Dress Rehearsal Schedule Announced

Dress Rehearsal—Sunday May 19, 2019, Everett Middle School (450 Church St)

2:00-3:00

Tuesday 3:00 (front)  Glow & Shoefly Pie

Tuesday 3:00 (back) Spanish Dance & Sunny Side of the Street

Tuesday 4:00 (front) Lava & Never Smile at a Crocodile

Tuesday 4:00 (back) Tarantella & A Cover is Not the Book

3:00-4:00

Tuesday 5:00 (front) Happy Little Working Song & Cruella De Vile

Tuesday 5:00 (back) My Favorite Things & Everybody Wants to be a Cat

Wednesday 9:30 Quiet As a Mouse 

Wednesday 10:30 The Unicorn Song & L-O-V-E

Thursday 9:30 The Unicorn Song & L-O-V-E

Thursday 4:00 (back) Jelly Fish & I’d like to Teach the World to Sing

4:00-5:00

Thursday 4:00 (front) Elephants & When I See an Elephant Fly

Thursday 5:00 (front) Swans & Surfin’ Safari

Wednesday 4:00 (Front) True Colors & Trip a Little Light Fantastic

Saturday 9:00 (front) Doe, a Deer & Ballin’ the Jack

Saturday 9:00 (back) The Royal Doulton Music Hall & Everyday Princess

Saturday 10:00 (front) I Could’ve Danced All Night & Stray Cat Strut

5:00-6:00

Wednesday 4:00 (back) Different Drum & Welcome to the 60’s 

Saturday 10:00 (back) Wings & We Got the Beat

Saturday 11:00 (front) Appalachian Spring & Anything Goes

Saturday 12:00 (front) There’s Nothing Holding Me Back & Crazy Little Thing Called Love

Thursday 5:00 (danceABILITY) Dynamite

 6:00-8:00

Saturday 11:00 (back) Me Too & Sing

Saturday 12:00 (back) A Little Party Never Killed Nobody & Woman in the White House

Wednesday 5:00 (front) Sucker & Faith

Wednesday 5:00 (jazz) Shake the Room

Wednesday 6:00 (ballet) Stop Everything! It’s Snowing 

Summer Camp Registration Announcement

Steppin' Out is so excited to announce that we will offer two weeks of camp this summer at Steppin' Out for the first time ever. Campers will enjoy delightful and age-appropriate activities and surprises, including dance and yoga, dramatic games, board games, a featured activity, and a trip to our local park. Plus each Tuesday we will walk to Mission Science Workshop on 18th and Church St. for a fun and enriching science workshop, followed by lunch in Dolores Park!

General information: 

Week 1: June 10-14 from 9 a.m.-3 p.m. (drop off as early as 8:30 a.m.)

Week 2: June 17-21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (drop off as early as 8:30 a.m.)

Campers must be 5-12 years old to attend. Tuition is $325/week and includes all activities and a healthy snack (campers must bring their own lunches). Steppin’ Out maintains a 5-1 camper-teacher ratio. Space is limited, so please register as soon as possible.

Feel free to reach out with any questions or visit our Summer Camp page.

Springing Forward + Steppin' Out March News

Spring semester is in full swing and your dancers are doing great! As we have already started working on choreography in class, it is especially important that dancers attend consistently--please do your best to make that possible. Also, as many families are now beginning to plan activities in May and June, we wanted to remind you to add the show dates and performances times to your calendars (and don't forget to invite friends and family in advance!). 

SAVE THE DATES! STEPPIN' OUT'S FIRST EVER SUMMER CAMP
We are thrilled to announce that we will offer two weeks of camp this summer at Steppin' Out. We'll be sending you a registration link and more details on March 11th, but please mark the following camp weeks in your calendars:

Week#1: June 10-14
Week #2: June 17-21 

Camp is designed for children ages 5-12 and runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (with drop off as early as 8:30 a.m.) Monday through Friday. Our tuition of $325/week includes all activities plus a healthy snack. More information to come!

MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: POINT AND FLEX
Every wonder how dancers get those gorgeous pointed toes mid-leap? Practice really helps! Your dancers can start seated. Have them practice pointing and flexing their toes while sitting on the floor with their legs extended out in front of them. Ask them to sit up tall and then pull their toes back toward their faces while pushing out through their heels, then have them slowly point their toes away from their feet, curving their entire arch and extending through their toes. Ask them to move slowly...and then quickly. Over time, they'll build stronger and more flexible feet for all aspects of their dancing.

NEW MOM & BABY CLASS AT STEPPIN' OUT
Starting March 6th, teacher Greta Schoenberg will be holding a small group class for moms and babies at Steppin' Out on Wednesdays from 11-12 p.m. Her class features simple exercises for improving postpartum strength and alignment in a baby-friendly atmosphere. Greta will also include the little ones with games, songs, and basic sign language. Babies and toddlers of all levels of mobility welcome. Space is limited and registration is required (book through Greta's website).

DANCE IN THE NEWS: ALICE IN WONDERLAND
Teacher Sonja and Teacher Emily are both featured in the Mark Foehringer Dance Project's production of Alice in Wonderland, which runs April 6th through 14th at the Fort Mason Center. Go see our amazing teachers in action--get more information or buy tickets now!

QUICK TIP: 
Show your dancers that you love dance too--perhaps by going to a dance class or performance yourself.

Spring Semester Begins + Steppin' Out February News

Spring semester has begun! We are now starting the process of working on choreography for our annual dance performance on June 1st and 2nd (and our performance line up is now available). While this performance is not mandatory, over the next couple of weeks, Angela will be measuring students for costumes to be ordered in March, so please do let us know if you would prefer not to participate so we do not accidentally order a costume for your dancer.

Classes have been filling fast, but we still have space in our Tuesday 3-4 p.m. Tap/Ballet Beginning II class for dancers 6-8 years old and our Thursday 9:30-10:30 a.m. Tap/Pre-ballet/Tumbling class for dancers 3-5 years old. Please spread the word!

HAVE A DRY BIRTHDAY!
With all the lovely rain we've been enjoying, it might make sense to book an indoor party. Steppin' Out offers fabulous and fun movement-themed birthday parties of any kind, from basic to turn-key, at can't-be-beat pricing. Reserve yours now.

MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: PARTNER DANCE
Even though we primarily choreograph for groups or individuals at Steppin' Out, it's always good to get practice with a partner. Dancing with another person doesn't have to mean learning a formal step. You can expose your dancers to the idea of synchronizing movement with a basic mirroring exercise. Have your dancers lead while you follow, then ask them to mirror you. Awareness of the movement of other dancers is the first step toward an effective, synchronized group performance. 

DANCE FOR V-DAY
In honor of Valentine's Day, we thought your family might like Ms. Mojo's complication of the "Top Ten Romantic Dance Scenes in Movies." 

QUICK TIP: STICKER BOOKS
Get your dancers books for their dance bags so that each time they get a sticker after class, they can add a page to their book (and have fun revisiting their stickers later). Try Daiso in Potrero Center for lots of great notebook options.

Steppin' Out 2019 Performance Line Up

Saturday June 1st 11:00 performance:
Tuesday 3:00 Beginning I
Tuesday 3:00 Beginning II
Tuesday 4:00 Pre-ballet/tap
Tuesday 4:00 Beginning III
Tuesday 5:00 Beginning II
Tuesday 5:00 Pre-ballet/tap
Wednesday 10:30 Pre-ballet/tap
Wednesday 4:00 Intermediate II
Wednesday 5:00 Intermediate II/III
Wednesday 5:00 Adv. Jazz
Wednesday 6:00 Adv. Ballet
Thursday 9:30 Pre-ballet/tap
Saturday 12:00 Advanced

