The staff at Dance Company of Wylie is so very excited to announce that New York producer, Peter Sklar, will be coming to Dance Company of Wylie to share some very important information about the performance industry.  This meeting is only an informational meeting that will start promptly at 6:30pm on Wednesday; February 8th 2012.  We advise that you show up no later than 6:15 to make sure we are all situated for his arrival. 

Renowned New York Talent Scout Peter Sklar knows a thing or two about helping aspiring child stars achieve success. His list of protégés includes Sarah Jessica Parker, Reese Witherspoon, and Mischa Barton, to name a few, along with current and former cast members of Broadway’s Billy Elliott, Hairspray, Legally Blonde, Grease, South Pacific, Bonnie & Clyde, and many others.

Reality shows like American Idol and So You Think You Can Dance have springboarded some of the most talented kids in the nation into super stardom. But with so much available talent, what really sets one kid apart from another?
According to Sklar, an arts career is about two things: self-image and health. He argues that these qualities outweigh looks, training, connections, and even talent.

In “Earning a living in the Arts” a free lecture for aspiring teen dancers, singers and actors, and their parents on Wednesday February 8th 6:30PM at Dance Company of Wylie in Wylie, Texas, Sklar will explain why his views are in synch with the needs of top New York and Hollywood agents and casting directors.
“The people who sit behind the table are trying to decide two things: do they like you, and do they believe you,” Sklar tells young audiences. “If you don’t feel good mentally and physically, you won’t open up and show us who you really are. When that happens- no matter how skilled you are, how pretty, or who you know- we’ve already lost interest.”
Alluding to a dramatic rise in self-destructive behavior, such as smoking, drinking, drugs, and eating disorders among so-called “happy” teens, Sklar marvels at how often these activities secretly co-exist with good grades, good behavior, and virtually every other outward sign of stability.
“The kids I interview are the smartest and most talented- the highest achievers in the nation,” proclaims Sklar. “And they’re often the most unhappy, unhealthy, and least employable.”

Sklar boasts an Ivy League pedigree, (Masters Degree in Education from Harvard University), and four decades of experience. He’s been the subject of multiple feature-length articles in the New York Times, was interviewed on E! True Hollywood Story, appeared as a guest expert on Donahue, and has had his work presented on the Bravo Channel, Good Morning America, and dozens of other media outlets.
He’s currently developing an original musical based on his experiences entitled “The Kid Who Played the Palace”, to be directed by William Martin, (Broadway’s “The Lieutenant”, recipient of five Tony Award nominations).

“Earning a living in the Arts” is open to teenagers, young adults, older children, and parents. There is no charge for admission, but reservations are strictly required. Nobody under age six (6) will be admitted with or without a parent, and nobody under age eighteen (18) will be admitted without their own mother, father or legal guardian. (Substitute non-legal adult guardians are not permissible.)
WHEN: Dance Company of Wylie 6:30PM
WHERE: Dance Company of Wylie 800 Vanesa Lane, Suite A

See You There!!!!

We dance...
Whether you have never had the privelege of sitting at a dance recital watching your child on stage or you are a seasoned parent and sat hours in lobby and recital hall. There is a common bond amongst all that watch their dancer perform; and that is WE dance.
 
We know the count, the steps that are toughest or forgotten, the highs, the lows, the in betweens, and then suddenly like magic in a twinkling of a moment we are caught up in the awe that is the dancer, not just any dancer....our dancer.  This lighter than air, hard working, intelligent, strong, determined young person that works a day or much more each week, that struggles, and succeeds....OUR DANCER. 

Whether they are 3yrs and finally accomplishing their first arabesque, 6yrs getting a double pirouette, or 12yrs having success with that one combination that has haunted them for weeks.  They are our dancer.
Their first time on a stage or their 100th you will hear parents count it out...5, 6, 7, 8.  Instructors giving cues even when they can't be seen.  Deep breaths, and sighs of relief....we dance. 

The teachers, assistants, students, parents, siblings, family near and far....together we dance. 

