2009 November Newsletter

Christmas Performances
The holidays are coming!! And each class is working on a Christmas dance to show you their last week of classes before our holiday break. We are so excited to see the dancers learning so much and developing their talent for the Lord. Please mark your calendar to bring your camera and video cam. (You can take all the pictures you want!!) We will be having a Christmas party after each In-Studio Performance.
The first half of each class will be review and warm up, and the second half parents and friends will be invited in for the performance and party! (Party Sign up sheets will be posted November 1st.)

Dates for the performances are:
Thursday, December 10 - Wednesday, December 16th.

Please have your child wear their class leotard, clean tights, and neatly secured hair for the performance.

Great gift ideas…
Each year around this time Steps of Faith offers embroidered dance bags and long sleeve tee shirts! These make great gifts for your dancers. Order by Friday, November 20th and they will be back by the week of Performances...just in time for Christmas!

** Extra Large Navy Sport bag w/ shoe pocket, with SOF logo, and dancer’s name ($42)

** Large Navy Duffle bag with SOF logo, and dancer’s name ($36)

** Small Pink Nylon backpack, perfect for young dancer’s, with ballet shoes, “Steps of Faith”, and dancer’s name ($15)

** Long sleeve shirts embroidered with “Steps of Faith” arched over ballet shoes. ($15 For sizes XS child to XL adult, 2XL/3XL extra charge.)

See order forms in lobby. Remember to add 7% sales tax for the vendor. Make checks payable to SOF.


DEADLINE TO PLACE ORDERS: FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20TH


The Nativity
Our company teachers and dancers have put in so much time in rehearsal and preparation for their production of The Nativity. Wow! Performance time will be here before we know it. Mark your calendar!!

NEW THIS YEAR: The Grand Theatre has implemented a new policy that requires all tickets to be sold through their office. The charge for this service is $3 per ticket. Tickets will go on sale November 1st. To purchase tickets you can order over the phone with a credit card or go to the theatre office. Grand Theatre: 770-386-7343
Office hours for the Grand Theatre are Monday—Friday 8am –5pm. (The office is closed for lunch daily from 11-12.) Prices are $13 for advanced tickets and $15 at the door.

NEW PERFORMANCE: We do have a NEW performance this year in Rome! Show date is Sunday, December 13th 3pm at the Rome Civic Auditorium. See Ms. Tonya to purchase tickets for this show. Note: Only the Sr. Companies and the YC will be performing on this day. If you have family and friends in Rome, let them know! We need help getting the word out for this show!!

ARCHANGELS: If you or your business is interested in becoming an underwriter, let us know. (SOF Dance Co. is 501C, so your donations are tax deductible.) Your name will be listed in the program as Sponsors. Prayerfully consider a donation if God gives you the means. All proceeds of the show (after covering the costs) will go to support our dance company’s mission work in the years to come.

NATIVITY PROGRAMS We will be selling ads for our Nativity program starting Nov. 1st. Prices are: $25 eighth page, $50 quarter page, $150 half page, $250 for the back cover. This is an opportunity for you to share a special message (w/ a photo )with your dancer. See office for copies of last year’s program or underwriter forms.


Dates to Remember...
Nov.24-27 Thanksgiving Holidays
(Monday classes are the only classes that week.)
Dec. 13 Nativity in Rome
Dec. 10—16 In Studio Performances @ SOF
Dec. 19/20 Nativity Ballet at Grand Theatre
Dec. 21— Jan. 3 Christmas Holidays (no classes)
May 16 Spring Concert


Steps of Faith Dance Company FUNdraisers

2010 Calendars are available in LIMITED quantities later this month. $20 each.
We expect to be sold out by December! If you want one, preorder yours now!!! See the beautiful example in the lobby(coming later in November). GORGEOUS Pictures were taken by Louis Tonsmeire of our pretty Company girls at his studio and around Cartersville!!

Pride SOF decals for your car are available for only $3 each! Magnetized decals are $4. This is a simple and inexpensive way to support our ministry. We want to see every car in the parking lot with one!!

All proceeds benefit Steps of Faith Dance Company and their missions!
We appreciate your support!!


Verse of the month
“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! His faithful love endures forever.” Psalm 118:1


It’s a beautiful day...All students registered at Steps of Faith receive a new 09-10 SOF t-shirt. If you have not gotten your shirt, see Ms. Tonya. It’s a beautiful day is our theme for this years Spring Concert. EXTRAS ARE NOW ON SALE!!



***REMINDER***As performance season is approaching, remember to check out our classified page for all your dance wear needs. Address is below.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SOFClassifieds/


Young Apprentice & Young Company ...
Moms & Dads, as The Nativity is quickly approaching be sure to stay informed by checking the company blog-spot regularly. (www.sofcompany.blogspot.com)
www.sofcompany.blogspot.com


Changing classes in 2010 ?

