Olivia Lei Byers-Straus
After spending a year watching and dancing from the sidelines while her big sister took classes, OLIVIA LEI BYERS-STRAUS officially began dancing at Steppin' Out when she was three years old, studying ballet with Avilee Goodman and tap with Angela Dorantes. She is currently a member of the Special Needs Company at Steppin' Out, taking classes twice a week and performing at the annual showcase.
While attending Ruth Asawa School of the Arts High School, Olivia studied dance with Elvia Marta and performed in the musicals Wedding Singer and Seussical. When she was a freshman she performed in Carnival at Riordan High School. For many summers she performed with KidStock, a musical theater camp. When she got too old to be a camper, she worked as an assistant to Angela, choreographing and teaching dances to the younger children.
After graduating from SOTA, Olivia moved to Los Angeles to participate in Pathway at UCLA, a 2-year post-secondary program, from which she earned her certificate in June 2015. Now she's happy to be back in San Francisco, living in an apartment in Laurel Heights and teaching Steppin' Out's creative movement class for children with disabilities, which allows her to share her love for dance with her young students.
Jordan Drew
JORDAN DREW began her dance training under the tutelage of the late Timothy M. Draper at the Draper Center for Dance Education in Rochester, New York. While training, she was awarded many prestigious honors, including the 2002 Hope Award and 2004 Top 12 Finalist at the Youth America Grand Prix Finals in New York City, as well as scholarships to both the American Ballet Theater Summer Intensive and the Paris Opera Ballet School. In 2008, Ms.Drew was selected as an Honorable Mention Scholarship winner in the Young Arts program from the National Foundation for the Advancement of the Arts. She rose to the rank of soloist in the Rochester City Ballet, performing in such classical works as the Nutcracker, Cinderella, and Firebird, as well as original works by Edward Ellison and Imna Rubio Tomas. A principal role was created for Jordan in the World Premier of Correspondence by Robert LaFosse. She continued her training at Alonzo King's LINES Ballet Training Program in San Francisco, California from 2008-2010, where she danced repertory by Alonzo King, Kara Davis, Gregory Dawson, Yannis Adoniou, Carmen Rozestraten, Keelan Whitmore, Robert Moses, and Maurya Kerr.
In 2011, Jordan, along with five others, was chosen by Alonzo King to attend the internationally acclaimed Monaco Dance Forum in Monte Carlo. There they performed an original piece created for them by Mr. King. In the spring of 2012, she went to Denver to dance with Dawson/Wallace Dance Project, where she was named a Principal Dancer. In July 2012 Jordan and five other dancers performed in the dance video Aloft choreographed by Yuri Zhukov, which was named the best dance video by Dance Magazine in November 2012. Jordan now dances for dawsondancesf under the directorship of Gregory Dawson.
For the 2016-17 season, Jordan will be teaching on Wednesdays.
Angela Rose Dorantes
Beginning at the age of four, ANGELA ROSE DORANTES studied tap, ballet, and tumbling at Betty May Studio with teachers Eileen Baldwin, Avilee Goodwin, June Sturn and Betty May herself. Over the course of the next 15 years, Angela spent more time in the studio than at home, studying her craft and working as demonstrator, assistant teacher, and eventually head instructor.
Angela also trained with Jacques d’Amboise and Emily Keeler with the Event of the Year’s 1986 Jump Team at the San Francisco Opera House and under Elvia Marta at San Francisco School of the Arts, where she was honored with the S.O.T.A. Dance Achievement Award in 1993. Since 1994 Angela has worked as the dance director for Kid Stock Inc., a musical theater program for children, and in 2001 trained the Pop Warner Brown Bombers dance team taking 3rd place in the 2001 National Dance competition. She has also performed with a number of Bay Area dance troupes.
Angela completed Foundation training with Shana Meyerson in Spring 2013 and is certified through mini yogis to teach yoga to children ages 3-11. Angela founded Steppin’ Out Dance with Avilee Goodwin in 1995, and became the studio’s sole director in 2010. She is thrilled to continue passing on the gift of dance as well as serve the community that has given so much to her over the years.
Preview our Fall Schedule!
Registration for Fall 2016 will open on Wednesday, August 10th at 10 a.m., so please take a peak at our fall class schedule. Also please note that our tuition, payment structure and policies are changing this year; please visit our tuition and policies page for more information. We can't wait to see you in the studio this fall!
It's Showtime! + Steppin' Out June News
It’s showtime! Whether you’re a current Steppin’ Out family, an alumni, a supporter, or part of the larger Steppin’ Out community, you are cordially invited to Steppin’ Out’s 2016 Student Showcase THIS Saturday and Sunday at Mission High School. It's going to be amazing. Performances will be held as follows:
Saturday, June 4th, 11 a.m. Showcase I
Saturday, June 4th, 4 p.m. Advanced Showcase
Sunday, June 5th, 11 a.m. Showcase II
Flowers will be available for purchase at the performance.
For information on which classes perform at which showcase, please click here. Also please note that there are no tickets for any of these shows. Just show up and enjoy. We’ll see you there.
ALL THE PERFORMANCE INFO YOU NEED
Please make sure you know which performance your dancers are performing in; see below for the schedule, hair & make up guidelines, and other important information. Dancers should arrive 45 minutes prior to their performance time with hair and make up already done. Remember that dancers should eat a healthy breakfast and please make sure your dancers know that butterflies in their tummies are perfectly normal—they just mean excitement!
Performance Schedule
Hair & Make Up Guidelines for Dancers
Venue Info
Costume List
Song List
VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
We still need a parent or two to sit with each class with dancers ages nine and younger during the performance. If you can volunteer, please email Angela: angela@steppinoutsf.com
NO DVDS: PERFORMANCE VIDEOS ONLINE!
