Happy Holidays + Steppin' Out December News
Thanks for sending us your photos of your Zoom dance spaces! December's photo features Steppin' Out dancer Emmeline in front of her garage stage--we love how magical it looks.
In studio news, we wanted to share a little bit about why we have mailed or delivered a little gift to each enrolled dancer this past week. Every year our younger dancers learn about the famous Nutcracker ballet and get to dance at the studio with a nutcracker figurine or snowflake wand. This year we couldn't stand to break that tradition, so our younger dancers got wands or nutcrackers of their very own. Now they can participate in this year's holiday choreography through Zoom. And we didn't forget about our older dancers; they received something special too! (Didn't get something? Email Leila with the class your child is enrolled in so we can sort it out.)
WINTER BREAK & SPRING REGISTRATION REMINDERS
As a reminder, Steppin' Out will be on winter break from December 21st through January 4th. The Steppin' Out team wishes you a healthy and happy holiday season! Please don't forget to return on January 5th--our fall session continues through the month of January. And then mark your calendars! Spring semester registration for February-May/early June will begin on January 18th, 2021.
MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: CANDLESTICK
As many holiday traditions include candles, we thought it might be a good month to highlight the yoga pose "candlestick" (also known as shoulder stand). To enter this pose, begin on your back, then use your core muscles to lift your toes up to the ceiling, rolling your hips over your shoulders. While some body weight may rest in your shoulders, your core should stay engaged for added lift. Bring your elbows to about shoulder distance and press your palms into the middle of your back for additional support. Gaze up at your toes and breathe deeply. You can even imagine that your legs are a candle and your toes are the lights! For a less intense variation, relax with "legs up the wall" (Viparita Karani).
WHICH NUTCRACKER, THE ONLINE VERSION
Every year around this time we send out ideas for enriching local holiday shows. While these performances won't take place in person this year, why not stream your favorites online? This year, you can even see the Balanchine version without traveling to New York! Here are our top two picks plus a bonus option:
1. The classic SF ballet version (we're hoping we'll still see those spectacular sets, but we're completely sure the performances will be as breathtaking as ever)
2. The New York City Ballet version (one of our team members saw it last winter and gave it two thumbs up)
3. The non-Nutcracker-yet-still holiday classic from our neighbors at ODC, The Velveteen Rabbit
QUICK TIP: CONNECT
As the Bay Area heads into another lockdown, it's more important than ever to connect in other ways. Please make sure your children attend class these next two weeks--we'll be sure to include a few more minutes of community connection or sharing time to support them.