Hi Friends,

Hope you all had a great weekend!

Front Door Update

I’ve now heard back from the lock people and they are waiting on the manufacturers to send another lock system for us. As soon as it's in it will be installed. Still not sure on a timeline. Please continue to enter through the office door and use the rock just inside the front door to prop it open. When locking up and leaving, please continue to exit through the front door.

THIS WEEKS REMINDERS

Bring a Friend Week - Our goal is to make our guests feel welcome, have fun, and give them a genuine feel for what a class at Dance Directions is like. This is another week that we see a lot of new registrations.

Here are some tips and tricks for your classes

Include a simple icebreaker or dance game. Try partner games, dance telephone, obstacle relays, or a mini showcase.

Give guests a buddy right away. Include them in the warm-up and activities rather than having them stand on the side watching for too long.

Run your class as usual. Keep your regular class structure so our guests get a feel for what we offer, while adding a little extra fun where you can.

Incorporate partner activities. Short combos with a partner are a great way to help everyone feel connected. Another activity could be getting your dancers to make up a friendship handshake and then show each other.

Avoid putting guests on the spot. Let them join in a mini showcase or demonstrate a move if they want to, but don't require them to perform alone.

Take photos! Please take a photo of the whole class at the end, as well as a photo of each student with their friend.

Please remind your dancers that if they brought a friend, both the dancer and their friend can stop by the office to enter the giveaway! Make this part of your usual class wrap-up so nobody forgets.

Finish on a high note with a fun final game, group photo, or class cheer. We want everyone to leave feeling included and excited about their experience!

Halloween Week! - Next week is Halloween Week, and we'll have treats in the studio! Please remind your dancers that they can wear costumes.

I will go into more details in next weeks updates. Teachers are welcome to dress up in costumes as well.

That's all for now. I'll be in the office all weeks so if you need any support please don't hesitate to let me know.

IMPORTANT DATES – OCTOBER

Oct 24-30 → Halloween Week

Oct 31 → Halloween (no classes)

IMPORTANT DATES - UPCOMING

Nov 11 → Remembrance Day (no classes)

Nov 16-22 → Parent Observation Week (POW)

Hi Friends,

Hope you all had a great long weekend!

Our October monthly meeting has been uploaded and can be found HERE. I’ve also added the monthly check-in questions to the Teachers Resources page HERE.

Monthly check-ins should take place during the last week of each month, before the 1st of the following month.

I’ve also added a list of games to your Resources page! These are meant to be used as brain breaks throughout class or as a fun way to finish class, rather than taking up the entire class. Games are a great way to break things up, keep kiddos engaged, and reinforce skills in a fun and interactive way. Remember, we want our kiddos to have fun while still learning!

I won’t be in the office this week, but I’ll still have my phone with me and will be available by phone or text if you need anything. Please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Invoice Reminder

A quick reminder that when submitting invoices, please make sure each invoice includes:

- The studio address: #120 - 39455 Discovery Way, Squamish BC V8B 0R5

- Your own address

- A unique invoice number for each invoice

This helps keep everything organized and ensures invoices can be processed smoothly.

Front Door Update

I’m still waiting to hear back from our lock people. They’ve reached out to the manufacturer and are also waiting for a response. In the meantime, please continue to enter through the office door and use the rock just inside the front door to prop it open. When locking up and leaving, please continue to exit through the front door.

Bear Safety

There was a bear right outside the studio this past Thursday, bumping against our front door trying to get in! Please be careful when arriving and leaving the studio, as bears are quite active right now. Keep an eye on your surroundings and use extra caution when entering and exiting.

Stickers for Our Younger Classes

I’ve made some stickers for our younger classes! You can find them in the office, in the bottom drawer of the desk on the left-hand side.

There are generic everyday stickers as well as holiday-themed stickers. For holiday stickers, please use them during the week of the holiday or the week before, depending on when we have classes scheduled. This way, we can enjoy each holiday’s stickers at the right time!

THIS WEEKS REMINDERS

Bring a Friend Week – Next Week!

