Costumes, observation week, summer camps, and more!

This March, all of our classes will continue working diligently on choreography that will be performed in our annual recital on June 1st and 2nd. The entire studio will be divided into two groups to perform in either the 11:00 or 2:00 show on Saturday, June 1st. Our older dancers will also have the opportunity to perform again on Sunday, June 2nd at 5:00 in the Advanced Dancer Showcase.

It's important that students make an effort to attend every class from this point forward. As we focus more on choreography, our dancers practice relying on each other. Whether it's for partner choreography, formation changes, or canons, it's crucial that every dancer be present for the their own sake as well as the class's. Please note, we have class every week between now and the end of May without any holiday closures or breaks.

COSTUMES

During the month of March, Teacher Angela will be measuring every student for costumes. These costumes will be worn onstage in the end of year recital, so please let us know as soon as possible if your dancer is not able to participate in the performance in June. We do our best to keep costume costs low and offer financial assistance to families in need so that cost is not a barrier to participation. 

PARENT OBSERVATION WEEK

During the week of March 12th-16th, parents are invited into the classroom to observe class. We are excited for you to come and see the beginning of our recital dances! We'd like to take this opportunity to remind parents that, except for this designated observation week, our classes are drop-off classes for dancers ages 6 and up. We find it can be very distracting to students if their parents stay and watch. We have a harder time keeping their focus when someone they know and love enters the room, so if you arrive more than five minutes early for pick-up, please wait until the end of class to enter the classroom.

SUMMER CAMP REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN!

This year, we will be offering a two week summer camp for kids ages 6-12! Join Angela & Pearl for a fun filled summer camp experience with some dance & Yoga, arts & crafts, popsicle making, and much more! Choose either or both weeks:

  • Week #1: July 8-12 (including a field trip to Yerba Buena Park)

  • Week #2: July 15-19 (including a field trip to The Randall Museum) 

Camp will consist of a structured activity each day but we will also take daily trips to the park for fresh air and free time. Other than playing in the playground, some of our other favorite things to do at the park are playing soccer, hula-hooping, and cartwheels in the grass.

Summer Camp Info + Registration

QUICK TIP: TUCK IN YOUR BUNNY EARS

When tying your ballet slippers, we recommend tying a bow or even a double knot. Then, take all the loops and strands and tuck them into the shoe. This will prevent them from coming untied during class and help students avoid tripping on long elastics. 

Spring Classes + February News

February officially kicks off the beginning of our spring semester! We are excited to continue dancing with our returning students while also welcoming some new students to the studio. 

Thinking about joining one of our classes? It's not too late! As things have shifted around during this first week of class, a few classes that were initially full now have a spot or two available. If there's a class you were interested in that previously appeared full, take another look at our registration page to see if there's now an opening.

Here are a few classes that currently have openings:

  • Tap/ballet/tumbling for ages 6-8 Wednesday 3:00-4:00

  • Contemporary for ages 10+ Thursday 5:00-6:00

  • Jazz for ages 8-12 Friday 5:00-6:00

END OF YEAR PERFORMANCE

During spring semester, our students will learn choreography that they will eventually perform onstage in a recital complete with costumes and lighting. All Steppin’ Out students will have the opportunity to perform on June 1st. Our intermediate and advanced dancers will have the opportunity to perform on the 1st as well as the 2nd for our advanced dancer showcase. Please put the weekend of June 1st-2nd in your calendars now!

FACULTY HIGHLIGHT: WELCOME TEACHER AMBER!

We are excited to welcome Amber Gott to our Saturday morning teaching staff this semester! Amber is originally from London, UK and is a recent graduate of the Boston Conservatory at Berklee. She feels lucky to have received excellent dance teachings, choreographic opportunities and learn pedagogical practices while training at the Conservatory. Since moving to San Francisco she has been dancing with Kinetech Arts and MFDP|SF. She is very excited to be joining the Steppin’ Out team for the season. 

PROMOTION: PARTIES

Have your birthday party or celebration at Steppin' Out Dance Studio! From do-it-yourself to turn-key, from themed to classic to design-your-own, you can have the party you want at Steppin' Out. We strive to keep our parties affordable and to offer unique options that you can choose from. Learn more. 

Register Now for Spring Classes + January News

We hope everyone had a wonderful holiday! Classes are back in session this week and we look forward to dancing with you during the last few classes of the fall semester. 

Registration is now open for spring classes! During our spring session, which runs February 1st - May 31st, our dance students continue to expand their technique while meeting new challenges posed by our outstanding faculty of teachers. Additionally, much of the spring semester will be spent learning choreography that will be performed at our end-of-season recital. (Participation in the performance is not mandatory, but it's a lot of fun!)

Register now

WAITLIST

Our spring classes will reach capacity very quickly. If you are interested in joining a class but it's full by the time you go to register, make sure to join the waitlist. If a spot becomes available we will invite students from the waitlist and prorate the tuition accordingly. 

MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: DANCE PARTY!

