FOOTNOTES
Reif Dance Newsletter, Spring Show 2017
By Katie E. Smith
Batten down the hatches! We are about to set sail!
The Spring Show is almost upon us. This year we will be producing an original story called
Sadie of the South Sea. The story will follow a young lady named Sadie who dreams of sailing
the seas in Polynesia during the 1700s. When her father falls into some trouble, she sets out
on a grand adventure and (spoiler alert) ultimately saves the day. The students have been
given the low-down on the story and everyone is very excited to see this story come to life.
How can you make sure you don’t get washed overboard?
Read this newsletter thoroughly and keep it handy!
Expectations regarding dancers responsibilities and conduct during tech week, rehearsal schedule, picture day, etc. are all
included in the following pages. Please read it carefully to assure that you are prepared for this busy but exciting time!
These next six weeks are going to sail by and if you don’t plan ahead, you might miss something!
Happy Mother’s Day!
Moms, thank you for investing so
much in your young dancers! I
appreciate the time and care you take
to nurture their passion for dance.
Dancers, let’s make an extra effort to treat our
moms with respect during this stressful time.
Remember we couldn’t do it without them!
Got Questions? Come to the
D.P.O. Meeting!
The Dance Parents Organization will meet Thursday,
May 4th @ 7:00, in Studio B. We will be available for
questions about the spring show, tech week, backstage
moms, other volunteer opportunities and anything
else you may be wondering about. See you there!
Picture day is Sunday, June 4th!
The schedule is set. I have done my best to estimate the time needed for each group but it is not an exact
science. Please be flexible and anticipate the chance of delays. The studio will be open at 8:30am. To help the
process go smoothly, please show up early to get your costume on. Come with your hair and make-up done.
The schedule is listed below. Enclosed is a copy of the picture order form. You must fill out a separate form for each photo you
have taken. Extra copies will be available on picture day. If you have multiple photos taken, you may pay with a single check.
(While nobody is required to order pictures, it is nice to have a record of all of our students. Please try to attend picture day.)
9:00am Advanced Jazz (Hula Dancers)
9:20am Int./Adv. Ballet (Calm before Storm)
9:35am Advanced Modern (Hurricane)
9:55am Int./Adv. Tap (Flamingoes)
10:10am Advanced Tap (Bourgeoisie)
10:30am Int./Adv. Jazz (Pirates)
10:45am Advanced Ballet (Scallywags)
11:00am Int./Adv. Modern (Tribal Council)
11:15am Soloists
11:30am Beg./Int. Ballet (Belles of Ball)
11:45am Int. Tap (Royal Navy)
12:00pm Beg./Int. Jazz (Menahune)
12:15pm Int. Jazz (Waiters)
12:30pm Beg./Int. Tap (Bakers)
12:45pm Int. Ballet (Waterlilies)
1:00pm Beginning Ballet (Coral)
1:15pm 1st Grade Monday (Mermaids)
1:30pm Beginning Jazz (Sea Monsters)
1:45pm 1st Grade Thursday (Rainbow)
2:00pm Beginning Tap (Pigs)
2:15pm Kindergarten Tuesday (Fish)
2:30pm Kinder Thursday (Crabs)
2:45pm Preschool Monday (Oysters)
3:00pm Preschool Thursday (Seagulls)
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Parents, Sign up!
How do I Look?
Are you wondering
how to fix your
We need Parent Volunteers! Please sign up in the
make-up, hair or
dance lobby and take your turn to help out.
costume? Spring Show Info Sheets
 Our dancers need BACKSTAGE MOMS to keep them safe and to ensure
will be posted in the Dance Lobby
that they make it on stage on time. (We do not mean to discriminate.
and in the hall outside of the
However, this job is only open to ladies for the comfort of our dancers.)
Student Lounge. These sheets will
 We need “Bouncers” to make sure the stage doors and outside doors are
describe which shoes and tights you
only accessed by Reif Dancers, Staff and Backstage Moms. In order to ensure the
need for performance, as well as hair
safety of all of out dancers, we will not allow anyone who is not in the show or
and makeup requirements. Please
signed up to be backstage. (Men or Women welcome)
check them and be prepared. Order
now if you need new tights, shoes or
What is TECH WEEK?
a nude leotard. It can take a while
Tech week is the crucial week of rehearsals where we finally put
for them to arrive. Some costumes
the whole show together. Students have a chance to get familiar
require a nude leotard underneath
with the theatre and to finally see how each class plays a part in the for modesty. If your child is in more
telling of one story. This week is the most exciting week of the year
than one dance, consider purchasing
at Reif Dance. Students create lifelong friendships and priceless
memories. The Spring Production Tech Week Schedule is included a nude leotard to make costume
in this newsletter. Please take the time to read it and highlight the changing more comfortable. Thanks!
We will also post this info on our
days and times that include you or your child.
