Dream Big and Dive In!

Are you ready to take your journey to the next level? Whether your dreams are to dance professionally, perform on Broadway, teach in a studio or simply grow in your overall knowledge of theater, stage and dance training, Turning Pointe has a program to help you reach your goals. Through our three divisions—the Training Division, Fidèle Youth Dance Company, and STARZ Theater Company—students interested in ballet training, dance performance, or musical theater can dive deeper than their weekly classes, learning the ins and outs of the professional dance and theater world in a safe, healthy and uniquely faith-based setting.

 Want to know more? Read on for an introduction to each division, then join us at the studio this Saturday, February 26, for an in-person meeting to answer all your questions.

 The Training Division

Informational Meeting Saturday, February 26, from 10-10:30 a.m.

 The Training Division is for dancers ages 10 through adults who are interested in studying Classical Ballet. Studying ballet takes repetition, drive, and commitment. At Turning Pointe, we provide unique pre-collegiate Classical Ballet training for students in a Christian environment and encourage students to train their bodies and spirits for the glory of God.

 In this division, dancers are required to come to ballet technique class three times a week and choose a non- ballet elective (contemporary jazz, worship, modern, etc.). Moving up to the next level is based on ability, not age, and a placement class is required to audition. With the division’s structured program, students gain an appreciation for art, preparation to pursue dance in college, and the ability to springboard into additional training for a professional career. With experienced teachers, cohesive programing and mentorship, students are inspired to become their best self for their family, for the community, and for God.

 For more information, read the Training Division Handbook here.

 Fidèle Youth Dance Company

Informational Meeting Saturday, February 26, from 10:30-11:15 a.m.

 Established in 2014, Fidèle Youth Dance Company is a performance division of Turning Pointe Dance. FYDC’s mission is to impact our community for His Kingdom through the arts, providing students with a healthy and Christ-centered training environment and the opportunity to receive pre-professional training and performance experience. Students audition in the Spring or Summer and rehearse on Saturdays from the season kick-off in July through a final production in mid-November.

Members of Fidèle (French for “faithful”) work with guest instructors to expand their vocabulary and skill sets in dance and acting through movement, participate in weekly Bible study, worship dance and devotion time, and are assigned to prayer groups that allow students to connect, encourage and support each other through fellowship and prayer. FYDC uses the arts as a reflection of God’s creativity, creating a legacy of faith-based productions that transcend the studio and stage.

 For more information, visit FideleYouthDanceCompany.com.

 STARZ Theater Company

Informational Meeting Saturday, February 26, from 11:15 a.m.-Noon

 Starz Theater Company is designed to offer foundational theatrical training, dance technique, and vocal training in a safe environment. Students will learn fine arts skills, build relationships, and learn the ins and outs of stage productions. STC’s desire is to honor God in all they do and serve Him with the talents He has entrusted to them. STC practices this through shared devotions and outreach opportunities. Students will grow as both artists and God’s workmanship as they study, fellowship and worship through their craft. STC desires to be a light in the darkness, stars in this fallen world, who use the arts to direct others toward the love of Christ.

 STC offers year-round opportunities to students from 3rd-12th grade at any point in their theater training through two large-scale musical productions and two Young Performer Summits per season, in addition to theater classes and fundamental training at Turning Pointe. The developmental goals of STC are to develop and strengthen well-rounded, dynamic performers who are grounded in their “whys,” technically equipped, possess organizational performance skills and grasp an understanding of the power and purpose of the arts.

 For more information, visit STARZTheater.org.

TP Top 5: Valentine Activities to Celebrate God’s Love

Happy Valentine’s Day, Turning Pointe family! This month, our littlest students are studying love as a Fruit of the Spirit, and memorized Matthew 22:37, “love the Lord with all your heart.” As we spend this holiday surrounded by love and candy hearts, check out some suggestions below for additional activities you can do to celebrate God’s love with your dancers!

 1. Make a God’s Love Craft

 Start by making a cross with whatever you have at home—this can be popsicle sticks, construction paper, cardboard, etc. Then find a heart to stick in the center, like a sticker, a construction paper cutout or even a candy heart. Attach your heart, then draw arrows at the ends of all four points of your cross, pointing outward in each direction to remind your students how high, how long, how deep, and how wide the love of God is. Read Ephesians 3:18 together and talk about it! Then find a place to display your cross to be reminded of God’s love all month long.