This year instead of selling physical DVDs, we’ll provide each enrolled student with a code to access the video of the performance on Vimeo. We’ll be handing out those codes during the final week of class. If you won’t be attending, email Leila for the code: leila@steppinoutsf.com. The edited videos will be available after June 25th.
JUNE CLASSES AND SUMMER CLOSURE
Please remember that there will be no studio classes on Saturday, June 4th, as Steppin’ Out will be performing that day. (Note that even if it isn’t your performance time, you are welcome and encouraged to come and watch and support the other dancers.) We will hold other regularly-scheduled classes up through Tuesday, June 14th. (Note that students will be charged only a half-month’s tuition for the month of June.) Beginning Wednesday, June 15th, the studio will be closed for summer break. Keep an eye on your inbox for your enrollment invitation for the 2016-17 season at the start of August.
MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: A DANCER’S WALK
Our dancers have been practicing all year to be ready for the moment they dance on stage…but are they ready to walk on? Sometimes our most graceful movers can look less than graceful when assuming their places. Have your dancer practice a slow, purposeful walk with upright posture, pointed toes, and a lifted belly. That way all of our dancers can be ready when they hear their teachers whisper, “places!”
DANCE IN THE NEWS: ELVIA MARTA RETIRES
Steppin' Out owner and director Angela Dorantes' high school dance teacher, Elvia Marta, has retired from the Ruth Asawa San Francisco School of the Arts, where she has been with the dance department since its inception. We'd like to share The Chronicle's moving tribute to her work. Angela calls Marta "a pivotal person in my life, a huge influence, and a friend to this day." We at Steppin' Out wish Marta success and joy in the next stage of her journey.
DISNEY MUSEUM DANCE IN ANIMATION EVENT
Two members of our Special Needs Dance Company who volunteer at the Walt Disney Family Museum turned us on to this cool upcoming event: “Got No Strings”: History of Dance in Animation with Frank Gladstone happens on Saturday, June 11th at 1 p.m. Click here for more information.
QUICK TIP: FINDING YOUR PLACE
If you lose your place in the song while performing, just listen! The music will tell you what to do.
Performance Hair & Make Up Information
Make Up:
We ask students to wear stage makeup during the performance so they don't appear washed out by the lights on stage. Below is a helpful guide to determine how much make up your dancer should wear:
ages 2.5-5: lipstick or lip gloss and blush
ages 6-8: lipstick or lip gloss, blush, and a small amount of eye make up
ages 9-12: lipstick, blush, and eye make up
ages 13-up: lipstick, blush, eye shadow, eyeliner, and mascara
*all boys should wear blush so they don't look like ghosts on stage
Students are welcome to wear more makeup than listed for each age group. Make up can be in any color you choose.
Hair:
Students must have their hair combed the day of the show. Unless their teacher has a specific requirement for their particular song, students may wear any hairstyle they desire (but should take into consideration any costume accessories such as hats or crowns when choosing a style). Please note that Wednesday 5 p.m. front room "little swans" must wear their hair in a bun during their ballet performance.
Reminder: Dress Rehearsal THIS weekend!
Just a reminder that this Saturday we will have no classes at the studio. Instead, all classes will meet on either Saturday or Sunday for dress rehearsal.
Please check the schedule for your dancer's call time and day:
http://www.steppinoutsf.com/news/2016/4/3/steppin-out-dress-rehearsal-info-2016
Dress rehearsal (and the performance) will be at Mission High School:
http://www.sfusd.edu/en/schools/school-information/mission-high-school.html
For dress rehearsal, your child should wear her/his complete costume; however, there is no need for formal hair or make up. Please also bring a sweatshirt for waiting between stage practices.
COSTUME PICK UP
If you don’t yet have your costume, Angela will be at the studio on Thursday from 3:30-7:00 p.m. for anyone who wants to pick up (costumes must be paid for first). And she’ll also bring all remaining costumes to dress rehearsal for payment/pick up. Please see the complete costume list here: http://www.steppinoutsf.com/news/2016/5/1/steppinout-costume-price-list-for-2016
SCHEDULE CHANGES
NO STUDIO CLASSES this weekend! Steppin' Out staff will be running the dress rehearsal at Mission High School both Saturday and Sunday, so regular classes are suspended. We are OPEN Memorial Day weekend so please make very effort to come for this final rehearsal before the performance. On Saturday, June 4th, there will be NO STUDIO CLASSES as staff will be at Mission High for the performances. The week after our performance will be our last week of class at the studio. We’ll celebrate and have a wonderful wrap-up class together.
Costumes, Songs, & More + Steppin' Out May News
Big news: costumes have arrived! Our dancers are being fitted in class now if they haven't been already. Click here for costume information. Your child may bring her or his costume home once the costume and the performance fees have been paid; please pay at the front desk. As always, if ever a fee poses a problem for your family, simply email Angela: Angela@steppinoutsf.com.
In other news: this is it! We're in our final month of rehearsing before it's show time. Please make every effort to be there for each class and don't forget about the dress rehearsal (click here for schedule information).
MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: TAKE A BOW
Before you know it, your dancers will be facing stage lights and curtains as they debut the dances they've put so much time and energy into learning. After we finally see their grand performances, we'll want to show them how much we appreciated them...but are your dancers ready to take a bow? A graceful dancer's bow is not hard to learn, but it does require practice. Have your dancer stand nice and tall with two feet together and then bend at the hips, sweeping both hands back.
