For SOF Students

December Newsletter

2011-11-28T15:14:00.004-05:00

THE NATIVITY: Dec. 17 and 18 at the GrandThe Nativity is only a few weeks away! And tickets are already selling at the Grand Theatre. My prayer is that you will bring your SOF student to see this production! Children learn so much by watching large scale productions like this! And we promise a wonderful and blessed time for your family!
As in the past few years, we are having a wonderful pas de duex (dance for two) with Mary and Joseph! It is beautiful and breathtaking! We also have a dance featuring our SELAH DTS dancers! Many dances have been updated this year. And of course, SNOW! We love having the snow each year!
For our full length show at the Grand Theatre, tickets are $13 in advance or $15 at the door. Group rates are $11 and are available for 10 or more people.
Even if you cannot come to the performance, we ask that you cover this outreach in prayer. See, we consider this our biggest community outreach during the year, where we can spread the Gospel of Christ in a wonderful way. Please join us in praying for God’s blessing and for lives to be changed due to the Nativity!

Christmas Performances...It’s hard to believe that our Christmas performances are so close! We are excited about doing them at the studio, and getting to combine it with a small reception each evening!!! Hopefully this will make it more memorable and special. Please make sure you have signed up to bring a little something to help us out. Of course, these performances are FREE.
For the class performance, please make sure your child has her/his class leotard or specified outfit to wear (your teacher can tell you), so that the class is uniform for pictures everyone will be taking. There will be no professional videography or pictures taken, so please make sure to bring your own cameras and snap away!!! Make sure your daughter has her hair secured in a bun for the performance for ballet classes, and secured away from the face for all other classes. Make sure they have the appropriate shoes too.
Each performing class has been assigned a performance date and time, which will feature only a few classes. Any class performing in Nativity will not be participating in these performances due to tech rehearsals at the Grand that week.
Monday, Dec. 12 at 6PM: Mon 130 BT, Mon 300 BT, Mon 330 BT, Mon 530 PB, Wed Karina's Class
Monday, Dec. 12 at 730PM: Mon 430 Mus Theatre, Mon 615 Tap,
Wed 630 BT, Wed 715 JT, Wed 730 HH
Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 6PM: Tues 330 PB, Tues KC, Tues 330 HH, Tues 415 BPrep
Tuesday, Dec. 13 at 730PM: Tues 430HH, Tues 700 Contemporary, Tues 600 BPrep, Thurs 545 Beg Tap
Wed., Dec. 14 at 6PM: Wed 300 BT, Wed 300 BT, Wed 400 BTJ, Wed 630 PB
Thurs., Dec. 15 at 6PM: Thurs 400JT, Thurs 500 Int Tap,Ballet 2, Beg Teen Ballet Thurs 800
Saturday, Dec 17 at 930am: Thurs 330BT, Sat 1000 MNMe, Sat 1030 BT
Saturday, Dec 17 at 1100am: Tues 1100MNMe, Tues 1130 PB, Thurs 1015PB, Thurs 1100BT, Fri 300 JT, Fri 500 HH

Please note that space will be of a premium at these shows due to fire code, so you may want to wait and invite all the aunts, uncles and cousins to the Spring Show where we will have more room, and the format will be more formal.
We are looking forward to this new format for Christmas, and hope you enjoy it as well. Please make sure all accounts have been cleared by the last class of the semester.

Merry Christmas from your staff at Steps of Faith Dance Studio!!
am so thrilled to see that our studio is doing more than dance! Our Companies filled shoe boxes for Operation Christmas child last week, and now our studio is an official drop off for Toys for Tots! Please join us in this endeavor to give kids in Bartow county a better Christmas by bringing unwrapped toys for ages 0-18 and drop them off in the studio’s boxes.

2012 SOF COMPANY CALENDARS
are on SALE Nov. 29th! Thanks to Louis Tonsmeire who photographed our girls for our beautiful calendars featuring YOUR company dancers from the Nativity. They are $20 each! Only a few were ordered over our presales, so if you want one, see the office NOW! All proceeds benefit SOF dance ministry and our mission trips. Thanks for your support of SOF!!

Dates to Remember...Dec. 10 Dec. Tuition Due
Dec. 12-17 Christmas Performances @ SOF
Dec. 16– Preordered Dancebags are ready
Dec.17-18 Nativity Ballet at Grand Theatre
Dec. 19-Jan. 1 Christmas Break (no classes)
Jan. 2 CLASSES RESUME
Looking ahead...
Jan. 15 Spring Costume fees due
May 12 Spring Concerts at Grand Theatre in Cartersville

DVDs WILL BE MADE OF NATIVITY
BY
Greenpeas for $25 each
to be sold at the door. No personal videography or photography will be allowed during the performances.

Christmas Break: Dec. 19-Jan. 1
Classes resume MONDAY, January 2nd
Office will be open intermittently over break to receive mail and answer phone calls. Office Hours will be on studio voicemail. Call for times.

NEW REGISTRATION FOR Winter/Spring Semester CLASSES We have left our registration open for new students through Saturday, January 22nd for our Spring season. If you are already in a class, and are not planning on changing or leaving your class, you do not need to do anything. However, if you are interested in changing classes, adding another class, or if you do not plan on returning in January, please let us know by December 16. New registration ends January 22nd for Spring. Now is the time to let your friends know it is time to join us for the Winter/Spring semester, and participation in our Spring Concert.
Class additions could happen over the next few weeks, so be on the lookout, and check the website often. If you want to switch classes, (if space permits) you will get first choice if you respond immediately. See Tonya or the lobby wall for answers to your questions and to make any changes.

Verse of the monthJohn 1:14
“ The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

We thank and praise God for sending His one and only Son.

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

November Newsletter

2011-10-24T18:14:00.005-04:00

In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. I Thessalonians 4:18
I don’t know about you, but when I read this passage, what stands out to me is, “in everything give thanks”. It is easy to gloss over this part, because to really apply it — is tough! And then it goes on to say “this is God’s will for us”. Hmm. According to this passage there is not a season of life that we should not be thankful for…good, bad, sad... This is definitely a scripture to chew on and consider as we prepare our hearts for the Thanksgiving season.
Listed below are quotes from SOF staff, dancers and parents.
Thanksgiving Thoughts…..The question was, “What comes to mind when you think of Thanksgiving?”
“I think about and am thankful for the time with family….I also think about the great deals we want to get on black Friday!” Becky Simmons, staff
“Colored leaves, family, turkey, and time with cousins.” Sarah Huffman, dancer
“Sharing with my friends.” Lily Ayer, dancer
“Food, family, the color orange...I am thankful for my family.” Zara Rainey, dancer
“Watching the Macy’s Day Parade and getting together with family.” Hannah Grogan, dancer
“We give thanks to God.” Grace Belisle, dancer
“We go to grandma’s house for Thanksgiving.” Erin McCrary, dancer

Christmas at Steps of Faith
December 12– 17th
Listed below are the class assignments for the Christmas performances at SOF Dance Studio. Please note some classes are NOT performing. Instead of doing one show each day we have some days having two shows depending on the number of dancers and expected family members. This plan will hopefully help with crowd control. After each show there will be a small reception. Please be sure to sign up to bring goodies for your dancer’s reception. (Sign up sheets will be on bulletin board in lobby Nov 1st.)

Classes not performing: Open Modern, Adult tap, Fri Contemporary, Int Teen Ballet, Ms. Julie’s tap: Thurs 545 & Thurs 715

Monday, December 12th 6pm Show:
Monday 130 BT, Monday 300 BT , Monday 330 BT , Monday 530 PB

Monday, December 12th 7:30pm Show:
Beg Musical Theatre , Monday 615 Tap, Wed KC , Wed 715 JT,
Wed 730 HH ,Wed 630 BT

Tuesday, December 13th 6pm Show:
Tuesday 330 PB , Tuesday Karina’s Class , Tuesday 330 HH , Tuesday 415 BP

Tuesday, December 13th 7:30pm Show:
Tuesday 430 HH , Tuesday 700 Contemporary , Tuesday 600 BP

Wednesday, December 14th 6pm Show:
Wed 300 BT , Wed 300 BT , Wed 400 BTJ , Wed 630 PB

Thursday, December 15th 6pm Show:
Thurs 400 JT , Thurs 500 Int Tap , Thurs 545 Beg Tap , Ballet 2, Beg Teen Ballet

Saturday, December 17th 9:30am Show:
Thursday 330 BT , Sat 915 PB , Sat 10 MNM , Sat 1030 BT

Saturday, December 17th 11:00am Show:
Tues 1100 MNM, Tues 1130 PB, Thurs 1015 PB , Thurs 1100 BT, Fri 500 HH

The Nativity
Our Steps of Faith Dance Company teachers and dancers are putting in so much time in rehearsal and preparation for their production of The Nativity. Performance time will be here before we know it. Mark your calendar!!
Show Dates/Times:
Sat., December 17: 2pm & 7pm, Sun., December 18: 3pm

TICKETS: Remember that 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 7th. 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. Group rate is $11 for groups of 10 or more per 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.

Steps of Faith Dance Company FUNdraisers
2012 Calendars are available in LIMITED quantities in late November. $20 each. We expect to be sold out by Christmas! If you want one, preorder yours now!!! See the beautiful example in the lobby. GORGEOUS Pictures were taken by Louis Tonsmeire of our pretty Company girls at his studio and around Cartersville!!
All proceeds benefit Steps of Faith Dance Company and their missions!
We appreciate your support!!

Great gift ideas…Each year around this time Steps of Faith offers personalized, embroidered dance bags ! These make great gifts for dancers of all sizes. Order by Saturday, November 19th and they will be back by Friday, December 16th...just in time for Christmas!

** Extra Large Navy Sport bag w/ shoe pocket, with SOF logo, and dancer’s name ($48)

** Large Navy Duffle bag with SOF logo, and dancer’s name ($38)

** Small Pink Nylon backpack, perfect for young dancer’s, with ballet shoes, “Steps of Faith”, and dancer’s name ($18)
See order forms in lobby. Price includes 7% sales tax . Make checks payable to SOF.
DEADLINE TO PLACE ORDERS: SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19TH

Dates to Remember…
Nov.22-27 Thanksgiving Holidays
(Monday classes are the only classes that week.)
Dec. 1 Cartersville Christmas Parade
Dec. 12—17 In Studio Performances @ SOF
Dec. 17/18 Nativity Ballet at Grand Theatre
Dec. 19— Jan. 1 Christmas Holidays (no classes)

Looking Ahead….
April 2-6 Spring Break
April 28 Company Spring Performance
May 14 Spring Concert

Toys For Tots
The Toys for Tots program is right around the corner! Companies are beginning to donate small stocking stuffers — last year Steps of Faith stuffed over 1000 stockings. This year, we will probably stuff 1500 stockings!! I will post volunteer signup sheets on the bulletin board prior to the needed days (probably Saturdays in Nov and early Dec). All ages are needed. Thanks in advance for your help. Nancy Miller

Registration Open Now for New Students to Begin in January
November 1st we will begin registering for students to start in January. New registration will continue through Saturday, January 21st. If you have friends who want to join us for the Spring Concert, this is the time for them to reserve their spot. SPACE IS LIMITED! Remember they are welcome to come visit us before registering. Have them call the office to take a tour or try a class for FREE! Our schedule is posted in the lobby and online: www.steps-of-faith.com.

We are thankful for every family that makes up Steps of Faith!
Happy Thanksgiving!!

October Newsletter

2011-10-03T15:06:00.004-04:00

Christmas Performances at
Steps of Faith: Dec. 12-17
Mark your calendar! Our Christmas performances will be the week of December 12-17th at Steps of Faith in our “Big” Room. After each performance we will have a small reception in the lobby. This is for all classes NOT participating in the Nativity (more on that below). We will not have normally scheduled classes that week.
You and your family are invited to come and watch a short performance by your dancer in the Studio Theatre, and then be part of a small reception! These performances are scheduled as below to allow working parents to come. Please note that space will still be at a premium, so please limit your number of guests. (Our Spring Concert is when you want to invite everyone!) Due to spacing constraints we will have more than one concert on show days. The exact times of your performance will be posted November 1st.

Christmas Performances:
Monday, Dec. 12 All Monday classes (Note: Both Ballet I classes are in The Nativity.)
Tuesday, Dec. 13 Tuesday afternoon classes
Wednesday, Dec. 14 All Wednesday classes (Note: Adv Mus Theatre not performing)
Thursday, Dec. 15 Thursday afternoon classes (Note: Thurs 3:30 BT performs on Sat)
Saturday, Dec. 17 Tuesday & Thursday morning classes, Thurs 330 BT, Fri HipHop, & Sat classes
Because the concerts are right around the corner, we do ask that you have your correct class leotard as soon as possible. (No later than performance day.) We want everyone to look uniform for all the candid picture taking you all will be doing!!!

The Nativity at The Grand Theatre
December 17 &18
Plan to join us! As Steps of Faith Dance Company presents: The Nativity, December 17 & 18th at The Grand Theatre. Both Ballet I classes (Mon 4 & Mon 7) will be participating in The Nativity and will not have the in-studio performances, due to their involvement in the Nativity that week. These classes will have several dress rehearsals at the Grand between Monday Dec. 12 and Friday Dec. 16. We will have dress rehearsal times for you by the first of November. Because they will not have an “in studio” performance and reception, Ballet I dancers in The Nativity will be invited to the Cast Party after the Sunday show. Look for more details on how to purchase tickets.
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.

Yard Work Day
At
Steps of FaithYou have probably noticed that the drought has claimed many of our plants. That is why we have planned a day to work on our landscape. And we need many hands to help us out! Our Yard Day will be Saturday, October 22. Mark your calendar!! Some of our goals for the day are: replace plants, do some transplanting, mulch, tie down our trees, and pull weeds. Not only do we need volunteers, but we also need yard tools, too. Please bring rakes, shovels, wheel barrels, & etc. We want to buy our mulch in bulk from a landscape supply. If you own a truck and would be willing to pick up mulch for us, please let Ms. Tonya know. The Volunteer Sign Up Sheet will be posted on bulletin board in the lobby. As I am typing this, I remember all the families that helped us plant trees & lay sod last year. We could not have done it with out everyone of you helping. Thank you in advance!!!

Dates to Remember...Oct. 1 Tuition Due
Oct. 22 SOF Yard Work Day
Nov.22-27 Thanksgiving Holidays (Monday classes only that week)
Dec. 1 Christmas Parade
Dec. 12-17 SOF Christmas Performances
Dec. 17/18 Nativity Ballet at Grand Theatre (Sat/Sun)
Dec 19– Jan. 1st
Christmas Break
Looking Ahead...
April 2-6 Spring Break
May 12 Spring Concert

T-shirt, everyone? By now all SOF dancers should have received their tee shirts. If you have not gotten your shirt let Ms. Tonya know ASAP. Extras will be on sale Oct. 15th for $10 each!!

Have you ever been cold and not have a coat to keep you warm?Most of us have never been in that situation. Matter of fact, a lot of us probably have a couple of coats in our closet. But, there are many in our midst that do not have a coat or blanket to keep them warm in the cold months. Freedom Worship Center of Cassville is teaming up with many other organizations (SOF included) in the Cartersville Community for a coat and blanket drive. You will notice a box in the lobby to collect new or gently used coats and blankets. We are collecting coats for every member of the family so, all sizes are needed for children, men and women. These coats and blankets will be passed out the day before Thanksgiving at the old Cartersville Civic Center. Along with the coat and blanket drive, they will also be serving Thanksgiving dinner. If you could check your closet, or if you want to purchase a coat to donate, please put it in our box. I know the person who will wear that coat this winter will thank God for your effort. Pray that we will be able to donate many coats & blankets to the cold of Bartow County!!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!To everyone who helped in any way with our first ever Fall Festival. And to Miss Mary for all your time organizing and promoting this SOF event...Thank you! We appreciate you!
And of course to all the volunteers, YOU are the best! Steps of Faith is who she is because of all the AWESOME volunteers God has blessed her with!

TOYS FOR TOTS and SOF:We are excited to announce our fall – winter “mission” in Cartersville. As most of you know, Steps of Faith has been to Norway, New York, and more recently, Trinidad spreading God’s word through dance and hand’s on mission work. Going abroad is important, but it is also important to spread our good work locally. This year, we are going to work with the Toys for Tots Program, which collects new and unwrapped toys during mid October to December time frame. Volunteer opportunities abound to collect, sort, and distribute the toys to needy families in Bartow County. If you cannot volunteer, you can bring in an unwrapped toy for a child (age 0 – 18 yrs) and place in the designated box in the studio. Sign-up sheets for volunteers will be posted later. Any questions, please contact Nancy Miller at nemiller@mindspring.com Thanks in advance!!!

Links to mark on your computer:www.steps-of-faith.com for general info and photos
www.sofstudents.blogspot.com for monthly updates (and in between for all students of the studio)
www.sofcompany.blogspot.com for weekly updates for company members)
We also have facebook pages for the studio and the company!!!!

September Newsletter

2011-08-29T16:54:00.002-04:00

Steps of Faith Fall FestivalPlan to join us on Saturday, September 24th from 10am-3pm. We are planning a day of Family Fun at SOF!! There will be free dance classes, performances by our very own dancers, a variety of vendors, a rock wall, inflatables, food, silent auction, and a photo booth. Mark your calendar & invite your friends!! Admission is free, however, there will be a charge for “booths”. Our goal in this endeavor is 3 fold:
1. For our SOF family to come together and have FUN!
2. Raise awareness in Cartersville to SOF’s presence.
3. Raise funds for Steps of Faith Dance Company.
WE NEED YOUR HELP! There are a couple of different ways you can get involved. Keep reading and let us know if you can help!! We are taking donations of food items such as: hot dogs, hot dog buns, ketchup, mustard, and a variety of baked goods. Also, we need donations for our silent auction. Some examples would be: Maybe you own a cabin in the mountains and could donate a weekend to be auctioned off. Maybe you sell Avon, Tupperware, Pampered Chef and could donate some of your product. You are a musician and could offer donate some classes. You are a baker and could donate a cake for a special occasion. You get the idea. These are only suggestions. (The possibilities are limitless!!)
In addition to donations, we need volunteers to help us that day. Jobs we will need help with: set up, break down, bake sale, selling hot dogs, and etc. There will be a sign up sheet posted on bulletin board in lobby. See you there!

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). Class leotard colors: Preballet—pink, Ballet/Tap-light blue, Ballet/Tap/Jazz-royal, Ballet Prep-lavender, Ballet 1, 2, 3 –purple,
HipHop, Contemporary, Jazz/Tap, and Musical Theatre—black. 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!

Have YOU taken the SOF survey?If you sat in the lobby last week, you were probably asked to participate in our survey. Thank you!
If not, forms are on office ledge, please take a moment to fill one out and tell us how you heard about Steps of Faith. Even if you have been with us for the past
fifteen years — we want to know how you found out about us.

Do you have change?We are collecting change for the Bartow County Women’s Resource Center. To donate, place your loose change in our baby bottle located on office ledge. Thank you for helping these families!

Verse of the month“Thou hast turned for me my mourning into dancing: Thou hast put off my sackcloth, and girded me with gladness.”
Psalm 30:11

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.

Dates to Remember...Sept. 5 Labor Day NO CLASSES
Sept. 10 Tuition DUE
Sept. 18 Full Company Performance at Roselawn Arts and Crafts Festival at 11-11:45am
Sept. 24 SOF Fall Festival 10am-3pm (Free performances/fun for all)
Looking ahead…..
Oct: Yard work day at studio TBA
Nov.22-27 Thanksgiving Holidays (Monday classes only that week)

T-shirt, everyone?
All students registered at Steps of Faith receive a SOF t-shirt. They will be ready by the end of September. Family members and former SOFers may purchase extra shirts at $10 a shirt on a first come, first served basis starting October 10th. Quantities will be limited.

CLASSES ARE FILLING UP FAST!If you have friends interested in SOF this year, we still have some space for them, but they need to register NOW. We will continue to take registration for classes until September 30th. If you are in a full class and are interested in a smaller class size, we still have some available. “Less Full” classes are:
-MomNMe Tuesday 11-1130 (MaryBeth)
-Preballet Saturday 915-1000am (Natalie)
-Ballet/Tap 1st yr. Monday 130-230 (Becky)
-Ballet/Tap 1st yr. Monday 330-430 (Becky)
-Ballet/Tap 1st yr. Wed. 300-400 (Becky)
-Ballet/Tap 2nd yr. Wed 300-400 (Mary)
-Ballet Prep Wed 400-445 (Becky)**
--Ballet 1 Monday 400-500 (Mary)
-Jazz/Tap 1 Wed 715-815 (Mary)
-Jazz/Tap 1 Fri 300-400 (Kristen)**
-HipHop 1 Tues 330-430 (Dee)
HipHop 1 Wed 730-830 (Natalie)
HipHop 1 Sat 1130-1230 (Natalie)**
-Teen Beg. Ballet Thursday 745-900 (Mary)
-Teen/Young Adult Int. Ballet Mon. 645-800 (Julie)
We add classes if we can (studio space is limited) when needed, and a teacher is available. Thanks for being part of this great ministry! We are honored to have each and every one of you!!!!
**Call before you to come to make sure these classes are making.

