COPY OF OCTOBER NEWSLETTER

\ CONCERT UPDATE The Countdown to Concert is on. Over the coming weeks, we will be keeping you informed of important details in the lead up to Concert. All of our information will also be posted to our websitewww.steppingoutdance.com.au under DUBBO NEWS or on our Facebook page. ( Hit Like if you haven’t already) We aim to make the lead up to Concert an enjoyable and stress free one. Our thanks to everyone who has supported us in this process by ensuring your child has been measured for their dazzling costumes. We really appreciate your co-operation and look forward to sharing in this exciting event with you. A Hair & Make Up Guide will be sent home in November in readiness for Dress Rehearsals and the Big Day. Photos of how to do hair and make up will also be posted on our website to assist any new parents. A REMINDER THAT OUR CONCERT “DESTINATION DANCE- AROUND THE WORLD” will be staged on Sunday, 2nd December in two fabulous performances. ( apologies last concert note incorrectly printed Saturday 1st Dec but earlier notes had supplied correct date) Our matinee performance will commence at 11am and our evening performance at 5pm. Students will be required to dance in both performances. Our 2012 Presentation will be held at the conclusion of our 5pm show. A STAGE REHEARSAL will be held on Saturday, 10th November at the Dubbo Regional Theatre. A timetable will be supplied soon. Costume Collection will be held during class times on Monday, 26th & Tuesday, 27th November. Saturday morning Future Stars will receive theirs on Saturday, 24th November. Balances will be payable at time of collection. This year, our DRESS REHEARSAL will be held on Friday, 30th November at the Dubbo Regional Theatre and will be a full rehearsal ( hair & make up) and will run as per performance order. This will also be a full technical performance with lighting, audio etc. Times will be supplied closer to the date. TICKETS WILL GO ON SALE FROM 9.30am Thursday, 1st November and will be available online from www.drtcc.com.au or from the Theatre Box Office ( in person or phone 0268 014378.) Tickets are charged at $26 for ADULT and $22 for Concession. Concession rate will be available for group bookings ( 8 or more tickets.) Tickets for the 5pm show sold very quickly last year so families with a show preference are advised to get in early to avoid disappointment. We really can’t wait to see the culmination of our 2012 dancing year on the big stage and know these beautiful young people are going to shine.

STAGECRAFT REHEARSALS- SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 10

These rehearsals will be held on Saturday, 10th November at Dubbo Regional Theatre, Darling St. Please enter through backstage entrance at Carrington Ave and mark your child’s name off on roll. This is a closed rehearsal and only performers will be permitted entry into stage doors and area. Stagecraft rehearsals prepare students for entry, exits, stage dimensions and other important features of Performance. They are an important and exciting lead up to our Concert. Please pack a water bottle for your child and for those students with numerous rehearsals adequate refreshments. 9.30-10.15 Saturday Future Stars Ballet/ Jazz, Monday Future Stars Jazz 10.15-11.00 Primary/ Level 1 Ballet, Junior Tap 11.00-11.45 6 years Jazz, 8 years Jazz 11.45-12.45 10 years Jazz, 12 years Jazz, Junior Disney Team 12.45-1.45 Junior Contemporary, Level 5 Ballet, Level 3 Ballet 1.45-2.45 14 years Jazz, Junior Hip Hop, Intermediate Contemporary 2.45-3.45 ALL Performance classes, Intermediate Tap, 3.45-5.30 Senior Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Contemporary, Tap, Senior Disney

USA/MEXICO PART 2

After our day shopping, the Dads of Dance all boarded the bus for our next hotel, the Sheraton at Anaheim and the rest of us went to Discount Dance Warehouse and really shopped up a storm. This place had I visited it as a child would have been like visiting Santa's workshop and I have to say, excitement levels even as a grown up were pretty much way up there. You cannot begin to imagine how wonderful and CHEAP this place was. I went a little crazy shopping. I forget how many Happy tears were shed on this trip but can guarantee you my Breakfast with Disney Characters and seeing my kids at the Happiest Place on earth produced a torrent of tears. Disneyland really is a very magical and special place. The fact i got to return and not only share it with my children again but have my students perform there again is just unbelievably special.

The Breakfast was out of this world but to be honest I spent more time laughing and crying than partaking in the glorious food. We got up close and personal with Mickey, Minnie ( Evie's reaction to Minnie by her side I will never forget. Complete and utter awe and joy), Stitch, Pluto, Daisy Duck and a heap more. Onny, Molly Nelson, Payton reynolds and the Taylor girls even gotto teach Mickey to krump. Unbelievable.

We all spent the rest of the day enjoying Disneyland or California Adventure Park. WOW ON WOW! The new Carsland attraction is now open and was so exciting. The parades and in particular Disney Pixar Parade induced more tears. All in all we had five incredible days hopping back and forth in between the parks and enjoying two outstanding performances, a Disney workshop and lots of fun time AT Downtown Disney. We dined at Rainforest Cafe twice. LOVE THAT PLACE.

The kids were very impressive in not only their performances but in rehearsals. I was pulled aside and told, "we love your kids. They even dance full out in rehearsal. They have a great work ethic." The kids all got limited edition T shirts from Disneyland as proof of their Special Performance and successful audition. We bid a sad farewell to Disneyland and once again got on our bus to make the trip to Long Beach where we boarded our 8 day cruise aboard Carnival Splendor around the Mexican Riviera. As we stepped in to this luxurious, floating resort you could hear collective sighs of amazement. It was so beautiful and I really have no words to describe the food, buffet, fine dining, leisure activities, entertainment and good times that awaited us. WE WERE SO SPOILT!!