Some classes may be using the curtsey instead of the bow. For this, dancers place one foot behind the other and sweet both arms gracefully behind them. Advanced dancers may drop their heads during their bow and can practice maintaining balance during this moment. Practicing at home is not only fun, it also helps our dancers get ready for their big moments!
THANK YOU FOR SPONSORING A DANCER!
We really appreciate the families who have offered to cover costume or performance fees for other families who might need a little help. Thank you for being such a wonderful part of our community.
TIGHTS
Whether you need white, pink, or nude, we have you covered with high-quality tights in every size for just $5 a pair. Check which tights you need for your particular costume and then stop by the front desk for as many pairs as you like. (Not just for the performance--because they are higher quality than the standard "Target" pairs, our tights make great practice tights throughout the year as well.)
SHARE THE NEWS
Might someone else in your family enjoy getting our newsletter as well? Have her or him visit our home page and click on the "subscribe to our newsletter" button on the left side. Subscribing is quick and easy! To make sure these messages don't get stuck in spam, ask all family members to add "angela@steppinoutsf.com" to their email address book.
DANCE IN THE NEWS: PRINCE'S PASSING
This month we wanted to honor the incredible musician who contributed so much to the world of dance. Here are some tributes to this amazing legacy.
QUICK TIP: LISTEN!
Practicing choreography at home is very important, but for those times when you can't, at least listen to your music as often as possible. Here's a list of this year's music so you can find your songs.
Steppin' Out 2016 Song List
Saturday 9:00 (front)
By the Beautiful Sea (Christy Minstrels)
Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot bikini (Brian Hyland)
Saturday 9:00 (back)
A Spoon Full of Sugar (Julie Andrews)
Singin’ In the Rain (Musical & Movie Music 4 Kids)
Saturday 10:00 (front)
Honey Honey (Feist)
You’re Never Fully Dressed without a Smile (Alicia Morton, Cast Version, Annie Soundtrack)
Saturday 10:00 (back)
Linus & Lucy (Vince Guaraldi Trio)
Super Rad and Awesome Mix Custom music mix (please see Krystal to get a copy)
Saturday 11:00 (front) and Thursday 4:00 (front)
Respect (Aretha Franklin)
I Won’t Grow Up (Cathy Rigby)
Saturday 11:00 (back)
Hit the Road Jack (Ray Charles)
All that Jazz (edited) (Chicago The Musical, Broadway Cast)
Saturday 12:00 (front)
Call Me Maybe (Carly Rae Jepsen)
Surfin’ Safari (The Beach Boys)
Saturday 12:00 (back)
same, same, different (See Krystal)
These Boots are made for Walking (Nancy Sinatra)
Tuesday 9:30
Animal Fair Four Baby Bumblebees (Dance Album with Various artists)
DoReMi (Julie Andrews)
Tuesday 10:30
Let’s Go Fly a Kite (The Tiny Boopers)
When the Red, Red, Robin Comes Bobbin Along (Dean Martin)
Tuesday 4:00 (front)
Bumble Bee Boogie (Linda Arnold)
Bunny Rabbit Blues (Blue Series Dance Album)
Tuesday 4:00 (front)
A Spoon Full of Sugar (Julie Andrews)
Singin’ In the Rain (Musical & Movie Music 4 Kids)
Tuesday 5:00 (front)
Quiet as a Mouse (Laura Doherty)
Tuesday 5:00 (back)
You Can’t Stop the Beat (edited) (Hairspray original soundtrack
Puttin’ On the Ritz(Erving Berlin)
Wednesday 9:30
Quiet as a Mouse (Laura Doherty)
Wednesday 10:30
Be Our Guest (Beauty and the Beast Soundtrack)
When I See an Elephant Fly (Linda Arnold)
Wednesday 4:00 (front)
Hard Knock Life (edited) (Annie)
I See the Light (Tangled Soundtrack)
Wednesday 4:00 (back)
I Wanna Be Like You (Animation Soundtrack, Jungle Book)
The Adams Family Theme (Vic Mizzy)
Wednesday 5:00 (front)
Dance of the Little Swans from “Swan Lake” (Classic Fantasy 11)
Wednesday 5:00 (back)
Good to Be Alive (Hallelujah) (Andy Grammer, NOW 57)
Wednesday 6:00
Work Song (Hozier)
Thursday 9:30
Animal FairFour Baby Bumblebees (Dance Album with Various artists)
DoReMi (Julie Andrews)
Thursday 4:00 (front)
Respect (Aretha Franklin)
I Won’t Grow Up (Cathy Rigby)
Thursday 4:00 (back)
King of New York (Newsies Ensemble)
Touch the Sky (Julie Fowlis, Brave Soundtrack)
Thursday 5:00 (front)
By the Beautiful Sea (Christy Minstrels)
Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot bikini (Brian Hyland)
Thursday 5:00 (back)
A Brand New Day/Try Everything Custom mix (The Wiz/Zootopia)
Steppin’ Out Costume price list for 2016
Saturday 9:00 (front) $35
Tap & ballet:
Yellow swim suit top, polka dot skirt, and black and white polka dot headband (bare legs). It’s fine to wear a nude or black leotard under your costume if you feel more comfortable.
Saturday 9:00 (back) $45
Tap & ballet:
Pink sequin dance dress with sparkle headband.
Dancers will need white tights (tights for sale at the front desk).
Saturday 10:00 (front) $48
Tap: Teal leotard with black skirt and gold sequin belt
Ballet: Teal leotard with water color wrap skirt and sea weed arm bands
Dancers will need skin color tights (dance tights will be for sale at the front desk).
Saturday 10:00 (back) $45
Tap: Sequin top and blue skirt
Hip Hop: Sequin top, cargo pants and white hat
Dancers will need skin color tights and provide your own short shorts to go under your skirt.