August Newsletter

2011-08-15T16:54:00.002-04:00

Welcome to our Fifteenth Year at SOF; first FULL year in new building! I am surprised we are already on our fifteenth year. Wow time flies! But what a great time we have had! Praise the Lord, we are FINALLY in our OWN building. We are still adjusting to the new space and loving our new faces, as well as the challenges that come along with it.
With growth in classes comes growth in our staff. Our office manager, Tonya Veitch, will be working every afternoon to answer your “office” needs. Rhonda Gilliam is still our Saturday office assistant! Theresa Shampine returns as her position as instructor and Ballet Mistress and my Assistant Director. Miss Natalie, Ms. Ashleyanne, Ms. Colleen, Ms. Mary, Ms. Becky, Ms. Jocelyn are all returning this year!! I (the newsletter author) am Julie Reeves, honored to be the Artistic Director, under my boss, Lord Jesus Christ. We will miss outgoing teachers Katelyn Cameron and Rachel Truitt this year (but plan on seeing them in to sub at times).
New instructors this year include Marybeth Purvis, Dee Baskerville, Laura Dunn, Camille Jones and Kristen Mallard. Ms. Marybeth has taught in other metro area dance studios and studied for years at Bravo. Ms. Dee is a favorite HipHop/jazz teacher who used to teach in the area and is glad to return to Cartersville at SOF. Ms. Laura teaches Yoga, here and in area gyms. Miss Camillle is a Senior Company Omega dancer and was featured as “Mary” in last year’s Nativity. Miss Kristen is taking over Ms. Rachel’s schedule and also teaches jazz/contemporary at FBC-Woodstock, and is considered Ms. Rachel’s protégé.
If there is anything we can do for you to make your experience here at SOF better, please don’t hesitate to let us know! You may always drop a note in the payments box next to the office window!
*****Oh, t-shirts will be ready NEXT month! Every registered dancer receives one! (Extras will be available for sale in October!)
FREE car decals are available at the office if you would like one!!
Be sure to check out our WEBSITE: www.steps-of-faith.com! Registration forms can be submitted through the website! Forward our web address to anyone you think would be interested in a great dance studio! God’s blessings and grace be with you during this new year!!

ADMINISTRATIVE NOTES Thanks to all of you who have done a SUPER job of paying for your tuition and fees in a timely manner. August tuition is due on the first class this month. All other months are due on the 10th of that month. Like last year, we will be adding a late fee of $5 for everyone who does not pay by the 15th. Checks with insufficient funds will incur a service charge of $10. As you know, we are very flexible. We will gladly hold checks for you or allow you to make other payment arrangements. But PLEASE, do discuss any problems you may have with our office manager, Ms. Tonya or Ms. Julie. We cannot help if we do not know! Remember we take credit/debit cards and paypal payments. We will also charge your card each month so that it is automated for you. Pick up a form in the office.
There is a payment box in the lobby for your convenience or you may hand your payment to someone at the desk. (Please do NOT leave it on the desk). We will be passing out payment envelopes at the end of this month (once everything settles down) with which you may make all your payments and which will serve as your “bill”. Remember DO NOT SEAL the envelope so that we can use it again each month.
Make sure you receive a newsletter EVERY MONTH! The dates and reminders are VERY important and are the main way we will communicate with you. I will also post most of this information on the new website in case you miss it.
If you don’t normally come in with your child, please drop in occasionally to say “hello” and let us get to know you! You are all very important to us at SOF! We welcome your prayer requests and suggestions as well! If you every have a problem, please don’t hesitate to contact Ms. Julie. If you like us, tell a friend!!!

Dates to Remember…Aug. TUITION is DUE first class of month
Sept. 5 Labor Day—No Classes
Sept. 17 Roselawn Full Company Performance at 11am
Sept. 24 SOF FALL FESTIVAL 10-3 (free performances/classes)
OCT: Yard Work day at studio TBA
Nov.22-27 Thanksgiving Holidays
Dec. 17-18 The Nativity Ballet

Regular Office Hours (Studio Hours differ)Mondays: 1:00-7:30
Tuesdays: 10-2, 3-7:30 Wednesdays: 2:00-7:30
Thursdays: 10-12 and
3-7:00
Fridays: 3-6:30
Saturdays 9a-12n
Saturday: 9:30a-12:30p

Office Hours at Grand Theatre (May 9-13)

2011-05-07T12:52:00.003-04:00

Steps of Faith Office Hours at Grand Theatre (May 9-13)
Our office will be set up inside to the right of foyer.

Monday 1-7:30

Tuesday 3-9:00

Wednesday 3-9

Thursday 3:30-8:30

Friday 3:30-9:30

Dress Rehearsals at Grand Theater (May 9-13)

2011-05-02T11:49:00.002-04:00

Dress Rehearsal Schedule 2011
May 9-13 at The Grand Theatre

Monday, May 9 (Note highlighted changes as of April 21st)
100-115 Monday1030 Preballet – Natalie
115-130 Monday1130 MomNMe – Natalie
130-200 Tuesday130 Ballet/Tap – Julie
200-230 Thursday1100 Ballet/Tap – Julie
230-245 Thursday 1015 Preballet – Julie
245-300 Monday 230 Preballet – Natalie
300-330 Monday 300 Ballet/Tap – Mary
330-400 Monday 330 Ballet/Tap – Natalie
400-430 Monday Ballet 1 – Mary
430-500 Monday HipHop – Natalie
500-530 I/A Teen/Ad Ballet - Julie
530-545 Karina’s Class – Natalie
545-615 T4 Modern –Ashleyanne
615-645 Adult Tap - Julie
645-715 T4 Jazz - Mary
715-900 Alpha and Omega Modern - Ashleyanne

Tuesday, May 10
300-315 Tuesday300 Preballet – Mary
315-345 Tuesday345 Ballet Prep – Mary
345-405 Friday350Beg. Tap – Julie
405-450 T2 Ballet - Julie
450-515 Tues430 Int. Tap – Julie
515-600 T3 Ballet – Colleen
600-645 T4 Ballet – Colleen
645-700 HOLD (T3 Pointe – Theresa)
700-730 Tuesday400 HipHop – Rachel
730-800 Tuesday700 Ballet 1 – Julie
800-845 Omega Jazz – Rachel
845-915 Alpha Jazz – Rachel

Wednesday, May 11
300-330 Wed300 Ballet/Tap – Mary
330-415 Wed 315 BTJ – Natalie
415-500 T1 Ballet – Julie
500-515 Wed530 Preballet – Natalie
515-535 Wed530 BalletPrep – Mary
535-600 Wed730 HipHop – Natalie
600-630 Wed630 Ballet/Tap – Natalie
630-715 Omega Pointe – Ashleyanne
715-800 I Cant Handle It (Omega) – Julie
800-900 FINALE (Alpha/Omega) – Julie
900-930 Come to Jesus - Theresa

Thursday, May 12
330-400 SELAH – Mary
400-430 Musical Theatre – Chrissy
430-500 Ballet 2/3 – Mary
500-530 Adv. Tap – Julie
530-600 Butterfly Kisses (BT, JT, 5yr olds)-Julie
600-630 Sat10:00 Ballet/Tap –Katelyn
630-700 Alpha Lyrical – Mary
700-730 T4 Pointe – Theresa
730-830 Alpha Pointe – Theresa
830-930 Another Hallelujah – Theresa

Friday, May 13
330-400 T1 Ballet - Julie
400-430 T2 Ballet - Julie
430-450 T3 Jazz - Mary
450-515 T3 Tap - Mary
515-545 Thur745 Beg Teen Ballet-Mary
545-630 Thur645 Jazz/Tap-Mary
630-930 T3, T4, Alpha, Omega RUN THROUGH (all staff involved if possible)

Due to impending weather

2011-04-27T16:21:00.002-04:00

we are postponing Natalie's Ballet/Tap and HipHop classes ONLY for tonight. All other studio classes are on. (Company classes are canceled after 6pm).

Picture Schedule (May 7th @ SOF)

2011-04-12T18:35:00.002-04:00

Picture times at SOF Class Day/time Teacher
9:00 Tues 1:30BT Julie
9:15 Thurs 10:15PB Julie
9:30 Thurs 11:00 BT Julie
9:45 Saturday 10:00 BT Katelyn
10:00 Mon 6:45 Int. Ballet Julie
10:15 Tuesday 7:00 Ballet I Julie
10:30 Mon 8 Adult Tap Julie
10:45 Monday 3:00 BT Mary
11:00 Monday 4:00 Ballet I Mary
11:15 Tuesday 3:00 Preballet Mary
11:30 Tuesday 3:45 Ballet Prep Mary
11:45 Wed 3:00 Ballet/Tap Mary
12:00 Lunch
12:15 Wed 5:30 Ballet Prep Mary
12:30 Thurs 4:45 Ballet 2-3 Mary
12:45 Thurs 6:45 Jazz-Tap Mary
1:00 Thurs 7:45 Beg Tn Ballet Mary
1:15 Wed 6:15 Int Tap Mary
1:30 Timothy 4 Theresa
1:45 Alpha Theresa
2:00 Timothy 3 Theresa
2:15 Tues 4:30 Int Tap Julie
2:30 Omega Theresa
2:45 Fri 4:00 Beg Tap Julie
3:00 Thurs 4 Mus Thea/Thurs 5 Adv Tap Christina/Julie
3:15 Timothy 2 Julie
3:30 Timothy 1 Julie
3:45 Mon 10:30 Preballet Natalie
4:00 Mon 11:30 MNMe/Mon 2:30 PB Natalie
4:15 Wed 5:30 Preballet Natalie
4:30 Wed 6:30 Ballet/Tap Natalie
4:45 Mon 3:30 Ballet/Tap Natalie
5:00 Mon 5:30 Karina's Class Natalie
5:15 Wed 3:15 BTJ Natalie
5:30 Tues 4:00 HipHop Natalie for Rachel
5:45 Mon 4:30 HipHop Natalie
6:00 Wed 7:30 HipHop Natalie
Pictures are Saturday, May 7th at Steps of Faith

Concert Assignments

2011-04-12T18:35:00.001-04:00

2011 Concert Assignments

Saturday, May 14th at The Grand Theater

12:30 ShowMonday 4:30 HipHop
Thursday 4:45 Ballet 2/3
Tuesday 7:00 Ballet I
Tuesday 3:00 Preballet
Monday 3:00 Ballet/Tap
Tuesday 3:45 Ballet Prep
Monday 10:30 Preballet
Monday 5:30 Karina’s Class
Thursday 11:00 Ballet/Tap
Monday 2:30 Preballet
Tuesday 4:30 Intermediate Tap
Thursday 5:00 Advanced Tap
Tuesday 1:30 Ballet/Tap
Monday 6:45 Int/Adult Ballet
Wednesday 6:30 Ballet/Tap
Tuesday 4:00 HipHop
Thursday 4:00 Musical Theater

4:00 ShowWednesday 3:00 Ballet/Tap
Wednesday 3:15 Ballet/Tap/Jazz
Friday 4:00 Beginner Tap
Thursday 6:45 Jazz/Tap
Wednesday 5:30 Ballet Prep
Wednesday 7:30 HipHop
Wednesday 5:30 Preballet
Monday 11:30 Mommy-N-Me
Monday 3:30 Ballet/Tap
Thursday 10:15 Preballet
Monday 4:00 Ballet I
Saturday 10:00 Ballet/Tap
Monday 8:00 Adult Tap
Thursday 7:45 Beg Teen Ballet
Wednesday 6:15 Intermediate Tap
Thursday 5:00 Advanced Tap

April Newsletter

2011-04-12T18:26:00.002-04:00

Important INFO and DATES...
12:30PM, 4PM OR 7:30PM?
On May 14:
Many of you are asking which concert your dancer will appear. That information will be posted on the lobby wall this week! Alpha and Omega Companies will appear in all three. Tickets are on sale April 11: $10each. The evening show will feature the companies’ full repertoire, so if you dance earlier, come back to the evening show to experience this inspiring show!
DRESS REHEARSALS May 9-13:
We will have dress rehearsals at the Grand Theatre on Monday-Friday, May 9-13. Each class will be given 15-30 minutes (sometimes more) to rehearse their dances on stage. We will have rehearsals somewhere between 3pm and 9pm for most classes (and in the morning for the morning classes), and yours should coincide, as much as possible, to your weekly class time of day. Be looking for the schedule in the coming weeks. There will be NO regularly scheduled classes that whole week (Monday-Fri.) to allow you time to get to the Grand.
PICTURE DAY May 7:
Picture Day is Sat., May 7th. Some costumes are coming the end of April, so please be patient. We took pains to make sure we had the costumes we needed, and on time! After they are sorted and labeled, you will get to take them home! Many are already here and will go home the first week after Spring Break!
So on Saturday, May 7, we will meet HERE at SOF for professional pictures by Tonsmiere Photography. You will be able to purchase groups and individual shots of your dancer, and a percentage of all sales will go to SOF‘s ministry. We very much want EVERYONE to be in the group pictures (even if you do not intend on buying any) so that your class’ picture will be complete when I hang it on the studio wall! WE NEED ALL OF YOU! It’s so exciting to get to see your faces on our wall year after year. Concert appearance and picture schedules are posted on the wall this week. Dress rehearsal schedule will be done by April 11th if not before.

SUMMER PROGRAMS are SET
SOF’s Summer 2011 is going to be a another busy one and is our first in our new facility! Make plans now to join us for DanceCamps, or our Summer Dance Intensives. Registration is NOW and forms are available in the lobby and online. NEW: We are offering a Special Needs Dance Camp June 13-17!
DANCECAMPS will be taught by our own Miss Natalie and, Miss Mary, and are like a “VBS” of dance and meets M-F: Cost: $115 or $150. June 6-10 for 3-5yr olds; June 13-17 for 3-5yr olds; July 18-22 for ages 6-10, July 25-29 for 3-5yr olds. . These DanceCamps are full of fun, food and faith! (Crafts, too!!) These DanceCamps fill up, so register NOW!
SUMMER DANCE INTENSIVES (must audition or be in current SOF class for placement): for serious dancers ages 6 and up as well as our Company dancers meets 3-5 times a week. Weeks are June 13-July 9; (and July 19-21 for ABC). Each level will only be offered a limited number of the five weeks, so please note on registration form available dates. Placement auditions for dancers who did not audition in March will be held in June. If alternative audition date is needed, contact us. There will be FIVE levels of classes this year (4 company and 1 pre-company/ages 7-9), and cost is dependant on level (which meets for different number of hours per week). Cost ranges from $50-175 per week. And a 10% discount will be applied for anyone signing up by May 15! (You can take one, two, three or four weeks!). Each week will feature similar classes and schedules. Guest and resident teachers in our upper levels will be teaching ballet, modern, musical theatre, jazz, dance lectures, and other exciting classes to our company levels. We are again offering a combined level for our pre-company dancers (ages 7-9). Our loving staff will be teaching those younger levels and will include ballet, tap and jazz. NON-SOF dancers are very welcome and can return to their studios after the summer! The goal of the intensive is to actually help you IMPROVE your technique over the summer instead of simply trying to maintain it! Company members will be required to take a minimum of two (three weeks for upper levels) as a company requirement. See Ms. Theresa /Ms. Julie for more information!
.

TUITION DUE THIS MONTH
Since the 10th falls during our Spring Break, I will allow you until the 16th to pay for April’s tuition without penalty. If you can , please take care of this THIS WEEK so that my cash flow will go as normal as possible. Thank you for your cooperation!!

Dates to
Remember
April 4-9
Spring Break

April 16:
Tuition Due
SOF Yard Sale
SELAH Performance 630pm

April 30:
Deadline for sponsors for program
SALSA Workshop
Parents Night Out at SOF

May 10:
Tuition Due

Sat., May 7:
PICTURE DAY at SOF Studio

May 9-13:
Dress Rehearsals at the Grand
(no regularly scheduled classes 9-14th)

May 14:
CONCERTS

May 1-30
Early Fall Registration

June 6-10
DanceCamp (3-5yr)
June 13-18
DanceCamp (3-5yr)
Summer Dance Intensive
June 13 –July 22
(note diff levels each wk)
July 18-22
DanceCamp (6-10yr)
July 25-29
DanceCamp (3-5yr)

Aug. 8
Fall classes start

Early Fall Registration in MAY
Steps of Faith is having our early registration for the 11-12 year during the month of May. If you decide to go ahead and register, you pay a discounted registration fee. Registration forms will be available at the end of April. Registration is available ONLINE on our website: www.steps-of-faith.com. Simply click the link to register and it will take you to the fill-in form. It will be emailed to us. Payment will make the registration valid, so be sure to mail or call with credit card info or use the paypal button on the site. You may also register in the studio like normal. Make note that fall classes will begin on AUGUST 8th
We will again have the colored leotard system for classwear, however, you will be able to choose your own design/style this year.
We will have a schedule of classes posted on the website already. For the best selection in classes, register in May. We will be sending out a note to each student from their teacher in late April indicating which class level they should register for next year to assist you.
Ladies and young men who auditioned for company this month, as well as returning members will be notified which level they have been placed by April 25th. If you have not currently in company and are interested, please see Ms. Julie.
We are sending out a letter to our mailing list letting them know of our registration dates, so if you know anyone who would like to receive more information about us, all we need is a name and address.
Be sure to take advantage of the discount and keep your spot for next year! We don’t want to miss a single one of you! We will be promoting many of you to the next age/level class. You will not want to miss all the new stuff you will learn next year! We hope that you and your family will continue to be part of this marvelous ministry

Flowers for Spring Concert are NOW on sale !
Order forms are in the lobby! Preorder your flowers now and pick them up at the theater on Show Day. Turn order form into office with payment. All proceeds benefit our non-profit ministry. Deadline to place your order is April 30th.
Thank you for supporting Steps of Faith!

YARD SALE: April 16th!!!
Gently used items needed. You may donate your items or consign them at our SOF-wide Yard Sale! Please start getting your items ready! See the office for how we are collecting and organizing this year! Items are due to the studio no later than April 15, but NO SOONER than April 13th. (We do not have a lot of storage room). Sale will begin Saturday Morning April 16th at 730am! Please sign up to volunteer to sort or sell if you can!!! Sign up in the office!!!

UNDERWRITERS STILL NEEDED!
Our exciting Spring Concert is fast approaching! If you or a business you know might be interested in helping sponsor our Concert, please let us know as soon as possible! We need to raise about $5000 to pay for the Grand and the programs! Sponsor forms are available in the studio lobby. We have examples of last year’s programs available, too! Thank you to those of you who have already spread the word this year! Remember, we are ASKING that every family try to sell and/or buy at least one ad. This keep us from having to charge high ticket prices at the door. (Sponsors receive free tickets as a thank you. See form for number given. Remember that your donation above the ticket value is tax deductible!) Sponsorship is what makes this Concert and this ministry to our Lord possible! We already have a few businesses and individuals committed to making this a spectacular worship event for 2011! Thanks for spreading the word about our concert and don’t forget to mention what a great marketing opportunity this is for local businesses! Please join us in helping make this Praise Concert a GREAT reality! Praise God for opening all the perfect doors! Remember, our deadline for the program ads is APRIL 30th!! (Don’t forget our best wishes boxes for only $45-you can go in together with someone else AND you can put a picture of your dancer in it!) WE NEED YOUR HELP!

CONTACT INFO…Steps of Faith Dance Studio 770-606-0506 www.steps-of-faith.com
POBox 3032 Cartersville GA 30120 (Dir: Julie Reeves)

SALSA/Latin dancing workshop at SOF
Saturday, April 30th
630-930pm
Due to frequent requests, we are having a Latin dance workshop taught by Latin dance teacher John Fletcher.
$25 individual, $40/couple
Join us for a crazy night full of laughter and clean fun!! For ages 14 and up...
Need childcare...see below….

Parents Night OUT/Dancers Night IN!!
Our third PNO hosted by our SELAH DTS (our college aged girls) will be held in conjunction with the Salsa workshop on Saturday, April 30th from 5 to 10pm. (that way you can catch dinner before your dancing date). Cost is a $5/hour donation per child. All proceeds go to support the SELAH girls and their mission opportunities. You do NOT need to do the workshop to have your child participate. Please come and enjoy a night of grownup time while your child enjoys an evening of fun, dance, and crafts. Add $5 for pizza supper if needed.

