May Newsletter

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Note: All June performance related information is located on our website under June Performance Link. It will be updated as needed.

Important May Dates:

• May 1 - Tuition Due
• May 10 - Tickets for Dance Performance go on sale @ 10am 
• May 16-21 - Costume Week (students will bring a wear their costume to class - more info to follow)
• May 20 - UFDA Spirit Night (see what teachers gets a pie in their face) 6:30-8:30pm
• May 21 - Patron Ads Due
• May 27 - Last Day of Regular Classes, this is also the last week of classes that are not performing in the show
• May 31 - June Performance Schedule begins
• June 1 - Tuition Due (no June fees for non performing classes except RAD 8) 
• June 14 - Summer Camp Registration Deadline
• June 16 - Finale Practice & Student/Parent Recognition
• June 17 - Dress Rehearsal - begins 5:30pm
• June 18 - Dance Performance - 6:00pm (dancer call time 5:15)

Attendance
Teachers have noticed quite a few absences during the month of April. This has made choreography difficult to teach as well as confusing for dancers in attendance to learn spacing. During the month of May it is expected that dancers attend all classes. As always sickness is an excused absence. Please let your teacher know if you need to be absent during the month of May.

Tickets for "A Promenade in Paris" go on Sale Monday May 10 @10:00 AM
To purchase tickets online, click here. 

Window sales are accepted one hour before the event at the theatre.  All tickets must be paid in full. The Arts Center does not hold reservations. All ticket sales are FINAL. No refunds or exchanges. 

Schedule Changes

• Beginning May 31, a new schedule will take place. This schedule was emailed to families. You can also find the schedule on our website. These changes will take the place of the students’ normal class day and time that they usually attend. We realize a conflict may arise with the new schedule, but please make your best effort to have your child attend weekly. 
• In order to use a facility space comparable to our stage, most rehearsals will be scheduled at Salem United Methodist Church (next door to the studio) after Memorial Day. Please use the Salem parking lot for additional parking and take caution as you enter and exit the lots. There will be an increased number of vehicles during these times. 

Costume Preview Week, Costume Details & Required tights:
New this Year - Students will bring their costumes to try on in class during the week of May 20. More details will be emailed as the date gets closer.

A costume details paper will be emailed shortly. This paper will list required leg wear, hairstyle & accessories for each dance class. Specific brand, color & style number of required tights will be listed on the costume details paper. Required tights will be available to purchase at The Dance Shop in Bel Air.

April Calendar
14-20 - UFDA is Closed for Spring Break. Classes will resume Thursday, April 21.
**Please note that Ms. Tara's Friday and Saturday classes will hold a make-up class during Spring Break. The schedule has been sent out to those classes**
April 1 - UFDA Penny Wars Fundraiser Begins. 

Costume Balance
Costume Balance due April 1 (if your account is set up for autopay, balances will be automatically withdrawn on April 1). ​
 

*IMPORTANT JUNE PERFORMANCE INFORMATION*
We are are excited to announce the title of our June Performance is "A Promenade in Paris." We are looking forward to presenting a Fantastic Show for family and friends.
 

A lot of information will be coming by email in April & May. In the coming weeks, a "Performance 2022" link will be available on our website with all information. 

• Volunteer Room Moms
  As in the past, our dedicated volunteers have made our performance the success that it has      become. Without volunteer room moms it is impossible to take on a      production of this kind. We need 2 moms from each ballet class, Intro. to Dance – Ballet 4, to volunteer for dress rehearsal and performance night.  Ms. Melissa will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding room mom responsibilities.  Sign-up sheet can be found by accessing this link:  Parent Room Volunteer Sign Up
  
  June Performance Patron Ads
  A  handout is attached with more information about submitting a patron      ad in our Performance Program. Advertise a business or send a message to family & friends. Consider creating an ad to send a shoutout to      your dancer. A copy of a previous program is located on our bulletin      board, if you would like to get an idea for creating an ad.
  
  Performance T-Shirts & DVD’s  
• Please be on the look out for details related to purchasing these items for your dancer.
• No flash photography or video recording will be allowed. UFDA will be having a professional videographer record the performance and have the DVD available to purchase.  
   

Schedule Changes
May 27th will be the last day regular schedule classes. Our new "Performance Schedule" will begin on May 31. Combined rehearsals allow the students to practice the continual flow of their routines with the other students involved in the same dance segment.  These rehearsals are necessary for a smooth running dress rehearsal. The Performance schedule with the class rehearsal days and times will be available soon. They will be handed out in class and posted online under our “Performance 2022 Link” in the next week or two. 

General Costume Reminders
Costumes ordered by UFDA come in general sizes, and alterations and adjustments may be necessary. The costume companies do charge an exchange fee for returns.

