Friday, December 30, 2011

Month of December

Well, just as I figured....having a blog would only result in having a blog that is never up-to-date. 
The month of December was a busy one! Busy which means I had lots to blog about but too busy to do it.

On the 3rd, Impulse Dancers performed their dance routines at Laurels Peak.  It proved to be tricky for many of the dancers due to finding out days before that we would be dancing on carpet and only wearing our Ballet shoes.  As well, flu season hit hard and we had many dancers unable to attend which meant dancing with partners needed modifications and large classes were much smaller that day.  This performance was quite informal but all the same, it was the VERY FIRST performance EVER for a lot of our dancers.  Many were nervous and some had a hard time getting in front of all these strangers.  In the end, it turned out to be a wonderful performance and we had many residents of Laurels Peak tell us how much they enjoyed watching and how happy they were that we came.

December 16th was rehearsal for our Winter Informal with the actual show being the next day.
Last year for both our Winter Informal and the Spring Dance Recital we had rehearsal the same day as the show but a few hours prior.  That led to everyone feeling rushed as well as very long days for our dancers, especially the littlest of the group.  With lots of brainstorming, planning and going over lots of details...I mean LOTS of details we decided to try having rehearsal the night before.  As many of you know, Impulse strives to be family oriented and asking for 2 days in a row of our parent’s time was a difficult decision to make.  We do think that Friday rehearsal was a good decision and will more than likely be continuing this in the future.  Your feedback regarding the rehearsal and anything else is of course always appreciated.

Yes, we call it Informal but from mine and Whitney's point of view, Phew! there is nothing informal about this.  We started planning the show before Halloween had even came and went and were still working on the smallest of details the very week of the show.  The time, the decisions, shopping for decorations etc. consumed most of our December, hence the lack of a blog update.  Stressful yes but both Whitney and I wouldn't trade it for anything. 

Only the 2nd snowfall of the year happened to arrive just in time for rehearsal.  First Relay for Life now this...I have to think the weather is against Impulse.  We hurried as much as we could while still making sure every dancer had time to practice at least once.  Parents were anxious to head home before the weather got worse.  Flu season still in full swing and the roads being too slippery for people to venture out, we again missed lots of dancers.  With lots of volunteers lined up, music edited and hopefully every little detail covered, it was finally December 17th. 

Saturday was the BIG DAY!  All the dancers’ colored pictures backstage and quietly waited for their turn on stage.  Aside from a few music glitches, the show went smooth and all of our dancers did a wonderful job!!
Huge Thanks goes out to our friends and family that volunteer their time to help us and allow us to boss them around for a night or two.  Whitney and I both appreciate you more than you will ever know.  Also, thank you to all the Moms and Dads for giving your child the opportunity to dance.
Impulse hopes that both parents and dancers enjoyed the show and can’t wait to see everyone in 2012.

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Change to Nursing Home Performance Location

The Nursing Home performance on December 3rd will now be at Laurels Peak which is located directly behind Laurels Edge.  Due to a conflict in scheduling with Laurels Edge, they have relocated us to the other facility.  Date and Time are still the same.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Laurels Edge Performance and Winter Informal Details

Laurels Edge Saturday December 3rd
v  Performance will begin at 2. Please arrive by 1:45 with dancer’s ready to perform in their winter informal attire. Please bring both tap and ballet shoes!
v  Laurels Edge is located at 77 Stadium Road, Mankato.
v  All classes will perform their tap routines first. So, please have students ready to go accordingly.
Dress Rehearsal Friday December 16th
v  The Winter Informal will be held at Fitzgerald Auditorium located at North 5th Street, which is right off of East Main Street going into downtown Mankato.
v  All dancers will meet in the hallway to the right of the auditorium. Please come at your designated time listed below wearing your winter informal outfit and bring both sets of shoes! Each dancer will have their picture and name posted for where their belongings should go. Please come slightly earlier to find your dancer’s designated backstage spot.
v  4:30-5:00 Preschool Classes
v  5:00-5:30 K-2nd Grade Classes
v  5:30-6:00 Jazzlyn, Sarah, Abby, Alaena, & Aubrey
v  Parents please wait for your dancer in the hallway (chairs will be provided). No one will be allowed in the auditorium during rehearsal.
Winter Informal Saturday December 17th
v  Show will begin at 5p.m.
v  Doors will open at 4:30p.m.
v  Students should arrive by 4:30 to their designated spot backstage.
*The Winter Informal should last approximately one hour.
*Attention ALL Preschool and K-2nd Grade Parents: Please keep an extra seat available for your dancer. Dancers will be sitting for the remainder of the show, once they are done performing. All students will be asked to come back on stage for the finale so please be prepared and keep your child in their costume with shoes on.

