Steppin' Out Annual Performance Costume List 2017
Tuesday 10:30 & Wednesday 10:30 $40
Tap: Purple leotard, silver skirt and sequin belt
Ballet: Purple leotard, mermaid skirt and starfish hair clip
· You will need white tights
Tuesday 3:00 (front) $32
Tap & Ballet: pink tutu dress and hair clip
· You will need white tights
Tuesday 4:00 (front) $42
Tap: Hot pink leotard, black fringe skirt and feather headband
Ballet: Hot pink leotard, pink tutu, and unicorn headband
· You will need white tights
Tuesday 4:00 (back) $46
Tap: turquoise leotard and sequin skirt
Ballet: turquoise leotard, Hawaiian print skirt and flower for the hair
· You will need tights white tights
Tuesday 5:00 (front) $12
Creative Movement/Jazz: Black tank top and cheetah print leggings
Tuesday 5:00 (back) $42
Tap: Romper
Jazz: Black tank and sparkle skirt
· You will need nude colored tights or bare legs
Wednesday 9:30 $15 girls $5 boys
Creative movement:
Girls: Blue with white polka dot dress and yellow leggings
Boys: Blue shirt (bring your own light blue pants)
Wednesday 4:00 (front) $45
Tap: Yellow dress, blue cape and yellow hat
Ballet: Yellow dress and rhinestone headband
· You will need white tights
Wednesday 4:00 (Back) $40
Tap: White leotard and 50’s skirt (skirt is on loan and will need to be returned after) short white socks
Ballet: White leotard, Hawaiian print skirt and flower for the hair
· Bare legs or nude color tights
Wednesday 5:00 (front) $48
Ballet: Red and black Don Quixote tutu with fan
· You will need white tights
Wednesday 5:00 (back) $40
Lyrical Jazz: White leotard and white skirt (skirt is on loan from Angela)
· You will need nude tights or bare legs
Wednesday 6:00 (Back) $3
Ballet: Same white leotard as jazz, water color sarong (on loan from Angela) and flower for the hair
· You will need nude tights or bare legs
Thursday 9:30 $43
Tap: pink leotard and fairy skirt
Ballet: pink leotard and shimmery ballet skirt
Konrad: ballet-black t-shirt and silver belt & Tap: suit
· You will need white tights
Thursday 4:00 (front) $48
Tap: Sky blue leotard, sequin skirt, and headband with bow
Ballet: Sky blue leotard, butterfly skirt, and headband with bow
· You will need white tights
Thursday 4:00 (back) $50 for the girls and $25 for Tate
Tap-girls: white leotard, red skater skirt, red sequin sash, red bow for the hair
Tap-Tate: Please provide your own white or red shirt (t-shirt is ok), and black pants or shorts I will provide the red sequin sash for the waist.
Ballet: white leotard is to be worn under Star Wars costume (except Tate-no leotard)
Thursday 5:00 (front) $40
Tap & Ballet: lavender tutu dress
· You will need white tights
Dominic: mom’s making something special
Thursday 5:00 (back) ladies $12 men $10
Ladies: You will need to provide your own black pants, shorts, or capi pants. Price includes a blue top and gold cuff bracelet.
Men: You will need to provide your own black pants or shorts and a black shirt. Price includes a gold hat
Saturday 9:00 (front) $40
Tap & Ballet: Fuchsia color leotard, sparkle skirt and sparkle hair clip
· You will need white tights
Saturday 9:00 (back) $40
Tap & Ballet: Black leotard, colorful skater skirt and sequin belt. Sequin bow for tap and hats for ballet (hats are on loan from Angela).
· You will need nude colored tights
Saturday 10:00 (front) $40
Tap & Ballet: Light blue dance dress and hair clip
· You will need white tights
Saturday 10:00 (back) $46
Tap & Lyrical Jazz: Teal dance dress and bling hair clip
· You will need nude tights
Saturday 11:00 (front) $35
Tap: Black biketard and green/blue dress
Ballet: Black biketard, hot pink skirt, and hot pink bow for the hair
· You will need nude tights or bare legs
Saturday 11:00 (back) $42
Tap: Black leotard and red swing skirt
Jazz: You will need to provide your own “Dace audition” outfit. Think leg warmers, off the shoulder t shirt, wrap sweater, ballet skirt, colorful and fun!!!!
