Busy days for PKS dancers.  6 days of Globals "The Morning Show" come to an end tomorrow, Kaleigh & Kendra perform the 1st of many shows with the National Ballet's "Nutcracker" this evening and James & Isabelle are getting set to steal the show in Ballet Jorgen's "Nutcracker" at Markham Theatre on Dec 30th.  So proud of our little professionals!

PKS Dancers will perform on Global's The Morning Show Again!

PKS Dance Elite Ltd. was honoured to be asked to come back to perform on The Morning Show.  PKS dancers first performed on The Morning Show in October for their One Year Anniversary.  The Morning Show team was so impressed that they asked us to come back again!

We have a group of performers ready to appear on the show for 6 days!  They are on the air at 6:35, 7:35 and 8:20 a.m.

Check out our girls on December 14, 17, 18, 19, 20 and 21

Parade Fun 2012

Santa Claus Parade

Getting Ready for the Parade.
 
What a great bunch of Volunteers!

PKS Students will appear in Ballet Jorgen's The Nutcracker!

Congratulations to Isabelle and James

PKS Students Isabelle and James will be appearing in Ballet Jorgen's The Nutcracker this holiday season.  We are so proud of both of you and are very excited to see you perform.

Halloween Week

Great Start to Halloween Week!

PKS Students Kendra and Kayleigh will perform in The National Ballet of Canada's The Nutcracker

PKS Students Kendra and Kayleigh will perform in The National Ballet of Canada's The Nutcracker

Kendra and Kayleigh auditioned for the show at the beginning of the month and have just been told that they will appear in this year's production of The Nutcracker.  

We would like to take this opportunity to congratulate them and we are so excited to watch them perform!

PKS Dancers Surprise the hosts of Global's The Morning Show!

PKS Dancers Surprise the hosts of 

Global's The Morning Show

Former student Kieran Sells is a producer for Global's The Morning Show and asked Miss Kelly on Tuesday if we would be able to throw a flash mob together for Friday mornings show.....of course she said YES!!!

The students came in for a last minute rehearsal and learned the entire routine in and hour and a half and had one more quick rehearsal before the performance on Live television.

Here is the clip!

PKS Dance Elite Student set to perform in Swan Lake

Congratulations James!

PKS Dance Elite is thrilled to announce that student James will be performing in Ballet Jorgen's "Swan Lake" @ Markham Theatre on September 28th and 29th

Insight from the worlds greatest dancer

Dancing makes you smarter and stronger - according to scientific studies:
Read More

Let the count down begin!

The season will begin in one month!  It is time to start thinking about getting back into dance shape (body and mind)

1) Start Stretching if you haven't been doing that already!
2) Get Moving - find a dance class and get back to work

PKS Dance Elite Ltd. offers drop in dance classes on Wednesday evenings.

Summer Drop in Classes/EXAM PREP

Wednesday evenings July 25 to August 22 - EXPERIENCE REQUIRED!!

No need to register for these classes ahead of time — Just show up and dance!

Payable each night or for the full set of classes, on the first night.

Mini/Junior (6-9 years)

5:15-6:00 p.m. – Acro

6:00-6:45 p.m. -Ballet

7:00-7:45 p.m. – Tap

7:45-8:30 p.m. – Jazz

Mini/Junior Pricing – $10.00/class, $35.00/night, $150.00/5 weeks

Intermediate (10-12 years)

5:00-6:00 – Tap

6:00-7:00 p.m. – Jazz

7:00-8:00 p.m. – Acro

8:00-9:00 p.m. – Ballet

Intermediate Pricing – $15.00/class, $45.00/night, $200.00/5 weeks

Senior (13+ years)

6:00-7:00 p.m. – Acro

7:00-8:00 p.m. – Ballet

Senior Pricing  - $15.00/class, $25.00/night, $100.00/5 weeks

Adult Belly Dancing

Wednesday Evenings 7:30 – 8:30pm — July 25 to August 22

$15 per class or $60 for all 5 weeks

No need to register for these classes ahead of time — Just show up and have fun!

Payable each night or for the full set of classes, on the first night.

Call (905) 579-3548 or email info@dance-elite.ca for more info

The Difference Makers

THE DIFFERENCE MAKERS

Here is a great video done by CTV with Rick Hansen on the Difference Makers in these athletes lives.  My favourite quote from this clip is when Brent Hayden comments on his coach telling him "if you want to be good at anything, you have to do it with heart"

Enjoy,

Kelly

CLICK HERE to watch the video

EVEN THE BEST IN THE WORLD HAVE OFF DAYS

EVEN THE BEST IN THE WORLD HAVE OFF DAYS

Watching the Olympic coverage has inspired me to blog today about the pressures that athletes are under to always perform at their best.  I cannot help notice the similarities in dance. The pressure that  students (and parents) place on themselves, to always place on top and hold that top spot no matter what.