Dance is a natural part of every culture and there's a reason for that. According to neuroscientist Julia Christensen, "Dance is an antidote to stress, a way to combat negative emotions, an elixir for the body, mind, and brain.” Dance can sometimes be just the thing to get us out of a funk, especially if we’ve spent too much time staring at a screen. Christensen says, “When we dance, the pleasure centers in our brains light up.” These benefits highlight why dance is so important from an evolutionary perspective, why we mark major life events like weddings with dance, and why dance can play such a helpful role in the lives of kids. Turn on a danceable playlist and see what happens. Chances are, someone will start grooving.

QUICK TIP: POST-CLASS PLAYDATES

We know that signing up for dance class with friends is a great way to build friendships, especially for many of our younger dancers. Remind your young dancer that, while it's exciting to take a dance class with friends, our priority when we're in the studio is learning the art form of dance. Try making a playdate with your friends after dance class with a visit to In Chan Kaajal Park or Whiz Burger for a milkshake.

Winter Camps + Spring Classes + December News

The studio is decked out in festive winter decor and our students have begun working on winter inspired choreography! We would like to invite parents to stay and watch our holiday routines during parent observation week: December 15-21. 

Steppin' Out will take a break from our regular class schedule from December 22-January 5 but don't forget to come back to class after that! We still have classes in January for all students currently enrolled in the fall semester.
 

SPRING CLASS REGISTRATION

Our spring semester, which culminates in a recital performed by all students, will run February 1st - May 31st. The spring class schedule will be the same as our fall offerings. Families who are currently enrolled in classes will be given priority registration during the period of January 2nd-7th, so mark your calendars. Please note, during the priority registration period, currently enrolled families should plan to register for the same class they were enrolled in for fall. We will open registration for all newsletter subscribers interested in available spots starting on January 8th.
 

REGISTER NOW FOR WINTER CAMP

Kids ages 6-12 are invited to join us for winter camp at Steppin' Out! Our magical winter camp days are packed full of delightful age-appropriate activities and surprises: dance, arts & crafts, baking, theater games, unstructured play time at the park, and more. This year even includes a special field trip!  Two weeks of camp will be available (December 27-29 and January 2-5) and you're welcome to sign up for one week or both.  Register soon, both camps are already filling quickly!
 

HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES

Mark Foehringer's Nutcracker Sweets is a wonderful performance that is truly accessible for all ages! Teacher Emily and 11 students from Steppin' Out will be performing in this 50-minute family favorite at the Cowell Theater in Fort Mason, December 1-23.

San Francisco Ballet's The Nutcracker is really special, but we recommend this performance for children over the age of 5 who can sit quietly without disturbing anyone for two hours. Teacher Angela recommends waiting until your dancer is at least 7 to attend this performance. 

ODC's The Velveteen Rabbit is colorful dance production based on the classic children's book by Margery Williams. This show is great for the whole family!
 

MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: RESTFUL SAVASANA

Take a moment during this busy time of the year to rest your body and mind. Lay on your back and relax your muscles. Let your feet flop to the sides and arms rest by your sides with palms facing up. Take deep breaths as you relax your mind and body and let go of any tension. Students are likely familiar with this action because tumbling Teacher Angela offers a variation of Savasana to her students that we call "the sleeping bear."  

Try a Free Jazz Class + November News

We were pleased to have so many parents attend observation week last week. And we loved seeing all the kids perform their Halloween choreography in costume! As we move into November, students will continue to learn new skills while building on technique established in previous months. If you missed our parent observation day last week, don't worry, we will plan another observation day in December.  
 

THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY CLOSURE

Steppin' Out will be closed for the week of November 20-27.
 

PROMOTION: TAKE A FREE JAZZ CLASS BY NOV. 17

Calling all Taylor Swift, Beyonce, and pop music fans ages 8-12 year old! Come join Teacher Erin on Fridays from 5:00-6:00 for a jazz class we're sure you're going to love. This is an open level class, so no previous dance experience is required to join, you just need to meet the age requirement and be ready to have some fun! You can even plan to try the class with a friend. If you love it, you're welcome to join the class for the rest of the semester! Promotion ends November 17. Email Angela to sign up for your free class.
 

COMING SOON: WINTER CAMP

Kids ages 6-12 are invited to join us for winter camp at Steppin' Out! Our magical winter camp days are packed full of delightful age-appropriate activities and surprises: dance, arts & crafts, baking, theater games, unstructured play time at the park, and more. This year even includes a special field trip!  Two weeks of camp will be available (12/27-12/29 and 1/2-1/5) and you're welcome to sign up for one week or both.  Registration opens soon! 
 

QUICK TIP: BRING LAYERS

After the heat wave we had recently, it's hard to imagine cold weather is approaching. But it's important for students to pack a long sleeve top or extra layer in your dance bag as we move into fall. Once dancers start moving around in class, it's likely they'll warm up and need to remove their extra layer. Reminder to all contemporary students: wear or bring long pants to allow for sliding on the floor in class.
 

FOLLOW STEPPIN' OUT ON INSTAGRAM!

We recently started an Instagram page as another means of providing helpful updates to parents and showing off our lovely class offerings to the public. This newsletter is still the best place to get thorough updates from Steppin' Out, but if you'd like to see more photos and get reminders about closures, observation days, promotions, etc. follow us here: @steppinoutsf. Thanks to our Saturday teens for suggesting this idea to keep our fans and families connected.