Saturday 12:00 (back) $45 (ladies)
Tap ladies: Primary color dress and nude tights or bare legs
Jazz ladies: Price includes black shimmery shirt. You will need to provide your own black bottoms (shorts, Capri, pants, leggings, or skirt) and a black top to go under the shimmery shirt. Black top should be a fitted tank top, cami, or leotard.
Quinn: For Jazz wear any style black shorts or pants and a black shirt. Any style shirt is fine and if you find something with mesh even better! For tap please provide your own black pants and white, red, blue or yellow colored shirt. Wear accessories like suspenders and/or a long tie, maybe a hat? Have fun and think La La Land!
Saturday 12:00 (front) $25-ladies TBD men
Jazz ladies: Price includes a fun top. You will need to provide your own black bottoms (shorts, pants, or Capri) I suggest you wear the same black bottom as the Thursday Jazz dance.
Jazz men: TBD
Tap ladies: You will need to provide your own black dress (or Black pants and top if you prefer that). Dress must hit above the knee (but not too short) and have some swing to the skirt. Each dancer will need to provide their own accessories. Dancer has a chosen an accessory color and they must find a minimum of 2 accessories that color to wear with the black dress (or pants). Accessories can include a belt, hat, glove, bracelets, hair clip, or earrings just to give you some ideas.
Tap men: You will need to provide your own black pants, white colored shirt and accessories of your choice. Alex Y= Blue and Alex F= Red
Steppin' Out 2017 Annual Performance Information
We are currently in the final two months of preparation for our big event! As we prepare, here are some things you will see at the studio:
- Classes will begin to practice in front of each other (back studio watch front and front watch back) or parents attending that day
- Mirrors will be covered so dancers can better learn their dances (without relying on the mirror)
- Once costumes arrive, students will try them on and practice in them in front of the mirror
There are only seven remaining weeks of class, so please try to attend every session.
Performance Fee/Tickets:
We are now collecting the performance fee for each dancer who will be participating in the annual performance (we hope every student will!). Performance fees are $30/dancer plus $10 for each additional sibling. The fee replaces the need for tickets--please bring as many family members and friends to the performance as you would like for no additional charge. Please bring a check, cash, or credit card to the desk no later than April 30th to pay the performance fee. If paying the performance fee poses a financial hardship, please contact Angela.
Costumes:
The only other fee will be the costume charge. We are still finalizing costumes for many of the dancers, but you can expect costumes to range from $30-$60 per class. If your child will not be performing, she or he is still welcome to order a costume. If paying for costumes poses a financial hardship, please contact Angela.
Location:
All performances and the dress rehearsal will be held at Everett Middle School at 450 Church St
Parking during the performance will be available on site for $10/car (proceeds benefit the Everett PTA).
Dress Rehearsal:
This year we will have the opportunity to practice our dancers on our actual performance stage at Everett Middle School. This is a great opportunity for our dancers to get a feel for the stage and work on spacing. Dress rehearsal will be held on Sunday, May 21st from 2-8 p.m. You do not need to attend for the entire six hours--instead you will be called for a 30-minute window (please arrive on time). Please check the schedule to see what time your child's class is called.
Performances:
To avoid a five-hour marathon, our classes will be divided among three performances of 1.5-2 hours each. To find out when your child will perform, please check the schedules below. Please make sure to read carefully to find the day and time of your child's class as some songs are used in multiple shows but by different classes with different choreography.
Teacher News:
At Steppin' Out, we feel that the best teachers are working artists.. but sometimes they have to perform, too! Recently, Teacher Zoe has been away working on a musical called "Noise Off" with the Sierra Repertory Theatre. While she's been out, Teacher Dora has learned all of Zoe's dances and has been covering her classes. Zoe will be back in the middle of May. In addition, Teacher Jordon, who has been a part of the Steppin' Out family for six years, has been cast as Eleanor in the Cirque du Soliel Beatles show in Las Vegas! She will be leaving for this amazing opportunity in the middle of May, but will fly back to be with her Steppin' Out students for their performance. Teacher Zoe will fill in for Jordan during the second half of May and help Jordan's students with all of their dances.
Performance Hair & Make Up
All dancers should wear some make up to avoid being washed out on stage. For age-appropriate guidelines, see our Hair and Make Up Requirements.
Performance Hair & Make Up Information
Make Up:
Students are required 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. Students may wear any hairstyle they desire but should take into consideration any costume accessories such as hats or crowns when choosing a style.
