Author: mainstfunk

Dancing is our happy place and it can be yours too! There's a big orange spot with your name on it here at Main St Funk.

February 2019

Posted on by mainstfunk in Dance School Melbourne

2019 is off to a flying start, we can already tell this is going to be a fabulous year. We would like to extend a huge welcome to the many new students and families we have met so far and a big welcome back to our loyal and committed returning students. We are so lucky to have you all.

What’s New?

  • We welcome Teen student Keira Mifsud, who has been dancing with Main St Funk since 2012, on board as an assistant teacher. Keira has always demonstrated a fabulous work ethic, a positive attitude and a genuine passion for dance and she makes a great role model for our younger students. Welcome, Keira!

Performance Opportunities

Main St Funk has been invited to perform at TWO upcoming events in the community; The City of Whittlesea Community Festival and the Aurora Lendlease Meet and Greet. These are a great opportunity for MSF students to practice performing in front of an encouraging crowd in a relaxed and fun environment. It is also a great way to bond with your new classmates and to be involved with the extended community. Who can perform? ALL Main St Funk students are invited to perform at these events and we would love as many MSF kids involved as possible. Please see more details about the events here:https://goo.gl/forms/3UrqfDPUJkIhzzH72 This is also where you can let us know if you will be attending or not.

Medical Records

At Main St Funk we aim to look out for every child and cater our classes to ensure they are a positive and safe experience for all involved. If your child has a medical condition or takes medication, please get in touch with the MSF team so that we can discuss what we can do for your child. Other things you may like to let us know about are learning difficulties, injuries or any personal or family situations that you feel may affect the way your child learns or behaves in class.

Street Parking

Thank you to everyone who has kindly respected our ‘Street Parking Only’ rule. We have seen a significant improvement since last year. We ask parents to park in the street to ensure the safety of our students walking up and down the thoroughfare and to maintain a good relationship with our neighbours, who require access to their spots at all times. The three car parks out the front of our studio are for MSF staff only. Thank you again!

Uniform

Main St Funk has in place a set of uniform guidelines. Please start ensuring you/your child start coming to class dressed in accordance with these. A uniform promotes a sense of unity and teamwork and helps students get into the right mindset for dance class (dress like a dancer, feel like a dancer) and it helps the teacher see the student’s body line, ensuring they can correct technique and prevent injuries.

Friendly Reminders

  • Term fees are now due. Please settle your balance online or by placing cash in a clearly labelled envelope and handing it to your class teacher
  • Please take your child to the toilet before class
  • Don’t forget to pack a water bottle for every class

Important Dates (Concert and Rehearsal Reminder)

We are pleased to have locked in The Magis Theatre Loyola College (Watsonia) once again for our end of year performance and compulsory theatre rehearsal.  This year we will hold two concerts and two rehearsals. The school will be split into two casts – so each class will only perform in one concert ( and will be required for one rehearsal).  We will split the school later in the year when everyone has settled into their classes so please pencil in both concert dates and both rehearsal dates for now before we confirm which cast your child will be in. Senior and Teen students, you will perform in BOTH concerts. Petites will not perform in the concerts.

COMPULSORY THEATRE REHEARSAL: The rehearsal is the one and only compulsory event we run throughout the year and attendance is mandatory for all students who wish to participate at the end of year concert.

CAST 1: Wednesday 20th of November

CAST 2: Thursday 21st of November

END OF YEAR PERFORMANCE:

CAST 1: Friday 29th of November

CAST 2: Saturday 30th of November

Our important dates page and google calendar are updated throughout the year to include things like; term dates, performance opportunities and mid-year concert. Check it out and sync your google calendar to ours so you never miss a reminder: https://mainstfunk.com/dates-events/

Social Media
Make sure you are following Main St Funk on Facebook and Instagram. We love to post daily to give you reminders, inspiration, a sneak peek into our classes and to stay connected with our dancing family.

www.facebook.com/mainstfunk

www.instagram.com/mainstfunk

Thank you for a great start to 2019! We are so inspired by the way our students have jumped into class and we love seeing all of your happy and smiling faces in the studio.

Please don’t ever hesitate to contact the MSF team should you have any questions.
E: mainstfunk@gmail.com PH: 0433220973

HAPPY DANCING!
Kristie, Carla and Chloe. x

  • Keira – Assistant Teacher
  • City Of Whittlesea 2018
  • Correct Ballet Uniform

My Baby’s First Dance Class – What Do I Do?

Posted on by mainstfunk in Dance School Melbourne

So your little girl or boy (or big girl or boy) has been asking to start dance classes? You know how much they love music, you see that they have an uncontrollable urge to move when their favourite song comes on, you’ve watched them obsess over dance related tv shows and movies and try to copy the dance steps in front of the TV. You would love to sign them up to dance class and make their dreams a reality but just as going to a new dance school can be daunting for your child, often it can be as equally daunting for you, a first-time “dance mum” or “dance dad”.

Never fear! Your guide to your child’s first dance class is here to help you get through the process; before, during and after.

BEFORE CLASS.

  1. Do your research. Google Maps is a monopoly board of dance schools in your local area. Each one of them will be different and have something that makes them special. Their “special” might not fit you and your child though. There are many factors to consider when picking a dance school; location, price, the culture of the school and qualified teachers to name a few. Think about what your ideal dance experience will be; do you want a high level of commitment and elite level performances? Do you want a recreational class for fun? Check out each dance school’s website and social media pages to find a school whose vision matches yours. Ask questions! Call up and inquire. Don’t be afraid to inquire at a few different schools until you find what you’re looking for.

  2. Book in. Just as you and your child need to be prepared, so do your teachers. Make sure that they know you will be attending class. Some school’s have an online booking system and others will take your booking via phone or email. Booking is important to ensure that there is space in that class for your son or daughter. Nothing is more disappointing than building up the excitement of dance class only to arrive and be told that that class is full. It is also a good opportunity to tell your teacher a little bit about your child. Maybe they have learning difficulties or a language barrier or are just generally very shy. A good teacher will take this on board and be prepared to create the best experience possible for your child.

