Dear MDU Family,
I am writing today with a proactive communication regarding the potential state-wide mask mandate repeal going before the Legislature on Thursday.
Regardless of the outcome, our business will continue to support a mask requirement (unless you have an exception) until further notice.
While it is true that we have had a negligible occurrence of COVID-19 in our programs since re-opening in June (.00025%, or 5 reportable cases out of over 20,000 heads in classes, and none for two months) Coulee Region public schools are in the process of welcoming their students back which introduces a new risk variable to our student population. Even if the mask mandated is repealed on Thursday, it would be unwise to introduce a second risk variable to our student population at the same time.
As a teacher and a dancer, I look forward to the day when this is no longer a talking point, but in the meantime, we will continue all of the Safer Studio™ measures that have brought us such success so far including keeping people home when they don't feel well, well checks for employees, ongoing facility cleaning with our Sparkle Squad, hand sanitation, and face coverings. Our community is turning the corner and we need to stay the course until we get there <3.
As always, we will continue to monitor the situation as we keep our focus on supporting the whole health of our students—including physical, social-emotional and, mental well-being—through dance classes each week.
Thank you for your support!
In partnership,
Misty Lown
How to help your dancer prepare for an audition: eight healthy strategies
Every dancer has the opportunity to audition, whether it’s for a role on a studio team or a professional company, for a high school dance team or for admission into a college program. There’s no denying that dancers can get anxious about auditions, but you can help them get ready to channel that nervous energy into a brilliant performance. An audition provides a dancer with opportunities to showcase her strengths to judges, a situation that will play out in real life for years to come well beyond the world of dance.
In the wise words of our own Miss Kylie, “Remember that we all have different styles and talents to offer and in dance, every single person who watches, critiques and judges you will see something different, but what each one of you has to offer is absolutely beautiful and incredible.”
Whether auditioning for a dance company or interviewing for a job, those are indeed words to remember.