Fall Class Schedule + Steppin' Out July News

We hope you're enjoying the summer! We're happy to share that our fall schedule is now available for viewing. Registration will open at the beginning of August and fall class will begin on September 6th. In addition to our class schedule, you can also learn about our policies regarding tuition, registration, and classes.

If you are a returning family, you will receive an individualized email with a list of suggested classes and a pre-registration link. (Please remember that it is common for students to stay at the same level for a couple years before moving up a level.) Pre-registration will open on July 25th.

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 1st.
 

STEPPIN' OUT PERFORMANCE VIDEOS

Performance videos have been sent to all students that were enrolled in our spring 2022 semester. We hope you've enjoyed watching them and that you share them with family members that were unable to attend. If you didn't get the video link, please email Angela. 

Speaking of spring performance...we'd like to give a shoutout to Lucy, one of our Steppin' Out parents, who made the beautiful paper flowers that decorated our stage last month. Thanks, Lucy!

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: BUTTERFLY STRETCH

Sit on the ground with your legs extended out in front of you. Bring the soles of your feet together as your knees bend sideways away from each other. The outer edges of your feet will be resting on the ground. Give your butterfly wings (your knees) a few gentle flaps. Stretch forward and try to bring your nose toward your toes. Stay in the stretch for 20-30 seconds, and don't forget to breathe!

DANCE IN THE NEWS: POST:BALLET'S SUMMER

Bay Area contemporary ballet company, Post:ballet, released a short dance film on the summer solstice, titled Summer. The film is set in downtown San Francisco and features selections from composer Anna Meredith's ANNO: Four Seasons, a re-imagination of Vivaldi's timeless score. (See if you can spot Teacher Emily among the dancers!)

Congratulations on a Wonderful Performance! + Steppin' Out June News

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!

One Month Till Showtime! + Steppin' Out May News

This is it! About one month till showtime--till the costumes in this photo will take center stage with many others. Now is the time to please bring your dancers to class as often as possible--class attendance helps dancers feel prepared and confident when it's their turn on stage.

As a reminder, our show date has been set for Sunday, June 5th, 2022 at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in McLaren Park. All current families should have already received an email with performance details and a costume list. Didn't get it? Email Leila (and you are also welcome to check posted information at the studio).

While masks will be optional during our outdoor performance, we'll continue to mask inside at the studio for the remainder of the semester.

Costumes are here! Invoices for costumes have been sent this morning, May 2nd, and can be paid online. (Didn't get one? Email Angela). Once costumes are paid, they can be picked up at the front desk and taken home (and this year, tights are included!). Classes whose costumes are "TBD" will not receive an invoice until costume choices have been finalized.

Costume tip! When you bring your costume home, please take moment to try everything on, double-check that you have everything you need, and determine whether any elements need ironing. Tights don't fit? Bring them back for the right size. Once you're all set, store your costume in a safe place until showtime.

We need volunteers for the day of the show! Classes of younger students (age 8 and younger) need two parent volunteers to sit with each class, keep dancers together, and help dancers change their shoes between numbers. All volunteers will also be able to watch the show. Please contact Angela if you're willing to assist.

Finally, whether or not you're a current family, please get excited and join us on show day--all are welcome and invited!

MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: DANCER WALKS
As we gear up for the performance, it's a great time to practice dance walking to get on and off the stage. Dance walking creates the effect of seamless motion that originates in the forward (or backward!) movement of the pelvis. To practice, have your dancer roll through their feet from their toe to ball to heel, shifting from one foot to the next in continuous motion as they imagine someone pulling on their hips to draw their pelvis forward.

TEACHER EMILY'S FOUR BY FOUR: TICKETS ON SALE NOW
Teacher Emily's first full-length show debuts at the end of the month! This groundbreaking and kid-friendly project engages its performers as equal partners in the creative process who are hired as employees rather than independent contractors. Emily has chronicled the importance of these choices, which have the potential to begin to shift the dance world. In conjunction with the show, Emily is hosting a free kids' workshop for vaccinated kids ages 5-12, and all Steppin' Out dancers are invited! Please learn more about the show, Emily's intentional practice as a choreographer, and the free workshop--or just buy your tickets and we'll see you there!

