News & Updates
What’s Going On
What a Wonderful Year of Dance
PSAD Newsletter, 7 December 2023
Firstly, I would just like to say thank you to the students & their families who were able to attend the Studio Breakup yesterday afternoon, it is always a delight to showcase a wee bit of what our students have been learning throughout the year then following up with nibbles after ️
Thank you to all the fabulous teachers - Jane, Leonie, Philippa, Valerie, Mickey, Kaitlyn & Cherry for your dedication into making this another fantastic year. I am grateful for all your hard work & dedication you put into the studio & watching all the students flourish under your direction
Thank you to Katrina, Margaret-Jayne & Aj for all the behind the scene stuff to keep the studio ticking along nicely. Thank you to Lesley Douglas and Anne Cox along with all the lovely parent helpers who have been sewing flat to make gorgeous new costumes & headgear You are all fabulous!
Thank you to ALL the fabulous students, parents, grandparents, brothers & sisters, aunts, uncles and the wider community for helping to make this year at Peta Spooner Academy of Dance another successful year. We have all made some fabulous memories that I know most will remember for many years to come
Registrations for 2024 will be at Peta Spooner Academy of Dance, Hastings St in Studio 2, Thursday 25 January (we will send out reminders beforehand)
Have a wonderful Summer Holidays & a fabulous Christmas & New Year
Yours in Dance, Peta xo
1 December 2024
PSAD Newsletter
We are almost to the end of term
A huge CONGRATULATIONS to all our students who have sat their exams this term ⭐️ It is very rewarding as a teacher to see your students exit an exam with a big smile on their face!
In getting ready for 2024, we have finalised the 2024 Timetable!
📢 📢 DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES, OUR STUDIO BREAKUP WILL NOW BE ON WEDNESDAY 6 DECEMBER - Students will need to be at the studio at 4:30pm for a 5pm start. Please bring a plate of shared suitable finger food at 6pm.
🎄 CHRISTMAS RAFFLE 🎄
We have one last fabulous raffle to finish this year off with.
Tickets for this amazing Christmas Hamper featured below, will be available to purchase next week at the studio & we will draw a winner after our Studio Breakup.
**Students that have lessons in Studio 2 - please donate 1 or 2 items to our Christmas Hamper raffle.
All proceeds will be going towards The Wakatu Dance Theatre “Raise the Roof” fundraiser
$2 a ticket or $10 for 6 tickets
ADVANCED 1 WORKSHOP WEEKEND - 9 & 10 December, 9:30am-3:30pm, bring your own lunch. Instead of a charging fee, I would like the students who are attending to donate 2 of the following cleaning products please (Jif, toilet cleaner, window cleaner or glass wipes, Handy Andy, Dettol, Bleach, Disinfectant etc).
HELPERS NEEDED - Helpers are needed to make no-sew tutus and if you are handy with a sewing machine - we are also needing 20 white leotards, we are getting ready for next years show (this job can be split between a couple of people) 🌸
We have started a new Facebook page “The Wakatu Dance Theatre”, please like and follow our new page (and share with your friends 💐).
Yours in dance, Peta xx
PSAD Newsletter
8 November 2023
Students have been working incrediably hard this term, we have our first lot of exams next week (16-17 November) and the next lot of exams that will be held on Wednesday, 29 November.
We are running a Christmas Raffle this term 🤩 donations towards this raffle can be dropped off at either of the studios, thank you to the families who have donated already 🤩
Also check out below this super cool fundraiser that is happening right now!
The Wakatu Dance Theatre has an awesome dance essentials raffle currently running (sizes are exchangeable)
Funds raised will be going towards the ongoing maintenance of the two studios. Tickets are available in Studio 1 (cash only please).
Get in quick, raffle will be drawn on Tuesday, 22 November.
EXAMS - Wednesday, 29 November 2023
Grade2 Ballet - Exam Fee $83, Music Fee $15, extra classes $84, Total $182
Grade3 Ballet - Exam Fee $90, Music Fee $15, extra classes $84, Total $189
Grade5 Ballet - Exam Fee $107, Music Fee $15, extra classes $84, Total $206
TIMETABLE
Saturday 28 October
Saturday 4 November
Saturday 11 November
Saturday 18 November
Saturday 25 November
9:30 -10:30am - Cherry’s class
10:30-11:00am - Grade 2 Ballet
11:00-11:30am - Grade 3 Ballet
11:30-12:15am - Grade 5 Ballet
12:15-1:15pm - Advanced 2 Ballet
STUDIO BREAKUP - We will be having our studio breakup on Thursday, 7 December. Students will need to be at the studio at 4:30pm for a 5pm start. Please bring a plate of shared suitable finger food at 6pm.
ADVANCED 1 WORKSHOP WEEKEND - 9 & 10 December, 9:30am-3:30pm, bring your own lunch. Instead of a charging fee, I would like the students who are attending to donate 2 of the following cleaning products please (Jif, toilet cleaner, window cleaner or glass wipes, Handy Andy, Dettol, Bleach, Disinfectant etc).