 2. Make a Heart Wall

 Start by making a big pile of paper hearts, then talk about all the ways God loves us (by forgiving our sins, by bringing us into His family, by making us new, etc.), or how you’ve seen God’s love in your life lately. Write each one down on a heart, then stick each one up on a wall to see just how much He loves us. Stuck on what to write? What does the Bible say about love?

 3. Dance it Out

 Alternate singing the lines of some classic songs like “Jesus Loves Me,” “Jesus Loves the Little Children” or “I’ve Got the Joy Joy Joy Joy Down in my Heart.” Talk about the words and what you’re singing about, then look up the scriptures that inspired each lyric. Make up a dance to go along with each sentiment, show off what you’ve been working on in class and perform your verse and song together with family or friends!

 4. Find God’s Love at Snack Time

 Start by finding a snack or meal that has a hole in the middle, like a bagel, a donut, Fruit Loops or Cheerios, dried apple rings or pineapple rings. Then find a complimentary food like strawberries, and cut them into heart shapes. Talk about how on our own, there’s something missing! Cover the hole with a heart and talk about how God’s love makes us whole, and when we’re filled with His love, we’re not missing anything! You can even go a step farther (if your snack permits) and discuss how “the Holy Spirit spreads God’s love over us” with cream cheese, icing, peanut butter, etc.

 5. Spread the Love

 When we really understand God’s love, it overflows through us! But we’re not called to keep all that love for ourselves—we’re called to show God’s love by serving others! Valentine’s Day is a great time to spread love. Take some time this week to make little goodie bags filled with treats, scripture passages, notes of encouragement, etc., and hand them out to neighbors, teachers, bus drivers, cowerkers, strangers… really anyone you see throughout your days! Short on supplies? Start small and fill out a card or heart for your teacher or TA the next time you’re at Turning Pointe. The front desk staff will provide the materials, hang them on your classroom door and even make sure your teachers get all of their love at the end of the month!

February Devotion: Regard

Ah, new month, new devotion. As Christians, we use this word to describe our one-on-one time with God, usually spent in prayer, dancing, reading our Bibles or studying scriptures and prompts shared by others—any way we can grow in our faith and exercise our devotion to Him. No, that’s not our Bible study word of the month, but one of its synonyms is: Regard.

 Devotion is to have constant regard for, and dedication to, someone. To regard is to consider or think of someone with great awe or devotion. And while their meanings do differ in some ways, both words are defined by their relationship to something or someone else. Both words are selfless, and rooted in humility, just as He has called us to be.

 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests, but each of you to the interests of others.                                                                                                                      — Philippians 2:3-4

 I think maybe the biggest reflection of our brokenness is how we don’t instinctively think of others. We regard ourselves and our own interests first and foremost, often getting lost in a me-centered world that revolves around what we want or think we need. Even when we talk a selfless talk, there always seems to be a hint of our own self-satisfaction peeking through our heart and motives. But, according to both Matthew 23:12 and Luke 14:11, those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.

 We are called to put ourselves last (Philippians 2:3), to serve one another in love (Galatians 5:13), and to value the interests of others above our own (Philippians 2:4), just as Jesus did, but that’s not to say we should disregard ourselves. In our verse of the month, Paul encourages a mindset that gives up self-indulgence and instead acts collectively with regard to the advancement of others. Not to carry an attitude of inferiority. Mark 12:31 says to love our neighbors as ourselves, not love our neighbors, not ourselves. By turning this passage into a cross of self-deprecation, we’re once again making it about ourselves—which is the opposite of Paul’s intent.

 Let’s remember the heart of this month’s word and devotion. This scripture does not revolve around you. It’s important to remember that Paul is addressing a whole nation here: “but to each of you,” look to the interests of others. Humility is possible by the grace of God, and through His people collectively acting with regard to each other just as He constantly shows His devotion to us. Paul is encouraging us to join a selfless community that looks out for each other, to practice selflessly serving the needs of those around us without regard to our own self-serving desires, but rather devote ourselves to furthering the good of everyone, loving others the way we have been and continue to be loved by Jesus.