QUICK TIP: DANCE WITH YOUR FACE!
As our performance will be outdoors this year, masks will be optional. Your face has been hidden behind a mask for a while, so now is a great time to practice using it while dancing, perhaps even with a smile.

Preparing for the Performance + Steppin' Out April News

Our Steppin' Out 2022 Annual Performance is just around the corner, and we have official confirmation of time and place! Our show date has been set for Sunday, June 5th, 2022 at the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater in McLaren Park. Currently enrolled families will receive an email with performance details and costume information in the next few weeks, so please keep an eye on your inbox!

From this point on, it's very important for dancers to attend class consistently so they don't get behind in their class choreography. Steppin' Out will be open for classes every week through May 30th as we all work hard on getting ready for the performance. And after a two-year pause from the glitz and glam of costumes, we're delighted to share that costumes will be returning for all Steppin' Out dancers. This means costume fittings will happen during upcoming weeks of class--all the more reason to be sure to attend!

SPOTS STILL AVAILABLE FOR SUMMER CAMP
Steppin' Out is pleased to offer two weeks of camp this summer--and we still have some spots for each session. Campers can sign up for delightful and age-appropriate adventures with Angela and summer camp hero 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.

MASK UPDATES
We understand that mask mandates are being lifted or relaxed in schools and other settings, but due to the risks associated with cardio activity and the number of students at the studio under the age of five (who don't yet qualify for the vaccine), Steppin' Out will continue to require masking in dance class at this time. We will reevaluate in a couple of weeks and keep you posted if anything changes in our policies. In the meantime, please include a mask in your child's dance bag, and thank you for understanding.

MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: TAKE A BOW
Two months from now, our dancers will be taking the stage. Once their dances are over, we want to show them how much we appreciate their work--but are they ready to take a bow? A dancer's bow requires practice, and now is a great time to get started. Have your dancer stand tall with two feet together and then bend at the hips, sweeping both hands back. Some classes may be using the curtsey instead of the bow. To curtsey, place one foot behind the other with its heel lifted and ball down before sweeping both arms back. Advanced dancers may drop their heads during their bow--just watch that balance!

SHOE REQUESTS
Steppin' Out would like to ask that, prior to the performance, students acquire the correct dance shoes for the style of dance they will be performing (whether ballet, tap, or jazz). Students may take shoes from the share bin if they find their size. Has your dancer outgrown a pair? Why not leave them in the shoe bin for a student who may be looking for that size!

QUICK TIP: DANCE BAGS
A great way to help your dancers stay organized is with dance bags of their own! You can include shoes, a water bottle, and a mask in each, plus anything else they would like to bring to class.

Register Now for Summer Camp! + Steppin' Out March News

Spring is in full swing at the studio, and dancers are hard at work learning choreography for our (optional) annual performance. As a reminder, please hold June 4th and 5th for the performance, and we will get back to you with details once they are confirmed. From this point on, please try to bring your dancers to class consistently so they don't get behind in their class choreography.

REGISTER NOW FOR SUMMER CAMP!
Steppin' Out is pleased to offer two weeks of camp this summer. Your campers can sign up for delightful and age-appropriate adventures with Angela and summer camp hero 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.


OPEN FOR SPRING BREAK
As a reminder, Steppin' Out will not close for any holidays this spring. We will be open during all spring breaks, so please come to class as often as your family's plans permit.

MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: FINDING BALANCE
With all that is happening in the world, balance is more important than ever. Encourage your dancers to practice balance in their own bodies. Younger dancers can try standing on one leg and imagining their standing foot growing roots into the ground. Older dancers can practice the same position but add in relevé. Experiment with different arms to see what effect they have on balance--arms stretched to side, up over heads, or fingers down toward the floor. Don't forget to practice on both legs!

DANCE IN THE NEWS:  EMPOWERING DANCERS
Teacher Emily is also a dance advocate and writer. Her recent blog post on Life as a Modern Dancer, "Empowering Dancers through Contracts," shares ideas and models of how choreographers can use contracts to make work experiences safer and more productive for dancers. Emily has a family-friendly show running at the ODC Theater from May 26th-28th, so please stay tuned for more information in the coming months.