• Exchanges may be possible; however, a $5-$10 return fee will be assessed. This fee is charged by the costume company not UFDA.
• Please do not allow your children wear their costume until dress rehearsal so it can remain in good condition for the show.  Check that the costume came with all accessories needed and make any alterations needed in advance. 
• All costumes have been packaged in bags and will need to be hung and steamed to remove wrinkles.
   

Attendance

• Attendance is important.  It is difficult for the teachers and confusing to the      students to stage the class’s routine with partial attendance. We realize that some absences cannot be avoided; however, unless you are sick please make every attempt to attend the classes regularly. 
• The teacher has the right to limit participation in their choreography if absences are excessive.

 *Mask Policy Changes*
Effective February 28th, UFDA is MASK OPTIONAL 

Attendance
March marks the beginning of dancers learning choreography. 

• Attendance is important. It is difficult for the teachers and confusing to the      students to stage the class’s routine with partial attendance. We realize      that some absences cannot be avoided; however, unless you are sick please make every attempt to attend the classes regularly. 
• The teacher has the right to limit participation in their choreography if      absences are excessive (more than 1 per month in each dance class).

Costume Balance
Costume Balances will be due April 1 (if your account is set up for autopay, balances will be automatically withdrawn on April 1, unless you notify us prior to that date)

• Costume balances will be added to your account by March 16. 
• The balance due also includes accessories. Every attempt was made to select costumes at a reasonable price. Costume production, shipping,      handling and taxes all have to be absorbed in the final cost. 

Costumes 

• Details on tights & changes or additions to the costumes will be posted and emailed as decided. 
• Costume come in general size ranges and were ordered closest to each students’ measurements, individual adjustments may be necessary. 
• Exchange may be possible; however, a $5-$10 return fee will be assessed. This fee is charged by the costume company not UFDA.
• Please do not allow your children wear their costume until dress rehearsal so it can remain in good condition for the show.  Check that the costume came with all accessories needed and make any alterations needed in advance. 
• All costumes have been packaged in bags and will need to be hung and steamed to remove wrinkles.

February Calendar
February 1: Tuition Due
Jan. 31, February 2&3: Ms. Melissa's Parent Class Observation
February 4: Ms. Abby's Parent Class Observation

February 5-11: Ms. Tara's Parent Class Observation
February 8: Mr. Gary's Parent Class Observation
February 10: Ms. Judy's Parent Class Observation
February 14-19: UFDA Spirit Week (details coming soon)
February 21: Studio Open for Classes (Presidents Day)
 

Parent Class Observation
At this time, only 1 parent/guest will be allowed to observe the classes (please no siblings). We realize the parent limit may be disappointing, but due to the size of our studios this allows for safe social distancing for both guests and dancers.
 

June Dance Performance
The staff at Upper Falls Dance Academy will be presenting a show inspired by the books and stories of Madeline on June 18 (title to be announced soon). We are all excited and look forward to creating this performance along with the students.
 

Pictures of the selected costumes will be posted soon.  Details on tights & changes or additions to the costumes will be posted as decided.  Costumes come in general size ranges and although costumes were ordered closest to each students’ measurements, individual adjustments may be necessary. 

Costumes that are in stock will be here this month.  All other orders will not arrive until Spring.  Please do not allow your children to play in or wear their costume until dress rehearsal so it can remain in good condition for the show.  Check that the costume came with all accessories needed and make any alterations needed in advance.  All costumes have been packaged in bags and will need to be hung and steamed to remove wrinkles. Costume balances will be available on the studio site under your personal account by the end of February and are due on March 1st.
 

Happy New Year!  We hope your family enjoyed some time off and that your holidays created some wonderful memories. We look forward to getting back to dancing in 2022. Classes resume Monday, January 10.

January Calendar
Jan. 1: Tuition Due
Jan. 10: Studio Reopens for Classes
Jan. 31: Ms. Melissa & Ms. Abby's parent observation week
Feb. 5-11: Mr. Gary, Ms. Judy & Ms. Tara's parent observation week

Absence/Sickness Policy
We ask that you email the studio when your dancer will be absent from class. Due to Covid-19, we need to be aware of any absence due to sickness.  

PLEASE DO NOT COME TO DANCE AT THE STUDIO IF:​
Dancer or anyone in their house has any cold symptoms
Dancer has been exposed to someone positive with COVID-19​
Dancer or someone in their house is waiting for a COVID-19 test result

UFDA Fundraiser Thankyou
Many thanks to all of our UFDA families who participated and contributed to   our fall fundraisers.
UFDA especially wants to thank UFDA parents, Becky McCracken and Amanda Kendzierski for their time, efforts and coordination of the Beachmont Fundraiser, Pampered Chef Fundraiser and holiday 50/50 raffle.  

Parent Observation Weeks
Parent observation this year will be different than in past years.  We have broken  observations into 2 weeks to have less traffic in and out of the studio. At this time, only 1 parent will be allowed to observe the classes. We realize the parent limit may be disappointing, but due to the size of our studios this allows for safe social distancing for both guests and dancers.
Ms. Melissa & Ms. Abby will have their parent observation during the week of January 31.
Mr. Gary, Ms. Judy & Ms. Tara will have their parent observation beginning February 5 and end on February 11.
 

