Congratulations to everyone who completed the fall semester. We loved having the opportunity to come into your home (virtually!) and are so happy to have been able connect, dance, enjoy music, and have some fun with you. One of our favorite parts of class has been "share time" with our youngest dancers--we get to see family pets, art work, new bunk beds, legos, flower gardens, stuffs, and occasionally even grandmas!
Now it's time to begin our spring semester with our first classes on Tuesday, February 2nd. We've sent Spring zoom links through Activity Hero to all currently-registered students--if you didn't get that message, please email Leila with the class your child is enrolled in. Many spring classes still have space and we'd love for you--or a friend--to join us. You can learn more about our classes or tuition or register now--and thanks for forwarding this newsletter to a friend!
Spring semester focuses on learning dances, which is not just exciting for students--it's also a blast for our teachers. Dancers will continue to learn and practice choreography in anticipation of a show. While this year's performance is somewhat uncertain due to Covid restrictions, we can assure you that there will be some kind of show to celebrate the end of our season and your dancers' hard work.
WELCOME, TEACHER CAMILLE!
Please join us in welcoming Camille Barlow, who will be taking over three ballet classes on Saturday mornings this spring. Camille has trained and performed with Ballet Tuscon and is the recipient of the Kim Terry Memorial Scholarship for Outstanding Promise. You can read Camille's bio, along with the bios of all of our teachers, on the Steppin' Out "About" page. Welcome Camille!
MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: BALANCE
Lately, we at Steppin' Out have been thinking of the four components of dance as flexibility, balance, rhythm, and heart. Last month we worked on flexibility (with the splits)--and we saw great improvement as the month went on. This month, we'll work on balance with a ballet back attitude (one lifted, bent leg).
We'll practice this pose with the standing foot flat against the floor, but later you can practice with a piqué. Begin in first position with the feet turned out to a comfortable degree. Distribute the body's weight across both feet. Stand straight and tall and press down through the feet. Then extend your arms to the side, softly rounded with lifted elbows and relaxed fingers. Notice how your extended arms create easier balance. Next, extend one leg behind you. Slowly shift the weight to the other foot and float the extended leg up to a 90-degree angle. Point your toe and keep the extended knee bent and the hips level. Find your balance by holding the attitude for a few seconds and then switch to the other side.
DANCE IN THE NEWS: DANCING HEALTH CARE WORKERS
We at Steppin' Out think that this video clip of Boston health care workers celebrating the arrival of the Covid-19 vaccine with a flash mob dance is what we all need to watch right now.
QUICK TIP: VALENTINE LOVE
Along with your regular Valentine cards, why not send a video of your child dancing to friends and loved ones? Sneak a quick recording during Zoom class for a cute addition to an e-card.