Dear Menlo Park Academy of Dance Families,
We are thrilled to be back in the studios for In Person classes! My sincerest thanks for your continued loyalty and support of the school as we navigate the ever changing landscape. Classes via Zoom will continue to be offered to those that wish to dance from home. I am excited to bring you news about upcoming events for our students to keep them artistically and physically engaged throughout the Summer and into Fall.
JUNE RECITAL 2021 will take place in the form of video recordings of our In Person students and Zoom students performing their class dances, which will then be sent to parents to watch and enjoy at your leisure. Video recordings will take place in class time during the week of June 7th-12th unless dictated otherwise by the teacher, and students may be asked to purchase an accessory to wear instead of a full costume. We are looking forward to June 2022 when we may be able to resume our traditional and beloved end of year Recital in the theatre!
FIVE & TEN YEAR ACHIEVEMENT AWARD recipients will be acknowledged this year as always. If this is your students year to receive an award, please send their name and class to [email protected] no later than May 15th. I will hold a Zoom ceremony with the award recipients on the afternoon of Saturday June 5th. Graduating Seniors will also be acknowledged that day. Recordings will be made available to parents.
The SUMMER INTENSIVE & JUNIOR SUMMER INTENSIVE will take place from June 14th through July 2nd. Students may register for one, two or all three of the weeks. Classes will be offered In Person and via Zoom, Monday to Friday each week, and taught by many of your favorite guest teachers: Erin Yarbrough (Smuin Ballet), Valerie Harmon (Milwaukee Ballet, Smuin Ballet), Leslie Larson (Ballet West), Kristine Elliott (American Ballet Theatre). Contemporary, Jazz, Musical Theatre classes will also be offered, as well as PBT taught by Sarah Arnold (Oakland Ballet) and African Dance with the awesome Mr. Pope! Registration link coming soon.
SUMMER CLASSES will be offered from July 12th through August 7th. Schedule of classes and registration will be posted soon on the MPAD website.
FALL CLASSES will start August 16th, 2021
SHOW YOUR SUPPORT by wearing a Menlo Park Academy of Dance face mask! Black with our pretty logo, adjustable ear loops and nose clip. Available from the MPAD office, $15 each. Also available are t-shirts “Hate is a Virus, Stop Discriminasian” designed by Michael Lowe! 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Asian Health Services in Oakland Chinatown, Michael’s hometown. T-shirts available from the MPAD office, $25 each.
CONGRATULATIONS to former MPAD students! Rebecca Trockel on her professional contract with Ballet West and Jasmine Jamison on her promotion to Soloist at San Francisco Ballet.
My deepest gratitude for your patronage of Menlo Park Academy of Dance. It has been a tough year for everyone but the community has rallied together and we look forward to a brighter future. Many thanks for your notes of encouragement and good wishes – they have been much appreciated by myself and the MPAD Staff.
2022 will mark the 75th Anniversary of Menlo Park Academy of Dance and we are so proud to continue with the tradition of guiding and nurturing young dancers in their artistic endeavors. Please pass on the word that we are open for classes and encourage your friends to join us!
Best wishes,
Miss Sarah
Please contact the MPAD office via email if you have any questions: [email protected]