June Dance Performance
We are excited to be in the planning stages and ordering of costumes for our June dance performance at Towson University in Stephens Hall Theatre on Saturday, June 18. Students will be learning soon from their instructors the theme of this year's performance. 

December Calendar

Dec. 1: Tuition & Costume Deposits Due 

Dec. 3: Last day to order from Pampered Chef for UFDA Fundraiser 

Dec. 4:UFDA Dancers perform in the Avenue at White Marsh Christmas Parade 

Dec. 23 - Jan. 2 : Winter Break. Wishing you and your family a safe and enjoyable holiday. Classes resume on January 3. 

The Avenue at White Marsh Christmas Parade 

Come cheer our UFDA Dancers on as we dance our way down The Avenue at White Marsh! Saturday, December 4 at 10am.

 
Costume Deposit 

A costume deposit of $50 per dance class is your confirmation of participation in the performance. This deposit is due by December 1st and balances were posted on your account after the 15th of November. Families on autopay will have their deposits automatically deducted on December 1. (Students in creative movement, pre-pointe, RAD, Beg. Lyrical and Acro will not be performing and therefore, not require a costume deposit). 

June Dance Performance

Our Spring Production is scheduled to be at Towson University in Stephens Hall Theatre on Saturday, June 18. Our dress rehearsal will take place on Friday, June 17. If your child will not be participating in the annual performance, go to our website and download the “non-performance form” and hand into your instructor.

New Class in January 

A 2nd session of Creative Movement begins on January 11th. This class is for ages 2.5-4. Online registration OPEN. 

November Calendar
Nov. 1: Tuition Due
Nov. 14:Last Day to Purchase UFDA Spirit Wear
Nov. 24 - 27: Studio Closed for Thanksgiving Break

The studio will reopen on Monday, November 29. We hope you and your family will have an enjoyable holiday. Please check STUDIO CALENDAR some changes have been made.

Parent Observation Week Rescheduled
UFDA has rescheduled Parent Observation week until February. We will update our calendar with the new date once determined.

UFDA Spirit Wear SALE
Show your UFDA Spirit and purchase Spirit Wear to support UFDA. Store is  OPEN for 2 weeks only. SPIRIT WEAR LINK. We are also working to post link on our website.

Costume Deposit  & June Dance Performance

• Your      Costume Deposit is due December 1st and will be posted on your      account after Nov. 15. This payment can be made at anytime prior      to December 1.  Your costume deposit of $50 per dance class      is your confirmation      of participation in the performance on Sat. June 18. Dancers      in Creative Movement, Pre-Pointe, RAD Ballet, Intro. to Lyrical and Acro      will not be performing in the June show and do not require a costume      deposit. For families      new to UFDA please read the attached document with general      information about participation in our June Performance. 
• Our      Spring Production is scheduled to be at Towson University in Stephens Hall      Theatre on Saturday, June 18. Our dress rehearsal will be on Friday, June      17. 

If your child will not be participating in the annual performance, go to our website and download the “non-performance form” and hand into your instructor. 

Upper Falls Dance Academy Winter Performance
Upper Falls Dance Academy warmly invites you to this year's Holiday performance, "Christmas in Southtown".  Join UFDA's performers as they dance a story inspired by the favorite tale, The Year Without a Santa Claus, on December 11th at Salem United Methodist Church Hall. Stay tuned for Performance times and ticket sales information.   
 

Class Cancellation Policies
The first week of our current closure will fall under our inclement weather days. As stated in our UFDA policies - Tuition rates are based on our school year and remain the same regardless of the number of weeks, holidays and closings. We account for snow closures in our calendar, however, if closings are in excess UFDA will make up classes or modify holiday closings. Calendar updates have been made to accommodate the 2nd week of canceled Mon.-Wed. classes from our current closure (we will begin winter break later than originally scheduled) STUDIO CALENDAR. This calendar is posted on our website under studio resources.

October Calendar
Oct. 1: Tuition Due
Oct. 9: UFDA Beachmont Corn Maze Fundraiser 5-9pm (Flyer needed to show at time of ticket purchase). Please consider coming out to support UFDA. Flyers will be passed out this week. Each flyer has 2 ads on it, spread the word and give one ad to a friend or family member.
 

Dance Performance on your mind?
A costume deposit of $50 per dance class is your confirmation of participation in our June 18 show. This deposit is due by December 1st, but can be paid at anytime up to this deadline. See Ms. Melissa if you wish to pay or make payments towards your deposit prior to Dec 1. If you are new to the studio, UFDA will be sending out  information about participation in the June performance later this month.
Dancers in Creative Movement, Pre-Pointe, RAD Ballet, Intro. to Lyrical and Acro will not be performing in the June show and do not require a costume deposit.