Saturday 11:00 (front) $45
Tap: Turquoise leotard with silver sequin skirt Ballet: Turquoise leotard with white ballet skirt
Dancers will need white tights.
Saturday 11:00 (back) $50 (ladies)
Tap & Jazz: Red sequin dance dress add headband for jazz
Quinn: Please get black slacks, red tie/bow tie, black hat; shirt can be black or white
Ladies will need nude colored tights (dance tights for sale at the front desk).
Saturday 12:00 (front) $20 (this is only for the shirt)
Jazz (ladies): Pink fringe shirt * must provide your own black bottom (pants, shorts, or skirt)
Jazz (men): provide your own white collared button down shirt
Tap: Wearing the same black bottoms as jazz, add a Hawaiian shirt or dress.
Must provide your own black bottoms and Hawaiian shirt or dress.
Saturday 12:00 (back) $70
Modern: Dance Paws (modern dance shoes), leotard, shorts, black dress and wig (wigs are on loan from Krystal)
Tap: GoGo dresses and boots (on loan from Steppin’ Out)
Dancers will need nude tights or bare legs.
Tuesday 9:30 $32
Tap & Ballet: light blue leotard and tri colored tutu with hair bow. Dancers will need white tights.
Tuesday 10:30 $32 (girls) $25 (boys)
Tap & Ballet: GirlsRed leotard with sparkled tutu. Boys red metallic shirt (please provide your own black pants).
Dancers will need white tights.
Tuesday 4:00 (front) $35
Tap: Black skirted leotard, striped leg warmers and bee antennae.
Ballet: Same black skirted leotard with bunny ears and tail.
Dancers will need white tights.
Tuesday 4:00 (back) $45
Tap & ballet: Pink sequin dance dress with sparkle headband.
Dancers will need white tights.
Tuesday 5:00 (front) $10
Girls: Light green shirt with sequin heart Boys: Light green shirt with sequin wrist cuffs
Tuesday 5:00 (back) $50
Jazz: Powder blue 60’s dress
Tap: must provide your own black bottom, white shirt and tie for “Puttin’ On the Ritz” (styled any way you like!)
Dancers will need to provide their own black shorts and nude tights/or bare legs (tights are for sale at the front desk)
Wednesday 9:30 $20
Paint splattered shirt and orange or Pink tutu/shorts
Wednesday 10:30 $40 girls and $28 boys
Tap & Ballet: Girls Purple leotard and white sparkle skirt.
Boys Silver vest (please provide your own black pants).
Girls will need white tights.
Wednesday 4:00 (back) $40
Tap & Ballet: Black leotard and silver striped tutu. Dancers will need white tights.
Wednesday 4:00 (front) $40.00
Tap & Ballet: Lavender dance dress and hair clip. Dancers will need white tights.
Wednesday 5:00 (front) $45
Ballet: White leotard, white romantic tutu, ballet pink tights and a feather headband
Wednesday 5:00 Jazz $25
Red with print romper
Wednesday 6:00 Ballet $15
Burgundy dress and bare legs (if you are more comfortable with tights that’s fine just make sure they are your skin color).
You will need to provide a black leotard or black shorts & black cami to go under your dress.
Thursday 9:30 $32
Tap & Ballet: light blue leotard and tri colored tutu with hair bow. Dancers will need white tights.
Thursday 4:00 (front) $45
Tap: Hot Pink leotard with silver sequin skirt Ballet: Hot Pink leotard with white ballet skirt
Dancers will need white tights.
Thursday 4:00 (back) $40
Ballet: Fuchsia dance dress
Tap: white collared shirt, knickers (short pants), and hat and red suspenders (hat and suspenders are on loan from Steppin’ Out)
Dancers will need white tights to wear for both tap and ballet.
Thursday 5:00 (front) $35
Tap & ballet:
Yellow swim suit top, polka dot skirt, and black and white polka dot headband (bare legs). It’s fine to wear a nude or black leotard under your costume if you feel more comfortable.
Thursday 5:00 (back) $10 (ladies and men)
Each dancer will have a different colored shirt. Dancers will need to provide their own black pants, shorts, or skirt.
Dress Rehearsal Schedule + Steppin' Out April News
Let's get excited about this year's performance (which is fast approaching). Read on for information about our dress rehearsal schedule and other performance-related news (and if you missed the special performance email, you can still view it here).
As we gear up for the show, please make every effort to attend each class as we are in a critical period of not only learning choreography but also learning how to work and perform together as a group. Also, costumes are starting to arrive and classes will be fitted as soon as they do. We'll post costume prices shortly. Finally, please note that performance fees are due at this time. As always, if ever a fee poses a problem for your family, simply email Angela: Angela@steppinoutsf.com
DRESS REHEARSAL NEWS
The dress rehearsal schedule is now complete and posted on our website. Please make a note of your dancer's call times and remember to bring a sweater and a water bottle to the dress rehearsal.
MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: POINT YOUR TOES!
Often our dancers have everything going for them: broad smiles, expressive movements, deep focus--but we still want the icing on the cake. Teach your dancers to point their toes! Here's how: practice sitting on the floor point with extended legs and point and flex the feet so your dancers can feel the difference. Once that feels comfortable, try jumping from first position and pointing toes in the air. More advanced dancers can point their toes while doing a cartwheel (other opportunities for "finished toes" include tendus, passés, or grand battments).
SPECIAL NEEDS DANCE COMPANY PERFORMS MAY 7th!
Treat yourself to an extra performance by Steppin' Out dancers and enjoy a beautiful day in Golden Gate Park. On Saturday, May 7th, our Special Needs Company with be performing at the Band Concourse at 1 p.m. as part of the Support for Families with Disabilities Event "Access to Adventure." Don't miss it!
