Author: bhonsberger

The Nutcracker Fantasy Streams Today

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Don’t miss this HOLIDAY CLASSIC, with a twist.

Congratulations to our sister-nonprofit on the success of their very first production, The Nutcracker Fantasy.  This beautiful re-imagination of the timeless story combines Classical Ballet with Singing and Acting in a family-friendly holiday spectacular.  

Click Here to Watch
Click Here to View the Program

Thank you to Triad’s Sponsors

www.KatsArtistTree.com
www.pvpd.com

This show was made possible through the generous contributions of:

Palm Valley Pediatric Dentistry

Kat’s Artist Tree

Sylvan Learning Center of Goodyear

Goodyear Chiropractic

UPstage Group Audio/Video/Lighting

We appreciate their support!

Classes Resume In-Person AND Online

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We are thrilled to share that Kat’s Artist Tree is once again delivering all of our classes IN-PERSON!

This includes all of our Dance Classes, Group Music Classes, Art Classes, and Private Lessons.

but wait there’s more…

We are also accepting NEW STUDENTS in our new Online Lesson options. Zoom classes are available in all of our artistic areas.

Sign Up Easily

Our staff is ready to help you! Fill out our Registration Form and we will reach out right away to take care of you.

Announcing Pre-Professional Ballet

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Introducing a new Ballet Curriculum

Kats Artist Tree is thrilled to announce our new Pre-Professional Ballet company under our new dance director Ms. Bonnie Calvert!

We have always been recognized as a leader in high-quality creative instruction.  Our already high standards are reaching a new level with courses specifically designed for serious ballet students – fulfilling a need in the West Valley.

  • More classes, at more advanced levels
  • A professional training program that includes Technique, Pointe, Stretch, and more
  • Premier performance opportunities for students
More announcements are coming
about performance opportunities 
for our students

Sign up for our newsletter below
to receive these updates
Visit our new Pre-Professional Ballet webpage

Meet our new Dance Director

Please join us in welcoming Bonnie Calvert to the teaching staff at Kat’s Artist Tree as our new Dance Program Director.  Bonnie is an experienced Ballerina who has performed around the world.  From 2016-2019, Bonnie worked as a dance specialist in Puyallup, Washington, creating pre-pointe and pointe programs as well as developing and training dance teachers. At Kat’s Artist Tree, Ms. Bonnie’s experience will help shape our growing curriculum while guiding each Dancer toward success.

We are thrilled to welcome Ms.Bonnie as part of the team alongside our long-time teacher Ms. Alyssa.  We look forward to announcing additional staff members and guest artists in the coming weeks.

Read Ms. Bonnie’s full bio

We’re expanding our Dance Room

We’ve Renovated our Dance ClassroomWe’ve been busy during lockdown by completely remodeling our dance room.  The space is outfitted as a truly professional dance room:

  • Our Dance Room is now twice its previous size
  • We’ve installed a Sprung Floor
  • The entire floor is covered in Marley Surface for added traction and technique

Stay tuned for additional BEFORE & AFTER pictures of the dance room to see its incredible change!

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Face Masks now Required

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We care about the health and safety of all of our students, staff, teachers, and family.  As COVID-19 infection rates continue to rise, we are implementing important requirements to ensure the safety of everyone at Kat’s Artist Tree.

  • Effective June 20, 2020, all staff and students are REQUIRED to wear face coverings (mask or shield) within Kat’s Artist Tree.
  • All parents/non-students are asked to wait in their cars during lessons/classes

Studies have shown that a face covering is the single most effective method of preventing the spread of the COVID-19 virus.  In keeping with our local government mandates, we feel that this is the only responsible way for Kat’s Artist Tree to continue to see students in person.

  • All students still have the option of attending classes online, via ZOOM.  Attendance in person is only an option for families who feel comfortable in this environment and are willing to wear the required face coverings.