QUICK TIP: ADD DANCE TO YOUR TRIP
Traveling for spring break? If you're ready for a show, why not add a live dance performance to your family's itinerary? 

Spring Semester Begins Today + Steppin' Out February News

Spring semester begins today! We are so excited to welcome new students to the studio as well as to welcome back familiar faces. As a reminder, in the spring semester dancers work more deeply on choreography in preparation for the Steppin' Out Annual Performance (we are still working on the plan, but please pencil in June 4th and 5th for now).

COMMUNITY HEALTH/COVID SAFETY REMINDERS
For the safety of all the Steppin' Out community, please monitor all family members for any signs of illness. Even mild signs like a runny nose should trigger testing, and students who are positive should kindly complete their quarantine before returning to the studio. We'll continue to do our part with hand washing and sanitization, air filtration, and masks. A well-fitting mask that stays over the nose is important, and medical experts are currently recommending N-95 or KN-95 masks when possible.

MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: WALKING BACKWARDS
A new semester is a great time to shake things up a bit. Why not try walking backwards? Develop balance, coordination, confidence, and a greater awareness of all the dimensions of space. That kind of awareness is great to have when sharing the dance floor with classmates during class--and crucial when it's time for the performance. Have your child practice at home to music. Just make sure to clear a space before you get started!

CLASS SPOTLIGHT: NEW CLASS FOR AGES 4-6
Please spread the word--we've just opened an additional Tap/Ballet/Tumbling Beginning I for ages 4-6 with Angela Rose Dorantes and Abigail Hinson from 5-6 p.m. on Tuesdays. Please view the schedule, register now, or tell a friend!

DANCE IN THE NEWS: SUPER BOWL DANCERS & COMPENSATION
Conversations about paying dancers fairly for their work have arisen this month around Super Bowl performers. Dancers' union SAG-AFTRA announced after a meeting with Super Bowl producers that "no professional dancers will be asked to work for free as part of the halftime show." Read about the struggle for dance work to be recognized and compensated fairly in New York Times dance critic Gia Kourlas' "What Do Dancers Bring to a Halftime Show?" Kourlas argues that "to perform without adequate compensation devalues dancers as artists. It suggests dance is just a hobby, not an artistic or athletic pursuit."

QUICK TIP: STICKER BOOKS!
We love giving stickers and our dancers love collecting them, so how about a new sticker book for the new year? Any small notebook with blank pages will do.

Register Now for Spring!

Spring 2022 registration is now open! Our semester begins on February 1st. Please register now.

All spaces are first-come, first-served, so please sign up as soon as possible. If a class is full, please add yourself to the waiting list as we do expect to have some movement during the first weeks of registration. We can't wait to dance with you this spring!
 
Curriculum & Placement
Spring term provides an opportunity for dancers to learn and sharpen performance-ready dances. Returning students may register for the same classes they took in the fall or contact Angela for advice about changing times. As students will be incorporating steps they have been working on into spring choreography, staying in the same class at the same time is best.

Dancers typically continue in the same level for one to two years, depending on age when entering the level. For example, dancers entering a 3-4 year old "pre-ballet" class at age 3 will stay for two years before moving up to level one, while those who enter at age 4 will typically move up after one year. Level changes happen during fall semester only.

During registration, students may register for any age-appropriate class with the following prerequisites:

• Returning students may register for the same time at which they were previously enrolled, regardless of any bump in level.

• Tap/Pre-ballet/Tumbling, Creative Movement, and Tap/Ballet Beginning I are open to any student of the appropriate age.

• Tap/Ballet Beginning II is open to any student of the appropriate age with at least one-two years of previous dance experience.

• Tap/Ballet Beginning III is open to any student of the appropriate age with at least three-four years of previous dance experience.

• Intermediate or Advanced classes require placement permission from Angela: Angela@steppinoutsf.com.

• Older students just beginning their dance training should contact Angela for placement.

Resources

• More on the class schedule and dates.

• More on tuition and policies.

Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions.

Spring Schedule Announced + Steppin' Out January News

Happy new year! Please don’t forget that fall semester continues through January, so please return to class this week, and read on for spring registration information.

