Happy holidays! In the spirit of winter, we're excited to announce that we started our holiday choreography this week. The collection of nutcrackers have come out to dance with your children--they are always a hit with the little ones. Our teen dancers are also enjoying choreography to some new original holiday music by Sia (one of their--and our--favorites). Holiday choreography is always fun, but its real purpose is to help prepare our dancers for spring semester, when they will begin to work on dances for the annual Steppin' Out performance. (Spring semester starts in February this year; see "Holiday Recess" for more information.)
HOLIDAY RECESS
Steppin' Out will be closed for regular classes from December 22nd through January 5th. But please don't forget to come back to class beginning January 6th!. Fall classes continue through Jan 31st. We'll send you more information on how to register for spring semester after the break (continuing families always retain their spots).
WINTER CAMP
It's winter and that means...Winter Camp! Steppin' Out offers a super flexible, fun, and enriching option for kids to enjoy winter break. Whether you need coverage the whole break or just for a day here or there, we've got you covered. Come take advantage of our magical winter days packed full of delightful, age-appropriate activities and surprises. Register now or learn more on our Winter Camp page.
MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: EXPANSIVE BREATHING
The holiday season can be a very exciting time, but sometimes that excitement can be too much, even for adults. Teach your dancers good skills in the face of stress by practicing deep breathing together. Have your dancer use his body to demonstrate the expansive feeling of a deep inhale, followed by the contracted feeling of a full exhale. He can start in a little ball on the floor and then extend his whole body tall and stretched, or he can make up his own original dance move to show the flow of breath in his body. You'll be practicing creativity, movement, breathing, and relaxation all in one.
WHICH NUTCRACKER?
It's time for our annual "nutcracker" reminder! During this time of year, many families choose to see this classic holiday ballet performed live. While there are many excellent options in the Bay Area, here are a few of our favorites:
The classic, featuring breathtaking performances and spectacular sets:
San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker
The 50-minute version, perfect for the younger crowd:
Mark Foehringer's Nutcracker Sweets
The whimsical, audience-participation option:
Dance Along Nutcracker: Nutcrackers of the Caribbean
QUICK TIP:
Dancers need a warm layer leaving the studio during the winter even if they might feel warm right after class. Encouraging them to pick their favorite jackets to bring to class may decrease the post-class "layering" battles.