Please help us do our part by following these requirements and staying home if you exhibit any symptoms of infection.  On our part, we will continue to step up our cleaning procedures and monitor our staff for symptoms daily to keep everyone safe.

We appreciate the entire community that makes Kat’s Artist Tree such an incredible place and and urge you to stay healthy!

As always, please let us know if you have any questions.

623-792-7000

Contact Us

Private Lessons Move Online

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On March 30, 2020 Gov. Ducey announced a Shelter-in-Place policy mandating the closure of businesses like Kat’s Artist Tree to the public. As a result, our incredible teachers are up for the challenge of teaching from home using some of the new technology we have adopted in the past two weeks.

Times like this make it more important than ever for students to continue doing the things they love

Effective April 1, all lessons and classes are online-only via ZOOM

Many of you are already familiar with Zoom as a solid choice for online meetings. Our class management software has recently adopted Zoom and it is the clear choice to allow our teachers to teach while staying safe at home.

ZOOM IS COMPLETELY FREE FOR OUR STUDENTS’ USE

We feel that times like this make it more important than ever for students to continue doing the things they love. In the past two weeks alone, we have taught over 250 online classes and found that they can be just as effective as meeting in person.

Our incredible teachers are up for the challenge

Directions for Launching Zoom

If you were already using Skype for online lessons, the process for using Zoom is slightly different. Follow the step-by-step directions below and let us know if you have any questions.

  1. A few minutes before class, you log in to the Parent Portal.
  2. On the home page of the Portal there is a blue box with your “Next Event”
  3. In the bottom-right corner of that box there will be an icon that looks  like a square with an arrow pointing out of it.  Click on that square and follow the directions to download and launch Zoom.

Online Group Class List & Instructions

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CURRENT LIST OF ZOOM GROUP CLASSES:

MONDAYTUESDAYWEDNESDAYTHURSDAYSATURDAY
Hip Hop
Intermediate Acro
Visual Arts		Acro
Group Voice		Ballet I
Ballet II
Pointe Class		Jazz Dance
Dance Expression
Photography
Pointe Class
Ballet II
Creative Movement
Ballet I
Cartooning

Interested in joining a class?

New students can sign up with Kat’s Artist Tree here:

New Student Signup

Directions for Launching a ZOOM Class

FOR REGISTERED STUDENTS

  1. A few minutes before class, you log in to the Parent Portal.
  2. On the home page of the Portal there is a blue box with your “Next Event”
  3. In the bottom-right corner of that box there will be an icon that looks  like a square with an arrow pointing out of it.  Click on that square and follow the directions to download and launch Zoom.

Plea for Your Help

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Dear Friends & Families,
 
We would like to take a moment to say THANK YOU for the outpouring of support and your level of understanding during the events of the past week.  There is no question that this is the most challenging moment we have faced during our 8 years in business; but the resilience and cooperation we have received during this crisis give us great hope for the future.  This email will provide you with updates about how we are making positive changes AND it is a call to action for your much-needed help.

Changes for Your Safety

As the landscape evolves daily, we always want to put the health, safety, and well-being of our customers, teachers, and staff as our highest priority.  For this reason, we are making several important changes effective immediately:

  • All Group Classes will be delivered online only, through live-stream or video chat.  
    • Directions are being sent to families individually for each class.Private Lessons are continuing both in person and online
  • Most private lessons have moved online via Skype.  
    • These have been very successful so far and we have added capacity and bandwidth to deliver even more.  
    • If interested in moving your private lessons online, please contact us.
    • For families that still prefer in-person lessons, they are being moved into our largest rooms to allow a safe distance between teacher and student.
    • We have dramatically reduced the number of in-person lessons happening concurrently in order to reduce the number of people in the building at any one time.
  • The lobby is closed to all guests, parents, and non-students
    • Students may enter the building and proceed directly to their lesson.
    • Please wait in your car during your student’s lesson.
    • Please pick them up promptly at the end of the lesson
  • We are reducing our hours.  Our new schedule is:
    • MON: 2 – 8
    • TUE: 2 – 8
    • WED: 12:30 – 8
    • THU: 2 – 8
    • FRI: 11:45 – 8
    • SAT: 9:30 – 3:30

