done so, please create a student profile.  If you have been entered into the system by us, we will have to reset your password.  Once you have created your profile, you will receive correspondence via email.  You will also have access to view your account ledger and make payments.  We have payment receptacles located in all locations for your convenience if you do not use the online system.

We are very busy in the office this year!  Jennifer Anderson and I are in the office Mondays - Thursdays from 9:00am-1:00pm.  We are also available Mondays 4:30pm-6:00pm, Thursdays 4:00pm-6:30pm, and Fridays 4:00pm-6:45pm.  If you ever need to contact Jennifer or me, feel free to call the office at 748-3642 or send us an email!

Finally, due to low attendance on Halloween, we will not be holding classes on Friday, October 31st.  We hope all of our dancers enjoy and safe and Happy Halloween!  Also, make sure to mark your calendars for the week we are closed in November for Thanksgiving Break, Monday, November 24 through Saturday, November 29th.

Once again, the staff and I are so honored to have such wonderful students to work with.  They give us the opportunity to share our passion and motivate us to continue to learn.  We are so blessed!

Keep Dancing!
Karen Flores
Artistic Director