Sunday June 4, 2017 5 P.M. Performance
The following classes will be performing on Sunday, June 4, 2017 at 5 p.m. (official order tbd):
Tuesday 5:00: The Schuyler Sisters & It’s Time
Wednesday 5:00: Bridge Over Troubled Water
Wednesday 6:00: How Far I’ll Go
Saturday 12:00: Another Day of Sun & The Greatest
Wednesday 5:00: Don Quixote
Thursday 5:00: 24K Magic
Saturday 10:00: Gypsy & Scars To Your Beautiful
Saturday 11:00: I Hope I Get It & Steam Heat
Saturday 12:00: Anything Goes & Cheap Thrills
Quinn’s Solo
Saturday June 3, 2017 2 p.M. Performance
The following classes will be performing on Saturday June 3, 2017 at 2 p.m. (official order tbd):
Wednesday 4:00: Beauty and the Beast & Madeline
Wednesday 4:00: We Go Together & We Know the Way
Wednesday 5:00: Don Quixote
Wednesday 5:00: Bridge Over Troubled Water
Wednesday 6:00: How Far I’ll Go
Thursday 5:00: 24K Magic
Saturday 9:00: Magic Tutu & L-O-V-E
Saturday 9:00: Almost There & Lollipop
Saturday 10:00: Be Our Guest & I’m Late I’m Late
Saturday 10:00: Gypsy & Scars To Your Beautiful
Saturday 11:00: Trashin’ The Camp & Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
Saturday 11:00: I Hope I Get It & Steam Heat
Saturday 12:00: Anything Goes & Cheap Thrills
Saturday 12:00: Another Day Of Sun & The Greatest
Saturday June 3, 2017 11 a.M. Performance
The following classes will be performing on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. (official order tbd):
Tuesday 10:30 & Wednesday 10:30: On the Good ship Lollipop & Part of Your World
Tuesday 3:00: The Pink Panther & Coronation Band Suite
Tuesday 4:00: Ballin’ the Jack & The Unicorn
Tuesday 4:00: Build Me Up Buttercup & How Far I’ll Go
Tuesday 5:00: The Schuyler Sisters & It’s Time
Tuesday 5:00: Here Comes the Lion Guard
Wednesday 9:30: Teddy Bear’s Picnic
Thursday 9:30: Never Smile at a Crocodile & Be Our Guest
Thursday 4:00: Wink and a Smile & Here Comes the Sun
Thursday 4:00: Star Wars & Accidentally in Love
Thursday 5:00: Animal Crackers In My Soup & Colors of the Wind
Wednesday 5:00: Bridge Over Troubled Water
Wednesday 6:00: How Far I’ll Go
Saturday 12:00: Another Day of Sun & The Greatest
Dress Rehearsal Schedule: Sunday, May 21st, 2-8 p.m.
This is a great opportunity for our dancers to get a feel for the stage and work on spacing. We are not asking all the dancers to come for the entire six hours--only for 30 minutes--so please be on time. Here's when to come:
2:15-2:45
Tuesday 10:30 & Wednesday 10:30: On the Good Ship Lollipop & Part of Your World
Saturday 10:00: I’m Late I’m Late & Be Our Guest
2:45-3:30
Thursday 4:00: Wink and a Smile & Here Comes the Sun
Tuesday 3:00: The Pink Panther & Coronation Band Suite
Thursday 9:30: Never Smile at a Crocodile & Be Our Guest
3:30-4:00
Tuesday 4:00: How Far I’ll Go & Build Me Up Buttercup
Wednesday 4:00: Beauty and the Beat & Madeline
4:00-4:30
Wednesday 9:30: Teddy Bear’s Picnic
Saturday 9:00: L-O-V-E & Magic Tutu
Tuesday 4:00: The Unicorn & Ballin’ the Jack
4:30-5:00
Wednesday 4:00: We Go Together & We Know The Way
Tuesday 5:00: Here Comes The Lion Guard
Thursday 5:00: Colors of the Wind & Animal Crackers in My Soup
5:00-5:30
Saturday 9:00: Almost There & Lollipop
Saturday 11:00: Trashin’ The Camp & Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious
5:30-6:00
Thursday 4:00: Accidentally in Love & Star Wars
Tuesday 5:00: The Schuyler Sisters & It’s Time
6:00-6:30
Saturday 11:00: Steam Heat & I Hope I get It
Saturday 10:00: Gypsy & Scares To Your Beautiful
Wednesday 5:00: Don Quixote
6:30-7:00
Thursday 5:00: 24K Magic
Saturday 12:00: Anything Goes & Cheap Thrills
7:00-8:00
Wednesday 5:00: Bridge Over Troubled Water
Wednesday 6:00: How Far I’ll Go
Saturday 12:00: The Greatest & Another Day Of Sun
Practice Makes Perfect + April News
Spring has officially arrived. Whether you've already finished your spring break or are eagerly looking forward to its arrival, Steppin' Out wants you to know that we hope spring treats you right--and that we look forward to seeing you at the studio whenever you're in town. Steppin' Out will be open this entire spring so please come and dance with us.
