CALENDAR

January 16: The Art Room Bangor Pop Up Class at MDU
January 20-22 & 27-29: Skills Testing in Graded Levels of Technique Classes  
February 16-19: Intersessional Break - NO CLASSES

SPRING RECITAL DETAILS COMING SOON

If you haven't done so already, be sure to mark your 2026 calendar for our Spring Recital Weekend of May 15-17 at Viterbo University! This year’s theme is “Let’s Go to the Movies”! 

Spring Recital Costumes have already started to arrive. In case you missed it… view our 2026 Spring Recital Costume Reveal Here!

• COSTUME DISTRIBUTION PROCESS: As costumes arrive, teachers will hand them out in classes and have dancers try them on to ensure proper fit. If your dancer is absent from class the week their group receives costumes, simply stop at the front desk to pick up and try on their costume as soon as you return to class.
• PRE-ORDER YOUR RECITAL ESSENTIALS: This year we’re making recital prep even easier by offering a pre-order for tights, undertards, hair accessories. Each costume slide will clearly list exactly what your dancer will need for the stage. Click here to pre-order. This pre-order is completely optional and all items will also be available for purchase in Willow & Grace Boutique. The form closes January 30, 2026.

Choreography will be starting in classes soon and more details such as Show Assignments and Ticket Sales Information will be published via email on February 21st.

SKILLS TESTING & CONFERENCES FOR GRADED LEVELS

Skills Testing will take place in Graded Level Ballet, Tap & Jazz Classes January 20-22 and January 27-29. Additional details about our skills testing process will be emailed to all Graded Level Ballet, Tap and Jazz classes beforehand.

Our annual Graded Level Conferences for students Level 1 and up in Ballet, Tap, and Jazz Technique will then take place in February. More details about this opportunity to chat one on one with teachers as well as time slot sign up information will be sent via email in February.

POP UP ART CLASS

Ms. Katie from The Art Room-Bangor is back at MDU this month for another parent/child art class! She will teach you various acrylic painting techniques so you can paint your own whimsical snowman. Kids and adults will each paint half of a snow man and together they will make a new collaborative image!

Friday, January 16th from 6:00-7:00pm
Sign Up to join the fun HERE!

No experience necessary, just come ready to create in a supportive environment and make memories with family.

NUTMEG BALLET SUMMER PROGRAM AUDITIONS

MDU has once again been selected as one of The Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory’s national audition tour locations. Graded Level Ballet students ages 10 and up are invited to audition for the Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory’s summer program - right here at MDU!

Join MDU’s own Miss Amanda Schams who will be leading the audition and parent meeting on Saturday, February 14 from 12-3pm. Registration, check-in and a brief parent meeting will take place for the first half hour followed by the audition class and will include pointe for dancers who are en pointe.

This is a great opportunity for any dancer looking to expand their audition experience and resume. Online pre-registration and payment is preferred to ensure you have all of the required items submitted in advance of the audition date. 

The registration details can be found on The Nutmeg Ballet Conservatory’s website HERE.

STUDENTS OF THE MONTH

Congratulations to our December Students of the Month! Check out the TV in the Lobby Communications Center featuring:

Natalie Corona
Gianna McKenna
Olivia Matt
Jada Tomesh

Other nominees include: Elise Arntson, Luxann Copus, Lilie Foat, Leilani Franco, Josephine Krause, Nora Merrill, Harper Purl, Penelope Simonson, Josie Thiede. Way to go! 

INCLEMENT WEATHER POLICY

In the event of inclement weather, an email will be sent and Facebook/Instagram posts will be made by 2:00 pm if afternoon/evening classes are canceled (by 8:00 am for morning classes). 

Please note that we do not necessarily follow school closings. It is possible that roads may be cleared by the time studio classes begin or that conditions worsen later in the day when school is in session but afternoon/evening travel is not advised. Any canceled classes may be made up on your own time from our regular schedule of classes. In the event there is not a make up class available, a replacement option will be offered.

ABSENCE REPORTING

1. Log in to your Studio Director account 

2. Report an Absence 

• Click the three horizontal lines (☰) in the top corner of your screen to access the Menu.
• Go to ‘Actions’ > “View Attendance”
• Click “Report an Absence” next to the class your child will miss.

3. Select the Dates and Reason

• Check the box for each date your child will be absent.
• Select a reason from the dropdown (e.g., Illness, Family Event, Dance Team).
• If you need to provide more details, use the text box.
• Click “Save Absence.”

Important: You can only report an absence before the class starts. If you're reporting an absence after class begins, please email Miss KP at kp@mistysdance.com.

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.