Dress Rehearsal Schedule: May 9-13

2011-04-10T22:14:00.002-04:00

Dress Rehearsal Schedule 2011
May 9-13

Monday, May 9 (Note highlighted changes as of April 21st)
100-115 Monday1030 Preballet – Natalie
115-130 Monday1130 MomNMe – Natalie
130-200 Tuesday130 Ballet/Tap – Julie
200-230 Thursday1100 Ballet/Tap – Julie
230-245 Thursday 1015 Preballet – Julie
245-300 Monday 230 Preballet – Natalie
300-330 Monday 300 Ballet/Tap – Mary
330-400 Monday 330 Ballet/Tap – Natalie
400-430 Monday Ballet 1 – Mary
430-500 Monday HipHop – Natalie
500-530 I/A Teen/Ad Ballet - Julie
530-545 Karina’s Class – Natalie
545-615 T4 Modern –Ashleyanne
615-645 Adult Tap - Julie
645-715 T4 Jazz - Mary
715-900 Alpha and Omega Modern - Ashleyanne

Tuesday, May 10
300-315 Tuesday300 Preballet – Mary
315-345 Tuesday345 Ballet Prep – Mary
345-405 Friday350Beg. Tap – Julie
405-450 T2 Ballet - Julie
450-515 Tues430 Int. Tap – Julie
515-600 T3 Ballet – Colleen
600-645 T4 Ballet – Colleen
645-700 HOLD
700-730 Tuesday400 HipHop – Rachel
730-800 Tuesday700 Ballet 1 – Julie
800-845 Omega Jazz – Rachel
845-915 Alpha Jazz – Rachel

Wednesday, May 11
300-330 Wed300 Ballet/Tap – Mary
330-415 Wed 315 BTJ – Natalie
415-500 T1 Ballet – Julie
500-515 Wed530 Preballet – Natalie
515-535 Wed530 BalletPrep – Mary
535-600 Wed730 HipHop – Natalie
600-630 Wed630 Ballet/Tap – Natalie
630-715 Omega Pointe – Ashleyanne
715-800 I Cant Handle It (Omega) – Julie
800-900 FINALE (Alpha/Omega) – Julie

Thursday, May 12
300-400 SELAH – Mary
400-430 Musical Theatre – Chrissy
430-500 Ballet 2/3 – Mary
500-530 Adv. Tap – Julie
530-600 Butterfly Kisses (BT, JT, 5yr olds)-Julie
600-630 Sat1000 Ballet/Tap –Katelyn
630-700 Alpha Lyrical – Mary
700-730 T4 Pointe – Theresa
730-830 Alpha Pointe – Theresa
830-930 Another Hallelujah – Theresa

Friday, May 13
330-400 T1 Ballet - Julie
400-430 T2 Ballet - Julie
430-450 T3 Jazz - Mary
450-515 T3 Tap - Mary
515-545 Thur745 Beg Teen Ballet-Mary
545-630 Thur645 Jazz/Tap-Mary
630-930 T3, T4, Alpha, Omega RUN THROUGH (all staff involved if possible)

Closing at 430

2011-02-28T15:45:00.001-05:00

SOF is closing at 430 due to weather coming. Schools closed early and cancelled activities, and I dont want you out in this. Stay safe..

Make Up Day CANCELLED (Feb. 5th)

2011-02-04T15:56:00.003-05:00

Due to lack of interest, our Snow Make-up Day planned for Saturday, Feb 5th has been CANCELLED.

February NEWSletter

2011-01-30T10:27:00.003-05:00

This one is CHOC-FULL of info... so read it all (please)...

MAY 14, 2011
Have you Marked your calendars?
PLEASE mark your calendars now for our 2011 Spring Praise Concert for Saturday, May 14th at the Grand Theatre in Cartersville for all our dance students. Concerts will be at 12:30pm, 4pm, and 7:30pm. Most younger student classes will be placed in the first two concerts. Our season will be over after this date.

****PLEASE NOTE OUR MAILING ADDRESS IS: P O BOX 3032, CARTERSVILLE GA 30120

COSTUMES ARE ORDERED: Thanks to Tonya, and our staff, our costumes are officially ordered! Within the next two weeks, a poster will go up with all the pictures of the costumes. We wait til we get confirmations of the orders, since there have been times that they have had to be changed.
Costumes will be passed out as soon as they arrive, but no earlier than AFTER Spring Break (April 11). Picture Day is Saturday, May 7. So you will have them in plenty of time for our pictures! Concert is May 14th, so make sure you have that day marked!!!
Thanks for all your loyalty to our studio. We are now 250 students strong!

FUNDRAISERS FOR DANCE COMPANY AND MINISTRY
Please make plans to attend our annual Pancake Breakfast at Applebees on Saturday, March 26th. Tickets are $7 and there are two seatings: 8am and 9am! Servers will be your company girls!! Also, start setting aside your things for our annual SOFYard Sale on April 16th. We are urgently seeking Patrons who might be able to help us on a recurring basis of as little as $10 a month. Please check out www.steps-of-faith.com/sof-patron for joining this effort! WE NEED YOU!!!
Proceeds for all these efforts benefit the ministry of SOF including mission trips, dance scholarships, and performance needs of the dancers!

Winter Weather Make up Day: Feb 5
If you would like to make up your missed class due to the snow last month, you may do so on our combined make up day, Feb 5th (see lobby for sign up) or any other similar class by the end of February.

facebook FANS:
Have you checked in on Facebook Places when you arrive at SOF? If you do, after checking in four times, you will receive $10 off next month’s tuition!
Become a fan (or like the page) of the studio (says LLC) and the company and keep up to date of all the happenings!!

SELAH Discipleship Training School (DTS) at SOF
Hosted by Steps of Faith Dance Studio, and SOF Dance Company Inc., we will continue our college aged Ballet and Discipleship Training School to teach advanced ballet and dance technique as well as biblical studies for college aged students. Students may participate in this program in addition to their college classes or may take a semester off to dive into what the Lord has planned. The program is a five or ten month journey into going deeper with the Lord, as they increase their training in ballet and other dance genres. There are very few DTS programs with a concentration in ballet. We want to provide such a program! We have had three lovely students this year, and hope to expand the program this fall. They have been busy with a performance every month this year!!! (This month’ s appearance is with Etowah Jazz Society at Grand on Feb. 14th to benefit the homeless shelter!) Plans are underway for their mission trip this June. Please keep us and our plans in your prayers as we seek the Lord.
Go to www.steps-of-faith.com/selah for more information.
Spread the word and get plugged in!!!

COMMUNITY OUTREACH: Please bring in new diapers for the Women’s Resource Center this month. Boxes are in the lobby for collection. They really need size 4 and 5 diapers for mothers in need.

SUMMER PLANS are UNDERWAY
Many of you have already been asking about our dates for summer programs, and here they are!! We are planning an exciting and full summer schedule for all ages and levels. We will again offer DanceCamps for ages 3-10, and Summer Dance Intensives for our serious students ages 6+. We plan on having a full complete schedule (with times of day) later this month for you. Pray for us as we finish putting all the puzzle pieces together!!
Dates for summer at SOF (Mark calendar now):
DanceCamps:
June 6-10 for ages 3-5, $115 w/ Ms. Natalie
June 13-17 for ages 3-5, $115, w/Ms. Natalie
July 18-22 for ages 6-10, $150 w/Ms. Mary
July 25-29 for ages 3-5, $115w/Ms. Mary
Summer Intensives:(see registration form for prices):
June 13-17(not all levels this week), June 20-24, June 27-July 1, July 5-9, July 19-21(ABC only)
Note that some of the younger levels will only be offered 2 or 3 of the four weeks of summer intensives. More details coming later this month.
2011-2012 COMPANY AUDITIONS Will be held in March. Summer Intensive attendance will be required.
Note that some of the younger levels will only be offered 2 or 3 of the total weeks of summer intensives. Dancers in levels 4 & 5 are required to take at least 3 weeks for fall company placement, and dancers in levels 1, 2 & 3 are required to take at least 2 weeks for fall company placement.
We will also like to offer weekly evening classes for advanced dancers and adults, if there is an interest. If you would like to have a class this summer, let us know!!
Here is a basic description of our programs:
DANCECAMPS- The DanceCamp is our “VBS of dance” and will be offered in a week format. These DanceCamps are full of fun, food and faith! (Crafts, too!!) No experience is necessary. This is a great way to try out dance or to keep active over the summer! (Most of our camps last year were full, so sign up early!) Ballet, tap and/or jazz, as well as creative movement and worship dance are taught at these camps along with daily devotions. Ages 3-5 are 2.5 hours in the morning, and the ages 6-10 stay morning through early afternoon! These are taught by our own staff!
BALLET SUMMER DANCE INTENSIVES are for serious dancers ages 6 and up as well as our Company dancers and meets 3-5 days a week. Weekly devotions are held at all levels to keep our focus on GOD! All here at SOF in a Christian environment you expect! Placement auditions for dancers not currently in the SOF ballet program will be held on June 9 (reservation required) If alternative audition date is needed, contact us. Current SOF Company will be notified of their summer/fall placement by April 13 There will be SIX levels of classes this year (5 company and 1 pre-company/ages 6-9), and cost is dependant on level (which meets for different number of hours and days per week). Cost ranges from $50-160 per week. And a 10% discount will be applied for anyone signing up by May 15! (You can take one, two, three or even four weeks!). Each week will feature similar classes and schedules. Guest and resident teachers in our upper levels will be teaching ballet, modern, tap, drama, jazz, dance lectures, musical theatre, pas de deux/partnering (upper level only), and other exciting classes to our company levels. Our own loving staff will be teaching our younger level (ABC) and will include ballet, tap and/or jazz as well as some surprises along the way.
Flyers will be ready in the coming weeks with more details. NON-SOF dancers are very welcome and can return to their studios/school programs after the summer! (We will have extras if you want to invite other students. The goal of the intensive is to actually help you IMPROVE your technique over the summer instead of simply trying to maintain it! NOTE: New and Returning Company members will be required to take a minimum number of weeks to be placed next year (Alpha/Omega/T4: 3 weeks, Ti-T3: 2 weeks). See Ms. Theresa or Ms. Julie for more information!
We hope many of you join us in our summer of fun! Last year was a very successful summer and we hope to include many more of you! This studio will be HOPPING this summer!!
Plan now to join SOF for a great summer in dancing for our LORD!!
Registration forms will be available later this month online and in the office.

Dates to Remember…Feb. 10-Tuition Due

Looking Ahead….
March 1-Costume balances due
March 26-Pancake Bfast
April 4-9 Spring Break
April 16-Yard Sale
May 7-Picture day at SOF
May 14-Spring Concert
June 6-July 29 Summer classes (see back of page)
Aug. 8-Fall session starts

There are NO OTHER DAYS the studio is closed except for Spring Break. All other school holidays are “CLASSES ON” for SOF!!!

Upcoming events

2011-01-27T16:06:00.003-05:00

SOF/Applebees's Pancake Breakfast: Sat., March 26th 8am, and 9am, Tickets will be $7 a plate! Unlimited coffee and OJ!

SOF Yard Sale: Sat., Apri 16. Start collecting your "stuff" now to donate to the yard sale to raise money for missions.

SNOW make up Day Feb. 5th

2011-01-14T12:51:00.000-05:00

Optional SNOW Make Up Day: Saturday, Feb. 5th

Our policy is that we are not required to make up classes canceled due to weather, since they are considered “acts of God”. However, since we missed so many days during the week of Jan. 10th, we have decided to do a make up day for all the classes in a combination fashion (makeup classes are usually low in attendance). Note some classes have more than one option. Please sign up in the office if you are planning on coming to make sure we are staffed appropriately.

Note that according to policy, you may also make up your class in another other equivalent class during any week. Please do so by the end of February. So the choice is yours!!!! Thanks for letting us provide you with quality instruction!

CLASSES OFFERED SAT., FEB. 5th:

MomNMe:
1100 with Ms. Natalie

Preballet:
915am with Ms. Katelyn
1130 with Ms. Natalie

Ballet/Tap:
10am with Ms. Natalie
100 with Ms. Natalie

Ballet Prep: 1230 w/ Ms. Mary

Ballet/Tap/Jazz: 200-330 with Ms. Natalie

Ballet 1: 130 w/Ms. Mary

Beg./Int. Teen Ballet: 1100 w/Ms. Mary

HipHop: 200 w/ Ms. Rachel

T3/T4/Alpha/Omega Jazz: 1230 w/Ms. Rachel

Tap/Jazz 230 w/ Ms Mary

Karina’s Class: 930 w/Ms. Natalie

Classes back to NORMAL

2011-01-14T12:50:00.001-05:00

starting today, Friday, Jan. 14th. Note that we DO have classes on MOnday, MLK Day as planned.

Classes being held Thursday, Jan. 13th BEFORE 6pm

2011-01-12T18:25:00.003-05:00

All classes BEFORE 6pm on Thursday, Jan. 13th, will be held. Classes after 6pm will be canceled so that you can be home before dark. Those classes will participate in the makeup day, Feb. 5th. Times tba.

All six company levels will have a class tomorrow. Make sure you check your email or the company blog for those times.

Morning preschool classes WILL BE HELD, as well as SELAH, Adv. Tap (at 115-200pm), Musical Theatre, and Ballet 2/3.

No classes Jan. 12th

2011-01-12T12:36:00.001-05:00

Due to the hazardous conditions of the parking lot and sidewalk, we cannot open today. We will have a makeup day on Sat. Feb 5th. Praying that we can open tomorrow!

No classes Jan. 11th

2011-01-10T17:04:00.002-05:00

Due to the weather and road conditions, we will not have classes on Tuesday, Jan. 11th.

We will plan a make up day for classes missed this week for Saturday Feb. 5th. Our policy says we dont have to, but we wanted to. Stay tuned for more details.

No classes Jan. 10th

2011-01-09T15:35:00.002-05:00

due to weather. Please check back here or on our facebook page regarding Tuesday.

According to our weather policy, classes are not normally made up since weather is considered an "act of God". However, we will GLADLY let you schedule a make up class during another class we offer. PLEASE ask!

Wednesday's (Dec. 15th) Performance Rescheduled

2010-12-16T09:47:00.002-05:00

Due to the weather on Wednesday, December 15th that Christmas Performance has been rescheduled to Saturday, December 18th, 10am at Steps of Faith.

If you/your child was scheduled to perform on Wednesday, they are now performing on Saturday, December 18th.

We will see you on Saturday.

Christmas Performances at SOF

2010-12-10T14:56:00.001-05:00

2010 Christmas Performances at Steps of FaithMark your calendar NOW!!

Monday, December 13th 6:00pm:
-- Mom-N-Me (Monday 11:30)
-- Preballet (Monday 10:30 & 2:30)
-- Jazz/Tap (Wednesday 4:45)
-- Karina’s Class (Monday 5:30)

Monday, December 13th 7:30 pm:
-- Ballet/Tap/Jazz (Wednesday 3:15)
-- HipHop I (Monday 4:30)
-- Ballet/Tap (Monday 3:30 & Wednesday 6:30)

Tuesday, December 14th 6:00pm:
-- Jazz/Tap I (Tuesday 3:00)
-- HipHop I (Tuesday 4:00)
-- Preballet (Thursday 10:15)
-- Ballet/Tap (Tuesday 1:30)
-- Beginner Tap (Friday 4:00)

Wednesday, December 15th 6:00pm:
-- Preballet (Tuesday 3:00)
-- Ballet/Tap (Monday 3:00, Wednesday 3:00 & Saturday 10:00 )
-- Ballet Prep (Tuesday 3:45)

Thursday, December 16th 6pm:
-- Musical Theatre (Thursday 3:00 & 4:00)
-- Ballet 2/3 (Thursday 5:00)
-- Jazz/Tap I (Thursday 6:30)
-- Beg. Teen Ballet (Thursday 7:30)

Note: All dancers will need the appropriate colored leotard by performance!!

December Newsletter

2010-11-15T14:18:00.001-05:00

THE NATIVITY: Dec. 18 and 19 at the Grand
The Nativity is only a few weeks away! And tickets are already selling at the Grand Theatre. We have decided not to do the Rome show this year, so we expect our local three shows to be full houses. My prayer is that you will bring your SOF student to see this production! Children learn so much by watching large scale productions like this! And we promise a wonderful and blessed time with your family!
As in the past few years, we are having a wonderful pas de duex (dance for two) with Mary and Joseph! It is beautiful and breathtaking! We also have a dance featuring our SELAH DTS dancers! Many dances have been updated this year. And of course, SNOW! We love having the snow again!
The school shows are already almost sold out, and will be held at our studio on Friday, December10th. We have a few spots left if you are interested. Note that it is a shortened and modified show, but it gives you a good taste of what the show will be like!
For our full length show at the Grand Theatre, tickets are $13 in advance or $15 at the door. Group rates are $11 and are available for 11or more people.
Even if you cannot come to the performance, we ask that you cover this outreach in prayer. See, we consider this our biggest community outreach during the year, where we can spread the Gospel of Christ in a wonderful way. Please join us in praying for God’s blessing and for lives to be changed due to the Nativity!

Christmas Performances...
It’s hard to believe that our Christmas performances are so close! We are excited about doing them at the NEW studio this year, and getting to combine it with a small reception each evening!!! Hopefully this will make it more memorable and special. Please make sure you have signed up to bring a little something to help us out. Of course, these performances are FREE.
For the class performance, please make sure your child has her/his class leotard or specified outfit to wear (your teacher can tell you), so that the class is uniform for pictures everyone will be taking. There will be no professional videography or pictures taken, so please make sure to bring your own cameras and snap away!!! Make sure your daughter has her hair secured in a bun for the performance for ballet classes, and secured away from the face for all other classes. Make sure they have the appropriate shoes too.
Each performing class has been assigned a performance date a time, which will feature only a few classes. Any class performing in Nativity will not be participating in these performances due to tech rehearsals at the Grand that week.
Monday, Dec. 13 at 6PM: Natalie’s MomNMe, and Preballet classes
Monday, Dec. 13 at 730PM: Natalie’s BTJ, HipHop, and Ballet/Tap classes
Tuesday, Dec. 14 at 6PM: Rachel’s Hiphop and Jazz/Tap classes, and Julie’s Beg. Tap, Preballet, and Ballet/Tap classes
Wed., Dec. 15 at 6PM: Katelyn’s class, Mary’s Preballet, Ballet/Tap, and Ballet Prep classes
Thurs., Dec. 16 at 6PM: Becky’s Musical Theatre, and Mary’s Ballet 2/3, Mary’s Jazz Tap, and Teen Ballet class.
Please note that space will be of a premium at these shows due to fire code, so you may want to wait and invite all the aunts, uncles and cousins to the Spring Show where we will have more room, and the format will be more formal.
We are looking forward to this new format for Christmas, and hope you enjoy it as well. Please make sure all accounts have been cleared by the last class of the semester.

I am so thrilled to see that our studio is doing more than dance! Our Companies filled shoe boxes for Operation Christmas child last week, and now our studio is an official drop off for Toys for Tots! Please join us in this endeavor to give kids in Bartow county a better Christmas by bringing unwrapped toys for ages 0-18 and drop them off in the studio’s boxes.

2011 SOF COMPANY CALENDARS
are on SALE Nov. 29th!
Thanks to Louis Tonsmeire who photographed our girls for our beautiful calendars featuring YOUR company dancers from the Nativity. They are $20 each! Only a few were ordered over our presales, so if you want one, see the office NOW! All proceeds benefit SOF dance ministry and our mission trips. Thanks for your support of SOF!!

Dates to Remember...
Dec. 10 Dec. Tuition Due
Dec. 13-16 Christmas Performances @ SOF
Dec. 17– Pick up Preordered Dancebags and jackets at Grand 4-7pm
Dec.18-19 Nativity Ballet at Grand Theatre
Dec. 17-Jan. 2 Christmas Break (no classes)
Jan. 3 CLASSES RESUME
Looking ahead...
Jan. 15 Spring Costume fees due
May 14 Spring Concerts at Grand Theatre in Cartersville

DVDs WILL BE MADE OF NATIVITY
BY
Greenpeas for $25 each
to be sold at the door.
No personal videography or photography will be allowed during the performances.

Christmas Break: Dec. 17-Jan. 2
Classes resume MONDAY, January 3rd
Office will be open intermittently over break to receive mail and answer phone calls. Have a Merry Christmas with your family and friends!!

NEW REGISTRATION FOR Winter/Spring Semester CLASSES
We have left our registration open for new students through Saturday, January 22nd for our Spring season. If you are already in a class, and are not planning on changing or leaving your class, you do not need to do anything. However, if you are interested in changing classes, adding another class, or if you do not plan on returning in January, please let us know by December 17. New registration ends January 22nd for Spring. Now is the time to let your friends know it is time to join us for the Winter/Spring semester, and participation in our Spring Concert.
Class additions could happen over the next few weeks, so be on the lookout, and check the website often. If you want to switch classes, (if space permits) you will get first choice if you respond immediately. See Tonya or the lobby wall for answers to your questions and to make any changes.

Verse of the month
John 1:14
“ The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

We thank and praise God for sending His one and only Son.

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

November Newsletter

2010-11-15T11:42:00.002-05:00

MOVING TO NEW STUDIO!!! First classes Monday, November 1st!!
Please join me in thanking the Lord for our NEW BUILDING! We will be moving floors/office/everything on Sat. Oct 30 starting at 9am on Saturday. We need pickup trucks and willing volunteers if you can.
Directions to the new studio from our current one: Go south on Highway 41 past Main Street to South Bridge Road. Go West on South Bridge Road til the first light at Cody Js. Take a Right onto Old Mill Road. Go straight for several miles past Cartersville schools and past Douthit Ferry Road. Turn Left just past the New Zaxby’s onto Walnut Grove Road. We are on the left, #65!!! (8-10 minutes from Center Road).

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!!) Please have your child wear their class leotard, clean tights, and neatly secured hair for the performance.
Dates for the performances are:
Monday, December 13 - Thursday, December 16th. Please see lobby for posted days/times.

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!!

TICKETS: Remember that 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 8th. 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.
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.

Great gift ideas…
Each year around this time Steps of Faith offers personalized, embroidered dance bags ! These make great gifts for dancers of all sizes. Order by Friday, November 19th and they will be back by Friday, December 17th...just in time for Christmas!

