Five Fun Facts about Tap!

By Beth Jordahl

Tap dancing is a rhythmic, exciting and dynamic form of dance. It captivates the ears, and the eyes as dancers use their shoes to add to their performance. Tap dancers are, quite literally, musicians with their feet. It has a rich history that began over a hundred years ago! Today, it is an important element of any dancer’s repertoire as it is used in many Broadway productions and dance companies.

As we celebrate and admire the history of tap dancing, here are five fun facts that you might not know!

1. Tap dancing is the combination of Irish clog & step dancing with the rhythms of West African drumming.

In the mid 1600’s, Scottish and Irish laborers brought their social dances with them to America. Slaves were inspired by the rapid toe and heel action and added it to West African step dances. The two styles slowly influenced each other forming a hybrid that was both fluid and rhythmic.

 2. The term “tap” started being used around 1902.

There were two popular techniques. A fast style that used wooden-sole shoes, or Buck-and-Wing, and a smoother style that used leather-sole shoes, called Soft-Shoe.

Eventually, people started to hammer pennies or nails into the toes and heels. The metal plates, or taps, were later added to leather-soled shoes and started being used in a style that combined elements of both techniques by the 1920s.

 3. There were many movies made with tap dancing numbers from the 1930s to the 1950s.

Tap numbers became an important part of both movies and television. There was Shirley Temple who “tapped” onto the screen at 6 years old. Gene Kelly, who introduced a style of tap heavily influenced by ballet. Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, who combined tap and ballroom to create beautiful dance scenes that were often captured in a single take.

4. The first rule of tap is to keep your knees relaxed and your weight in the ball of your foot.

Tap dancing takes a great deal of work and dedication. But it is worth it! Taking tap increases your rhythm, balance, musicality, and showmanship.

 5. Taps are now screwed onto the bottom of shoes. This is not just to keep them on the shoe!

The taps can be tightened or loosened to change the sound or “tone” of the shoe. It also means that any pair of hard soled shoes can become tap shoes! This makes for some awesome costume tap shoes in productions.

For a bonus fun fact, check out these famous tap dancers. Their passion and persistence changed the way we tap now.

●       Bill “Bojangles” Robinson (1878—1949) began dancing in minstrel and vaudeville shows. He was able to adapt and moved on to perform on Broadway, Hollywood Radio programs, and television. You may recognize one of his most popular routines, where he danced up and down a staircase!

●      Jeni Le Gon (1916-2012) was one of the first black women to become a tap soloist in the early 20th century. She wore pants instead of skirts. So, she developed an athletic, acrobatic style. She used mule kicks and flying splits.

●      The Nicholas Brothers: Fayard (1914-2006) and Harold (1921-2000) Nicholas had a tap career in movies and television that lasted more than 70 years. George Balanchine invited them to appear in his Broadway production of Babes in Arms. They had a unique style of grace, strength, and boldness.

●      Henry LeTang, (1915-2007) choreographed several hit Broadway revues including Black and Blue, and was mentor to several generations of tap dancers. He began dancing at age seven and opened his first New York City studio when he was just 17! He taught many amazing tap dancers including; Billie Holliday, Eleanor Powell, Debbie Allen, Savion Glover, and Gregory Hines.

●      Savion Glover (b. 1973) starred in the Broadway hit The Tap Dance Kid. Glover mixes classic moves like those of his teacher Gregory Hines with his own more contemporary style. For his Broadway choreography, he has won several Tony awards. He has a unique style of tap, called “hitting”.

●      Gregory Hines (1946-2003) was a dancer, actor, choreographer and singer. He is one of the most celebrated tap dancers of all time. He was well-known for his complexity in the improvisation of steps, sounds, and rhythms. He starred in over 40 films, and many Broadway shows.

 Now that you know some more about tap dancing, go give it a try or look up one of these famous tap dancers and watch some of their routines!

Keeping the Faith in Uncertain Times

Written by Mimi McKinnis

“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.”     — Philippians 2:3-5

 Turning Pointe’s mission is two-fold. Not only do we strive to fully develop our student’s talents, we encourage them to use their gifts to bless others in the community and beyond. Over the years, Turning Pointe students, families, performance and training divisions have performed in dozens of community events, for senior citizens, residents of rehabilitation and medical facilities around the city, and for low-income students and struggling members of the Colorado Springs community. In addition to dance, we’ve also come together as a studio to volunteer, raise money for charitable causes through Compassion International, Pulpit Rock Church’s Love Your Neighbor Team, and All Things Possible Ministries, and collect donations for local organizations like Springs Rescue Mission, Care and Share Food Bank and Twain Elementary.

