THE DANCER'S EDITION - MAY
2026 ANNUAL CAMPAIGN
The Annual Campaign, held each year in the first quarter, is the Y’s general appeal to the Community-At-Large. Primarily to support our philanthropic work, your financial support assists the Y in responding to the ongoing requests for help we receive daily. Your Membership Dues and Program Fees go toward covering the Y’s operating expenses, but your donations for the Campaign go toward helping your neighbors stay healthy and well. Connected by a shared vision, Staff at all levels work with one another to engage committed Volunteers, YMCA Members, and Donors to make a lasting impact on the communities served by our Y.
Dear Studio 691 Families,
As we enter the final weeks of the 2025–26 dance year, preparations for our End‑of‑Year Dance Showcase are in full swing. The energy in the studio is truly inspiring, and it’s been a joy to watch everything come together.
Throughout April, classes have completed their dances, participated in daily “show‑and‑share” performances with fellow dancers, and begun weekly visits to the stage for rehearsal. We are so fortunate to have year‑round access to our own theater space—it’s an incredible opportunity that allows our dancers to build confidence and familiarity with the stage. It’s just one of the many things that makes the Wyckoff Family YMCA such a special place to dance.
The excitement among our dancers is palpable, and we can’t wait to share their hard work with families and friends on May 16 & 17. This year’s showcase theme, “Step‑In‑Time,” highlights some of our most beloved songs and dances from the past 15 years. Revisiting these pieces has brought back fond memories for our alumni who were the original performers, and we are thrilled to welcome them back to celebrate and cheer on the next generation of YMCA dancers—from the other side of the footlights.
This homecoming is always one of the most meaningful parts of showcase weekend. Connecting with former dancers and hearing about the wonderful paths they are pursuing is a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of dance and community.
The 2025–26 dance year has been one of growth—for each individual dancer and for our program as a whole. As a staff, we are deeply grateful for the opportunity to support our students through every success, big and small. We encourage our dancers to celebrate their effort, persistence, and progress, recognizing every step forward in their artistic journey.
Thank you for being an integral part of our Studio 691 Dance Community and for trusting us with your dance education. We are so proud of what our dancers have accomplished and can’t wait to celebrate together.
With Gratitude,
Tim and the School of Dance Team
Please join us in celebrating our April Dancers of the Month:
LOWER SCHOOL DANCER OF THE MONTH - Rosa K. (Pre-Ballet 2)
“Rosa always arrives at class with a smile on her face and ready to dance. She is hardworking and a wonderful leader. She follows directions carefully and executes her movements with grace!”
UPPER SCHOOL DANCER OF THE MONTH - Ella A. (Jazz 6, Tap 6, Modern 6, Ballet 5, Advanced Dance Ensemble, Pointe)
“Ella is a hard worker, has made significant progress in both technique and pointe class. She is always very receptive to constructive criticism and corrections. She dances with genuine abandon. It’s a joy to have her in my class.”
May 13: Intro to Gardening
May 16-17: Studio 691 School of Dance: Showcase
May 25: Memorial Day Parade
CLASS POLICIES:
- Parents can drop off their child for class and pick up at the conclusion of their class.
- Parents are welcome to stay in the building, but are not permitted in the classroom, with the exception of our Parent and Pal classes.
- Baby Ballerinas is a Parent and Pal class.
- As per the YMCA Policy, children under the age of 13 are required to be brought to the CHECK IN area and dropped off to class by an adult. Children under the age of 13 must be released to a parent or guardian after class.
- Please plan to arrive a few minutes early for pick-up. Please see the Child Release Policy outlined below.
CHILD RELEASE / PICKUP POLICY:
In order to maintain safety and accountability of each child, all children must be signed out by an authorized pickup person listed in their registration information. The Performing Arts Staff will request proper identification at pick-up. If someone other than the Authorized Person is picking up your child, the parent/guardian MUST notify us at TimS@wyckoffymca.org. A child will not be released to anyone without prior authorization.
CLASS ATTENDANCE:
- Regular and on-time attendance is very important. If a student is going to be absent, please send an email to TimS@wyckoffymca.org to let the staff know.
CLASS CANCELLATION / WITHDRAWAL POLICY:
Once registered for a class, the Y’s policy does not refund or credit for voluntary withdrawal. However, change requests can be made during the first three weeks of the class, must be submitted in writing, and are subject to availability. A $25 administrative fee will be charged. Change Requests will NOT be accepted after the third week of class.
CONNECTION EXCHANGE
We want to hear from you!
This is a NEW! avenue for you to provide feedback, compliments, concerns, thoughts, etc. to the Upper Management Team so we can provide the very best care.
No thought or suggestion is too great or too small! Upper Management will respond to your suggestions and/or comments within 48 hours.
Thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to the Wyckoff Family YMCA!
