STARLET ACADEMY

INCEPTION Over sixteen years ago, Linda and Darryl Retter launched Starlet Academy, a creative dance program specifically designed to meet the needs of the very young dancer, ages 2 to 6. Starlet Academy and its staff endeavor to inspire and educate these imaginative minds. The commitment to making all Starlet dancers feel safe, comfortable, and confident in the studio and educational setting is of the utmost importance. Retter's Academy of Dance's goal is to create a "safe haven for dancers" an environment that is nurturing and positive, so that learning and growing can develop, and the dance process can begin. Currently R.A.D. offers more than twenty Starlet classes, with morning, afternoon, and Saturday options that accommodate Kindergarten and preschool programs, as well as busy and working parents' schedules. THE JOURNEY Starlet Academy's path to excellence in dance education incorporates many steps: • Dance instructors of the highest caliber accompanied by trained assistants and demonstrators. These educators act as both role models and teachers. • Our small class sizes promote camaraderie among dancers and instructors, nurturance in the teaching-learning process, and the time and space to smile and enjoy the class. • The creative process at Starlet Academy is always on overdrive, as the program is designed to stimulate the young and inventive play of the Starlet dancer. The Starlet class uses a vast array of artistic, imaginative and novel ways to achieve this: use of props, such as cowboy hats, play microphones, fairy wings and wands, and rhythm sticks, to name only a few. We also use a variety of music, making sure that they are enjoyable and age-appropriate. • Starlet Academy celebrates major holidays with an array of festivities, including party favors and snacks, and special guest character appearances such as the Little Mermaid, Cinderella, the Nutcracker Snow Queen, and Ballerina Barbie. At the end of the year, Starlets who have completed the year's program receive graduation trophies and/or medals! Other exciting events include Barbie raffles, and four in-studio performances that help prepare the Starlets for their final year-end performance in Concert of Love. • Finally, R.A.D. also sponsors an annual Father/Daughter Valentines Dance, eight Starlet Summer Theme Camps, and "Fantasy Faire" Birthday Parties that are out of this world and a dream come true! Newsletters Online at www.radnewsletters.com