 And then came COVID-19.

 Last February, students of Turning Pointe’s Training Division performed for families at the Ronald McDonald House of Southern Colorado’s Valentine’s Day party — as the House Manager recently described it, “our last real big hurrah.” Similarly, Turning Pointe’s outreach efforts began to encounter challenges, beginning with the cancellation of March’s Saint Patrick’s Day outreach performance. As the pandemic began to grow, options for service throughout the city began to shrink. Events were cancelled, dance classes moved online, and the lobby remained closed, making donation drop-offs a thing of the past — which was just as well, since organizations were just beginning to navigate how to safely accept items that can’t be sanitized from outside groups.

 But as with all things over the last year, we just had to get creative. Afterall, “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have the works?” (James 2:14)

 This year, members of Turning Pointe’s Training Division will once again worship with the families currently residing at the Ronald McDonald House for Valentine’s Day, this time digitally, through taped performances and recorded words of encouragement played on TVs as children cycle through at mealtimes. And for Saint Patrick’s Day? Students from Turning Pointe’s Irish 4/5 class will perform for the Gleneagle Sertoma Club over Zoom.

 Beginning last April, Turning Pointe took its first steps in contact-free outreach, encouraging students to write letters and draw pictures to be attached to the 125 deliveries made to isolated seniors by Meals on Wheels each week. Students of Fidele Youth Dance Company followed suit during its 2020 season, delivering a digital production and writing letters of encouragement that were delivered to the Healthcare Resort of Colorado Springs.

 When in-person classes resumed, Turning Pointe collected more than 160 lbs of food for Care and Share Food Bank, and the Training Division took their winter outreach to the screen, delivering recorded Christmas wishes and performances to local nursing homes via flash drive.

 While times are certainly changing, our commitment to keeping a servant’s heart beating within the studio is unchanged. Read your Weekly Wednesday emails for upcoming service opportunities, and feel free to pass along any ideas of your own. Like 1 John 4:9 says:

 “Our love for others is our grateful response to the love God first demonstrated to us.”

Twirl Bible Study- January

Written by: Mimi McKinnis

January is a time of new beginnings — a new year on the calendar, a new semester in the classroom, and new goals to work toward and achieve. While we might feel anxious to get a jump start on our resolutions (and our students are just as eager to start recital dances and take home their costumes), this month, our Twirl classes are learning about patience, studying Psalm 46:10:

 “Be still, and know that I am God.”

 One of the most tried and true activities in your Twirl student’s class is Freeze Dance. They love it because it’s fun. We love it because it encourages growth in spatial awareness, creativity, and most of all, listening skills. If you’re not familiar, it goes a little something like this…

 Step 1: Everyone dances as the music plays, matching whatever rhythm is selected with their movements.

 Step 2: When the music stops, each student must freeze immediately in the position they’re in and hold it until the music begins again.

 Step 3: Repeat.

 Simple enough, right? But challenging in its own ways. It’s easy to get so caught up in what we’re doing (or what our classmates are doing) that we don’t notice that the music has stopped. Sometimes it’s tricky to wait in our pose until the music starts again, especially if we’re in a difficult position. The same is true as we’re dancing through life.

 Step 1: Dance to His beat. Listen to the rhythm He’s set out for you, and walk with Him through it.

 “If you faithfully obey the voice of the Lord your God, being careful to do all his commandments that I command you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth.”   — Deuteronomy 28:1

 Step 2: Stop and be still. Can you still hear His voice? Have you been listening? Maybe your lesson is in His silence. Afterall, the teacher never talks during the test. Are you anxious for the music to begin again, or are you practicing patience, trusting His perfect will and timing?

 “Make me to know your ways, O Lord; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long.”   —  Psalm 25:4-5

 Step 3: Repeat.

 Philippians 1:9 says, “I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding.”