Please remind your students that next week is Bring a Friend to Class Week! Parents will be receiving an email with all the details, including the waiver that their friend’s parent or guardian must complete before attending class.

Please help spread the excitement with your dancers this week so they can start thinking about who they’d like to bring!

IMPORTANT DATES – OCTOBER

Oct 19-15 → Bring a Friend to class week

Oct 24-30 → Halloween Week

Oct 31 → Halloween (no classes)

IMPORTANT DATES - UPCOMING

Nov 11 → Remembrance Day (no classes)

Nov 16-22 → Parent Observation Week (POW)

Hi Friends,

Short update this week since we have our staff meeting on Wednesday!

There has now been a search bar added to the Teacher Portal, so anytime you can’t find something, you should be able to type in what you’re looking for and it should bring up the page. If you’re still unable to find something, let me know and I can help!

Field Trip – January 8

We are planning a studio field trip to Cirque du Soleil on January 8! We are currently gathering numbers so we can organize tickets and hopefully get a better group rate.

If you’re interested in going, please let me know how many tickets you would like. Tickets are currently expected to be around $75–$85 + GST/fees, and we are also looking into the possibility of a behind-the-scenes tour.

Front Door Update

I’ve met with the lock people, and they have reached out to the manufacturer of our door handles/locks to see what options we have for fixing or replacing the current setup. I’ll keep you posted once I hear more.

THIS WEEKS REMINDERS

Over the next few weeks, I’d recommend inviting parents into the studio for the last 5–10 minutes of class to show them what their dancers have been working on.

This is especially helpful after explaining our closed-door policies, as it gives parents a chance to see what happens in class and helps build excitement and connection with what their dancers are learning. It’s also a great way to get everyone even more excited for Parent Observation Week (POW) in November!

All other updates we’ll talk about at our meeting on Wednesday.

Excited to see you all then!

IMPORTANT DATES – OCTOBER

Oct 12 → Thanksgiving (no classes)

Oct 19-15 → Bring a Friend to class week

Oct 24-30 → Halloween Week

Oct 31 → Halloween (no classes)

IMPORTANT DATES - UPCOMING

Nov 11 → Remembrance Day (no classes)

Nov 16-22 → Parent Observation Week (POW)

Hi Friends,

I hope you’re all staying cozy on this rainy Monday!

Thanks so much for filling out your availability for our monthly meetings. We’ll be having them on the 1st Wednesday of each month from 12:00–1:00pm, with our first meeting being October 7. I’m looking forward to “getting together” with everyone!

Studio Pro Attendance Update

Studio Pro has updated their attendance system, and you can now easily change the date you’re taking attendance for. This means that if you forget to take attendance one day, you can simply change the date and enter the correct attendance for the previous day or week.

Everything else should work the same as it normally does. If you need any help navigating the update, just let me know!

Front Door Update

As mentioned in the group chat, the front door handle has unfortunately broken off. I had the lock people come in today and they have filed down the handle so that no one gets cut on it. They are reaching out to the company that the door handle and lock are from for a replacement but unfortunately I don't have a timeline for when that will come in and be replaced. Until this has been fixed, we’ll need to leave the deadbolt out so families can get in and out of the studio.

The issue is that the button that normally keeps the deadbolt in place is also not working properly, so the deadbolt can sometimes shift back into place on its own.

Please keep an eye on the front door throughout your class and check it every so often to make sure it is positioned so families can easily get in and out. If you notice that it has closed or is no longer accessible, please make sure it is opened again.

I’ll keep everyone updated as I figure out the repair!

THIS WEEKS REMINDERS

Student Placements
Please let me know this week or next if you have any students that should be moved to a different class for their level of dancing.

Wednesday September 30 - No classes due to Truth & Reconciliation Day

That's all for this week! If you need anything at all please don't hesitate to let me know. Hope you all have a fantastic week!

IMPORTANT DATES – SEPTEMBER

Sept 30 → Truth & Reconciliation Day (no classes)

IMPORTANT DATES - UPCOMING

Oct 12 → Thanksgiving (no classes)

Oct 19-15 → Bring a Friend to class week

Oct 24-30 → Halloween Week

Oct 31 → Halloween (no classes)

Hi Team,

What a fantastic first week back!