SPONSOR A DANCER?
If you'd like to help support a family for whom purchasing a costume or paying the performance fee might be challenging, please contact Angela: Angela@steppinoutsf.com.
DANCE IN THE NEWS: BAY AREA DANCE WEEK
Don't let the kids have all the fun--why not take advantage of Bay Area Dance Week to try an adult class for free? The 18th annual Bay Area Dance Week, a vibrant celebration featuring 400+ free events including classes, performances, open rehearsals, lecture demonstrations runs runs April 22-May 1, 2016. There's even a Kick Off Event on Friday, April 22 in Union Square Park, SF. To learn more, visit the BADW website.
QUICK TIP: FIGHT STAGE FRIGHT: TALK TO YOUR DANCERS
Now is a good time to raise the topic of performing on stage so that our dancers can get used to this idea well before the curtain rises.
Steppin' Out Dress Rehearsal Info 2016
For Saturday June 4th, 2016 Performers on Saturday May 21st
9:30-10:30 a.m.:
Tuesday 9:30 Animal Fair/Do‐ Re‐ Mi
Thursday 9:30 Animal Fair/Do‐Re‐Mi
Thursday 5:00 (front studio) By the Beautiful Sea/Yellow Polka Dot Bikini
10:30‐11:30 a.m.:
Tuesday 4:00 (front studio) Bumble Bee Boogie/Bunny Rabbit Blues
Tuesday 10:30 Let’s Go Fly a Kite/When the Red, Red Robin Comes Bob, Bob Bobbin’ Along
11:30‐12:30 p.m.:
Tuesday 4:00 (back studio) Singin’ in the Rain/Spoon Full of Sugar
Thursday 4:00 (front studio) Respect/I Won’t Grow Up
12:30‐1:30 p.m.:
Thursday 4:00 (back studio) King Of New York/Touch the Sky
Tuesday 5:00 (back studio) Puttin’ On the Ritz/You Can’t Stop the Beat
1:30‐2:30 p.m.:
Tuesday 5:00 (front studio) TBD (to be determined)
Thursday 5:00 (back studio) Brand New Day‐Try Everything
Saturday 12:00 (front studio) Surfin’ Safari/ Call Me Maybe
For Sunday June 5th, 2016 Performers on Sunday May 22nd
9:30-10:30 a.m.:
Saturday 9:00 (front studio) By the Beautiful Sea/Yellow Polka Dot Bikini
Saturday 9:00 (back studio) Singin’ in the Rain/Spoon Full of Sugar
Wednesday 9:30 Quiet as a Mouse
10:30‐11:30 a.m.:
Saturday 10:00 (front Studio) You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile/Honey
Saturday 10:00 (back Stduio) Linus and Lucy/Hip Hop
Wednesday 10:30 Be Our Guest/When I See an Elephant Fly
11:30‐12:30 p.m.:
Saturday 11:00 (front studio) Respect/I Won’t Grow Up
Saturday 11:00 (back studio) Hit the Road Jack/All that Jazz
12:30‐1:30 p.m.:
Wednesday 4:00 (front studio) Hard Knock Life/I See the Light
Wednesday 4:00 (back studio) The Adams Family/I Wanna Be Like You
Wednesday 5:00 (front studio) Little Swans
1:30‐2:30 p.m.:
Wednesday 5:00 (back Studio) Good to Be Alive
Wednesday 6:00 (back Studio) Ballet
Saturday 12:00 (back studio) These Boots Were Made for Walkin’/The Wig dance
Steppin' Out 2016 Performance Announcement
We are so excited to share this special perfomance announcement with you. The 2016 performance location, schedule and details have been confirmed.
DATES
Steppin' Out is pleased to announce that our 2016 performances will take place as follows:
-Saturday, June 4th, 11 a.m. Showcase I
-Saturday, June 4th, 4 p.m. Advanced Showcase
-Sunday, June 5th, 11 a.m. Showcase II
The performance will be divided into two days in order to keep the durations shorter than two hours. Each class will perform at 11 a.m. on either Saturday, June 4th or Sunday, June 5th. In addition, our advanced students will also perform on Saturday evening at 4 p.m. To check when your dancers will perform, please see the performance schedule.
LOCATION
We have confirmed our rehearsal and performance dates with Mission High School, the location of last year's performance. Mission High is located at 3750 18th Street between Church and Dolores Streets and offers a sizable parking lot.
PARTICIPATION FEE NOW DUE
This year's participation fee replaces any ticket costs and is $30 per student, $10 for the second sibling and $5 for the third sibling. The participation fee is due at this time and cannot be paid via autopay (please pay by cash, check or credit card at the studio). The performance fee structure means there will be no tickets, no lines, no admission fees for family and friends, and no limit on how many guests you can invite or how many performances you can attend.
DRESS REHEARSALS
Dress rehearsals will be held as follows:
-Saturday May 21st 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.* for all participants in the June 4th performance
-Sunday May 22nd 9:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.* for all participants in the June 5th performance
*Each class will be called for only one hour during that time range (exact time to be determined).
Please note that regular Saturday classes will not be held on May 21 or June 4th.
COSTUMES
We hope your dancers are as excited as we are about this year's costumes. Final price lists will be available next month.
PERFORMANCE CONFLICTS
Please let us know if your dancer is unable to perform in the show. All dancers are welcome and encouraged to come to class even if they can't participate, but we need to have a good sense of who will be available as we plan and refine our dances in the next two months.