We are Still Going Strong

In times like this, the creative arts and expressions of humanity are more important than ever.  Many students may be struggling to understand the changes they see in the world and are searching for peace and safety.  Our hope is that we can continue to operate in the face of this crisis, and give your children a sense of normalcy in these troubled times.  This week, many of you have expressed your gratitude for our continued operation, and for providing your children with a purpose they can still look forward to.  Once again, we are grateful for your support.

We Need Your Help

We also realize that this pandemic has put many of our families into financially difficult positions and that, for some, continuing lessons is simply not an option.  Overwhelmingly, families that have withdrawn have expressed how much they appreciate their teachers, and that they plan to return.  In part, this message is a PLEA FOR HELP for our teachers, our staff, and the very survival of Kat’s Artist Tree as an institution.  In our eight years, we have established ourselves as a major influence in the healthy development of countless students, and we now fear for our very survival.  

We would like to ask every customer to consider continuing classes, to the extent that you are able, during this time.  If you are a former customer, or someone who has considered taking classes with us, we can use your help now.  Again, we understand that this is not possible for everyone, but if you are fortunate enough to be in a financial position that allows you to continue (either in person or online), please do so.  If you are interested in continuing, but cannot afford to, please contact us to discuss possible arrangements.  We also appreciate any and all referrals you can make to your friends and family.

In Closing

Kat’s Artist Tree will continue to forge ahead for as long as the support of our community makes it possible.  This virus will eventually run its course and we intend to come back to full strength.  On a positive note, this period has provided us with an opportunity to implement several new technologies that we will continue to utilize after this emergency has ended.  In addition, WE ARE STILL ENROLLING FOR SUMMER CAMPS which begin in June.  Deposits paid for camps will be fully refundable if COVID-19 persists to the point that camps must be cancelled.

Thank you for being a valued part of our community, and we also pray for your continued safety during this period of unrest.

Yours Truly,
Kat & Brian Honsberger
Owners
Kat’s Artist Tree

2018 Summer Camps Enrolling Now

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We are super-excited about this years summer camp schedule.  In 2018 we are offering more camps than ever in Music, Dance, Art and beyond.  Descriptions of each camp are available on our dedicated 2018 Summer Camp page or you can download our full brochure here: 2018 Summer Camp Brochure

See something you like?  Take the first steps to SIGN UP HERE.

DON’T FORGET OUR SPECIAL DISCOUNTS FOR EARLY REGISTRATION AND MULTIPLE CAMPS

Early Registration: sign up before April 30 and get $15 off your total bill

Pay-in-Full: Get an extra $10 discount off your total bill when you register early and pay-in-full for your camp(s).  Only valid before April 30

Sibling & Multi-Camp: sign up for more than one camp and get $25 off your total bill

Questions?  You can always Contact Us

THIS YEAR’S SUMMER CAMP LINEUP INCLUDES:

Art Technique

Fencing Camp

Dance Camp

Little Artists Camp (3-6 years old)

Photography

Musical Theatre

Theatre Tech

Costume Making

Songwriting

Acrylic Painting/Fine Art

Character Creating (Hair, makeup & fashion)

Piano

Voice

Studio Band

Acting

Audio/Video Recording

Cartooning

For more info download our brochure here:

2018 Summer Camp Brochure

Or Register Here

Call 623-792-7000 with questions or Contact Us

Free Class Trials until the end of January

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We’re celebrating the announcement of our new class schedule with 10 days of free trial classes at Kat’s Artist Tree.  Below is a complete schedule of every group class that is offering a FREE TRIAL between now and the end of January.