 Life’s not a one-and-done round of Freeze Dance. We are God’s works in progress, so let’s be intentional about practicing patience. Let’s make a point of being still, and encourage our Twirl student to do the same. I know what you’re thinking… patience and stillness with a preschool dancer is much easier said than done! We hear you. Here’s a few tips to help as you practice these lessons together:

●      Block out the noise. I think we can all agree that the world is a crazy place right now. Headlines swirl, storm clouds loom, and even our youngest students continue to adapt to new rules and routines on a daily basis (kind of feels like it’s just December 42, 2020, am I right?). But rather than buckling under the weight of it all, we can turn off the noise (and the news) and instead remind ourselves of His words (and take the time to review and recite this month’s memory verse together):

“Come, behold the works of the LORD, how he has brought desolations on the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the chariots with fire. ‘Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!’”

●      Commit to quiet time with the Lord as a family. Much like our beloved Freeze Dance, this activity has plenty of benefits: It practices self-discipline, it creates intentional routine, and it keeps us mindful of God’s presence. For parents and older students, this might look like 5 minutes of devotions over coffee or time studying the scriptures before bed. Help your Twirl student establish good quiet time habits (and practice patience) by having them lay down, close their eyes, and be still as they listen to a Worship song (we suggest “Be Still and Know” by Hillsong), or simply stop and read Bible stories together throughout the week when things feel hectic.

●      Pray together. Matthew 6:27 says: “Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?” Turn to Him. Talk to Him. The music will start again. Philippians 4:6 reminds us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.”

 Be patient. Be still. Know. God’s got it.

January Devotional: Begin

Written by Beth Jordahl

 “Always we begin again.” - St. Benedict

 I love the New Year. I love buying fresh calendars and new journals. I love dreaming about what the year will hold and all that I want to accomplish and learn. I make lists - lots of lists. Lists of goals, books, foods, plans, hopes, so on. I go through a whole process of reflecting back on the past year and then praying and hoping for the new year.

 It’s a fresh start. A chance to begin again.

As author L. M. Montgomery said in her book Anne of Green Gables, “Isn't it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?” and now ahead of us is a whole, fresh, new year. Just waiting to be filled up with new memories, mistakes, and beginnings!

Our verse for the month of January talks about how God is doing something new, something that has already begun.

 "For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland."

- Isaiah 43:19

This last year we faced things we never thought we would and dealt with new and difficult circumstances. We are now very familiar with zoom, masks, sanitizers, and changing plans at the last minute. As a studio, we have adjusted plans and pivoted. Our performances have looked different this year. Our classes have been flexible in new ways. And all of this while we continue to trust God’s plans and move forward to the best of our abilities.

In our wilderness of uncertainty, God made a new pathway.

In our dry wasteland of worries and anxiety, God created rivers.

Now here we are, at the end of this year and the beginning of the next.

For many, the end of 2020 may be a sign of hope, or a painful reminder of what is different this year, or just a day marking the passage of time.

For us as Christians, it can be a reminder of how God creates something new in us over and over again. After all, He is the God of new beginnings. From nothing, He created the universe. From dust, He created mankind. From our old, broken selves, He creates new fully alive hearts.

“ Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.

The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.”

-       2 Corinthians 5:17

 So as we step into this New Year, and step into what God is doing, how do we begin?

I think there are a few things we can do as we begin this year.

●      REFLECT

Before we step into what’s new, let’s reflect back on what happened last year. We can look at everything, the bad and the good. Then list out all of the ways you saw God at work in your life last year.

●      DREAM

Now is the time! Dream all the dreams. Think about what might be happening this year for you, your family, your community. Then list out everything you are hoping will happen or hoping to accomplish. Maybe this year you want to grow in your flexibility as a dancer or as a person, or perhaps you want to learn a new language. Maybe you are hoping to grow as a friend, or do more volunteering. Whatever it is, list it out!

●      PRAY

Once you have your list, pray over it. Ask God to show you what things are from Him and where your focus should be. If you are doing this as a family, talk about everything and see where you all agree. Adjust the list if you need to.

●      BEGIN

The only thing left to do is start. Make a plan and then move forward. As Charles H. Spurgeon said, “Begin as you mean to go on, and go on as you began, and let the Lord be all in all to you.” (Read that again, if you need to.)

As you begin this year, remember...

“The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.”

-       Lamentations 3:22-23

Share with us what it is that you are beginning! Tag us in your instagram posts @turningpointedancecolorado. We are excited to see what is new in your lives!

Twirl Bible Study: December

Written by Beth Jordahl

 For December, all of our Twirl classes are talking about peace through the verse: Proverbs 3:5:

 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart."

 What do you think of when you hear the word PEACE?