Let us know if you are interested in dropping, adding or changing classes in January. Otherwise, you will continue in the same classes as planned through May. We are in the process of analyzing our schedule to see if we need to make any changes/additions. We are limited to what we can add/change due to our limited studio time. I am willing to listen to any suggestions to improve your experience here! New registration begins this month. If you have friends who want to join us in January, this is the time for them to reserve their spot. SPACE IS LIMITED! Please speak to Tonya or send me or Tonya a note through the payments box of any changes/suggestions! - Julie



God bless you during this Thanksgiving season. Consider making EVERYDAY a thanksgiving day to our Lord. Be thankful and praiseful for the little blessings as well as the big ones. God loves a grateful and cheerful heart! Happy Thanksgiving from your staff!

Newsletter stuff: October 2009

Christmas at Steps of Faith
As you already know, last year we started a new SOF tradition for the Christmas holiday. In years past, we have held an informal Christmas concert at a local church. Due to the facility no longer being available, and many other financial factors, we have decided not to have the Christmas concert, but to have in-studio performances instead. This is for all classes NOT participating in the Nativity (more on that below). Last year was so much fun… everyone really enjoyed the change!

You and your family are invited to come and watch a short performance by your dancer in the classroom, and then be part of a “class party”, complete with cake, drinks, snacks, and Christmas music! These performances will be at the same time as your regularly scheduled class.

Dates for specific classes are:
Monday, Dec. 14th for classes with Natalie & Katelyn
Tuesday, Dec. 15th for Tues1230 BT w/ Julie, Teen Ballet w/Rachel
Wednesday, Dec. 16th for classes with Natalie & Kelsey
Thursday, Dec. 10th (NOT 17th) for classes with Julie & Rachel
Friday, Dec. 11 (NOT 18th) for Friday tap classes w/ Julie
Note: Thursday and Friday tap classes will have a combined class on Thursday, December 17th 4-5pm.

We do ask that you have your correct class leotard as soon as possible, no later than the in-studio performances, so that the children look uniform for all the candid picture taking you all will be doing!!! If you would like to assist in these parties, please let Ms. Tonya know.

Classes participating in the Nativity will not have the in-studio performances, due to their involvement in the Nativity. Also, these classes will have several dress rehearsals at the Grand between Monday Dec. 14 and Friday Dec. 18 (2-3 rehearsals for non-company classes, 3-5 for company levels). We will have those times for you by the first of November. Performances are Dec. 13 (YC, SrCo, SrAppr only), and school show Dec. 14 (YA, SrCo, SrAppr only), December 19th & 20th for all. Because Nativity participants will not have an “in studio” performance and class party, they will be invited to the Cast Party after the Sunday show. See blog for more details.

Thank you all for your participation and dedication to our studio and ministry here. We appreciate all of you! Please contact me or Ms. Tonya with any questions…. sof@bellsouth.net or 770-606-0506.


Buy/Sell/Trade or Swap
On SOF Classifieds
Thank you to Tiffany Nash for organizing this group for us! We now have a place for you to post dance wear that you no longer are using. Yea!! So before you pay new prices, check the classifieds — you might be able to spend less by buying used!
(Or even swapping with someone else!!)
To join: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SOFClassifieds/

Mission: Abhijit Naskar
SOF Dance Company sponsors a little boy!
Abhijit is from India. He is 5 years old and has four siblings. He lives with his mother and father on the plains of Kalinagore. Some of Abhijit’s chores are gardening, washing clothes and cleaning. He enjoys playing group games.
When you are praying please remember him and his family. We hope with our financial support he will receive the help he needs.

Dates to Remember...

Oct. 10 Tuition Due
Nov.24-27 Thanksgiving Holidays (Monday classes only that week)
Dec. 13 Nativity in Rome
Dec. 19/20 Nativity Ballet at Grand Theatre (Sat/Sun)
Christmas Break Dec 21– Jan. 3
Looking Ahead...
April 5-9 Spring Break
May 15 Spring Concert at Grand Theatre

Nativity is going to Rome!!
Many of you may have already heard, but our Nativity is going to be performed in Rome Civic Auditorium for one performance only on Sunday, Dec. 13th at 3pm. When you have a show this good, you need to share it. Note that only the Sr companies and the YC will be going. The Ballet Preps, Ballet 1s, and YA will not have to make the trek. If you have family and friends in Rome, let them know!!!! Thanks to Yvonne Brand, one of our new Company moms, who is helping me organize our efforts there.

Classes in Nativity
Several classes from the studio have been invited to perform with the company in the annual Nativity Ballet on December 19 and 20th at the Grand Theatre. Classes involved are:
Tuesday 300 Ballet Prep (all three shows)*
Tuesday 6pm Ballet 1 (all three shows)*
Young Apprentice Company ballet
Young Company ballet
Apprentice Company ballet
Company ballet
Make plans now to be at this wonderful production on the birth of Christ! Tickets will go on sale in November!! Show times are Saturday at 2pm and 7pm and Sunday at 3pm.
*Dancers in non-company classes need to include a $15 leotard/dress rental fee by Oct. 10.

