Newsletter - Winter 2026
Happy 2026, everyone!
Even though we have already been dancing for a few weeks, it is crucial that students attend all of their classes. Competitions are quickly approaching, therefore attendance is very important! This is integral for learning the steps, spacing, and musicality of each dance. If a dancer is unable to attend a class, please email the studio or enter it in JackRabbit!
Competition groups please be aware that, in preparation for competitions, some weekend extras will be taking place over the next three months. The teachers want the dancers to feel as confident and prepared as possible! We will also be asking that all competition dancers wear their costumes to class during the week of March 16th-21st.
Competition Hotel block reminders:
Terpsichore Regina - April 15th-20th block dates
The Sandman Hotel & Suites Regina
Phone Number: 1-306-757-2444
Block Name :La Danse Studio
Price: $139/night + taxes and fees
Standing Ovation Red Deer - May 4th-10th block dates
Red Deer Resort & Casino
Phone Number: 1-403-346-2091
Block Name: La Danse Group Block
Price: $129/night + taxes and fees
Cut off to book with the group rate is April 4th
Final schedules for competitions will likely not come out until March, so if you are expecting to be there for various days, we would advise making your reservation for that full time and just cancel days later if need be.
Standing Ovation Competition Update: They will now be running two stages simultaneously for the duration of the competition. The only information we have been given about this is the location of the second stage, which is very conveniently located at the Red Deer Resort & Casino. The first stage will remain at the Red Deer Arts Centre, which is a two minute drive away. Once we know more, we will pass that information along to everyone.
Almost all of our costumes have arrived and been dispersed amongst students. If you have already received a group costume, please ensure that it is stored in a safe place and properly taken care of. Costumes needing alterations will be taken to the seamstress next Wednesday, Jan 21st.
Solo costumes have also all almost arrived. For those still waiting, you will be contacted as soon as they are in!
Hair and makeup sheets will be emailed out at the beginning of February. We will also include video links to hair and makeup tutorials.
Class preparation is something we would like to see happening more amongst all dancers. It is important that dancers arrive at the studio 10-15 minutes prior to the start of their class time to get dressed, warm up their muscles, and stretch so that when the teacher calls them for class, they are ready to start dancing immediately. Dancers should be dressed in the proper attire – a bodysuit and pink or beige tights for ballet, fitted clothing for jazz and lyrical, etc. All ballet dancers Grade 3 & up should be coming to class with a bun in their hair!
Something all the teachers have been noticing lately is the increase in large necklaces and dangly earrings. As a safety precaution, dancers should not be wearing these items in any classes. If they come to class with jewelry on, they will be asked to remove it before entering the classroom. The safest place for items like this is being left at home.
On Sunday, January 25th, Miss Bailey will be hosting a wellness session for all competitive dancers ages 10+. She will be talking about keeping a positive mindset, not getting down on yourself, taking care of your body (nutrition, getting a good sleep), the benefits of stretching and warming up before movement, the benefits to practicing full out, and smart steps to injury prevention. We want dancers to be able to work hard to achieve their goals and do it all from a good mental and physical stand point.
A session for parents will take place on a Sunday in February where she will discuss many of the same topics but from the view point of the parent - how you can be there for your dancer, encouraging proper nutrition, reinforcing healthy practice habits, etc.
There will be one final session for the dancers in March. This one will focus on competition mindset - having self confidence, understanding that it is not all about winning, performing to the best of your ability, cheering and encouraging others around you, helpful tips to have the most productive comp days, and the importance of consuming water and healthy foods to fuel your body.
February 11th is Parent Appreciation Day at La Danse! In honour of the wonderful dance parents at our studio, we will be serving coffee, muffins, and donuts in the front waiting room on Wednesday, February 11th for all our La Danse Parents to show our appreciation for the hours spent driving and supporting your dancers throughout the 2025/2026 dance season with us!
February Break starts on Sunday, February 15th and goes until Sunday, February 22nd. All regular classes will be cancelled during this time. If you would like to rent a studio for practicing, please send an email with your request.
Ballet Exams will be taking place at La Danse in June. E-mails will go out next week to the dancers being invited to participate in an exam. Responses need to be submitted to the office by February 14th in order to be entered.
We will be hosting a solo and duet showcase on Saturday, March 7th at the Lakeview Church @ 6pm. All dancers with solos, duets, and trios will be invited to perform in the showcase. Each will be able to do a max of two solos. Tickets will be $20 each. This is a great opportunity for the dancers to perform on stage in a stress-free environment for friends and family before we head into competitions! Tickets will be available for sale on February 25th via cash or transfer.
We have set a date to do a full run through of all solos and duets at the studio. On Sunday, Mar. 22nd, we are inviting all dancers with a solo, duet, or trio to practice in front of their peers in full costume. This will serve as a dress rehearsal for all dancers to do a performance in costume before competitions start. This is mandatory.
IMPORTANT DATES
February:
Monday, Feb 9th - Tuesday, Feb 10th - Tap Exams
Wednesday, February 11th – Parent Appreciation Day
Sunday, Feb. 15th – Sunday, Feb. 22nd - February Break, no classes.
Monday, Feb. 23rd – Classes resume.
March:
Saturday, Mar. 7th – Solo Showcase
Monday Mar. 16th - Saturday, Mar. 21st – Costume Week
Sunday, Mar. 22nd – Solo/Duet Run Through - ATTENDANCE MANDATORY
Thursday, Mar. 26th-Sunday, Mar. 29th - Evolve Dance Competition (Saskatoon)
April:
Friday, April 3rd - Good Friday, no classes
Saturday, April 4th - Friday, April 10th - Easter Break, no classes.
Saturday, April 11th - Altered schedule for comp classes
Thursday, Apr. 16th - Sunday, Apr 19th - Terpsichore Competition (Saskatoon)
Tuesday, Apr. 21st – Sunday, Apr. 26th - The Performer Competition (Saskatoon)
May:
Tuesday, May 5th - Saturday, May 9th - Standing Ovation Dance Competition (Red Deer, AB)
Friday, May 15th – Monday, May 18th - May long weekend, no Classes.
Tuesday, May 19th – Thursday, May 21st - Picture Days
June:
Monday, June 1st - Dress Rehearsal Act 1 - ATTENDANCE MANDATORY
Tuesday, June 2nd - Dress Rehearsal Act 2 - ATTENDANCE MANDATORY
Saturday, June 13th - Year End Dancer Party @ 2PM
Sunday, June 14th - Dance Recital - ATTENDANCE MANDATORY
Please note the update to the Dress Rehearsal dates. TCU is bringing in a musical, so they have bumped us from our dress rehearsal day. We are now booked to do the first half on Monday, June 1st evening and the second half on Tuesday, June 2nd evening.
I would like to remind you to check your Parent Portal on JackRabbit for any outstanding fees or expiring credit cards. You will be contacted by me if there are any remaining issues with fees. Please e-mail the studio, and I will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
As always, if you have any questions, please let us know!
Thank you,
Mallory and Shannon