Having a well prepared dance bag
February 29, 2012 by PSOD · Leave a Comment
As our Winter Showcase for Performing Arts students is just around the corner at Eden Prairie High School on March 10, 2012, we thought this would be the perfect opportunity to remind our dancers of what should go into a well packed dance bag.
Our own Megan Maguire, an assistant and dancer at Prairie School of Dance, is interviewed here describing the essential items of a well prepared dancer’s bag!
Grab a “healthy snack” and your water bottle and grab your notepad to take notes on these essential items.
CLICK HERE TO WATCH!
Prairie School of Dance will hold Performing Arts Showcase March 10, 2012
February 28, 2012 by PSOD · Leave a Comment
Our annual Performing Arts Showcase will be held on Saturday, March 10, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. at Eden Prairie High School. This event highlights all dancers in our school’s Performing Arts division, Levels 1-6. Tickets for the show are available in advance by calling 952.829.9436 or emailing prairieschoolofdance@gmail.com.
WATCH VIDEO HERE!
Advance Tickets: $10 Adult, $6 student – Tickets at the door: $12 Adult, $8 student.
Prairie School of Dance offers Summer Dance Camps in Eden Prairie
February 22, 2012 by PSOD · Leave a Comment
Even with the recent snowfall, temperatures are still rising at our dance school with excitement over our new Summer 2012 Dance Camp Schedule for Recreational dancers – now available on our website.
We will offer the same wholesome and quality dance experiences that you love in the regular school year, including musical theater, ballet, jazz, tap, and sacred dance. If your child wants to dance this summer, you are sure to find a spot for them in one of these camps!
We will offer dancers both a Lion King (ages 5-10) and Hairspray Musical Theater (ages 9-12)option, a Sacred Dance Camp with Miss Mallory Dykema (ages 8-18) , a Fancilicious Princess camp (ages 3-8) and a Princess Ballerina Camp (ages 3-5).
We will also conduct a Pre-Performing Arts camp, catered toward dancers interested in joining our Performing Arts division next fall, or who are interested in learning a variety of dance styles including ballet, jazz, tap, musical theater and sacred dance taught in a challenging and fun environment.
As you get that calendar planning going for this Summer – remember Prairie School of Dance is a fabulous option for growing your dancer and having a fun and healthful experience at the same time! Please feel free to call the dance line with questions at 952.829.9436.
Get to know your PSOD teachers!
February 16, 2012 by Marit · Leave a Comment
We are excited to announce a new monthly feature on the blog – “Get to Know Your Teachers!” Each month we will highlight a new teacher and use a Q & A format so you can hear their answers to our intriguing and informative questions. This month we profile Marit Green.
Name: Marit Green
Education: Bachelor of Arts, St. Olaf College, Economics & Dance; Master of Arts, Augsburg College, Leadership
Teaching Experience: 3rd year at Prairie School of Dance, 10th year teaching dance
Teaches at PSOD: Ballet/Jazz/Tap, Jazz/Hip Hop & Tap
What is your favorite style of dance?
I love jazz and modern! Jazz and modern dance have such a wide range of style from high energy to more contemporary, lyrical dance, all executed with strength, power and technique. I also enjoy a good ballet class to wake up my muscles.
Where is the coolest place you have ever performed?
In a fashion show at the Mall of America!
What is one thing you were taught and will always remember?
This is a tough one! I have had so many incredible teachers in my life that have helped shape me into the dancer and person that I am today.
What inspires you?
I am inspired by those around me and the role models in my life. I find that my dance inspiration comes from music, watching great dancing and, of course, the students!
Have you had a struggle in your dance journey and how did you overcome it?
In high school, I was a member of the Eden Prairie Pom Squad and dancing competitively at my studio. I spent several hours every week in a studio training and as a result of my intense schedule and several ankle sprains I was diagnosed with tendonitis in my left ankle. I went to physical therapy every week, iced daily, wore supportive shoes, but the best way for my body to heal was rest. Resting meant not dancing and missing out on performances and competitions. I pushed through the big competitions and was able to rest during the off-season, but this has been an injury that I have dealt with ever since. Overcoming this obstacle was a mental game for me and I had to really listen to my body when I needed to rest.
What do you believe is the most important way your faith is present in your career?
I am a firm believer that God has a plan for me and everything happens for a reason. I have been dancing since I was 3 years old and through all of the different journeys in my life, dance has been a consistent part of my life. It is evident that sharing in the joy of dance is part of God’s plan for me and I am fulfilled knowing that I can share that with others.
What brings you joy when you’re not at Prairie School of Dance?
I spend my time away for PSOD working as a marketing assistant part-time and coaching a high school dance team. As a newlywed, I find lots of joy in spending time with my husband, Matt, and our two cats. You can find me working out at Lifetime, enjoying coffee with friends, and spending time with my family. I also love to travel and spend time at the cabin! J
How do you handle pre-performance nerves?
Eat a good meal to nourish my body, drink plenty of water and visualize myself performing my best in that venue. Waiting backstage….breathe.
Sacred Dance company – Psalm 139 Touring Show
February 10, 2012 by PSOD · Leave a Comment
We are thrilled to announce that Prairie School of Dance’s Sacred Dance company is taking their Psalm 139 show on tour!
