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Dedicated Dancer Student Division Handbook and Pre-Dance Handbook

All dancers who attend the North Shore School of Dance are required to abide by the rules of the Dedicated Dancer Handbook (Student Division Dancers) or Pre-Dance Handbook (Fancy Feet and Pre-Dance students). This handbook is a condensed, yet clear understanding of the commitment and responsibility required to train at NSSD.

Dedicated Dancer Handbook
Pre-Dance Handbook

Dance Class Etiquette

Attending a dance class is very exciting, but just as in school, there are certain guidelines that both parents and dancers should adhere to. North Shore School of Dance follows the international standard of dance class etiquette which is found in the link below. Within a child's first weeks at the school, these standards will be addressed so that each student will get the most out of his or her dance class.

Dance Class Etiquette Handbook

Demonstrators

The role of a demonstrator is extremely important. Demonstrators can have a huge effect on the atmosphere of the classroom; if they are enthusiastic and set a positive example, they will influence the students in a positive way. As a demonstrator, you will learn a great deal more about dance as a unique art form. You will see things that will help you with your own technique. Students wanting to be a demonstrator at North Shore School of Dance are encouraged to apply for a position. Dancers must be at least 12 years old, in a minimum of 2 dance classes per week, and a Jr. 3 level or above to be considered. The position is volunteer.

Demonstrator Application
Demonstrator Handbook

Is My Child Too Sick to Attend Class?

When a child is sick or injured, it can be a difficult decision for parents to decide whether or not to send a child to class. North Shore School of Dance follows the guidelines of pre-schools and schools when it comes to illness. We do encourage students who are fever free or who have an injury that prohibits their movement to attend class and observe. Observation in a class is a great learning tool for students. The following link provides specific information regarding sick and injured students.

Is my child too sick to dance?

 

 

NSSD KIDS KORNER

Welcome to North Shore School of Dance's Kid's page! Here your child can safely access information to upcoming events, performances, books, download games, etc. This year we had a contest in our Session I of the intensive program to name this new fun page, Sophia Furfine, created Dancers Korner. Congratulations!

Performances of Interest

  • "North Shore School of Dance's Annual Nutcracker Production. All ages. NSSD dancers and professional dancers work together to create this charming classical ballet based on E.T.A. Hoffman's tale of The Nutcracker and the Mouse King (1816). Performances are held at the Raymond Moore Auditorium at Lake Forest High School on the first weekend in December.
    Nutcracker Fun Activities for Kids
  • Columbia College Family Series. Ages 12 and under. www.colum.edu for more information.
  • Chicago Dancing Festival. August 23-27. Free dance performances from popular American dance companies. Performances held at various locations in downtown Chicago. www.chicagodancingfestival.com

Theatre Etiquette for dancers of all ages

A live theater performance can be very exciting. All of the people involved in the production, both cast and crew, work very hard to be sure they give a great performance. It is the job of the audience members to help the performers give their best performance possible. The audience can do this by practicing the rules of theater etiquette.

Theatre etiquette for kids

Recommended Summer Reading

  • Savion! My life in Tap.
    Ages-elementary through teen. Written by tapper and Tony award winner Savion Glover, master teacher, tap dancer and choreographer. Fun biography of his dancing life.
  • Because.......written by famous dancer Mikhail Barishnikov.
    Ages kindergarten-teen. A playful book about being a dancer.
  • The Only Boy in Ballet Class.
    Ages 4-8. Written by Denise Gruska. The story of a little boy in ballet class who loves to dance even though others may not understand. Everybody wins in the end and more friends sign up for ballet class.
  • Jose! Born to Dance.
    2nd grade-4th grade. Written by Susanna Reich. The story of dancer/choreographer Jose Limon from his beginnings in Mexico to his arrival in the United States and forming his own company.
  • Alvin Ailey.
    Ages 5-9. Written by Andrea and Brian Pinkney. The biographical story of Alvin Ailey, modern dancer/choreographer and founder of the Alvin Ailey Dance Company.
  • Human Alphabet-Pilobolus.
    Ages kindergarten - 4th grade. Photography by John Kane. A must have book for dancers and children. Throughout the book, the fluid letters move like a dance on paper.
  • Making of Appalachian Spring.
    Grades 2-6. Written by Jane Greenberg. This book celebrates the work of modern dance pioneer, Martha Graham.

NSSD Session I Intensive Program Students Recommended Reading and Movies to See

  • The Ballet Book
    Ages 9-12. Recommended by Olivia Selgrad and Katia Sievert, this book was written by Darcey Bussell, principal ballerina of the Royal Ballet. It offers step by step instructions to readers on what is expected in ballet class.
  • Dance!
    Ages 4 and up. Recommended by Katia Sievert, this book was written by Elisha Cooper. It tells the story of a dancer preparing for a production and ends with the curtain rising.
  • I am a Dancer
    Grades 4-7. Recommended by Katia Sievert, this book was written by Jane Feldman. It tells the story and follows the life of a 13 year old dancer and her day to day life at the School of American Ballet.
  • Ballet School
    Grades Pre-School – 3rd Grade. Recommended by Oliva Selgrad, this book is written by Naia Bray-Moffat. This book is designed for the beginning ballet student and discusses the lessons and practices of a ballerina.
  • A Child’s Introduction to Ballet (Book and CD)

  • Ages 4-8. Recommended by Olivia Selgrad. This book is written by Laura Lee and tells the story of some of the most famous ballets. Swan Lake, Nutcracker, Peter and the Wolf, and Fancy Free to name a few.
  • The Nutcracker
    Ages 6-9. Recommended by Olivia Selgrad. Written by Vladimir Vagin. Vagin’s beautiful watercolors help tell the story of one of the most famous ballets.
  • Mao’s Last Dancer (2010)
    Rated PG. Suggested by Olivia Selgrad. Based on an inspiring true story, this emotionally powerful crowd-pleaser emerged as one of the year's most talked about independent films. It's the fascinating and epic tale of Li Cunxin, a peasant boy from rural China who beats impossible odds to become a world-renowned ballet dancer.
  • Giselle
    Suggested by Olivia Selgrad. Perhaps the most celebrated ballet of the Romantic era, Adolphe Adam's intoxicating ballet Giselle is the dramatic story of a peasant girl whose betrayal by her aristocratic lover causes her to go mad before dying and returning as a ghost.
  • Center Stage (2001)
    Rated PG-13. Suggested by Hannah Amdur. This movie is about dancers who are attending the American Ballet Academy and the trials and tribulations that they go through each day. After the final performance, these hopeful dancers are chosen into a variety of ballet companies. This movie features famous dancers from San Francisco and American Ballet Theatre.
  • Fame (1980)
    Rated R. Suggested by Hannah Amdur. This movie is about dancers who attend the High School for the Performing Arts in NYC. It is also a popular TV show that can still be seen on cable and satellite tv.
  • Billy Elliot (2003)
    Rated R. Suggested by Olivia Selgrad. While attending boxing lessons, Billy happens upon a ballet class and begins to take class unknown to his father. Eventually, he auditions for a ballet school in London. At the end of the movie, you see an adult Billy leaping on to the stage in Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake.
  • Step Up (2006)
    Rated PG-13. Suggested by Monica Schweitz and Hannah Amdur. This movie has original music, some great dancing, and a wonderful plot, emphasizing the importance of friendships. It's a heartwarming story of success in the face of adversity, and tragedy. A great family film that teens especially will love.