Thank You!
Lori and Whitney
Impulse Dance

Friday, October 21, 2011

A few announcements....

The Thursday before Halloween, we hope that all our scheduled dancers come to class in halloween costumes.  On Halloween Monday, we are still having dance classes and we also hope all of our dancers that attend class will be wearing their costumes.  All Impulse Dancers are welcome to Trick or Treat at Impulse Dance on Halloween Night. 
Tap or Ballet?  Impulse Dance now has an announcement board to inform dancers and parents of just that. A dry-erase board will now be located in the hallway of the dance room.  Each week, we will write down which pair of shoes as well as other important announcements...so be sure to check the board when you are there.

2 Performance dates to add to your calendar...
December 3rd at 2:00 - All of our dancers will be performing and showing off their routines at Laurels Edge Assisted Living in Mankato. 
December 17th is the Winter Informal Show at Fitzgerald Theater. 
We are still in process of making big plans for both these days and more info will be shared in the weeks to come. 

Twenty five...

Twenty five happens to be the number of dancers enrolled in our K-2nd grade classes.  With only two classes on our schedule per week, this makes for large classes.  Both classes started with approx.11 to 12 dancers which was not exceeding our "ideal number" or "maximum size".....yet.   But then came more and more and the classes grew to 14 to 15.  Now imagine that many tiny feet all wearing Tap shoes! :-)

With the many years of experience we both have, we understand the importance of smaller classes and with that we knew it was time.  It is never an easy decision to make even when its the most obvious right decision.  When will class number 3 take place? New time, new day? Who has a flexible schedule?  Well, we know in this day and age, flexible schedule can be a hard thing to come by.  Also, Impulse Dance from day one has placed focus on the "entire family" not just the one sibling that happens to be in dance.  What we do, what that one sibling does and when ultimately effects the "entire family". 

Thankfully, we are able to use a 2nd room in the Holy Rosary building at the exact same time as the original K-2nd grade class.  No change to time, day etc. pretty easy really.  All 14 of our wonderful dancers are still able to maintain the same schedule but will now have a much better classroom experience.  Two K-2nd grade classes on Monday and one still fairly large class on Thursdays.  We have open enrollment, so we can only hope that we will be adding class 4 and 5 in the near future.  We are looking forward to the weeks to come and being able to improve our dance skills in a one on one environment.

Impulse Dance

Thursday, September 15, 2011

2011-2012 Dance Season begins...

The 2011-2012 Dance Season officially took of August 22nd, when Impulse Dance held an Open House and Registration.

We were very pleased with the great turnout we had. Many parents and anxious dancers waited in line to register for class, order shoes and give costume measurements. By the end of the evening, we realized the need to schedule a 2nd Kindergarten thru 2nd grade dance class due to huge enrollment numbers. We immediatly began rescheduling, contacting parents to see which days would be handier for them etc. With nearly 11 signed up in each class, we thought we might need a 3rd class just for that age group. Wow! What amazing growth for it only being our 2nd year!

Since August 22nd, we have had alot of alterations to our schedule.  Sadly, we had to cancel our Adult Tap Class but hope to offer it again in January. The Yoga/Conditioning class that is on our schedule for Thursday nights will remain BUT will not be starting until October. In addition to our schedule, we now have a Beginner Modern dance class on Thursdays at 4:30. This is a prime example of, "don't see it on our schedule but have an interest? just ask.." We had a 6th grader come to Open House showing interest in Modern dance. Many don't even know what that is, so this was a wonderful surprise.
Modern Dance is..."a dance style that centers on a dancer's own interpretations instead of structured steps, as in traditional ballet dancing. Modern dancers reject the limitations of classical ballet and favor movements derived from the expression of their inner feelings."

Thursday the 8th and Monday Sept.12th was a very big day for alot of lil ones, many attended their FIRST EVER dance class. Some with apprehension and others with no worries whatsoever. We had 2 very busy nights filled with costume measurements, MORE registrations and attempting to learn everybody's names.
       Impulse Dance thankfully had wonderful helpers for our first few nights. Connie and Kathy, we greatly appreciate all of your help. A couple of dance parents have also been very helpful by "recruiting others" for us. We also extend a huge Thank You to them!
Impulse Dance loves when others spread the word about what and who we are!

