MKS News - December 2021
Wishing You a Joyful Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Our REASON to REJOICE!
I love our verse this month, because it reminds me of our REASON to REJOICE!
When asking my students how this verse affects their view of Christmas in a world that celebrates gifts and receiving, they have been reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas - not possessions, circumstances, or even a stately, worldly King - but a humble, lowly baby born in a stable who lived a life of love and sacrifice for everyone!
Now that's a REASON to REJOICE!
May you experience the JOY & GLADNESS talked about in this verse - this month & into the New Year!
Merry Christmas,
Michelle Revelle & all of us here at MKS
2021 DANCE CONCERT CANDIDS POSTED IN OUR LOBBY
We have posted some beautiful pictures that captured the awesome talents and hearts of our students who danced in last year's Dance Concert. These are hanging in the lobby for you to enjoy!
WINTER 1 5-WEEK MINI SESSIONS START SOON!
1/4/22 - 2/3/22
MINI MOVERS Dance & Tumble - ages 18 mos-3 years w/ a caregiver
- Tuesdays 9:00-9:30am
- Thursdays 4:30-5:00pm
To Enroll:
Visit the MKS Parent Portal
Click here - https://mykingstudio.com/5-week-mini-sessions/
Call 636-978-3321
Email us @ my_king_studio@hotmail.com
GETTING READY TO REJOICE TOGETHER!
We are so excited to be thinking about the upcoming Dance Concert that will celebrate 20 years of dancing for Jesus! It's just about 200 days away! ;)
Even though that may sound like a long time, there is much to do in these remaining days. We have already been working and planning for months and are busy choosing music and costumes for the show. We weave together our annual theme with the monthly Bible verses and the costumes/music/routines to create a production that showcases our students' gifts & talents along with honoring God.
We are so thankful you will be joining us on this journey this year! More dance concert information to come soon as well... :)
- Dec 1-14 - Gift of Dance Classes open! (see Flyer above)
- Dec 15-21 - Christmas Spirit Week (see Flyer above)
- Dec 22-Jan 2 - No Classes for Christmas Break
- Jan 4-Feb 3 - WINTER 1 Mini-Sessions
- Jan 24-29 - January PJ's & Pals Week! More info to come...
- Feb 1-28 - Enrollment is open for 2022-23 Kingdom Dancer Ministry Company
Check out the IMPORTANT DATES calendar on our website here for more details - https://mykingstudio.com/important-dates/
Moms Sampler Dance Workshop starts Jan 2022!
We've often heard from moms that they used to dance when they were younger and would love to dance again OR have never danced and would like to try it!
So... we're offering a 5-Week Workshop for Moms and Ladies of all ages and abilities (with a Relaxed Dress Code!) Monday evenings Jan 3-Feb 5!
Each week will be a different genre - Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop and Contemporary!
Come join us for lots of fun!
Call 636-978-3321 for more info and to sign up!
Online enrollment option - https://mykingstudio.com/5-week-mini-sessions/
Dancing Through The Holiday Season
The holidays can be a magical time, but it is not “the most wonderful time of the year” for everyone. Many people suffer from anxiety, feel immense guilt or shame, and lack the ability to set boundaries, which leads to over commitment and holiday burnout. It’s not necessarily about learning to embrace the holidays but rather to manage the feelings and emotions that come up around the holiday season so we can be aware and present to our needs and not just the needs of others. We can learn to make this a magical time for ourselves, where we focus on mental health and emotional well being.
So rather than hibernate, avoid the family obligations or over commit yourself to every invitation you receive, let’s look at ways we can manage the stress that comes with this time of year.
#1. Keep moving.
Movement is the core component of dance. The holidays are often a time when we take a break from activities and daily exercise routines. This is actually the time that we should maintain those healthy habits and find ways to keep moving. While we don’t want to reinforce the stress cycle through only high intensity workouts, moving on a daily basis does reduce the build-up of tension and can be a fantastic way to manage the body’s response to stressful situations, circumstances or environments. Examples include taking a walk outside, cleaning or organizing your environment, even baking or cooking; they are all ways to engage in movement throughout the day.
#2. Keep dancing to reduce tension.
We often take a break from physical activity around the holidays. Studios may be closed, instructors may be on vacation or our performances may be coming to an end. Now is the time to find ways to keep dancing to reduce the build-up of stress and to have a natural way to express our feelings and emotions. This time of year can come with its moments, and dance is one amazing way to release those raw emotions. Look for one-day workshops or even try a new type of dance. Stepping outside your comfort zone can actually help introduce new movement patterns. This encourages resilience and enhances emotional capacity.
#3. Go see a show.
Did you know that watching dance can evoke the same emotions as it does when you participate in it? If dancing isn’t something that you can actively pursue around the holidays, then perhaps you can go watch dance. Buy tickets to a local performance, theater show or dance recital. A holiday favorite is the Radio City Rockettes Christmas Spectacular. Not near Radio City? That’s okay. They may have a show in your area.
#4. Dance together.
When we move with others, especially in similar ways, it builds empathy and connection, and who couldn’t use more of that over the holiday season? Can’t go out to dance? Host a family dance party right in the comfort of your own living room or kitchen. I find that playing music around the house, especially around this time of year, puts me in a better mood, and dance or movement just happens naturally. Host impromptu dance sessions with your kids or friends. This can be a very social time of year, so take advantage of the times when you can bring others into dance with you.
#5. Bring dance to others.
This is traditionally the season to give. Why not give the gift of dance to others? Put together an informal show or performance or bring therapeutic dance to a local nursing home, shelter or community center. The joy that comes from performing will spill over to those watching; plus, it will bring a sense of service, meaning and purpose to those performing.
It is important to know that while the holidays are a time to give, they are also a time to receive. Giving ourselves permission to practice self-care and meet our own needs is not selfish; it is necessary. We may find ourselves consumed by buying the perfect present, giving the most thoughtful gift or hosting the most unforgettable holiday party. While that may be appreciated, it is not what the holiday season is about. Take this time to connect to yourself, others and your environment. This is the time to slow down and be present, especially before the New Year begins. Lastly, know that whatever you are feeling this holiday season is valid. As always, there is no shame in reaching out to talk to someone if this time of year is particularly difficult. Better yet, want to incorporate dance and movement into your therapy? There is a place for that!
Article by Dance Informa
Erica Hornthal, LCPC, BC-DMT, Dance/Movement Therapist
LOST & FOUND
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The Lost & Found is located outside the dressing room restroom.
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About MKS
Email: my_king_studio@hotmail.com
Website: https://mykingstudio.com
Location: 2140 Bryan Valley Commercial Drive, O'Fallon, MO, USA
Phone: (636) 978-3321
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mykingstudio/