There were shows and entertainment every day and night and we were fortunate enough to be part of the entertainment performing in two incredible shows on the ship. We had tremendous response from our fellow cruisers who came to cheer on our dancers in the stunning auditorium. In one show alone, we had close to 1000 people cheering the kids on and were overwhelmed by the standing ovation we received. It was goose bump inducing.

Along with the cruise we got to experience beautiful Cabo San Lucas and Puerta Valleta. We all had a brilliant time. We were also treated upon disembarking with a beautiful day at Laguna Beach and shopping at Fashion Island before returning home. Some of our group travelled on to Las Vegas and I was absolutely thrilled to hear that one of our beautiful teachers, Miss Rachel became engaged during this time. My heartfelt thanks to all the talented, amazing students, their lovely, supportive families and the incredible, enthusiastic and energetic Stepping Out team who made this all possible. I curtsey to the dynamic Miss Leesa, Miss Emma, Miss Rachel, Miss Stef and anyone who assisted in any way with the success of this adventure. Big applause to Sonya O'Connor who ensured our kids shone like the stars they are and to the team at Global Dance and especially the very lovely and impressive skills of Rosemarie Church who made our dream a reality. We will definitely be looking you up. Everyone else, let's satrt saving. I think New York is calling us.

USA/ MEXICO TRIP

This is undoubtedly not just a highlight of 2012 but my entire teaching career. Following on from the fantastic 2008 USA Tour, we ventured back in September this year for what can only be described as INCREDIBLE, AMAZING and INSPIRING. I strongly suggest everyone starts saving for our next adventure because as wonderful as 2008 was 2012's trip certainly stepped up a notch. We won't be waiting so long for the next one. We took a 50 strong team of dancers aged between 7 and 24 years of age and their assorted families, friends and fans and travelled to Los Angeles, Disneyland and then boarded the most spectacular cruise around the Mexican Riviera. Senses were overloaded. An amazing time was enjoyed by all and for the dancers and all of the teachers we have certainly come home so incredibly inspired and proud of what we are creating out here in the Central West. The students and their families FLASH MOBBED Hollywood. I will upload footage when I can. Hollywood Blvd was alive with one, then two, then ten, then thirty, then 50 DANCERS and then joined by their parents, siblings, teachers for an uproarious and energetic dance routine. This was Miss Leesa's brain child and wow was it incredible to see the crowds gathering as Madame Tussard's was piping our music tracks on the Blvd and soon the whole streets were chanting "Aussie. Aussie. Aussie. Oi Oi Oi."

It was pretty fabulous to even see our Mayor up there busting a move. Students enjoyed dance classes and workshops at L.A's The Edge and Millenium dance studios. I was so thrilled that our students were able to benefit from the industry's finest dance professionals and for a day live the life of a professional dancer living in L.A. Students were even trained in Audition techniques with Disney's awesome Performing Arts staff and Chief Director. We performed at Universal Studio's in a very exciting show and were delighted at the crowd who came rushing to see who the celebrities were in the very sparkly costumes. The kids were treated like absolute stars at Universal and even got to walk the Red Carpet. Special thanks to our illustrious costume designer Sonya O'Connor

who had everyone blinded in the audience by the jaw dropping brilliance of our kids costumes. They shone in every way.

I have so many photos on my Ipad that I will share as soon as I can. After our performance at Universal Studios we all enjoyed a hot but very fun day exploring the theme park. Highlights were The Simpsons Ride ( so much fun) and the Jurassic Park Ride. My family were totally entranced by all the characters, rides and thrilling moments. After Universal we spent the rest of the evening at Universal Walk and had the most amazing dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe. My Archer fell face first into his food as he was so exhausted by his great day. We spent four amazing days in Hollywood and stayed at the Loews Hotel ( WOW- Google it). Our days were spent dancing or exploring places like Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Rodeo Drive, Hollywood and our nights partying or by the beautiful pool. I feel very blessed my family and students got to share this experience with so many friends. After our time in Hollywood, we travelled to Citadel Outlets and enjoyed shopping at L.A's biggest and best Outlet Mall. Many great bargains were discovered as was the most amazing Candy Apple Store ( ask my kids how much they enjoyed this!!)

CATCH UP

It's Concert Time and in the excitement and craziness of 2012 I have completely overlooked the Blog. Since the introduction of our Facebook page and the ease this means of Social Media delivers, I must apologise for abandoning the other great mecca of Stepping Out news, pics and info, our blog. I do however suggest if you have a Facebook account that you HIT LIKE immediately so that your newsfeed can keep you regularly updated on all things STEPPING OUT related. So, how do I update you on all that has happened in what has been one of our more successful and happy years of dancing in the Central West. mmmmmmmmm, I will try. So many wonderful things have happened to Stepping Out students, their familes and staff this year. So as I set adrift on memory bliss, grap yourself a cuppa and let's get reacquainted. SOON THIS BLOG WILL BE YOUR BIBLE TO ALL THINGS CONCERT. In the meantime, enjoy my look at the year 2012.

BALLET EXAMS WERE A HUGE SUCCESS WITH OUTSTANDING RESULTS BY ALL CANDIDATES

More pics and news to follow.