April 16 & 17, 2005 - AMA Dancers welcomed Tracy Tritz to
the new facility for the first Master Class Workshop. Click here
for pictures & more information about this AMAzing event!
March 15, 2005 - The mailing was sent out today! Our open
house is next week and classes begin on March 28, 2005. All
classes Opening Week during Spring Break (3/28 - 4/2) are
FREE!!!
February 28, 2005 - The dance studio is 98% complete. We are making
finishing touches and having our last inspection next week with the City. We
are photocopying and stuffing the mailing (with the new class schedule),
which will go out on March 7, 2005.
We've been busy getting the space ready. Being on the 2nd
floor really makes a difference in fire codes. With your safety in mind, a
new roof, sprinkler system, and fire alarm system were installed!!
Just to keep you posted on some of the fun things about our
studio...
We have two LARGE dance studios, each providing stereos
with surround sound for our students!!
Studio J has an elevated wood-sprung floor. The springs
installed will protect our dancers' knees from injury over
the years. We chose maple, as maple does not splinter like
oak and parquet does.
An Adagio jazz/ballet floor was installed in Studio K.
We ordered it straight from New York, home of the American
Ballet Academy. The floors are top-of-the-line and
completely gorgeous.
I am especially excited about our one-way FULL viewing
mirrors. As not only the studio owner but also a parent, I
feel very strongly that you are entitled to see what is
going on in the classroom at all times. I did not want to
install one tiny window that everyone crowds around, so I
installed five HUGE one-way mirrors (that measure 5'
square)! Now you can see what your child is learning, and
our students will be able to concentrate with no
distractions. You will love it!
8-foot high mirrors were installed on two full walls in
each studio for best learning capabilities possible for our
students. In addition, the third wall has the one-way
mirrors on it.
A large, separate dressing room was created so students
can get ready for class ahead of time and not spend valuable
calss time changing shoes and hanging up coats. The dressing
room features beautiful oak benches and will accommodate 60
coats and dance bags at one time.
Our Costume Corner for birthday party dress-up is
adorable - 200 colorful costumes are hung and available for
your child's b-day party fun!
While you are waiting for your child, there is even an
area for your toddler to do puzzles, play Thomas the Train,
and even cook in our play kitchen. In addition, a table and
chairs have been set up for children to do their homework
while waiting for their siblings.
As you can see, a lot of thought has gone into the development
of AMA. My hope was to create a sort of Disneyland for Dance. I want
EVERYONE to enjoy visiting AMA every week and look forward to your next trip
back to us. I tried to provide all the amenities that will make your visits
with us most enjoyable. Everything is brand spankin' new and looking
fantastic. I can't wait for you to see it!
I am looking at a start date of approximately March 21st with
Open House/Registration the week before. Our teaching staff will be at Open
House to greet you and make you feel at home!
As ALWAYS, your ideas, suggestions, concerns, and questions
are most welcome. Please feel free to email me at
amadancers@yahoo.com or call 847-727-7066.
And...please watch for your AMA mailing!
September 12, 2004 - On Thursday, September 2, 2004, the
crew from The Chicago Sign Factory installed our new AMA Dancers
& Co. sign!!! The blue flourescent sign is 20 feet long and 4
feet high. It can be seen from half a mile away on Rand Road
traveling northwest. Our sign, which was custom-built to include
our logo, will be a familiar sight throughout our community for
many years to come! Watch for our new sign to light up the night
in the next few weeks!!!
click on a thumbnail to see the full image!
January 22, 2004 - All framing is up and electrical work is completed in
the studio. Drywall scheduled to go up early next week, along with floor
installation!