** Extra Large Navy Sport bag w/ shoe pocket, with SOF logo, and dancer’s name ($48)

** Large Navy Duffle bag with SOF logo, and dancer’s name ($38)

** Small Pink Nylon backpack, perfect for young dancer’s, with ballet shoes, “Steps of Faith”, and dancer’s name ($18)

See order forms in lobby. Price includes 7% sales tax . Make checks payable to SOF.
DEADLINE TO PLACE ORDERS:

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19TH

Dates to Remember...
Nov.23-26 Thanksgiving Holidays
(Monday classes are the only classes that week.)
Dec. 13—17 In Studio Performances @ SOF
Dec. 18/19 Nativity Ballet at Grand Theatre
Dec. 20— Jan. 2 Christmas Holidays (no classes)
May 14 Spring Concert

From Our Costume Mistress….We are in need of hangers for costume closet. We use the clear type that usually comes from department stores with a space big enough under the hook for a name to fit. If you would like to donate please turn into the office. Thank you! Lynne Newman

Steps of Faith Dance Company FUNdraisers
v 2011 Calendars are available in LIMITED quantities in late November. $20 each. We expect to be sold out by Christmas! If you want one, preorder yours now!!! See the beautiful example in the lobby. GORGEOUS Pictures were taken by Louis Tonsmeire of our pretty Company girls at his studio and around Cartersville!!
All proceeds benefit Steps of Faith Dance Company and their missions!
We appreciate your support!!

SELAH FUNDRAISER: Parent’s Night Out !!!!
This month’s parent’s night out will be Saturday, November 13th 5-10pm. Look for sign up sheet in lobby after move. Suggested donation: $5 hr, per child. (Add $2 if you would like pizza supper to be provided. ) All money raised will go to Selah Discipleship Training Program.

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

Building God’s kingdom...
All students registered at Steps of Faith receive a new 10-11 SOF t-shirt. If you have not received your shirt, see Ms. Tonya. “Building God’s kingdom, one step at a time”(celebrating our new building) is our theme for this years shirt. EXTRAS ARE NOW ON SALE!! $10

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.

Timothy dancers ...
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

New classes available in new Studio!
Due to our expanding space, we are able to offer new classes effective November. These are: Karina’s classes Monday 530-600 and 600-630, HipHop2 Tuesdays 800-900, Preballet on Wednesday at 530-615, and Ballet Prep Wednesday 530-615, HipHop1 Wednesday from 730-830. New registration will continue through January 21st. More new classes will begin in January!!!If you have friends who want to join us for the Spring Concert, this is the time for them to reserve their spot. SPACE IS LIMITED! Please speak to Tonya or send Julie or Tonya a note through the payments box of any changes/suggestions!

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!

MOVING TO NEW LOCATION: DATES

2010-10-16T13:05:00.002-04:00

We are moving our studio to its new building Oct 30-31st.

Classes will be held starting November 1st at the new location: 65 Walnut Grove Road, Cartersville GA 30120!!! Classes will be held at our current studio through Oct 30 unless you hear otherwise.

Praise God! We are finally getting our own space!!!!! He is soooo good!!!

Landscaping Day at new Studio

2010-10-04T09:15:00.003-04:00

Dont forget that Landscaping Day at the New building is THIS SATURDAY. If you have them, bring your shovel, rakes, work gloves, and get ready to get dirty! We start at 8am and finish when we get done (late day I suspect). Thanks to Tonny Kerr and Tonya Veitch for lining everything up! I cannot wait!!!

October Newsletter

2010-09-30T17:26:00.003-04:00

WE ARE MOVING VERY SOON!!!!!
Wow! I hope you have been keeping up with the construction at the new facility. Pictures are posted regularly on our webpage. We are looking at a move date between Oct. 31st and Nov. 15th! You will be the first to know when classes will begin at the new location!
Don’t forget we are having landscaping day at the new building on Saturday Oct. 9th (we will actually probably do some on Friday Oct. 8th since some of you are out of school). We need all hands on deck! I will also be asking for help on “moving day” as well. You wouldn't believe how much we have to move, including dance floors! Continue to pray for God’s favor in this project. If you would like to donate anything to the studio, or donate funds for Company things for the studio, please let us know!!! We would greatly appreciate it!!
New Location (in case you didn't know yet) will be:
65 Walnut Grove Road
Cartersville GA 30120
(just off Hwy 113/61 and Old Mill Road; about 8 min. from current location)

Christmas at
Steps of Faith: Dec. 13-16 at Studio Theatre
In years past, we have held an informal Christmas concert at a local church or in-class parties/performances. Since we will have access to our beautiful new building that is designed for small performances, we will be Christmas performances for our dancers this fall in our own Studio Theatre! This is for all classes NOT participating in the Nativity (more on that below). The children will not have normally scheduled classes that week.
You and your family are invited to come and watch a short performance by your dancer in the Studio Theatre, and then be part of a small reception! These performances are scheduled as below to allow working parents to come. Please note that space will still be at a premium, so please limit your number of guests. Our Spring Concerts will be the time you want to invite everyone!

Dates for specific classes are:
Monday, Dec. 13: 6pm: Natalie’s MomNMe and Preballet classes
Monday Dec. 13 at 7:30pm: Natalie’s BTJ, HipHop, and Ballet/Tap classes
Tuesday, Dec. 14 at 6pm: Rachel’s HipHop, and JazzTap and Julie’s Preballet, Ballet/Tap, Beg. Tap (Julie’s Int./Adv. Tap will not be participating)
Wednesday, Dec. 15 at 6pm: Katelyn’s Sat. class, and Mary’s Preballet, Ballet/Tap, and Ballet Prep classes
Thursday, Dec. 16 at 6pm: Becky’s Musical Theatre, and Mary’s Ballet 2/3, Mary’s Jazz/Tap1, Beg. Teen Ballet

We do ask that you have your correct class leotard as soon as possible, no later than performance day, so that the children look uniform for all the candid picture taking you all will be doing!!! If you would like to assist in bringing refreshments, please let Ms. Tonya know.
Classes participating in the Nativity will not have the in-studio performances, due to their involvement in the Nativity that week. These classes will have several dress rehearsals at the Grand between Monday Dec. 13 and Friday Dec. 17 (2-3 rehearsals for non-company classes, 3-5 for company levels). We will have those times for you by the first of November. The performances are December 18th & 19th. Because they will not have an “in studio” performance and reception, dancers in Nativity 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.

Dates to Remember...

Oct. 10 Tuition Due
Oct. 9 Landscaping Day
Nov.24-28 Thanksgiving Holidays (Monday classes only that week)
Dec. 18/19 Nativity Ballet at Grand Theatre (Sat/Sun)
Christmas Break Dec 20– Jan. 2
Looking Ahead...
April 4-9 Spring Break
May 14 Spring Concert at Grand Theatre

T-shirt, everyone?
All students registered at Steps of Faith receive a new 10-11 SOF t-shirt by middle of October. Extras will be on sale Oct. 15th for $10 each!! If you have not gotten your shirt let Ms. Tonya know ASAP.

Parents Night Out!
Selah, our college aged DTS program, is made up of three lovely young ladies who want to bless you with a night off of parenting and bless your kids with a wonderful time dancing and hanging out at the studio with structured activities. Starting Saturday Oct. 2, from 5-10pm, the Selah girls will entertain your young ones the first Saturday of each month! You may drop off and pick up your child anytime during the 5 hours. Preregistration is required, and the cost is a $5 donation per child, per hour.
The funds raised will support their mission trip this Spring. So feel free to add a tip if you would like!!! To sign up, write your name on the signup sheet in the lobby or call the studio and leave a message by 6pm the Friday night prior. If you would like your child to receive a pizza dinner, add $2. You can’t beat that! Sign up begins NOW!!!

TOYS FOR TOTS and SOF:We are excited to announce our fall – winter “mission” in Cartersville. As most of you know, Steps of Faith has been to Norway, New York, and more recently, Trinidad spreading God’s word through dance and hand’s on mission work. Going abroad is important, but it is also important to spread our good work locally. This year, we are going to work with the Toys for Tots Program, which collects new and unwrapped toys during the Oct – Dec timeframe. We will be helping in their kick-off on 16 October with some of the companies performing. Volunteer opportunities abound to collect, sort, and distribute the toys to needy families in Bartow County. If you cannot volunteer, you can bring in an unwrapped toy for a child (age 0 – 18 yrs) and place in the designated box in the studio. Sign-up sheets for volunteers will be posted later. Any questions, please contact Nancy Miller at nemiller@mindspring.com Thanks in advance!!!

Links to mark on your computer:
www.steps-of-faith.com for general info and photos of new construction
www.sofstudents.blogspot.com for monthly updates (and in between for all students of the studio)
www.sofcompany.blogspot.com for weekly updates for company members)
We also have facebook pages for the studio and the company!!!!

September Newsletter

2010-09-16T09:55:00.002-04:00

LOTS GOING ON...
It has been an exciting year already. We have so many new faces from all over the area, some coming from as far away as Marietta, Calhoun, Rome, and Canton to get only what you can get at SOF!! The New Studio is under construction with the framing going up this week! Move in date is now in November. Plans are underway for our Nativity Ballet in Dec. (with TWO venues this year), and the Spring Concert in May, as well as our instudio performances for Christmas. More details will be coming next month.
Please feel free to contact me (the director, Julie) anytime with any questions or concerns…
sof@bellsouth.net or call 404-316-8546. We are honored to have you all!!

CLASSES ARE FILLING UP FAST!
If you have friends interested in SOF this year, we still have some space for them, but they need to register NOW. We will continue to take registration for classes until we are full. If you are in a full class and are interested in a smaller class size, we still have some available. “Less Full” classes are (other classes are still available):
-MomNMe Saturday 11am-11;30 (Katelyn)
-Preballet Saturday 915-1000am (Katelyn)
-Ballet/Tap 1st yr. Monday 130-230 (Natalie)
-Ballet/Tap 2nd yr. Monday 300-400 (Natalie)
-Ballet/Tap 1st yr. Wed. 300-400 (Mary)
-Ballet Prep Saturday 1130-1215 (Katelyn)
--Ballet 1 Tuesday 700-800 (Julie)
-Jazz/Tap 1 Tues 300-400 (Rachel)
-Jazz/Tap 2 Wed 430-530 (Natalie)
-Musical Theatre 1 Thursday 300-400 (Becky)
Musical Theatre 2 Thursday 400-500 (Becky)
-HipHop 1 Tues 400-500 (Rachel)
HipHop 2 Tuesday 800-900 (Rachel)
-Teen Beg. Ballet Thursday 745-900 (Mary)
-Teen/Young Adult Int. Ballet Mon. 645-800 (Julie)
We add classes if we can (studio space is limited) when needed, and a teacher is available. Thanks for being part of this great ministry! We are honored to have each and every one of you!!!!

CALLING ALL ADULTS….We have introduced our new Dance Card for our Adult dancers. This new payment option allows adults to come when they can, and drop in adult classes. So if you have ever wanted to try a class with not much commitment, this is for you. Of course the monthly payment option is still available. The dance card is only available on these classes:
Monday 645-8 Int. Ballet (Julie)
Monday 8-9pm Tap (Julie)
Tuesday 1030-11 Pilates (half class credit)
Wed. 1030-1130 Pilates (Jocelyn)
Wed. 1130-1230 Tai Chi (Jocelyn)
Thursday 745-9 Beg. Ballet (Mary)
Prices are:
One class: $15
Five classes: $65
Ten classes: $125
Twenty classes $220
Monthly fee if you already have a child dancing here: $45/month, if not $55/month

We have already sold about half a dozen!!!

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!

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.

T-shirt, everyone? 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 our move. Family members and former SOFers may purchase extra shirts at $10 a shirt on a first come, first served basis starting October 11th. Quantities will be limited.

Dates to Remember...
Sept. 6 Labor Day NO CLASSES
Sept. 10 9:30pm Selah/Alpha/Omega perform At Relay for Life/Dellinger Park
Sept. 10 Tuition DUE
Sept. 18 Full Company Performance at Roselawn Arts and Crafts Festival at 11-11:45am
Looking ahead…..
Nov.23-27 Thanksgiving Holidays (Monday classes only that week)
Dec. 18/19 Nativity Ballet at Grand Theatre (Sat/Sun); Dec. 11 for Rome perf.
Christmas Break Dec 20– Jan. 4
May 16, 2009 Spring Praise Concert
May 29-June 8 Sr. Co. Mexico Mission Trip

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 should receive a tuition payment envelope with this newsletter. 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!!)

DanceBandz still on sale!!! $4 per pack! Supports Steps of Faith Dance Co. !!!!

Update on Building

2010-09-09T13:30:00.001-04:00

We have a roof!!!!! Shingles should be coming on shortly! And we will DEFINATELY (God willing of course) be in the new building BEFORE Thanksgiving! We will have alot to be thankful for this year!!!!

Landscaping Weekend is planned for Oct. 8-10th. I need MANY hands on board for this, including strong daddies and big brothers! We will be laying sod, planting trees and shrubs. Mark your calendars now!!!

Ms. Julie

Update on Building

2010-08-26T22:39:00.000-04:00

Grading is finished and the foundation will be poured on Friday, Aug. 27th at 630am!!! Framers will start framing on Tuesday, August 31st!!! Moving date is looking like early November IF all goes as planned. Keep praying for no rain next Tuesday-Friday!!!!

Classes resume Aug. 9th

2010-07-31T15:39:00.002-04:00

Make sure you are signed up and ready to go! Classes resume August 9th at our old Center Road location. The building was delayed due to permit delays, but is moving along nicely. Expected move date will be in October.

Call studio 770-606-0506 or go online to make sure you can get the classes you want now! (some are filling up!)

Julie

Update on Property!!!

2010-06-10T15:10:00.000-04:00

As you all know, we officially closed on the property on Walnut Grove Road! SOF now owns its own land!!!! We anticipated that we would have "moved dirt" by now, but due to proper paperwork and processes being followed, we have not recieved all the permits yet to get moving. We fully expect those permits in the next week or so, and have an expected date to start grading the land the week of June 28th. This puts us behind our initial projection of moving in August. However, we fully believe we can be in the new facility no later than the end of September, hopefully the front end of that month, Lord Willing.

Please continue to be in prayer as we all want this gift of our own building to come sooner than later. Pray that once they get the grading equipment in there later this month, that there be LITTLE OR NO RAIN until we can get the building framed and "dried in".

This delay in moving does mean a temporary change in the fall schedule for companies. I am working with your teachers to put that temporary schedule in place. Once we move, it will resume to the planned schedule you already have and that is posted. Most of the non-company classes will remain as scheduled to allow those students who come only once a week to stay more consistant. This just makes more sense business wise. Thanks for your flexibility here. Know that any change in schedule is ONLY TEMPORARY and the REWARDS WILL BE GREAT!!!!!

I will keep you all posted! Call me as you need to. I am back in town and (just about) ready to roll!!!

Love you all,

Ms. Julie

MAY NEWSLETTER

2010-04-25T16:05:00.002-04:00

THREE WEEKS AND COUNTING...
I can’t believe May is already here. This has been a good year at SOF, and the last in this building! (Pray as we finish all the paperwork for closing and break ground for the new facility.) We have had so many supportive families and God continues to be a major part of what is going on here. You have one of the best staffs anywhere!!! NO DOUBTING THAT!!!
Please make every effort to BE AT EVERY CLASS between now and the end of the year. This is “crunch time” for us and we need everyone of you here to make rehearsing dances go smoothly. We will not have regularly scheduled classes the last week (May 10-14) due to dress rehearsals, and other school-end activities. So that means only TWO weeks of classes!
COSTUMES still coming in this week. We will get them to you ASAP.
Many of you still owe April TUITION. Statements have gone to you who have balances. Your business is important to SOF and we do appreciate and need your part. Thank you! All balances must be paid by May 14 for concert participation. We need your help financially too. We had over $4500 in accounts outstanding as of the middle of April. And May is now due. Please honor your commitment and pay your balances ASAP.
Please see the lobby wall or check out www.sofstudents.blogspot.com for your REHEARSAL TIMES. You need to make every effort to be at the Dress Rehearsals that week. Thank you for making adjusted time in your schedule for this! Dress Rehearsals are vital!!
On May 8th we will be taking group and individual PICTURES at the SOF studio. (Picture time is also online and in the lobby; envelopes with prices will go out first week of May.) Remember, even if you do not intend on buying individual pictures, we need you for the group picture that will hang in the lobby!
“WHAT EXACTLY DO WE WEAR for the picture and for the concert?”, you ask. Please ask your teacher if unsure…... Ballet students wear ballet or theatrical pink (not white or a strong color pink) FOOTED tights with their costume. If you are wearing tan, make sure you get LIGHT SUNTAN. Some of you will need a nude/black leotard (older kids/company girls). No nylon ballet shoes. If your class has more than one costume, your class and your teacher will help decide which one to wear for the picture on picture day. All hair needs to be in a bun with no bangs (pulled away from face if hair is very short), unless told otherwise. Hair requirement is for both picture and concert!! We want to look our best!!
SPELLING of you/your child’s name needs to be checked in the lobby for the program by May 5.
FOR THE CONCERTS, please be at the Grand Theatre no later than 30 minutes before the Concert is scheduled to start. That way everyone can get their seats and no one is panicking. Do realize that the Grand will be selling tickets at the door and that could slow down admission. So buy yours NOW at the Grand Theatre ticket box office or by calling 770-386-7343 M-F 9-5!We look forward to your part in the 2010 Spring Praise Concert! God will be Glorified!!!

Tickets ON SALE NOW for Concerts
Don’t forget to get your tickets now for our Spring Praise Concert featuring the SOF Dance Co., and the SOF Dance Studio students, THAT’S YOU!! Tickets will be $10 per person, per show. Children who take up a seat will need a ticket; children in adult’s laps do not. Dancers do not need a ticket. Please do not try to use a ticket of one show to get in again to a different show. Each show is obviously color coded. Tickets are on sale at the Grand Theatre ticket office 770-386-7343 (their new policy). Those of you who sold/purchased ads will get complimentary tickets to any show. See Tonya tech week to pick your tickets up.
We will have a limit of 500 tickets per show, so make sure you get yours early. Shows could possibly sell out, so parents, get yours NOW!
Volunteers for the show will receive free tickets, so look for our sign up sheet on the wall if you would like to help us out! It takes a lot of people to make these shows go off so well. Thank you in advance for your help and cooperation with these tickets!

UNDERWRITER DEADLINE THIS WEEK: Sat. May 1 at 12noon!
We are still accepting ads through Sat., May 1st AT 12 NOON! (Date extended!) If you are still intending on placing an ad, we would most gratefully accept it! We have only received a few ads to date, but know many of you were planning on placing one! This is always a great marketing opportunity for your business! Or a great place to show pride in your child’s accomplishments in dance for the Lord!

Fall Registration is ready to begin!!!
Again this year, we will have our early registration for the 10-11 year during the month of May. If you decide to go ahead and register, you will need to pay a discount registration fee of only $25 rather than the $30 rate. This is for the FIRST STUDENT of each family. Add $5 for each additional family member.
Don’t forget you can register completely ONLINE! Forms can be filled out online and submitted directly to our office. Payments can also be paid online! Know that any registration is not considered valid until payment is received. So if you want a particular class, be sure to register NOW (either in the studio or online). We also have registration forms available in the lobby. (After May 31, the fee goes to $30 for first student). Current students may register NOW!! Some prime time classes will fill up before the end of May. Some classes may NOT be offered depending on enrollment levels, but if you want it, sign up for it now!!!
The color leotard system for each class level will be continued this year. A few discounted NEW leotards are available in the lobby (navy and black). However, once they are gone, we are not ordering more. We love the leotard color system because it allows for more uniformity in the classes and helps give the kids a sense of accomplishment when they are promoted to the next level. You will be able to choose other styles to wear to class, but you need to have your child dressed in the appropriate color each week. We are a great dance studio and we want to portray our excellence even down to our everyday classwear. Listing of colors is available at the studio and online. Ask the office for referrals of local and online dancewear retailers.
The new expanded (because we will have FOUR ROOMS) schedule is posted in the lobby and on the web and recommendation notes are going out to most of the students this/last week. We hope that these recommendations will assist you in your planning. We will also be accepting registrations anytime over the summer.
Please call if you have questions. Fall schedule begins AUGUST 9th (pray the building is DONE)!
But take advantage of the discount and keep your spot for next year! We don’t want to miss a single one of you! Some classes will fill up before the end of May! Girls who auditioned for company have already received your letters for class registration. Please contact the office if you have questions. If you are interested in placement and did not audition, please see Ms. Theresa or Ms. Julie.

FLOWER SALE FOR DANCERS
We are able to provide flowers for you to purchase for your special dancer. This way you won’t have to make an extra trip Concert day to pick up last minute flowers! Presales are required. Order forms are in the lobby and are available ONLINE. All proceeds from the sale will go to help support the Steps of Faith Dance Company (our outreach ministry) and the Nativity Ballet. Thanks for your support!