We have had a wonderful turnout for our Zumba Classes, which is 7-8:00 on both Monday and Thursdays now. (Another schedule move)

Moving into week 2 of the new season, we hope that all our dancers return and we can begin learning all the fun dance has to offer.

Lori & Whitney

Monday, July 18, 2011

“Dancing for a Cure” at Relay for Life

At approximately 2:15 on Friday afternoon a severe thunderstorm rolled through the area causing for a complete change of events for Relay for Life.

Ray Erlandson Park was the original location for the special event but tents and awnings had been ripped to shreds by the storm that passed through. Nearly 2 ½ inches of rain fell in the park in less than an hour and a ½.

There we sat, with our performers scheduled to arrive in the next hour and we don’t know if the event will be cancelled, moved indoors, storm will pass but leave a wet stage, etc.?

Finally, we get word that Relay for Life 2011 will be moved indoors to Myers Field House on campus and the start time will be delayed by a few hours. Now wondering when, if at all, will Impulse Dance perform?

Upon arriving at Myers Field House, we were told that Impulse Dance will still be performing but all events have been pushed back by an hour. Thus the calling of all the parents began and as soon as possible in hopes that some hadn’t already left home enroute to the park.


Impulse Dance opened the start of the Relay for Life event by performing 5 different dance routines. The dancers did a wonderful job entertaining the crowd and showing off dance routines that hadn’t performed since May. Wow! I can’t believe how well they all did considering it had been over a month since they practiced.

During the Kindergarten’s performance, the music was unplugged and workers raced to plug it back in. The dancer’s picked up right where they left off without missing a beat. What an amazing bunch of little ladies! =)

It was so nice to see all of the dancers perform and wear their cute costumes again! We hope to see them all back in September when regular classes resume once again.


Impulse Dance’s team “Team Red” raised money for the American Cancer Society by selling glow stick necklace and bracelets and offering face painting. We were able to meet lots of new people this way & spread the word of our recently opened dance studio. Hopefully those that showed interest in dance class will be signing up soon and we can see them again in September.

until then....Happy Dancing!!!

Thursday, July 14, 2011

OPEN HOUSE & REGISTRATION DAY

What: Open House & Registration

When: August 22nd
Time: 5:30-7:00pm
Where: Holy Rosary Parish Cafeteria
546 Grant Avenue North Mankato

This is your chance to meet Impulse Dance teachers, check out our studio space (the cafeteria-but hey its not bad) =) ask us questions and register for Fall 2011 classes.

Check out our website http://www.impulsedancemankato.com/ for the latest schedule and class offerings. If you are interested in a class that we currently do not offer or would prefer different class times, come visit with us on August 22nd.

Our goal is to be flexible and meet as many needs possible. We may be able to shift some classes around and others may need to stay as is.

Impulse has a small inventory of tap shoes that will be available to purchase on Aug. 22nd
Any sizes we don't have or other styles of dance shoe that you need can be ordered through us at the Open House as well.

Impulse Dance tees will also be for sale at a reduced price of $10.

Mark you calendar and we will see you there!!

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

Relay for Life!!

THIS Friday, July 15th is Relay for Life at Erlandson Park!
Impulse Dance is participating in Relay for Life this year to support "Team Red".

Impulse is asking all dancers from this past year to get out the costumes one more time and perform those ol' dance routines.
Whitney, Lori & Krista will be performing "I wanna go to Hollywood" again. :)

Impulse Dance takes the stage at 5:45 and will have approx. 15 minutes of stage time. We would love to have the lil kidders come and perform "Keep On" and "Trashin the camp".
Parents of dancers...Please Contact Whitney or Lori asap if you are able to attend.

Relay for Life offers alot of games and other events that are fun for children. Dancers and Parents are welcome to come early or stay late to join in the festivities.

Team Red's theme is "Dancing for a Cure". Our camp will be decorated in everything DANCE! Stop by and check us out!

SPREAD the WORD!! Are you or do you know of someone who is interested in dance class? Impulse Dance will be raffling off a year of dance class at Relay for Life!

See you there!!

Phew! WE MADE IT!!


