Wasn't that a magical performance this past Sunday? Under the bright blue sky (after a drop of rain in the morning!), with the magnificent backdrop of trees and clouds, and together in the fresh air, our dancers brought energy and passion to the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater. We were so proud of the way they rolled with this unique performance location, changing shoes, walking on and off the stage on different paths, and bringing their hearts into each number. Steppin' Out even got a shout out on the SF Parks and Rec Facebook page, and we were listed on their calendar. Thanks to everyone for making Sunday so special, and congratulations to all the performers.
Next up for the Steppin' Out community: Please keep an eye out for the release of our fall schedule in the July newsletter. Registration will begin in early August, and our fall semester will start after Labor Day. We hope you'll come back and dance with us!
STEPPIN' OUT PERFORMANCE VIDEOS
We can't wait to share the professional video capture of the performances with each of our currently enrolled families. As soon as the videos are finished, we'll email you a secure link from which to view them. Please keep an eye on your Activity Hero messages this summer.
SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE FOR SUMMER CAMP!
We still have a couple of spaces in each week of Steppin' Out Summer Camp 2022. Campers can sign up for delightful and age-appropriate adventures with Angela and Pearl (both fully vaccinated). Enjoy dance, arts & crafts, baking, theater games, and unstructured outdoor time at Chan Kaajal Park the week of July 18-22, July 25-29, or both (each week is different!). Learn more or register now.
MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: CARTWHEEL
Besides the mats at the studio, the grass is the best place to practice cartwheels, so they're the perfect movement to work on this summer. Young dancers can start by planting their hands flat against the ground and hopping their legs over. As dancers gain coordination, they can lift their legs higher and eventually straighten them (try pointing those toes!). Teaching your dancers opposition (pushing down with the hands while reaching up with the toes) will help with balance as well.
DANCE IN THE NEWS: THE HISTORY OF DANCE AT MILLS
As Mills College graduates evolves into a satellite campus of Northeastern University, please read this reflection on the past 83 years of dance history on that campus.
GOODBYE AND THANKS FROM LEILA
This will be my last newsletter, so I wanted to say thanks so much to all of the Steppin' Out dancers and families for making this such a wonderful place to work for the last nine years. I've enjoyed collaborating with Angela, the amazing Steppin' Out teachers and staff, and the delightful dancers through so many changes and evolutions, and I wish you all the best in the future.
QUICK TIP: DANCE YOUR SUMMER
During summer break, keep dance front and center by taking every opportunity to dance in daily life. Take the adage to "dance like no one's watching" to the next level: chassé through the grocery store, skip around the park, pirouette as you cook!