October is here, and there’s plenty happening at Rhythm ’n Motion! From Dance WV Fall Festival and Halloween Dress Up Week to preparations for the Martinsburg Veterans Day Parade, here’s what RNM families need to know this month.
Don’t miss what’s coming up
Stay up to date on upcoming events, deadlines, studio activities and important dates throughout the dance season.
Dress Code Reminders
As we begin our second month of classes, please make sure your dancer is following the RNM dress code. Proper dance attire allows instructors to quickly identify body placement or technique issues that could lead to injury while also helping minimize distractions during class.
A few important reminders:
- Hair should be pulled back neatly and completely out of the dancer’s face. Hair should be in a bun for all ballet classes.
- No exposed midriffs.
- No dangly jewelry. Stud earrings are acceptable, although we recommend no earrings for acro students during partnering stunts.
- Label dance shoes on the inside with a permanent marker.
- We highly recommend RNM ballet shoes, especially for our younger dancers. They’re drawstring-free, which means fewer distractions during class.
Dress Code by Class
Creative Dance: Pink or black leotard, pink tights, hair in a bun with no bangs and pink ballet shoes.
Pre-Ballet/Tap: Pink or black leotard, pink tights, hair in a bun with no bangs, pink ballet shoes and black RNM tap shoes.
Ballet: Black leotard, pink tights, hair in a bun with no bangs and pink ballet shoes.
Hip-Hop: Flowy, hip clothing with no jeans. Hip-hop clothing may be worn over ballet attire. Hair should be in a ponytail. RNM hip-hop sneakers are required.
Jazz: Leotard with tights or black dance bottoms, hair in a ponytail and tan jazz shoes.
Contemporary/Modern/Acro: Leotard with tights or dance bottoms, hair in a ponytail or bun and bare feet.
Tap: Leotard, black dance bottoms, hair in a ponytail or bun and black RNM tap shoes.
Baton: Leotard or form-fitting athletic clothing, hair in a ponytail or bun and tan jazz shoes.
Dance Class Etiquette
Dance is about more than movement. It’s also an opportunity to build confidence, character and important life skills.
At Rhythm ’n Motion, we want our dancers to grow into kind, compassionate, respectful and responsible individuals. Learning self-discipline and accountability is an important part of that journey, and we appreciate our families partnering with us to reinforce those values.
Before class, please remind your dancer to:
- Arrive on time and fully dressed in the proper dance attire with hair secured.
- Respect their teacher by listening and following directions.
- Respect themselves by trying their best.
- Respect others by using kind words and behavior with classmates and teachers.
- Keep talking to a minimum so everyone can learn.
Thank you for helping us reinforce respect, discipline and teamwork — lessons that extend far beyond the dance studio.
Dance WV Fall Festival
Dance WV Fall Festival is almost here! Dancers attending should begin preparing for the weekend.
Meals will be provided, but dancers should bring a little cash for meals or snacks while traveling. A dancewear boutique will also be available with dancewear and accessories.
Pillows are provided, but bed linens and towels are not, so please remember to pack those.
Dance WV Fall Festival Packing List
Bring a pillow, sleeping bag or bed linens, toiletries, towel and washcloth, pajamas, sweats, snacks, coat and hat, all dance shoes (including hip-hop shoes), extra leotards and tights, refillable water bottle, sensible shoes, hair supplies and bobby pins, hair dryer, umbrella, comfortable clothes and your TPDC/RNM jacket. Bring a yoga mat if needed.
School excuse letters have already been sent home. If you need another copy, please let us know, and remember to submit the letter to your school before the absence.
Carpool information, schedules and any last-minute details will be emailed and sent home the week of the festival.
Halloween Dress Up Week
Get those costumes ready! Halloween Dress Up Week is October 26–30.
Dancers are welcome to wear a Halloween costume or even a favorite costume from a past recital. Just make sure your dancer can still safely and comfortably dance in whatever they wear.
Martinsburg Veterans Day Parade
RNM has been invited to participate in the Martinsburg Veterans Day Parade on Saturday, November 7!
Lineup begins at 11:30 a.m., and the parade starts at noon. The short parade route makes this a great event for the whole RNM family, including our younger dancers.
Dancers in beginner classes and above can dance in the parade, while a float will be available for younger students and siblings. Dancers will learn the easy parade choreography during class.
Planning to participate? Please sign up at the front desk.
Dancers should wear an RNM sweatshirt or hoodie with black bottoms and wear their hair half-up. Parents and float riders are encouraged to wear RNM attire, too.
Parents and siblings are welcome to join us, and we’ll also need some parent volunteers to hand out candy along the parade route.
Shhhh… Dancers are learning!
We love having a busy, energetic studio family! However, hallway noise during classes has become distracting for dancers who are trying to focus.
We ask parents to please help keep siblings from running, yelling or slamming doors while classes are in session. Keeping our hallways a little quieter helps our dancers stay focused and do their best work.
Thank you for helping us create a positive learning environment for everyone!