//POSTED: TUESDAY, MAY 26, 2020

RE-OPENING

Dear Take Five Dance Families,

Over the past few months, I’ve been thrilled by your positive response to our pre-recorded material and online classes. Continuing with dance education through this difficult time has been a much needed source of normalcy for dancers and a connection with community for so many including our staff. Families dancing together during our online dance parties, the enthusiasm showed at our spirit parade, children of all ages joining Ms. Amanda for her drawing class, have brought needed joy to the Take Five Dance Academy community. While we have made the best of our time apart we are all eager to return to the studio.

Our plan for re-opening our school involves finishing our current season. New safety training, classroom changes, curriculum adjustments and client education is part of that plan. It is important that we re-open in a safe and strategic way.

Starting Monday June 1st, we will continue to conduct online Zoom classes, BUT we will teach with our regular, five classroom schedule. We will Zoom all classes at their normal day and time, Monday - Saturday. A separate email will include the links for all of our classrooms.

We will still offer our discounted tuition rate through the end of June. In addition, you will receive information to register for the 2020-2021 dance year. Progress reports will be included.

Beginning Monday June 8th, dancers will be allowed to return to classes at our studio. We will continue to offer online Zoom classes for those who might not be ready to return yet.

It is important for us to celebrate our students and finish the dance year with a “re-imagined recital.” Please see our "Recital Page" for information that explains what we are able to do safely with the restrictions that are in place.

I am excited that most of you are ready to come back, but understand that some may not be ready just yet. We will respect whatever decision you make about what is best for your family to move forward. Until you come back, keep dancing online - leaping in living rooms, dancing in dining rooms, and pirouette-ing on patios.

No matter which TFDA experience you choose, in-studio or online classes, we can’t wait to see you, support you, and continue to have you as part of our dance community.

In Partnership,
Maryanne Maloney
Academy Director

------------------------------------------

//POSTED: FRIDAY, MAY 1, 2020

Dear Take Five Dance Families,

With Governor Ducey’s stay at home order being extended, we feel it is in the best interest of our dancers, staff, and faculty to continue to remain temporarily suspended for in-studio classes through May. This month will be pivotal as our state authorities continue to gather data and develop specific guidelines to reopen our state in a safe manner. It is unclear when we will be able to have in-person classes. Until more definitive information is provided by state and federal agencies we will continue with online classes.  

With the popularity of the Zoom classes, we are adding more to our May schedule. Classes will be separated into specific levels and ages. While all of our teachers have been pre-recording class material and Recital choreography for our at home platform, not all of our teachers are able to conduct live Zoom classes from their home. We encourage dancers to participate in their class subjects even if it is with a different teacher. In addition, dancers are welcome to take as many live classes as they can for their age. 

Monday, May 4th will be the last day we upload new class material. We are proud to offer over 500 pre-recorded videos of class material, stretches, conditioning, and choreography to view at any time. This material is to be used in conjunction with our Zoom classes. Dancers should watch and participate in the many pre-recorded dance classes, learn Recital choreography, and use this opportunity to try a new subject! 

Audition results for our Performing Groups and Performance Companies will be posted on our website, www.takefivedance.com, on Wednesday, May 6th. Information regarding these programs will be available at a later date. 

Given the lack of guidance from state and local officials, there has been no new development regarding the Recital. It is unlikely our shows will be held on our original dates. We continue to be optimistic that we will be able to hold performances in some capacity at a future time. Given the number of patrons who usually attend our Recital, it will be classified as a large gathering. As soon as we have clear guidelines as to how to proceed, we will pass that information along to you. It is our greatest hope that we are able to hold an event this summer.

During these uncertain times, it is reassuring to see the Take Five Dance community so positive and inspiring. Our dancers are continuing their dance training in creative and unique environments. Families are working hard to keep their households safe and healthy. Staff and faculty are working diligently to provide the best online dance experience possible. We are privileged to be a part of your lives and are proud of your efforts.

In Partnership,

Maryanne Maloney

Academy Director

TAKE FIVE TOGETHER

------------------------------------------

//POSTED: THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020

Dear Take Five Dance Families,

What a whirlwind the last week has been for families, schools, community leaders and local businesses! I want to thank everyone who has reached out by way of email and calls to offer support - especially over the past 72 hours. 

We are in uncharted waters, which is requiring a new level of flexibility and adaptation like never before. World, National and local events are occurring at lightning speed. News from yesterday is now obsolete. I mean, how many of you thought you'd be homeschooling this week? Even in these unprecedented times we at Take Five Dance Academy are continuing our commitment to “Enriching Lives Through Dance.” 

To keep your kids healthy and safe, we have created an online platform for our dancers to proceed with their dance education and training. We are excited to share a place where our students will be able to continue to learn their Recital routines, practice dance skills and find other super fun resources. TFDA is proud to offer this opportunity for our dancers to stay busy, engaged and most of all to keep them connected to our dance community. 

On Monday, March 23rd we will launch our new virtual platform called Take Five Dance at Home. Additional content will be added every Monday including new videos, fun activities and great resources. A link will be sent this Monday to access our material. In addition, follow our studio Instagram and Facebook pages daily to engage with us, receive new info and to see what our staff and faculty are up to.

So, the natural question is “What about the June Recital?” Since our Recital performances are June 18th – 21st, we are hopeful we can conduct them as scheduled. Our dancers, staff, and faculty have worked very hard all season long and it would be a shame to not reward them.

I have so much gratitude for the staff and faculty at Take Five Dance Academy. During this extraordinary time, they have come together with grace and compassion, choosing to be innovative, proactive and wise for the good of our dance school and students. We are so fortunate to have them guiding and loving the children of the west valley.

Thank you for your continued support. 

In Partnership,

Maryanne Maloney

Academy Director

------------------------------------------

//POSTED: SUNDAY, MARCH 14, 2020

Dear Dancers and Families,

At Take Five Dance Academy the health and safety of our faculty and students are our most important priorities. Arizona Governor Doug Ducey and Superintendent of Public Instruction Kathy Hoffman has mandated that all K-12 schools shut down beginning Monday, March 16th through Friday, March 27th.

We have determined that it is in the best interest of our faculty and families to temporarily suspend all classes, including the upcoming Performing Group and Performance Company auditions during that time period as well. 

We are planning to resume classes along with the local schools on Monday, March 30th and 

make-up classes will extend into the new season. If anything changes with that timeline we will 

let you know.

We are currently working to create an online platform to help continue your student’s dance education and training. 

As always, but especially now, we greatly appreciate your support during these challenging times.

In Partnership,

Maryanne Maloney

Academy Director