 A quiet house? Being certain of something? A feeling that settles over your heart and soul?

“Peace” in the Bible is a little bit different than you may expect. In Hebrew, it is Shalom and in Greek, it is Eirene. These words usually refer to a wide range of ideas including totality or completeness, success, fulfillment, wholeness, harmony, security and well being.

 These are all things that we want and hope for. We all want to be complete, have success and a sense of security. The year 2020 has seemed to combat all of these ideas. The year has flown by, and now it’s Christmastime!

 Which may not seem like a peaceful time! There are gifts to buy and wrap, activities to participate in at school, time with family, school projects, and more to coordinate. But there is something so magical about this time of year in the eyes of a child! To them the Christmas vacation, extra family time, and anticipation create a memorable atmosphere. In fact, some of these memories will become ones they dwell on for their whole lives.

 Television and movies lead us to focus on gifts or parties or making this season as big as possible. Yet as Christians, this is the time of year where we focus on the birth of Jesus. We call this season Advent. (Advent marks the four weeks leading up to Christmas.)

 Advent means “the arrival of a notable person, thing or event.” It is a season marked by waiting and anticipation, preparation for our Savior to come to earth. A reminder of how the world is still waiting for Jesus to return.

 It is essentially, a time of peace!

 It makes me think of that song, Silent Night:

“Silent night, holy night
All is calm, all is bright
'Round yon virgin Mother and Child
Holy infant so tender and mild
Sleep in heavenly peace
Sleep in heavenly peace

Silent night, holy night!
Shepherds quake at the sight!
Glories stream from heaven afar;
Heavenly hosts sing Al-le-lu-ia!
Christ the Savior is born!
Christ the Savior is born!

 I don’t think that the night when Jesus was born was actually silent. There was probably a lot of noise! Yet, I think at some point, there was a hush. Jesus slept, the animals were still, and Mary and Joseph probably felt the peace of God all around them. They probably sensed fulfillment, wholeness, and security.

 In this month, we want to encourage you all to create moments of true peace for your family! Here are some ideas:

Worship
Play one of your families’ favorite worship songs. Ask your kiddos to dance along or sit and listen. Then afterwards, ask them what the song makes them think or feel.

Pray
Pick one night a week or more to specifically ask your child for their prayer requests. Be prepared! They might sound silly to you, but to them they could be very important. Then take time to pray as a family, thanking God for this season and all that He has provided.

Draw
Ask your child what makes them feel at peace. You might have to prompt or encourage them to help them identify this feeling. But as you share what makes you feel at peace, they will recognize that feeling themselves. Ask them to draw the feeling of peace, or what makes them feel at peace. You can even create a family peace list, full of things that help all of you feel at peace.

Get into Nature
Nature can be a very peaceful place! So try to take some time to get outside, weather permitting. Go for a walk, or hike. Maybe even take a picnic or a snack. Find a beautiful view. Admire it with your kids. Help them see the beautiful things around them.

Remember
Take some time to memorize this month’s verse! Maybe say it out loud at meals or before bed. Ask your kids what it means to trust God. And talk about how trust and faith can bring peace.

 May your holidays be merry and bright! And may this season bring a sense of peace amidst the uncertainty and difficulty that seems to have disrupted our year.

December Devotional: Believe

There’s something so special about this time of the year. The sights, the sounds, the smells — all reminiscent of family, traditions and memories of Christmases past. There are reminders everywhere that Jesus’ birthday is just around the corner... even the decor around town is adorned with this month’s devotional word: Believe.

 American Christmas traditions offer plenty to believe in — Santa Claus delivering presents, flying reindeer, and a snowman that comes to life at the touch of a magic top hat, to name a few. The same can be said for the holiday’s true meaning — that God sent His only son (born to a virgin in a manger, no less) to atone for our sins. Not only that, but that Jesus would live a perfect life, be crucified, and resurrected from His grave three days later. Even His disciples had trouble believing that last part (Luke 24:11).

 ‘Tis the season to believe the unbelievable.

Which brings us to this month’s memory verse (Mark 11:23-24):

 “I tell you the truth, you can say to the mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen. But you must really believe it will happen and have no doubt in your heart. I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.”

 There’s a scene toward the end of the movie “Elf” where Santa’s sleigh has crashed, and with engines damaged, the only way to assist the reindeer in getting it off of the ground is by running the vehicle on Christmas cheer. Efforts to restore belief around the city ensue, but each time someone doubts (or refuses to sing), the sleigh once again comes crashing down, runners to mud.

