Happy Leap Year + Steppin' Out March News
Happy Leap Day! In honor of the extra day this year, we've made the idea of leaping our inspiration for this issue--see our movement section below. And if that doesn't strike you as corny enough, maybe this will: We'd like to invite all of our dancers to leap into their performance preparation, practicing their dances outside of class and making every effort to attend each class session. Our performance is only three months away so all that practice will pay off soon enough. As a side note, we have some final performance details coming soon in a separate email--please keep an eye on your inbox.
MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: LEAP INTO LEAP YEAR
In keeping with this special day, let's learn to leap! Dancing is, in part, about the opposition between the floor and the ceiling. Leaping offers dancers an opportunity to explore this opposition in a fun way. Have your dancer practice leaping from one foot to the other, reaching and extending her legs straight and getting high in the air just like we do over the mud puddle during tumbling time. More advanced dancers can start to lengthen their leap, working toward a fully-extended, graceful spring.
THE GOLDEN AGE OF MUSICAL THEATER?
Speaking of leaping, we thought all you Hamilton fans out there might enjoy this Playbill piece which contends, "It's not just you—musical theatre is better than ever before." A fun romp through the evolution of musical theater and its fan culture (complete with a detour into "Let It Go"), the article will have you believing there's just no ceiling to the rise of the new generation of musical theater. And those of you who just watched the Oscars last night might enjoy enjoy the lighthearted "Eight Thoughts Musical Theater Lovers Have Watching Oscars."
APRIL SHOWERS BRING...INDOOR PARTIES AT THE STUDIO
This month's newsletter photo shows how lovely the studio can look all set up for a party. If worrying about the weather's got you down, see our party page for the affordable and flexible party packages we offer. Concentrate on those May flowers and leave the party planning to us.
SPECIAL NEEDS JUNIOR COMPANY STILL ENROLLING
Almost all of our classes have closed their enrollment for the duration of the performance season so that we can prepare for our show and deepen our bonds as a class and as a community. However, we are still enrolling for our Special Needs Junior Company for dancers aged 7-12, which meets Tuesdays from 5-6 p.m. If you know any interested dancers, please send them our way.
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
We really appreciate it! You can check our Facebook page for archived issues of the newsletter as well: https://www.facebook.com/steppinoutsf
QUICK TIP: USE GRAVITY
Teach your dancers to use gravity instead of force when stretching. For example, they can use the weight of their heads to traction out their spines in a forward fold. Simpler, easier and more effective!