SPRING REGISTRATION SNEAK PEEKS
Fall students receive priority to continue in the spring, so current families should keep an eye out for a preregistration email on January 10th.  All remaining spots are open to newsletter subscribers. We'll send a link to you on January 17th, but you can view the class schedule, tuition and policy information, or teacher bios now.

WELCOME, TEACHER CLAIRE!
Teacher Sonja will be focusing on school in the spring (but hopes to return to Steppin' Out in the fall), so this spring we are thrilled to be welcoming Claire Fisher to the studio. Claire will be taking over as our Wednesday ballet teacher starting in mid-January. Claire is a California native who has extensive experience training and performing with an array of Bay Area companies. You can view Claire's bio--along with bios for all of our teachers--on the Steppin' Out "About" page. Claire, we're so excited to have you on board!

MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: WEIGHT TRANSFER
The transferring of weight is essential to nearly all styles of dance. Any time someone walks, they shift weight from one foot to the next. Weight transfer in dance works in the same way--dancers project weight from one part of the body to another, freeing up that first part to move. This can be a partial transfer, as in a "ball change," or a full transfer, as when we run, leap, or perform certain turns.

The new year is a great time to return our focus to the basics and really explore what it feels like to transfer weight. Ask your dancers to move their weight between feet slowly and then quickly, noting the exact moment the original foot becomes free. Then try shifting weight from other parts of the body too!

CLASS SPOTLIGHTS
Did you know that Steppin' Out offers Contemporary on Thursday nights from 5-6 p.m. with Teacher Emily? We've noticed some amazing work happening in that class as Teacher Emily's students have explored movement quality and worked on interpreting and creating dance phrases in class. Best of all, there's still space for students wishing to add a second or third class to their schedule for spring.

Also, please note the two brand new classes we're adding to the spring slate: Tuesday 5-6 p.m. Tap/Ballet Beginning III for ages 6-8 and Wednesday 3-4 p.m. Tap/Ballet/Tumbling Beginning II for ages 5-7. Please review the schedule and spread the word!

MUSIC IN THE NEWS
This month, we want to highlight two new films dancers might want to check out to get into the spirit of music, Encanto (with music by Lin-Manuel Miranda and Germaine Franco; can be streamed from home), and Sing 2 (with music by Joby Talbot; not yet streaming but should be shortly). 

QUICK TIP: TAKE RISKS
Sometimes returning to class can feel tentative, but don't be afraid to take risks this month. The classroom is a safe place to try new things and learn. "Mistakes" are just opportunities to adjust, and progress often arrives when we push ourselves out of our comfort zone, so GO BIG when you return.

Winter Camp, Happy Holidays, and Steppin' Out December News

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.

Thanksgiving Recess + Steppin' Out November News

This month's photo shows Teacher Emily and Teacher Sonja in Garrett and Moulton's "Roll Out." While that show closed last week, we have an upcoming performance to share with you that's perfect for kids, so please see below.

In studio news, our dancers enjoyed learning festive Halloween choreography last month. This month we'll continue to build technique and work on new steps while reviewing and improving on all that we've learned so far this fall.

THANKSGIVING RECESS
As a reminder, Steppin' Out is on recess during the week of Thanksgiving, November 22nd-28th, in parallel with the SFUSD fall closure. Enjoy your break and don't forget to return to the studio starting 11/30.

MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: GRAPEVINE
The grapevine is a sequence of steps that moves sideways instead of forward and back. Though there are many variations, a simple one is just to have your dancers step to the right, then cross their left foot behind their right, and then step to the right again, then cross their left foot in front of their right. In class we say, "side back side front side back side front" to help dancers learn the pattern. Side to side movement can help dancers develop more awareness of the space (and other dancers!) around them. Don't forget to practice moving in each direction.

TEACHER SONJA AND TEACHER EMILY IN THE NUTCRACKER SWEETS
The Nutcracker Sweets is a 50-minute version of the classic Nutcracker from Mark Foehringer Dance Project. Not only is this shorter version appropriate for small children, it also stars Steppin' Out teachers Sonja and Emily. Learn more or purchase tickets.

QUICK TIP: ISOLATIONS
Sometimes "chunking" dance steps can help reinforce learning. If your dancers are working on a phrase from class, try asking them to do it once focusing mostly on their feet, next thinking mostly about their arms, again moving from the center of their bodies, and then once last time to put it all together.