 To put it simply, putting yourself down is not lifting others up. Likewise, lifting yourself up does not look after the interests of others. There is a balance rooted in selflessness, following Jesus’ example in regard to others. Seems tricky, right? You’re absolutely right. It’s a balance we’re not capable of finding on our own. We can’t love those around us unconditionally if we ourselves haven’t received unconditional love, and the only one who loves us perfectly is Jesus Christ. If our worth and value are planted in anything other than Him, we will continue to wrestle with selfishness, regarding others the way the world does, not the way He has shown and taught us. Instead, let’s listen for the Holy Spirit, and learn to respond with regard for humble generosity, placing value on the interests of others as we grow and flourish in Him together. 

TP Top 5: Benefits of Studio Activities

We’ve all heard the benefits of extracurricular activities, whether they’re at school, through church or even neighborhood and community groups. And while they may seem like one more thing to pay for, remember or schedule, plugging in has ultimately been proven to have a positive correlation to students’ attendance, enjoyment and success in their learning environment. Read on for some of the ways to plug in further at Turning Pointe, and all the reasons you should take advantage of our low-commitment studio activities. Each school-year session only happens once. Let’s make the most of it together!

 1. Support Your Classwork

 Have you been working on your turns or turnout? Maybe you set a goal to strengthen your core, improve your balance or increase your flexibility. Sure, you think about it in your weekly classes, but why not challenge yourself to test your skills in a bonus experience? Studio activities give you the opportunity to hear from new voices, watch new students and learn in a new environment. Maybe your workshop or mini session teacher will demonstrate or explain something in a different way that clicks in your body or brain. Or maybe you’ve been studying the word and verse of the month in class, and a worship camp or outreach opportunity will hit your heart just right. Each activity is a chance to dive a little deeper into your work!

2. Make Connections

 Studio activities are more than just dancing, they’re an avenue to connect with your Turning Pointe family! Take advantage of opportunities like social media photo challenges, outreach drives and studio-wide projects like our annual gratitude chain to bond with your friends, get to know the front desk staff and the local organizations we partner with. You might even make a community connection and a friend or two along the way!

3. Build Comfort & Confidence

 Every time you give something a try, you give yourself the opportunity to learn. Maybe you try a new step during a workshop or mini session, then learn it later in class with a little bit of knowledge and experience already under your belt. Or maybe you improve your dance vocabulary, then recognize the words when you hear them in your regular class. Taking advantage of bonus activities can create opportunities to get more comfortable with the studio, and with dancing and learning, which builds confidence as you grow and thrive.

 4. Strengthen Connections

 By participating in studio activities, students can challenge themselves in a different learning environment and deepen the connections they’ve built in their classrooms. Do you have a ballet BFF? Take a mini session together! Do you love your teacher? Drop in to one of their workshops, or invite a sibling or friend to meet them and learn from a trusted and familiar face! Do you miss the teacher, class assistant or front desk staff member you saw each week last season? See if they’re helping out with a session or event and show them how much you’ve improved!

5. Learn Something New

 Did you know we offer mini sessions that include hula and tumbling? Or that we host events like Dance With Your Hero and Mother-Daughter Tea? See? You’ve learned something new already! Studio activities are a great way to try your hand at a new experience without the session-long commitment. Maybe you learn a new dance style, or maybe you learn what your dancer has been working on right alongside them. Give something new a try! You could learn a new teacher’s name, a new skill, or even something new about someone else!

BONUS LIST!

 Ready to jump in? Here’s our Top 5 Upcoming Opportunities to Connect:

 1. Tutu Week

January 31-February 5, bring your own tutu or wear one of the tutus provided in each classroom in honor of 2/2! Post your tutu pictures on Facebook and Instagram, tag @turningpointedancecolorado, and have some fun dressing up! We’ll even have a fun giveaway to celebrate.

2. Share the Love

February 1-28, grab a paper heart from the front desk and share what you love about dance, Turning Pointe and your teachers! We’ll post them around the studio to share our gratitude and spread the love over Valentine’s month.