I believe there are many lessons to be learned when watching the best in the world perform in their events.  In the last two days the USA World Champion in Gymnastics Jordan Wieber and USA Swimmer Michael Phelps have been expected to be the best, and have fallen short of expectations.  I have watched the shock in the media that these athletes have not met the standards imposed by their country and the world.  I thought to myself "how must those young athletes feel?". How much pressure are they feeling to not only be letting themselves down, but be letting their parents, coaches, country and WORLD down?" . That is a lot of responsibility for a 17 year old or 27 year old to bear.  I know they have a team of professionals that train their minds to deal with these pressures but that made me think about all of the amateur athletes that do not have the sport psychologists to keep their minds strong.  

I know every competitive dancer has the desire to be the best.  I believe that everyone of them feel that the competition they are preparing for at that moment is the MOST important - but what we need to teach our young performers is that the result of that day does not define WHO they are.  We need to remember that we are dealing with very young, impressionable minds and it is our job as teachers and parents to build these minds to be as strong as possible.  Adding pressure to never fall from the pedestal can only have a negative effect.

As I go into the next dance season as a Dance Teacher and a Mom,I plan on taking the lessons learned by watching these world class athletes. Mine will be helping my students to set their goals and focus  on their individual successes, and to learn to celebrate every success that they achieve (as small as it may seem). It is not how quickly you get to the top or how long you stay there - it is about believing whole heartedly that you deserve to be there. Embrace all of your Training, and the Experiences learned on your journey, and the Passion you have for DANCE will prepare you to be The Best In The World!

Success is not Final

Failure is not Fatal,

It is the Courage to 

continue that counts.

Happy Olympics Everyone,

Kelly

SUMMER DANCING

Are you getting bored of summer yet?  We have the solution!  Summer drop in classes at PKS Dance Elite Ltd.  We have classes to keep you moving, and in shape as you return to your fall dance programs.

Classes are offered every Wednesday evening July 25-August 22.  Classes are offered in tap, jazz, ballet and acro.

Junior Schedule (6 + years with at least 2 years of training)

Acro- 5:15-6:00 p.m.

Ballet - 6:00-6:45 p.m.

Tap - 7:00-7:45 p.m.

Jazz - 7:45-8:30 p.m.

Intermediate Schedule (10 + years with at least 3 years of training)

Tap - 5:00-6:00 p.m.

Jazz - 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Acro - 7:00-8:00 p.m.

Ballet - 8:00-9:00 p.m.

Senior Schedule (13+ years with at least 5 years of training)

Acro - 6:00-7:00 p.m.

Ballet - 7:00-8:00 p.m.

PRIVATE LESSONS

We are also offering private, semi private and small group lessons in tap, jazz and ballet.  Email us at info@dance-elite.ca to set up a time.


Private lesson (1 person) $60.00/hour
Semi Private lesson (2 persons) $40.00/person/hour
Small Group lesson (min 3-max 5 persons) $30.00/person/hour

What a great week!

Summer Camps were so much fun!

We had 2 great camps this week.  We danced, we made crafts, we shared treats and we danced some more!  Where else can you celebrate St Patrick's Day, Halloween, your "Un-Birthay", Christmas and New Years all in 1 week?  Thank you to our incredible camp staff and CIT's for making this week so much fun!

Dance/Art Campers

Kinder Campers

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS!

This weekend PKS Dance Elite Ltd. celebrated our 6th season coming to a close with our annual Year End Gala.  We would like to congratulate the following students who were recognized for their hard work all year long.

Recognized for Achievement in TAP

Ava B

Emma B

Deanna B

Peyton C

Amanda R

Alanna C

Recognized for Achievement in Jazz

Morgann C

Christina A

Cedric C

Georgia H

Olivia D G

Madison C

Recognized for Achievement in Ballet

Anna H

Taylor G

William H

Caitlyn M

Vanessa V

Jacob V S

Recognized for Achievement in Hip Hop

Aili P

Victoria T

Michael B

Jenna M

Recognized for Achievement in Acro

Suzy B

Skylar V H

Ysabel C

Brooklyn M

Recognized for Achievement in Musical Theatre

Emma C

Taryn R

Recognized for Achievement in 2 or more dance forms

Hailey R

Jacqueline D G

Sarah T

Julia B

Brianna M

Morgan P

Lauren B

Rachel B

Recognized for Achievement in 3 or more dance forms

Arlington T

Emilia A

Allie B

Caleigh B

Hannah B

Junior Cheer Leader

Ciara G-F

Intermediate Cheer Leader

Tamara D

Senior Cheer Leader

Jocelyn H

Most Promising Dancer

Emily L

M.E.R.N. Award

Katelyn T

Tap Excellence

Tamara D

Most Improved Dancer

Rhianna B

Young Student of the Year

Avery H

Student of the Year 

Erin B 

"Over the Rainbow"

http://www.cbc.ca/overtherainbow/vote.html
Miss Long's student is in the top ten online contestants for CBC's "Over the Rainbow" show airing this fall. Please vote - You can vote every hour until Sunday. Help us out please!