We will be performing Psalm 139 Sunday, February 26th, 2012 at Watertown Evangelical Free Church, in Watertown, MN, just 1 hour drive from the Twin Cities. Show times are 12:30pm & 2:00pm. Tickets: $5 suggested donation at the door.
This Sacred Dance Production of Psalm 139: Fearfully & Wonderfully Made, was premiered in December, 2011 at Grace Church in Eden Prairie.
Check out our video
to learn more about the making of Psalm 139. And be sure to mark your calendars for February 26th and plan to attend.
4 Fun Activities with Friends for Valentine’s Day
February 7, 2012 by PSOD · Leave a Comment
Valentine’s Day is just a week away. We think it’s a perfect time to spend with great friends, especially doing “girlie” things. Interested, but don’t know what to do?
We’ve got you covered, just like a chocolate strawberry!
1. Speaking of strawberries… Buy some at the store and take time to dip them in melted white chocolate or semisweet chocolate chips. (Video Here) Decorate with your favorite fun toppings (crushed oreos, sprinkles, nuts, coconut, or sugar sprinkles.) Place dipped strawberries on wax paper and refrigerate briefly to harden before enjoying.
2. Have a Themed Movie Night. We all love going out to the movies, but why spend money when you can have just as much fun at home? Take your Movie Night to the next level and create a Theme to go with the movie. Some favorite titles are, Princess Diaries 1 and 2 – watch both, and mimic the sleepover in PD2. Have everyone wear pajamas and a crown, eat popcorn and sleep on mattresses off the beds (like they use in the movie to stair surf!) Or watch Monte Carlo and create a 
Parisian theme for food, like crepes, cheeses, french fries, baguettes, or croissants and jam. Decorate your movie room with Parisian themed items (they begin their trip in Paris, and end up in Monte Carlo) and have everyone dress up in their favorite formal outfit like Cordelia at the charity event in Monte Carlo!
3. Create your own Performance. 
Choreograph a dance together, put on a show, “sell” tickets (maybe a canned good for local shelter gets you in) and PERFORM for your family/friends. Plan ahead, use old costumes from recitals, and create your own stage using a shower curtain on a rolling garment rack…then move it out of the way when you’re ready to start. Be sure to have someone video tape your show, and post it on our Facebook Page for all to see!
4. Go out to a Show. Get dressed up (using our inexpensive beauty tips) attend a performance of some kind (try “Reeling Over Love”) and cherish your pals! Nothing says love like great friends having fun together.
We’d “love” to hear how you and your pals celebrate this day of LOVE! Share your fun night with us in the comments below or stop by our Facebook Page and share photos with us. Happy Valentine’s Day!
5 inexpensive beauty tips for Valentine’s
February 2, 2012 by PSOD · Leave a Comment
We gals love to pamper and primp before a special event or night out, don’t we? Perhaps you’re headed to a Valentine’s dance, or maybe you’re just going out with the girls to a performance or dinner.
We want you to know that you are beautiful without spending all sorts of money to be “done up” by professionals! But we also know, “girls will be girls” and there’s certainly an element of joy and beauty in dressing different, wearing our hair different or adding a little extra to our make up routine in honor of that special occasion.
Grab a friend, save lots of money and get started with our Top 5 Inexpensive suggestions for this Valentine’s Day:
1. Hair: Start by adding extra moisture and shine to your hair with a 20 minute treatment using what you have in the house! Kym Douglas, Hollywood beauty expert and regular contributor on National TV, suggests mashing bananas and mixing them with honey, then applying it directly to your hair. After putting it on, cover with shower cap (from a hotel stay?) and let sit for 20 minutes. Shampoo normally. When dressing up those locks, you can get big, wavy curls by winding hair AROUND the barrel of a large curling iron. Reverse direction for each 2-inch section (wind up for one, down for another).
2. Nails: If you’re not into fancy nails, just keep them trimmed all one length and apply clear polish. Natural beauty is always a great idea! If you want a more “polished” look, have a friend do your nails, and then do theirs. You will achieve a more elegant look with less mess than doing your own. (and besides it’s fun!)
3. Face: Kym Douglas also suggests creating a mixture of mashed Cheerios, honey and lemon and exfoliating your face with it! Honey is a natural moisturizer, cheerios exfoliate and lemon brightens the skin. Rinse and wash as directed. When applying your make up, remember “Less is MORE”! Don’t pile on the foundation (contributes to acne) instead try powder or tinted moisturizer. And don’t line the inside of your lids, it makes your eyes appear smaller. If you want some ideas, check out The Beauty Department for simple do it yourself lock looks!
4. Body: Want that sun-kissed look without the harmful rays? We NEVER recommend tanning beds, but you can invest in a great self-tanning lotion. Tried that before and can’t stand the smell? Beauty.about.com recommends, “apply self-tanner a good 24 hours before an important event and take a shower (don’t loofah) to wash off any smell.” Also they recommend L’Oreal Sublime for an overall glow without the expense ($10)
5: Clothes: Try borrowing an “old” dress from a friend, and making it your own with added accessories or different new shoes! A cover up of a different feel or color will add lots to the dress, and since you’ve never worn it yourself, it will feel brand new. Be sure to lend a friend one of your frocks too, we like sharing.
Most of all, have fun! You are fearfully and wonderfully made by God, and it will shine through no matter what you put on your body or face.
We’d love to see your photos! Share with us on Facebook and be sure to let us know you read our blog.