 Stay with me here.

 In Matthew 14 (beginning with verse 22), Jesus walks on water. Here again, His disciples’ belief was put to the test, and Peter asks the Lord to prove Himself by bringing him to do the same. With strong belief, Peter walks atop the waves. But as he pauses to consider the elements, fear overwhelms faith, and Jesus reaches out to save him from the waters beneath their feet.

“‘You of little faith,’ He said, ‘why did you doubt?’” (Matthew 14:31)

Is there doubt in your heart this holiday season? Is anything pulling the runners of your sleigh from the sky? With all the uncertainty in the world around us this year (even the protocols for our class Christmas programs changed just days prior), it’s easy to consider the elements and feel like we’re drowning instead of walking with God.

But good news: We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father [and the Son]. We believe.

 Whatever this difficult year throws your way—be it fear, doubt, or simply faith overwhelmed—take heart. Just as He was there to pull Peter from the water, He is there with each of us, arms outstretched, hands open to save us from our unbelief. Be encouraged. “I tell you, you can pray for anything, and if you believe that you’ve received it, it will be yours.”

Favorite Things: Gifts for Dancers

Put together by Tina Cook and Beth Jordahl

‘Tis the season!
We know that you are already dreaming of things to give your dancer for Christmas. So we wanted to help out by giving you some ideas! Here are our favorite things this season that would make excellent gifts for dancers of any age.

 Books- All of these books can be found on Amazon, or give your favorite local bookshop a call and see if they can order it in for you.

• Bunheads by Misty Copeland

                        From prima ballerina and New York Times bestselling author Misty Copeland comes the story of a young Misty, who discovers her love of dance through the ballet Coppélia--a story about a toymaker who devises a villainous plan to bring a doll to life. With beautiful illustrations by Setor Fiagzigby, this book would grace any ballerina’s bookshelf.

• Katarina Ballerina by Tiler Peck & Kyle Harris

            A young girl lives out her big ballerina dreams in this graceful start to a new series from New York City Ballet principal dancer and international prima ballerina Tiler Peck and Broadway and television actor Kyle Harris. Suggested for grade levels 3-7.

•  Dreaming with God by Sara Beth Marr

God knows the desires of our hearts--he put them there. And he calls us to trust, to lean on him, and sometimes . . . to wait. Weaving together her unique perspective as a professional ballerina with profound truths drawn from Scripture and the life of faith, Sarah Beth Marr reminds us that we are not dreaming alone. If God has given us a dream, we can be sure that he will come alongside us as we work toward realizing it. Using her own story as a catalyst, Marr encourages women to surrender their plans to God, to stay in tempo with his Spirit, and to step into a deeper relationship with Christ. When they do, she says, they will be able to move confidently into the future, knowing that their dreams and God's desires are aligned in perfect harmony. This beautiful book will encourage any middle grade to college or beyond dancer!

•  Dancing Through It by Jennifer Ringer

Jenifer Ringer, a principal dancer with the New York City Ballet, was thrust into the headlines after her weight was commented on by a New York Times critic, and her response ignited a public dialogue about dance and weight. Ballet aficionados and aspiring performers of all ages will want to join Ringer behind the scenes as she shares her journey from student to star and candidly discusses both her struggle with an eating disorder and the media storm that erupted after the Times review. An unusually upbeat account of life on the stage, Dancing Through It is also a coming-of-age story and an inspiring memoir of faith and of triumph over the body issues that torment all too many women and men. Another encouraging book for high school, college and beyond dancers!

 Dance Gear- Every dancer loves having some new gear to keep them warm, enhance their class time, or practice at home.

•  Leg warmers

           These handy little things keep a dancer's muscles, bones, and ligaments warm as they begin their class. They can be found in any color and style! Find them at amazon, at your favorite local dance store, or even at some other boutiques.

•  Bloch Kids Warm Up Boot/Slipper

Worn by dancers worldwide, Warm Up Booties keep feet warm without the need to remove one's ballet shoes. Encasing feet in a softly padded, durable rip-stop nylon, the booties not only protect the foot but offer longevity to ballet shoes. A velcro strap secures the booties whilst the padded outsole is covered in a non-slip PVC. These can be found at Amazon or at any ballet store in town.

