Our Elf: Izzy!

When I read Maria's post asking her readers about their elves, I knew I had to share!

Our studio Elf on the Shelf, Izzy, has made a lot of friends at dance school!

First we got an official letter from Santa telling us why our elf was so special:

Like the Santa stationary?  I got it from here

Then Izzy lit up our dance studio with some lights, which put everyone in a festive mood!

Izzy showed off her split skills at the Split Wall.

She even signed her name!

And then got into the sticker supply....

Christmas colors of course...

And made herself a tutu out of tulle...

Izzy, I don't think that's what the measuring tapes are meant for!

I guess she decided the kids were behaving and decided to watch the parents in the waiting room instead... :)

I don't know what she'll do next!

I enjoy sharing Izzy's adventures on our studio Facebook page and Instagram so everyone can see what she's been up to!

Do you have an Elf at your school or home?  Is he or she mischievous or well-behaved? Share in the comments!

Holiday Playlist Update

Our 'happy elf' at the studio!

Does your holiday playlist need some updating?

Here are a few songs that you can add into the usual rotation to spice things up a bit this year (links open in iTunes):

Jazzy Tunes

The Happy Elf - Harry Connick Jr.

Cool Yule - Louis Armstrong

I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm (Stuhr Remix) - Kay Starr

(Everybody's Waitin' For) The Man With the Bag - Kay Starr

A Little More Mellow

The Christmas Waltz - She & Him

Christmas Lights - Coldplay

Snowfall - Ingrid Michaelson

Somewhere In My Memory - Home Alone Soundtrack (I actually recommend the entire Home Alone Soundtrack by John Williams for some fun music that has a Christmas-y feel to it - I especially love the track "Holiday Flight"")

And a few more...

Hurry Home - The Good Lovelies

Bring Me Love - Marie Digby

Last Christmas - Taylor Swift

March of the Toys (Instrumental Version) -

From 2011:  Holiday Music Round-up
From 2010:  NMM: Holiday Music

Dance Deals: Wooden Nutcracker Ornament

Spotted this deal and wanted to share (full disclosure: I'm not getting paid for this, just sharing the good deal!):

Cute little wooden Nutcrackers!

DollarTree - Nutcracker Ornaments, 2 for $1

You have to buy a case of 48 units (so 96 ornaments), but if anyone has lots of little ones, might make a good gift for a good price!

They are 5" tall, which is a pretty decent size.

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In other news, yuck, I can't believe I posted about Christmas ornaments in October.  Shame on me!

Holiday Gift Idea: Teacher Survival Kit!

Need a fun and unique gift for your dance teacher? Create a "Dance Teacher Survival Kit"!  Make a list of items your dance teacher likes and create individual baskets for each teacher.  Stick it all in a cute basket or bin and wrap it up in a nice bow and you are set to go!  Since you're customizing it, you can spend as much or as little as you'd like.

Practical Gifts To Include:

• Hair ties or bobby pins if she has long hair
• Aspirin
• Mini-sewing kit
• Small screwdriver if he or she is a tap teacher
• Small massager tool (for sore muscles or feet)
• Foot lotion or bath salts (although I'm guessing she already has a closet-full)
• Pack of stickers (if they use stickers in class)

Funny Gifts To Include (you will need to add an explanation for each one):

• A marble... for when you've lost yours
• String / paperclip... to keep it all together
• Sponge... to help clean dances
• Rubber band.. to keep you flexible
• Lifesavers... because you are one!
• Stars (could be Starbursts, or an ornament)... you inspire your students to reach for the stars!
• Candle... you light up people's lives

More ideas like this from Angel's Corner

Other Gifts

• iTunes gift card
• Bottle of wine (for after a long night of teaching!)
• Gift card to his or her favorite restaurant (or to the coffee shop/sandwich shop nearby the studio)
• Christmas ornament
• Cookies or chocolate
• Gum or mints

Share your own ideas: leave a comment!

Looking for more gift ideas?  Check out our ideas from last year.
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NMM: Holiday Music Round-Up

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My students performing "Winter Song" (2010)

I started writing a post about holiday music, but I realized:

1. I did that last year and I still use the songs on the list.

2.  Other dance bloggers also have some great suggestions.

3. It's not Monday, so I guess this isn't a "New Music Monday".

So instead, I'm pointing you in the direction of some already awesome posts about holiday music! Ok, so one of them is my own post, so technically I just called myself awesome.. but let's let it slide, ok? 'Tis the season!

• The Dance Buzz Holiday Music - Full albums and individual track recommendations

• Dance Advantage: Nutcracker... With a Twist
• Dance Advantage: Holiday Head Start (scroll down for music recommendations)

• Dance.net:  Christmas Music to Highland To
• Dance.net:  Holiday Show Music 

And because I can't resist, here are a few more "winter" and holiday tracks to keep your playlists updated!