CONCERT VIDEOS WILL BE AVAILABLE
Professional videos will be shot at all three concerts. Each DVDs is $25 (add $5 for direct shipping/otherwise shipped to SOF). You may place your order at the concerts. Checks will be made payable to the videographer.
NO OTHER VIDEOGRAPHY (home video) WILL BE ALLOWED during the concert. Due to your digital screen, we can see them and they show up in the professional video ! You are welcome to videotape dress rehearsals. No flash photography please during concerts.

Thanks for your support of our Applebees’ Pancake Breakfast on April 24! We raised around $1300 to help pay for company costumes and company ministries!!!

CLOSING DOORS...OPENING NEW ONES….
Since 2002 we have been in this great building. It has served us well, however, God has bigger plans for us. And by taking a BIG step of faith, my husband and I are investing in a building of our own for Steps of Faith Dance Studio LLC and Steps of Faith Dance Company Inc. Are we nervous? Sure! Do we trust God is going to provide even in this crazy economy? You bet! See, it is God’s economy, and not our own. So if He has a plan, we follow. I pray that each of our are led to follow us into our new building and the growing ministry He has planned. Please continue to lift us up, as we close (hopefully this week), and break ground SOON!!! And for a QUICK building process as we NEED our new place in August!!!!!~Julie
PS. Should have up sign soon: 65 Walnut Grove Rd, Cville 30120

SOF Yard Sale!!!! Saturday June 5th
Proceeds benefit Steps of Faith Dance Company. You can retain up to 50% of your earnings, and not have to work that day! If you want to get in on the selling or to volunteer, contact Ashleyanne Hensley, at gab-bodo@hotmail.com.

SUMMER PROGRAMS are SET
SOF’s Summer 2010 is going to be a another busy one! Make plans now to join us for DanceCamps, or our Summer Dance Intensives. Registration is NOW and forms are available in the lobby and online.
DANCECAMPS will be taught by our own Miss Natalie and, Miss Mary, and are like a “VBS” of dance and meets M-F: Cost: $115 or $150. June 7-11 for 3-5yr olds , June 14-18 for 3-5yr olds; July 12-16 for ages 6-10, July 19-23 for 3-5yr olds. These DanceCamps are full of fun, food and faith! (Crafts, too!!) These DanceCamps fill up, so register NOW!
SUMMER DANCE INTENSIVES (must audition or be in current SOF class for placement): for serious dancers ages 6 and up as well as our Company dancers meets 3-5 times a week. Weeks are June 14-July 9 (ABC also July 20-22). Each level will only be offered a limited number of the five weeks, so please note on registration form available dates. Placement auditions for dancers not currently in the company program will be held on June 10. If alternative audition date is needed, contact us. There will be FIVE levels of classes this year (4 company and 1 pre-company/ages 6-9), and cost is dependant on level (which meets for different number of hours per week). Cost ranges from $50-155 per week. And a 10% discount will be applied for anyone signing up by May 15! (You can take one, two, three or four weeks!). Each week will feature similar classes and schedules. Guest and resident teachers in our upper levels will be teaching ballet, modern, drama, jazz, dance lectures, and other exciting classes to our company levels. We are again offering a combined level for our pre-company dancers (ages 6-9). Our loving staff will be teaching those younger levels and will include ballet, tap and/or jazz as well as some surprises along the way. NON-SOF dancers are very welcome and can return to their studios after the summer! ! Company members will be required to take a minimum of two (three weeks for upper levels) as a company requirement. See Ms. Theresa /Ms. Julie for more information!
NEW: SOLACE For Summer Dance Intensive for Teachers/Adults, check out www.steps-of-faith.com/solace on Saturday and Sunday, June 12-13!

All accounts must be cleared/arranged in order for participation in Praise Concert! Late fees have been added to accounts that are past due. Please take care of this matter so that we can keep providing the quality Christian dance instruction you desire.

My prayer for SOF…..
Dear Lord,
May all we do bring Glory to You. May all we say be uplifting in your eyes. May SOF prosper ONLY because she is Yours. May our Concert be specifically a fragrant Praise offering to You. May you use what we do to bring someone closer to You, and to knowing Who you really are. Please forgive us when we fall short in Your eyes, and lead us to fulfill our mission abundantly. May you bless all of the families and people involved in SOF in Jesus’ holy name. May all the businesses and individuals who support us prosper because they were willing to sow a seed. Thank you for letting us play a small part in your Kingdom work….
Amen

CONGRATULATIONS TO ANNA GILBERT, SOF GRADUATE...
for winning Belhaven University's "Freshman award for outstanding artistic achievement"!!!!

DRESS REHEARSAL SCHEDULE

2010-04-18T16:02:00.001-04:00

READ as: CLASS DAY/TIME then Dress Rehearsal time: May 10-14 @ The Grand Theatre

Mom-N-Me Mon 12-12:15
Mon 1230 Preballet Mon 12:15-12:30
Mon 130 Ballet/Tap Mon 1-1:30
Mon 300 Ballet/Tap Mon 4-4:30
Mon 330 Ballet/Tap Mon 4:30-5
Mon 400 HipHop Mon 5-5:30
Mon 800 Adult Tap Thur. 8:30-900
Tues 1230 Ballet/Tap Mon 12:30-1:00
Tues 300 Ballet Prep Tues 4:30-5
Tues 600 Ballet 1 Wed 545-615
Tues 700 Tn/Ad Ballet Fri 545-630
Wed 245 Preballet Wed 2:45-3:00
Wed 300 BTJ (Tap) Wed. 300-330
Wed 300 BTJ (Ballet) Wed 400-415
Wed 330 Ballet/Tap Wed 330-400
Wed 430 Jazz/Tap 2 Wed 415-445
Wed 530 Karina Wed. 530-545
Wed 630 Ballet/Tap Wed 700-730
Thurs 400 Ballet 2/3 Thurs 4-4:30
Thurs 500 Adv Tap Thurs 5:15-6/Fri Runthrough
Thurs 700 HipHop Thurs 7:15-7:45
Fri 530 Int Tap Thurs 4:30-5:15
Fri 615 Beg Tap Fri 5:15-5:45
Young Appr Ballet Tues 5-5:30 & Fri 4:45-5:15
YC Ballet Wed 4:45-5:30 & Fri 4:15-4:45
YC Jazz Thurs 6-6:30
Sr Appr Ballet Mon 8-9:15 /Friday 6:30-9:00RunThru
Sr. Appr Jazz Thurs 7:45-8:30/Friday 6:30-9:00Run Thru
Sr Co Celebration Wed 7:30-9:30/Friday 6:30-9:00Run Thru
Sr Co Jazz Thurs 6:30-7:15/Friday 6:30-9:00 Run Thru
Beautiful Day/Sr Co Tues 6:15-6:55/Friday 6:30-9:00 Run Thru
Oh My Lord/Sr Co Tues 5:30-6:15/Friday 6:30-9:00 Run Thru
Appr Modern Mon 5:30-6:15/Friday 6:30-9:00 Run Thru
Sr Co Modern Mon 6:15-7/Friday 6:30-9:00 Run Thru
Beginner Pointe Mon 7-7:15/Friday 6:30-9:00 Run Thru
Apprentice Int Pointe Mon 7:15-8/Friday 6:30-9:00 Run Thru
Beauty Tues 7-7:45/Friday 6:30-9:00
Rainbow Tues 8:15-9:15 **(7:45-9:15 Amber/Sarah)**and Fri

JUNE 5th Yard Sale...

2010-04-18T15:28:00.000-04:00

DO YOU HAVE OLD/USED/GOOD items sitting around your house that you are not using? Do you have items that you are attached to and have a hard time giving things away? Are you looking to maybe get something in return for them without having to go through the laborious process of organizing your own yard sale?
We have the solution!

June 5th at Steps of Faith there will be a HUGE collaborative yard sale! The great thing about this, you don’t have to do anything but gather those old items up from around your house, bring them to Steps of Faith during the week of May 31st through June 4th and let us sell them for you and everything sold will benefit you and Steps of Faith by splitting the sale price in half! You will get something in return for those items you couldn’t just give away while SOF will be benefitted with aid in costuming, missions work and other expenses! What easier way to get rid of those items you have been putting in the back of closets for years thinking of that yard sale you will have one day!
Another benefit to this event, the items left over from the yard sale will be donated to Goodwill. You will have the choice to come back and see what did not sell and pick it up or leave whatever you would like for us to take to Goodwill!
I will be in need of 3-4 volunteers during the week for drop offs, and also for the day of the yard sale. Preferably parents but any Senior Company students interested, I could use you!
If interested in selling your items, I would need to get your phone number to call when the time gets closer. Please send me an email to gab-bodo@hotmail.com, with the subject being SOF YARD SALE and give me an idea of what kind of items you may have to sell, i.e. baby clothes, children’s clothing, books, furniture, shoes, etc.
This could be a HUGE community event! If you know of others that may not be SOF family but have some items they are interested in sending our way to sell and benefit SOF, then let us know.

Ashleyanne Hensley
SOF Instructor
gab-bodo@hotmail.com

APRIL NEWSLETTER

2010-03-29T17:53:00.003-04:00

On May 15:
Many of you are asking which concert your dancer will appear. That information will be posted on the lobby wall this week (and on page 4)! Sr. Co and Appr. Companies will appear in all three. Tickets are on sale April 12: $10each. The evening show will feature the companies’ full repertoire, so if you dance earlier, come back to the evening show to experience this inspiring show!
DRESS REHEARSALS May 10-14:
We will have dress rehearsals at the Grand Theatre on Tuesday-Friday, May 10-14. Each class will be given 15-30 minutes (sometimes more) to rehearse their dances on stage. We will have rehearsals somewhere between 3pm and 9pm for most classes (and in the morning for the morning classes), and yours should coincide, as much as possible, to your weekly class time of day. Be looking for the schedule in the coming weeks. There will be NO regularly scheduled classes that whole week (Monday-Fri.) to allow you time to get to the Grand. This schedule will be posted after Spring Break.

PICTURE DAY May 8:
Picture Day is Sat., May 8th. Some costumes are coming the end of April, so please be patient. We took pains to make sure we had the costumes we needed, and on time! After they are sorted and labeled, you will get to take them home! Many are already here and will go home the first week after Spring Break!
So on Saturday, May 8, we will meet HERE at SOF for professional pictures by Tonsmiere Photography. You will be able to purchase groups and individual shots of your dancer, and a percentage of all sales will go to SOF‘s ministry. We very much want EVERYONE to be in the group pictures (even if you do not intend on buying any) so that your class’ picture will be complete when I hang it on the studio wall! WE NEED ALL OF YOU! It’s so exciting to get to see your faces on our wall year after year. All schedules are on the back of this newsletter!!!!!

SUMMER PROGRAMS are SET
SOF’s Summer 2010 is going to be a another busy one: and will be our last in this facility-makes it kinda bittersweet! Make plans now to join us for DanceCamps, or our Summer Dance Intensives. Registration is NOW and forms are available in the lobby and online.

DANCECAMPS will be taught by our own Miss Natalie and, Miss Mary, and are like a “VBS” of dance and meets M-F: Cost: $115 or $150. June 7-11 for 3-5yr olds; June 14-18 for 3-5yr olds; July 12-16 for ages 6-10, July 19-23 for 3-5yr olds. . These DanceCamps are full of fun, food and faith! (Crafts, too!!) These DanceCamps fill up, so register NOW!

SUMMER DANCE INTENSIVES (must audition or be in current SOF class for placement): for serious dancers ages 6 and up as well as our Company dancers meets 3-5 times a week. Weeks are June 14-July 9; (and July 20-22 for ABC). Each level will only be offered a limited number of the five weeks, so please note on registration form available dates. Placement auditions for dancers who did not audition in March will be held on June 10. If alternative audition date is needed, contact us. There will be FIVE levels of classes this year (4 company and 1 pre-company/ages 6-9), and cost is dependant on level (which meets for different number of hours per week). Cost ranges from $50-155 per week. And a 10% discount will be applied for anyone signing up by May 15! (You can take one, two, three or four weeks!). Each week will feature similar classes and schedules. Guest and resident teachers in our upper levels will be teaching ballet, modern, drama, jazz, dance lectures, and other exciting classes to our company levels. We are again offering a combined level for our pre-company dancers (ages 6-9). Our loving staff will be teaching those younger levels and will include ballet, tap and jazz. NON-SOF dancers are very welcome and can return to their studios after the summer! The goal of the intensive is to actually help you IMPROVE your technique over the summer instead of simply trying to maintain it! Company members will be required to take a minimum of two (three weeks for upper levels) as a company requirement. See Ms. Theresa /Ms. Julie for more information!
.

Dates to
Remember
April 5-9
Spring Break

April 16:
Tuition Due

April 24:
Flapjack Fundraiser at Applebees

April 30:
Deadline for sponsors for program

May 10:
Tuition Due

Sat., May 8:
PICTURE DAY at
SOF Studio

May 10-14:
Dress Rehearsals at the Grand
(no regularly scheduled classes 10-14th)

May 15:
CONCERTS

May 1-30
Early Fall Registration

June 7-11
DanceCamp (3-5yr)

June 14-18
DanceCamp (3-5yr)

Summer Dance Intensive
June 14/21 –July 9
(note diff levels each wk)

July 12-16
DanceCamp (6-10yr)

July 19-23
DanceCamp (3-5yr)

July 20-22
ABC Intensive (6-8yr)

TBA
OPEN HOUSE at New Building

Aug. 9
Fall classes start (as long as building is done!!)

TUITION DUE THIS MONTH
Since the 10th falls during our Spring Break, I will allow you until the 16th to pay for April’s tuition without penalty. If you can , please take care of this THIS WEEK so that my cash flow will go as normal as possible.
(My rent is due by the 15th.) Thank you for your cooperation!!

Early Fall Registration in MAY
Steps of Faith is having our early registration for the 10-11 year during the month of May. If you decide to go ahead and register, you pay a discounted registration fee. Registration forms will be available at the end of April. Registration is available ONLINE on our website: www.steps-of-faith.com. Simply click the link to register and it will take you to the fill-in form. It will be emailed to us. Payment will make the registration valid, so be sure to mail or call with credit card info or use the paypal button on the site. You may also register in the studio like normal. Make note that fall classes will begin on AUGUST 9th AS LONG AS THE BUILDING IS DONE! Should it change, we will let you know.
We will again have the colored leotard system for classwear, however, you will be able to choose your own design/style this year.
We will have a schedule of classes ready by mid April. Please pray for me as I put that big puzzle together! We will now have the capability of FOUR classrooms going at once, so this is a NEW puzzle for us. For the best selection in classes, register in May. We will be sending out a note to each student from their teacher in late April indicating which class level they should register for next year to assist you.
Ladies and young men who auditioned for company this week, as well as returning members will be notified which level they have been placed by April 12th. If you have not auditioned and are interested, please see Ms. Julie.
We are sending out a letter to our mailing list letting them know of our registration dates and new location, so if you know anyone who would like to receive more information about us, all we need is a name and address.
Be sure to take advantage of the discount and keep your spot for next year! We don’t want to miss a single one of you! We will be promoting many of you to the next age/level class. You will not want to miss all the new stuff you will learn next year! We hope that you and your family will continue to be part of this marvelous ministry!

Flowers for Spring Concert will go on sale soon!
Be looking for flyers in the lobby! You will be able to order at the studio and ONLINE this year! All proceeds benefit our non-profit ministry. Look for more details coming soon.

Flapjack Fundraiser at Applebees: April 24th!!
Tickets are going fast for our pancake breakfast at Applebees! Tickets are only $7.50 for all the pancakes/sausage you can eat! SOF Company girls will be your gracious servers! Seatings are at 8am and 9am. Purchase your tickets at the SOF office or through a Senior Company member.
Proceeds go to Steps of Faith Dance Company ministries!!!

UNDERWRITERS STILL NEEDED!
Our exciting Spring Concert is fast approaching! If you or a business you know might be interested in helping sponsor our Concert, please let us know as soon as possible! We need to raise about $4000 to pay for the Grand and the programs! Sponsor forms are available in the studio lobby. We have examples of last year’s programs available, too! Thank you to those of you who have already spread the word this year! Remember, we are ASKING that every family try to sell and/or buy at least one ad. This keep us from having to charge high ticket prices at the door. (Sponsors receive free tickets as a thank you. Note: 1/8 page=2 tickets, 1/4 page= 6 tick-
Ets. (Remember that your donation above the ticket value is tax deductible!) Sponsorship is what makes this Concert and this ministry to our Lord possible! We already have a few businesses and individuals committed to making this a spectacular worship event for 2010! Thanks for spreading the word about our concert and don’t forget to mention what a great marketing opportunity this is for local businesses! Please join us in helping make this Praise Concert a GREAT reality! Praise God for opening all the perfect doors! Remember, our deadline for the program ads is APRIL 30th!! (Don’t forget our best wishes boxes for only $45-you can go in together with someone else AND you can put a picture of your dancer in it!) WE NEED YOUR HELP; we have very few ads to date!!!

Happy April
Birthday to...

2-Alli Hagler
3-Kami Miller
4-Gabrielle Greeson
6– Becca Teal
8-Katrina Vincent
9-Ainsley Howard
13-Anna Martin
16-Madeline Fortin
17-Alex Kennedy
19-Carina Fortin
19-Maddy Hoerl
24-Lillie Arnold
29-Sarah Hyde

BIG NEWS: STEPS OF FAITH IS MOVING THIS FALL!!!! As you probably have heard, we were approved for financing (a God thing in this market) to buy land and build our own facility! We have been renting for 13 years, and now is the time to have our own place. And we are making it BIGGER to accommodate our growing ministry and SOF family!
Please be in earnest prayer that this thing can get built in record time over the summer. My husband and I should close on the property in the next two weeks, and we should “break ground” around May 1st. (Don’t worry, you will all be invited to a celebration!) Our goal is to have it move in ready by August 1st so that classes can begin on August 9th. There is a back up plan if they are running late, but I REALLY want to move in on time. God can do this, I know.
The new location is at 65 Walnut Grove Road, Cartersville, behind the new Zaxby’s off Hwy 113. It is only 8 minutes from our current location, and can be reached easily by South Bridge Road from Hwy 41 for those of you coming from the south or east or by Burnt Hickory for those of you coming from the north. I hope to have a sign up soon to help you locate it easier. The new building will be visible from Hwy 113! It is going to be GORGEOUS!!! Ron Goss Jr is our builder and he builds only the best!!!
And it will have FOUR dance rooms, a women’s bathroom with stalls and sinks, a large storage room, a dressing room with cabinets/lockers, a large office, and a break/microwave area. Yes we are excited. Final drawings/plans are being done now. I will post a layout as soon as it is final.
Of course, we need you to all come with us….you don't want to miss the excitement of the new building this fall! We are expanding our class offerings since we will now have the room!!! I’ll have a new schedule for the building mid April. You are coming, right???

SELAH and SOLACE
God continues to ask me to step outside of my comfort zone, and with that to minister to as many people as possible. If you haven't noticed, we have a great thing going here, and He is SOOO in control!
We have already begun the registration/audition process of our new Discipleship Training School in Ballet called SELAH. You have probably seen the posters around the studio or the page on the website. SELAH will be a 5 month program for college aged kids to come in and get focused training on discipleship and biblical studies as well as continuing ballet and dance training. There are many DTSs in the world, but none quite like this one. We have already had over 1200 hits on our SELAH webpage, and already a few applicants, and even more inquiries. We are partnering with OM-Dancelinks to help us set up their mission trip this November/December. We are currently checking out Bosnia and Italy. AND after much prayer and seeking the Lord, Miss Mary Binkley is coming on as SELAH’s co-director and discipleship leader. She is finishing up her third DTS herself and is ready to pour into our girls!!! Please be in prayer for this program and let anyone you know who might be interested about it. Check this out at…. www.steps-of-faith.com/selah It starts this August!!!
And while working on the summer dance intensives, I realized there was a need for a dance intensive for young adult dancers and for teachers. So within 24 hours, (this is so like God), we developed SOLACE, a weekend workshop for dance teachers/ministers/or graduates who want to learn more about teaching or who just want to take a class!!! So on Sat/Sun June 12/13 we are offering a large variety of classes. And I have brought in some wonderful gifted guest master teachers to teach: Angela Harris, Lauri Worrill-Biggs, Katherine Gant, Eleanor Rogers (these are all big names in the Atlanta dance scene), as well as some of our own staff. Oh, yes. This is going to be good. I cant wait to take the classes myself!!!! Classes can be taken individually or you can take the whole weekend for a great discount. Check it out….www.steps-of-faith.com/solace.