•  Theraband

We specifically suggest the “Plumband Stretch band for dance and ballet” search for it on Amazon. There's a reason people are in love with the PlumBand! It's a strong, elastic stretch band made from one continuous loop of premium grade natural rubber with the perfect thickness and resistance for the strength and flexibility training required in ballet and dance. And its loop design lets you focus on position and proper technique while stretching with your arms and upper body free. This is helpful for intermediate to advanced dancers.

•  TP Logowear

What better way to support our studio and get awesome dancewear than buying Turning Pointe gear! We have t-shirts, sweatshirts, jackets, and more. Head over to https://turningpointeschoolofdance.com/logowear-1.

Dance Lessons - Give the Gift of Dance Sale- Dec 7-12 only!

*Twirl Gift Bundle= tutu + summer mini camp= $60 ($80 value)

*Purchase a $100 giftcard for $80, a $50 giftcard for $40, and $25 for $20 (valid Jan 1, 2021-Dec 31, 2021 and limit to 1 per family per value)

*20% off in stock TP merch

Hopefully these ideas will help you as you start to look for meaningful gifts this season.

 May your holidays be merry and bright!

Happy Thanksgiving from Turning Pointe Dance!

This month we’ve emphasized thankfulness on our social media channels, in our classes and with our Twirl students, sharing things throughout each week to create a thankful mindset in our studio and our homes. This week, even though the studio doors are closed, our hearts are open and full! As we spend time with our families and prepare for the holidays ahead, here are just a few of the things WE’RE thankful for at Turning Pointe!

 “I am thankful for people who are always there for me!” — Ms. Lyla

 “I am thankful for all the sunshine! I am also very thankful that both my husband's and my employer have worked so hard to keep their employees working during this difficult time!” — Ms. Sara

 “I am grateful for a workplace that allows me to put my family first. This allows me to have a great sense of family-work balance. AND I am grateful for amazing Turning Pointe kids who show up when we need them year after year!” — Ms. Tonya

“This year I'm thankful for a 15 minute drive to Thanksgiving dinner instead of a 15 hour drive!” — Ms. Tasha

 “I am thankful for all of the little surprises and blessings the changes of COVID has brought. I’ve been pushed to get creative and some of those ideas will outlive this moment of disruption.” — Ms. Melissa

 “I am grateful for the arts. They are what keep me sane during this time of chaos and confusion.” — Ms. Anna

 “I am thankful for parents of students who truly care about the whole child!” — Ms. Lauren

 “I'm grateful to work with people who share my passion for the arts and for Jesus!” — Ms. Sarah

 “I am thankful for all the people God has placed in my life who are willing to support me any way they can.” — Ms. Angela

 “I’m thankful for technology that keeps us connected to loved ones far away.” — Ms. Jenner

“I’m thankful that my University has been able to stay in-person, and I am thankful for my community(Work, School and Family).” — Ms. Abby

 “I’m thankful to be able to see this season through the eyes of my kids. They see everything as a gift!” — Ms. Jennifer

“I’m thankful for the extra time I’ve had with my family as we all work from home this year!” — Ms. Mimi

“I am thankful for my amazing family who support me and love me unconditionally. I'm thankful for our staff and teachers who are the dream team and inspire me daily!! I'm thankful to our families and students and my friends who send me encouraging emails and words of life to help me keep going and remind me why I do what I do.” - Ms. Tina

 Most of all, we’re thankful for the staff, students and families who make Turning Pointe so special! Enjoy Thanksgiving break this week… we’ll see you Monday, Nov. 30!

Twirl Bible Study: November

This month, all of our Twirl students are talking about thankfulness through Psalm 107:1:

“Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.”

 With Thanksgiving coming up next week, we want to share a few of our favorite ways to embrace the season with your Twirl student!

Make it a Habit

Set aside some time each day to count your blessings! So often we’re caught up in what we need and what needs to be done that we don’t look around and find peace in what we have. It’s exhausting! Make time to be thankful and work it into your daily routine. Talk with your Twirl students about what makes their hearts happy first thing in the morning, over lunch or even before bed, then pray together to thank God for each of the things on your hearts each day. Making a habit of thankfulness is a great way to cultivate a heart of gratitude!