Julie’s Prayer Request….
Please be in prayer for our studio and the company as we take the next “step of faith” and form a community based Board, combine the businesses (non-profit and sole proprietorship), and apply for grants. We are also praying for financial blessing as we prepare to build our own facility with double the size we have here. This is all so God Sized that we need everyone’s prayer. Thanks for supporting us through all these new endeavors. Note that you should not see anything different in the service and instruction you get during the business transition. This is simply to simplify how we do business so that we can concentrate on our mission of excellence in dance for Him!

Steps of Faith Dance Company presents its 2010 Calendar later this month!

v All proceeds benefit Steps of Faith Dance Company and their missions!
v $20 each and they make great Christmas presents too!


This marks our 5th Annual Calendar featuring the wonderful and faithful Company Dancers at Steps of Faith and their favorite scriptures. Photos were taken by Louis Tonsmiere, both in his studio and around Bartow County and they are phenomenal! Our dancers are dedicated to realizing the individual talent the Lord has blessed them with! They take 6 to 8 ½ hours of technique classes per week and spend extra hours rehearsing. These dancers worship and praise within these studio walls and beyond… Whether they are dancing in SOF’s own Nativity Ballet, at festivals and churches around the Atlanta area, in summer programs throughout the southern United States, or abroad doing mission work, our Company Dancers are spreading the love of Jesus all over the world! Thanks for supporting our missions through this calendar!

T-shirt, everyone?
All students registered at Steps of Faith receive a new 09-10 SOF t-shirt the first week of October. Extras will be on sale Oct. 12th for $10 each!! If you have not gotten your shirt let Ms. Tonya know ASAP.

T shirts are being ordered

All students registered at Steps of Faith receive a SOF t-shirt. They will be ready by the end of September. This year, we are using the theme to reflect this year’s Spring Concert theme. (It is still under construction!) Family members and former SOFers may purchase extra shirts at $10 a shirt on a first come, first served basis starting October 3rd. Quantities will be limited.

Dates to Remember...

Sept. 7 Labor Day NO CLASSES
Sept. 11 9:30pm Sr.Co./Appr. perform At Relay for Life/Dellinger Park at 9:30pm
Sept. 10 Tuition DUE
Sept. 19 Full Company Performance at Roselawn Arts and Crafts Festival at 11-11:45am
Looking ahead…..
Nov.24-27 Thanksgiving Holidays (Monday classes only that week)
Dec. 13 Nativity at Canton Theatre
Dec. 19/20 Nativity Ballet at Grand Theatre (Sat/Sun)
Christmas Break Dec 20– Jan. 4
May 15, 2010 Spring Praise Concert

Administrative Notes

ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES
Thanks to all of you who have done a SUPER job of paying for your tuition and fees in a timely manner. We still have several students who have not paid for August or their full registration fee. Like last year, we will be adding a late fee of $5 for everyone who does not pay by the 10th of the month. Checks with insufficient funds will incur a service charge of $10. Ms. Tonya sent home statements to those of you who have balances. If there has been a mistake, please let us know.
You shouldve receive a tuition payment envelope last week. You may make payments in the envelope for tuition and costumes each month. This gives us another way of tracking payments and we hope makes it easier for you to remember when tuition is due. Remember DO NOT SEAL the envelope so that we can use it again each month. If there is a mistake on the envelope, let us know. We will check the computer.
So remember, tuition is due by the 10th to avoid the late fee. Thanks for your cooperation. (We hate having to charge late fees!!)

Credit/Debit Cards are accepted and Monthly draft ALSO available

As most of you know, we are able to accept Visa, Mastercard, and American Express credit and debit cards. We are now offering a service where we can charge your card monthly on a payment schedule so that you do not have to remember to come in a pay. A Tuition Draft Consent Form is available in the office. If you would like for us to automatically charge your card for tuition each month, please come in a fill out the form. Your card information will be stored under lock and key, and only our office manager will have access to it, so you do not need to worry about that. We will also offer to charge for costume fees if you would like. Monthly tuition charges will be charged between the first and fifth of each month. Costume fees will be charged on the date they are due. You may also pay through PayPal, through our website: www.steps-of-faith.com. See Ms. Tonya for more information.

Dress Code is for everyone

A reminder to the families of our tiniest dancers at SOF: Please remember to come dressed properly for all preballet, ballet/tap, or ballet/tap/jazz classes. Skirts are allowed in these classes, unless, they become playthings (ie creative neckwear and headwear). (Ballet 1s and Ballet Preps are non-skirt classes). Also, EVERYONE, please take the time to pull back your child’s hair for class. Students need to have their faces and eyes clear to participate fully in class without distraction. All SOF teachers are more than happy to show you how to quickly and easily pull back your child’s hair. Please do not hesitate to ask! Even professional “ballerinas” take class in leotards and tights with their hair in buns! Thank you!