New Season News

July ballet intensive, Sparkle Ballet Camp and August DisneyCrew choreography intensives round out a great summer and we are anxious to get back to a full and busy class schedule starting Tuesday, September 10th. We hope you take the time to read these pages before the season begins. New families – WELCOME, and if you are returning – WELCOME BACK! Thank you for your trust in us. We are honoured to have the opportunity to enrich your dancer’s life through art. (Images: Sheena Davies Photography)

We are excited to continue the tradition of the Back to Dance Welcome Picnic. (Weather Permitting) – Note the new location of Bright Angel Park.

Studio Director Parent Portal – Registration/Accounts/Class Schedules

Use this link to register for classes, find your account and class schedule and sign your student waiver. If you wish to drop a course, simply send us an email.

https://app.thestudiodirector.com/stepsaheadbc/portal.sd.

Student Waivers must be signed for the 24/25 season. Waivers are signed each season – Please be sure you have read and completed this before September 10th, 2024.

Media Bans are when a family decides, for many valid reasons, not to have a dancer’s image shared on social media. Social media has increasingly become an integral part of marketing, however, we fully support any family wishing to opt out. Email Lorraine directly at dance@stepshaeadbc.com to submit an opt-out request before September 10th, 2024.

https://www.facebook.com/StepsAheadDanceBC

https://www.instagram.com/steps.ahead.dance.bc

https://www.youtube.com/@stepsaheaddance5245

https://www.facebook.com/groups/71050184007

Gently Used Dancewear Sale will be online only. Please be sure to visit the Swap n Shop page to post your ‘for sale’ and ‘ISO’ items.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/2750862365137278

Our primary channel of communication is email. Do not ‘opt-out of emails’ on Studio Director as you will not receive vital information from us. We endeavour to keep mail outs to a minimum but urge you to remain abreast by reading them. I am always happy to receive communication from you, VIA phone call or email (preferably, not text). Our faculty include young professionals with other jobs and busy family lives. They are happy to hear from you regarding your dancer (particularly in the case of absences or other personal ‘need to know’ information). Email addresses are as follows: Lorraine Blake – dance@stepsaheadbc.com
Amy Staples – amy_staples@icloud.com
Bryony Blake – bblake250@gmail.com
Cat Newcombe – catnewcombe@gmail.com
Hayley Newcombe – sapg@stepsaheadbc.com (Competitive course correspondence here please)

Attire Pride in personal appearance is a part of being a performance artist. We ask our dancers to adhere to our dress codes listed here. https://stepsaheadbc.com/dress-code/ (In some cases the exact leotard model is not necessary). Toes ‘N Taps in Victoria will be able to fill your uniform requirements. W Dance Wear in Duncan may also have some of the items in stock.

    Tuition– Your fees are due at the start of each term (September, December, and March). There are 3 ways to pay:

    1. e-transfer to dance@stepsaheadbc.com Please make your security question: What is the first name of my (oldest) dancer?
    2. Debit at studio(Ms Lorraine needs to be there for this. Send a quick email first)
    3. Cash or cheque to StepsAheadDance- can be given to teacher in clearly marked envelope
    4. New This Year Our mailing address is now 105-744HandyRoad,MillBayV8H 1H9.

    Note: One month’s written notice is required if withdrawing.

    Other Fees:

    • Costume Fees – Either $90 per dancer/per class will be posted to your account on November 1st, or the exact amount will be posted when costumes arrive after duty, exchange rates and delivery are calculated. We aim to keep all costume fees as reasonable as possible all the while creating a professional and attractive image on stage (a balancing act, for sure!)
    • DanceBug Fees – Each family is charged a DanceBug fee, November 1st. This is for filming, editing, and hosting of our performance footage.
    • Performance Fees – $38 per dancer – posted to your SD account on March 1st, 2025 to cover the theatre rental and technical crew for three rehearsals in May at Cowichan Performing Arts Centre

    Calendar https://stepsaheadbc.com/calendar/

    Absence due to illness is to be expected upon occasion. If your dancer or a family member is feeling unwell please remain at home. An email to your teacher is considered a courtesy and would be greatly appreciated. (Faculty email addresses posted below). We no longer offer the option to ZOOM-in at every class. Having said this, if your dancer is absent for more than two lessons in a row due to illness, please contact the teacher for a virtual option. Masks are requested anytime a dancer is under the weather but well enough to attend.

    Inclement Weather – If SD 79 is closed – so are we! – How to get further information:

    ●  A mass email will be sent if there is a change to any regular schedule, so check your emails.

    ●  Check our social media FB closed group. This is where we add posts specific to registered families. https://www.facebook.com/groups/71050184007.