Happy holidays to those who celebrate. Holiday cheer is in full force at the studio, where dancers are learning Nutcracker dances and enjoying the final two weeks class this month. Please don't forget that fall semester continues through January, so return after break--and look for spring registration information in our January newsletter.
And congratulations to the Steppin' Out dancers in this month's photo who were some of the Steppin' Out guest dancers in Mark Foehringer's Nutcracker Sweets. We're so proud of all of the guest performers!
WINTER RECESS
As a reminder, Steppin' Out is closed for winter break from December 20th-January 2nd, in parallel with the SFUSD fall closure. Enjoy your break and don't forget to return to the studio starting 1/4/2022.
WINTER CAMP
This year, Winter Camp returns to Steppin' Out. Come take advantage of our magical winter days packed full of delightful, age-appropriate activities and surprises: dance, arts & crafts, baking, theater games, unstructured play time at the park, and more. Two weeks of stable cohorts (12/20-12/23 and 12/27-12/30--pick one week or both). 1:5 teacher:student ratio; ages 5-12. Learn more or register on our Winter Camp page.
MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: JAZZ SQUARE
Last month we worked on the grapevine, a dance step that moves to the side. This month, we'll focus on the jazz square, a step that makes a box and keeps dancers in essentially the same place. To try a square, imagine four corners on the floor. Then step forward with your right foot. Next, cross your left foot over your right. Step back with your right foot, then bring your left foot back to meet your right. You can add swinging arms or other upper body accents to your square--and don't forget to also practice on the left.
WHICH NUTCRACKER?
Ready for that holiday classic, The Nutcracker Ballet? Here are some local options for the seasonal dance tradition:
The classic, featuring breathtaking performances and spectacular sets:
The San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker
The 50-minute version, perfect for the younger crowd (and featuring our teachers Emily Hansel and Sonja Dale):
Mark Foehringer's Nutcracker Sweets
The non-Nutcracker-yet-still-holiday classic from our neighbors at ODC:
The Velveteen Rabbit
Please note that the "Dance Along Nutcracker" is on hiatus this year and will return in 2022.
QUICK TIP: REINFORCE
Watching a holiday dance performance with your dancers? Ask them which part they found the most powerful, exciting, or moving--and encourage them to recreate one part of a dance they watched for you.