3. Parent Information Meetings

Want to know more about plugging into Turning Pointe’s training and performance divisions? Join us at the studio February 26 and get to know Fidele Youth Dance Company, STARZ Theater Company and Turning Pointe’s Training Division.

 4. Twirl with Me: Mommy and Me Session

Thursday mornings in February, come move and connect with your little one in a relaxed and positive environment. Twirl with Me is perfect for the tiny dancers (and tiny dancer parents) who aren’t quite sure about heading to class solo, or for little siblings who want to try what they watch through the window each week.

5. Twirl Mini Sessions

Do you have a Twirl student who can’t get enough dance? Or Elsa? Or time and activities with a friend? “Frozen” Twirl Mini Session will run Wednesdays in February, followed by “Beauty and the Beast” each Wednesday in April. Want a smaller commitment without weekday conflicts? Check out Fidele Youth Dance Company’s one-day Mini Camp, set for Saturday, April 2.

 For more information, event reminders and the latest studio activities, follow us on Facebook and Instagram, read your Weekly Wednesday email, or stop by the front desk to learn more!

Turning Pointe Top 5: Tech Tips

Let’s talk about technique! As classes begin moving into recital choreography, it’s important to keep building on the foundations your teachers built over the first half of the session. (Yes, even though we get to hear our performance music and try on costumes soon!) Working on basic technique is necessary for all dance styles and levels, no matter the season of the dance year. Good technique ensures your longevity as a dancer and creates stronger movements in the choreography you’re learning, so read on for this week’s TP Top 5: Tips for Improving Technique.

1. Train Your Tech

Take advantage of class time! Teachers won’t jump straight into choreography each week, so make the most of your tech training time. It’s easy to go through the motions, especially if you get more excited about choreo time, but take the time to put in the work! Every warm up, combination and step across the floor is a chance to improve. 

2. Practice Makes Perfect

Once you learn your new recital steps, you go home and practice them during the week, right? Take the time to practice your technique at the same time! What were your corrections in class? Where did you lose your balance? Which steps gave you trouble? Take the time to practice your problem spots at home and in your other classes. Just like repetition will help you nail your choreography, it will also lead to more consistent technique.

3. Get After a Goal

 Avoid falling into a rut and be thoughtful about your technique. Whether they’re short term or long term, setting goals creates intentional training, focus, and direction. (Plus it boosts confidence when you achieve them!) Challenge yourself to strengthen your core, improve turnout, flexibility or articulation, or gain the endurance to maintain posture and technique through an entire class. Wherever you want to see improvement, a goal can lead to more purposeful class time.

4. Ignite Your Inspiration

 Great dancers are made through solid technique. It’s not what they’re doing, it’s how they’re doing it! While we all love watching videos of our favorite dance routines on YouTube, the next time you’re in the digital viewing zone, check out a technique class or two. The pandemic has brought about some great training videos, filmed with soloists and principal dancers from around the world. Don’t dance along. Take the time to really watch and give yourself a clear image of what you’re going for in class—not on quad turns, switch-leaps or famous numbers and variations, but on plies, tendus and basic drills.

5. Consistency is Key

 Tips 1-4 won’t do any good if you only stick with them for a week or two. Improvements come with time, and proper technique should ultimately be second nature. Work hard in class—every class, every week. When you miss a class, put in the work yourself and take advantage of Turning Pointe’s Online Makeup Classes.

 If you need to quarantine or miss class due to sickness or weather, we have pre-recorded classes made especially for our students to dance at home! Here’s how to access them:

●      Login to your Turning Pointe DanceWorks account

●      Click on “Student” (and choose the student), then under their name click on the “Classes” tab (you’ll see Info, Notes, and Classes tabs in a row)

●      On the right of the class you’ll see a blue button that says “Class Materials” … click on that.

●      Look for the Class at Home link(s)!

 Whether you consider yourself a technician or a performer, it’s important for everyone to maintain great technique. Correctly executing the basic elements will lead to effortless choreographic movements in your dances—dances we can’t wait to see on stage this spring!

Be Our Guest!

STARZ Theater Company set to perform Beauty and the Beast this weekend

 Get set for a magical theater experience, and join us for an adventure in the great wide somewhere this weekend as STARZ Theater Company performs Disney’s Beauty and the Beast the Broadway musical January 21-23 at the Wasson Academic Campus Auditorium.

