Hello to all of our sisters and brothers in dance!

Wow – so much has been happening recently. We have been moving ever closer to our non-profit 501(c)3 designation, and we have been invited to produce an original production for the King Tut exhibition for the Dallas Museum of Art, Late Night Series sponsored by Starbucks.

On March 14th, we return to our favorite artist, Mike Elsass' Color of Energy for a pre-party, from 3-5pm to kick off the Salvador Dali party later that evening. Come dressed in costume!

March 20th is the first official day of Spring, and we are celebrating with a Spring Fling Hafla at Mike Elsass' Color of Energy Art Gallery in the Oregon District, located at 16 Brown Street right across from Thai 9. We'll be starting the fun at 8pm and going until 11pm. If you have a special performance you want to share, bring your music and be ready to dance. Come join in the fun and chase away those winter doldrums.

April 18th, plans are already in the works with the Dayton Circus to bring back the 2nd Annual Raks Mystique Arts Festival. Last year was so wildly fun, crazy and successful that we decided we should turn this into an annual Dayton event. Be prepared for multiple bands, local artists showing their latest work, and performances by Sandstorm and others. It promises to be a wonderful evening, and I can't wait to bring you more information as it develops.

May 15th – We're off to Dallas/Ft. Worth! Wow – I'm still pinching myself. We were hired by the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) www.dallasmuseumofart.org to create a completely original production based on the exhibit, to be showcased as their last event for the King Tut tour before it moves on to Indianapolis, IN. http://www.childrensmuseum.org/special_exhibits/tutankhamun/press_2008-05-28.htm. I'm excited and shaking in my shoes all at the time since they are known for bringing in Grammy award winners – we have some big shoes to fill, but are ready to go for it. Sandstorm MEDC will be playing DMA on May 15th, 2009, from 8-9pm in the atrium as part of the Starbucks Coffee "Late Nights" series. This year is the first year that Ticket Master is handling all the ticket sales for the DMA, the tickets are already on sale, and it has been HIGHLY recommended to me that you get your tickets earlier instead of later, especially since this is the last weekend of the exhibit. If you follow the link below, go into the King Tut exhibit, and follow the "purchase tickets here" link, it will take you directly to Ticket Master. Can't wait to see everyone there! p.s. - I have already had a bunch of questions and have compiled an FAQ for everyone.

1. If I want to go to both the King Tut exhibit and the Late Night series, do I buy the exhibit ticket through Ticket Master and then call the museum for a separate ticket for the Late Night series?

   Late Night programs are included in the general admission to the Museum or included with your King Tut ticket. If you have already purchased a ticket to the King Tut exhibit, there is no need to purchase a separate ticket to Late Nights. Although the Museum cannot promise availability of tickets, King Tut exhibition tickets can be purchased on site at the Museum box office.

2. When reading about the Late Night series, the web site said that general admission is $10 or less, DMA members and children under 12 free, and Late Night programs are included in general admission to the Museum unless otherwise noted. But then it said that the King Tut exhibition requires an additional ticket and we needed to purchase it in advance at Ticketmaster.com. Does this mean I have to purchase two tickets?

   No. For this special exhibition, you will not need to purchase a separate ticket granting you admission to the Late Night series. If you purchase a King Tut exhibit ticket, this same ticket will get you into the Late Night series as well.

3. I noticed that the website said that the tickets are timed and dated and that the time applies to the King Tut exhibition only. Does this mean that I have to purchase a separate ticket for the Late Night series?

   No, you do not need to buy a separate ticket. The time applies to the King Tut exhibition only. You will need to reserve your ticket in advance by phone or online however. For individuals: 877-TUT-TKTS or http://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/956142. You can also buy King Tut exhibition tickets onsite, but there is no guarantee of availability.

4. What if I have a group of people who want to visit the exhibition; are there group plans available?

   For the evening of May 15th, the only package that will be available is the Family 4-Pack, where you will be able to save over $30!

   Two Adult Tickets + Two Youth Tickets
   $56 Weekdays (Monday–Thursday)
   $76 Weekends (Friday–Sunday) and Holidays
   

   To purchase this package, visit Ticketmaster.com/kingtut and look for the Family 4-Pack in your ticket purchase options, or follow this link:

   http://www.ticketmaster.com/artist/956142

   The Family 4-pack expires May 17, 2009. Limit 4 tickets.

5. Is there a Military Discount available? What if I am coming in from out of town and can't go directly to the Box Office for tickets?

   Active Duty members of the military can purchase adult admission tickets to the King Tut exhibition at the Museum's King Tut Box Office for $15 per ticket. Please present a valid Military ID to receive the discount. This offer does not apply to retired military. Expires May 17, 2009. Limit 4 tickets per military ID. This discount is only valid at the Box Office, not online.

6. What if I want to go to the Late Night series but not the exhibit?

   Late Night programs are included with general admission to the Museum for $10 or less. You can attend Late Night without purchasing a ticket for the King Tut exhibit.

7. How early should I purchase tickets?

   The sooner the better. Since this is the last weekend of the exhibition, the Dallas Museum of Art expects a much higher than normal number of visitors this weekend. The tickets for May 15th are already on sale.

8. I've heard that since the crowds are expected to be much higher than normal, there is local construction to get around and parking may be limited. What is the latest time stamp I should choose when purchasing my ticket for May 15th?

   The last tickets for King Tut, on May 15, will be sold at 11 p.m. – the museum is open until midnight. Underground parking is available at the Museum's garage on a first-come, first-served basis for a flat fee of $15, payable at time of entry. Cash and major credit cards are accepted. Due to the large number of visitors expected during the King Tut exhibition, the Museum garage may be full. For more information on other parking options near the Museum visit http://dallasmuseumofart.org/Dallas_Museum_of_Art/View/Tut/ID_239571 There is currently no construction around the Dallas Museum of Art.

9. What time will Sandstorm MEDC be performing?

   Sandstorm will be performing from 8:00p.m.-9:00p.m.

10. Where can I learn more about the Dallas Museum of Art or the King Tut exhibit?

    To learn more, go to: Dallas Museum of Art
    DallasMuseumofArt.org
    1717 N. Harwood St.
    Dallas, TX 75201
    (214) 922-1200