It was so nice to see all of the dancers back in the studio, and it’s been wonderful seeing how happy and excited everyone is to be back. We also had some trials turn into registered students, so thank you all for the hard work you put into making those first classes such a positive experience.

As we head into the next few weeks, our biggest focus is continuing to make classes a fun, welcoming, and positive experience for every dancer. We still have some new students and trials coming through, so those first impressions really matter.

You are all doing a great job of making your classes fun, and I really want you to keep doing what you’re doing. It is so important that our dancers are learning and growing, but that they are also genuinely enjoying being in class and excited to come back each week.

I’ll be talking more about this at our first team meeting in October, where we’ll introduce some studio-wide focus words and goals for us to work on throughout the year. For now, just keep doing what you do best and remember that fun is the foundation. We want our dancers to leave class excited to come back and excited to tell their parents about what they did.

Closed Door Policy — Parent Communication
I also sent an email out to all of our studio families regarding our closed door policy. The email at the bottom of this update is the version that was sent to our preschool families, which includes some additional preschool-specific information. The rest of the studio received the same email, just without the preschool section.

Please take a moment to read through the email below so you are familiar with what our parents are being told and are in the know about the communication they have received. This will help ensure that we are all consistent in how we approach and communicate the policy in the studio.

I have also updated our Handbook Policies and our Preschool Parent Tips & Tricks document with a shorter version of this information, so the updated policy is reflected across our parent resources as well. As new students register this season I will also be sending the email to them.

MONTHLY TEAM MEETINGS

👉 Please fill out the availability form HERE ASAP

THIS WEEKS REMINDERS

Set Expectations

Please continue setting expectations at the beginning of classes, especially as we are still welcoming new students. I would continue doing this through to around mid-October while everyone settles into the new season.

Trials
We still have some trials coming up over the next few weeks. Please make sure you are checking your calendars so you know who and how many new students you have coming into your classes.

Student Placements
Please continue keeping an eye on your classes and levels and let me know if you feel someone would be better suited in another class. All adjustments for currently registered students should ideally be finalized by the end of this week, or next week at the latest.

Classroom Flow
Please remind students to bring their water bottles into class, tuck their bags away neatly, and keep transitions between activities and classes running smoothly. This is especially important during the first few weeks while everyone is getting back into their routines.

Support
I’ll be in the studio all week, so please don’t hesitate to grab me if you need anything, have a question, or want to chat about something happening in your class.

IMPORTANT DATES – SEPTEMBER

Sept 30 → Truth & Reconciliation Day (no classes)

IMPORTANT DATES - UPCOMING

Oct 12 → Thanksgiving (no classes)

Oct 19-15 → Bring a Friend to class week

Oct 24-30 → Halloween Week

Oct 31 → Halloween (no classes)

Hi Preschool Dance Parents,

I hope you're having a lovely start to your weekend!

I’m reaching out as I’ve had a few questions come in about our closed-door policy, and I want to be as transparent as possible about the reasoning behind it and why we feel it is so beneficial for our dancers. I’ll also be updating our parent handbook to make sure the “why” behind the policy is clearly explained.

We understand that for many of our preschool dancers, this may be their very first activity without a parent. Because of that, we are a little more flexible during the transition period. We absolutely understand that every child is different, and our teachers will always work with your dancer at their own pace. If your dancer needs you nearby for the first few weeks, that is completely understandable. Please reach out to the studio so we can work with you to create a plan that supports your dancer in a gradual and positive way toward eventually taking class independently.

If your dancer is upset or cries when you leave, please know that that is okay, too. We have dancers who are ready to walk into class independently right away, and we have dancers who need to work through some tears before they eventually feel comfortable and confident. Both are completely normal. We also understand that tears can sometimes come once class is underway, and our teachers are very comfortable supporting dancers through those moments. Our closed-door policy applies to all of our classes and dancers. Over the years, we have found that dancers learn, participate and grow best when they can fully focus on their teacher, their classmates and the experience of being in class, without the added awareness of being watched.