HOW DO YOU DO IT ALL????
This is the question MOST asked of me. I don't know… but by the Grace of God, go I. Really. I have no explanation for why or how. But I do know that God goes before me, and gives me the perfect staff and colleagues, parents and students to work with. I KNOW without a doubt that He has great things planned for SOF, the studio, the nonprofit company, and anyone who will partner with Him to make these things happen.
I know money is tight, times can be rough. But the harder things are, the more we need to lean into the arms of our Savior. He DOES have it all under control. I have seen that FIRST HAND especially over the last month.
Please continue to pray for this studio and her ministries here. No doubt we are going to need more students next year, but we will be ready for them. And we need to have everything we do covered in prayer.
I also want to mention that in house non-profit Company will be beginning a Patron program to raise money on a regular basis for her ministries. The studio has been giving the nonprofit practically free rent for all her rehearsals and paying for her staff for seven years. The board of directors of the non-profit would like to see SOF Dance Company become more independent and pay for her own expenses. Please consider becoming a SOF Patron. More details on that soon. No it cannot pay for the building (the studio LLC is doing that), but you can help raise money to make the ministries reach more people.
This whole SOF thing is so much larger than I ever even imagined. I am not an ambitious person, so it is a crazy ride for me. Who wants to join the ride????? ~ Love, Ms. Julie
In Service to Him, Ms. Julie

CLASS DAY/TIME PICTURES CONCERT TIME
Sat 5-8 @ SOF /Sat 5-15 @ Grand
Mom-N-Me 3:15** /12:30
Mon 1230 Preballet 3:30 /4:00
Mon 130 Ballet/Tap 3:45 /4:00
Mon 300 Ballet/Tap 4:15 /4:00
Mon 330 Ballet/Tap 2:30 /12:30
Mon 400 HipHop 5:15 /4:00
Mon 800 Adult Tap 9:30/ 4:00
Tues 1230 Ballet/Tap 9:00 /12:30
Tues 300 Ballet Prep 3:15** /12:30
Tues 600 Ballet 1 9:15 /4:00
Tues 700 Tn/Ad Ballet 10:15/ 12:30
Wed 245 Preballet 2:45 /12:30
Wed 300 BTJ (Tap) 4:30 /4:00
Wed 300 BTJ (Ballet) 4:45 /4:00
Wed 330 Ballet/Tap 3:00/ 12:30
Wed 430 Jazz/Tap 2 5:00 /12:30
Wed 530 Karina 5:00 /4:00
Wed 630 Ballet/Tap 4:00 /12:30
Thurs 400 Ballet 2/3 9:45 /4:00
Thurs 500 Adv Tap 11:00/ 7:30 plus one more tba
Thurs 700 HipHop 2:15 /12:30
Fri 530 Int Tap 10:00 /4:00
Fri 615 Beg Tap 10:30/ 4:00
Young Appr Ballet 11:30 /7:30
YC Ballet 11:15/ 7:30
YC Jazz 10:45 /7:30
Sr Appr Ballet 12:45 / 7:30 plus at least one other
Sr. Appr Jazz 1:15 / 7:30 plus at least one other
Sr Co Celebration 11:45 / 7:30 plus at least one other
Sr Co Jazz 1:30 / 7:30 plus at least one other
Beautiful Day/Sr Co 12:30 / 7:30 plus at least one other
Oh My Lord/Sr Co 1:00 / 7:30 plus at least one other
Appr Modern 1:45 /7:30 plus at least one other
Sr Co Modern 2:00 /7:30 plus at least one other

classes cancelled March 2

2010-03-02T10:38:00.001-05:00

Due to the snow (can you believe we are having snow AGAIN), we are having to cancel classes this afternoon and evening.

Everything should be back to schedule tomorrow.

MARCH NEWSLETTER

2010-02-23T13:39:00.002-05:00

“It’s A Beautiful Day”
Every year, we come up with a theme for the year’s Spring Praise Concert. And this year, we are calling it “it’s a beautiful day”. Although so many of us are going through strife, hardships, struggles, and frustrations, the Lord makes it clear we are fix our eyes on Him. We are to be HAPPY about the day the Lord has made and He wants us to rejoice in it. No matter what. Why? Because it is another opportunity for Him to show us He loves us, and for us to give back to Him in return. That is why I am here, I know.
All of our students have started their dances by now. Students will appear in one of three concerts, with most appearing in the afternoon shows. Our evening concert will feature works by the SOF Dance Company and some of the older students. The two upper levels of SOF Dance Company will be featured in the opening of each concert just like last year. A listing of who appears where will go up in April. If you have any restrictions on that day that would make your child’s participation impossible, please let us know and we will TRY to accommodate you. We usually cannot honor all requests, but we will do our best.
All the costumes have been ordered! Look on the lobby wall for pictures (Karina’s class pics are coming soon)! Please keep the staff of Steps of Faith in your prayers as we get ready for the 2010 Spring Praise Concert!! To see how else you can help, see below...

SELAH Discipleship Training School
The Lord has led us to develop and offer a discipleship training school for college aged kids here at SOF. It will offer solid biblical training, ballet/pointe and other dance classes, and performance opportunities. There are many DTS across the country, but very few if any focus on ballet and pointe. We are currently writing curriculum and letting people know we are doing this. If you know anyone you think who might be interested, pick up a brochure or give us an address and we will be glad to mail more info. Check us out on the web at www.steps-of-faith.com/selah. “SELAH” has several meaning, but the main one is to rest and reflect before the Lord. That is what we want to be for these young people, who the Lord is calling to use their gift of dance for His glory!!!

Don’t forget to check out our summer programs on www.steps-of-faith.com!!!! Registration is available NOW!!

Underwriters Needed for Concert
In order to make the Steps of Faith Spring Concert possible and for us to pay for the rental of the Grand Theatre and have professionally produced programs, Steps of Faith asks for underwriters for the Concert. This will keep the admission fee to the concert at only $10 a seat! (increase in price fr. last yr is due to Grand’s per ticket fee). Tickets will be for sale through the Grand Theatre office beginning in April.
Any and all proceeds from the concert will go to support the mission work of the non-profit Steps of Faith Dance Company, Inc.. So not only can you support the concert this spring, you will also be supporting spreading the Gospel throughout the world! Also, underwriting gives great Christian businesses in our community an opportunity to be recognized while they show their support for our ministry.
There will be several “levels” of sponsorship available. We will do this by allowing tastefully sized and professionally done “ad space” in our programs. This space also includes “Best wishes Boxes” that parents may purchase for their special dancer(s). “Prices” range from half page at $200 to Best Wishes Box at $45. Of course, all donations will be listed and appreciated. We must not forget: these contributions ARE what makes our Concert possible for our families.
We are asking that every SOF family sell ONE ad for our program. Individuals who buy an ad will receive FREE tickets to any performance, (up to 3 for eighth page, 6 for quarter page, 9 for half page).
If you or someone you know may be interested in underwriting our Concert, please let me or Tonya know. SOF’s number is 770-606-0506. We have forms for you to help us distribute in the lobby.
As always, God will provide for this year’s Concert. Thanks, in advance, for your help in spreading the word throughout our Christian community, and for doing what you can to support this end of the year Praise Concert! (Examples of last year’s program are available in the office.) Deadline is Friday, April 30th. Make all support/ad checks out to Steps of Faith Dance Company, Inc.
Thank you in advance for your support of SOF and our wonderful concert on May 15th!

Costume Fee
Balances Now Due
If you owe any part of your costume fees, that money is now required. We have paid for 100% of the costumes and need everyone’s accounts to be cleared. Thank you for helping us in this matter.

Dates to Remember
(or to put on your calendar!!)…
March 1-Costume balances due
March 1 Summer Registration begins
March 10-Tuition Due
March 9 or 12 Company Auditions ‘10-’11 (current members only)
April 5-9 Spring Break
April 24 Flapjack Fundraiser at Applebees!!!
April 30 Deadline for Underwriters
May 1-31 Early Fall Registration at SOF
May 8-Picture day at SOF
May 10-14 Dress Rehearsals at Grand
May 15-Spring Concert
June 7-July 30 Summer classes
Aug. 10-Fall session starts

There are NO OTHER DAYS the studio is closed except for Spring Break. All other school holidays are “CLASSES ON” for SOF!!! We wouldn't want to miss you guys!!

PICTURE DAY IS MAY 8 at the studio
Make sure you pencil in the date. Exact times will be available by first of April.

April 24th: SOF
Breakfast at Applebees!
Want a wonderful breakfast and help raise money for the SOF ministries too? Make plans NOW to attend our Flapjack Fundraiser at Applebees on Saturday morning, April 24th!!!
There will be TWO sittings, one at 8am-9am and one at 9am-10am. Breakfast is only $7.50 each for pancakes/sausage, and softdrinks/coffee/juice! SOF makes $5 on every ticket sold. AND you get a $5 coupon to use at your next visit to Applebees! The Steps of Faith Dance Company will be your greeters and servers!!!! (Wonder if they can waitress as well as they dance??? HMMMM)
We have to sell the tickets in advance at the studio (no at the door purchases, sorry) and there is limited seating. So get your tickets now and support our SOFDance Company and their ministries. Tickets will be available for purchase starting on March 2nd. Thanks for supporting SOF and her missions work!!!

PLANS FOR SUMMER AND FALL & Company AUDITION INFORMATION…
Summer Registration for DanceCamps and Summer Intensives Begins NOW online, and on March 1st at the studio. Payment must accompany registration to make it valid. Go to www.steps-of-faith.com for registration online and more information! Fall Schedules will be up by mid-April. We are having to wait to see if we will be able to move before sitting down to write it (by mid-March we hope)! Fall registration will begin May 1st.

Company placement auditions will be held in March during normally scheduled classes this year to allow you plenty of time for planning and registration. Current Sr. Co will audition on Friday, March 12. Sr. Apprentices is Friday March 12th, Young Company is Tuesday, March 9, Young Apprentices is Friday March 12. NEW: Ballet 1/Ballet 2 girls interested in the company program will audition by attending the summer intensives this summer. Ask Ms. Julie regarding which summer level to sign up for. Please see Ms. Julie or Ms. Theresa if you have any questions about auditions or the company program.

February Newsletter

2010-02-08T13:48:00.002-05:00

Thanks to Tonya, and our staff, our costumes are officially ordered! Within the next two weeks, a poster will go up with all the pictures of the costumes. We wait til we get confirmations of the orders, since there have been times that they have had to be changed.
Costumes will be passed out as soon as they arrive, but no earlier than AFTER Spring Break (April 12). Picture Day is Saturday, May 8. So you will have them in plenty of time for our pictures! Concert is May 15th, so make sure you have that day marked!!!
Thanks for all your loyalty to our studio. We are now 200 students strong!

Karina’s Class Starts THIS WEEK
Welcome to our newest SOF students in Karina’s class, our class for special needs kids! Miss Natalie is teaching this starting THIS WEEK, on Wednesdays from 530-600pm. We are applying for grants in order to make this class free, or almost free, to qualifying students would like to be a part. We will also be finding costumes for them to wear in the Spring show!!! WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST STUDENTS!!!! We also need Company members who would like to assist in this class to let Tonya know.

SELAH Discipleship Training School (DTS)
Starts August 2010 at SOF
Hosted by Steps of Faith Dance Studio, and SOF Dance Company Inc., we will begin a college aged Ballet and Discipleship Training School to teach advanced ballet and dance technique as well as biblical studies for college aged students. Students may participate in this program in addition to their college classes or may take a semester off to dive into what the Lord has planned. The program is a five month journey into going deeper with the Lord, as they increase their training in ballet and other dance genres. There are very few DTS programs with a concentration in ballet. We want to provide such a program! We are recruiting nationwide and hope to have at least half a dozen students participate. Go to
www.steps-of-faith.com/selah for more information.
Spread the word and get plugged in!!!

MAY 15, 2010
Have you Marked your calendars?
PLEASE mark your calendars now for our 2010 Spring Praise Concert for Saturday, May 15th at the Grand Theatre in Cartersville for all our dance students. Concerts will be at 12:30pm, 4pm, and 7:30pm. Most younger student classes will be placed in the first two concerts. Our season will be over after this date.

Dates to Remember…
Feb. 10-Tuition Due

Looking Ahead….
March 1-Costume balances due
April 5-9 Spring Break
May 8-Picture day at SOF
May 15-Spring Concert
June 7-July 30 Summer classes (see back of page)
Aug. 9-Fall session starts

There are NO OTHER DAYS the studio is closed except for Spring Break. All other school holidays are “CLASSES ON” for SOF!!! We wouldn't want to miss you guys!!

SUMMER PLANS are UNDERWAY
Many of you have already been asking about our dates for summer programs, and here they are!! We are planning an exciting and full summer schedule for all ages and levels. We will again offer DanceCamps for ages 3-10, and Summer Dance Intensives for our serious students ages 6+. We plan on having a full complete schedule (with times of day) later this month for you. Pray for us as we finish putting all the puzzle pieces together!!

Dates for summer at SOF (Mark calendar now):
DanceCamps:
June 7-11 for ages 3-5, $115,
June 14-18 for ages 3-5, $115
July 12-16 for ages 6-10, $150
July 19-23 OR 26-30 for ages 3-5, $115
Summer Intensives:Summer Intensives (see registration form for prices):
June 14-18 (MWF) ABC summer intensive (ages 6-8)
June 14-18 (M-Th) Levels 4-5 (Sr. Appr and Sr. Co) (Fri also for Level 5)
June 21-25 (M-Th) Levels 2-5 (finished Ballet 1– Sr.Co)(Fri also for Level 5)
June 28-July 2, (M-Th) Levels 2-5 (finished Ballet 1– Sr.Co)(Fri also for Level 5)
July 5-9 (M-Th) Levels 2-5 (finished Ballet 1– Sr.Co)(Fri also for Level 5)
Also July 20-22, (TWTh) ABC summer intensive (ages 6-8)
Note that some of the younger levels will only be offered 2 or 3 of the total weeks of summer intensives. Dancers in levels 4 & 5 are required to take at least 3 weeks for fall company placement, and dancers in levels 2 & 3 are required to take at least 2 weeks for fall company placement.
We will also like to offer weekly evening classes for advanced dancers and adults, if there is an interest. If you would like to have a class this summer, let us know!!
COMPANY AUDITIONS We will be having formal auditions in March.
Here is a basic description of our programs:
Here is a basic description of our programs:
DANCECAMPS- The DanceCamp is our “VBS of dance” and will be offered in a week format. These DanceCamps are full of fun, food and faith! (Crafts, too!!) No experience is necessary. This is a great way to try out dance or to keep active over the summer! (Most of our camps last year were full, so sign up early!) Ballet, tap and/or jazz, as well as creative movement and worship dance are taught at these camps along with daily devotions. Ages 3-5 are 2.5 hours in the morning, and the ages 6-10 stay morning through early afternoon! These are taught by our own staff!
BALLET SUMMER DANCE INTENSIVES are for serious dancers ages 6 and up as well as our Company dancers and meets 3-5 days a week. Weekly devotions are held at all levels to keep our focus on GOD! All here at SOF in a Christian environment you expect! Placement auditions for dancers not currently in the SOF ballet program will be held on June 10 (reservation required) If alternative audition date is needed, contact us. Current SOF Company will be notified of their summer/fall placement by April 12 There will be FIVE levels of classes this year (4 company and 1 pre-company/ages 6-9), and cost is dependant on level (which meets for different number of hours and days per week). Cost ranges from $50-155 per week. And a 10% discount will be applied for anyone signing up by May 15! (You can take one, two, three or even four weeks!). Each week will feature similar classes and schedules. Guest and resident teachers in our upper levels will be teaching ballet, modern, tap, drama, jazz, dance lectures, pas de deux/partnering (upper level only), and other exciting classes to our company levels. Our own loving staff will be teaching our younger level (ABC) and will include ballet, tap and/or jazz as well as some surprises along the way.
Flyers will be ready in the coming weeks with more details. NON-SOF dancers are very welcome and can return to their studios/school programs after the summer! (We will have extras if you want to invite other students. The goal of the intensive is to actually help you IMPROVE your technique over the summer instead of simply trying to maintain it! NOTE: New and Returning Company members will be required to take a minimum number of weeks to be placed next year (Appr/Company 3 weeks, YA/YC 2 weeks). See Ms. Theresa or Ms. Julie for more information!
We hope many of you join us in our summer of fun! Last year was a very successful summer and we hope to include many more of you! This studio will be HOPPING this summer!!
Plan now to join SOF for a great summer in dancing for our LORD

NO CLASSES FRI JAN 8

2010-01-08T11:21:00.002-05:00

Due to most of us being stuck, we are having to cancel classes for today, Jan. 8th. Stay safe and warm! We will reopen on Monday.

NO CLASSES THURSDAY JAN. 7

2010-01-07T10:59:00.000-05:00

Due to the snow expected to come in and stick this afternoon and evening, we feel it is best to cancel classes for today, Thur., Jan. 7th. Please check back tomorrow for what we will do on Friday.

Ms. Julie

2009 November Newsletter

2009-11-02T14:05:00.003-05:00

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

2009-10-07T11:00:00.002-04:00

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

2009-09-06T14:57:00.001-04:00

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...

2009-09-06T14:55:00.002-04:00

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

2009-09-06T14:55:00.001-04:00

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

2009-09-06T14:54:00.001-04:00

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

2009-09-06T14:53:00.000-04:00

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!

CLASSES ARE FILLING UP FAST!

2009-09-06T14:51:00.001-04:00

If you have friends interested in SOF this year, we still have some space for them, but they need to register NOW. We will continue to take registration for classes through September 30 or until we are full. If you are in a full class and are interested in a smaller class size, we still have some available. “Less Full” classes are (other classes are still available):
-MomNMe Monday 1200-1230 STARTED AUG 31
-Preballet Monday 1230-115 (Natalie)
-Preballet Wed. 2:45-3:30 (Kelsey)
-Ballet/Tap 1st yr. Monday 330-430 (Katelyn)
NEW -Ballet/Tap Wednesdays 530-630 (Natalie)
-Ballet Prep Tuesday 300-400 (Katelyn)
--Ballet 1 Tuesday 600-700 (Julie)
-Jazz/Tap 2 Wed 430 (Natalie)
-HipHop 1 Thursday 700-800 (Rachel)
-Teen/Young Adult Ballet Tues 800-930 (Rachel)
-Beg. Tap for ages 8+ Fridays 615-645 (Julie)
We add classes if we can (studio space is limited) when needed, and a teacher is available. Thanks for being part of this great ministry! We are honored to have each and every one of you!!!!

Calling all ADULTS....

2009-09-06T14:50:00.000-04:00

We have introduced our new Dance Card for our Adult dancers. This new payment option allows adults to come when they can, and drop in adult classes. So if you have ever wanted to try a class with not much commitment, this is for you. Of course the monthly payment option is still available. The dance card is only available on these classes:
Monday 8-9pm Tap
Tuesday 7-8pm Ballet
Thursday 8-9pm Jazz/HipHop

Prices are:
One class: $15
Five classes: $65
Ten classes: $125
Monthly fee if you already have a child dancing here: $45/month, if not $55/month

We have already sold about half a dozen!!!

Welcome to FALL 09...

2009-09-06T14:47:00.003-04:00

ANOTHER GREAT START TO A NEW YEAR...

It has been an exciting year already. We have so many new faces from all over the area, some coming from as far away as Marietta, Calhoun, Rome, and Canton to get only what you can get at SOF!! Registration is still underway and, we can take new students through Sept. 25.

Plans are underway for our Nativity Ballet in Dec. (with TWO venues this year), and the Spring Concert in May, as well as our instudio performances for Christmas. More details will be coming next month.

Please feel free to contact me (the director, Julie) anytime with any questions or concerns…

sof@bellsouth.net or call 404-316-8546. We are honored to have you all!!

September update..

2009-09-05T21:39:00.001-04:00

Is coming...... I'm a little behind. Newsletter is available in the lobby.

New flooring coming along...

2009-08-23T15:41:00.002-04:00

Thanks to the following dads who helped install subfloor on Saturday or unload the truck on Friday:

Jack Shampine, Sr. (Theresa's father in law)
Jack Shampine (Theresa's husband)
Robby Reeves (My hubby)
Jordan Miller (well he is the BROTHER of a dancer, Donia Marie)
Garland Simpson (Lily's)
Brian Youmans (Amanda and Allison's)
Darrell Rediger (Daylen's)
James Goltz (Grace's)
Mike Jones (Camille's)
Mr. Jarrett (Erin's dad; for the life of me his name escapes me but his face does not!)
Brett Ellington (sorry we were done when you got there!)

It only took these men and hour and half to install....

Now pray that the top, dance floor is found at FedEx National office. It didnt come in with the rest on Friday, and we cant have all of our classes on the floor without it! Need it ASAP! Pray for a quick delivery, and installation!!!! Gotta call them at 6am on Monday.....

Julie

SOF Dance Company, Inc.

2009-08-16T15:10:00.001-04:00

As most of you know, SOF houses a non-profit dance ministry whose goal is to spread the Gospel of Jesus. Each fall, the company dancers (who are fellow dancers here at SOF) perform at area festivals and area churches. The four levels of company dancers aged 8-young adult will be ministering in dance and song at Roselawn, and Relay for Life (Sr. companies only) (see days on reverse). We would love to have you all come out to support us. The companies will be producing the eighth full-length Nativity Ballet this December. (Some classes will be invited to join them!)
We are ready to go to any church or ministry location should we be invited. If your church would like a promotional DVD about this ministry, please see Tonya. If you would ever like to make a tax-deductible donation to the ministry, we will gladly give you a receipt! We are a 501C organization. Any support blesses us tremendously!
Look this fall for various fundraisers that help support the Company, including inspirational calendars, and COOL car decals. Please be in prayer for us as we prepare for the many ministry opportunities He is giving us! We value your prayers more than anything!!

Parents and students in the Company see: www.sofcompany.blogspot.com NEW!!!!