October News

We've had so much fun working with your dancers this past month! As we move into October, we'll begin learning some Halloween-inspired choreography in most of our classes. These Halloween dances will combine dance steps we learned in September while incorporating the added challenge of memorizing a longer sequence. With set choreography that repeats each week, students will experience the benefits of practicing something and feeling confident once they get it.
 

OBSERVATION + COSTUME WEEK

Come dressed in your Halloween costume (or any costume you want) the week of October 24-29. This week is also parent observation week, where parents are invited to stay and watch class. We are excited for you to see what we've been working on, especially our Halloween-themed choreography!
 

HALLOWEEN CLOSURE

We anticipate many of our students will want to get an early start trick-or-treating, so we will be closed on Tuesday, October 31st. Don't worry, this class was already excluded from your tuition fees. 
 

PROMOTION: TAKE A FREE JAZZ CLASS

Calling all Taylor Swift, Beyonce, and pop music fans ages 8-12 year old! Come join Teacher Erin on Fridays from 5:00-6:00 for a jazz class we're sure you're going to love. This is an open level class, so no previous dance experience is required to join, you just need to meet the age requirement and be ready to have some fun! You can even plan to try the class with a friend. If you love it, you're welcome to join the class for the rest of the semester! Promotion runs October 27-November 17. Email Angela to sign up for your free class.
 

COSTUMES, LEOTARDS, AND TIGHTS SALE

Come to Steppin' Out on Sunday, October 8th between 11am-2pm to shop our substantial inventory of leotards, tights, and dance costumes. You can expect to find items from $3-$15 with lots of options for kids sizes 2T-12 plus a few larger sizes and accessories. Many families build their Halloween costumes around what they find here! We know there are some bumble bees, super heroes, and witches in need of black leotards. Or maybe some fairies who need a pair of wings and a tutu dress. This sale is not just for Steppin' Out families—everyone from our greater community is invited.
 

DANCE IN THE NEWS: THE CONCEPT SERIES

Teachers Mia and Claire will be performing October 7-8 in The CONCEPT Series at The Green Room. Claire will be dancing in a piece by RAWdance and Mia in her own choreography. The CONCEPT Series is a salon-style show that includes short works by several different companies/choreographers in a lavish but comfortable setting. We recommend this show for audience members age 6 and up. Learn more and get tickets.

Classes Begin Today + September News

We are so excited to welcome you back to class this week! For those of you who are brand new to Steppin’ Out, we can’t wait to meet you in person. Everyone enrolled in classes received an email last week with important information about our dress code, parent observation policy, and where to purchase dance wear. Please make sure you've reviewed that information.

If you haven't enrolled yet, it's not too late to join! We still have a couple of spots left in the following classes:

  • Saturday 9-10 am Tap/Ballet for ages 7+

  • Wednesday 3-4 pm Tap/Ballet/Tumbling for ages 6-8

  • Thursday 5-6 pm Contemporary for ages 8+ 

  • Friday 5-6 pm Tap/Ballet/Tumbling for ages 6-8

At Steppin' Out, our dance classes builds teamwork, encourage creativity, and teach discipline. We can't emphasize enough how beneficial dance classes can be for our students' mental, physical, and social health.

For a full list of our offerings, check out our fall class schedule
 

PROMOTION: TRY A CLASS FOR FREE!

This month only, we are offering a promotion to new students who are interested in trying one of our classes that is not currently full.  This promotion does not apply to classes that are at capacity and does not apply to students who are already enrolled. Simply email Angela to reserve a spot in one of our classes. Space is limited and this promotion expires September 31.
 

QUICK TIP: GIVE A PAIR, GET A PAIR

We collect shoes your dancers have outgrown and pass them along to other dancers. Bring your old dance shoes to the studio when classes begin, and while you're there, take a look in case we have your new size!
 

MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: POINT AND FLEX

Point and flex is an exercise usually done during a circle warm-up in our younger classes, but all of our dancers use point and flex in a variety of dance forms. Sit on the floor with your legs out in front of you and your knees straight. Flex your feet by pulling your toes up toward your body. As your toes lift to the ceiling, don't worry if your heels rise up off the floor. Pointing is the opposite action of flexing. Point your feet by stretching your toes away from your body and down toward the floor. Hold each position for a few seconds.

Fall Registration is Now Open! + Steppin' Out August News

Fall class registration is now open! Check out our fall class schedule and when you're ready, head over to our registration page. We expect classes will fill up very quickly, so register as soon as you can to secure your preferred class(es).  If you are interested in joining a class but it's full by the time you go to register, make sure to join the waitlist.  Students sometimes shift around the first few weeks of classes and openings often occur.  If a spot becomes available we will invite students from the waitlist and prorate the tuition accordingly.

Our fall semester begins the week after Labor Day and run through the end of January, 2024. We have one class that's an exception to this: Friday 5:00 Jazz for ages 8-12 has a late start date and won't begin until October 27th. You can register for this class by scrolling through the registration calendar until you reach the week of October 27th, or you can use this special link.

