Term Dates 23/24
Autumn Term 2 begins Mon 30th October
Term Finishes Sat 16th December
Spring Term begins Saturday 6th January
NO Half Term break 18th-25th Feb Due to annual show all classes on as normal
No classes - Monday 11th March due to the show performances over the weekend
Term Finishes Monday 25th March
Summer Term begins Monday 15th April
Half Term week Sun 26th May till Sun 2nd June
Term Finishes Monday 22nd July
Update from Miss Charlotte:
What a fantastic half term we have had, our exam day on the 21st October was a roaring success. All our students worked super hard and looked absolutely emaculate. Results and awards will hopefully be with us within 6 weeks.
We are thrilled and super excited to be starting show work starting next week. Its everyone's favourite time of the year and we can't wait to begin creating the magic.
Please take a moment to make a note of the dates for the diary below.
Reminder next week (30th Oct - 4th Nov) is Halloween dress up week. Students can dress up if they wish. Please make sure dance shoes are packed and costumes are still suitable for dance.
Working hours and contact preferences:
We have slightly adjusted our office hours this is when we will be answering emails, calls and texts please see below. Our work phone will be off out of office hours.
Please where possible contact us via email instead of text/WhatsApp for a quicker response. The emails are monitored by Charlotte and Linda so if Miss Charlotte is teaching Linda can deal with queries. WhatsApp messages aren't checked while classes are in action.
WhatsApp is fine for reporting class absences but any concerns that need to be addressed by Miss Charlotte or sensitive issues need to be submitted via email and texts won't be responded to for these issues.
All class bookings also need to be booked either via website or email only.
Monday - Friday 9.00- 5.00pm
Saturdays - 9.00 - 3.00pm
Sunday - closed
Uniform
Thank you for your support with students wearing the correct uniform I have noticed a big improvement. I will be contacting parents individually if there are any further uniform that needs addressing. Full uniform list is on our website. Look out for some new items coming soon:)
Bun tutorial -
For ballet class students should have a ballet bun. Here is a tutorial to help-
App, info hub and social media
We are now adding important information to our website on the NEW DTA info hub page. Currently you find information about the forthcoming show, show FAQs, term dates, size guides, our policies and terms & conditions. The show information includes everything you need to know - times, dates, costumes, costs. Hopefully this will make it easier to access important information and you will not have to scroll through hundreds of emails. We are updating this all the time so please regularly check the page for updates. Uniform lists are currently on the individual pages in the uniform shop but these will be added to the hub in due course.
ANNUAL SHOW REMINDER DEADLINES
Please note that to take part in the show you will have filled in a show form and paid the show and costume fees. The last date for all payments is the 1st November so please make sure everything is done by then as we will be buying costumes and obtaining chaperone licences and all other relevant legal documents that are required by the local councils. If you haven't already done this you do need to let us know whether your child is taking part or not and complete the above otherwise we assume that they will not taking part this time although they will be able to join in with the normal class until February half term. From Saturday 24th February through to Tuesday 12th March there will be no normal classes so any child not taking part in the show will not be able to attend any day within that period.
PERFORMANCE TEAMS
A quick note about the performance teams and how the children are selected. All students in Junior 2 and above are eligible from now on if the take both the Ballet and Jazz classes for their age group. This is a new requirement and does not affect the current members. The next time I will be considering adding new students will be after Easter next year. If you are interested in your child joining the relevant team please let me know as I am very happy for you to register your interest as well.
DATES FOR THE DIARY
Halloween Dress Up week - 30th October - 4th November optional for all classes
(please note dress up week dates have been changed due to the exam day on the 21st October)
Hornchurch Christmas lights performance-
Performance teams only- 18th November
Pantomime trip Cliffs Pavilion - 9th December
Junior R watching week during class times (2 adults maximum) - Saturday 2nd December
Mini Starz Ballet & Tap watching week during class time (2 adults maximum), Saturday 9th December
Christmas workshops - Week beginning Monday 11th December
Students are welcome to dress up in Christmas themed costumes (dress up is optional but all dance shoes must be worn and costumes suitable to dance in). More info to follow.
Please note that the Annual Presentation day will be held in July 2024 and in the summer thereafter.
Annual show full run through - Saturday 24th February
Annual show full dress rehearsal - Saturday 2nd March
Annual Show 2024 Towngate Theatre Basildon
Friday 8th March, Saturday 9th March and Sunday 10th March 2024
May Day bank holiday no classes - Monday 6th May
Award Presentation day - for all Junior, Middle, Pre-Senior and Senior students - 13th July 2024
Mini Starz - Watching week 13th July 2024
Thank you for you ongoing support.
Best wishes
Charlotte Thompson
Principal
Dance Theatre Arts Academy