Happy Halloween + Steppin' Out October News

It's time for a little fall festivity. Dancers are learning special Halloween-themed choreography in class--ask them to show you at home! Fall "mini choreography" sessions prepare dancers to learn performance routines in the spring. We'll even be dressing up during the last week of October; feel free to wear your costumes to class between October 26th and 30th. Teachers and staff will get into the spirit as well.

CLASS & COVID SAFETY UPDATES

• THANK YOU for doing a tremendous job with drop off and pick up--everything is going well so far.

• Winter is coming! Please take those colds seriously--anyone not feeling well, please do stay home.

• A note on privacy: If your child tests positive, please report to the studio so we can notify the rest of class. NO NAMES WILL BE USED IN REPORTS.

• Thank you again--we appreciate the way you've come together in community to keep everyone safe.

MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: "PUMPKIN" TRIPODS
Get into the holiday spirit with a tripod headstand, which we like to call a "pumpkin" tripod. Appropriate for students age 5+ (with no neck concerns), the tripod strengthens core muscles while relieving stress and increasing blood flow. Have your dancers start on their knees with their hands flat on the floor shoulder distance apart. Then make a triangle by placing the top of their heads onto the floor above and between their hands (rugs or blankets are ok for padding but please no pillows!). Next, slowly lift their hips over their shoulders and place knees on elbows, one at a time. A spotter really helps--or use the wall for support. If this feels good, dancers can try for a full headstand, extending their legs upward with their body elongated and their hips over their shoulders. For a Jack O'Lantern effect, you can always try an upside-down smile!

DANCE IN THE NEWS: AXIS DANCE PERFORMANCE
Bay Area dance company Axis Dance, whose mission is to celebrate difference by featuring disabled and non-disabled performers to challenge perceptions of dance and disability is performing re:surge on October 22nd and 23rd--their first live and in-person performance in over a year. The performance features three world premiers, each by a different choreographer. Learn more or buy tickets now.

QUICK TIP: OLD PERFORMANCE COSTUMES
Not sure what to wear to costume day? Try a costume from a previous year and get creative!

Fall Starts Today! + Steppin' Out September News

It's the first day of class! We're finally back to indoor dancing--and we are beyond excited. We know some students might be a little anxious about returning after a long period away, so we want to assure our community that we will transition back with intention and care, spending the first few classes reviewing steps and getting to know each other. And please don't worry if you don't have shoes yet or the perfect dance wear--just show up and let's get back to moving as a community!

CLASS & COVID SAFETY REMINDERS

• Enrolled students should have received information about drop off and pick up procedures. Didn't get them? Email Leila.

• Due to Covid safety, dancers will only be admitted to the studio during their scheduled class time, so please come already dressed whenever possible.

• Please be on time for pick up--that will allow us to limit the number of people inside the studio and help the students who dance after you (we plan to have one class dismissed before admitting the next).

• Don't forget your masks! Please pack extra just in case.

• Wear layers--we'll have the windows open to keep air circulating!

MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: REVERENCE
This month as we return to in-person instruction, we wanted to highlight an aspect of dance that symbolizes connection and celebration. We chose reverence, which is the formal name for the bow or curtsey (or ports de bra) that concludes a ballet class, often while students form a closing circle. Similar to the practice of saying "namaste" at the end of a yoga class, this bow shows respect and connection between teachers and students as well as classmates with each other--plus it's often a feel-good way to wrap things up. Read more about this practice in the context of ballet and other dance forms.

DANCE IN THE NEWS: AILEY RELEASED!
Ailey, the documentary capturing the work and impact of legendary choreographer, dancer, and activist Alvin Ailey, opened last month. View the preview or read more about the release.

QUICK TIP: CHANGE THAT MASK!
Mask feeling like a lot? Swapping a sweaty one for a clean one in the middle of class is completely ok and may help dancers feel more comfortable.

Register Now for Fall! + Steppin' Out August News

It's time to register for fall! We're going back to the studio for in-person classes with safety protocols in place. Space in class is first come, first served, so please register at your earliest convenience. You may also wish to review our class schedule and tuition and policy information--or reach out with any questions. Finally, please be aware that critical information is sent to the email address you select during registration, so please use an email address you will check regularly.