Saturday June 1st 2:00 performance:
Wednesday 9:30 Creative Movement
Wednesday 4:00 Intermediate 1
Thursday 4:00 Beginning I
Thursday 4:00 Beginning II
Thursday 5:00 Beginning II
Thursday 5:00 danceABILITY
Saturday 9:00 Pre-ballet/tap
Saturday 9:00 Beginning I
Saturday 10:00 Beginning II
Saturday 10:00 Intermediate II
Saturday 11:00 Intermediate I
Saturday 11:00 Intermediate III
Saturday 12:00 danceABILITY
Saturday 12:00 Advanced
Wednesday 5:00 Advanced Jazz
Wednesday 6:00 Advanced Ballet

Sunday June 2nd 5:00 performance:
Wednesday 4:00 Intermediate I
Wednesday 4:00 Intermediate II
Wednesday 5:00 Intermediate II/III
Wednesday 5:00 Adv. Jazz
Wednesday 6:00 Adv. Ballet
Thursday 5:00 danceABILITY
Saturday 10:00 Intermediate II
Saturday 11:00 Intermediate I
Saturday 11:00 Intermediate III
Saturday 12:00 danceABILITY
Saturday 12:00 Advanced

Steppin' Out Spring Registration Is Now Open!

Ready to register for spring? Please read the substitute information for Teacher Zoe below, then register now. Note that website visitors have a two-day head start to register before we open general registration on Wednesday, January 16th.

This year, spring semester runs for seventeen weeks, from 2/2/19-5/30/19, and focuses on choreography in preparation for the optional annual performance (dress rehearsal Sunday, 5/19, and performances the weekend of 6/1-6/2). You can learn more about our classes here, our tuition and policies here, and our teachers here.

We are excited to announce that Teacher Zoe has been cast in A Chorus Line! This means she will be away in February and March. We are pleased that Maggie Connard will be covering Zoe's Saturday classes during February and March and Melissa Vesel will be covering Zoe's Wednesday classes during February and March. 

• Learn more about Maggie here.

• Learn more about Melissa here.

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?
Reach out to Angela at any time--and don't forget to register now!

Melissa Vesel

MELISSA VESEL is a San Francisco-based dancer, choreographer and instructor.  Born and raised in Wisconsin, she received her training and BFA in Dance and Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee in 2015.  There, she studied with and performed in works with various artist including Maria Gillespie, Simone Ferro, Luc Vanier, Gerald Casel, Stephen Petronio and many others.  Post college, Melissa moved to New York City, performed with Hanna Q Dance Company, and presented at various events held by The Kitchen, Gibney and The Barrow Group.  After relocating to San Francisco in September 2018, Melissa has been teaching cycling and dance at studios throughout the city. 

Melissa will be covering Zoe’s Wednesday classes during the first half of Spring 2019.

Maggie Connard

MAGGIE CONNARD is a teaching artist and performer who graduated with a BA in Dance from Point Park University (rated in the top 5 dance programs in the US). She teaches Rhythm and Motion and barre fitness at ODC, and has taught ballet, jazz, tap and musical theatre dance to children. Maggie  has performed with EmDance, Leyya Tawil's Dance Elixir, Deborah Slater Dance Theatre, and Printz Dance Project, among others. She also loves musical theatre and has performed in local productions of "A Chorus Line', "Singing in the Rain", "Chicago", "Cabaret" and "White Christmas.”

Happy New Year, Spring Registration & Steppin' Out January News

Happy New Year! We're so excited to see our dancers back in the studio. Remember that classes resume Saturday, January 5th and that fall semester extends through the end of January. We hope all of our dancers will also continue with us for spring semester; see below for information on how to register.
 
SPRING REGISTRATION
Details on spring semester are here! This year, spring semester runs for seventeen weeks, from 2/2/19-5/30/19, and focuses on choreography in preparation for the optional annual performance (dress rehearsal Sunday, 5/19, and performances the weekend of 6/1-6/2). You can learn more about our classes here and our tuition and policies here.

Currently-enrolled students should continue in the same class for the spring semester and will receive a priority registration link on Monday, January 7th to re-enroll for spring. Students wishing to change class times or new students wishing to join the studio may enroll for any class of the appropriate age range and level once newsletter registration opens on Monday, January 14th. (Please note that some students may have aged up during the year but should continue in the class they were eligible for as of Fall 2018.)

