Let's Learn Some Pantomime!

So among all this info on tryouts and clubs and performances, I figured you might want a little info on what your children have been doing in class, too! We've started the year with pantomime- it's in our blog title after all so it must be important!

Pantomime is probably just what you're thinking- it's acting without any sounds. You have to rely on your body and facial expressions to tell a story. Now don't worry, we haven't been painting our faces white and pretending to be stuck in a box. 2nd through 5th graders have been working in groups to give their pantomimes a plot. We've emphasized that a plot has 3 parts - a beginning, middle, and end - and let me say, your kids are crazy creative. I've seen so many great things the past few weeks. Below is a video from one of our 4th grade groups. See if you can figure out what their plot is!

Until next time!

-Miss King

All Star Updates

I've had my first two rehearsals with the All Star Dancers (that's their official name now) and am so excited! I ended up taking 18 girls (which it was a really difficult decision). They've been working extremely hard for our upcoming performance at the Superintendent's State of the District Address next Wednesday. They're learning and perfecting a whole dance in a week and a half! I'm already so proud of them.

Next Wednesday also brings about the start of another audition- this time for the boys! If your son is interested in being on the All Star Crew, a hip hop squad for 4th and 5th grade boys, next week is his time to shine. On Wednesday after school, we will meet in the gym to learn a short combination. Then everyone will come back Thursday after school to review and audition in small groups. Both days we will be finished by 4:30.

I've had several guys ask me, "I've never danced before. Can I still tryout?" YES! If they're unsure, encourage them to come Wednesday and see how they do. If anyone decides it's just not for him, he does not have to audition in the small groups on Thursday. Hip hop is a lot about having a good sense of rhythm, not perfect technique. Oh, and the most important thing of all is to have FUN!

Loving my job!
-Miss King

A Musical Reminder

This week is super busy and super exciting! Dance team tryouts are today and tomorrow after school....and tomorrow is also GFAA's first performance of the year!

Our PTA meeting starts at 7:00 in the cafeteria. As soon as business is concluded, our 4th graders are going to rock out with some awesome drumming. They've been working very hard and Miss Becker has done an amazing job with their show. Plus, they're performing "in the round" which isn't something you see everyday at the elementary level. Come out for PTA and stay for our talented 4th graders!

-Miss King

p.s. - For those inquiring minds who want to know, both show choir and dance team results will be announced Wednesday after school.

Calling all 4th & 5th grade girls!

Tryouts for the GFAA Dance Team are coming up! (First side note: I'm taking name suggestions starting now.)

Auditions will take place over two days next week. We will meet after school in the gym on Monday, September 12th where I will teach the girls a combo (combo = combination: dance lingo for a short, unfinished dance). We will be done by 4:30. On Tuesday, September 13th we will meet in my room (301) right after school to quickly review and then tryout! Auditions will be done in groups of 4 that I will assign. We should again be finished by 4:30.

Miss Becker (music) and I will be the only people watching in the room. We will be looking for:

• memory: how well you remember the dance
• technique: how easily you handle the choreography (steps)
• performance: how well you perform (smile, energy, etc.) 

Second side note: the most important of these three categories by far is performance. If you forget a step or don't do it perfectly, that's ok! I want to see you smiling and having fun. :)

Other important information:

Members of the dance team will be expected to purchase some sort of uniform item for performances in and out of school throughout the year. I promise to keep the cost as low as possible!

Our practices will be every Tuesday after school until 4:30 with the possibility of a few extra practices near to a big performance.

What kind of dancing will we be doing? I hope to do as much as possible! Jazz, Hip Hop, Ballet Folklorico- the most we have time for.

Any more questions? Please do not hesitate to email me at jennifer.king@gpisd.org. Exciting things are happening here at GFAA!
-Miss King