For preschool dancers, this can be especially noticeable. When a parent is watching, even through a door or on a screen, young dancers often look over for reassurance or to see how their parent is reacting. Their attention can shift away from the teacher and the activity.

We also want dance class to be a place where dancers feel free to express themselves, explore new movements and make mistakes without worrying about being judged or perceived by familiar and unfamiliar eyes. Making mistakes is a very important part of learning to dance. Dancers sometimes feel pressure to get everything right the first time when they know they are being watched, but dance improvement and progression take time.

When dancers have the opportunity to work through challenges, make mistakes and experience their own successes without feeling watched, they often build confidence more naturally and more quickly.  

Our teachers are very experienced in helping preschoolers settle into class, and we will always let you know if we feel your dancer needs additional support.

One of the best ways you can help is by talking positively about their independence at home. Remind them that they are getting so big, that they are going to dance class on their own, and that their teacher is there to help them. The more confident and comfortable you are with the transition, the easier it is often for your dancer to feel confident too.

After more than two decades of teaching and working with dancers of all ages, I am very confident in our closed-door approach and the benefits it provides. Throughout the season, we teach our dancers that it is okay to try, make mistakes, try again and grow at their own pace.

Our goal is for dancers to learn that they can:

- Feel confident without their parent beside them.

- Trust their teacher to help and support them.

- Express themselves freely and creatively.

- Try new things without needing to be perfect.

- Make mistakes and understand that mistakes are part of learning.

- Build confidence through their own accomplishments.

We want our preschool dancers to know that their teacher is there for them. If they need help, reassurance or a movement explained again, we want them to learn that they can look to their teacher and trust that we will help them.

There is also a benefit for you as a parent. When you aren't watching every class, you aren't seeing every small step along the way. Instead, you get to notice those exciting milestones when they happen — the first time they confidently walk into class on their own, a new movement they suddenly master, or something they come home excited to show you. Those moments can feel even more meaningful because you get to experience their progress rather than watching every part of the process.

We also have opportunities throughout the season for you to see what your dancer has been working on. Our Parent Observation Week is November 16–22, when parents are invited into the classroom to watch the full class. Teachers may also occasionally invite parents in for the last 5–10 minutes of a class to share what the dancers have been working on, at the teacher's discretion.

We will also have Parent Participation Week January 18–24, when parents are invited to participate in their dancer's entire class.

We have also put together a list of questions you can ask your dancer at home to help you connect with what they are learning and encourage conversations about their dance experience. You can find those questions here:

https://docs.google.com/document/d/e/2PACX-1vSgbXimXA1EwDNY5qkgQeqHGdvZ-bKDRJzuqqATAt_BC_5u5yMOMK5mJEF-Zvu0xaNUlTEkfiI0QQvC/pub

These opportunities give you a chance to stay connected to your dancer's experience and see their progress, while still allowing them the space they need to build independence, confidence and comfort throughout the year.

Thank you for trusting us with your little dancers. We take that trust very seriously and are so excited to watch their confidence, independence and love of dance grow throughout the year!

Thanks,
Cierra Rohde

Hi Team,

Welcome to our first week back—so excited to kick off another great season together. 

A quick reminder that weekly updates should usually take no more than 5-10 minutes to read, and it’s important that they are read in full before your first class of the week. This ensures you’re up to date on all deadlines (music, costumes, etc.) as well as studio reminders and things you may need to remind your students about, such as upcoming events. If there are no updates for the week I will let you know in our group chat. This week’s update is a little longer since it’s the first week back.

If you have any subs covering your classes throughout the season along with giving them your lesson plans please be sure they are aware of any information that would need to be passed on to students for that week.

MONTHLY TEAM MEETINGS

Required for all staff (outlined in contract).

$10 honorarium for live attendance.

If you can’t attend, you’re expected to watch the recording (honorarium only applies live).
👉 Please fill out the availability form HERE by Sept 19 so we can set dates.  

