TEAM Emails
Apr 21, 2025
Attendance is below acceptable levels—priority must shift back to DE.
40% of the team is not meeting attendance expectations.
Understudies will be used or routines will be reblocked before PrimeTime if attendance doesn't improve.
Understudy roles are clarified in an attached letter—please review.
Nationals expectations are also outlined in a separate attached letter.
As we near the end of the season, attendance issues must be addressed—nearly 40% of the team is not meeting expectations, and immediate changes are needed. Attendance was always expected to take priority during competition season. If this continues, understudies will step in or routines will be reblocked. A letter is attached to clarify the role of understudies, along with a second letter outlining national competition expectations. Please review both documents and reach out with any questions.
Apr 11, 2025
Second full team competition this weekend—let’s go, DE!
Code words for the weekend: Friday–BRAVO, Saturday–DELTA, Sunday–ECHO.
Code words help with dancer safety—make sure parents and dancers know them.
Join in the team chant whenever you hear it—parents too!
Spectators—cheer loud and proud! Your energy lifts the dancers!
Dancers must support teammates by being present in the audience.
Parents—share emails with your dancer so they’re informed and confident.
Get ready for our second full team competition! Use the daily code words (Bravo, Delta, Echo) for added safety, and remember that energy from parents and spectators is vital—join in the team chant and cheer loud! Dancers are expected to support each other by watching and cheering during routines. Parents, help your dancer feel prepared and connected by sharing team updates. Let’s bring the hype and let DE shine all weekend long!
Apr 4, 2025
Dance Out schedule and documents are attached—check stage and time carefully.
Entire team is required to attend.
Use the Dakiki App or Dance Out program link for real-time updates.
Shared dressing areas—be respectful and clean up after yourself.
No photos/videos allowed in dressing areas or during performances.
Photos/videos are allowed during awards ceremonies only.
No live streaming this season for safety reasons.
Be ready to dance 1.5 hours before your scheduled time.
Understudies must be at the venue, ready with hair and makeup.
Handle headpieces/feathers carefully—store in a box or container.
Production shirts still available for pickup in the office.
The Dance Out schedule is attached, and all dancers must double-check their stage and time. Full team attendance is required. Dressing areas are shared, so dancers must be respectful and tidy. No photography or video is allowed during performances or in dressing rooms, though awards ceremonies may be filmed. There will be no live streaming this year due to privacy and safety concerns. Dancers should be ready 1.5 hours early, and understudies must be at the venue with hair and makeup, ready to step in. Handle headpieces with care, and don’t forget to pick up any remaining production shirts from the office.
Mar 28, 2025
Monday after competition will have a relaxed schedule.
Wednesdays before competitions include a 15-minute team session at 7:15 PM.
Bring your dance sister gift on Wednesdays.
Production shirts still available—pick up at the office (4:30-8:00 PM).
Katie is out this weekend; Miss Whitney/Miss Erin will handle her routines.
April statements include costume fees/credits, Nationals extras, production shirts, and DE gear.
Dance sister gifts due by Friday 6 PM, Friday night, or Saturday by 11 AM.
Competition is live-streamed—check the website for details.
Arrive 2 hours early (or at door open time) and be prepared.
Support all routines—stay in the auditorium and cheer for teammates.
Bring energy—be loud and hype up the dancers!
Following competition weekends, Mondays will have a relaxed schedule. Wednesdays before competitions include a short team-building session, and dancers should bring their sister gifts. Production shirts are still available for pickup. Katie will be out this weekend, with Miss Whitney and Miss Erin covering her routines. April statements reflect various fees and credits—check the notes section for details. Dance sister gifts must be delivered by Friday evening or Saturday morning. This weekend’s competition is live-streamed, and dancers should arrive early, stay to support all routines, and bring high energy to cheer on the team.
Mar 21, 2025
Check performance bag for missing or extra costume pieces.
Costume alterations and fixes are the dancer’s responsibility.
"When You’re a Wimp" dancers must wear a nude bra.
Dance Sister Jotform due tomorrow; $10 gift limit.
Legacy Dance Competition (March 28-30) – full team must attend.
No photography or videotaping allowed at Legacy.
Keep sick dancers home; no attendance if running a fever.
Nationals Extra Jotform due March 24th; no deadline extensions.
The team is reminded to check performance bags for missing costume items and handle any needed alterations. The Dance Sister "Get to Know" Jotform is due tomorrow, with a $10 gift limit. The Legacy Dance Competition will take place March 28-30 at the Lied Center in Lawrence, and full team attendance is required. Photography and videotaping are prohibited, but free media is included. Dancers should stay home if they are sick, especially with a fever. The Nationals Extra Jotform is due March 24th with no deadline extensions, and while the banquet is optional, past experience shows dancers won’t want to miss it.
Mar 7, 2025
Friends & Family Showcase: Sunday, March 9th at Ottawa Auditorium; rehearsal and show lineups attached.
Set clocks forward Saturday night!
Final costume balances on April statements, due April 1st if owed.
Production dancers: Bring bucket for accessories.
DMA Competition (Elite only): Venue details, schedules, and required parent consent form included.
Pop-up Convention: March 16, Mini, Pre-Company, and Elite invited, 10 AM–1 PM; sign-up link provided.
Nationals optional activities (Elite only): Order form and deadline March 24th, fees due April 1st.
Friday night soloists: Small dressing room—avoid large duffels.
