How You Can Help!

 

It is so different from yesteryear when a 501 (c) (3) organizations such as SSSPA/CODE were able to place outreach flyers in teachers'  mail boxes for distribution to students. We are such an organization with a mission to keep costs down and provide an amazing environment to learn out dance and perform. Each county now has unique rules about information dissemination and requires almost a personal in-house understanding on how things can and are being done to get information to area kids and their families about us.

Since our visibility is limited due to our location, and we know we are one of the best and unique studios in the tri-county area, we need you NOW more than ever to let other people to know about us. Let them know about our dance programs from Toddler (Yaya) classes to our summer programs and fall program dance options. Encourage them to try out for our competition teams, and/or enjoy just taking class. We really want to share our studio with many others and have them become a part of our family too!

So here's how to help:

1. share, Share, SHARE - Share everything from our fliers to our Facebook posts and tweets.  If you haven't already, like our Facebook page here and share our posts.  The more shares we get the more exposure is out there, and our "location" viability will be a thing of the past!
2. See something, say something - If you see a child, teen, adult or anyone that needs to socialize or has that special something say something to them about us!  We can tell you many stories about our students that have thrived in our environment all because they gave us a chance.
3. Register early - Registering early gives us a better idea of how to manage class sizes.  The more information we have about our incoming students the better prepared we will be to ensure your student gets the most out of their class
4. Check-in - If you have a Facebook account, use the "check-in" feature to let your friends know you are here enjoying your child's love for dance
5. Send us your photos - We LOVE featuring ALL of our dancers!  Send us any photos you take from your child's class and we will make sure to publish it; whether it be on the website, instagram, twitter, or Facebook accounts

We appreciate ALL of our volunteers from the Moms & Dads to the Brothers & Sisters and all those in between.

Have a fabulous weekend and we will see you soon!

C.O.D.E. Company Makes the Local Newspaper!

The Cheryl O'Hara Dance Elite (C.O.D.E.) company team.

Cheryl O'Hara Dance Elite competitive dance team made it in the Mt. Airy Messenger this past Wednesday for their First Place, Platinum winning tribute to Sandy Hook at the Groove National Dance Competition!  Below is the write up! Congratulations girls!
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Local dance team takes home first place in Groove National Dance Competition
The Cheryl O’Hara Dance Elite (C.O.D.E.) company team recently competed in the Groove National Dance Competition in Huntington, MD. Their performance of “A Better Place – A Tribute to Sandy Hook”  received a Platinum Award and First Place in the Novice Large Group category. A moving performance that brought tears to the audience as well as a standing ovation.

SSSPA/C.O.D.E. is a family-oriented, 501(c)3 non-profit dance studio dedicated to the development of dance and performing arts. C.O.D.E.'s goal is to provide affordable opportunities for people of all ages and levels to participate and develop skills in all aspects of dance, theater and the arts. A sound  education in the arts contributes significantly to academic achievement in science, mathematics, social studies, language arts and other subjects; and assists the development of general cognitive skills, self-expression, discipline and confidence. C.O.D.E. is devoted to providing opportunities to participate in all aspects of performing arts. It offers professional level training in ballet, pre-pointe, pointe, lyrical, tap, acro, musical theater, voice, hip-hop and more. Additional offerings include the Competition Dance Teams, the Contretemps Ballet Corp, Apprentice Training Program, Special Needs Classes, and our Teacher In Training Program.

Registration for Summer and Fall classes are open, as well as tryouts for the competitive team are coming up soon! Please join us at Shining Stars School of Performing Arts/C.O.D.E., 11791 Fingerboard  Road #101, Monrovia, Maryland 21770, info@gossspa.com, 301-865-8788.

What are We? - Really

We always advertise that we are a 501 (3)(c) Non-Profit Dance Studio but, does anyone really know what that means?  If we asked people on the streets would they really know what that meant?

Well, we won't bore you with the logistics of what the definition of 501 (3)(c) Non-Profit is but we will tell you what it means for you:

1. Low Cost - Because we are non-profit everything we offer is at cost.  We don't jack up the prices so that we make a profit off of every little item you end up purchasing with the studio.  Most for-profit studio's have higher tuition rates, up the price of costumes anywhere from 25-75 percent of the actual cost the studio pays for them. Crazy right!  We know.  
2. Donations - Anytime you make a donation to our studio it is tax deductible.  That's right! Just like the donations you make to other charities whether it be monetary or actual items you can deduct any donation to our studio from your taxes
3. Creativity comes from within - Since we are non-profit we need to get creative without spending a whole lot of money.  This year one our our company costume accessories was made out of a Dixie bowl.  Yes, you read that right. A Dixie bowl covered in cloth.  What was it exactly?  A hat for our "flight attendant" tappers. We have the ability to pull out some of the best creativity in EVERY single one of our studio members.  Pulling talent from every angle!
4. Non-Profit doesn't mean low talent - Just because we are less expensive then the for profit studio's doesn't mean we lack in our ability to provide top notch education.  In fact, some would say we work harder because we have to keep the business growing.  Our own Company dancers took first place all around for a Tribute to Sandy Hook this past weekend at the Groove competition.  The ONLY platinum award in their category.  That is talent. That is hard work. That is AMAZING!

Summer is right around the corner and our new schedule will be released soon. We would love for you to stop by and see our studio in person. 

Toxic Hats made from Dixie Bowls

Until then enjoy this beautiful Spring!