Rehearsal times are scheduled to overlap intentionally. This will
website. www.reifdance.org
ensure that dancers are available when we need them on stage.
Check under resources!
Dancer Responsibilities During Tech Week
*Dancers must treat the Reif Center respectfully. Clean up after yourselves and don’t go where you don’t
belong. Dancers must stay in the theater or the dance wing at all times.
*Dancers should bring Survival Kits with them to help pass the time. Rehearsals can get long. So, bring
your summer reading, coloring books and games. (Electronic games are NOT allowed unless they are
muted!) NO CELL PHONES OR ELECTRONICS IN THE AUDITORIUM!
*Dancers need to know their schedule. Be on stage - on time. We will not go looking for anyone!
*Dancers are not allowed to eat in their costumes unless they are wearing a bathrobe
completely covering it. No liquids other than water are allowed in the theater or studios, or AT ALL while
wearing costumes. Please bring healthy snacks. Don’t bring messy foods! Dancers are not allowed to eat
in the theater or lobby! Keep snacking restricted to the dance wing.
*Dancers must keep track of all costume pieces and personal items. Put your name in/on absolutely
everything that is yours!
*If it is not yours, DON’T TOUCH IT! Do not pick up any costume piece or prop
that does not belong to you.
*Be encouraging to your fellow dancers. Find NICE things to say and keep the rest
to yourself! Leave the “bossing around” to the teachers! Students, just enjoy the
journey and do your best!
Parents, please help us have a fun and safe tech week. Go over these rules with
your child and promote them. Thanks for your support!
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Starting on Dress Rehearsal,
Backstage Moms will be in effect.
Dancers need to check in and out with them
and must listen and be respectful. They are
there to help make our show fabulous and
smooth. So, be grateful and behave! Moms,
please take a turn being a Backstage Mom.
If everyone does it at least once, everyone
has an opportunity to see the show!
A Note to Fundamentals Parents:
All Preschool and Kindergarten dancers must be checked out
during intermission of all performances. Please be sure to
sign in and out with the designated Backstage Mom to
prevent any stress or confusion. If you want your child to sit
in the auditorium with you to watch the second half of the
show, they will need a ticket. 1st grade dancers will stay
until the end of the show and participate in curtain call.
Tech Week Schedule
Attending rehearsals is REQUIRED! All Tech Week rehearsals will take place on stage.
IMPORTANT: Tech Week Rehearsals are subject to change.
Saturday, June 3rd: Spacing Rehearsal
A Spacing Rehearsal is used to get the performers acquainted with the stage. Each group will do a walk-through without music to figure out their spacing and
then run their piece with music. This rehearsal will NOT follow the actual show order. Please be present in the theater for the time slot designated to your
class. Dancers may leave after their final class has been dismissed. Students should wear regular dance clothes. Keep in mind that the theater can be chilly.
9:00am-11:00am
10:30am-12:30pm
12:00pm-2:00pm
1:30pm-3:30pm
3:00pm-5:00pm
4:30pm-6:30pm
6:00pm-8:00pm
Adult Tap & All Fundamentals (Preschool, Kindergarten and 1st Grade classes)
Parents may take their child home as soon as his or her class is dismissed
All Beginning Classes (Beg. Ballet, Beg. Jazz, Beg. Tap)
All Beginning/Intermediate Classes (Beg./Int. Ballet, Beg./Int. Jazz, Beg./Int. Tap)
All Intermediate Classes (Int. Ballet, Int. Jazz, Int. Tap)
All Intermediate/Advanced Classes (I/A Ballet, I/A Jazz, I/A Tap, I/A Modern)
All Advanced Classes (Adv. Ballet, Adv. Jazz, Adv. Tap, Adv. Modern)
All Soloists
Monday, June 5th: Lighting Rehearsal
A Lighting Rehearsal is meant for incorporating more of the technical elements of theatre. This rehearsal will mostly follow the actual show order. We will be
messing around with lights and scene changes. Dancers need to be patient. Dancers may not leave until the end of their scheduled rehearsal time unless they
are dismissed. Students should wear regular dance clothes. Bring layers. Keep in mind that the theater can get chilly.