 The story’s timeless elements will be on full display, along with all the familiar favorite songs that guarantee to have you singing along. And while it’s a tale as old as time, it’s a performance STC’s artistic director Laura Bergen says will be an unforgettable new experience.

 “This show will bring you all the beautiful elements one hopes to see in a fairytale Disney production,” Bergen said. “Stunning costumes, dazzling choreography, gorgeous vocals and a captivating story that reminds us of the transforming power of love. The Broadway adaptation blends familiar tunes from the movie with songs and storylines written for the stage musical. So even if you’ve seen the movie 100 times, come excited to experience Beauty and the Beast in a new way!”

 In addition to STC’s fusion of stage and screen (and the high-quality production value audiences have come to expect from Turning Pointe’s theater division), the Beauty and the Beast experience offers brand new elements for those in attendance, including a performance that will be live-translated into ASL, and Enchanted Meet & Greets for add-on ticket holders age 3-10. This production week also marks the third show of STC’s 2021-22 season, which began as the theater community continued to battle the challenges of shutdowns in the Spring of last year.

 “One thing that has been so special to our team, and that others may not realize, is that Beauty and the Beast is actually the final show in our ‘Pandemic Pivot’ plan,” Bergen said. “When we realized the need to pivot our season lineup in 2020, we knew it would mean 2021 would be a year unlike any we had experienced to that point.  Through our production of Newsies, STC had been structured to produce one show in a 12 month period.  Our pivot plan included moving our Mary Poppins show to produce in Jan-April 2021, High School Musical, Jr. in June-July 2021 and closing out with Beauty and the Beast in October-Jan.  At the time, with so much uncertainty, it felt crazy to plan … or even dream of producing three shows in that time period.  But we all had peace. Step-by-step, day-by-day, we believed, prayed and kept our eyes looking forward and now Beauty and the Beast production week is here!”

 “With each prayer and decision, we have now arrived at the other side of our Pandemic Plan!  The last 12 months have honestly been filled with gifts and memories that will last a lifetime.  Above all, we reflect with grateful hearts for the faithfulness of our Heavenly Father.  He has graciously carried us!  As we close out our pivot chapter and look ahead to a regular rhythm of 2 shows a year, we will hold close the lessons learned from this unique time and the reminders of His goodness.”

Families have five chances to watch this magical production at the Wasson Academic Campus Auditorium (2115 Afton Way), with Enchanted Meet & Greets scheduled from Noon-12:30 p.m. prior to the 1 p.m. matinees.

Beauty and the Beast Showtimes:

●      Friday, January 21 at 6 p.m.

●      Saturday, January 22, 1 p.m. (ASL Accessible) and 6 p.m.

●      Sunday, January 23, 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. (Senior Night)

 For complete information (and to purchase tickets!) visit www.starztheater.org/stcbeautyandthebeast.

TP Top 5: Tips to Start the Year Strong

Welcome back to dance! Christmas break is over and life is back in full swing. Are you already overwhelmed? Did you make a resolution to be more informed or to stay ahead of the game? We’re here to help! Read on for Turning Pointe’s Top 5 ways to start strong in 2022!

 1. Read Your Emails (and flag the important ones!)
Did you know Turning Pointe sends out weekly communication to all of our families? Every Wednesday, look for an email with all the latest and greatest information like dates for upcoming events, links for everything you need, video tutorials and more! In addition to the Weekly Wednesday, teachers and program directors use email as their primary means of communication to convey important updates and details. Make sure you read every word! The part you skim could be just the part you need to know. Read something you know you’ll need again later? Flag it! Mark that email as unread, put it in a separate folder, or flag/star it. That way you won’t miss something or need to ask again later on!

2.  Follow us on Social Media (ALL of us!)
Find everything you need to know right where you’re already looking! Let’s face it, we spend more time browsing social media than we do checking our emails, so why not put reminders and information in the palm of your hand? Follow Turning Pointe School of Dance on Facebook and @turningpointedancecolorado on Instagram for timely updates and information, and follow our performance companies, @FideleYouthDanceCompany and @STARZTheater, for details on upcoming seasons and performances.