STUDIO MANUAL - Password: ddstaff

While I am still finalizing and formatting the Studio Manual, the information that is currently in it is important and should be reviewed. Please take some time to look through the manual, particularly the Opening & Closing page, before your first class back.

One important note: if you are teaching in the downstairs studio and turn off the main studio light, please make sure the hallway light and the lamp in the lobby are also turned on. This helps ensure the space remains safe and welcoming when families are coming in and out.

KEEPING OUR DANCE HOME PRESENTABLE

As we head into a new season, let’s all do our part to keep our studio clean, welcoming, and ready for our dancers.

While this shouldn't regularly happen, if you notice that a bathroom is running low or is out of toilet paper, paper towel, or soap, please replace it when needed. Instructions for where to find these supplies and how to replace them are included in the Studio Manual. If you’re unsure how to do something, please ask!

At the end of your teaching time, please take a moment to tidy up after yourself and leave the studio and teacher station ready for the next teacher. This includes putting away any equipment or supplies you have used and making sure the space is left clean and organized. We want each teacher to be able to walk into a space that is ready for them and their dancers.

If you’re unable to take care of it for any reason and someone is in the office, please let them know so we can take care of it as soon as possible.

Similarly, if you notice anything that is broken, damaged, or needs to be replaced, please let me know right away. This allows us to address it quickly and keep the studio looking and functioning its best.

Let’s work together to keep our dance home clean, cared for, and welcoming for our dancers, families, and teachers.

TRIAL SYSTEM

Everyone should still be set up from last season for trials. Be sure you check your calendar before your classes to ensure you know if you have any trials.

FIRST WEEK REMINDERS

Set Expectations → During the first week, take a few minutes to set clear expectations with your classes. If there are specific rules or behaviours you want students to know about, go over them right away. This helps students understand what is expected of them and prevents them from being surprised if they are corrected for something later on.

Studio Safety → Please remind students to never run into or hit the walls. If you are teaching in the downstairs studio, remind students that the wall-mounted bars are not for hanging on or playing with. If you are teaching in the upstairs studio, remind students that the stairs are not for playing around or on.

Focus on FUN → Most importantly, focus on making the first week fun and exciting! We want students to be excited to be back in the studio and leave their first class feeling great about the season ahead. We also have lots of trial students joining us this week, so this is a great opportunity to make a positive first impression and show them how much fun dancing at Dance Directions can be!

Trials → Last season we used trial bracelets. While they were great for teachers to visually see who was a trial and to get parents to come talk to me at the end of the class I found that kids then were expecting special prizes every week. For this reason we won't be using them this season. Instead please give all students (especially trials) homework to encourage practice and give them something to look forward to the next week. This is important to help with retention and trial to registration.

If the opportunity arises please encourage parents to come speak with me in the office either when class starts or at the end. Parents may also come to chat with you after classes, if they do please let them know that you have another class beginning but that I'd be happy to answer any questions they may have in the office.

Try to buddy up trial students with returning students so they instantly feel like they have a friend in class.

Please let me know right away if a trial student does or does not attend so I can update their pipeline and get them registered quickly.

Student Placements → Please keep an eye on levels and let me know if anyone should be moved to another class. All adjustments should be finalized by the end of September.

Classroom Flow → Please remind students to bring water bottles into class, tuck away bags neatly, and keep transitions smooth between classes—especially in the first few weeks while families are adjusting.

Support → I’ll be in the studio all week. Don’t hesitate to grab me if you need anything!

If it's been a minute since you've opened or closed the studio please take a minute to refresh your memory and ensure you remember your code.

IMPORTANT DATES – SEPTEMBER

Sept 14-20 → First Week of Classes 🎉

Sept 30 → Truth & Reconciliation Day (no classes)

Thanks for bringing your energy and care into our first week back. It makes a huge difference for both students and families. We’re going to have to an amazing season!

IMPORTANT DATES - UPCOMING

Oct 12 → Thanksgiving (no classes)

Oct 19-15 → Bring a Friend to class week

Oct 24-30 → Halloween Week

Oct 31 → Halloween (no classes)