In exciting news, Teacher Zoe has been cast in A Chorus Line! This means we will have a long-term substitute teaching Zoe's classes in February and March (Zoe will return to the studio in early April). We'll send more information in the registration emails.

MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: SHUFFLE
The shuffle in tap is a foundational movement that creates a double rhythm of two brushes linked together--plus it's fun to practice (with or without tap shoes). To help your dancers master the shuffle, have them practice the brush, first brushing their feet forward several times, then backward. Once dancers can do both brushes, combine them together into a shuffle (brush forward and then immediately back). For more of a challenge, try shuffling in different directions around the room. 

DANCE AROUND THE WORLD:
Watch Georgian dancers perform astonishing choreographed battle scenes using actual swords in this brief documentary film on Erisioni, the Georgian national ensemble.

QUICK TIP:
Ask your dancers to draw a picture of dance class over the break. Visualizing the classroom may help children transition successfully back to class.

Happy Holidays! Steppin' Out Winter Break Has Begun

The studio is now closed for winter recess. Classes resume on Saturday, January 5th; however, fall semester classes continue through January 31st, so please do come back after break! Registration for spring semester, running February through May, will begin January 7th. Please keep your eye out for the January newsletter for details.

Winter Camp Reminder
If you're in need of childcare over the break, please consider winter camp for campers ages 5-12. Pick only the days you need (between one and six) at only $65/day ($80 on field trip Fridays to cover expenses). Camp runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. with drop off as early as 8:30 a.m., and each day includes at least 45 minutes of yoga and/or dance plus stimulating activities like coloring, games, and books during free time. We also have a special featured activity (baking, sewing, or crafts) or field trip each day. During lunch we go to the In Chan Kaajal Park on Shotwell & 17th. We always maintain a 5:1 camper:teacher ratio.

Camp is offered the following days: 

• Thursday December 27th & Friday December 28th

• Monday December 31st, Wednesday January 2nd, Thursday January 3rd, & Friday January 4th

To learn more: https://www.steppinoutsf.com/winter-camp/
To register: https://www.activityhero.com/widgets/1278

Winter Camp, Winter Break, & Steppin' Out December News

December has arrived! This month, students will continue working on technique. Winter dance choreography and combinations allow students to practice learning and remembering choreography.  Our young dancers will learn the story of The Nutcracker as well as choreography to its music by the famous Tchaikovsky. It's a wonderful time of year.
 
SEASONAL INFORMATION, REGISTRATION, & HOLIDAY CLOSURES:

• Winter Break for Steppin' Out classes runs for two weeks, from December 21st-Jan 4th. The studio will be closed for classes during that time (but open for Winter Camp; see below). Your tuition already reflects this closure.

• After break, please come back! Fall classes will resume on January 5th, and our fall semester classes run through January 31st.

• Mark your calendars for January 7th for our spring registration. A reminder will be sent out in the January newsletter with instructions for registering for our spring classes. Spring semester runs from Feb.1st-May 31st.

WINTER CAMP
Winter Camp registration is now open! Steppin' Out offers a super flexible, fun, and enriching option for kids to enjoy winter break. Whether you need coverage the whole break or just for a day here or there, we've got you covered. Come take advantage of our magical winter days packed full of delightful, age-appropriate activities and surprises. Register now or learn more on our Winter Camp page.

MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: DEMI PLIE
This month we're focusing on first-position demi plie, though more advanced dancers can move on to second and fifth position plie. To find your own first position (using your own natural "turn out" without forcing your feet out), stand with your feet together, lift just your toes and, keeping your knees straight, rotate from the hips to open your toes, then place your feet on the floor wherever they naturally land from this hip rotation. Your first position should look like a slice of pizza. For the demi plie, bend your knees slowly, making sure your knees track over your toes (which should create a diamond shape). Demi means half, so keep your heels on the ground as you bend your knees only halfway down, then push into the floor and lift your core to rise back up. Demi plies in second and fifth position follow the same practice of turning out the feet from the hips and tracking the knees over the toes while the heels stay on the ground. 