See the Good

Practice turning moments of frustration into moments of gratitude. Didn’t understand a step at dance? Didn’t stand on your usual dotty spotty in class? Maybe you’re out of your favorite snacks, your favorite outfit or blanket is in the laundry, or you’re back to e-learning for a few weeks. Whatever your Twirl student is struggling with, practice finding gratitude in each moment. As the seasons change, rather than being sad it’s dark so early or too cold to play outside, be thankful for a warm house to keep you safe, warm drinks and blankets, or the beautiful colors and smells in each day. God gives us reasons to be thankful in every season! After all, without winter, we wouldn’t have spring.

Try some Activities!

Use play or craft time to practice being thankful as a family! Here are some ideas to get you started:

●      Make a thankful turkey: Make a body with some construction paper, then cut out some feathers in all different colors. Each day, have your family write something they’re thankful for on a feather, then add it to the turkey’s tail.

●      Start a thankfulness jar: Have your family write things they’re thankful for on small pieces of paper, fold them up, and sneak them into a jar throughout the day. Open the jar at Thanksgiving dinner and take turns reading each note aloud to share in each other’s hearts.

●      Write some thank you notes: A little effort goes a long way! Ask your Twirl student to write a note of gratitude to someone they’re thankful for. Write it together, encourage them to write it themselves or simply draw a picture instead.

●      Add on to Turning Pointe’s Gratitude Chain: The lobby might be closed, but students can still share their hearts! Stop by the front desk and add a link to our gratitude chain. Grab a strip of the paper provided, write down what you’re grateful for, then use the tape to loop your link and attach it to the chain. Watch as it grows to remember just how much we have to be thankful for!

‘For Such A Time As This’

“I'm excited to see the Lord at work. What a privilege to be a part!”

 As Ms. Tina spoke those final words into the discussion that led to Fidèle Youth Dance Company’s 2020 production story, hearts were at peace. The company was gearing up for its 2019 production. The arts were alive and packing auditoriums. Businesses were open. No one had heard of Zoom and there was plenty of toilet paper and hand sanitizer on the shelves.

 “We trusted the Lord and His direction for the next production, knowing each student would be chosen ‘for such a time as this,’” FYDC director Mimi McKinnis said. “But I don't think any of us could have predicted how ‘this’ would actually look.”

 They chose two Biblical stories, Ruth and Esther, and brainstormed a way to tie them together — something to bring continuity to the performance. After pouring over the scriptures and covering each concept in prayer, it was clear. These were women of faith. This was their theme, divinely chosen as the centerpoint for the 2020 season. After all, Fidèle is French for “faithful.”

 Turns out, throughout this remarkable season, they’ve all needed an extra dose of faith. Faith that they could even hold auditions. Faith that they could rehearse and perform at all. Faith in His provision over their health and safety as they saw this season through. As they faced unpredictable obstacles in an unprecedented year, in their own ways, they were all called up to follow Him in faith, just like the heroines of this year’s production.

 “Thank you to our students for showing up week after week, having faith in this process, and trusting His plan for our season,” McKinnis said. “And thank you to our families for having faith in our company, and for their patience and grace as we've navigated uncharted waters.”

 One day members of FYDC can look back on the challenges they faced this season—the doors that closed, the countless unknowns and the variances, mandates and state requirements that changed almost daily—and smile, knowing their faith was strengthened through the stories of faith told.

 “While it all looks a lot different than what we first envisioned, I can see His hand in every detail,” McKinnis said. “I see it in the verse we chose for our t-shirts, in the cast and choreography that came together, and even in our eventual performance venue, which turned out to be the home of Turning Pointe’s very first recital. We are so blessed by our amazing members. Rather than getting lost in the noise, we came together and stayed true to the company’s name.”

 In a year as crazy as 2020 has been, FYDC has truly seen the Lord at work. What a privilege to be a part!

 See FYDC’s production of “Women of Faith: Ruth & Esther” two ways:

1. In person performances (limited seating, socially distanced)

Watch a live performance at Noon, 3 or 6 p.m., Saturday, November 14, at CSCS

Tickets are limited and available here.

2. Watch the performance from the comfort and safety of your home or church

Purchase a BlueRay or digital download of the production, or rent the link for 24 hours.

 Want to create a theater experience at home? Host a Women of Faith Watch Party! Enjoy a performance of “Women of Faith: Ruth & Esther” from anywhere as you share these gospel messages with your church, small group, coworkers, friends and family. Choose one of the digital options above, then head to the FYDC website for printable programs, performance-inspired recipes, intermission devotionals, and ways to inspire change.