Now is the time for all dancers to really focus on learning their performance pieces. Please attend class whenever possible and practice, practice, practice. Also, keep an eye on your inbox. Currently registered families will receive a special email with details and information about this year's performance on Monday, April 10th.
MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: GROW
Now that spring has sprung, we're all attuned to the image of seeds beginning to sprout. This image can help our dancers better understand extension while also having fun. Have your children start as tiny seeds all curled up and then begin to grow and expand from their centers outward, eventually reaching arms, fingers, legs and toes into as great a stretch as possible. Tell your dancers that this is what they should feel when extending an arm or a leg in a dance routine--as if they couldn't stretch even another millimeter!
WORLD MUSIC & DANCE TAKEOVER AT SOTA
Treat yourself to music and dance while supporting SOTA! Friday and Saturday, April 21st and 22nd, at 7:30 p.m., the Dan Kryston Memorial Theater will showcase Taiko drumming, Afro-Brazilian, Afro Cuban & West African drumming and dance, senior compositions, Tahitian/Taiko crossover, a Mariachi performance and a Middle Eastern music ensemble debut. Learn more here.
DANCE IN THE NEWS: GAY IN BALLET
We at Steppin' Out were inspired by the story of two out ballet dancers, James Whiteside, a soloist with the American Ballet Theatre, and Parker Kit Hill, a performer who has also been cast on tv. Their perspectives about being "male, but not the correct male" and their honestly about the discrimination they've faced make for powerful and important reading. Read Gay in Ballet: Two Men are Defying Traditions in the Dance World.
QUICK TIP: PRACTICE TOGETHER
Younger dancers learn best when their grown ups practice along with them, so why not learn your child's dance too?
Performance Save the Date + March News
We are so excited to announce that the Steppin' Out annual performance dates have been confirmed for June 3rd and 4th at Everett Middle School. We'll showcase half of our dancers on Saturday, June 3rd at 11 a.m. and the other half later that day at 2 p.m. The advanced dancers will also be performing on Sunday, June 4th at 5 p.m.
We'll start measuring for costumes in class this month, so please let us know if your child won't be performing this year (you are always welcome to order a costume even if you can't perform). We'll have more details about the performances (and dress rehearsals) soon, but for now please mark your calendars and encourage your dancers to keep practicing their routines.
MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: MIRROR MIRROR!
Mirroring another dancer is a great way to build skills and confidence! Have your dancer face a friend and take turns leading and following each other's movements as accurately as possible. This activity builds body awareness and kinesthetic "listening"--those "follow the leader" skills we need for mastering many new somatic tasks--as well as providing lots of giggles and plenty of fun.
TEACHER OLIVIA AT FAMILIES WITH DISABILITIES RESOURCE FAIR
Steppin' Out's Teacher Olivia will be manning a table at the Support for Families of Children with Disabilities 2017 Information & Resource Conference next Saturday, March 11th at O'Connell school. She'll be sharing information about our classes for special needs students and about the Steppin' Out Special Needs Dance Company. Please spread the word about this wonderful event that supports families who are looking for activities or support for their children--or better yet, stop by and say hi.
DANCE IN THE NEWS
A great use for dance! High school dance marathon raises record of $800,000 for charity over 28 hours of shaking and sweating. Read more about this creative fundraising strategy.
QUICK TIP: DRESS THE PART
Does your child have a favorite pair of socks, necklace, or headband? Sometimes wearing a special piece of clothing can help dancers get in the mood to be fabulous.
All About Love + Steppin' Out February Newsletter
It's the month when we celebrate love (and during times like these, love is especially important). So this month we focus on our community. Our dancers are all different, and those differences make us colorful, but we are lucky to come together in our shared love of dance.
We're also thrilled to welcome some new students to Steppin' Out this spring semester. Now that the first few weeks have passed, we can report that our new dancers are integrating beautifully into our community. And our returning dancers are doing equally well, having now made the transition from break back into their school-year routines. Let's keep this momentum going as we begin our performance choreography!
MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: TWIST WITH A PARTNER
This month is all about togetherness, so let's practice a move with a friend. Twisting, or moving the top half of the body in the opposite direction from the bottom half, strengthens core muscles and integrates left with right and top with bottom--but it's a lot more fun with a pal! Have your dancers face each other and join hands and hold on tightly. Bend their knees, lift their heels, and move their knees to the right and their upper bodies to the left, then shift in unison to the other side. Since they'll be facing each other, they'll be twisting in opposite directions, which creates added tension, allowing them to work on balance and further develop core strength. And if you've got some great twisting music, put it on! Great music just adds to the fun.
DANCE IN THE NEWS
Since we're promoting love this month, we wanted to share some love for Steppin' Out teacher Jordan Drew's recent performance. DawsonDanceSF Dances with Vigor and Truth, the Chronicle's review of the show, praises the program and describes how Jordan "carved out her classical moves with steely precision." Congratulations, Jordan! We can also report that at least two Steppin' Out students in the audience were in awe of your work!
QUICK TIP
Ask your children what their favorite thing was about class each day when they're finishing up at the studio. We predict you'll love what you hear.
Spring Registration + Steppin' Out January Newsletter
Happy New Year and welcome back to the studio! We hope you enjoyed your winter break as much as we did. We had so much fun this winter during Steppin' Out Winter Camp that we're brainstorming an early summer camp this year. Stay tuned for more details.
The big news of the moment is that it's time to register for the spring semester, which begins January 17th. The Steppin' Out community is now invited to register for any class that still has space. On January 9th, all remaining spots will go public, so act now if you'd like to add a class or change your schedule. To register, click here. For more information, click here. For questions, comments, or concerns, please email Angela: angela@steppinoutsf.com.
MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: LOG ROLL
January is a good month to get cozy with the floor. Teach your dancers how to roll with full extension: arms stretched overhead, legs straight, toes pointed, tummy muscles engaged. The more your dancers extend and engage, the easier it will be to roll which, in turn, will reinforce proper lifting and extension in their dancing. Tell your dancers to imagine touching one side of the room with their fingers and the other with their toes. Then let them experience how much harder it is to roll when they aren't extending in both directions. And don't forget to remind them of this trick when they come to class!
HAPPY DRY BIRTHDAY!
The rainy season is upon us, with a vengeance. Have a dry happy birthday 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. Reserve your party now--parties fill up fast when the weather's wet.
DANCE IN THE NEWS
Our amazing ballet teacher Jordan Drew will be performing at Yerba Buena Center for the Arts with her Isadora Duncan Dance Award–winning contemporary ballet company dawsondancesf on January 27 & 28 at 8pm. dawsondancesf is ballet like you've never seen it--classical ballet reimagined with energy and athleticism. You can read more about her company and the performance here. We at Steppin' Out have been amazed each time we've seen dawsondancesf live. Support Jordan and enjoy an amazing performance by buying your tickets now. Recommended for kids aged ten and up.
QUICK TIP
Sometimes the transition from break back into our normal routines can be tricky, especially for young dancers. Prepare your children by asking what they most remember about class. This quick visualization will make it easier to return to the studio.
Tis the Season + Steppin' Out December Newsletter
It's that time again: the only time of year we play the Frozen soundtrack. This month you'll hear both "Let it Go" and "Let it Snow" as our dancers spin with their nutcrackers (like one of our Wednesdaydancers in her Clara dress, pictured above). Please read on for all the information you need to know for the season, including which performance of "The Nutcracker" to attend, when the studio will be closed for the holidays, and how to register for spring.
HOLIDAY CLOSURE
Steppin' Out will be closed from Sunday, December 18th through Sunday, January 1st. You have not been charged for classes during this winter recess. Please enjoy your holidays.
MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: JUMP
All that footwork we do in ballet class really helps your dancer prepare to defeat gravity and jump! Plies are a good base from which to start and land. Ask your dancers to bend their knees with a straight spine and knees and ankles in alignment. Then dancers can push into the floor with the balls of their feet and spring up, then return to their deep plies. After a few warm up jumps, try having your dancers give you a "high five" at increasingly greater heights. You might be surprised at how high they can go.
WINTER CAMP
We still have space in Winter Camp and we've updated our camp page with each day's enrichment activities, including making fairy and wizard houses and ice skating! Whether you need coverage the whole break or just for a day here or there, Steppin' Out has you covered. Come take advantage of our magical winter days packed full of delightful, age-appropriate activities and surprises. Learn more or request dates on our Winter Camp page.
