Winter Camp + Happy Holidays + Steppin' Out December News
Winter season means festive new dances! Ask your dancers to show you what they learn in class this month, which may include seasonal dances inspired by The Nutcracker, the new Frozensoundtrack, plain old "jingle bells," and more. And your dancers aren't just having fun on the dance floor--fall seasonal choreography also prepares dancers to transition from basics to more advanced moves as they build the dance language from which their spring choreography will emerge.
As another seasonal reminder, we will be closed for two weeks during winter break, but please don't forget to return to class in January! Fall registration extends all the way through that month, so return rested and ready to dance. And keep your eyes open for news about spring registration, which will begin in January.
REGISTER NOW FOR WINTER CAMP
Every year, Steppin' Out offers Winter Camp full of movement and adventures. Families register for only the days they need. This year, winter camp will be offered 12/30 and 12/31 as well as 1/2 and 1/3. Camp runs from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. and is priced at $65/day. Learn more or register now.
DECEMBER CLOSURE
The studio will be closed between December 22nd and January 6th for winter break--no classes will be held during those two weeks (but don't worry; you have already been pro-rated for missing those days). Please sign up for Winter Camp instead--or enjoy some family time.
WHICH NUTCRACKER?
Ready for the classic holiday ballet, The Nutcracker? Every year around this time, we remind you of our favorites of your many local options, including MFDP's version, featuring two Steppin' Out teachers!
1. The classic, featuring breathtaking performances and spectacular sets:
San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker
2. The 50-minute version, perfect for the younger crowd. We are so very proud of our teachers Emily Hansel and Sonja Dale, who have starring roles in this production:
Mark Foehringer's Nutcracker Sweets
3. The whimsical, audience-participation option:
Dance Along Nutcracker: Nutcrackers in Space
And finally, here's something to celebrate in Nutcracker news: "After Misty Comes Marie: Breaking Barriers in The Nutcracker"
MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: MAXIE FORD
This month's movement is a tap step! While the "Maxie Ford" is for intermediate dancers and above, it's definitely achievable if you break it into steps and start slowly. To try it, step on the right foot, shuffle the left foot, jump onto the left foot, and knock the right toe to the back. This all happens in three counts: step on one, shuffle on and two, jump on and and knock on three. A few tips: 1) try it slowly at first, then gradually increase your speed, 2) try it on the right, then learn the whole thing starting left, 3) don't forget that tap can be practiced without tap shoes when necessary, and 4) view this very handy video demonstration for a visual reference.
WELCOME BACK, TEACHER ZOE
Teacher Zoe has returned to her normal schedule on Wednesdays and Saturdays! Steppin' Out would like to say a huge thank you to Maggie and Bella for covering Zoe's time away (and don't worry--Maggie and Bella will still be around!). Thank you also to our families for supporting our teachers, most of whom are working artists who sometimes need to be away (which also gives your children the wonderful opportunity to benefit from gaining new and different perspectives from other artists in the community).
QUICK TIP: STAY CALM AND BREATHE
This month's "quick tip" is for the parents for once! The holiday season can be absolute madness. When it gets overwhelming, take a breathing break: try exhaling for twice the duration of your inhales for an instant stress reducer.