WHICH NUTCRACKER?
It's time for our annual "nutcracker" reminder! 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 featuring Steppin' Out's ballet teacher Sonja Dale!
Mark Foehringer's Nutcracker Sweets 

The whimsical, audience-participation option:
Dance Along Nutcracker: Clara and Potter

QUICK TIP
We at Steppin' Out think watching a recorded version of The Nutcracker shouldn't count as screen time, right? In any case, we recommend it, as watching dance is a great way to improve dance skills and get inspired to perform.

Halloween! + Steppin' Out October News

We have really enjoyed reconnecting with our returning dancers and meeting our new ones this month. The transition into fall has been going smoothly and we are already approaching Halloween. This month we will begin fine tuning the details of the steps we've been working on in September while incorporating them into the choreography of our Halloween dances. Please see below for details.

HALLOWEEN CHOREOGRAPHY
During the month of October, we play Halloween music and work on special Halloween choreography. This mini-choreography session prepares our dancers to learn their performance dances in the spring. Choreography will be practiced and added to each week during the month of October. 

COSTUME DAYS
Please encourage your dancers to wear costumes to any class between October 24th and October 30th--we'd love to see them! If costumes aren't ready, please feel free to wear something else special. 

HALLOWEEN CLOSURE 
The studio will be closed the day of Halloween (Wednesday October 31st). If your dancers attend Wednesday classes, you have notbeen charged for this class. Please enjoy Halloween!

MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: PUMPKIN HEADSTANDS
Appropriate for students five years and older unless they have neck problems, the tripod (sometimes referred to as the pumpkin) strengthens core muscles while relieving stress and increasing blood flow. Plus it's a lot of fun! Have your dancers start by sitting on their knees and placing their hands flat on the floor shoulder distance apart. The top of their heads should make the tip of the triangle when placed on the ground (rugs or thin blankets are ok for padding of the head but please no pillows). Once their "base" is solid, ask them to slowly lift their hips over their shoulders and as they tighten their tummies and lift their knees onto their elbows. You can "spot" as they do this or they can use the wall for extra support.

More advanced students can try a full headstand. Follow the same beginning steps as for tripod, but extend the legs upward to a full headstand pose. Make sure the body is aligned straight up and down and the hips are over the shoulders.

DANCE IN THE NEWS: PERFECTLY NORMAL FOR ME
Please join us for a very special free event with Teacher Angela: Perfectly Normal for Me is a documentary that profiles a group of kids aged 5 to 15 who explore what it’s like to live with a variety of physical and developmental challenges. After the film, Angela and Steppin' Out danceABILITY students will talk about how dance has benefited their bodies and their lives. Part of the San Francisco Dance Film Festival, this event happens thisSunday, October 7th, at 2 p.m. at the SF Public Library's Koret Auditorium (100 Larkin Street) and is free and open to the public.

RAIN-FREE BIRTHDAY PARTIES 
New families, did you know that Steppin' Out offers birthday parties on the weekends? Best of all they are entirely flexible so that you can plan the exact party you want, from basic to turn-key, at can't-be-beat pricing. Learn more.

QUICK TIP
Your children will be learning a fun new dance this month--ask them to show you at home! "Performing" offers your dancers a great opportunity to practice being in the spotlight while also challenging them to remember choreography, sequences and patterns. 

Classes Begin This Week! + Steppin' Out September News

Classes begin Tuesday, September 4th! We are so excited to see your kids, whether they are new to the studio or returning. Our youngest dancers will spend the first week getting to know the teachers and each other and learning how taking class works (including standing at the barre and waiting their turn). Dancers who are not new to Steppin' Out will start off slowly reviewing the steps we ended with last year as they get their bodies back into the swing of dance.

STUDIO POLICIES
Please remember that while we don't have a uniform, we do have a dress code. We also ask parents to drop off dancers aged seven and older (but if you must stay, please keep quiet in the studio).  See our "Tuition and Policies" page for details.

