CALENDAR

August 16th:  Meet Your Teacher Event from 5:30-7:00pm
August 19th:  Monday Classes Begin
August 20th:  Tuesday Classes Begin
August 21st:  Wednesday Classes Begin
August 22nd:  Thursday Classes Begin
August 23rd:  Friday Classes Begin
August 24th:  Saturday Classes Begin

STUDIO COMMUNICATIONS

At MDU, we pride ourselves on keeping you informed and up to date. This is your first monthly newsletter of the 2024-25 dance year. Please be sure to keep an eye out for your monthly newsletters at the beginning of each month. They will contain important reminders and updates throughout the year on classes, special programs, performances, and more! 

In addition to our monthly newsletters and other email communications, we post reminders on the TV monitor in our "Communications Center" located directly behind the front desk in the main lobby.

MDU PARENT & STUDENT COMMUNITY FACEBOOK GROUP

Stay connected by joining our private Parent & Student Community on Facebook!  This private group is a great space to engage with other MDU families and ask questions. Click HERE to join!

MEET YOUR TEACHER

To help both you and your dancer start the year on the right foot, please join us at our beautiful Onalaska facility for our popular " Meet Your Teacher" event on Friday, August 16th from 5:30-7:00pm!  Meet teachers, take time to explore our facility, enjoy some treats and MORE!

This is also a great time to shop at our in-house boutique, Willow & Grace, and make sure you have all of your dance gear for the year so that you can arrive on your first day of class ready to go.

WILLOW & GRACE BOUTIQUE

Our in house boutique, Willow & Grace, is perfect for all of your dancewear needs - from leotards to shoes and everything in between! CLICK HERE for a reminder of our Dress Code Policy to make sure you have all of your required gear to start the season. 

We encourage you to stop by to shop before classes begin so that you can arrive on your first day of class ready to go.

STUDENT LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Dancers in Level 1 (4th Grade) and up are eligible to apply to be part of our classroom based Student Leadership programs!

• Classroom Helpers: Dancers in Level 1 and up who volunteer in one of our Children’s Classes each week for the entire season.
• Assistants: Dancers in Level 4 and up who volunteer in one or more of our Children's Classes each week for the entire season.
• Demonstrators: Dancers in Level 5 and up that volunteer to assist teachers by demonstrating and working one-on-one with students while learning to encourage, correct, and build their teaching skills in a nurturing environment. Dancers will be chosen to demonstrate in Levels 1-4.
• JFAC (Junior Faculty): Dancers who are Juniors or Seniors that are a part of a training program designed to give you the leadership training, coaching, and classroom experience needed for possible teaching positions in the future. JFAC members are also available for paid subbing, private lessons, and teaching specialty classes and camps. 

Click HERE for more details and to apply! All applications must be submitted by Monday, August 12th. 

DARBY’S DANCERS BUDDY PROGRAM

Would you like to be a mentor and friend to a special dancer at MDU? We're seeking positive, responsible, and outgoing students to volunteer as a "Buddy" for our Darby's Dancer program this dance season.

Darby's Dancers is a program for children with special needs, providing them with dance classes, attire, shoes, and a recital costume at no cost. Each child is paired with a student volunteer to be “buddies” for the entire season. This rewarding opportunity will enhance your college and job applications. 

Classes meet on Wednesdays at 4:30 and 5:30 PM. Join us and make a difference! Learn more and apply HERE.

STUDENT LOCKERS STILL AVAILABLE

Did you know we have student lockers up at MDU? Available in both our girls’ and boys’ dressing rooms, these lockers are the perfect home away from home for all your dancer’s gear. 

For just $50 for the entire 9 ½ month season, your dancer can store their classroom attire and shoes, snacks for quick energy boosts, and safely tuck away their personal items while dancing. Click here to check out the guidelines and snag a locker today with our quick and easy request form.

NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY FOR DANCE ARTS (NHSDA)

MDU Middle and High School dancers have the opportunity to be inducted into the National Honor Society for Dance Arts (NHSDA)! This recognition is for dancers who excel in artistic merit, leadership, and academic achievement.

For details on eligibility and how to earn points, check out our links for the https://www.ndeo.org/nhsda/Start-a-Chapter/Junior-Chapter-6-8-Grade- and the https://www.ndeo.org/nhsda/Start-a-Chapter/Secondary-Chapter-9-12-Grade-.  Stay tuned for more information on how to apply coming soon!

ABSENCE REPORTING

If your dancer will be absent from a class, our teachers and administrative staff greatly appreciate you notifying our team via our MDU Absence Form. This form can easily be accessed at the bottom of the main page of our website or CLICK HERE to access now. 

LOST & FOUND

If you are ever missing an item, be sure to check our Studio Lost & Found as it tends to fill up quickly! All items remaining in the Lost & Found on the 15th of each month will be donated.

PRO TIP: Be sure to label all of your dancer’s belongings with their name as everyone at the studio has the same or similar gear. Dancers should take all belongings into their classroom with them rather than leaving them unattended in the lobby or dressing areas.