SENIOR STUDENTS WORKING BEE - We are needing the help from senior students with some parent help to sort our costume area out (vacuum, organise costumes etc). We can meet up on a Saturday after exams - will keep in touch with dates.
HELPERS NEEDED - Helpers are needed to make no-sew tutus and if you are handy with a sewing machine - we are also needing 20 white leotards, we are getting ready for next years show (this job can be split between a couple of people) 🌸
All costumes from our show “Dancing through the 50s, 60s and 70s” should now be back at the studio.
Yours in dance, Peta xx
The Wakatu Dance Theatre
“Raise the Roof”
Here is the link to the givealittle page that has been created to help towards fundraising for the new roof we so desperately need.
If you have any suggestions for fundraising, please contact Peta 027 242 1442
The Wakatu Dance Theatre would like give a special mention to the following businesses for your sponsorship for our show “Dancing Through the 50s, 60s and 70s”. Your sponsorship was very much appreciated! Thank you all very much 🌼
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The Wakatu Dance Theatre – Dancing Through The 50s, 60s and 70s
THAT’S A WRAP!
WOW! What an amazing week we had for show week! There are many people who we would like to say a huge thank you to.
Thank you to all the backstage volunteers that worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make sure the show flowed seamlessly and effortless. Without these volunteers we would not be able to put on a show.
Thank you to all the teachers who have put in months of hard work choreographing and extra rehearsals with the students, Jane Pascoe, Leonie Climo, Philippa Gray, Valerie Roche, Glenna Armstrong & Michaela Sheehan.
Thank you to the following businesses for sponsoring our show. Sheehan Financial, Pointe of Difference, Dusting Fairy Housekeeping, Heirloom Perennial Nursery & Art Studio, Shears Cutting Bar & The Prince Albert, Backpackers & Bar.
Thank you to all the incredible “Swans” for your hard work and dedication to put on a wonderful performance.
Thank you to our fabulous locals who came along and supported our 3 sold out shows!!
And finally, a huge THANK YOU to Director, Peta Spooner! Without your creative vision The Wakatu Dance Theatre wouldn’t be what it is today!!
We are taking last minute orders for a copy of the show (on USB), please pay $25 into this account: 06-0705-0314982-028 (Ref: DVD & Students name)
For those asking, here is the link to the givealittle page that has been created to help towards fundraising for the new roof we so desperately need.
If you have any suggestions for fundraising, please contact Peta 027 242 1442
PSAD Newsletter
Thursday, 13 July
What a FABULOUS term 2 ⭐️⭐️ I don’t know about you, but term 2 just flew by!! Students have been working hard in their classes, they have been learning dances for our show “Dancing through the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s” coming up in August!! Tickets are now on sale, you can purchase tickets online from the Theatre Royal Nelson.
Just a reminder to parents/caregivers whose children are performing in the show, they will not be able to able to watch the performance (especially preschoolers who are able to leave at half time). Parents/caregivers of Preschoolers who will be watching the show, performers will be fully supervised until they can be collected after the show.
As it is getting closer to our show, please make sure you have the correct uniform, sometimes it can take up to a month for a uniform order to come in so you don’t really want to order at the last minute 🤭 - find link to uniform order form below.
WHAT YOU NEED
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Your regulation uniform (including jazz shoes for those doing jazz as a subject) including bodysuit for grade 2 +
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Preschool students participating will need a navy leotard, ballet tights and ballet shoes as a base, everything else is provided
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If you're unsure what your uniform is, check the order form above, or please ask your teacher
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Sometimes there is the odd thing you'll need to purchase such as a plain t-shirt etc but we keep that to an absolute minimum and will let you know well in advance
Here is a reminder of the show commitment:
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Every Saturday (from 12pm) leading up to the show we will rehearse. That’s the 22nd and 29th July, 5th, 12th and 19th August
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Preschool, Primary & Grade 1 ballet will be 12pm - 1pm, please no parents during rehearsals (only preschool parents will be allowed to stay with their child).
SHOW WEEK
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Dress rehearsals - Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd August at the Theatre Royal approximately 5pm. Little ones stay till 6-6:30pm
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Performances - Friday 25th at 7pm, Saturday 26th at 1:30pm AND 7pm
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Little ones can go home at half time (approximately 7:45pm)
Beginning of term 3 - As we are in the final run up to our show, we would like to keep the studios free from spectators (preschool parents - if the need be to stay with your child, you are welcome to stay) Thank you for your understanding 😀
CHANGE OF TIMES:
MONDAY, 17 July
INTERMEDIATE Ballet 4:30 - 6:30pm (this time until the show)
TUESDAY, 18 July
PRIMARY Ballet 3:45 - 4:45pm (this time until the show)
GRADE 1 Ballet 4:15 - 5:15pm (this time until the show)
GRADE 2 Ballet 3:45 - 4:45pm (this time until the show)
INTERMEDIATE Ballet 5:15 - 7pm (this time until the show)
The Wakatu Dance Theatre
Dancing Through the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s
Participating in the show? We need your help. This show is not for profit & relies heavily on volunteer support. Here are ways you can help: Sponsorship - Sewing - Advertising - Helpers - Graphics - Fundraising. If you or a family member can help, please speak to your child’s teacher.