With Friends and Family Showcase happening this Sunday, and DMA competition for Elite coming soon, this update is packed with essential info! Attachments include house rules, rehearsal schedule, and show lineup for Sunday. Final costume balances will appear on April statements. Daylight savings reminder to set clocks ahead Saturday night. Elite company DMA info and consent form are included, along with details for a March 16th pop-up convention open to Mini, Pre-Company, and Elite dancers. Optional Nationals activities (Elite only) are available to sign up for by March 24th. Let’s get excited to hit the stage!
Mar 3, 2025
Full attendance required for all rehearsals this week and next.
Bring all accessories for tonight’s production rehearsal.
DE Spirit Day is Wednesday, but rehearsals are still on.
Adjustments may be made to routines after Friends and Family before DMA.
With Friends and Family and DMA approaching, it is critical that every dancer attends all rehearsals in full this week and next. Some routines have yet to run with the entire group, so attendance is a top priority. Miss Erin has accommodated outside commitments, but now the DE team needs to come first. Bring all accessories (wrist pieces, feathers, headpieces) to tonight’s production rehearsal, as this is the only chance to practice with them before the showcase. Wednesday is DE Spirit Day, but all rehearsals will still take place—attendance is required.
Feb 28, 2025
Friends and Family Showcase: Sunday, March 9th at Ottawa Auditorium.
Sunday rehearsal & show lineup attached (Friday & Saturday rehearsals at the studio).
DE Spirit Day: Wednesday, March 5th – wear green and black dancewear.
Pre-Elite invited to attend at 7 PM, Mini & Elite follow regular schedule.
Final costume fees will appear on April statements (adjustments included).
With the first performance approaching, this update provides key details for the Friends and Family Showcase on Sunday, March 9th at Ottawa Auditorium. Attached are the Sunday rehearsal lineup and show lineup. Friday and Saturday rehearsals will be at the studio. DE Spirit Day is on Wednesday, March 5th, where dancers should wear green and black and participate in a sneak peek of routines. Final costume fees will appear on the April statement, reflecting adjustments for accessories, alterations, and other expenses.
Feb 14, 2025
Zoom competition team meeting: Sunday, Feb 16, 7:00 PM (link provided).
Costume pickup: Mini (Feb 26), Pre-Elite (Feb 28), Elite (Mar 3).
Production shirts: Order form available; deadline approaching.
Team directory: Attached with helpful info.
Nationals travel: Disney ticket deadline – Feb 25 for 2024 rates; Universal tickets available for DMA attendees.
This update includes important reminders and deadlines for the team. A Zoom competition team meeting is scheduled for Sunday, February 16th, at 7:00 PM, with a video call link provided. Costumes will go home on different dates based on team level, starting February 26th for Mini, February 28th for Pre-Elite, and March 3rd for Elite. The production shirt order form is available, with a deadline to order soon (not mandatory, but encouraged). A team directory is attached with useful information, thanks to Kristen Schwartz. Nationals updates include a deadline to purchase Disney tickets at 2024 rates by February 25th, with discounted Universal Studios tickets available for DMA attendees (orders must be placed at least a week before arrival).
Feb 7, 2025
Extra rehearsal schedule attached—check for conflicts and email if needed.
New jackets are at the printer and arriving soon.
Dance Out Solo Title: No participants yet; deadline to sign up is Sunday at 10 PM, $35 fee.
Shoutout to DMA soloists and the Chiefs!
This update includes the extra rehearsal practice schedule (attached) and asks dancers to check for any schedule conflicts, notifying the studio if needed. The new jackets are currently at the printer and should arrive soon. The Dance Out Solo Title opportunity is still available, but no dancers have signed up yet. Those interested must notify the studio by Sunday at 10 PM, with a $35 fee to participate. The update ends with an uplifting quote and encouragement for DMA soloists and the Chiefs!
Feb 1, 2025
Dance sister gifts required for Legacy, Dance Out, and Legacy competitions only.
• Team Christmas gifts available for pickup in the office.
• Performance dance bag checklist attached.
• Team directory will be included in next week’s email and printed with costumes.
• DMA Solo Title event on February 8th in St. Joseph, MO.
• Production shirt order form coming in next week’s email.
• Dance Out Competition: Soloists only; optional title opportunity, $35, RSVP by March 1st.
• Extra rehearsal schedule will be in next Friday’s email.
This update provides reminders and new information for upcoming events. Dance sister gifts are only needed for the Legacy and Dance Out competitions. If you missed the Team Christmas Party, your gift is available for pickup in the office. A performance dance bag checklist is attached, and the team directory will be shared in next week’s email and distributed with costumes. Details for the DMA Solo Title event on February 8th in St. Joseph, MO, are provided for those who want to attend and support their teammates. A production t-shirt order form will be sent next week. Soloists competing at Dance Out can participate in an optional title competition for $35 (deadline to sign up: March 1st). The extra rehearsal schedule (Feb 28, Mar 1-2, Mar 7-8) will be included in next Friday’s email.
Jan 17, 2025
Jacket returns due Monday; fittings end Wednesday.
DE gear orders due January 26.
Friends and Family Showcase on March 9.
Extra rehearsals: Feb 28-Mar 2, Mar 7-9.
Upcoming dates: 2/7-8: DMA Solo Title Competition. 2/16: Zoom Team Meeting. 3/28-30: Legacy Competition.
This update covers a variety of important topics, including updates on team jackets, DE gear, changes to the Friends and Family Showcase schedule, and upcoming dates for rehearsals, competitions, and meetings. The current jackets are being replaced with new Lululemon jackets, and fittings must be completed by next Wednesday. DE gear orders are due by January 26th. The Friends and Family Showcase will now take place on March 9th at the Ottawa Auditorium, with extra rehearsal days adjusted accordingly. A detailed look-ahead schedule highlights key dates for February and March.