Wow! That was an incredibly long parade and hot is an absolute understatement! The North Mankato Fun Days parade started at 11:00 this past Saturday and when Impulse Dance finally reached the starting line it was well past noon.

Once we hit the start of the parade, we were all busy passing out candy and handing out lil pink bubbles. Lots and lots of people!! I think next year we will need more bubbles!

It was so nice to hear everybody cheering and dancing to our music as we drove by. A special Thank You to Claire and Ella for the wonderful Impulse Dance signs. That was absolutely priceless and it means so much to us! Thanks Again!!

Impulse appreciates all the dancers, parents & friends that braved the heat and helped us out with the parade. THANK YOU!!

We are very close to wrapping things up for the summer. We just have one more chance to wear our costumes and perform our dance routines before we dawn the 2010-2011 dance year.

Whitney and Lori are looking forward to the fall and making lots of plans for this next dance year. Stay posted for dates on Open House and Registration and possibly even ways to save save save on dance class tuition.

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

North Mankato Fun Days Parade

Only 3 days till the Fun Days Parade!!!

We have been looking forward to this for months! All of us really enjoyed the Lake Crystal and Nicollet parades and now we are down to just one more, the BIG one!

The parade is 1.4 miles long and they are predicting 85 degrees and sunny. The bubbles are ready, the water is on ice & Impulse dancers are excited to shake pom poms one more time this summer.

We are inviting all of our past dancers to join us and walk/dance in the parades with us. If you are interested and have not already notified us, Please let Whitney or I know ASAP. As of right now, it sounds like we are gonna have a huge turnout but more is better so PLEASE join us!

The parade is THIS Saturday, July 9th at 11:00 a.m.

Dancers who are walking and dancing with us...Don't forget to wear your Impulse Dance tee shirts and/or anything black/hot pink and white.

If you are viewing the parade from along the parade route, be sure to cheer loud when we come by so we can see you!!

SEE EVERYBODY ON SATURDAY!!!

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Next up...Nicollet Friendship Days Parade

Last Friday night was the Duck Days parade in Lake Crystal. It was very warm and humid but we still managed to do some Zumba down the streets of LC!











One of our dancers enjoyed handing out flyers and lil pink bubble bottles to other kids along the parade route. AND the best part was when Krista looked down to see who was poking her and it was CLAIRE!! and we all looked over to see fellow dancers Claire and Ella and her dad watching the parade. YAY!!!
We look forward to seeing you in Nicollet and again at Fun Days also!

Thanks to all of our wonderful friends, dancers and parents for helping out with the parade!

This coming Sunday at NOON, is the Nicollet Friendship Days Parade.

We have more bubbles to hand out, so be looking for us!!

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Lake Crystal Parade is coming up!!

This Friday, June 17th Impulse will be walking/dancing in the Lake Crystal Parade at 6pm.
Impulse Dance will be in the parade line-up by 5:30.
If you will be participating in the parade, please call Lori after 5pm Friday at 317-5185 for the actual designated line-up spot.

**Just a reminder-Let Whitney or Lori know which events you will be participating in over the summer.

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Fall 2011 Class Schedule

The website has been updated to reflect next years class schedule. Thank you to everyone who has already signed up! We have added new class offerings to the schedule including adult Tap classes. We have had many request for this and we are looking forward to teaching it.
We have also added Thursdays into our schedule and hope this will give parents more options for which day and time works best. *All these times are subject to change*

On a side note.....2011 Dance Recital DVD's are here!! If you ordered one, they will be mailed out shortly. We captured some awesome photo's from the big day so stay tuned to our website and Facebook. They will be posted soon!

"Like" us on Facebook!
http://www.impulsedancemankato.com/

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Pom Pom Summer Dance Jam 2011

Pom Pom Summer Dance Jam starts Monday June 6th!

Parades:

Lake Crystal Duck Days - Friday, June 17th 6:00pm
Nicollet Friendship Days - Sunday, June 26th 1:00pm
North Mankato Fun Days - Saturday, July 9th 11:00am

Relay for Life at Erlandson Park, Mankato July 15th
Special Dance performance by Pom Pom Summer Dance Jam Dancers!

Monday, May 23, 2011

Impulse Dance now has a blog!

We hope many will follow us and use the blog to keep in touch with what is new and upcoming with Impulse Dance. Notes that are typically sent home may appear on this blog as well as class cancellations due to weather or any other reason.

Set us up as an RSS FEED to be sure to stay in touch with all the latest!

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