REGISTRATION NEWS
Many of you have begun asking about registration for the spring semester. We at Steppin' Out want our families to be able to plan ahead, so we've set up a page with all the registration details you need to know. The bottom line: Even if you're continuing in the same class, you'll need to register again on January 3rd. We'll send you an email with instructions on that date. Students continuing in the same class have guaranteed placement for the spring semester if they register by January 5th. We look forward to continuing to dance with your children for the duration of the 2016-2017 season.
WHICH NUTCRACKER?
During this time of year, many families choose to see this 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
The 50-minute version, perfect for the younger crowd:
Mark Foehringer's Nutcracker Sweets
The whimsical, audience-participation option:
Dance Along Nutcracker: The Fantastic Adventures of Captain Nutcracker
DANCE IN THE NEWS
Robert Battle, the artistic director of Alvin Ailey Dance Company, discusses dance, the value of the arts, and humanity in general in this powerful video, Alvin Ailey's Enduring Vision.
QUICK TIP
Winter is a special time for theatrical performances, especially in San Francisco. Why not give your child the gift of an experience in lieu of a traditional present? Those memories can last a lifetime and help inspire your young performer.
IN MEMORIAM
We at Steppin' Out were devastated to hear of this weekend's fire in the Oakland Arts Collective, the Ghost Ship. Our hearts to out to the arts community and all of the friends and family members who lost their loved ones.
Spring Registration Details
You must register again to continue taking classes at Steppin' Out following January 14th.
Here's what will happen:
-On January 3rd, Steppin' Out will email a special link to all currently enrolled families. To continue in your existing class, follow the link to register. If you don't register by January 6th, your spot may be taken by another student.
-On January 6th, Steppin' Out will send our January newsletter with registration links, allowing the Steppin' Out community to register for any remaining spots in classes (whether or not they were enrolled for fall).
-On January 9th, any remaining spots will be opened to the general public.
2017 Performance Information:
-Registering for the spring semester allows you to attend nineteen weeks of classes. Students who wish to participate in the performance (which we highly encourage) will be billed a $30 performance fee in March (discounts are available for multiple dancers from the same family), which replaces any ticket costs for their family. Additionally, students who elect to perform will need to purchase costumes (which generally run around $40-50/child/class).
Spring Semester General Information:
Our spring semester will be nineteen weeks, from January 17th through May 27th , and will focus on preparation for the annual performance.
Spring tuition breaks down as follows:
19 classes x $14/class + a non-refundable $10 registration fee per class: $276/class for the spring semester. (As always, should payment ever be a problem, please contact Angela.)
We will maintain discounts for multiple classes or siblings as follows:
- For two classes or two dancers per family: 10% off the semester
- For three classes or three dancers per family: 15% off the semester
- For four classes or four dancers per family: 20% off the semester
- For five classes or five dancers per family, 25% off the semester, etc.
Please note that multi-class discounts are only available when paying for multiple classes in the same transaction. Additional classes added later will be discounted (second class 10% off, third class 15% off, etc.) but the earlier classes will not be retroactively discounted.
New Techniques + Steppin' Out November Newsletter
Now that Halloween has passed, our students are busy working on new techniques in class. They'll continue to develop their movement vocabulary through the end of the semester in mid-January. While students may be sad to see their pumpkin dances go, there are new treats in store; the winter season is full of themes just perfect for dancing.
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 enjoying new experiences in dance. Learn more or request dates on our Winter Camp page.
MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: POINT YOUR TOES, BATMAN!
The most beautiful dancing can look "unfinished" if our feet aren't working in coordination with our bodies. A great way to emphasize this is to have your dancers try skipping across the floor without pointed toes. Sometimes doing the "wrong" thing helps us notice how great it feels when we do it correctly. After a few rounds of dangling toes, your dancers will be ready to point 'em like a ballerina.
DANCE IN THE NEWS
This American Ballet Theater Corps ballerina brought Aunt Viv's moves from the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air to life for Halloween: Watch Erica Lall set the "barre" high.
QUICK TIP
Reward stickers from the end of class clogging up your dance bags? Buy a tiny notebook or journal and let you children fill pages full of stickers they can look back on for years to come.
Halloween + Establishing Routines + Steppin' Out October Newsletter
Teacher Zoe has arrived. For those of you who haven't had a chance to meet her, that's her "in action" at the top of this newsletter. We're so thrilled to have her join the Steppin' Out family.