If you are a family that is new to Steppin' Out and you'd like to join one of our classes, take a look at our class selection guidelines to find a good fit for your dancer given their age and dance experience. If you need help choosing a class, email Angela

FALL CLASS HIGHLIGHTS:

Contemporary continues to grow in popularity at Steppin' Out, and we're excited to announce that we are adding new offerings this year to keep up with demand:

  • Contemporary for ages 8-10 on Thursdays 5:00-6:00

  • Contemporary for ages 10+ on Thursdays 6:00-7:00
     

Advanced teen classes this year feature more flexible enrollment options:

  • On Saturdays this year, our advanced teens will have the option of signing up for a combination of Tap + Modern Jazz or for Modern Jazz alone.

  • On Wednesdays, teens and tweens will be able to sign up for the combination class of Tap + Ballet + Jazz or for Ballet + Jazz without the Tap component.
     

Jazz classes are always a big hit, so we're adding this brand new class to our schedule this year:

  • Jazz for ages 8-12 on Fridays 5:00-6:00 

    • This class begins on October 27th. You can register for this class by scrolling through the registration calendar until you reach the week of October 27th, or you can use this special link.
       

FACULTY HIGHLIGHT: WELCOME TEACHER MIA! 

We are excited to welcome Mia J. Chong to our Saturday morning teaching staff this year! Mia is a choreographer and dancer from San Francisco who currently collaborates with Post:ballet while freelancing throughout the Bay Area. Her work has been performed by Post:ballet, BODYSONNET, NYU Tisch School of the Arts, UC Berkeley’s Chamber Chorus, and more. Mia has danced with ODC/Dance, Robert Moses’ Kin, Dance Theatre of San Francisco, and Concept o4. She received a Princess Grace Award, Chris Hellman Dance Honor, and Jacob’s Pillow Ann & Weston Hicks Choreography Fellowship, among other honors. Mia earned a BA in Social Sciences with a concentration in Organizational Behavior and Change from New York University and is currently pursuing an MS in Arts Administration and Cultural Entrepreneurship at Northeastern University. As a dance educator, she has taught classes for Alonzo King LINES Dance Center, ODC, Jacob’s Pillow, Shawl-Anderson Dance Center, Berkeley Ballet Theater, Westlake School for the Performing Arts, and more. 
 

Fall Class Schedule + Steppin' Out July News

We hope you're enjoying your summer!

We understand many of you are already planning fall activities and we are happy to announce that our fall schedule is now available for viewing. Registration will open at the beginning of August and fall class will begin on September 5th. 

Returning families will be given priority registration, so look out for an email with instructions pre-registration on August 1st. If you are a returning family with a dancer age 7 or older, you should have recently received an individualized email with a list of suggested classes. (Please remember that it is common for students to stay at the same level for a couple years before moving up a level.)

If you are a family that is new to Steppin' Out and you'd like to join one of our classes, take a look at our class selection guidelines to find a good fit for your dancer given their age and dance experience. If you need help choosing a class, email Angela. Registration will open on August 7th.

As you browse the fall schedule, please note that classes marked with an asterisk (*) require placement or audition to enroll. Also note that space is limited, and if you receive an email with placement/class suggestions, know that this does not guarantee you a spot in the class. We recommend you register as early as you can to secure a spot in your preferred classes.

FALL SCHEDULE HIGHLIGHTS

Contemporary continues to grow in popularity at Steppin' Out, and we're excited to announce that we are adding new offerings this year to keep up with demand:

  • Contemporary for ages 8-10 on Thursdays 5:00-6:00

  • Contemporary for ages 10+ on Thursdays 6:00-7:00

Furthermore, we are making enrollment for our advanced teen classes more flexible:

  • On Saturdays this year, our advanced teens will have the option of signing up for a combination of Tap + Modern Jazz or for Modern Jazz alone.

  • On Wednesdays, teens and tweens will be able to sign up for the combination class of Tap + Ballet + Jazz or for Ballet + Jazz without the Tap component.

Finally, we know our jazz classes are a big hit, so we're adding this brand new class to our schedule this year:

  • Jazz for ages 8-12 on Fridays 5:00-6:00 

PERFORMANCE VIDEOS + PHOTOS

Last week, we sent out the video from the performance to enrolled families. We hope our dancers enjoy watching their performance. Earlier today, we sent out an email with the photo gallery from the performance. If you did not receive the video and/or photo link please email Angela.

DANCE IN THE NEWS: FREE STREET FAIRS

Admittedly, this news is not entirely dance related...but it's still worth sharing this list of FREE street fairs in the city during the month of July. Get out and get inspired by all the arts and culture offerings this wonderful city has to offer! 

Congratulations! + Steppin' Out June News

Congratulations to all our students for an amazing performance last weekend! Our Steppin' Out teachers hope to inspire our students to find joy through movement and an appreciation for dance traditions. We understand that the education and creative process leading up to the performance is just as important as the final product. We are so proud of all of our students and hope that you feel confident and proud of what you have accomplished.  It was a fantastic year!

The performance video is being edited and, as soon as it's ready, we will send all currently enrolled families the link to download and share. Our photographer is also in the midst of the editing process, so stay tuned for an opportunity to view and purchase the photos that she took during the performance.

For those who are wondering, our fall class schedule will be made available in July and registration will take place in August.

