Halloween + Establishing Routines + Steppin' Out October Newsletter

Teacher Zoe has arrived. For those of you who haven't had a chance to meet her, that's her "in action" at the top of this newsletter. We're so thrilled to have her join the Steppin' Out family.

We also thought it was only fair to mention that this fall has so far been one of the easiest transitions we've had to date. Keep doing what you're doing to support your child in settling into a routine with class. We've been establishing those "how to take a class" skills like waiting in line and standing at the barre, but now that the newness is over, we've moving into our introduction to choreography section with Halloween dances (complete with props!). Speaking of Halloween, your dancers are welcome to come in costume during the week of 10/25-10/29.

FREE TRIAL CLASS
Our early morning weekday classes still have a few open spots, so we're holding an open house so new families can see what we do. Please spread the word:

Sunday, October 23rd at Steppin' Out Studio
10-10:45 for ages 2-3
11-11:45 for ages 4-5

Classes are limited to fifteen students (sign up required) and are for students who are new to Steppin' Out and Music for Aardvarks.

Each class offers 20 minutes of creative moment, yoga, and scarf or ribbon dancing taught by Teacher Angela as well as 20 minutes of music instruction from Bay Area Parent Best Music Class Winner Music for Aardvarks, featuring original music created for the diverse urban student. 

New students can sign up here. Thanks for spreading the word!
 
MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: CARTWHEEL
Take advantage of SF's annual "summer in October"--the best place to practice cartwheels is in the grass. Younger dancers start by simply 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 (with pointed toes). Teaching your dancer opposition (pushing down with the hands while reaching up with the toes) will help with balance.

DANCE IN THE NEWS
We already knew that dance is attractive, but these song birds took it even further: the blue-capped cordon-bleu use "tap dancing" to attract mates!

QUICK TIP
If your child is still feeling apprehensive about being on the dance floor without you, establish a special signal to let her know you're watching and approving, like waving two fingers or blowing a kiss.