  3. Talk about dancing. Often a dance class environment can be quite daunting for first timers, especially younger children. A dance class is a structured activity and while heaps of fun, is very different to just dancing around in the lounge room at home. Children who haven’t yet participated in a structured activity like school, kinder or lessons will take more time to grasp the concept of following directions in a group. The environment itself can be quite daunting too, a big echoey studio, loud music, other children and a new grown-up telling them what to, Talk to your child in the weeks leading up to class so these things will be less of a shock to them. Some things you can say are:
  • “Your dancing teacher’s name is Kristie and she is so excited to dance with you.”
  • “I’m so excited to take you to see your special dance room,  are you?”
  • “There are going to be lots of other little boys and girls dancing with you today, that’s exciting isn’t it?”
  • “Your dance teacher, Kristie, is going to teach you lots of special things. Try to copy and listen.”
  • And the most important one: “Don’t worry if it’s tricky. Just try your very best and have fun”
  • You could also show them photos or videos from your school’s social media pages of dance routines, the studio or even their teacher.

4. Be early. Arrive about 10 minutes early to give your child time to settle in, meet their teacher, go to the toilet, become familiar with the space, put their dance shoes on and relax. Arriving late or rushing in creates a stressful experience for the child who is most likely already feeling a little bit unsure. It is also disrupting to the teacher and the other little people in the class. When a child arrives late they miss out on class introductions, a comforting and settling chat from their teacher and the warm-up. All of these are essential to a well-rounded class.

DURING CLASS.

  1. Stick around. Depending on how old and how independent your child is, it’s a good idea to wait for them during their first lesson. Check with the teacher to see if it’s ok to watch their first class, every school will have a different policy. If you are allowed to watch, this is a good opportunity for you to get a feel for the school, see how the teacher engages with your child and to make sure they’re having fun. If you will be waiting for your child in the parent lounge, you could show them where you will be sitting to assure them that you aren’t too far away.

  2. Don’t take photos or videos. This is a policy most dance schools have in place as part of their Child Safety Policy and Code of Conduct. It ensures the safety and comfort of all students and parents. Imagine you as a 4-year-old, in your very first dance class, looking up to see a grown-up you don’t know taking your picture. Or imagine you as an adult, looking across the room to see another adult you don’t know filming your child’s dance class. From a copyright standpoint – it is actually against the law. Dance schools pay lots of money to be able to use and reproduce music in class, concerts and social media videos. What’s more, it is very awkward for you, the teacher and the other parents when the class has to be stopped so that you can be asked to stop filming. If you would like to capture the special moment, a photo before or after class is a better idea.

  3. Try not to discipline your child. It can be so tempting to call out “Mia – listen to Kristie” or “Sienna – are you concentrating!?”. It is expected for little people to get distracted during class and your teacher will be prepared for it. If it’s your child’s first dance class, they need to learn that for the next 45 minutes their dance teacher is the boss, not mum or dad. It is confusing for them to have instructions coming from all different directions and often will have the opposite effect. Remember, your teacher is a qualified professional. If they think your child is particularly disruptive or not quite ready for dance class, they will have a conversation with you about it. Sit back and relax and leave it to the pros.

  4. Don’t be disruptive. Switch phones off and refrain from a catch-up session with the other parents. Chatter can be really distracting for students AND the teacher. If possible, ensure your other children are looked after and entertained, not disturbing the class. Younger siblings, in particular, can be a point of distraction for big sisters and brothers who want to look after their younger sibling or want them to join in the class.

AFTER CLASS.

  1. Ask your child what they thought. Did they have fun? Would they like to come back? Was it scary? What was your favourite part? Often what you watched in the classroom can be different from what your child feels. There are many factors that determine where you send your child to dance but your child’s happiness should be high up on your priority list.

  2. Chat with the teacher. You might have questions or concerns or you’re not sure if that was the right class for your child. Voice these with the teacher. He/She may ease your concerns or they might know of a class that would be better suited to your child.

  3. Try again. For many little boys and girls, it can take a few classes to settle into the dance school environment. As mentioned earlier, it is a structured activity with many variables; loud music, lots of other children and parents, a new place, a new grown up, all of these things can trigger nerves and emotions even in the most confident of children. If your child loves to dance but struggled with their first lesson, it may be worth persisting for a few more classes. Every child is different and like with all things, each child will take to dance in their own way and in their own time.  

  4. Relax. Remember not to expect too much from your little dancer. Dance is a progressive art form and the skills involved take time to develop. They won’t be turning, leaping or performing cartwheels in their first class. Remember it’s not just about the dance steps. It’s about developing the whole person. From social skills to confidence, musicality and counting, healthy muscles and bones and making friends!

And the last thing; cut yourself some slack. Signing your child up to dance can be stressful. It means more bills to be paid, more uniforms to buy, more emails and newsletters to read and yet another after-school activity to get to on time. It may take you a while to find your own dancing feet but if you are feeding your child’s passion for dance, you are already doing a wonderful thing. Just take a deep breath, do your research and trust your instincts.

By Chloe Jobson – Co-Owner at Main St Funk Dance School Epping

  • A few MSF dance mums in action on photo shoot day.
  • A few MSF dance mums in action on photo shoot day.
  • A few MSF dance mums in action on photo shoot day.

January 2019

Posted on by mainstfunk in Dance School Melbourne

Hello and welcome back to another fabulous and funky year at Main St Funk. We are so pleased to see so many returning students and as equally excited to meet so many new students and their families. We are ready and roaring for a big year of dance and hope you are too. Here a few things to note as we kick off 2019.

When do classes commence for 2019?: We start back on Monday, Feb 4th.