CLASSES WITH SPACE SPECIAL OFFER
Steppin' Out is offering a special, limited-time promotion for the classes below. Take $30 off when you register now or drop in for the first two weeks of class for free (contact Angelato take advantage of this offer). We'd also appreciate it if you would share this opportunity with friends!

• Tuesday 3-4 p.m. Tap/Ballet Beginning II ages 6-8 with Angela Rose Dorantes & Emily Hansel
• Tuesday 5-6 p.m. Tap/Pre-ballet/tumbling ages 3-5 with Angela Rose Dorantes & Emily Hansel
• Wednesday 9:30-10:15 a.m. Creative Movement ages 2.5-4 with Angela Rose Dorantes
• Wednesday 4-5 p.m. Tap/Ballet Intermediate I ages 7-9* with Angela Rose Dorantes & Zoe Swenson-Graham

DANCE SHOES & ATTIRE:
Talk to your dancers about keeping their shoes clean. Dance shoes are for indoors only. Tap shoes might only be for the studio unless you have very patient neighbors. Ballet shoes may be worn at home for practice but not outside on the street.

See our August newsletter for suggestions about buying clothes and shoes.

Here are two additions to that information:

1. Discount dance is offering us 8% off and free shipping for orders of $49 and more. Use school code 68142 when you visit their website.
2. Give Shoes/Take Shoes: If your dance shoes from last year don't fit but they are still in good condition, please donate them to our revolving shoe bin.  If you need a pair of shoes, you are welcome to look in our free shoe bin and take any shoes that work.

FIRST EVER "WINECRAFT" EVENT FOR PARENTS!
Studio director Angela and Winter Break teacher Pearl have teamed up so that parents and older teens (15+) don't have to miss out on crafting fun! The first of an ongoing event series happens on Sunday, September 16th. Treat yourself to a well-deserved afternoon of relaxation and crafting. This first workshop will send you home with a personally designed set of throw pillows to beautify your own space or gift to a loved one. Art supplies provided and wine and other non-alcoholic beverages are complimentary. Learn more or register here.

MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: TAP YOUR TOES
Tapping your toes can build foot strength as well as body awareness and it's also a great preparation for tap class. Have your children tap their toes up and down, alternating left and right. You can play some music or, if you have patient neighbors, have your kids put on their tap shoes and make their own music. Ask them to try to keep a steady rhythm, first tapping their toes on each beat and then tapping double time!

DANCE IN THE NEWS: A FAMILY AFFAIR
As you and your family return to dance this fall, we though you all might enjoy this multi-generational family dance video with choreography by Phil Wright.

QUICK TIP:
Especially as kids adjust to their new fall schedules, all routines matters (whether bedtime routines, weekly routines, or dance routines!). Kids do better when they know what is expected of them. Having trouble getting out of the house in the morning? Remember what to do by making your morning routine a well-choreographed dance.

Register for Fall + Steppin' Out August News

It's registration time! Newsletter subscribers may register for fall starting now. General public registration begins this Friday, August 10th and all spaces are first-come, first-served for qualified dancers, so please register as soon as possible. 

Here's a reminder about selecting classes:

• Continuing students are invited to return to their same time slot even if its level has increased. You may also select any other time slot of the same level.
• New beginning students may register for any age-appropriate class that follows the pre-requisite requirements (or feel free to contact Angelaif you meet the age requirements but not the pre-requisites--she'll help you find the right class). 
• New students entering at the intermediate level or higher will have the opportunity to audition. To schedule an audition, please contact Angela.

Still have registration questions? Feel free to contact Angela.

BIRTHDAY PARTIES RETURN TO SUNDAYS!
Birthday parties are once again available after 2 p.m. on Saturdays and all day on Sundays, so now is the time to plan a fabulous and fun movement-themed birthday party of any kind, from basic to turn-key, at can't-be-beat pricing. Learn more.

DANCE IN THE NEWS: SPORTS CHOREOGRAPHY--A DIFFERENT WORLD CUP?
Please go watch (and share with your kids) this incredible clip of the CCN Ballet de Lorraine on the soccer field in Paris this past May.