HOW TO SELECT A CLASS

• Continuing students are invited to return to their same time slot, even if its level has increased. You may also select any other time slot of that same level.

• New beginning students may register for any age-appropriate class that follows the prerequisite requirements (feel free to contact Angela if you meet the age requirements but not the prerequisites--she'll help you find the right class).

• New students entering at the intermediate level or higher will have the opportunity to audition. To schedule an audition, please contact Angela.

COVID SAFETY
As we return to the studio, we will have the following procedures in place (details will be sent to enrolled families prior to the start of the semester):

• Masks required for all who enter the studio, regardless of vaccination status

• All studio windows remain open plus air purification system installed

• Frequent hand washing encouraged

• Adjusted observation policy to facilitate distancing (dancers younger than six may have one adult present; all other classes are drop off only)

• Class sizes will be limited

We look forward to being together again!

SUPPORT THE STUDIO AND SHARE THE LOVE OF DANCE
The pandemic shutdown has taken its toll in so many ways. We at Steppin' Out are so grateful for your continued support--support that kept us afloat during challenging times. We could use another hand for fall: Would you be so kind as to forward this email to a friend? Thank you thank you!

MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: SKIP
Not only is skipping a fun summer activity, but it's a surprisingly complex movement that promotes coordination and prepares dancers for more complex sequences. Some athletes even use skips as a warm-up exercise! Since many children learn to skip when they are young, reviewing form can be a fun activity that builds on what dancers already know. A basic skip movement follows a pattern of step, hop, step, hop, alternating between sides. Encourage your dancers to step on the balls of their feet with heels lifted, then push off from there, shooting forward and landing with bent knees. If you offer the goal of skipping silently, dancers can find their centers, lifting at their core as they touch down. In this way, skipping also helps dancers practice opposition: press down with the ball of the foot to spring up; lift up in the core to gently land.

DANCE IN THE NEWS: IN THE HEIGHTS CHOREO
We loved watching Christopher Scott, In the Heights' choreographer, share and explain the dance scenes in the film as well as narrate the inspiration he found in other classic dance choreography from popular musicals like Singin' in the Rain, Stormy Weather, and Grease. Hope you enjoy it as much as we did.

QUICK TIP: GIVE A PAIR, GET A PAIR
We collect shoes your dancers have grown out of to pass along to other dancers, so please drop off any unwanted shoes at the studio. While you're there, take a look in case we have your new size!

Fall Schedule Out! + Steppin' Out July News

We miss you all, but we also hope you are finding rest and relaxation this summer break. We're very pleased to announce that our fall schedule has now been released and that we'll be returning to class in person (with safety protocols in place). Registration will begin on July 26th for returning families and August 2nd for other newsletter subscribers, so please take a look. You can also view our tuition and policy page for details (including pricing, dates, and Covid-related safety policies), and don't forget to watch your inbox for notification when registration begins.

WELCOME, NEW FACULTY!
We are thrilled to welcome Erin Coyne and Abigail Hinson to our teaching staff! Teacher Erin and Teacher Abigail are both experienced teachers as well as dancers and choreographers who will be bringing their passion for teaching and their love of dance to the studio starting this fall. You can learn more about Erin, Abigail, and all of our teachers on our "about" page (scroll down).

HOW TO SELECT A CLASS

• Continuing students are invited to return to their same time slot, even if its level has increased. You may also select any other time slot of that same level.

• New beginning students may register for any age-appropriate class that follows the prerequisite requirements (feel free to contact Angela if you meet the age requirements but not the prerequisites--she'll help you find the right class).

• New students entering at the intermediate level or higher will have the opportunity to audition. To schedule an audition, please contact Angela.

ZOOM RECORDINGS SENT!
Spring dancers who recorded a Zoom performance last spring were sent a link to your performance recordings through Activity Hero in June. Didn't get it? Email Leila.

MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: A.M. STRETCH!
Maintain flexibility during the summer break by encouraging your dancers to stretch every morning upon waking. Here is a five-minute stretch that's great for the whole family.