As we begin to prepare for recital take a moment and watch your dancer.  Celebrate the highs and the lows. Encourage and push just a little when needed.  Above all else LOVE your dancer.....and together enjoy the dance. 

We dance....

This past weekend our DCW Company Dancers had the opportunity to attend the Adrenaline Dance Convention/Competition in Grapevine, TX.  Everyone had an amazing time!  The weekend was packed full of stretching, new movements, new choreography, and a whole lot of high energy fun! Everyone from our tiniest Tiny to our first Senior member, Teachers and Moms alike all walked away learning something new and excited to implement it into our studio.  DCW was proud of all our dancers and want to offer up some big Congratulations to the following for their success at Adrenaline.

-  Kaytie Cooke, Krystyna Davis, and Piper Deneault received a Gold Award and 2nd place high score for their tap trio, "Crazy Thing Called Love."
-  Skylar Duvall received a High Silver Award and 5th Place High Score for her solo, "Secrets."
-  Piper Deneault for receiving a call back during auditions in a level above her true age level.
-  Aza Abdellatif for being called on stage 2 times this weekend and for being called out for her performance in hip hop.
-  Kendall Gain and Emily Combest for receiving scholarships to attend next year's convention for free.
-  Brendon Fredericks for receiving a scholarship for $200 off an Adrenaline Summer Event.
-  Skylar Duvall for receiving a scholarship for $100 off every Adrenaline Summer Event.

We look forward to many more updates of Congratulations this spring as our DCW Company teams represent us at 3 more Competitions!!

Time for a little Fall Raffle!
We will be raffling a Large Dream Duffel Complete Package!!
For those of you who do not yet know what this is let us explain.  A Dream Duffel is a bag designed for dancers and other performers.  It is a large duffel bag that when opened allows for a rack that is built in, to be set up and costumes hung on it.  The Large bag can hold up to 15 costumes!!! It has several compartments including a place to keep snacks cool!  The Package comes with the Large Dream Duffel, garment bag with wooden hanger, accessory box, and folding stool; a $200 value!
All proceeds from the raffle wil go towards furniture for the Company Lounge.
You can purchase tickets at the front desk they are 1 ticket for $1 or 6 tickets for $5.  We will be drawing the winning ticket on November 1st....BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY!!!!!

"Gregg brings to tap an eclectic mix of style including hip-hop, jazz, and lyrical, with a traditional base, reminiscent of Gene Kelly and the Nicholas Brothers.  It is a joy to watch him dance"- Kenny Ortega, Emmy Award winning Director and Choreographer

Gregg is an Emmy Nominated Choreographer and has worked with such stars as:

• Bette Midler                                   
• Gene Kelly
• The Nicholas Brothers              
• Michael Jackson
• Gregory Hines                              
• John Lithgow
• Kenny Ortega                       
• Savion Glover

You may have seen him on television in “Even Stevens”, “Buffy the Vampire Slayer”, “The Tonight Show”, in the GAP national commercials or his choreography on the hit soap opera "Bold and the Beautiful".  Gregg was also featured on the cover of Dance Teacher Magazine as an entrepreneur who directs his own tap company titled “Tap Sounds Underground” and directs the corporation 3D Dance Network, Inc.  Currently, he is developing and directing a reunion "Tapsounds Underground" show in May 2011 to celebrate 12 years of entertaining. 

He directed a commercial for Carvel Ice Cream and has also performed with numerous musical artists such as Reba McEntire, Smashmouth, Sugar Ray, Jason Mraz, The B-52's, Toni Basil, Alanis Morrisette, and Mandy Patinkin.
 
Gregg’s latest projects include dancing in an upcoming Volkswagen national commercial, performing in the Jerry Lewis Telethon and Dance Halloween charity event hosted by Jamie Lee Curtis.  He is hosting and producing “Tap into the Network” intensives which will have him traveling to 4-6 different cities throughout the country in the summer of 2011 (www.tapintothenetwork.com). 

You can check out his website at www.3ddn.net  which features an online store with instructional DVDs, mixed CDs, and new music for the dance teacher and student.  With every class Gregg teaches, his ultimate goal is to inspire tap dancers with humor, laughter and individual expression.