 3. Get the Information Up Front
It’s always better to know things ahead of time, right? Turning Pointe gives families every opportunity to be prepared, so take advantage and stay up-to-date! Your next chance to dive in is at the Parent Information Meetings for Turning Pointe’s Training Division, Fidele Youth Dance Company and STARZ Theater, set for Saturday, February 26. Mark your calendar to get these amazing opportunities on your radar!

 4. Check on Your DanceWorks Account
Your DanceWorks account is more powerful than you think! Way beyond registration and tuition payments, this account is how we connect with you, upload practice videos, provide supplemental class materials and so much more! Find a video tutorial for navigating your account in the latest Weekly Wednesday email. Didn’t receive it? Make sure your information is correct in your DanceWorks account!

5. Ask Questions
We have a wonderful team of directors and admin who are friendly, knowledgeable, and ready to help. Use them! Ask questions. That’s why they’re here! Don’t know who to ask? Check at the front desk, leave a message at 719.445.9497, or submit an email through the form at turningpointeschoolofdance.com/contact. (We’ll make sure it gets into the right hands.) Someone will get back to you within 24-48 hours!

January Devotion: Restore

“New year, new me.” Ever heard that one before? The first month of the year always brings about feelings of needing to start all over again. And why not? It literally is a new beginning. But it’s also a time to let go of the year that we’re leaving behind. It’s a time of reflection, and a time to evaluate what we’d like to change. Lots of mixed emotions this time of year, eh? So how about this: Instead of getting caught up in the cliches of a fresh start, let’s restore our roots. Let’s break the cycle of “making this is my year,” and instead live this year for HIS glory. Rather than stressing out about the creation of a “new you,” let’s restore the people God created us to be.

 “He restores my soul, He leads me in paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”     — Psalm 23:3

 To restore is to reestablish. The state or fact of being restored is a return of something to a former, unimpaired condition. It’s the restitution of something taken away or lost. The last few years have taken away lots of things, from traveling to in-person visits with friends and family and consistent time in offices or classrooms. What did 2021 take away from you? Maybe you lost your self-worth. Maybe a relationship or two. Maybe you lost sight of what’s important, or why you’re doing what you do each day. The fact is, in some way or another, we’re all broken. But good news—Our God restores. He restored Peter’s faith. He restored everything Job lost. He’ll restore you, too.

 In the midst of brokenness, failures, sin, mistakes, and hurts that are experienced in this world, Jesus restores. The mercy and grace of God led Jesus to the cross to shed His blood, and rise again. It’s through that cross and resurrection that our restoration is possible.

 In Joel 2:25, God says “I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten.” In Jeremiah 30:17, He declares “For I will restore health to you, and your wounds I will heal.” In 1 Peter 5:10, we’re told He will “restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish” us. No matter what we’ve lost or what we’re leaving behind, Zechariah 9:12 confirms His promise: “Even today I declare that I will restore double to you.”

 Wherever you need restoration, whether a relationship, your finances, your body, or your fellowship with God, it is possible because of God’s provision and willingness to do so. So set your new goals, make your 2022 resolutions and start your vision boards, but make sure the cross at the center. It’s not the new year that brings about a transformation. It’s not a new calendar for the next chapter that brings about 365 blank pages of exciting possibilities. It’s His love and provision that transforms us and restores our hearts in Him. And with Him, ALL things are possible.

Back to the Heart: Turning Pointe Holiday Outreach Recap

When the spread of COVID-19 forced the world to stay in, reaching out posed quite a challenge. To adapt, Turning Pointe created new ways to shine Christ's light through contact-free outreach and service opportunities, including pre-recorded performances, video messages and letters to isolated seniors and quarantined patients across the city. This year, as the holidays began to look more like they once did, students were blessed to return to in-person outreach—just in time for Christmas.

 Students in the Training Division kicked off the Christmas season by performing at Turning Pointe’s neighboring facilities, visiting residents at Windsong Independent Living and Brookedale Vista Grande.

 “Outreach is really important to me as a student, and to the training program as a whole,” Training student Anna Schuetz said. “It’s the reason why we dance—to show the joy of the Lord. It especially meant a lot to perform at the nursing homes this year because the people there have been so isolated and lonely.”