DANCE IN THE NEWS: TEACHER EMILY, RMK, & BRINGING BACK THE ARTS TO SF
Teacher Emily, pictured as our newsletter photo this month, was recently spotted downtown as part of a dance partnership between Robert Moses' Kin dance and Karen Flood of the Flood Building. The company is working in the storefront previously vacated by The Gap in a residency, "The Vital Heart of S.F.," that aims to generate new choreography and attract shoppers back to storefronts. Read more about the project--and don't forget that your dancers can study with Emily in her new one-hour contemporary class (among other opportunities; see the new schedule for details).

QUICK TIP: CROSS TRAIN!
While taking a break from dance this summer, consider engaging in other modalities that promote physical and energetic awareness like yoga, martial arts, and more.

Congratulations on an Inspiring Performance + Steppin' Out June News

Wow! What an amazing treat it was to watch our dancers perform in person with their classes on the Steppin' Out outdoor stage this past Saturday! We laughed, we cried, and we were inspired by the dedication each of our dancers brought to their performances. Being together was the perfect wrap up to what has been the hardest year in our history as a business. We want to express our deep gratitude to all who have supported us, whether in person, on Zoom, through emails, through donations, or through your own expressions of thanks--your participation has meant everything to us during a challenging period.

This month's newsletter image is of the gate to the parking lot at the studio. During the performance, each dancer tied a ribbon on the gate to represent their own individuality. The heart represents our community and the links of the gate that remind us that we are stronger together and never really alone.

THANK YOU, AMAZING TEACHERS
Steppin' Out would not be what it is without our incredible teachers. We want to say a huge and heartfelt thank you to the artists who teach the Steppin' Out dancers. Their passion and creativity (not to mention epic choreography) inspire and move us every year. Thank you for bringing dance into the homes of so many dancers and being a consistent social outlet for so many during these challenging times. Much love!

We also want to give a special shout out to Teacher Zoe, who is moving on after five incredible years with us. We love you, Zoe, and we are so grateful for everything. Best of luck in your future endeavors!

SUPPORT STEPPIN' OUT
This year we did not charge a performance fee, but we did incur some additional costs. For those who are able to help, your donations will offset the costs of the performances, the outdoor stage, and our annual tuition assistance. No donation is too small. Please Venmo steppinoutsf if you are able to contribute--and thank you! (To find us on Venmo, search for "steppinoutsf," click "see more results," select the "businesses" tab and look for the tap dancing feet!)

ZOOM RECORDING & FALL SCHEDULE
For our spring dancers who recorded a Zoom performance last week, keep your eye on your inbox. We'll be sending the link to that performance through Activity Hero later this summer. And for all, we'll be releasing our fall schedule in July, so watch for the July newsletter for details!

MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: REST IN CHILD'S POSE
Now that the excitement of the year is winding down, it's a great time for our dancers to rest their bodies and rejuvenate for future adventures. Child's pose is a safe way to do this. The restorative pose allows you to release the lower back while stretching the hips, thighs, and ankles. To practice child's pose, begin in a kneeling position with knees hip-width apart. As you exhale, slowly lower your torso between your knees (widening them as needed to allow your torso to be fully supported by the floor). Arms can extend forward with palms facing down in front of you or curve around the torso with palms facing up on the side of your hips. Breathe deeply, dream of summer, and focus on relaxation and release!

DANCE IN THE NEWS: VIRAL VIDEOS
Morgan Bullock, a 21 year-old Black American dancer, has gone viral on TikTok for her incredible fusion videos that blend Irish dance with hip hop music. We hope you'll get a chance to check out some of her videos this summer.

QUICK TIP: REMEMBER DANCE
This summer while classes are on break, feel free to drive by the studio to see the heart on our gate and to remember the connection we share through the strength of our community and our love of dance.

Performance Preview + Steppin' Out May News

It has been the treat of our whole year to welcome in-person students to our outdoor stage for class this past week, and we look forward to seeing more of you next week. The joy and excitement from all sides--students, teachers, staff, even parents dropping off--was beautiful to see. Please make a note of your future scheduled in-person class times (emailed to each class session individually; contact Angela if you can't find your email), but if you can't make a session, not to worry! Your class will also be broadcast via the same Zoom links we've been using all year.