Go register today!!!!

What's going on this year?
For starters, new paint, new lobbys, new music, new dances, new faces!!  AND to top it all off we are firing up to have the BEST Fiery Fifth Year Ever! Some of you have been with us from the very beginning.  Just five years ago across the parking lot in the building that is now Bouncetown.  One studio room and a whole lot of love for children, and the art of dance.  Today we now have two full and beautifully updated lobbys, 3 studio rooms, an absolutely amazing highly qualified staff and 380 fantastic students.  One thing remains the same, every single person here has a heart for their dancers from our tiniest tappers to our high school teens. There is a true passion for dance and all that comes with it; the hardwork, dedication, beauty, and elegance of it all.  Watching a dancer learn, grow, stretching body and mind...this is why we are here. 
We are so excited to fire up year number 5....its going to be great and we can't wait to share it with all of you!!!

July 30th is the National Day of Dance, and DCW has decided to take the day and celebrate big.  We will be hosting So You Think You Can Dance's own Chris Koehl for Hip Hop Workshops!!!  He will be showing off his own work and teaching some amazing techniques to 7-10yr olds Beginning Hip Hop from 2-3pm.  He then will take the level up a notch with Hip Hop 2 for 11yr and up!!  This event is open to all dancers who would like to participate.  We have limited space so go quickly to the Workshop/Rehearsals tab of the Schedule and sign up.  If it fills then definitely waitlist cause if for any reason someone doesn't show we will gladly contact you.  We are very excited to have this opportunity and look forward to having this guest in our studio. 

Dance Happy!

We are down to the grand count down!!!  11 days to the Masquerade Recital!!!
Your student has worked so hard and it all comes down to this big day; prepare to be amazed!  Some very important dates coming up and things to remember...

June 10, 2011, 6:00 - 8:00 PM - Jill Wesson Recital Photo order pick up at Dance Co. of Wylie

June 11, 2011, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM - Jill Wesson Recital Photo order pick up at Dance Co. of Wylie

June 11, 2011, 11:00 AM - 2nd Crew Meeting for Class Moms, Company Moms & DCW Staff for those who could not attend the first meeting.

Saturday, June 11 to Friday, June 17 - Dress Rehearsal for recital performing students & Show-Off week for non-performing students during normally scheduled class times at Dance Co. of Wylie.

June 18, 2011 - Recital Day! 
Do you:
1. Have your recital tickets? 
2. Know your class Mom?  She is attending meetings and, along with your teachers and directors, is making sure your dancer has an amazing recital day. 
3. Know where you are going?  Go to www.eisemanncenter.com for directions and details regarding parking.  Some parking lots have a fee of $5 and take only cash.  Or refer to your recital pack.

If you need anything please feel free to use the contact form on the website, email us at info@dancecompanyofwylie.com, or call 972-429-8955!!

The fabulously awesome Jill Wesson busily worked this past weekend taking pictures of all our beautiful dancers.  The work doesn't end when we take down the set.  She has continued to work tirelessly to get each and every dancer's photo online for proofing and purchase,  Best of all they are available for viewing today!!! Go check them out!!  When you came to have your pictures made you were given a sheet of paper that gave you the log in information.  Please, please remember the firm deadline for all picture ordering is May 21st THIS SATURDAY!!!  She will be taking the pictures down at midnight and placing orders at that time.  Thank you Jill Wesson for spending the weekend with us and all our many dancers.  We so appreciate your amazing talent, patience, and professionalism.

We are counting down to the great Masquerade!!!  It is going to be an amazing time with all of your dancers performing their hearts out on stage! Our students have been working, learning, stretching and turning for 10 months all leading up to this big day.  Make sure you have your costume and all accessories together, check your recital pack and verify the kind of tights and shoes your child needs for recital.  If you need tights/shoes you can order them at the studio but do it quick or they won't be here in time! 
Be sure you go to www.eisemanncenter.com and order your tickets because they are going fast and you don't want to miss it. We will see you June 18 at 2p and 7p prepare to be blown away!!!!!