What’s new in 2019?

  • A brand new age group! We now cater to children as young as 2.5 in our new Petite classes. Spread the word!
  • We welcome Tiana Lay from our Teen classes to the assistant teaching team. She has been dancing with MSF for nine years and makes a fabulous role model.

Location: Our address is 6/13 Lydia Court Epping 3076. We are located behind Bunnings on Cooper St.

Parking: MSF Students and parents are not permitted to park inside the complex. There is ample street parking available. We appreciate your co-operation with this as it helps us maintain a good relationship with our neighbouring tenants who need access to their car spaces at all times. When you park in their spots, we get in trouble. It is also a safety hazard for our students who walk up and down the thoroughfare, to have cars pulling in and out.

Uniform: Over the next few weeks please ensure your child is equipped with the correct dance attire and shoes as outlined on our uniform guideline here: https://mainstfunk.com/uniform-guidelines/

Parents:  Main St Funk do not allow spectators in the classroom except in the case of it being a child’s first class or if the teacher specifically invites the parents in. Please make use of our comfortable lounge area and tea and coffee facilities while you wait for your child to finish their class or you are welcome to drop and go. During your child’s first class with us you are welcome to watch but please ensure other siblings are supervised, phones are switched off and talking is kept to a minimum to limit distractions.

NO PHOTOS OR VIDEO POLICY: As per Main St Funk’s Child Safety Policy and Code of Conduct; parents, guardians, siblings and/or friends are not permitted to take photos or videos while class is in process. You are welcome to take photos of your child before or after class. The MSF code of conduct is agreed to upon enrollment. Please ensure you have read this: https://mainstfunk.com/code-of-conduct-child-safe-policy/

Fees: Term fees are due in the third week of each term and payable by online transfer, cheque or cash in a clearly labelled envelope. If paying online, ensure you put your child’s last name in the description.

Enrollment:  We are still accepting enrollments from new and returning Main St Funk students. If you haven’t enrolled or booked in for an obligation free trial class please do so asap on the parent portal. Many classes are already full with waiting lists but there is still lots of room for all of you. Enrol here: https://dancestudio-pro.com/online/mainstfunk

Important Dates: We are pleased to have locked in The Magis Theatre Loyola College (Watsonia) once again for our end of year performance and compulsory theatre rehearsal.  This year we will hold two concerts and two rehearsals. The school will be split into two casts – so each class will only perform in one concert ( and will be required for one rehearsal).  We will split the school later in the year when everyone has settled into their classes so please pencil in both concert dates and both rehearsal dates for now before we confirm which cast your child will be in. Senior and Teen students, you will perform in BOTH concerts. Petites will not perform in the concerts.

COMPULSORY THEATRE REHEARSAL: The rehearsal is the one and only compulsory event we run throughout the year and attendance is mandatory for all students who wish to participate in the end of year concert.

CAST 1: Wednesday 20th of November

CAST 2: Thursday 21st of November

END OF YEAR PERFORMANCE:

CAST 1: Friday 29th of November

CAST 2: Saturday 30th of November

Our important dates page and google calendar are updated throughout the year to include things like; term dates, performance opportunities and mid-year concert. Check it out and sync your google calendar to ours so you never miss a reminder: https://mainstfunk.com/dates-events/

Comp Crew: We are still taking expressions of interest to join our friendly and inclusive competition team. No auditions required. More info here: https://mainstfunk.com/crew-competition-team/

Social Media: Make sure you are following Main St Funk on Facebook and Instagram. We love to post daily to give you inspiration, a sneak peek into our classes and to stay connected with our dancing family.

www.facebook.com/mainstfunk

www.instagram.com/mainstfunk

The most important thing to remember this year is that Main St Funk students dance for fun and because they love it. We encourage an inclusive, harmonious environment where our students are dedicated to their class and committed to working to the best of their ability, as a team. We are proud of the way we have mastered the balance of working hard and having fun and we are happy to have each and every one of you on board for 2019.

We are so looking forward to seeing you in the studio for a big year that’s all about dance! If you have any questions please shoot us an email!

Kristie, Carla and Chloe. x

  • Tiana
  • Brand New Petites Classes
  • MSF Comp Crew 2018

#BOYSDANCETOO – Why we choose to provide co-educational dance classes.

Posted on by mainstfunk in Dance School Melbourne

A wonderful thing is happening in suburban dance schools around Melbourne, and the world…more and more boys are taking dance classes! This is fantastic for the ever-growing dance industry but more so for the young males who will receive all the benefits that learning to dance has to offer. If you’re not sure of the benefits of dance here is a super quick summary:

  • Fitness and agility
  • Strength
  • Healthy muscles and bones
  • Confidence
  • Self-expression
  • Mental Strength
  • And more! The list is never-ending.

Slowly but surely the “girls do ballet and boys do football” stigma is being squashed and many parents are embracing dance as an engaging and beneficial way for their sons to release their never-ending energy, express themselves and have fun.

Once he has voiced an interest in dance and music, mum and dad usually set out on a hunt for a “Boys Only Hip Hop Class” and “Dance Classes for Boys”…. but why? In 2019 when the fight for equality is high and there is a strong push for embracing every individual and all of their quirks, and all stereotypes and stigmas are being thrown out the window, why do boys need a dance class all to themselves? At Main St Funk we say, they don’t. We pride ourselves on providing co-educational dance classes to boys and girls of all ages and experience levels, not just because we aim to be fair and equal but because there are clear benefits to both genders in a co-educational dance class environment.

So what are they?

