San Francisco has moved into the orange tier and change is ahead. Read on for information about our summer camp offering as well as a "movement" idea to ease this transition. Also, current families, please note our survey reminder below so you can voice your opinion about the possibility of outdoor classes for current students this spring. (We also wish to assure our community that Steppin' Out will continue to provide spring classes via Zoom for any dancer who requests it.)
In studio news, we're working hard on our performance dances and are excited to announce more performance details shortly, so please encourage your dancers to attend class regularly and to practice their choreography between class sessions.
SUMMER CAMP 2021
In accordance with San Francisco guidance for pod-based camps in the time of Covid, Steppin' Out will offer one three-week session this summer from July 19th-August 6th for campers aged 7-12. Angela and our summer camp hero Pearl (both fully vaccinated) will collaborate to direct the fun. Activities include dance, arts & crafts, baking, theater games, and unstructured outdoor time at Chan Kaajal Park. Learn more and please watch your inbox--registration begins at 8 a.m. on 4/12.
OUTDOOR CLASS SURVEYS FOR CURRENT FAMILIES
Currently enrolled families should have received a survey about their preferences for outdoor classes this spring at the email you used to register for your current classes. Please complete the survey by Wednesday so we can include your preferences in our planning process. Didn't get the survey? Contact Leila.
MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: STILLNESS
Typically our movement of the month involves, well, movement! But this month we wanted to highlight something else: stillness. As the world around us opens into new possibilities, our dancers may benefit from stillness more than ever. Even trying a few brief moments of stillness (at the start of the day or the end of the day or as a mid-day break) can bring calm in the face of the shifting transitions ahead. To practice, you and your dancers might sit on the floor (or on a cushion or pad) with crossed legs and palms on knees. Breathe in for a slow 4 counts as you sit straight and tall. Breathe out just as slowly. Start with one minute and increase duration with practice. Then, the next time your dancers go to class, ask them to consider the contrast between stillness and movement.
DANCE IN THE NEWS: TEACHER EMILY IN SWAN LAKE
Watching innovative outdoor performances has been a treat during these sheltered times. Post:ballet has released a new San Francisco-based outdoor installation--their vision of Swan Lake in the context of the Golden Gate Bridge--and Teacher Emily is one of the dancers. While the zoom premiere has passed, you can still view the breathtaking trailer or just learn more about the project.
QUICK TIP: TRANSLATE
Memory can be enhanced by translation into different genres (for example, drawing music when learning to play it). As we work to cement the learning of our spring dances, try having your dancers use words to describe the movements to you.