WHERE TO BUY CLOTHES AND SHOES
Every year around this time we forward you some basic information about shopping for dance attire in San Francisco so you can get prepared for the start of the fall semester on September 4th. If you're curious about our casual and supportive dress code, you can read it at the bottom of our tuition and policies page.

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
• Payless on Mission at 22nd (for ballet or jazz shoes)
• Chloe's Closet in Bernal (for second-hand dance shoes)

Clothing: 

• Target has a dance section
• Sears also offers dance and active wear
• eBay and craigslist are good sources for second-hand dance attire

QUICK TIP:
Ask your children what their favorite part of spring season was. This will keep dance on their mind while we wait for fall season to begin.

Fall Schedule Posted! + Steppin' Out July News

Our fall schedule is here! Please take a moment to view it as registration will begin on July 30th for returning families and August 6th for other newsletter subscribers. You can also view our tuition and policy information for details about fall pricing and dates. And don't forget to watch your inbox for notification when registration begins. 

We are thrilled to welcome Emily Hansel as our new Tuesday and Thursday teacher (taking over for Teacher Dora). Emily is a San Francisco-based dancer, choreographer, and dance instructor who earned a BFA in Dance Performance from the University of South Florida and currently teaches at ODC, Linda Bulgo's Musical Productions, and now Steppin' Out Dance Studio! We also want to wish Dora Donovan all the best as she finishes her senior year at SF State. We hope we'll have a chance to see her around the studio once and a while this year (and more consistently in the future!).

Other returning teachers include Teacher Angela, Teacher Zoe, Teacher Sonja, and Teacher Olivia. We're looking forward to a wonderful fall.

HOW TO SELECT THE RIGHT CLASS

• Continuing students are invited to return to their same time slot even if its level has increased. You may also select any other time slot of the same level.
• New beginning students may register for any age-appropriate class that follows the pre-requisite requirements (or feel free to contact Angelaif you meet the age requirements but not the pre-requisites--she'll help you find the right class). 
• New students entering at the intermediate level or higher will have the opportunity to audition. To schedule an audition, please contact Angela.

PHOTOS & VIDEOS
2017-18 families should have already received an email with links to dress rehearsal photos and performance videos. Please check your inbox or email Leila for assistance.

DANCE IN THE NEWS: TEACHER OLIVIA'S STORY
Please explore this incredible profile of Teacher Olivia and her journey to follow her dreams through dance (starting at age two!). The story also includes some of Steppin' Out's history and the founding of our danceABILITY company and classes. Read the text but please also watch the amazing video that features interviews with both Olivia and Angela. I don't think we've ever had such an important and meaningful "dance in the news"--a must read/must watch!

MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: CHILD'S POSE
While your children enjoy their summer break from dancing, it's a great time to work on flexibility. Child's pose can build flexibility in the hips, thighs, and ankles while also releasing the back and lengthening the spine. Have your children begin on their hands and knees with their knees apart but their big toes touching. As they exhale, they should sit their hips back on their ankles and rest their foreheads on the floor. Arms can be extended with palms down or released along the thighs with palms up. See if they can build up the duration of their pose, starting with a few seconds and working up to two minutes or even more.

TEEN BALLET WORKSHOP WITH TEACHER SONJA
Need some dance this summer? Students aged 12-18 can study at the Berkeley Ballet Theater with Teacher Sonja for four weeks from July 23rd to August 13th. Register here.

QUICK TIP
Download your child's performance video and make it a movie night! Make popcorn and watch the show with the family or friends. Your children will love seeing themselves on the big screen.

Teacher Olivia's Story

Please explore this incredible profile of Teacher Olivia and her journey to follow her dreams through dance (starting at age two!). The story also includes some of Steppin' Out's history and the founding of our danceABILITY company and classes. Read the text but please also watch the amazing video that features interviews with both Olivia and Angela--a must read/must watch!