 “It was so fun to see all of the resident’s faces as they watched us dance,” Training student Lacy Sachsenmaier added. “It’s such a blessing to bring joy to them this time of the year.”

 While dancers were asked to perform in masks and complete symptom screening like temperature checks at the doors, ultimately the experience proved to once again be the blessing it’s been in years past.

 “It was incredibly nice to be back,” Training student Zoe Lenters said. “The environment is just so different from what we normally do. With performances or in the studio, we’re all spread out and everything feels so big sometimes, but in these homes, we meet them and their space. It’s like a family, and seeing how excited they were to have us back, and the smiles on their faces while we danced made everything from the last year or so worth it.”

 Students of Fidele Youth Dance Company continued the season’s outreach efforts, appearing in costume to meet, greet and play with children at the Play Street Museum’s Nutcracker Paint and Play Party.

 “There were so many doors closed to the arts and to outreach last year, and it was such a joy to be back in person at things like this again,” FYDC Director Mimi McKinnis said. “The kids in attendance loved meeting real-life ballerinas, and our students loved being able to minister to the community in this way.”

 Throughout the month, Turning Pointe also collected mittens and hats for local charities, spreading warmth around the community and shining His light with love.

 For more information on Turning Pointe’s monthly outreach efforts, or to suggest an event, community drive or outreach initiative, reach out any time to turningpointedance@gmail.com!

Merry Christmas from Turning Pointe!

We made it! Turning Pointe Dance is officially on Christmas break, and while we’ll miss your smiling faces and dancing feet, we wish all of our TP families a very merry Christmas! As we step away from the barre to soak up the blessings, we want to share with you what our teachers and staff will be up to next week:

 “My favorite Christmas tradition is making breakfast with my mom the morning of Christmas. We always make a quiche with different crust decorations on the top. It is one of my favorite meals of all time! YUMMMMM!”   – Ms. Lauren

 “We always order Chinese food the day we decorate the tree! Growing up, this was such a special treat and will always be one of my favorite Christmas memories.”   – Ms. Emma

 “Our family reads The Best Christmas Pageant Christmas Ever by Barbara Robinson every year on the Sundays leading up to Christmas.”   – Ms. Melissa

 “My family gets an ornament from somewhere we traveled that year. It’s always fun decorating our tree and reminiscing about all our special memories.”   – Ms. Morgan

 “When my family puts up our Christmas tree, we usually watch The Polar Express, drink apple cider or hot chocolate, and recount fun, family memories documented by our ornaments! I always love remembering sweet times we’ve had together around the tree.”   – Ms. Moriah

 “My favorite holiday tradition is painting Christmas houses for my village. My mom started this about three years before she died. I have done it ever since and my kids have started one.”   – Ms. Tonya

 “My favorite traditions are attending The Nutcracker with my daughters, making Christmas cookies and Christmas Eve candlelight service.”   – Ms. Nicole

 “Every year on Christmas Eve, after church, we do a family book exchange and unwrap matching pajamas. Then we eat Christmas cookies by the fireplace and enjoy our new books in our new comfy PJs, but we don’t stay up too late! My girls wake us up pretty early for presents on Christmas morning.”   – Ms. Mimi

 “My husband and I decorate a Christmas cactus as our Christmas tree with mini lights and ornaments. We even put our presents around it!”   – Ms. Sara

“Our favorite family traditions are doing an Advent reading each night as a family, Christmas baking, making gingerbread houses, North Pole breakfast on December 1st, getting in our jammies and looking at lights around town with loaded hot chocolate, and Christmas Eve candlelight service at church. Ella and I also love going to the Nutcracker Ballet in Denver every year and we get a new nutcracker for our collection!” - Ms. Tina

 “Our favorite family Christmas tradition is our wooden advent calendar. Each day leading up to Christmas, we open a door to discover an act of kindness or family adventure which we all participate in!”   – Ms. Shani

 Whatever you’re doing this holiday season, we pray for blessings, love, joy and peace as we celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior. Enjoy the rest and festivities… we’ll see you back in the studio January 3!