We also thought it was only fair to mention that this fall has so far been one of the easiest transitions we've had to date. Keep doing what you're doing to support your child in settling into a routine with class. We've been establishing those "how to take a class" skills like waiting in line and standing at the barre, but now that the newness is over, we've moving into our introduction to choreography section with Halloween dances (complete with props!). Speaking of Halloween, your dancers are welcome to come in costume during the week of 10/25-10/29.
FREE TRIAL CLASS
Our early morning weekday classes still have a few open spots, so we're holding an open house so new families can see what we do. Please spread the word:
Sunday, October 23rd at Steppin' Out Studio
10-10:45 for ages 2-3
11-11:45 for ages 4-5
Classes are limited to fifteen students (sign up required) and are for students who are new to Steppin' Out and Music for Aardvarks.
Each class offers 20 minutes of creative moment, yoga, and scarf or ribbon dancing taught by Teacher Angela as well as 20 minutes of music instruction from Bay Area Parent Best Music Class Winner Music for Aardvarks, featuring original music created for the diverse urban student.
New students can sign up here. Thanks for spreading the word!
MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: CARTWHEEL
Take advantage of SF's annual "summer in October"--the best place to practice cartwheels is in the grass. Younger dancers start by simply planting their hands flat against the ground and hopping their legs over. As dancers gain coordination, they can lift their legs higher and eventually straighten them (with pointed toes). Teaching your dancer opposition (pushing down with the hands while reaching up with the toes) will help with balance.
DANCE IN THE NEWS
We already knew that dance is attractive, but these song birds took it even further: the blue-capped cordon-bleu use "tap dancing" to attract mates!
QUICK TIP
If your child is still feeling apprehensive about being on the dance floor without you, establish a special signal to let her know you're watching and approving, like waving two fingers or blowing a kiss.
Welcome back + Dance Attire + Steppin' Out September Newsletter
We at Steppin' Out would like to send a huge thank you to our community for being so amazing during out new registration process. We know there were a lot of changes this year, some of which we weren't ourselves aware of till the last minute, but you handled them like champs. Thank you!
We're thrilled that we'll be seeing all of you at the studio very soon. Classes begin Tuesday, September 6th. We know you likely have a lot of questions, so please read on for more information:
WAITING LIST & OPEN CLASSES
Looking for a new class? On the waiting list? Here is a list of classes that currently have at least one spot--please spread the word--and if you are on the waiting list for a class that becomes open, we will contact you immediately.
- Tuesday 9:30 a.m.Tap/Pre-ballet/Tumbling ages 2.5-3.5 with Teacher Angela
- Tuesday 10:30 a.m. Tap/Ballet/Tumbling I with Teacher Angela
- Tuesday 3 p.m. Jazz ages 7-10 with Teacher Angela
- Tuesday 5 p.m.Special Needs Creative Movement ages 7-10 with Teacher Olivia
- Tuesday 5 p.m. Preteen/Teen Tap/Jazz Intermediate 11 ages 9-13 with Teachers Angela and Dora
- Wednesday 10:30 a.m.
Tap/Ballet/Tumbling I with Teacher Angela - Wednesday 5 p.m. Ballet Intermediate I ages 7-10 with Teacher Jordan
View all of our classes here.
NEW CLASS POLICIES
This year we've updated some of our class policies, especially about viewing. Please read our new policies here (and feel free to get in touch with any questions or comments).
DANCE ATTIRE
The first day of class can be stressful enough without worrying about clothing and shoes! Here are some tips to get your dancers dressed and ready:
Shoes:
If you are buying new shoes, please buy black tap shoes and pink ballet shoes for girls and black dance shoes for boys. For teens, please buy black tap and jazz shoes, pink or nude ballet shoes, and nude character shoes (if needed). If you already have shoes or find some second hand, any color is fine!
We do have some tap and ballet shoes in the shoe bin for you to use on a first come, first served basis. If you find a pair that fits, feel free to take it. If you've outgrown an old pair, we'd love your old shoes back so that another student might benefit from them.
Otherwise try:
- Discount Dance for flat-rate shipping for shoes and other dance needs. New customers can get 8% off with code TP115042
- Payless on Mission at 22nd (ballet or jazz shoes)
- Chloe's Closet in Bernal (second-hand dance shoes)
- San Francisco Dance Wear on Mission at 3rd (a bit pricer but they have everything)
Clothing:
- Discount Dance also offers clothing. (New customers can get 8% off with code TP115042)
- Target has a dance section
- Sears also offers dance and active wear
- eBay and craigslist are good sources for second-hand dance attire
MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: RELEVE
Children naturally love to go up on their toes, so sometimes a very simple way to get them excited for dance class is to have them practice rising up at home. Remember not to go all the way up on the toes--simply lift the heels in demi pointe while the toes stay down. Most dance movement comes from opposition, so teach your children to push down into the floor in order to rise up tall. Lifting their bellies up and in and standing up straight will also help them find that dancer's grace.
