Spring Semester Is Here + Steppin' Out February News
Welcome to spring semester! We've officially transitioned into the part of year when the focus is on the annual performance. Students will begin learning choreography for their dances this month, so please try to attend as often as possible. Additionally, we have some dates to put on your calendar: On Sunday, May 20th we will hold dress rehearsal at Everett Middle School from 2-8 p.m.(each class will be called for a 30-45 minute window during those six hours and teen dancers will be called in the later part of the day). Our show dates will be June 2nd and 3rd at Everett Middle School. Half of our classes will perform on Saturday, June 2nd at 11 a.m. and the other half will perform that same day at 2 p.m. Our advanced dancers will have an additional performance on Sunday, June 3rd at 5 p.m. Everett Middle School will offer parking in the school yard for each performance and dress rehearsal. Stay tuned for more details down the road.
LUNAR NEW YEAR RECESS REMINDER
If your dancers come on Saturday, please remember that there will be no class on Saturday, February 17th in honor of Lunar New Year (you have been charged accordingly). Saturday classes will meet all the other Saturdays in February, though, so see you at the studio.
MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: BUTTERFLY
In winter, it's important that all of our dancers stretch more carefully before class (even though, if you live in SF, you might feel like it's summer right now!). This month's focus is on a hip opener that you and your children can do together. Small kids love "beating their wings" like butterflies. To help them, butterfly together! Sit with the bottoms of your feet touching and your knees extending to the sides. You can hold your ankles to keep the pose stable. Next, gently "flutter your wings" by moving your knees up and down (be careful not to overextend the downward movement of this stretch--protect those knees). Ask your children where they would like to fly today. After you've flown for a minute or two, have your child's butterfly get "sleepy"--fold heads into feet for a deeper stretch. This is a great hip opener for before or after class or anytime you feel stiff.
WHY WE DANCE
We loved watching this moving tribute to dancers of different ages, cultures, and abilities and thought you and your children might love it, too. Watch the Ontario Arts Council's beautiful video, Why I Dance.
SF DANCEWEAR GOING OUT OF BUSINESS
We're sad to report that SF Dancewear, one of our go-to stores for dance attire, is closing its doors after 43 years of business. Their website reports that the building they were renting has been sold. Please consider supporting their going out of business sale (happening now). We'll miss having such a comprehensive dance store in SF.
SPRING CLASS VALENTINE'S PROMOTION
Spread the word! For the first two weeks of February, come take an extra class Wednesday or Thursday morning for FREE! Our Wednesday 10:30-11:30 a.m. and Thursday 9:30-10:30 a.m. classes (both Tap/Pre-ballet/Tumbling class for ages 3-5 with teacher Angela) are open for free drop ins on February 7th, 8th, 14th, and 15th. This invitation is valid for anyone, whether or not they are a current Steppin' Out family, so why not bring a friend and celebrate Valentine's Day with dance?
QUICK TIP
Speaking of Valentine's Day, consider making it sugar-free! Simply use a heart-shaped cookie cutter to cut pieces of fruit and create your own (healthy and festive) treats.