  1. It builds trust, respect, and boundaries and prepares them for the future.
    Upon leaving the dance studio, your child will re-enter a world that is 50 percent female and 50 percent male. They will interact with the opposite gender for the most part of every day of their lives; school, work, friends, family, playgrounds, the shops…what benefit is there in separating them at dance class? Learning together in an intimate environment such as a dance studio allows both parties to gain a better understanding of each other. They will know how to speak appropriately to each other, they will learn to understand each individual’s boundaries and it will teach them to be more empathetic to the opposite gender. Learning together builds trust between the two genders and diffuses the idea that we should be wary of people who are different to us; no more “cooties” or “boy germs”. Dance class can often be a “hands on” environment, boys will learn how to treat and respect women, which is such an important quality today and one that all boys should be learning. 

  2. A career in dance means a career with girls.
    If your son’s love for dance develops so strongly that he decides to turn his passion into a career, he will have no choice but to dance with girls. Tertiary level full-time dance courses are typically not gender specific. Which means if your son was to further his training on a more professional level he would be spending close to 40 hours a week in a dance studio, with women. That would be a pretty big shock to the system for someone who has only danced in a male-only environment. What’s more, a lot of professional dance gigs are diverse in gender and if your son is not capable of working with female dancers, it could cost him a job, his reputation, and even his career.

  3. Partnerwork.
    As mentioned above, most performance opportunities, whether it be a  corporate gig or a role in a show, are co-gender. Many choreographers love to feature partner work and lifts (think the famous lift in Dirty Dancing). Older boys, in a co-educational dance class, will have the opportunity to learn partner work and add lifts to their lists of skills. If you can tell an audition panel that you are confident and familiar with safely performing lifts and stunts and dancing with a partner, you are already at an advantage and will stand out amongst dancers who do not share the same skillset as you.  This is also an advantage for female dancers. If there are males in your dance class, you have the opportunity to learn new skills and tricks that might not typically be available in an all-girl environment.

  4. Boys and girls learn from each other.
    Throughout my years as a dance teacher, I have experienced both co-ed and boys only classes. Generally speaking, the boys only classes were rowdier and less structured. Girls, on the other hand, are more naturally adapted to the structure and routine of a dance class, it’s in their nature. Even though the boy students so needed and would benefit from structure and routine, it was harder to implement into a class environment where the pack mentality was “it’s playtime”. In a co-ed environment, the students are influenced by the other children in the class. In particular, the boys gained a quicker understanding of the way a dance class is structured and why it is structured that way. When the rest of the class is following suit in warm up and activities and remembering choreography the boys caught on and did the same. They were still having fun but receiving the benefits of dance class much quicker! In the same way, girls are also influenced by male students. Boys bring the energy up and create a positive vibe in the studio, which as you’ve heard MSF teachers say before “energy is contagious” Boys are naturally brave and will give new steps or activities a go without much hesitation, this “go for it” attitude rubs off on the other students. Lots of boys love the opportunity to lead by example and be a role model. In a co-ed environment, they often rise to the challenge by setting a great example and encouraging their classmates. Voila! Now we have a high energy, productive class where kids are having fun and trying new things. Thanks, boys and girls!

  5. It promotes equality and fairness.
    Whether your child is male or female, young or old, beginner or advanced, at Main St Funk we treat all of our students as equals. We don’t want to tell boys that they can only participate in one particular style of class a week. We don’t want our female students to just accept that boys are entitled to a class that is exclusive and special just for them. Boys and girls, you are all important to us and we want you to feel comfortable in all of the many classes and opportunities we have available to you. And really, in 2019 when everyone is fighting for equality and acceptance, why are dance schools moving backward and continuing to segregate boys from girls? A good dance teacher should be able to cater to all of the individuals in the classroom and create a dynamic learning environment that benefits every student. It doesn’t matter if the class is co-educational or not, there will always be a variety of learning styles and personalities that the teacher needs to adapt to.

And so, the short version of this blog: “Why Should You Enrol Your Son Into A Co-Ed Dance Class?” A co-educational dance class will encourage your son to be a team player and to have a strong work ethic. Not only will he learn some killer dance moves but he will grow into a respectful, approachable and trustworthy young man who has an open mind and is prepared to live, work and dance in a diverse world where both genders play an important role.

During my time as a dance student I made many friends, lots of whom were male. So at the very least, a co-educational dance class might mean your child makes a few extra friends that they would otherwise not have had the opportunity to.

Right now, your son is probably just dancing for fun and to let off some of that after-school steam but at Main St Funk we see the bigger picture.

By Chloe Jobson – Co-Owner at Main St Funk Dance School and dance teacher to boys and girls for over 12 years.

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November 2018

Posted on by mainstfunk in Dance School Melbourne

OH….EM….GEE! November is here and the Main St Funk concert is knocking on our door. We would like to thank you all for an amazing year of hard work, dedication and fun.  Please see below a few friendly reminders in relation to the end of year events!

DVD

We are excited to welcome professional videographer Nick from MODE Video Productions to film our Matinee show. MODE are an experienced and reputable company who film many dance concerts and other events each year. Nick’s philosophy is to ensure all children on stage can be seen on the screen (he doesn’t like to crop kids out) and he ensures a high quality product with a fast turn around! Woohoo! DVD’s are $36 each and can be ordered and paid for online. Please do so before concert day. They make beautiful keepsakes and great Christmas presents for relatives.

DVD ORDER FORM + PAYMENT: https://www.trybooking.com/ZHPQ

PHOTOS

Thank you once again for your efforts on photo day. Bianca from Zelie Imaging is busy editing your prints. These will be available to purchase in the weeks leading up to concert as well as at rehearsal and concert day. Photos are $12 each or 6 for $60 and digital copies of your purchases are available for $25. Each year your photos are just stunning and this year is no different. You are going to LOVE your 2018 photos.

TICKETS

There are still great seats available for our two concerts – it’s not too late for your friends and family to come along. Online ticket sales will close on November 30. Tickets will be distributed during class in the weeks leading up to the concert. Tickets will not be handed out to families who have fees owing so please finalise your balance ASAP.

