Astara - Dance classes & workshops

Hope everyone has had a nice Summer!

A new term starts back at Astara from Saturday 10th September. There are still places available in all Astara classes so do get in touch for more information :-) We also have a few new videos on the website for you to check out; a Dancercise video if me teaching a salsa style routine (go to: Adults - Dancercise) and also a wedding dance video from Charlotte and Chris's wedding. I was lucky enough to be invited to the evening to watch their special first dance, which I spend 5 lessons teaching them. It was very fun (go to: Adults - Wedding Dance Choreography).

Charlotte x

Woweeeee!!!! THE WIZARD OF OZ is finally done and dusted! This time the children performed 3 shows in one weekend (as well as a full dress run!) and they impressed me so much, especially the 3-5 year old Startots, who were the lion cubs. They sat and watched each show beautifully and got up when it was the right time to rooooaaarrrrr!!! We sold out on every show and I have received some lovely comments back from the audience and parents, so hopefully all my hard work and late nights thinking of new creative ideas really did pay off! I also want to say again a huge "thank you" to all the mummies that helped with the children backstage and with costumes, etc.. you were greatly appreciated and I couldn't have had all 70 children in the show without your help! I am very excited to see the DVD which is now in production - I don't want to spoil the surprise but we may have some backstage filming to show you too!

The next exciting project I'm focussing on is...... ESSEX STAGE ACADEMY www.essexstageacademy.co.uk check out the website to find out how your child can enjoy 3 days of dancing, singing, acting, song writing and arts & crafts in the Summer holidays!

Charlotte x

There are lots of exciting things keeping me busy at the moment!

Rehearsals for The Wizard of Oz show are going swimmingly and fingers crossed, it will be alright on the night! I'm happy to announce that tickets are now on sale at £4 each and under 5's go free! There will be 3 shows in total. Saturday 16th July at 3pm, Sunday 17th July at 11am and 3pm. Last year tickets went so quickly so do make sure you get ours asap!

Also in the Astara mix is the opening of my Downham Saturday School branch, starting this Saturday 11th June. There are still places available on these musical theatre classes for children aged 3 -13years. Drop me an e-mail if you want to know more!

Meanwhile, my lovely Dancercise ladies are grooving and moonwalking with our current "Michael Jackson' style routine. "OWW!" looking good!

Keep dancing.... x

New Astara hoodies and t-shirts are being welcomed by many Astara students at the moment. A swarm of purple hoodies are starting to take over Great Waltham.. and it's all my fault! They do look lovely though and the children are over the moon to have their names on the back. At least if they get mixed up we shall know who's is who's! In the meantime, rehearsals for the Summer Show are progressing very well and we are all having fun along the way!

I am very much looking forward to meeting my new students at Downham Village Hall on Saturday 11th June... there are still spaces available for these afternoon Musical Theatre classes so get in touch if you're interested in signing your child up!

Best Wishes, Charlotte x

To start 2011 with something new and exciting I am so pleased to announce that in the coming months ASTARA will be offering brand new classes!! An afternoon 'Mother & Toddler Dance Class' for introducing music and dance to the under 3's. Plus a long awaited 'Teen Hip Hop Class' on a Monday evening directed specifically at kids aged 13-18 years and open to boys and girls. On top of all that ASTARA shall be offering party packages for adults! Dance Parties and Photoshoot Parties are top of the list and coming your way soon....... x

After a cracking Christmas Show on Saturday 18th December - it's left me feeling very festive indeed! Especially with all the music and costumes... I quite like being an elf! The bad snowy weather left me with no option but to cancel the evening performance (I think this was certainly the safest option!). Not to worry though as the Christmas Show is rescheduled for Saturday 8th January at 4pm at the Great Waltham Village Hall. I look forward to seeing most of you there! Tickets are still available - at £2.50 each.. what a bargain!

Not only have we still got the show to look forward to, but also a Christmas workshop! Tuesday 28th December 10-1pm Juniors and 1-4pm Seniors. With dancing, singing, games and glitter tattoos.. what more could you want!There are places available on both workshops.

But most importantly, before all that happens, its.... CHRISTMAS!!

Wishing you all a very merry time with hopefully plenty of dancing and singing!!

Charlotte x

Check out Astara's 2 fab workshops for the children to take part in over the October Half Term!

Monday 25th October - Dance and Martial Arts Masterclass (with professional free-runner Alex Martin)

Tuesday 26th October - Halloween Workshop (get into the Halloween spirit!)

For further details go to "Children" and then "Holiday Workshops"....

Christmas is next, so be sure to book your Christmas party with me asap!

Hi everybody!

I'm very excited to announce the launch of Astara on Saturday 4th September!

I hope those of you that can make the launch party have a brilliant time! There will be music, food and drink, face painting and star designing for the children, as well as 2 performances - one from the children who took part in this years Summer School and a Salsa performance that the Dancercise ladies have recently learnt! Not only do we have all that but there will be two great raffles with fantastic prizes such as: free personal training sessions, a photoshoot, facial, colonic session, beauty products, etc . Plus lots of gifts and prizes for the children's raffle!

You can also enrol your child for classes for this term and find out more about Dancercise and children's themed parties and a DVD of the Summer Show will be available for purchase!

Look forward to seeing you all there!

Charlotte