The Wakatu Dance Theatre Fundraiser
Thank you to all the families who have donated to our fundraiser! We have 4 hampers that are full to the brim!! (please feel free to keep adding to them 😀)
Raffle tickets will be handed out next week to our students.
The Wakatu Dance Theatre Trust would like to thank Sheehan Financial for your Sponsorship for our show:
“Dancing through the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s”
And finally, a huge CONGRATULATIONS to my student teachers Kaitlyn & Cherry, who have both passed their pre-associate teachers exam! 💐💐
I trust you are all having a wonderful break and we will see you all next week!! I can’t wait to hear what everyone has been up to during these school holidays!
Yours in dance, Peta x
PSAD Newsletter
Wednesday, 31 May
I cannot believe we are halfway through term 2 already!! Students have been been busy learning dances for our show “Dancing Through the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s” that will be on the 25th & 26th August - please keep those show registrations coming in! This is an incredible experience for our students, they get so much out of participating in it, friendships, confidence & performing in the beautiful Theatre Royal just to name a few. Registration forms have to be in no later than 15th June!
CLICK THE LINK BELOW to download a form & hand into your teacher ASAP.
(hard copies are available at the studio)
Here is a quick rundown of the show commitment:
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NO school holiday rehearsals!
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Every Saturday (from 12pm) leading up to the show we will rehearse. That’s the 22nd and 29th July, 5th, 12th and 19th August
SHOW WEEK
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Dress rehearsals - Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd August at the Theatre Royal approximately 5pm. Little ones stay till 6-6:30pm
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Performances - Friday 25th at 7pm, Saturday 26th at 1:30pm AND 7pm
-
Little ones can go home at half time (approximately 7:45pm)
WHAT YOU NEED
-
Your regulation uniform (including jazz shoes for those doing jazz as a subject) including bodysuit for grade 2 +
-
Preschool students participating will need a navy leotard, ballet tights and ballet shoes as a base, everything else is provided
-
If you're unsure what your uniform is, check the order form below, or please ask your teacher
-
Sometimes there is the odd thing you'll need to purchase such as a plain t-shirt etc but we keep that to an absolute minimum and will let you know well in advance
STUDIO RAFFLE - Thank you to our families who have contributed to our hamper so far, if every family can donate to this please, that would be fabulous - we are fundraising to purchase new costumes for The Wakatu Dance Theatre.
Wishing our lovely student teachers Kaitlyn and Cherry the very best of luck on their first teachers exam this week!! 🩰💐
Attention Grade 5 Ballet, Intermediate Ballet and Advanced2 Ballet - There will be no Dance on Monday 5 June! Have a fabulous long weekend!!
I would love to have some budding artists create thank you cards for me please. The Wakatu Dance Theatre has a lot of people to thank over the next few months (sponsors, helpers etc) & it would be fabulous to have thank you cards made by our talented students 😃
Yours in dance, Peta xx
What a FABULOUS start to Term 2!!
What a wonderful start to our new term! It has been lovely meeting our new students and seeing our returning students fresh from the school holidays. Our students have started learning dances for our show “Dancing Through the 50’s 60’s and 70’s”, you will see further down this newsletter a link for “Show Registration” this will need to be printed off and returned with payment to the studio for collection.
Even though our show is not until August, now is the time to start preparing for the show :) Correct uniform is a great place to start & saves a lot of stress trying to organise a week out from the show (especially elastics on ballet slippers). Any questions please feel free to ask your child’s teacher.
Senior students who attend Valerie’s Thursday class at 4pm - this is a reminder you will need to purchase your own character shoes, this is a uniform requirement.
A gentle reminder about fees, please ensure the correct amount is paid
Show registration’s are due by WEEK 6! Click on the link below, print it off & return the form to class.
Full payment is our preferred option - if this is not possible, please do not hesitate to contact Peta 021 242 1442 to discuss payment options, we do not want any child to miss out on performing on stage 🙂
Dancing Through the 50’s 60’s and 70’s
In term 2 & 3 we are preparing for our annual show, which will be held at The Theatre Royal on 25 & 26 August.
Participating in the show? We need your help!! This show is not for profit & relies heavily on volunteer support. Here are ways you can help: Sponsorship - Sewing - Advertising - Helpers - Graphics - Fundraising. If you or a family member can help, please speak to your child’s teacher.
**VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED FOR MAKING HEADGEAR**
No sewing is involved!
Full instructions will be given
Please contact Peta 027 242 1442 OR Jane 021 995 009
Your help is very much appreciated
Newsletter 7 May 2023
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PRIMARY-GRADE 5 $125 per term
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INTERMEDIATE & SENIORS $125 per term
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PRESCHOOL $70 per term
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No refund for non-attendance after the term has finished
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Casual class fee of $20 cash payment per class (Preschool $10) will apply if payment is not received by the end of the first week of term.
This term, could all families please donate to our hamper that we would like to raffle off, this will go towards fundraising for our show (food items, non-perishable).
Items can be dropped off at the studio during the afternoon classes.
Thank you for your continuing support - yours in dance, Peta xx
