Dear Parents,                                              

 Growth

This term has seen strong growth in Centre Stage, not only in numbers but in the quality of the students’ work.  After the wonderful modern and tap results we achieved last term, we are now awaiting the results from the Pre-Primary, Grade 2 and Grade 4 ballet exams….!

Successes

I mentioned in last term’s newsletter that we had some notable achievements, with children being successful in various local ballet and drama companies, as well as national companies.    Many congratulations go also to Clare McCallum:  not only did she perform in the Surrey Youth Ballet Company at the Epsom Playhouse over Easter but she was awarded a Dance and Drama scholarship to Epsom College.  She is the first student ever to be awarded a scholarship for Dance at Epsom College, what an accolade for Centre Stage. 

 Some of our students are looking to Epsom as their future school.  The Day children arrive home from the bus at 6.40 p.m. It would seem such a shame if the girls achieve a good standard only to have to stop dancing because of the time they arrive home.  Miss Sally and I would be only too happy to have classes at 7.00 pm for these students – Clare McCallum, mentioned above, will be continuing with 2 classes a week from September 2008.  From chats I have had with possible future Epsom girls, they are worried their homework will suffer.  Having had a child at Epsom I know that if they are organised, an hour or so of dance would not interfere with their studies.

Drama

Our drama teacher Donna McCabe is still proving a huge success.  On the last day of the Spring Term, she was too ill to teach so Graham stepped in and filmed the Super Hero “Studio Interview” work the students had been working on to date.  The children had lots of fun with this and Graham sent the film to Donna.  I think it ended with lots of screams, wishing her well!

Grooming

Grooming seems to be improving at last!  Many congratulations to the children (and mums) in Miss Sally’s Grade 1 and new Grade 2 ballet classes in  their smart new look!  The pride in their appearance has reflected in the standard of their work.  Please could the Modern and Tap students try to follow suit?  For Modern and Tap, hair should either be in a high pony tail or high plaits or bunches.  I have noticed girls beautifully groomed for ballet then untidily turned out for Modern/Tap.

Group Bookings

I am what is grandly called a “Group Booker” i.e. I can get discounted tickets for most of the West End Shows as long as there are at least 10 people.  There are only certain performances available but Friday evenings and Saturday matinees seem good options.  These times won’t suit everybody but if you would be interested in seeing a show, please let me know and we can sort something out.  

 ANNIE in Summer Term Half-Term

Finally, I hope you received the brochure regarding our May half term Musical Theatre Course from Monday 26th – Friday 30^th May.  We will be working on the musical “Annie”, which will be performed to parents and friends on the 30^th at about 6.00 p.m.  We will be using the Oxshott Village Hall.  We have had a good number of replies already so I think we will have a great time.  Please let me know if you would like more details - or look at the Website!

 Summer Half-Term, Children’s Theatre Workshop

Perform a musical - in 5 days! Ages 5+ to 13+