Ryan dances at the Tony's

Former student and guest teacher at PKS Dance Elite Ltd performs at the Tony Awards!  

Ryan Gifford (Miss Kelly's brother) has been in New York City since March performing in the Broadway cast of Jesus Christ Superstar.  This show is Ryan's Broadway debut but he has been performing on stages all over Canada and the US for many years.  Congratulations Ryan - we are so proud of you.

Star Catchers Results

Star Catchers Scarborough Results

Amazing results for our last competition of the season!!!

Most Promising of the Session

Pas De Zaster

Pump Up The Jam

Isabelle Mitchell

Choreography of the Session

Stuck Like Glue

America

Triple Diamond Award

Beauty and the Beast

Runner Up Mini Solo

Meghan

Top 10 Junior Solo

Isabelle

Overall Mini Duet/Trio

Stuck Like Glue

Overall Mini Group

Itsy Bitsy

Overall Mini Extended Line

Radetyz March

Overall Sr. Production

Beauty and the Beast

Best Presentation

Beauty and the Beast

Top Star Performance

Beauty and the Beast

Scholarships

Isabelle and James - A Day at the National Ballet of Canada

Meghan - Fresh Dance 1/2 scholarship 

Erika - Metro Movement Scholarship

Rachel - $500 Hollywood Summer Intensive

Isabelle - Fresh Dance Full Scholarship

Shine Kingston Overalls Results

SHINE Kingston - Results

Novice Junior Overall
1st  - Julia
2nd - Ding Dong

Munchkin Overall
1st - Stuck Like Glue
2nd - Ciara
3rd - Jaiden

Junior Duet/Trio
1st - Arlington & Briar

Junior Small Group Overall
1st - Oogie Woogie

Jr Large Group/Lines
1st - Radetzy March
3rd - ElectroSWING

Production Overall
1st - Beauty and the Beast

Highest Musical Theatre Mark of the Competition - Beauty and the Beast

Judges Choice of Session:
Oogie Woogie
Somebody to Love
Beauty and the Beast
Radetzy March

Choreography of the Session:
Ding Dong
Remember

Shine Peterborough Results

Shine Peterborough Overalls - April 11- 15, 2012

Novice Jr

2nd - Ding Dong

3rd - Julia

5th - Caleigh

Munchkin

1st - Ciara

2nd - Stuck Like Glue

3rd- Meghan


Munchkin/Junior Soloist
1st - Ciara

Jr Small Group

1st - Oogie Woogie

Jr Large Group/Line

1st - Radetzy March

3rd - ElectroSWING

Production

1st - Beauty and the Beast.

Highest Musical Theatre Mark of Comp

Beauty and the Beast


3rd Highest Acro Mark of Comp
Ciara


2nd Highest Jazz Mark of Comp
Itsy Bitsy


3rd Highest Ballet Mark of the Comp
Radetyz March

Highest Costume Mark of Comp

Beauty and the Beast

Highest Choreography - Jr/Munchkin

Radetzy March

Choreography award for session:

Ding Dong

ElectroSWING

Judges choice of session:

Radetzy March

Oogie Boogie

Itsy Bitsy

Beauty and the Beast


6th Overall Ultimate Shine Award
Itsy Bitsy

Itsy Bitsy finished 12^th Overall out of 930+ routines – And they are only 6 years old!

Let's Get Loud - Niagara Falls Results - April 2012

Let's Get Loud - Niagara Falls Results - April 2012 

These are the OVERALL Awards (that means all categories combined)

NOVICE
2nd solo - Julia
1st Duet/trio - Ding Dong (also awarded most potential - judges choice - only 2 given in the comp)
3rd Musical Theatre - Colleen


AMATEUR/REC Division
2nd place Musical theatre - Amanda

MINI
1st solo - Meghan
2nd solo - Jaiden
1st Duet/Trio - Stuck like Glue
1st Group - Oogie Boogie
2nd Group - Radetyz March
3rd Group - Itsy Bitsy
Our Minis ROCK - every Mini Overall award except 1!!!

JUNIOR
3rd Solo - Isabelle
1st Duet/trio - Isabelle & James
3rd Duet/trio - Briar & Arlington

SENIOR
3rd Solo - Rachel
2nd Duet/trio - Alex & Taylor

ACRO
3rd - James

MUSICAL THEATRE
2nd - America
3rd - Megan & Erika

PRODUCTION
1st - Beauty & the Beast

No more spinning jelly fish!

So we will be expecting great things from your pirouettes now!

Guest Teacher Andreea Olteanu visited PKS Dance Elite this week.  Andreea is a corps de ballet dancer with the National Ballet of Canada.  We are excited and honoured to have her with us.  Andreea's Bio