Happy Halloween! + Steppin' Out October News
October is one of our favorite months! We decorate the studio, bust out the jack-o'-lanterns and other seasonal props, and teach special Halloween-themed choreography for the entire month. This isn't just for fun--it's also so our dancers can get a low-stakes preview of spring, when we focus more on learning movement phrases and whole dances.
STUDIO CLOSED 10/31
Just a reminder that Thursday classes will not meet on Halloween day, 10/31 (but don't worry--you have already been pro-rated for missing that week). Please enjoy the celebration.
COME IN COSTUME!
We would love to see your costumes. Please invite your dancer to dress up in class starting on Thursday, 10/24, through Wednesday, 10/30. You may see some teachers dressed up too.
COSTUME AND LEOTARD SALE 10/6 11:30-1:30
Need a costume for this month? Or just some general dance wear? Steppin 'Out has unsold inventory from previous years' annual performances and we'd love to hand it off to you--so you can put it to good use! Leotards, costumes, and other dance wear are priced from $3-10. Most items are for dancers aged 3-10 and include everything from simple leotards and tutus to fabulous full costumes with sequins! Many items are new, but we also have a couple of second-hand items. Come check out the inventory, have a mimosa with Angela and Leila, or just hang out and chat. Sunday, October 6th, 11:30-1:30 p.m. at the studio (back parking lot will be open). This sale is open to the community, not just currently-enrolled students--please join us!
MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: PUMPKINS! (TRIPOD HEADSTAND)
Appropriate for students seven years and older unless they have neck problems, the tripod (sometimes referred to as "the pumpkin") strengthens core muscles while relieving stress and increasing blood flow. Plus it's a lot of fun! Have your dancers start by sitting on their knees and placing their hands flat on the floor shoulder distance apart. The top of their heads should make the tip of a triangle when placed on the ground (rugs or thin blankets are ok for padding of the head, but please no pillows). Once their "base" is solid, ask them to slowly lift their hips over their shoulders and as they tighten their tummies and lift their knees onto their elbows. You can "spot" as they do this, or they can use the wall for extra support.
More advanced students can try a full headstand. Follow the same beginning steps as for tripod, but extend the legs upward to a full headstand pose. Make sure the body is aligned straight up and down and the hips are over the shoulders. For an added challenge and a deep core workout, move between "pumpkin" headstand and full extension several times.
DANCE AND RESEARCH: STUDY SHOWS DANCING REVERSES AGING
Yet another reason to love dance: while all forms of exercise can reverse the signs of aging in the brain, dance has been shown to have the greatest effect! Read aboutthe study that proved this.
QUICK TIP: MAKE A FRIEND
By the end of the year, each class will perform as a community, and it's never too early to start creating the connections that will make that possible. Meet someone new in class this month. That goes for parents as well as dancers.