Steppin' Out 2016 Performance Schedule
Saturday June 4th, 2016 at Mission High School
Showcase I 11 a.m.:
Tuesday 9:30 a.m. Animal Fair/Do‐Re‐Mi
Tuesday 10:30 a.m. Let’s Go Fly a Kite/When the Red, Red Robin Comes Bobbin’ Along
Tuesday 4 p.m. (front studio) Bumble Bee Boogie/Bunny Rabbit Blues
Tuesday 4 p.m. (back studio) Singin’ in the Rain/Spoon Full of Sugar
Tuesday 5 p.m. (back studio) Puttin’ On the Ritz/You Can’t Stop the Beat
Tuesday 5 p.m. (front studio) TBD (to be determined)
Thursday 9:30 a.m. Animal Fair/Do‐Re‐Mi
Thursday 4 p.m. (front studio) Respect/I Won’t Grow Up
Thursday 4 p.m. (back studio) King Of New York/Touch the Sky
Thursday 5 p.m. (front studio) By the Beautiful Sea/Yellow Polka Dot Bikini
Thursday 5 p.m. (back studio) Brand New Day‐Try Everything
Wednesday 6 p.m. (back studio) Good to Be Alive
Wednesday 7 p.m. (back studio) Balle
Advanced Showcase 4 p.m.:
Saturday 10 a.m. (front studio) You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile/Honey Saturday 10 a.m. (back Stduio) Linus and Lucy/Hip Hop
Saturday 11 a.m. (back studio) Hit the Road Jack/All that Jazz
Saturday 12 p.m. (front studio) Surfin’ Safari/ Call Me Maybe
Saturday 12 p.m. (back studio) These Boots Were Made for Walkin’/The Wig dance Wednesday 5 p.m. (back Studio) Good to Be Alive
Wednesday 6 p.m. (back Studio) Ballet
Tuesday 5 p.m. (back studio) Puttin’ On the Ritz/You Can’t Stop the Beat
Thursday 5 p.m. (back studio) Brand New Day‐Try Everything
Sunday June 5th, 2016 at Mission High School
Showcase II 11 a.m.:
Saturday 9 a.m. (front studio) By the Beautiful Sea/Yellow Polka Dot Bikini Saturday 9 a.m. (back studio) Singin’ in the Rain/Spoon Full of Sugar
Saturday 10 a.m. (front Studio) You’re Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile/Honey Saturday 10 a.m. (back Stduio) Linus and Lucy/Hip Hop
Saturday 11 a.m. (front studio) Respect/I Won’t Grow Up
Saturday 11 a.m. (back studio) Hit the Road Jack/All that Jazz
Saturday 12 p.m. (front studio) Surfin’ Safari/ Call Me Maybe
Saturday 12 p.m. (back studio) These Boots Were Made for Walkin’/The Wig dance Wednesday 9:30 a.m. Quiet as a Mouse
Wednesday 10:30 a.m. Be Our Guest/When I See an Elephant Fly Wednesday 4 p.m. (front studio) Hard Knock Life/I See the Light Wednesday 4 p.m. (back studio) The Adams Family/I Wanna Be Like You Wednesday 5 p.m. (front studio) Little Swans Wednesday 5 p.m. (back Studio) Good to Be Alive Wednesday 6 p.m. (back Studio) Ballet
Happy Leap Year + Steppin' Out March News
Happy Leap Day! In honor of the extra day this year, we've made the idea of leaping our inspiration for this issue--see our movement section below. And if that doesn't strike you as corny enough, maybe this will: We'd like to invite all of our dancers to leap into their performance preparation, practicing their dances outside of class and making every effort to attend each class session. Our performance is only three months away so all that practice will pay off soon enough. As a side note, we have some final performance details coming soon in a separate email--please keep an eye on your inbox.
MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: LEAP INTO LEAP YEAR
In keeping with this special day, let's learn to leap! Dancing is, in part, about the opposition between the floor and the ceiling. Leaping offers dancers an opportunity to explore this opposition in a fun way. Have your dancer practice leaping from one foot to the other, reaching and extending her legs straight and getting high in the air just like we do over the mud puddle during tumbling time. More advanced dancers can start to lengthen their leap, working toward a fully-extended, graceful spring.
THE GOLDEN AGE OF MUSICAL THEATER?
Speaking of leaping, we thought all you Hamilton fans out there might enjoy this Playbill piece which contends, "It's not just you—musical theatre is better than ever before." A fun romp through the evolution of musical theater and its fan culture (complete with a detour into "Let It Go"), the article will have you believing there's just no ceiling to the rise of the new generation of musical theater. And those of you who just watched the Oscars last night might enjoy enjoy the lighthearted "Eight Thoughts Musical Theater Lovers Have Watching Oscars."
APRIL SHOWERS BRING...INDOOR PARTIES AT THE STUDIO
This month's newsletter photo shows how lovely the studio can look all set up for a party. If worrying about the weather's got you down, see our party page for the affordable and flexible party packages we offer. Concentrate on those May flowers and leave the party planning to us.
SPECIAL NEEDS JUNIOR COMPANY STILL ENROLLING
Almost all of our classes have closed their enrollment for the duration of the performance season so that we can prepare for our show and deepen our bonds as a class and as a community. However, we are still enrolling for our Special Needs Junior Company for dancers aged 7-12, which meets Tuesdays from 5-6 p.m. If you know any interested dancers, please send them our way.
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
We really appreciate it! You can check our Facebook page for archived issues of the newsletter as well: https://www.facebook.com/steppinoutsf
QUICK TIP: USE GRAVITY
Teach your dancers to use gravity instead of force when stretching. For example, they can use the weight of their heads to traction out their spines in a forward fold. Simpler, easier and more effective!