New Adult Class Dance Card Available

2009-08-16T15:09:00.000-04:00

FOR ADULTS ONLY CLASSES:
In order to allow more adults to be part of our dance program, (we are all short on time and money for ourselves), we are initiating a dance card program. This is for adults in our adult classes only. Classes are Tap: Mondays at 8, Ballet: Tuesdays at 7, Jazz/HipHop: Wed. at 7:30, and are all an hour long. Class cards come in three increments: 1 class for $15, 5 classes for $65, and 10 classes for $125. Cards can be used on any combination of classes! You can still pay monthly at the regular rate, $55/month or $45 if your child already takes. See office!

Administration Notes

2009-08-16T15:07:00.002-04:00

Thanks to all of you who have done a SUPER job of paying for your tuition and fees in a timely manner. August tuition is due on the first class this month. All other months are due on the 10th of that month. Like last year, we will be adding a late fee of $5 for everyone who does not pay by the 15th. Checks with insufficient funds will incur a service charge of $10. As you know, we are very flexible. We will gladly hold checks for you or allow you to make other payment arrangements. But PLEASE, do discuss any problems you may have with our office manager, Ms. Tonya or Ms. Julie. We cannot help if we do not know! If you still owe owe for any summer classes, please pay now.
There is a payment box in the lobby for your convenience or you may hand your payment to someone at the desk. (Please do NOT leave it on the desk). We will be passing out payment envelopes at the end of this month (once everything settles down) with which you may make all your payments and which will serve as your “bill”. Remember DO NOT SEAL the envelope so that we can use it again each month.
Make sure you receive a newsletter or check out this blog EVERY MONTH! We publish Usually the last week of the prior month. Subscribe or follow the blog for notifications of updates.
If you don’t normally come in with your child, please drop in occasionally to say “hello” and let us get to know you! You are all very important to us at SOF! We welcome your prayer requests and suggestions as well! If you every have a problem, please don’t hesitate to contact Ms. Julie. We are looking forward to a wonderful year! If you like us, tell a friend!!!

Dates to Remember

2009-08-16T15:07:00.001-04:00

Aug. 15 TUITION is DUE FIRST WEEK BACK
Sept. 7 Labor Day—No Classes
Sept. 11 Sr. Co/Sr. Appr Perf.-Relay for Life
Sept. 19 Roselawn Full Company Performance
Sept 30 LAST DAY FOR FALL REGISTRATION
Nov.24-27 Thanksgiving Holidays
Dec. 19/20 The Nativity Ballet
Dec. 18 last day of classes of Semester
Classes Resume: Jan. 4
Spring Concert: May 15, 2010

Welcome to our 13th Year at SOF!

2009-08-16T15:04:00.000-04:00

I believe that God has many good things planned for us this year. We have a record size Company for ministry, many returning faces, and many new faces. Our summer has been FULL. Mission trip to Trinidad, four almost full DanceCamps, and four wonderful weeks of Summer Intensive. It’s hard to believe that fall is already here. I am so excited and ready to go. We are looking forward to giving you and your family the best instruction and loving service possible! 5
Our office manager, Tonya Veitch, will be working every afternoons to answer your “office” needs. Theresa Shampine returns as her position as instructor and Ballet Mistress and my Assistant Director. Miss Ashleyanne, Miss Rachel, and Miss Natalie are all returning this year!! I (the newsletter author) am Julie Reeves, honored to be the Artistic Director and instructor, under my boss, Lord Jesus Christ. We welcome to staff, Katelyn Cameron. Katelyn is a Senior company member who has been assistant teaching for three years. She has a sweet demeanor that makes the children LOVE HER, and has subbed for me many times. And I am thrilled to announce that Ms. Kelsey (Binkley) Harris is returning to teach. After a year in Africa, running SOF-Uganda, she is home and ready to see our girls again.
If there is anything we can do for you to make your experience here at SOF better, please don’t hesitate to let us know! You may always drop a note in the payments box next to the office window! If you need a teacher conference, please leave a message in the office, and she will return your call promptly. (It is pretty busy between classes, so a message is the best way).
*****Oh, t-shirts will be ready NEXT month! Every registered dancer receives one! (Extras will be available for sale in October!)
Be sure to check out our WEBSITE: www.steps-of-faith.com! Registration and payments can be done ONLINE! Forward our web address to anyone you think would be interested in a great dance studio! God’s blessings and grace be with you during this new year!! Also check out for our students: www.sofstudents.blogspot.com.
We will be accepting new students through September. Please tell your friends to sign up now!

Additional Blog for Company Members

2009-08-16T14:35:00.001-04:00

We have added another blog for Company members:

sofcompany.blogspot.com

Check it out!

Julie

WELCOME BACK!!!

2009-08-16T13:56:00.002-04:00

Welcome back, friends and family, to our thirteenth year of Steps of Faith! It is going to be a great year. This is where you can get up to date info, including the articles of our monthly newsletter.

We are also going to start posting the Senior Company schedules as well (Not YC or YA, or all other SOF Students). So if you are in the Sr. Companies, you will also be able to look here for your weekly schedule. IF you are not, you just can skip those entries. If th

Trinidad followup

2009-06-23T21:21:00.002-04:00

Please take a moment to go to http://softrinidad2009.blogspot.com

You will want to see the pictures and posts from many of the kids/chaperones.

Thanks for your support andprayers!!

Going to Trinidad

2009-05-26T22:08:00.001-04:00

Please pray for our team of dance/drama missionaries who are heading out from Trinidad this coming Tuesday. See softrinidad.blogspot.com for our updates! We leave Monday June 1 and return Monday, June 8th. We need your prayers!!

SOF is NOW going to Trinidad

2009-04-28T22:40:00.001-04:00

This will be short, but I wanted to post the news for concerned family/friends. We will NOT be going to Mexico for our mission trip in a few weeks due to the swine flu outbreak there. God has opened a plan for us in Trinidad!! More info later... I am wiped out from the last 48 hours....

2009 DRESS REHEARSALS AT THE GRAND THEATRE

2009-04-17T11:58:00.002-04:00

(No classes at the studio this week)
Reh. Date Reh. Time Classday/time/teacher
Mon 5/11 400-430 Mon 300BT Christina
Mon 5/11 430-500 Mon400BT Christina
Mon 5/11 500-545 Appr. Mod Ashleyanne
Mon 5/11 545-630 Co. Mod Ashleyanne
Mon 5/11 630-715 Spring Theresa
Mon 5/11 715-800 Summer Theresa
Mon 5/11 800-845 Autumn Theresa
Mon 5/11 845-930 Winter Theresa

Tues 5/12 1200-1215 Wed1030PB Christina
Tues 5/12 1215-1230 Tu1130PB Julie
Tues 5/12 1230-100 Tu1230BT Julie
Tues 5/12 100-130 DUET CA/AG
Tues 5/12 130-230 GRAND CLOSED
Tues 5/12 230-245 Tu215PB Anna
Tues 5/12 245-315 Tu3BT Anna
Tues 5/12 315-345 Tu315BP Julie
Tues 5/12 345-430 AsSheDances Theresa
Tues 5/12 430-500 Tu415B2 Julie
Tues 5/12 500-530 Lighted Up Christina
Tues 5/12 530-630 Times Theresa
Tues 5/12 630-700 Tu6B1 Julie
Tues 5/12 700-745 Does Anybody Hear Her Julie
Tues 5/12 745-815 Tu7HH1 Rachel
Tues 5/12 815-900 Tu8HH2 Rachel

Wed 5/13 420-445 W3TJ1 Jessica
Wed 5/13 445-505 B of BTJ Jessica
Wed 5/13 505-530 W430TJ2 Jessica/Natalie
Wed 5/13 530-545 W530PB Natalie
Wed 5/13 545-615 YC Jazz Natalie
Wed 5/13 615-645 W7BT Natalie
Wed 5/13 645-830 all Seasons Theresa

Thurs 5/14 345-415 Th330BT Christina
Thurs 5/14 415-445 Fri545Tap Julie
Thurs 5/14 445-515 Fri500Tap Julie
Thurs 5/14 515-545 Th430HH1 Rachel
Thurs 5/14 545-615 Appr Jazz Rachel
Thurs 5/14 615-700 Say Rachel
Thurs 5/14 700-745 Never Alone Julie
Thurs 5/14 745-830 Adv. Tap Julie
Thurs 5/14 830-900 Adult Tap Julie

Fri 5/15 400-430 YA Ballet Theresa
Fri 5/15 430-500 YC Ballet Theresa
Fri 5/15 500-530 Teen Ballet Theresa
Fri 5/15 530-615 Appr Pt. Theresa
Fri 5/15 615-815 Morn/Eve Theresa

Picture Day Schedule

2009-03-25T20:28:00.002-04:00

Here are your picture times for each class at Steps of Faith for the 09 Spring Season.... (some times are double booked for classes that usually go fast and are usually group only)
Pictures are on Saturday, May 2, at the studio...
(Class time, genre, teacher, at time of day for picture on May 2)
TUES 1130 PREBALLET, Julie at 9:15
WED 10:30 PREBALLET Christina at 9:00
TUES 1230 BALLET/TAP Julie at 9:30
MON 3:00 BALLET/TAP Christina at 9:45
TUES 3:15 BALLET PREP Julie at 10:00
MON 4:00 BALLET/TAP Christina at 10:15
TUES 4:15 BALLET 2 Julie at 10:30
TUES 6:00 BALLET 1 Julie at 10:45
WED 3:00 B/JAZZ/TAP Jessica at 11:00
WED 4:30 JAZZ/TAP Jessica/Natalie at 11:15
WED 3:00 BALLET/J/T Jessica at 11:30
WED 5:30 PREBALLET Natalie at 11:45
TUES 7:00 HIPHOP 1 Rachel at 12:00
WED 7:00 BALLET/TAP Natalie at 12:15
THURS 4:30 HIPHOP 1 Rachel at 12:30
FRI 5:45 BEG TAP at Julie 12:45
THURS 3:30 BALLET/TAP at Christina 1:00
YC JAZZ Natalie at 1:15
TUES 8:00 HIPHOP 2 Rachel at 1:30
FRI 5:00 BEG TAP Julie at 1:45
YOUNG APPR BALLET Theresa/Julie at 2:00
YOUNG CO BALLET Theresa at 2:15
SR CO FOUR SEASONS Theresa at 2:30
SR APPR MORN/EVEN Theresa at 2:45
AS SHE DANCES Theresa at 3:00
DOES ANYBODY HEAR Julie at 3:00
SR APPR JAZZ Rachel at 3:15
NEVER ALONE Julie at 3:15
FRI 4:30 TEEN BALLET Theresa at 3:30
TUES 5:15 ADV TAP Julie at 3:45
THURS 8:30 ADULT TAP Julie at 3:45
TIMES Theresa at 4:00
TUES 2:15 PREBALLET Anna at 4:15
TUES 3:00 BALLET/TAP Anna at 4:30

Concert Appearances list

2009-03-23T11:10:00.002-04:00

2009 Concert Assignments-
NOT IN ORDER OF APPEARANCE PER SHOW

12:30 CONCERT

Mon 4 BT-Christina
Tues. 215 PB-Anna
Tues 3 BT-Anna
Tu 315 Ballet Prep-Julie
Tues 415 Ballet 2-Julie
Tues 7 HipHop-Rachel
Tues 8 HipHop-Rachel
Wed 530 PB-Natalie
Thurs 330 BT-Christina
Fri 500 Beg Tap-Julie
Fri 545 Beg Tap-Julie
SrCo-As She Dances
SrCo-All I want to Do (CA/AG Duet)
SrCo-Times (KC-soloist)
SrAp-Morning/Night
SrCo-Say
SrAp-Modern
EverySeason and Vivaldi's Four Season

4:00 CONCERT

Mon 3 BT-Christina
Tues 1130 PB-Julie
Tues 1230 BT-Julie
Tues 6 Ballet 1-Julie
Wed 1030 PB-Christina
Wed 3 BTJ-Jessica
Wed 430 J/T-Natalie/Jessica
Wed 7 BT-Natalie
Thurs 430 Hip Hop-Rachel
SrCo-Does Anybody Hear Her (w/SK,LV,NC)
SrCo-Never Alone
AdvTap-Newsies
SrCo-Lighted Up
Adult Tap-Julie
EverySeason and Vivaldi's Four Seasons

7:30 CONCERT

Fri430pm Teen Ballet-Theresa
Fri5pm: Int. Tap
AdvTap: Newsies
Thurs 830 Adult Tap
SrCo: Modern name
Say
Lighted Up
All I want to Do: AG/CA Duet
Times (AG soloist)
Does Anybody Hear Her (w/AL)
Never Alone
SrAp:Modern name
One Step at a Time
Morning/Night
Turn Turn Turn
As She Dances (CA, DN, AveryM)
Young Apprentice Ballet
Young Company Ballet
Young Company Jazz
EverySeason and Vivaldi's Four Seasons

Any junk you want to get rid of???

2009-03-23T11:08:00.001-04:00

DONATIONS NEEDED for a special booth at the BIG
Yard Sale on April 4th at Rockmart Middle School with proceeds to SOFDC and the Mexico/Toluca mission trip. Bring items to studio by March 30. Info: contact Vickie Teal 770-684-1140 or tealtown@aol.com.

UNDERWRITERS STILL NEEDED!

2009-03-23T11:07:00.002-04:00

Our exciting Spring Concert is fast approaching! If you or a business you know might be interested in helping sponsor our Concert, please let us know as soon as possible! We need to raise about $4000 to pay for the Grand and the programs! Sponsor forms are available in the studio lobby. We have examples of last year’s programs available, too! Thank you to those of you who have already spread the word this year! Remember, we are ASKING that every family try to sell and/or buy at least one ad. This keep us from having to charge high ticket prices at the door. (Sponsors receive free tickets as a thank you. Note: 1/8 page=3 tickets, 1/4 page= 6 tickets, 1/2 page = 9) (Remember that your donation above the ticket value is tax deductible!) Sponsorship is what makes this Concert and this ministry to our Lord possible! We already have a few businesses and individuals committed to making this a spectacular worship event for 2008! Thanks for spreading the word about our concert and don’t forget to mention what a great marketing opportunity this is for local businesses! Please join us in helping make this Praise Concert a GREAT reality! Praise God for opening all the perfect doors! Remember, our deadline for the program ads is APRIL 30th!! (Don’t forget our best wishes boxes for only $45-you can go in together with someone else AND you can put a picture of your dancer in it!) WE NEED YOUR HELP; we have very few ads to date!!!

Flapjack Fundraiser at Applebees: April 18th!!

2009-03-23T11:07:00.001-04:00

Tickets are going fast for our pancake breakfast at Applebees! Tickets are only $7.50 for all the pancakes/sausage you can eat! SOF Company girls will be your gracious servers! Seatings are at 8am and 9am. Purchase your tickets at the studio or through a Senior Company member. Proceeds go to our mission trip and company ministries!!!

Flowers for your dancer

2009-03-23T11:06:00.001-04:00

Flowers for Spring Concert will go on sale soon!
Be looking for flyers in the lobby! You will be able to order at the studio and ONLINE this year! Four bouquets will follow our theme of the four seasons! All proceeds benefit our non-profit ministry. Coordinator is JoAnn Aragon!!

Early Fall Registration is coming up

2009-03-23T11:05:00.000-04:00

Steps of Faith is having our early registration for the 09-10 year during the month of May. If you decide to go ahead and register, you pay a discounted registration fee. Registration forms will be available at the end of April. Registration is now available ONLINE on our website: www.steps-of-faith.com. Simply click the link to register and it will take you to the fill-in form. It will be emailed to us. Payment will make the registration valid, so be sure to mail or call with credit card info or use the paypal button on the site. You may also register in the studio like normal. Make note that fall classes will begin on AUGUST 10th!
We will again have the colored leotard system for classwear, however, you will be able to choose your own design/style this year.
We will have a schedule of classes ready by mid April. Please pray for me as I put that big puzzle together! For the best selection in classes, register in May. We will be sending out a note to each student from their teacher in late April indicating which class level they should register for next year to assist you.
Ladies and young men who are interested in auditioning for company (who are not currently in the company) will be notified which level they have been placed after their summer intensive participation. Current company girls will be placed in their new company level by mid April after their auditions, but before the intensive. You will be notified of your new placement by April 14th.
We are sending out a letter to our mailing list letting them know of our registration dates, so if you know anyone who would like to receive more information about us, all we need is a name and address.
Be sure to take advantage of the discount and keep your spot for next year! We don’t want to miss a single one of you! We will be promoting many of you to the next age/level class. You will not want to miss all the new stuff you will learn next year! We hope that you and your family will continue to be part of this marvelous ministry!

Summer Programs are set

2009-03-23T11:04:00.002-04:00

SOF’s Summer 2009 is going to be a another busy one! Make plans now to join us for DanceCamps, or our Summer Dance Intensives. Registration is NOW and forms are available in the lobby and online.
DANCECAMPS will be taught by our own Miss Natalie (June camps) and, Miss Mary (July camps), and are like a “VBS” of dance and meets M-F: Cost: $115 or $145. June 8-12 for 3-5yr olds; June 15-19 for 3-5yr olds; July 20-24 for ages 6-10, July 27-31 for 3-5yr olds. . These DanceCamps are full of fun, food and faith! (Crafts, too!!) These DanceCamps fill up, so register NOW!
SUMMER DANCE INTENSIVES (must audition or be in current SOF class for placement): for serious dancers ages 6 and up as well as our Company dancers meets 3-5 times a week. Weeks are June 15-July 17. Each level will only be offered a limited number of the five weeks, so please note on registration form available dates. Placement auditions for dancers not currently in the company program will be held on June 12. If alternative audition date is needed, contact us. There will be FIVE levels of classes this year (4 company and 1 pre-company/ages 6-9), and cost is dependant on level (which meets for different number of hours per week). Cost ranges from $48-153 per week. And a 10% discount will be applied for anyone signing up by May 15! (You can take one, two, three or four weeks!). Each week will feature similar classes and schedules. Guest and resident teachers in our upper levels will be teaching ballet, modern, drama, jazz, dance lectures, and other exciting classes to our company levels. We are again offering a combined level for our pre-company dancers (ages 6-9). Our loving staff will be teaching those younger levels and will include ballet, tap and/or jazz as well as some surprises along the way. NON-SOF dancers are very welcome and can return to their studios after the summer! The goal of the intensive is to actually help you IMPROVE your technique over the summer instead of simply trying to maintain it! Company members will be required to take a minimum of two (three weeks for upper levels) as a company requirement. See Ms. Theresa /Ms. Julie for more information!
If you are currently in Ballet 1, Ballet 2 or Young Apprentice, you will be having a placement audition for summer and for 09-10 SOF Company on Friday, March 27th. Current Young Company, Sr. Apprentices, and Sr. Company will have their placement audition during regularly scheduled class week of March 30. Audition information will be handed out during class.

Important INFO and DATES for Students

2009-03-23T11:04:00.001-04:00

12:30PM, 4PM OR 7:30PM? On May 16:
Many of you are asking which concert your dancer will appear. That information will be posted on the lobby wall this week! Sr. Co and Appr. Companies will appear in all three. Tickets are on sale April 13: $7 each. The evening show will feature the companies’ full repertoire, so if you dance earlier, come back to the evening show to experience this inspiring show!
DRESS REHEARSALS May 12-15:
We will have dress rehearsals at the Grand Theatre on Tuesday-Friday, May 12-15. Each class will be given 15-30 minutes (sometimes more) to rehearse their dances on stage. We will have rehearsals somewhere between 3pm and 9pm for most classes (and in the morning for the morning classes), and yours should coincide, as much as possible, to your weekly class time of day. Be looking for the schedule in the coming weeks. There will be NO regularly scheduled classes that whole week (Monday-Fri.) to allow you time to get to the Grand. Companies may have called rehearsals at the studio on that Monday, May 11th, TBA.
PICTURE DAY May 2:
Picture Day is Sat., May 2nd. Some costumes are coming the middle of April, so please be patient. We took pains to make sure we had the costumes we needed, and on time! After they are sorted and labeled, you will get to take them home! Many are already here and will go home the first week after Spring Break!
So on Saturday, May 2, we will meet HERE at SOF for professional pictures by Tonsmiere Photography. You will be able to purchase groups and individual shots of your dancer, and a percentage of all sales will go to SOF‘s ministry. We very much want EVERYONE to be in the group pictures (even if you do not intend on buying any) so that your class’ picture will be complete when I hang it on the studio wall! WE NEED ALL OF YOU! It’s so exciting to get to see your faces on our wall year after year. All schedules will be posted by April 13 in the lobby.

Dates to Remember....

2009-02-23T16:23:00.000-05:00

(and to put on your calendar!!)…
March 1-Costume balances due
March 1 Summer Registration begins
March 10-Tuition Due
March 27-April 2 Company Auditions for 09-10
April 6-10 Spring Break
April 18 Flapjack Fundraiser at Applebees!!!
April 30 Deadline for Underwriters
May 1-31 Early Fall Registration at SOF
May 2-Picture day at SOF
May 11-15 Dress Rehearsals at Grand
May 16-Spring Concert
May 29-June 8 Mission Trip
June 8-July 31 Summer classes (see back of page)
Aug. 10-Fall session starts

There are NO OTHER DAYS the studio is closed except for Spring Break. All other school holidays are “CLASSES ON” for SOF!!! We wouldn't want to miss you guys!!