PURCHASE TICKETS: https://www.trybooking.com/XNKF

COMPULSORY THEATRE REHEARSAL

Don’t forget about our rehearsal at the theatre on Wednesday the 5th of December starting at 4pm sharp. This is our one and only compulsory event for the year and attendance is mandatory for all students who are participating in the concert/s. No parents will be required but all students under the age of 16 will need to be signed in by their parents on arrival and signed out once dismissed.

CONCERT DAY

Please ensure you are punctual and organised on concert day. Any lost or damaged costume items will need to be replaced by you prior to the performance. Students are to arrive with their hair and makeup done, in loose comfortable clothing with all costume items packed. We recommend separate snaplock bags for each costume and a tub/bucket instead of a bag for all costumes. This means costumes can be piled in neatly and will be easy to locate.

BACKSTAGE BUDDY SYSTEM

All mini and tiny students will be buddied up with an older student who will care for them backstage and help them get ready for each dance. Junior students will be buddied up with a classmate to help each other get ready. All students will be well cared for and supervised throughout both shows and the rehearsal. Parents are not permitted backstage or in the dressing room at any time throughout the concert or rehearsal including during interval and between the Matinee and Evening Show. Please ensure your child packs something to eat (nothing too messy), lots of water, make up and hairspray for touch ups and for those who are only in a few dances, a colouring book (no textas) or book to read would be handy to have as well. If your child requires medication please place in a snaplock bag clearly labelled with the child’s name and dosage and place somewhere where it will be easy to find OR hand it in to an MSF team member. In the event that your child does need you, we can always give you a call but we have never had to do that in 12 years of concerts! So sit back, relax, enjoy the show and know that your kids are in good hands.

ORIENTATION WEEK

Don’t disappear after the concert! Main St Funk invites you to a fun and FREE week of dance at our very first Orientation Week!

Monday December 10 – Saturday December 15 2018

Get to know your teachers.
Meet your new dancing friends .
Get a feel for the 2019 timetable – (Coming Soon!!)
Relax and enjoy learning new dance routines and skills without the pressure of an upcoming performance.

It’s the perfect way to finish off a fabulous year AND to help you decide what classes you want to take next year. Try one or try them all, the sky is the limit!

EMAILS

Shortly you will receive emails containing information in relation to; arrival and finishing times on rehearsal and concert day, the order of your dances and costumes, 2019 timetable and re-enrolment. Keep your eyes and ears peeled. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we prepare for the busiest and most wonderful time of the year!

Check out our latest blog “How To Be “Next Level” Organised At Your Dance Concert” for 10 handy life hacks for concert day.

https://mainstfunk.com/2018/11/13/how-to-be-next-level-organised-at-your-dancing-concert/

What an adventure 2018 has been, let’s finish the year off with a BANG!

Kristie, Carla and Chloe xx

October 2018

Posted on by mainstfunk in Dance School Melbourne

Hi Everyone,

Welcome to term 4, the most exciting time of the year in the dance world! We can’t wait for all of the exciting things we have lined up for our hardworking and gorgeous students.

PHOTO DAY: SATURDAY 20 + SUNDAY 21 OCTOBER

  • Please check the kit list for day and time for your child’s class.
  • If your child does multiple classes, ensure you check ALL classes that your child attends
  • Mini and Tiny parents please stay with your child on photo day to assist with dressing your child.
  • Junior, Inter and Senior parents are not required on photo day. There will not be enough space at the studio to fit you all and it is great practice for the students as we do not have parents backstage on concert day.
  • Pick up times are approximate.
  • Students must arrive to photo day and concert day with their hair and makeup done.

PHOTO/CONCERT KIT LIST HERE: MSF Kit List 2018

MAKE UP REQUIREMENTS

  • Makeup for photo day is optional and at the discretion of parents and students
  • Stage make up is compulsory for all students (including boys!) on concert day. The purpose of stage makeup is to highlight the performers’ natural features. Professional stage lighting blurs out our features on stage and on the DVD footage. It is important to wear makeup so that the audience can see your face. This means in person, your make up will appear quite “full on” but on stage it will appear natural.
  • GIRLS: Liquid foundation (usually a little darker than day wear), setting powder, red blush along the apples of the cheek, eyebrow pencil, brown eyeshadow on eyelid, white eyeshadow under eyebrows, eyeliner on top eyelid with a wing/flick, no eyeliner under eyes, mascara (or false lashes if preferred), bright red lip liner, bright red lipstick.
  • NATURAL TONES ONLY. Please no blue, purple or glitter. Thank you.
  • Here is a great tutorial put together by past MSF student and make up artist Anna Papa:https://youtu.be/3Sz-NWTgumI
  • BOYS: An earthy (not metallic/glittery) bronzer or powder all over face. Mascara. Eyeliner- no wing, a light pink blush along cheekbones, a smudge of red lipstick. (use your finger, do not apply the way mum would for a night out.)

Boys Stage Makeup
Girls Stage Makeup
Girls Stage Eyes

HAIR REQUIREMENTS

  • Styling your hair for a performance is much different to styling your hair for school or a day out. Hair should not be left limp or natural. All students require lots of product (eg; gel, hairspray, moose) as well as bobby pins/hair pins.
  • Buns require hair nets.
  • Hair ties and hair pins must be the same colour as your hair
  • NO FRINGES
  • ALL MINI + TINY STUDENTS + JUNIOR BALLET students require two “pigtail buns” at the top of the head.
  • ALL JUNIOR HIP HOP + JUNIOR JAZZ students require hair to be slicked back into a tight high ponytail. Hair must be straightened to ensure neatness and uniformity.
  • ALL INTER STUDENTS require two slick braids.
  • ALL SENIOR STUDENTS require a half ponytail with styled curls.
  • ALL BOYS: Funky styled hair with gel

Slick High Pony
Pigtail Buns

COSTUMES

  • Please refer to your kit list and ensure that your child has packed ALL ITEMS listed for their class.
  • We also encourage packing spare items where possible to allow for accidents etc.
  • The items on your kit list are the “base” of your outfit.
  • We provide the costume items (the glitz and glam!)
  • The costumes will be distributed to you on photo day. After that they are your responsibility and you are to bring them on concert day.
  • Please do not let your child wear or play with their costume.
  • You will bear the cost of any lost or damaged costume items that need to be replaced.
  • Some costume items are yours to keep after the concert, others will need to be returned to us on concert day. This will be made clearer when you receive them.