SUMMER CAMP: JUNE 19th-30th

Kids ages 6-12 are invited to join Angela & Pearl for a fun filled summer camp experience including dance & Yoga, arts & crafts, popsicle making, and much more! Choose either or both weeks: June 19-23 + June 26-30. Know any friends who might be interested in summer camp? Forward this email to them to help us spread the word!

Summer Camp Info + Registration

DANCE IN THE NEWS: SFDanceworks

Teacher Emily is performing in SFDanceworks' annual season June 30-July 2 right around the corner from Steppin' Out at ODC Theater. Emily will be dancing in high intensity contemporary works by nationally and internationally renowned choreographers. More information + tickets.

MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: CARTWHEEL

With the summer weather and many of us flocking to the park, the grass is a perfect place to practice cartwheels! For an added challenge, if you already have the general mechanics of the cartwheel, try pointing your feet and keeping both legs strong and straight.

Performance Info + Steppin' Out May News

Our end of the year performance is right around the corner! Family, friends, and community are invited to join us on Saturday, June 3rd for three performances at the Riordan High School Theater (175 Frida Kahlo Way). Show times are 11:00-1:00, 3:00-5:00, and 6:00-7:00 (Advanced Dancer Showcase).

Steppin' Out families will receive a private link to a professional recording of each performance. If you have family or friends that aren't able to make it to the show, you will be able to share the video with them.

CLASS UPDATES

Regular classes will continue throughout the month of May. Please note there is no class on June 1 & 2.  Nearly all of our performance choreography has been taught and this month we will work on details like spacing, memorization without the teachers' help, and performance quality. Part of this preparation includes an onstage rehearsal. All performers are scheduled for an onsite rehearsal during the week of May 22-25. Enrolled families, please check out this onsite rehearsal schedule and plan to attend. We want to make sure that every student feels prepared and confident so when the big day comes they can enjoy themselves and have a wonderful performance experience. Additionally, please note that your costumes will be available for pick-up at the studio (once you've paid your invoice) throughout the month of May.

REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER CAMP!

This year, we will be offering a two week summer camp for kids ages 6-12! Join Angela & Pearl for a fun filled summer camp experience with some dance & Yoga, arts & crafts, popsicle making, and much more! Choose either or both weeks: June 19-23 + June 26-30. Camp will consist of a structured activity each day but we will also take daily trips to the park for fresh air and free time. Other than playing in the playground, some of our other favorite things to do at the park are playing soccer, hula-hooping, and cartwheels in the grass.

Summer Camp Info + Registration

DANCE IN THE NEWS

National Tap Dance Day is May 25th! Perhaps you can celebrate by practicing your tap dance at home. We recommend tapping on a hard surface that can get a little scuffed up, like a concrete garage floor or wooden tap board.

MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: TAKE A BOW!

After a performance, dancers bow while they receive applause from their audience. Your bow can be a sign of gratitude to the audience for witnessing and enjoying. With your feet together, bend forward at the waist. For our youngest dancers, who are still a little top heavy, we ask that they keep their faces front looking at the audience. Our older dancers can drop their heads during their bow.

Summer Camp Registration + Steppin' Out April News

Excitement is in the air at Steppin' Out as we prepare for our end of year performance! As various classes are trying on costumes, you might find more sequins than usual on our studio floors!

Our big performance date is June 3rd, and we invite everyone to mark your calendars, whether you're an enrolled family or just a newsletter subscriber. Everyone is invited to attend, and it can be a great way to learn more about our school before enrolling in classes next year.

For our enrolled families:
You'll get an email from us soon that includes a lot of performance information, including the performance fee, costume logistics, which classes are performing at what time of day, and a playlist of performance songs that you can use while practicing at home, so stay tuned!
 

PARENT OBSERVATION WEEK

Parents and caregivers are invited to watch classes during the week of April 25-29. Come see a sneak peek of the choreography our students have been working on for the end of year performance!

REGISTRATION FOR SUMMER CAMP IS OPEN!

This year, we will be offering a two week summer camp for kids ages 6-12! Join Angela & Pearl for a fun filled summer camp experience with some dance & Yoga, arts & crafts, popsicle making, and much more! Choose either or both weeks: June 19-23 + June 26-30. Camp will consist of a structured activity each day but we will also take daily trips to the park for fresh air and free time. Other than playing in the playground some of our other favorite things to do at the park are playing soccer, hula-hooping, and cartwheels in the grass.

Summer Camp Info + Registration

DANCE IN THE NEWS

Teacher Erin is performing in AURUM by Kinetech Arts at 836M Gallery in North Beach on April 21 and 28. The performance is open to all ages, but will likely be most engaging for teenagers and adults. Learn more and get tickets—it's free!

MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: SKIPPING

Skipping is second nature for many of our students at Steppin' Out. But for our youngest ones, it be difficult when you're first learning how. Try breaking it down like this: stand on one foot and hop, then stand on the other foot and hop. It can also be helpful to hold hands while both of you skip, so the young dancer can feel the rhythm in your body. For those who are already comfortable with the cadence of skipping, try adding a ballet flavor with pointed feet and high knees.

Performance Date + Steppin' Out March News

This month we have several important reminders for enrolled families, so bear with us before we get to the good stuff...