May 2... picture day

2009-02-23T16:19:00.004-05:00

PICTURE DAY IS MAY 2 at the studio
Make sure you pencil in the date. We will have an exact schedule by April 1st!!

April 18th: SOF Breakfast at Applebees!

2009-02-23T16:19:00.003-05:00

Want a wonderful breakfast and help raise money for the SOF mission trip too? Make plans NOW to attend our Flapjack Fundraiser at Applebees on Saturday morning, April 18th!!!
There will be TWO sittings, one at 8am-9am and one at 9am-10am. Breakfast is only $7.50 each for pancakes/sausage, and softdrinks/coffee/juice! SOF makes $5 on every ticket sold. AND you get a $5 coupon to use at your next visit to Applebees! The Steps of Faith Dance Company will be your greeters and servers!!!! (Wonder if they can waitress as well as they dance??? HMMMM)
We have to sell the tickets in advance at the studio (no at the door purchases, sorry) and there is limited seating. So get your tickets now and support our mission trip to Mexico City/Toluca this summer. Tickets will be available for purchase starting on March 2nd. Thanks for supporting SOF and her missions work!!!

Company Audition info and registration info...

2009-02-23T16:18:00.001-05:00

PLANS FOR SUMMER AND FALL & Company AUDITION INFORMATION…
Summer Registration for DanceCamps and Summer Intensives Begins NOW online, and on March 1st at the studio. Payment must accompany registration to make it valid. Go to www.steps-of-faith.com for registration online and more information!

Fall Schedules will be up by mid-April. We are working on this now! Fall registration will begin May 1st.

Company placement auditions will be held at the end of March during normally scheduled classes this year to allow you plenty of time for planning and registration. Current Sr. Co will audition on Thursday, April 2. Sr. Apprentices is Monday March 30th, Young Company is Monday March 30th, Young Apprentices is Friday March 27. Ballet 1/Ballet 2 girls interested in the company program will audition with the Young Apprentices on Friday March 27th from 345-5pm. Please see Ms. Julie or Ms. Theresa if you have any questions about auditions or the company program.

Underwriters needed for Concert

2009-02-23T16:17:00.000-05:00

In order to make the Steps of Faith Spring Concert possible and for us to pay for the rental of the Grand Theatre and have professionally produced programs, Steps of Faith asks for underwriters for the Concert. This will keep the admission fee to the concert at only $7 a seat! (Same price as 2007).
Any and all proceeds from the concert will go to support the mission work of the non-profit Steps of Faith Dance Company, Inc. and their international mission trip to Toluca/Mexico City. So not only can you support the concert this spring, you will also be supporting spreading the Gospel throughout the world! Also, underwriting gives great Christian businesses in our community an opportunity to be recognized while they show their support for our ministry.
There will be several “levels” of sponsorship available. We will do this by allowing tastefully sized and professionally done “ad space” in our programs. This space also includes “Best wishes Boxes” that parents may purchase for their special dancer(s). “Prices” range from half page at $200 to Best Wishes Box at $45. Of course, all donations will be listed and appreciated. We must not forget: these contributions ARE what makes our Concert possible for our families.
We are asking that every SOF family sell ONE ad for our program. Individuals who buy an ad will receive FREE tickets to any performance, (up to 3 for eighth page, 6 for quarter page, 9 for half page).
If you or someone you know may be interested in underwriting our Concert, please let me or Tonya know. SOF’s number is 770-606-0506. We have forms for you to help us distribute in the lobby.
As always, God will provide for this year’s Concert. Thanks, in advance, for your help in spreading the word throughout our Christian community, and for doing what you can to support this end of the year Praise Concert! (Examples of last year’s program are available in the office.) Deadline is Thursday, April 30th. Make all support/ad checks out to Steps of Faith Dance Company, Inc.
Thank you in advance for your support of SOF and our wonderful concert on

A time to dance....

2009-02-23T16:16:00.002-05:00

This year’s theme is from Ecclesiastes. As we look back over the past 12 years of the studio and most of our lives, we can see that we all go through many different seasons of life. But we can rest in that God is in control in ALL the seasons and changing weather of our lives. Even if we do not feel it, HE is there!!! Faithful and TRUE!
We have had a remarkable year. Joy fills the studio this year despite hardships for many of our families! And we have wonderful families such as yours be part of our journey! Thanks for being a part of SOF in 08-09! I am amazed that God continues to bless this ministry despite hard economic times. It is these times that I KNOW that GOD is managing this place!
All of the students have started their dances by now. Students will appear in one of three concerts, with most appearing in the afternoon shows. Our evening concert will feature works by the SOF Dance Company and some of the older students. The two upper levels of SOF Dance Company will be featured in the opening of each concert just like last year. A listing of who appears where will go up in April. If you have any restrictions on that day that would make your child’s participation impossible, please let us know and we will TRY to accommodate you. We usually cannot honor all requests, but we will do our best.
All the costumes have been ordered! Look on the lobby wall for pictures! Please keep the staff of Steps of Faith in your prayers as we get ready for the 2009 Spring Praise Concert!! To see how else you can help, see post above...

Costume fee balances due by March 1

2009-01-30T14:35:00.001-05:00

Thank you to all of you who have taken care of the costume fees for the Spring concerts. Some of you have made payment arrangements, and we are happy to help. We MUST have all the money by the end of February. (Payment can now be made by credit card!! See below) SOF’s credit card bill will be due the first week of March, and you can imagine the interest they will charge on over $15,000 worth of costumes!
This week, we placed the order for their costumes. The appropriate fees are: Preballet $45, Hour ballet/tap class $60, Hour and half Ballet/Tap/Jazz $90, 1 to 1 1/2 hour class of ballet, tap or jazz/Hiphop $55 child and $65 adult (Make sure to ask your teacher if your child is between child and adult sizes.) I can add to the order if you missed paying by the deadline (so I didn’t order you one) for an additional $10 charge per costume through Feb. 6th only. Please notify Tonya or me ASAP if you fall in that category. NOTE: Statements were mailed if you had not paid BY the deadline and sufficient time was given.
We plan on having a posterboard with pictures of all the costumes to hang in the lobby by the first of February! Note that some classes are not buying costumes yet (you know who you are). SOF Co. INC is taking care of YA, YC, Appr., and Co. classes (including Modern, and jazz.) A few of the companies will be wearing not new costumes, as our annual budget is limited.

Mexico Mission Trip: May 29-June 8

2009-01-30T14:32:00.001-05:00

Please be in prayer for our young ladies (and a few guys) who will be ministering in Toluca, Mexico this summer! We need to raise about $18,000 for this trip. If you are interested in partnering with us, your tax deductible contribution would be greatly appreciated!!! We are looking for prayer partners as well!!! Please see the office for more details!! SOF Company participants are: Christina Alexandersen, Katelyn Cameron, Natalie Castro, Jacqueline Glass, Olivia Hamilton, Heather Miller, Sarah Keefe, Bekah Moore, Becca Teal, Lauren Veitch. Julie Reeves and Kim DeRueter are leading this trip. They will minister in local orphanages, churches, downtown ampitheatre, Six Flags-Mexico, and a state of the art theatre in the city’s center!!! God is already doing amazing things to open doors for our ministry!!! We hope you can partner with us!!!

Company girls qualify for ABT!!

2009-01-30T14:29:00.001-05:00

We are thrilled to announce that SIX of our company dancers auditioned for and were asked to join American Ballet Theatre's summer intensive program this year. Congratulations to: Anna Gilbert, MaryClayton Gilbert, Christina Alexandersen, Caroline Lloyd, Jacqueline Glass, and Olivia Hamilton.

Since it is freezing outside...

2009-01-16T10:44:00.004-05:00

PLEASE READ: Winter Weather Policy
In case of bad weather this winter, Steps of Faith will close if we feel that it would be dangerous for most of you to attend. We could be having class even if schools had been closed that morning and the roads have cleared. Please call the studio at 770-606-0506 to see if there is a closing. (A regular message on the machine means classes are “on”). Because bad weather is considered an “act of God”, classes will not be made up if closed due to weather, however, you may make-up the missed class in another equivalent class if requested.

Summer plans are underway....

2009-01-16T10:44:00.003-05:00

Many of you have already been asking about our dates for summer programs. We are planning an exciting and full summer schedule for all ages and levels. We will again offer DanceCamps for ages 3-10, and Summer Dance Intensives for ages 6+. We plan on having a full complete schedule by February for you. Pray for us as we put all the puzzle pieces together!!
Tentative schedule is as follows (some dates could change due to teacher availability).
DanceCamps:
June 8-12 for ages 3-5
June 15-19 for ages 3-5
July 20- for ages 6-10
July 27-31 for ages 3-5
Summer Intensives:
June 22-26, June 29-July3, July 6-10, July 13-17(not all levels this week)
Note that some of the younger levels will only be offered 2 or 3 of the four weeks of summer intensives. More details coming in February.
08-09 COMPANY AUDITIONS Will be announced later. Summer Intensive attendance will be required.

We will also like to offer weekly evening classes for advanced dancers and adults, if there is an interest. If you would like to have a class this summer, let us know!! (Fall begins Aug. 10)

Thanks for the Christmas parties and performances!

2009-01-16T10:43:00.001-05:00

I really enjoyed doing our in class studio performances and Christmas parties! I hope you did!! They were so much fun! Thanks to all of you who brought so much food. And thanks to Tera Gore for the awesome cakes!! Let me know what you thought!!!!
And all of us would like to thank you all for the wonderful array of Christmas gifts you blessed us with. We are very humbled by your act of kindness. Thank you!

Springtime is Here...even though it is freezing outside

2009-01-16T10:41:00.003-05:00

Spring Costume Fees: Now Due
The costume fees for the Spring concert are due by January 16. If you will not be performing in May (MAY 16), let us know. Between Jan. 12 and Jan. 23, we will be measuring the dancers in order to fit them for their Spring Praise Concert costumes. It is CRITICAL that you/your child is measured during these two weeks, so please make sure you attend class or make arrangements with us. You may want to let us know if your child is expecting a growth spurt this Spring so we can order appropriately. We will be ordering their outfits after the close of business on Jan. 23rd. If we do not have payment or payment arrangements by 630pm on that day, we will not be able to order yours. (NOTE: Full payment (for those with payment arrangements) must be made by March 1st.) We will not order costumes without full payment or payment arrangements on file with Tonya. NO EXCEPTIONS. Thanks for your cooperation!
Fees are: Creative Mvmt./Preballet =$45. Ballet/Tap hour class=$60. Ballet/Tap/Jazz class=$90 (for 2 costumes). Any one subject class=$55 child size, $65 adult size. Company classes do not have a costume fee. Adult classes will decide about concert participation as a class. Ask Tonya or Julie if unsure about your total.
*We can order costumes after Jan. 23, however there will be a $10/costume fee added and we can only do this til Jan. 31. And it creates A LOT more work for us, so please, pay on time.

New Students accepted through Jan. 23rd.
(or when we are full, whichever is first)
If you or someone you know is interested in adding SOF classes to their weekly schedule, let us know ASAP (we will order costumes on Jan. 23rd-late fee with apply after this date)! Let us know!! (See back for listing of some available classes).

Mark your calendars!
PLEASE mark your 2009 calendars now for our 2009 Spring Praise Concert for Saturday, May 16th (NOT Memorial Day weekend!!) at the Grand Theatre in Cartersville. We will have three performances that day (between 12 and 730) in order to keep any concert from lasting too long! Note that some classes (notably the companies) will dance in more than one concert. More details regarding performance times will come later.

WOW

2009-01-16T10:38:00.002-05:00

Nativity was SOLD out on Sunday!!! Thanks to all of you for our best Nativity yet! Praise GOD!!! Make plans for 2009: Dec. 19/20th!

The Nativity: Dec 20/21 at the Grand

2008-11-26T17:18:00.003-05:00

The Nativity is only a few weeks away! And tickets are already selling at a quick pace. We have added back a third show this year after almost selling out two shows last year! My prayer is that since we are not doing a Christmas Concert this year, is that you will bring your SOF student to see this production! Children learn so much by watching large scale productions like this! And we promise a wonderful and blessed time with your family!
This year, we have added a wonderful pas de duex (dance for two) with Mary and Joseph! It is beautiful and breathtaking! We have four alumni dancers returning for a special performance: Laura Mitchell, Abigail Lloyd, Jessica Tarlton, and Mary Binkley! Many dances have been updated and we have a few new costumes as well! And of course, SNOW! We love having the snow again!
Tickets are $10 in advance or $12 at the door. Group discounts are available for 12 or more people. We will have tickets to sell at the studio, over the phone by credit card, online through our website and paypal, or at the Grand during our rehearsals Dec. 15-19. We will also hope to have some tickets available for sale at the door, as long as we are not sold out.
Celebrate with us at the Nativity at the Grand!!

Staff Changes in January

2008-11-26T17:18:00.001-05:00

Miss Ashley Wilson (our Wednesday teacher) will be leaving as a instructor after this month to concentrate on her gift of choreography. We appreciate all she has done for SOF over the last five months and wish her well!!
Miss Natalie Jones will be returning to teach most of those classes. Miss Natalie was originally scheduled to teach for us this fall, but had plans to move to Texas. Luckily for us, she did NOT move and is able to come back! She has been a favorite SOF teacher for the past three years! Welcome back Natalie! She will be teaching Jazz/Tap 2, Wed530 Preballet, YC Jazz, and Wed at 7 Ballet/Tap.
Miss Jessica Tarlton, who taught for us in 05-06 will return to teach the Wed3 Jazz/Tap 1 class and the BTJ, as well as the tap portion of Tap/Jazz 2! Jessica is a dance student at KSU, and danced in our company for many years! Welcome back Jessica! We are thrilled to get two familiar faces back at SOF!
Please make sure to wish Ashley the best!

New student or change of classes for January?

2008-11-26T17:17:00.001-05:00

NEW REGISTRATION FOR Winter/Spring Semester CLASSES
We have opened our registration again for students starting in January. If you are already in a class, and are not planning on changing or leaving your class, you do not need to do anything. However, if you are interested in changing classes, adding another class, or if you do not plan on returning in January, please let us know by December 12. New registration ends January 29th for Spring. Now is the time to let your friends know it is time to join us for the Winter/Spring semester, and participation in our Spring Concert.
Class additions could happen over the next few weeks, so be on the lookout, and check the website often. If you want to switch classes, (if space permits) you will get first choice if you respond immediately. See Tonya or the lobby wall for answers to your questions and to make any changes.

Christmas In Studio Performances

2008-11-26T17:16:00.001-05:00

It’s hard to believe that our Christmas performances are so close! We are excited about doing them at the studio this year, and getting to combine it with a special Party for each class!!! Hopefully this will make it more memorable and special. Please make sure you have signed up to bring a little something to help us out. SOF will supply a special cake for each class!!!
For the class performance, please make sure your child has her/his class leotard or specified outfit to wear (your teacher can tell you), so that the class is uniform for pictures everyone will be taking. There will be no professional videography or pictures taken, so please make sure to bring your own cameras and snap away!!! Make sure your daughter has her hair secured in a bun for the performance for ballet classes, and secured away from the face for all other classes. Make sure they have the appropriate shoes too.
The plan is to have the first part of classtime to be a warmup and review for the students. Parents/friends will be invited into the classroom about 15-30 minutes into the class for the performance. Then ALL are invited to stay for the party. The party will last til the end of classtime, so that the next class can begin. The exact times of things could change subject to what your teacher feels is best, so please be aware.
Friday classes will be having their parties/performances on Dec. 12th; Monday through Thursday classes will be having theirs Dec. 15-18th.
We are looking forward to this new format for the Christmas, and hope you enjoy it as well. Please make sure all accounts have been cleared by the last class of the semester.

Christmas In Studio Performances

2008-10-26T16:49:00.001-04:00

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 pics you want!!) We will also be serving a Christmas party to everyone there too (cake, drinks, and snacks). The first half of the class will be review and warmup, and the second half parents and friends will be invited in for the performance and party!!! Dates for this are Friday, Dec. 12-Thursday, Dec. 18. Please have your child wear their class leotard, clean tights and neatly secured hair for the performance.

Mexico Mission Trip by Sr. Company

2008-10-26T16:48:00.001-04:00

Plans are underway for the Sr. Company’s mission trip to Mexico City/Toluca, Mexico in late May/early June of 2009. Kim DeRueter, dance mom at SOF, has family in the area and grew up in Mexico, and was able to get us in contact with the perfect people to help accomplish our mission there! Ms. Julie was able to make a site visit in October to help the planning process. God was so much a part of the trip. She could see doors opening up for ministry opportunities that were clearly God’s providence! Please be in prayer for our girls, and a few members of Act 1 who will join us, as well as a ministry team from Oakleaf Church who will also be ministering alongside us. If you can, you may also contribute financially toward the trip, either as a group or towards individual girls fundraising goals. Thanks for all your prayers from our SOF family! May God be glorified in this awesome mission trip!!!

Changes for 2009?

2008-10-26T16:47:00.000-04:00

Changing classes in 2009?
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 VERY LIMITED! Please speak to Tonya or send me or Tonya a note through the payments box of any changes/suggestions!

SOF Bags and longsleeve shirts

2008-10-26T16:46:00.000-04:00

Back by popular demand, we will offer SOF dance bags, and long sleeve t-shirts! Order by Nov. 17th, and they will be available on the Christmas Concert...just in time to make perfect gifts!! This year we are offering:
* Extra Large Navy Sport bag w/shoe pocket, with SOF logo, and dancers’ name ($42)
* Large Navy Duffle bag (like year’s past) with SOF logo, and dancers’ name ($36)
* Small Pink Nylon backpack, perfect for younger dancers, with ballet shoes, “Steps of Faith” and dancers’ name ($15)
* White, 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. Company members will be able to order company jackets and sweatsuits. See office or Julie.

THE NATIVITY Dec 20-21

2008-10-26T16:45:00.001-04:00

The Nativity
Posters and tickets, and invitation cards have been printed and are ready for distribution! Tickets will be on sale at the studio and not at the Grand Box office. The show is the weekend before Christmas. (December 20/21) and a great way to focus on the holiday season! We need your help in posting them all over town, so please ask the office staff for posters you can post for us. We need your help at getting the word out about our Christmas outreach! Tickets can be bought over the phone with a credit card by calling the studio.
We have included a few treats to the show this year, including the return of our Alumni Company (including SOF teachers Miss Ashley, Miss Rachel, Ms. Julie, and true alumni Laura Mitchell). We have increased the number of shows back to three this year, since we almost sold out of two last year!! Tickets should still be a hot commodity!!
Tickets are again $10 each this year in advance, and $12 at the door. Group discounts are available: 12 or more sold to one group, tickets are only $8.50 each. We do have a school show on Monday, Dec. 15th at Trinity School. This is a closed performance but we covet your prayers.
If you or your business in 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 our costs) will go to support our dance company’s mission work in the years to come. Let’s all get excited about this awesome opportunity to teach our community about the TRUE meaning of the season! JESUS! We want to see everyone there!! Come and support your dance company and studio!!

Wish List

2008-10-14T09:42:00.001-04:00

As the year begins to come to a close, we wanted to let our families know of some items we could use (our wish list), that would help make things at SOF easier for rehearsing dances and for our outreach efforts, as well as make our lobby more comfortable for our dedicated parents. (We will provide receipt for tax purposes). Thanks for your help!

**New or gently used couches and chairs for lobby.
**Mountable small TV for lobby (pref w/DVD player)
**Family friendly DVDs for lobby
**Children’s books for lobby.
**iPod hookup/cord for stereo system
**Gently used dance shoes (any size/kind) for borrowers and for sending to Africa. (leotards are good too).

Christmas at the studio

2008-10-14T09:39:00.001-04:00

As you already know, we are doing things a little differently this year for the 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 year. This is for all classes NOT participating in the Nativity (more on that below).

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. 15 for Mon3 and Mon4 w/Christina classes
Tuesday, Dec. 16 for Tues1130 w/ Julie, Tues1230 w/ Julie, Tues 2:15 w/Anna, Tues3 w/Anna, Tuesday7 w/Rachel (formerly Dominique*) and Tues8 w/Rachel (formerly Dominique*), Wednesday, Dec. 17 for Wed3, Wed430, Wed530, Wed615, Wed7 all w/Ashley, and MomNMe w/Christina
Thursday, Dec. 18 for Thur330 w/Christina, and Thurs430 w/Rachel
Friday, Dec. 12 (NOT 19) for Friday tap classes and Teen ballet class

All classes participating in the Nativity will not have the in-studio performances, due to their participation in the Nativity. Also, these classes will have several dress rehearsals at the Grand between Tuesday Dec. 16 and Friday Dec. 19 (2-3 rehearsals for non-company classes, 3-5 for company levels). We will have those times for you by the first of November.

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.

As we do every year, we will be taking orders for Steps of Faith Dance Bags, and sweatshirts in the coming weeks. They make excellent Christmas presents for your dancer!! Calendars that feature our company dancers will also be for sale soon too (see back 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.

*Ms. Dominique was no longer able to come each week to teach on Tuesdays due to the drive from Lithonia. Ms. Rachel, our Thursday HipHop teacher, has graciously taken over her classes. We plan to have Dominique come back to teach Master classes and choreography!