As you know, Main St Funk do not charge a large costume fee. A tiny portion of your class fee goes towards our costume budget. To have costumes “made to measure” is very expensive. Therefore our team creatively source and make the costumes ourselves. This means that when you receive your costume, it may not be your exact ideal size. We use clever tricks of the trade to ensure it fits you and looks suitable for a photo shoot and a performance. We work very hard to make sure you will look and feel great on stage. Each one of your costumes is carefully considered before it is allocated to you and takes months of hard work. We thank you for your patience and understanding.

CONCERT DAY REMINDER

All junior, inter and senior students are required for both concerts. Participating in both shows is compulsory and students will not be dismissed to their parents until after the second show; approx 7pm.

If you are unsure what is required of your child please ask.

Photo Day 2017
Emily
Photo Day 2017
Photo Day 2017

We can’t wait to see you all sparkle in front of the camera and on stage! Stay tuned for some exciting and fun performance opportunities coming your way!

Kristie, Carla + Chloe xx

September 2018

Posted on by mainstfunk in Dance School Melbourne

Wow, can you believe we are already at the end of Term 3.
The end of the year is always the busiest and most exciting time at Main St Funk.

DRUM ROLL PLEASE!….

We are excited to announce that our second storey mezzanine studio is finally “UP” and ready for our full timetable! This means:

  • ALL Friday classes will run at Epping Studio from now on (14/09/18)
  • Wednesday classes will return to its original timetable (as it was in Term 1 and 2), except Senior Jazz which will will run 6.30-7.30pm
  • See full timetable here: MSF Term 4 Timetable

Thank you so much to all of our students and families for your patience with the construction of our studio. We think you’ll agree it was worth the wait, and we are so excited to finally have the whole MSF Fam together in our new home.

TERM 4 TIMETABLE FOR SENIOR HIP HOP

To accommodate your combined routines, in Term 4 hip hop will run on Tuesdays as follows:

  • Senior B Hip Hop: 6.15-7.15pm
  • Combined Senior A + B Hip Hop: 7.15-7.45pm
  • Senior A Hip Hop: 7.45-8.45pm

Please let us know if you have any concerns or need to clarify your class times.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT END OF YEAR CONCERT DAY

Our end of year performance is just 12 weeks away and we have rightfully titled it “2018; Our Best Year Yet.” Here is some key information to help you plan for the day:

  1. As our MSF family has grown so much this year, to make sure no one misses out on a ticket, we will have TWO shows!
    • Both shows will be held on Sunday December 9th at The Magis Theatre located within Loyola College in Watsonia.
    • A 12.30pm Show (Mega Matinee!) will include ALL STUDENTS and go for about 2.5 hours
    • A 5.30pm show will feature ONLY JUNIOR, INTER AND SENIOR STUDENTS and will go for about 1.5 hours
    • All Minis and Tinies will perform only in the 12.30pm show
    • All Juniors, Inters and Seniors will dance in both shows. If participating in the concert, both shows are compulsory. You cannot perform in one show and not the other.  
  2. Don’t forget about our compulsory theatre rehearsal that will be held on Wednesday December 5th.
    • You must attend this rehearsal in order to dance in the concert
    • Specific times will be provided later
    • If you will not be participating, please let us know ASAP 
  3. What happens on the day?
    • It is a long and exciting day! Exact times and details will be provided later, but here is a rough guide to what happens on Concert Day
    • Minis and tinies should expect to be at the concert venue from approximately 10.30am to 3.30pm (the conclusion of the first show)
    • Parents do not stay with them during this time. We have a sign in/out procedure and students are fully supervised so that all parents watch the show
    • Older students will be at the venue all day
    • All students must remain in the venue at all times. Parents are not permitted backstage or in the dressing rooms at any time, including between the two shows.
    • There will be time to relax and eat between the two shows but there will not be time to leave the venue. This means students should arrive in the morning with EVERYTHING they need including a substantial meal to eat. 
  4. Ticket Sales
    • Tickets will go on-sale online on October 1 2018 at 5pm.
    • The link for ticket sales will be emailed out to you closer to the day
    • Adult tickets are $30
    • We are now introducing a $25 Child ticket for 12 years and under
    • Performers do not need a ticket.
    • Minis and Tinies who would like to watch the 5pm show can attend for free if supervised by a paying adult. These will be allocated after ticket sales and will be dependent on availability.

WOW! What a big and exciting event we have ahead of us. With all the extra seats make sure you invite all of your family and friends.

We are so humbled to have welcomed so many new families into our community this year, as well as to have so many long term, loyal students who have developed and grown with us.

As always we welcome any questions you have so please get in touch if you need to confirm anything!

Happy Dancing!
The MSF Team xx

P.S Did you know Main St Funk have a blog? Check out our latest two posts!

https://mainstfunk.com/2018/09/10/its-ok-to-make-mistakes/
https://mainstfunk.com/2018/08/28/my-dance-teacher-is-picking-on-me/

Rehearsal Day 2017
Rehearsal Day 2017
Photo Day 2017
Photo Day 2017
Concert Day 2017
Concert Day 2017

It’s OK to Make Mistakes.

Posted on by mainstfunk in dance, education, Motivation, parenting

As dancers and creatives we all have a little streak of perfectionism running through our DNA.

What’s that you ask? It is the act of striving for flawlessness and in small doses it can be a blessing but, it can also be a curse.