Save the date: Our spring performances will take place on Saturday, June 3rd! More details coming soon, but for now please mark your calendars.  Teacher Angela and her mother Maureen (you might know her as the front desk lady with the stickers) will be measuring students for costumes in the coming weeks.  

Please note that Steppin' Out does not close for spring break. We understand you may have a trip planed, but if you're in town during your break, come dance with us!  We will be open for classes every week from now until the end of the semester.

Finally, we want to remind you to check the lost and found for items that belong to you. Everything that's left in the lost and found at the end of March will be donated, so make sure to check it out in the next couple weeks. 

DANCE IN THE MOVIES

This popular Youtube video has been inspiring teacher Angela for the last couple months, which means it must be worth sharing! It features classic dance scenes from popular movies of the last several decades set to the energetic song, "I'm So Excited." Can you spot any people or movies you recognize?

DANCE IN THE NEWS: SAN FRAN TAP FESTIVAL

The San Fran Tap Festival is happening March 11-12. The festival concludes with a big concert by some incredible tappers on March 12!

MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: PLIÉ

A plié is a fundamental movement used in all kinds of dance styles, but the terminology comes from ballet. You can do a plié in any position that involves standing on two legs, like 6th position or 1st position. We often talk about a plié being a simple bend in the knees, but you'll notice that your ankles and hips are also flexing as you plié. It can be helpful to think about the crown of your head and your upper body staying tall while the action of the plié occurs in the lower body.

QUICK TIP: PRACTICE

Just like any other skill, the best way to get better at a new dance move is to practice it.  If the weather is nice, head to the park and practice cartwheels in the grass. Have your dancer put on a show after dinner and ask them to show you what they are working on. Practice makes progress. 

Spring Semester + Steppin' Out February News

February is the beginning of our spring semester, and we are excited to have so many students joining us in the studios! This is the time of year when we begin working on choreography that will eventually be performed in our end of year performance. For many of our classes, this means that dancers will begin to learn new elements like spatial formations, group awareness, and partner steps. Participation in Steppin' Out's year-end performance is optional, but we encourage all students to be a part of it, as it is a fun and exciting experience. We'll be announcing details about the performance in the coming months, so stay tuned. 

To our waitlist families, thank you for your interest in taking class at Steppin' Out. We do our best to accommodate as many students who want to dance as possible.  During the first three weeks of this month, there might be some students that shift around to different classes, which might open new spaces. So hang in there. If a spot opens up, we will invite students from the waitlist and prorate the tuition accordingly.

STUDIO POLICIES

Please take a moment to take a look at our studio policies regarding dress code, observation, and COVID safety. 

QUICK TIP: DONATED SHOES

If your dancer has grown out of their dance shoes and they are still in good shape, please consider donating them to our shoe bin! If you're ready for new shoes, take a look in our shoe bin before buying new. If you find a pair of shoes that fits, you are welcome to take them home and keep them. If they are still in good condition when you grow out of them, please donate them back for the next dancer to use. 

LOST AND FOUND

Our lost and found is more full than usual! Can't find your favorite jacket or water bottle? Ask our studio staff to point you to the lost and found.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH: TAP DANCE

Tap dance emerged in the United States in the 1700's as a fusion of British and West African step-dance traditions. The Irish jig and West African gioube evolved into a form of dancing called “jigging,” which was taken up by white and black minstrel-show dancers who developed tap into a popular stage entertainment in the 1800's. In the early 1900's, metal plates (or taps) appeared on shoes of dancers on the Broadway musical stage. It was around that time that jazz tap dance developed as a musical form parallel to jazz music. In the late twentieth century, tap dance evolved into a concertized performance on the musical and concert hall stage. In the forties, tap grew to incorporate Latin American and Afro-Caribbean rhythms and in the eighties and nineties, began absorbing hip-hop rhythms as well.

Check out some of our favorite tap videos:

The Nicholas Brothers in "Stormy Weather" (1943)

Chloe Arnold's Syncopated Ladies in their ode to Beyonce's Formation (2018)

MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: CRAMP ROLL

In tap dance, a cramp roll is where you first step onto one toe then the other, then you drop your heels in succession (toe, toe, heel, heel). You can play with the speed, going from really slow to as fast as you can while still distinguishing between the four sounds. 


Spring Registration + Steppin' Out January News

Registration is now open for spring classes! During our spring session, which runs February 1st - May 31st, our dance students continue to expand their technique while meeting new challenges posed by our stellar faculty of teachers.  Additionally, much of the spring semester will be spent learning choreography that will be performed at our end-of-season recital. (Participation in the performance is not mandatory, but it's a lot of fun!)

Check out the spring schedule

Register Now

JANUARY MASK POLICY

Masks were required for everyone last week, but moving forward, we will return to our mask optional policy for vaccinated students, parents, and teachers through the end of January. 

PROMOTIONS: PARTIES

Hold a birthday party at Steppin' Out! After taking a few years off due to the pandemic, we're excited to get back to throwing great parties for our students and other young dance lovers. We strive to keep our parties affordable and to offer unique options that you can choose from. Learn more.

MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: CLAP ALONG TO THE MUSIC

An important part of remembering choreography and dancing with a group is counting the music you're dancing to, and a good way to practice this is to clap along to your favorite song. Many of the songs we dance to in class have 4 counts, or beats, per measure. In dance, a measure is usually musically paired with a second measure. These two measures equal a total of 8 counts, which is why dancers often count in sets of 8. One set of 8 is like a sentence. After every 8 count, another 8 count begins, then another, and another. Put on a song and try clapping on every beat of the music 1 through 8.  Then try clapping on only the odd counts: 1, 3, 5, and 7. If you're up for more, switch it up and try clapping only on the even numbers. It can help to say the numbers aloud while clapping, but if you're ready for a challenge, try clapping without counting out loud.


Hope you're having a happy new year!

Winter Camps + Steppin' Out December News

This month, many of our students are learning winter-inspired choreography in the studio. We want to invite you to join us for a parent observation week December 12-17! If you can make it to the studio during your dancer's class time, we'd love for you to see what we've been working on.

WINTER HOLIDAY CLOSURE

We will be closed from December 19-January 2 for winter break, but don't forget to come back to class in January! Our fall semester extends through the end of January.

DECEMBER MASK POLICY

Masks will continue to be optional for vaccinated students, parents, and teachers through the end of December.

WINTER CAMP!

Steppin' Out will be offering two weeks of winter camp in December for kids ages 6-12! Join Angela & Pearl for a fun filled winter camp experience with some dance & yoga, arts & crafts, baking, and more! Learn more and register now.

SPRING CLASS REGISTRATION

Our spring semester, which culminates in a recital performed by all students, will run from February 1st through the end of May. The spring class schedule will be the same as our fall offerings. Families who are currently enrolled in classes will be given priority registration during the period of January 2nd-8th, so please mark your calendars. We will open registration for all newsletter subscribers interested in available spots starting on January 9th.

HOLIDAY PERFORMANCES

Mark Foehringer's Nutcracker Sweets is a wonderful performance that is truly accessible for all ages! Teacher Emily and 12 students from Steppin' Out will be performing in this 50-minute family favorite at the Cowell Theater in Fort Mason, December 3-18.

San Francisco Ballet's The Nutcracker is really special, but we recommend this performance for children over the age of 5 who can sit quietly without disturbing anyone for two hours. Teacher Angela recommends waiting until your dancer is at least 7 to attend this performance.

ODC's The Velveteen Rabbit is colorful dance production based on the classic children's book by Margery Williams. This show is great for the whole family!

MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: TRIPOD

Sit on your knees and place your head and hands on the ground. Your hands should be directly underneath your elbows, not in line with your head—you should be able to see your hands in front of you. Place your right knee on your right tricep and do the same with your left knee. Bring your feet together.

The best place to try this is on a rug or mat but if you only have hard floors at home, you can always fold up a sweatshirt to go under your head, and hands can be placed directly on the floor. A pillow is too squishy and doesn't support the neck, so refrain from using a pillow. We do not recommend this move for children under the age of 5.

Steppin' Out November News

For those of you wondering what Teacher Sonja has been up to, she's a new mom! Baby Dorothy, who graces the cover of this month's newsletter, was born October 14th. Congratulations to Sonja, who will be returning to teaching this January.

Thanks to those who made it to our recent parent observation week and watched our Halloween-inspired choreography! It was so much fun to see everyone in costume. Please remember that classes for students ages 6 and older are DROP OFF classes. For students ages 5 and younger, parents are allowed to stay in the studio (but staying is not required).

As we move into November, we will continue to build on technique and broaden our dance vocabulary.

NOVEMBER HOLIDAY CLOSURE

We will be closed from November 21-27 for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

NOVEMBER MASK POLICY

Masks will continue to be optional for vaccinated students through November 19th. In anticipation of holiday travel, we will require everyone who enters the studio to wear a mask from November 28-December 3, regardless of vaccination status. After December 3rd, we plan to return to optional masking for vaccinated students.

WINTER CAMP!

Steppin' Out will be offering two weeks of winter camp in December for kids ages 6-12! Join Angela & Pearl for a fun filled winter camp experience with some dance & yoga, arts & crafts, baking, and more! Learn more and register now.

DANCE IN THE NEWS: NUTCRACKER SWEETS

Teacher Emily and a cast of 12 students from Steppin' Out will be performing in Mark Foehringer's Nutcracker Sweets December 3-18 at the Cowell Theater in Fort Mason. Nutcracker Sweets is a 50-minute production of the classic holiday ballet for families with small children and audiences of all ages. Learn more and get tickets.

PROMOTIONS: PARTIES

Birthday parties at Steppin' Out are back! After taking a few years off due to the pandemic, we're excited to get back to throwing great parties at Steppin' Out. We strive to keep our parties affordable and to offer unique options that you can choose from. Learn more.

Halloween Dances + Steppin' Out October News

October is here, which means Halloween choreography will be happening this month at Steppin' Out! Each class will be learning short Halloween dances culminating in an observation day for parents the week of October 25-29. (Our teen classes may or may not have Halloween inspired choreography, but parents are still welcome to observe class during this week.)