Links To Dress Rehearsal Photos and Performance Videos Have Been Sent

Steppin' Out sent links and codes to enrolled 2017-18 families though Activity Hero on Monday, June 25th. If you did not receive this email, please contact Leila. Thanks and enjoy!

Announcing the Steppin' Out 2018-19 Teaching Staff

Steppin' Out Dance Studio is thrilled to welcome Emily Hansel, who will be teaching alongside returning teachers Zoe Swenson-Graham, Sonja Dale, Oliva Lei Byers-Straus and studio owner and director Angela Rose Dorantes during the 2018-19 season. We are also excited about our long-term substitute teachers Maggie Connard (covering for Zoe on Saturdays during the first half of Spring 2019) and Melissa Vesel (covering for Zoe on Wednesdays during the first half of Spring 2019).

Emily Hansel

EMILY HANSEL is a San Francisco-based dancer, choreographer, and dance instructor. Originally from Rochester, Minnesota, she received her initial training from Minnesota Youth Ballet Academy and Allegro School of Dance. Emily earned a BFA in Dance Performance from the University of South Florida in 2016. There, she performed in works by Ohad Naharin, Alonzo King, Robert Moses, Katie Faulkner, Maurice Causey, Bliss Kohlmyer, Paula Nunez, Andrew Carroll, and Carl Flink, among others. Since then, Emily has performed with The Anata Project, Mark Foehringer Dance Project, Brannigan Dance Works, SOULSKIN Dance, Marika Brussel, and as a guest artist with Robert Moses' Kin. Emily's choreography has been presented at the Joe Goode Annex, Little Boxes Theater, SAFEhouse for the Performing Arts, and various venues in Tampa, West Palm Beach, Atlanta, and Paris, France. She has taught dance at ODC, Linda Bulgo's Musical Productions, and Steppin' Out Dance Studio.

Thank you! + Steppin' Out June News

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you! Thank you to our dancers who danced their hearts out. Thank you to our parent volunteers who made sure everything ran smoothly. Thank you to our wonderful staff for managing the show, handing out programs, selling flowers, videotaping, and generally assisting. Thank you to our teachers who bring magic to each performance with their incredible choreography and inspiring leadership. And especially, thank you to you, our audience, for being there. Wasn't it amazing?

We'll miss you all this summer but look forward to seeing you after Labor Day.

All our love,
The Steppin' Out Team

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

• Classes have ended for the 2017-18 season and Steppin' Out will be closed for the summer. Go have fun and enjoy your break.
• If you were in the show, you'll receive an email with instructions about how to download the performance videos once they are ready.
• You'll also get notified about the process for ordering photos from our dress rehearsal photo shoot.
• The fall schedule will be released later this summer and registration notification will happen through the newsletter, so watch this space--we hope you'll join us for the 2018-19 season, starting after Labor Day.

TEACHER ZOE'S MAMA MIA
Did you love Teacher Zoe's choreography at the performance? Want to see more of it? Teacher Zoe collaborated with a former Steppin' Out teacher, Teacher Nicole, on a Mountain Play production of Mama Mia that runs through the middle of June (with sing-along Saturday happening this weekend). Find more information or tickets here.

MOVEMENT OF THE MONTH: BE A CHOREOGRAPHER
If you made it to the advanced showcase, you saw some of the beautiful solos our older dancers created. Want that to be your child someday? Start asking your child to make part of a dance. Dances get made in phrases, so a great way to practice choreographing is to make a dance to the chorus of a song (then you'll also get lots of chances to repeat it). Have your child pick a song and improvise to it, then see what movements repeat. Next, see if you can collaborate on turning those repeated movements into a short dance. Try this with different songs (fast, slow, happy, moving, rhythmic, etc.) on different weeks. Sometimes it's fun to use the "fast" choreography with the slow song (and vice versa).

DANCE IN THE NEWS: DANCE COMES TO THE HAMMER MUSEUM
Dance in an art museum? The Hammer Museum says "yes" and includes dance in its "Made in L.A." biennial this summer. Read more here.

QUICK TIP
The summer break can be long--keep dance on your children's minds by playing their performance songs periodically this summer.