DANCE IN THE NEWS
Did you know that Olympic gold medalist Laurie Hernandez is joining this coming season of “Dancing with the Stars”? We at Steppin' Out are thrilled we don't have to stop watching her!
PREPARE YOUR CHILD FOR CLASS SUCCESS
Read up on our top five tips for class success (not just for dance class!)
QUICK TIP
Talk to you dancers about what to expect in class. Whether it's their first time or 7th season, all dancers benefit from being mentally prepared before walking in the door.
Fall 2016 registration is now open!
All summer, you've been waiting, we've been waiting, and finally it's time to register for fall. We've missed you and we can't wait to see you in the studio after Labor Day.
For performance year 2016-17, we're launching a new registration system. Students will register for either fall or spring or both. Our fall semester will be seventeen weeks between September 6, 2016 and January 14, 2017 and will focus on developing a movement vocabulary. Spring semester will run from January 17, 2016 through May 27th and will focus on preparing for the annual performance. (Students continuing into spring will need to register for the spring semester in early January.) Additionally, this year you are welcome to join any open class as long as you adhere to the prerequisites. The only exceptions are classes that require audition or placement, for which you will request the class and Angela will approve you.
Our classes fill up quickly, so don't wait. View our schedule and register today:
—>View our fall class schedule and prerequisite policy.
—>View an announcement about the 2016-17 teachers that links to teacher bios (we have two new teachers for fall!).
—>Review our tuition and policy information. (As always, should finances present an obstacle to your participation in Steppin' Out, please simply contact Angela: Angela@steppinoutsf.com.)
—>Have questions? Need help? Contact us!
We can't wait to begin the Steppin' Out 2016-17 season!
Announcing Steppin' Out 2016-17 Teaching Staff
Steppin' Out Dance Studio is thrilled to welcome Zoe Swenson-Graham and Dora Donovan, who will be teaching alongside returning teachers Jordan Drew and Oliva Lei Byers-Straus and studio owner and director Angela Rose Dorantes during the 2016-17 season.
Zoe Swenson-Graham
ZOË SWENSON-GRAHAM returned to the states in 2015 after living in London for nearly seven years, where she worked as a dancer, choreographer, and teacher. Most recently, she performed as Velma in West Side Story with the Mountain Play, and choreographed the fights for the production. She appeared in the world premiere of Arches, Balance and Light at Ross Valley Players and Peter Pan with the Mountain Play. Before leaving London, she performed in the leading role in the English Premiere of Neil LaBute’s Autobahn at The Kings Head Theatre, London. Other London credits include: Our Town (Emily). The Trojan Women (Helen), The Toll (Edinburgh Festival), and Twelfth Night (Viola). Zoe received an Off-West End Best Actress nomination for At the Broken Places, a new American play that premiered in London in 2011. Zoe graduated from the University of Southern California and has served as a dance and stage combat choreographer and teacher around the UK, including at the Royal Opera House, Soho Theatre, Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre, Southwark Playhouse and the British American Drama Academy. London dance choreography credits include: The Producers, A Chorus Line and Company. Zoe recently finished filming the horror film Lasso.
Dora Donovan
DORA DONOVAN has dreamed of becoming a performer since she was a little girl. She started dancing, singing and acting at Kid Stock Inc., where she also found her passion for teaching dance. Growing up, she took classes at Steppin Out from the ages of five to fifteen, where her love of dance grew. Dora also did musical theater at Riordon High School during her high school years, where she was involved in all the musicals, including Anything Goes, West Side Story and Jesus Christ Superstar. Dora was lucky enough to be "dance captain" for two out of the four shows. Her favorite show was Anything Goes because she got to strengthen her tap skills and had fun at the same time. Besides musical theater, Dora was also involved in the Dance Ensemble at Mercy High School where she took tap, jazz, ballet and hip hop. Dora may be a familiar face to returning students at Steppin' Out as she has been running the front desk and subbing classes for the past two years. She has now been given a wonderful opportunity to teach her own classes and couldn't be more excited to give back to the community.
For the 2016-17 season, Dora will be teaching on Tuesdays and Thursdays.