Thanksgiving Recess + Steppin' Out November News

Thanks for sending us your Zoom class photos with your pets! November's photo features Steppin' Out dancer Cayleigh in ballet class. For next month we'd love to receive photos of your creative dance space--the garage, the living room, the bedroom, the backyard!--and even better if you can get your dancer striking a pose or in action. Please email Leila with your photos.

In studio news, we'll be introducing new steps and techniques this month while also fine tuning our October work. Our goal is always to keep our dancers challenged and engaged despite current limitations that may include limited space or issues around tap shoes--we do this by offering lots of choice and the safety to experiment and explore.

THANKSGIVING RECESS
As a reminder, Steppin' Out is on recess during the week of Thanksgiving to match SFUSD's holiday schedule. We will be closed November 23-30th. Your tuition has already been prorated for that holiday, but don't forget to return in December!

MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: SHUFFLE
One of the basic components of tap dance is the shuffle, which combines two brushes--a brush forward and a brush backward. Remind your dancers that a "brush" means hitting the toe tap only against the floor. So to shuffle, stand nice and tall with your weight balanced between both legs. Then shift the weight to your left leg and brush your right foot first forward (in front of your body), hitting the toe tap, then back to your body, again hitting the toe tap. To go faster, make smaller movements closer to the body. And don't forget to practice on the second side!

DANCE IN THE NEWS: ALVIN AILEY'S FREE VIRTUAL SEASON 
Though live performance options may be limited at present, your family doesn't have to miss viewing dance. Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater recently announced that they will be making their winter season free "in the spirit of making dance accessible to all." Learn more and mark your calendars.

QUICK TIP: STRETCH
As the weather gets colder, it's important to maintain flexibility in our bodies even on days we don't have class. Ask your dancers to spend a few minutes stretching each morning--adults can join in too.