Performance Timeline + Steppin' Out February News
Now that we've fully transitioned into our performance-oriented curriculum, we'd like to share some details to help you know what to expect in the coming months. This month's newsletter includes some key dates that lead up to the performance as well as a tip to help your family get the most out of learning the performance choreography. Plus, to be inspired, this month's photo offers a "sneak peak" at one of the dances we're currently creating for the Advanced Teen Jazz Class.
STEPPIN' OUT 2016 PERFORMANCE TIMELINE
We know that many of you are eager to know the dates and times of this year's performance. While they will likely be in early June, we have not yet received final confirmation about the performance date. We will share this information as soon as it becomes available. In the meantime, here's what to expect in the next few months:
In February we'll be measuring the dancers for costumes.
In March, your performance fee will be due. Performance fees are $30 for the first dancer in the family (regardless of how many classes a week she or he attends), $10 for the second, and $5 for the third, fourth, etc. Last year we eliminated tickets and moved to a performance fee model to cover performance-related costs, which meant no more long lines in the auditorium and the freedom to invite as many guests as you would like. This year we'll be continuing in that model with fees due by March 31st. As always, if any charge presents a financial hardship, please contact Angela.
In April, costumes will start arriving and families will be able to bring costumes home as soon as they pay for them. We aim to keep most costumes costs to $30-$60 per class.
In late May, we will schedule a dress rehearsal in the performance space.
In early June, we will perform and then all classes will meet one final time after the performance to wind down and celebrate.
A quick note on performing: We understand that, for various reasons, your child might not be able to participate in the performance. Even if that is the case, she or he may still come to class and learn the dances! The performance is a lot of fun but it's the process of learning rather than the product that really counts.
MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: PIROUETTE
A pirouette is a complete turn or spin on one foot, often with the other foot in passe position. This advanced movement is not always accessible to all young dancers, but it is possible to work up to it one step at a time. An effective pirouette requires the graceful combination of three elements: Spotting, which involves looking for as long as possible at one thing even while the body turns, core strength, which allows the dancer to balance while lifted on one set of toes, and strong arms, which initiate and stabilize the momentum of the turn. To work up to a pirouette, practice each element individually, building strength in the body and trying spotting on two legs before moving to just one. When your dancer is ready to put the elements together, have him or her start with a half turn and work up from there. Happy turning!
BEAT THE RAINY SEASON WITH A BIRTHDAY PARTY AT STEPPIN' OUT
Skip the "no rain" dance and design your child's birthday party just the way you want it. We offer fabulous and fun movement-themed birthday parties of any kind, from basic to turn-key, at can't-be-beat pricing. You can even add on character appearance, goody bags or face painting! For more information, visit http://www.steppinoutsf.com/parties
BE INSPIRED BY MISTY COPELAND
In honor of Black History Month, we'd love to share the moving story of Misty Copeland who, last August, became the first ever African-American woman to be named principal dancer for the American Ballet Theatre. Copeland's story is incredibly powerful; she didn't even start dancing until she was 13 years old! After being turned down again and again for being "too old" or having the "wrong body," she has now become one of the most accomplished living ballerinas in the world. We at Steppin' Out particularly love this promo Copeland made for Under Armour, "I Will What I Want," which showcases her beautiful dancing while a voice reads one of her rejection letters.
QUICK TIP: NOT LOOKING FOR "PERFECT," BUT PRACTICE STILL HELPS!
Now that we have started working on the performance choreography in class, be sure to encourage your child to practice the steps at home (tap shoes not required). Your dancers will gain confidence, refine their movement quality and learn more quickly with even brief weekly out-of-class practice sessions.
Happy New Year! + Steppin' Out January News
We're back in session! We hope you've all enjoyed a wonderful break and that your family is ready to return to class for the second half of our yearly curriculum. Classes resume Tuesday, January 5th.
In the second half of our season, we build on the dance vocabulary and choreography practice our students have developed in the fall. Our Halloween and Nutcracker dances have prepared them to delve deeply into the dances we will be creating for the annual performance that concludes our spring semester. Please try to maintain consistent class attendance during the coming months as we begin this important work together.
MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: PLIE & RELEVE
Much of all there is to know about dancing can be found in the simple opposition of pile and releve. These paired movements are also classic tools dancers use to warm up before they practice and are great for 30-second dance breaks at any time during the day. Start in first position with the heels together and the hips rotated so the toes turn out. Keeping your knees over your toes and your back straight, bend your legs as far as you can without lifting your heels off the floor. Slowly straighten the legs and rise up to standing. Then press up to releve, keeping the balls of the toes grounded against the floor and lifting the heels as high as you can. Repeat in second position with the feet open to hip distance. It's fun to notice both the opposition of sinking low and lifting high as well as the way we must lift up to sink down and then press down into the floor to rise up.
FREE FEBRUARY TUESDAY 5-6 p.m. SPECIAL NEEDS/CREATIVE MOVEMENT CLASS AGES 7-12 WITH TEACHER OLIVIA
Help us spread the word: We'll be offering a free Special Needs/Creative Movement class for the month of February. Dancers may come as many times as they can that month without paying a thing! This class will build the foundation for the next generation of our Young Adults with Special Needs Company. Please contact us with any questions.
YES, THERE ARE EVEN DANCE APPS!
In honor of January and starting 2016 with optimal organization, we wanted to share Dance Magazine's fun suggestions for dance-related smartphone apps:
http://dancemagazine.com/views/theres-an-app-for-that-dancer-edition/
QUICK TIP:
Make a New Year's resolution, family style! Why not commit to being more active together in 2016?