Furthermore, we invite you to come in your Halloween costume the week of October 25-29. If your costume isn't ready yet or if it's not easy to dance in it, then you're welcome to come dressed in any costume you want.

Except for this special last week in October, our parent observation policy remains the same: parents of children ages 5 and under are permitted to stay in the studio during class but we are asking that parents and caregivers of students 6 years and older to please drop off their dancer and not stay. We don't have a lot of space at the studio, and we have found that students do better when there are less distractions in the room.

REVISED MASK POLICY

Beginning this week, masks will be encouraged but optional for teachers, students, and parents who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Masks remain required for those who are not fully vaccinated.

MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: LEAP

If you've taken Teacher Angela's tumbling class, you've probably leaped over the mud puddle. As students get older, we no longer use the mud puddle, but the action of the leap is the same. A leap is a jump that goes from one foot to the other creating a split in the air. Start by gaining some forward momentum with a a run or chassé. When you're ready to take off, swing your front leg high and give a strong push off the floor with your back leg. Aim for pointed feet and straight knees while in the air. For a safe landing, make sure to plié on your leg as you come down.

DANCE IN THE NEWS: SEE EMILY AND CLAIRE PERFORM

Teacher Emily and Teacher Claire are performing in Garrett + Moulton Productions' 20th Anniversary Season October 6th-9th at ODC Theater. This joyful, high energy performance will be exciting for kids and parents alike. More information and tickets.

QUICK TIP: FALL LAYERS

As our weather starts to get colder, make sure to bring a lightweight sweatshirt or other layer that you'd be comfortable dancing in. Because we keep the doors and windows open for air circulation, the studio temperature can vary each week based on the weather outside.

Fall Classes Start Today! + Steppin' Out September News

It's the first day of fall classes, and our teachers are ready to welcome you back to the studio! We can't wait to get to know our students and grow with you into the new season. If you haven't already, check out our dress code and COVID safety policies to prepare for class. Since it's the first week of classes, we want to assure you that it's ok if you don't have the right dance shoes yet or the perfect dance wear--just show up and let's get back to moving as a community!

To accommodate families on our waitlist, we've added classes and done some rearranging. We are happy to inform you that there are still a couple open spots in the following classes:

  • Saturday 9:00am Tap/Ballet/Tumbling age 6-8

  • Tuesday 5:00pm Tap/Ballet/Tumbling age 5-7

  • Thursday 5:00pm Contemporary age 8-12

  • Friday 5:00pm Tap/Ballet/Tumbling age 6-8

If you're interested in joining any of these classes, you can register here.

MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: POINT AND FLEX

Point and flex is an exercise usually done during a circle warm-up in our younger classes, but all of our dancers use point and flex in a variety of dance forms. Sit on the floor with your legs out in front of you and your knees straight. Flex your feet by pulling your toes up toward your body. As your toes lift to the ceiling, don't worry if your heels rise up off the floor. Pointing is the opposite action of flexing. Point your feet by stretching your toes away from your body and down toward the floor. Hold each position for a few seconds. 

DANCE IN THE NEWS: FALL HAPPENINGS

Attending live dance performances can be a fantastic way to supplement your family's dance education. Lucky for us, the San Francisco Chronicle just released their list of This fall’s 10 can’t-miss dance events—all happening locally in the Bay Area!

QUICK TIP: DANCE BAGS

A great way to help your dancers stay organized is with dance bags of their own! Shoes, a water bottle, and a mask are some great items to include in your dance bag.

Fall Registration + Steppin' Out August News

Registration is now open for fall classes! We recommend registering as soon as possible to secure your preferred class(es), as spots are limited and classes will fill up quickly. If a class is listed as "full" when you register, please join the waiting list. Sometimes students shift around the first couple of weeks of class, and there's a chance we'll be able to let you in.

If you are a family that is new to Steppin' Out and you'd like to join one of our classes, take a look at our class selection guidelines to find a good fit for your dancer given their age and dance experience. If you need help choosing a class, email Angela.

Four your reference, you can find an overview of our fall class schedule as well as our policies regarding tuition, registration, and classes on our website.
 

CLASS SPOTLIGHT: NEW STYLES!

With the success of Teacher Emily's contemporary class last year (happening again this fall!), we are continuing to expand our class offerings. We are excited to announce that our students will now have even more dance styles to choose from. Most of these classes are "open level," so there are no prerequisites (other than age) to join! 

  • Jazz

    • Friday 4:00-5:00 Jazz open level ages 8-12 with Teacher Abigail Hinson

    • Friday 5:00-6:00 Jazz open level ages 12-18 with Teacher Abigail Hinson

  • Contemporary

    • Thursday 5:00-6:00 Contemporary open level ages 8-12 with Teacher Emily Hansel

    • Tuesday 5:00-6:00 Contemporary open level ages 12-18 with Teacher Claire Fisher

  • Creative Movement/Tumbling

    • Tuesday 9:30-10:15 Creative Movement/tumbling ages 3-5 with Teacher Angela Rose Dorantes

QUICK TIP: GIVE A PAIR, GET A PAIR

We collect shoes your dancers have outgrown and pass them along to other dancers. Bring your old dance shoes to the studio when classes begin, and while you're there, take a look in case we have your new size!