It means that we usually hold ourselves to a high standard, have a strong work ethic, an eye for detail, an insatiable drive to continue to do better and obviously, a passion for our chosen field.

But it can also mean that we often pick ourselves apart, over analyse the details, feel defeated (even after a win!). It can be so destructive that “not trying” becomes the safest option because it feels better not to try than to achieve something “less than perfectly” on the first attempt.

Who has ever kept quiet in class when the teacher has asked a question, even though you are 99.9 percent sure you know the answer? It’s much easier to be quietly right than to be so outwardly and confidently wrong.

These dancers and students will often hide behind a “I don’t care” and “I can’t be bothered” disguise until eventually, someone who was once thriving, falls behind. The pressure of catching up and of not being “the best” is too much, leading a once passionate and dedicated dancer to quit.

The reality is, nothing in life will ever be perfect, there will always be mistakes! You mustn’t them beat you. Mistakes are proof that you are trying, that you are growing and that you are human. Making mistakes teaches us to be resilient and strong. They teach us how to survive in a not so perfect world and when we are not perfect ourselves, we are more forgiving and understanding of our equally imperfect peers.

As someone who is your dance teacher, you will often hear me making corrections, telling you to work harder, encouraging you to practice and being well, a nag. I can see why you would assume  that I am perfect (I mean, look at me *flicks hair*) but the truth is I am very much NOT. Despite the perfectionist gene running hard and fast through my veins, I make mistakes, EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. Some, I think about for days, weeks, months after they happen. Others, I brush off, acknowledge the lesson learned and move forward.

Here are few not-so-perfect dancing moments that I have lived through and survived to tell the tale. Some of them hurt, some of them ate away at my brain (some still do!), some of them are just plain hilarious but all of them were a lesson that I needed to learn and have made me the strong, resilient, driven, creative person I am today. *flicks hair again*

  • I have forgotten my dance on stage (yes, an entire dance)
  • I have made mistakes on stage (every dance, every performance)
  • I make mistakes in every class I participate in. When I am a student and even when I am teaching!
  • During my first concert, I fell asleep in the change room and missed my last dance of the show and the finale. Side note: I was also so nervous, I threw up before I even arrived at the theatre.
  • During my second concert, I was late on stage and missed about 30 seconds of my dance.
  • I have fallen over on stage.
  • I have cried in class, on multiple occasions, out of sheer frustration.
  • I have shown up to photo day without my costumes.
  • I have shown up to rehearsals with out all of my dance shoes.
  • I have participated in competitions and not placed first. I have even participated and not placed at all.
  • I have participated in dance exams and “only just” passed.
  • I auditioned for an elite full time dance course and got sent home after the first round.
  • I auditioned for a hip hop crew that I love and admire and didn’t get a call back.
  • I have been lectured, yelled at and “told off” from teachers for not working hard enough and not practicing.
  • I have “talked back”, argued and given attitude to my teachers. Whoops. #teenagechloe
  • I have been late to class.
  • I have been removed from choreography because I didn’t know it well enough in time.
  • I have been removed from choreography even though I did know it!
  • I was once in a dance that went for 3 minutes and 25 seconds. I was only in 4 counts of 8 out of the whole dance and half of that time was standing in a pose that was facing the back!
  • I have fallen over on stage.
  • My headpiece has fallen off on stage (multiple times)
  • I have forgotten my positions and where I was travelling to on stage.
  • I have had many, MANY, costume malfunctions on stage.
  • In the year 2000 I cut my own fringe. Ok, not dancing related but I did have to perform on stage with my new “do” and my mum did still buy that year’s dancing photos. My sisters called it my “tufty bits”.
  • I have shown up to comps, rehearsals, photo days and concerts at the wrong time because I didn’t read the notice properly.
  • I have torn my dance tights right before I was supposed to enter the stage.
  • I have spilled food on my costume!
  • I once gave my mum strict instructions on where on my costume she needed to sequin, only to arrive to photo day and it was completely wrong. Sorry mum!
  • I have misplaced costume items.

The list goes on and on! And to think these are ONLY SOME of the mistakes or “failures” I have made on my dancing journey and doesn’t even include my day to day activities as a frazzled twenty-something millennial. Think; forgetting doctors appointments, somehow burning the chicken but also leaving it raw on the inside, that time I got my car stuck on a large concrete pillar – that’s a story for another day. The point is I survived or, I am surviving.

So, the next time you make a mistake or something feels less-than-perfect; take a deep breath and a step back. Was it important? Was it in your control? What have you learned from this? Are there any consequences? And instead of BEATING yourself up about it, BUILD yourself up. Congratulate yourself for taking a chance,  acknowledge your strengths, have a moment of despair and then dust yourself off.

Mistakes are proof that you are trying, that you are learning and that you are human. Remember, it’s ok to make mistakes but it’s never ok not to try. Fall down seven times, stand up eight. YOU ARE A SURVIVOR.

By Chloe Jobson – A Serial Mistake Maker.

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10
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My dance teacher is picking on me!

Posted on by mainstfunk in dance, education, parenting

Uh oh… Your son or daughter, who absolutely loves dancing, has come out of class looking frustrated and upset. You ask them what’s wrong and they mutter the words no parent wants to hear…

“My teacher is picking on me!”

Your heart sinks. Your mind races and your inner mama-bear gets ready to roar and jump to your child’s defense.

Well hang on a sec, hold your horses. Let’s think logically and figure out exactly what your darling dancer means. In the playground at school, if someone is being “picked on” it generally means that another individual is going out of their way to annoy or tease or bully this person. This kind of behavior is deliberate with the intent to upset the other person.

In my years of dance teaching, I am yet to come across another teacher or principal who has taken such a dislike to a student that they would put so much time and energy into making that child upset.