END-OF-SEMESTER WRAP UP + PERFORMANCE INFO
Somehow the final weeks of class are upon us! We'll have three more normal weeks of class and then a final week, May 25-29, when we will record performances on Zoom just like we did last year. Early in the summer, each student will receive a video link of the recording to share with their families. AND in breaking news, we are in the process of reserving an outdoor park for a final in-person park performance for students wanting to perform live outdoors on June 5th! Please keep your eyes open for a separate email with performance details and costume guidelines once we're able to confirm with the park.

Key Dates to keep in mind these final 4+ weeks:

• Your in-person class dates (see separate email)

• May 25-29 for Zoom performance recording

• June 5th for (optional) outdoor park performance

MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: CLAP IN TIME
As we continue to work on performance choreography, it's a great time to work on rhythm, because when we all practice rhythm, we synchronize our movements with the performers around us. Encourage your dancers to clap in time on even counts (2, 4, 6, 8) and then odd counts (1, 3, 5, 7). You can practice this without any music at all--or try clapping along to a song on the radio. Older dancers can play with clapping only on the 8 or 1--or just "and 8" with two fast claps!

SUMMER CAMP 2021
There's still time to register for Steppin' Out summer camp! We'll be offering 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 or register now.

DANCE IN THE WORLD: HONORING MOTHERS
As Mother's Day is approaching, we thought it would be fun to share this viral video of a mom who included dancing as part of her birth plan.

QUICK TIP: EYE EXPRESSION
Dancers who will be performing live will be performing masked, so now is the perfect time to practice deep expression through the eyes! 

Register Now for In-Person Summer Camp!

It's time to register for in-person summer camp with Steppin Out! 

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 Steppin' Out 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 or register now!

Summer Camp Announced! + Steppin' Out April News

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.

Join Us for Spirit Month + Steppin' Out March News

We got a ballet bear! This month's newsletter photo is our bear by local street artist fnnch displayed at the studio (see fnnch.com for more about this artist's work and projects and see our "movement of the month" for more on this below).

In studio news, we are currently one month in to our spring semester, which is an exciting time of year as dancers are beginning to learn their performance dances. Please encourage your dancers to practice outside of class. And as a warm reminder, we are not closing for any spring break or ski week, but since we're dancing on Zoom, we hope many of our dancers can attend class even during breaks.

JOIN US FOR SPIRIT MONTH
As we round the corner on one year of sheltering in place, we know everyone's getting a bit tired, so we decided to spice things up with spirit week. Each week in March--even the half week!--we'll have a different theme and students can come to Zoom class dressed for that week's spirt! Teachers will be dressed up too. Here are the themes:

• Week 1 (March 1-7): Dress like an animal (or just wear animal print)

• Week 2 (March 8-14): Pajama week: Dance in your favorite sleepwear

• Week 3 (March 15-21): Crazy hat, headband, or hair day

• Week 4 (March 22-28): Dress in your favorite color--and learn your teacher's!

• Week 5 (March 29-April 4): Wear an old costume (whether from Steppin' Out, Halloween, or any other dress up occasion)

We hope you'll join us in bringing a bit of fun to this month, starting this week with animals.

MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: TRY A BEAR HUNT!
This month we decided to encourage you all to take a walk. fnnch bears are all around the city, so why not bring the whole family and walk around your neighborhood to see how many bears you can find? Walking is great exercise and the bear hunt is a wonderful way to get fresh air and find adventure as a family. Bonus points for walking near the studio to spot ours!

DANCE IN THE NEWS: TEACHER EMILY IN "PLAYING CHANGES"
Please mark your calendars for this amazing collaboration--in a series of interdisciplinary pieces for solo violin and dance--between the SF Symphony's violinist Helen Kim, Post:ballet dance company, and cinematographer Ben Tarquin. Not only is Teacher Emily a dancer, she even has a solo! The films premiere on Thursday when you can view them here, but you can read the press release or watch the (incredible!) trailer today.

QUICK TIP: TEACHING YOU!
Sometimes teaching can be a great way to deepen learning. One great way for dancers to really integrate the new choreography they're learning each week is to ask them to teach it to you. Even if it's just one step, it may help them gain confidence.

Spring Semester Starts Now! + Steppin' Out February News

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.