9:00am-12:00am
11:30am-2:30pm
2:00pm-4:30pm
4:00pm-7:00pm
Act I: Scene i “Port Charlotte” (Young Sadie, Sadie, Father, Navy Captain, Adult Tap “Civilians,” Kindergarten
Tuesday “Fish,” Preschool Thursday “Seagulls,” Beginning Ballet “Coral,” Kindergarten Thursday “Shellfish,”
Preschool Monday “Oysters” Beginning/Int. Tap “Bakers”)
Interlude “The Parlor” (Sadie, Mother, Father)
Act I: Scene ii “The Officer’s Ball” (Sadie, Suitor, Advanced Tap “Bourgeoisie,” Beginning/Int. Ballet
“Belles of the Ball,” Intermediate Jazz “Waiters”)
Interlude “The Parlor” (Sadie, Mother, Captain)
Act I: Scene iii “HMS Endeavour” (Sadie, Captain, 1st Mate, Intermediate Tap “Royal Navy,”
Int./Advanced Ballet “Calm Before the Storm,” Advanced Modern “Hurricane”)
Act II: Scene i “The Lagoon” (Sadie, Pirate Queen, Temptress, 1st Grade Thursday “Rainbow,”
Intermediate Ballet “Waterlilies,” 1st Grade Monday “Mermaids,” Int./Advanced Tap “Flamingoes,” Beginning
Jazz “Sea Monsters”)
Act II: Scene ii “The Pirate Ship, Justice” (Sadie, Pirate Queen, Int./Advanced Jazz “Queen’s Crew,”
Advanced Ballet “Scallywags”)
Act II: Scene iii “Pele Island” (Sadie, Pirate Queen, Native Chief, Father, Beginning Tap “Pigs,” Beginning/Int. Jazz
“Menahune,” Int./Advanced Modern “Tribal Council,” Advanced Jazz “Hula Dancers”)
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Parent are welcome to
Tuesday, June 6th: Full Run
watch rehearsals
We will do a full run of the show with stops to deal with challenging scene changes and any number of bloopers which can occur.
Patience is a virtue! This run through is meant to get the dancers acquainted with the flow of the show. Dancers may not leave
until the end of rehearsal unless they are dismissed. Dancers should wear regular dance clothes. Keep in mind the theater can
be chilly. Parents of Beginning through Intermediate dancers, please attend notes sessions with your child!
10:00am
Act I Notes - Parents & Dancers are seated in the auditorium ready to go!
10:00am-1:30pm
1:00pm
2:00pm
2:00pm-5:00pm
Act I (Check the Lighting Rehearsal schedule on page 3 to determine which act you are in.)
Curtain Call Rehearsal (Includes ALL DANCERS except for Preschool & Kindergarten)
Act II Notes - Parents & Dancers are seated in the auditorium ready to go!
Act II (Check the Lighting Rehearsal schedule on page 3 to determine which act you are in.)
Wednesday, June 7th: Dress Run (No Preschool or Kindergarten)
Dress Rehearsal should be treated like the real deal. Unless there is a major catastrophe, we will run the show once without
stopping then head home for some much deserved relaxation. Please remember that Preschool and Kindergarten students must
be checked out at intermission. ALL other dancers must stay in costume for Curtain Call.
Int./Advanced & Advanced Ballet Class
Entire Cast in theater for notes!
Curtain!
Friday, June 9th: Opening Night!
5:00pm-6:00pm
6:15pm
7:00pm
Int./Adv. & Advanced Ballet Class
Entire Cast in theater for notes!
Curtain!
Saturday, June 10th: Performance
5:00pm-6:00pm
6:15pm
7:00pm
Int./Adv. & Advanced Ballet Class
Entire Cast in theater for notes!
Curtain!
Sunday, June 11th: Matinee
12:00pm-1:00pm
1:15pm
2:00pm
Int./Advanced & Adv. Ballet Class
Entire Cast in theater for notes!
Curtain!
Everyone stays to help with Strike! Dancers may not leave until they are excused.
Spring Show tickets are on sale now!
Call or stop in to the Reif Center Box Office
and get yours today! (218)327-5780
Students $9, Adults $16, and Seniors $14
right side sections of
the auditorium and
please do not bring
food or beverages into
the theater.
Please feel free to
photos!
Bulletin Boards
Int./Advanced & Advanced Ballet Class
Notes - Dancers are in costume, seated in the auditorium!
Full Run with Curtain Call
Thursday, June 8th: Dress Rehearsal
1:00pm-2:00pm
2:00pm
2:30pm
Please sit in the left or
take non-flash
This will be a dress rehearsal without Hair or Make-up. We will likely run the show twice (or at least re-run problem areas at the
end of the first run.) Please do not leave without being excused. This is your last chance to sit in the auditorium to watch the
show. Take this opportunity to support your fellow dancers and cheer them on!
12:00pm-1:00pm
1:00pm
1:00-6:00pm
during tech week.
The bulletin boards in
the dance lobby and
dancers hallway will be
updated throughout the
next six weeks.
Please check often for
important information!
Lost & Found
The number of lost
items we have is always
surprising. Please help
keep track of your own
things. Put your name
in EVERYTHING! Each
shoe! Your leotard!
Your tights! Everyone’s
stuff looks the same.
Unclaimed items left
after the final show will
be given to the
Salvation Army.
Try to be careful
about sun exposure
during Tech Week.
Sunburn makes
wearing costumes under the
lights very uncomfortable!
Please make every
effort to attend all
classes between now
and Tech Week. It is
very hard to teach
choreography without everyone there.
Your classmates are
counting on you! 4
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