A dance teacher is generally somebody who is very passionate about dance and who equally loves working with children, they may even have their own! Dance teachers are joyous, energetic people. They have taken an active interest and invested their time and energy into the growth and development of your child and the hundreds of children that they will meet in their dance teaching career. They are one of the lucky few whose passion and career came together. It would be a bit out of character if they started “picking” on children now, wouldn’t it?

What your child probably means is, they often hear the teacher say their name in class. This is actually a positive thing and great teachers make a conscious effort to say every single student’s name multiple times a lesson so they feel included in the class and important to their teacher. Your child might feel like their name is the only one being called out but that is likely because they are only tuned in to hearing their own name and not their classmates.

But why do they keep getting called upon? Here are some reasons your child might be being “picked on” by their teacher.

  1. CORRECTIONS: It doesn’t matter if your child wants a career in dance or comes to class for fun. A teacher’s job is to TEACH dance. This means correcting mistakes so that your child, the student, can LEARN. It is important the teacher corrects mistakes so that your child can progress and make improvements week to week. It also helps to reduce the risk of injury when your teacher makes a correction on your child’s technique. Often, it would not be safe for a student to continually perform something incorrectly. Sometimes these corrections can be generalized to the whole class however, often children are progressing at different rates and need and deserve individualised attention from their teacher. They also pay attention and remember corrections more when they are directed to them and not the whole class.  An example of what your child might hear is: “Stretch those feet Sally”, “Don’t forget to bend your knees before you jump Tess” OR “Mary, keep in time with the music”. If your child says they are being “picked on” they are probably just receiving corrections which is a positive thing and means they are learning. If your child’s maths teacher asked them what 2+2 is and your child answered 5, their maths teacher is going to correct them. Are they being “picked on” or is Mr. Maths doing his job?

  2. “MY TEACHER YELLS AT ME”: There is probably some truth to that. Sometimes the teacher will give their students corrections in a quiet and gentle manner. Other times they need to be firm and direct, so that the students understand the importance. Being loud or changing their tone of voice will emphasise the key points they want their students to remember. In general, dance teachers are loud and excitable people. If your dance teacher yells, it is because they are extremely passionate and they are trying to get all of the energy, excitement and joy they feel  out of their bodies and into their students! Also remember that quite often in a dance class environment, the teacher will be competing with loud music, chatty kids, the air-con or fans and even tap shoes, so they may yell or talk loudly because they want your child to hear and understand them. A dance teacher who yells is a dance teacher who cares. The important thing to remember is that they are not yelling AT your child but out towards the whole class so that everybody can hear them.

  3. POTENTIAL: Perhaps your child is progressing just that little bit faster than their classmates and has moved beyond the generalised corrections that are given to the whole class. Perhaps their teacher recognises your child’s potential and wants to give them a challenge. Your child might say “Miss Chloe keeps telling me to kick my legs higher and keep my back tall but she never tells my friend Alice!” Well Alice might not be up to that. Alice might still be focusing on stretched feet and knees and your child has already shown improvements in that area and is ready for more. If your child isn’t given corrections or being “picked on” in their words, they might become bored at dance because they don’t feel challenged.

  4. YOUR CHILD IS DISTRACTED: There is so much stimulation in the dance room; loud music, their favourite songs, their dance friends, pretty pictures on the wall, students coming and going. Your child might get caught up in a conversation with their classmates or be thinking about what’s for dinner or how much homework they have to do when they get home. A good dance teacher can always tell when a  student isn’t focused or not listening. The teacher might say your child’s name or speak to them directly to bring their focus back to the dance class.

  5. POOR BEHAVIOR: Yes, maybe your child’s behavior is not perfect all the time. This doesn’t mean that they are a bad kid, a terrible dancer or that their teacher doesn’t like them. While dancing is fun, it comes with a set of rules and disciplines. Respect needs to be shown to the teacher, the dance room and their classmates. This means being polite, not talking while the teacher is addressing the class or the music is on, not “playing” during class and wearing correct uniform. Dance class is about so much more than just learning steps and tricks. Your child will learn social skills, work ethic and the importance of teamwork. When your child misbehaves or doesn’t adhere to the classrooms set rules, their teacher will pull them up. They might say “Lisa, where is your uniform today?” “Please don’t speak while I do Matthew” or “Erin, the dance studio is not a playground, please don’t run around.” The teacher may say these gently at first but if they need to remind your child repeatedly, it may be necessary to be firm. Dance class is a structured activity that can take children a little while to adjust to. It is quite normal kids to slip up and forget the rules and get carried away having fun with their friends, so don’t stress too much if you think this might be the case. If the dance teacher believes your child’s behaviour has become too disruptive or dangerous for dance class, they will have a private conversation with you about addressing this behaviour at home. Until then, just leave it to the pros.

When I was a student, I like many others, complained that I was “picked on” by my teachers. Every class there was correction after correction, nothing was ever perfect. I viewed this as a negative thing. That was until i entered a class where I was completely ignored. Made to feel invisible for 1.5 hours a week, every week. I’m not sure if this was intentional or just negligence but now when I take class, I appreciate every correction directed to me and the whole class and I ask for more if I feel like i’m not getting enough. When I’m teaching, I attempt to make sure every student knows that I can see them and that I care by giving encouraging, constructive and individual attention to each of my students. This principle is instilled in each of the Main St Funk teachers. Without it being actively enforced, the MSF team are naturally invested into every single student that walks through our studio doors.

It is well-known that dancers are some of the most mentally strong and resilient athletes and it all starts at their very first dance class. So next time your child thinks that they are being picked on, dig a little deeper. They might just be super lucky and have an awesome dance teacher. Someone who is passionate, someone who cares and someone who believes in your child because behind every great dancer is a dance teacher who picked on them.

By Chloe Jobson.

THE MSF
THE MSF
TEACHING TEAM
TEACHING TEAM
IN ACTION
IN ACTION