These classes are open to current students and newcomers.  You will find every class fun and educational, with great teachers and fellow students.

Sign up for your free trial by registering here.  Once you have completed the registration form, you will be able to view our complete schedule of classes and register for the Trials of your choice.

Or you can call our staff at 623-792-7000 and they will be happy to assist you.

 

Monday 1/22

4:30 – 5:45: Visual Arts

5:45 – 6:30: Hip Hop Dance

6:00 – 7:15: Visual Arts

6:30 – 7:30: Tap Dance NEW CLASS

Tuesday 1/23

5:00 – 6:00: Acro Dance

5:15 – 6:00: Group Voice (ages 5-10)

6:00 – 6:45: Musical Theatre (ages 7+)

7:00 – 8:00: Fencing

Wednesday 1/24

4:00 – 4:45: Creative Movement / Tap

4:45 – 5:45: Ballet (ages 5-9)

5:45 – 6:45: Ballet (ages 10+)

7:00 – 8:00: Ballet (ages 13+)

Thursday 1/25

5:00 – 6:00: Audition Class (ages 9+) NEW CLASS

6:00 – 7:00: Group Voice

6:00 – 7:00: Jazz Dance

Friday 1/26

4:30 – 5:15: Ballroom Dancing

5:45 – 6:30: Move & Groove NEW CLASS

5:00 – 6:00: Jazz Dance NEW CLASS – advanced students

6:00 – 7:00: Hip Hop Dance NEW CLASS – advanced students

7:00 – 8:00: Ballet NEW CLASS – advanced students

Saturday 1/27

9:00 – 1:00: ADULT Barre Fitness Class

11:00 – 12:00:  Visual Art

11:30 – 12:00: Creative Movement

12:15 – 1:15: Ballet (ages 10+)

1:15 – 2:15: Ballet (ages 5-9)

Monday 1/29

4:30 – 5:45: Visual Arts

5:45 – 6:30: Hip Hop Dance

6:00 – 7:15: Visual Arts

6:30 – 7:30: Tap Dance NEW CLASS

Tuesday 1/30

5:00 – 6:00: Acro Dance

5:15 – 6:00: Group Voice (ages 5-10)

6:00 – 6:45: Musical Theatre (ages 7+)

7:00 – 8:00: Fencing

Wednesday 1/31

4:00 – 4:45: Creative Movement / Tap

4:45 – 5:45: Ballet (ages 5-9)

5:45 – 6:45: Ballet (ages 10+)

7:00 – 8:00: Ballet (ages 13+)

7:00 – 8:00: Rock Band Class

 

REGISTER FOR YOUR TRIAL ONLINE by completing the form and then selecting the Trial class of your choice from our calendar.  Or call 623-792-7000 to speak to our staff about getting started.

You can also view the complete class schedule (effective Feb. 1)

Kat’s Artist Tree announces our NEW DANCE PROGRAM

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Kat’s Artist Tree announces our NEW DANCE PROGRAM

Beginning in February Kat’s Artist Tree is launching a completely revised dance program. Our new program will offer more variety, more challenging classes, and a stronger focus on performance including competitions.

Join us for TEN DAYS OF DANCE Jan. 22-31 – during this limited time students can UNLIMITED FREE TRIALS of our dance classes.

New classes include TAP DANCE (Levels 1 & 2), MOVE & GROOVE (for pre-schoolers), and a new DANCE COMPANY focused on performance opportunities.

In addition, we are pleased to introduce an ADULT BARRE FITNESS class. Drawing from Ballet, Yoga, and Pilates, Barre Fitness is the newest way to get in amazing shape. You don’t need any dance experience to enjoy this low-impact class.

Come for a FREE TRIAL OF ADULT BARRE FITNESS (with free babysitting) on January 27th from 9-10am.

Call Kat’s Artist Tree @ 623-792-7000 or learn more about our new classes at https://katsartisttree.com/dance-classes/