Winter is Here + Steppin' Out December News
Winter is upon us! Now that Thanksgiving has come and gone and temperatures have dipped low, it's clear that we've entered the coldest season. This issue is all about those wintry months--how to survive, enjoy, and celebrate them, from staying active during the holidays to where to see The Nutcracker this year. Curious about this month's photo? It shows the whimsical fun and cooperative spirit of last year's winter camp attendees on a field trip day. We're gearing up for even more fun this year, so be sure to check out winter camp among other winter news below.
MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: DANCE PARTY
Right around this time of year, it can feel like holiday celebrations are all about indulgence, but it doesn't have to be that way. Families can enjoy active time together too. Why not turn up the music and dance around the living room as a family? Even better, ask grandma or grandpa to show the whole gang their favorite dance move--or let the younger generation school their elders! It doesn't much matter what music you play or what moves you do; it's all about encouraging multiple generations to be active together.
WINTER CAMP:
Looking for childcare over winter break? Hoping for an enriching, movement-filled school holiday for your child? Just want to get a little extra shopping done? Whatever the reason, Steppin' Out has you covered. Come take advantage of our magical winter days packed full of delightful, age-appropriate activities and surprises. Best of all, our camp is completely flexible: enroll only in the days you prefer. Your camper will learn new skills like baking, yoga, and sewing, all while having fun and gaining new experiences in dance. To learn more, visit our Winter Camp page: http://www.steppinoutsf.com/winter-camp/
WHICH NUTCRACKER?
During this time of year, many families choose to see that classic holiday ballet performed live. While there are many excellent options in the bay area, here are a few of our favorites:
The classic, featuring breathtaking performances and spectacular sets:
San Francisco Ballet Nutcracker
https://www.sfballet.org/tickets/production/overview/nutcracker
The 50-minute version, perfect for the younger crowd:
Mark Foehringer's Nutcracker Sweets
http://nutcrackersweets.org
The whimsical, audience-participation option:
Dance Along Nutcracker of Oz
http://www.ybca.org/dance-along-nutcracker
WINTER RECESS:
Regular Steppin' Out classes will be on hiatus from December 20th through January 3rd. Please enjoy your time with your family.
DANCE SHOE LENDING LIBRARY:
In the spirit of winter giving, why not participate in our "pay it forward" shoe collection? Getting organized this break? Donate your reasonable-condition outgrown tap or ballet shoes to the studio so other families can use them. Need a new pair? Check the bin! Let's keep those shoes in circulation and hopefully everyone will benefit.
QUICK TIP:
In cold weather keep your dancers warm before and after class to prevent colds and injuries. Dress them in layers, throw a lightweight sweater over their leotards and remember what we like to say about leg warmers: not just stylish but also practical!
Teacher Jordan Performs 12/4 & 12/5
Prima ballerina and Steppin' Out teacher extraordinaire Jordan Drew will perform with dawsondancesf in "punctus contra punctum" on Saturday and Sunday, December 4th and 5th. This short (45-minute) performance accompanied by live music is performed in the round and perfect for a younger audience. The venue is gray area at 2665 Mission Street, only a few blocks from Steppin' Out. For tickets or more information, visit dawsondancesf.org.
Winter Camp + Steppin' Out November News
We had a wonderful time seeing so many of our dancers in costume this past week and we hope all of our families had a delightful and safe Halloween. Now that we've passed this landmark, it's time to look ahead to the rest of fall. This issue contains important information about Thanksgiving as well as our upcoming Winter Holiday Camp plus some extra surprises.
MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: LEAPING
In honor of our much-anticipated rainy season, this month we'd like to work on leaps over a mud puddle. Having an imaginary "puddle"--which you can create with a scarf or just about any piece of fabric--helps our dancers stretch their legs and leap a bit further. Encourage yours to leap with one leg in front of the other and don't forget to practice on each side. Best of all, rain boots are not required!
WINTER CAMP:
Looking for childcare over winter break? Hoping for an enriching, movement-filled school holiday for your child? Just want to get a little extra shopping done? Whatever the reason, Steppin' Out has you covered. Come take advantage of our magical winter days packed full of delightful, age-appropriate activities and surprises. Best of all, our camp is completely flexible: enroll only in the days you prefer. Your camper will learn new skills like baking, yoga, and sewing, all while having fun and gaining new experiences in dance. To learn more, visit our Winter Camp page.
THANKSGIVING SCHEDULE:
Steppin' Out will be open for all scheduled classes in November except for Thanksgiving Day. Please enjoy your time with your family.
TAP IN THE NEWS:
Michelle Dorrance Awarded the MacArthur
The founder of Dorrance Dance/New York Troupe thinks tap is the ultimate art form: "To be able to be a dancer and a musician at the same time, there's nothing like it... There's something that's really organic in your footfall. There's something organic in your biorhythms, your heartbeat. And to be able to demonstrate that inside of a moving form is phenomenal." Listen to her inspiring story and celebrate her success with All Things Considered's profile of her career and oeuvre.
INVITE A FRIEND PROMOTION:
During the month of November, invite a friend to any of our classes with space. Give your friend the password "sharethelove" and he or she can attend class for free. You don't have to be enrolled in that particular class to participate.
Classes with space include:
Tuesdays at 9:30 a.m. Tap/Pre-ballet/Tumbling ages 2.5-3.5
Thursdays at 9:30 a.m. Tap/Pre-ballet/Tumbling ages 3-5
Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. Tap/Ballet II ages 6-9
See our classes page for more information, and stay tuned for a New Year's promotion for our new generation of special needs' dancers!
QUICK TIP:
Winter is coming and our bodies might be extra stiff in the morning, so why not start the day with a quick family stretch: Just reach for the sky together in the morning and you'll begin your day with a bit more flexibility!