I am very grateful for the school’s founder, the administrative and teaching staff, students and our Danspace families. Thank you for your adaptability, hard work and willingness to remain committed to sharing and experiencing dance. I cannot wait till we can be in close proximity again; to have a good roll on the floor, sweat, embrace, breathe and dance together. So many of us are hanging on to kitchen counters, door frames, handrails, table-tops and chairs while avoiding doing a développé into the family pet, a passing family member or a piece of furniture.
This is undoubtedly a time when many folks are suffering and a time when we are experiencing many unknowns. I am trying to use this opportunity to focus on what is important and to train my mind to focus on what I am grateful for. I am truly grateful for all of you in our Danspace family and for our connection through dance.
Thank you,
Claudine Naganuma
Danspace Director
Children’s Division
Our spring semester ends on Saturday, June 6.
We will not have a Dance Party to celebrate the end of the school year, but we encourage household members (caregivers, siblings, stuffed animals, etc) to join us for part of the last class during the week of June 1- June 6. If you can, please also plan for a snack and we can all enjoy a snack and chat toward the end of class.
It has been an absolute joy to work with our dancers this year. In particular this spring, our staff have noticed and commented about everyone’s resilience and willingness to try this new way of dancing.
Thank you to all the adults who have also been in class (on and off camera) to support this new way of dancing together. We could not have done it without you!
Notes from our teachers:
A note to Freesia’s students:
Great dancing with you fabulous dancers. I can still see you and see that you are having fun and dancing with all your hearts. Stay safe and hope to see you in the studio very soon.
Love, Freesia
A note to Danielle’s students:
You have inspired and taught me more than you can imagine! You are all beautiful dancers and it has been a joy to watch you grow. Remember that dance will always be with you and be there for you no matter what!
A note to Pre-Ballet 2 from Katie Taylor:
Dancers, I miss you all so much! I hope you’ve had a wonderful time dancing with Freesia on zoom, and I can’t wait to see you all in the studio again. Have a wonderful summer!
A note to the Ballet 1a class from Claudine:
You are amazing. I am having so much fun dancing together with you. I look forward to seeing your bright faces every week!
A note to the Ballet 1b class from KT:
You are a fantastic group of dancers! I’ve enjoyed exploring Ballet with you and look forward to seeing you continue to blossom into dancing artists.
Ballet 2a and Ballet 2b dancers from KT:
You are so much fun to be with! I love your curiosity and enthusiasm not just to do dance but to learn about dance. I look forward to seeing you each week to see where we will go with our exploration of Ballet and how it works with our bodies. I will always remember our thieving elves gift exchange, our beanie boo friends that we danced with and your smiling faces leaping across the room at the end of class.
You are all my favorites, KT
A note to the Ballet 2ab and Modern 2/3 classes from Katie Taylor:
It has been the absolute highlight of my week to dance with all of you! Thank you for bringing your creativity, adaptability, and energy to each and every class, even when you’re tired on a hot day 🙂
A note to Ballet 3 from KT:
Thank you for bringing your best self to class each week!
You have learned so much in Ballet 3 over the past two years, and I’ve learned so much right along with you. You are each a perfect flower in my garden of dance. Love, KT
A note to Ballet 3/4/5 from Claudine:
You are doing so much and still manage to come to class and work together with me. I am inspired by you!
A note to dNaga Intergenerational Class from Claudine:
I have a lot of appreciation for your dedication to creating art, for delving into self-inquiry and dancing together with me in your homes and gardens! I learn so much from you!
A note to Dance for Parkinson’s Class from Claudine:
I am thrilled that we are able to continue to dance during this shelter in place. I have learned about courage, resilience and tenacity from you and I appreciate your willingness to dance, play and yield to whim! Thank you!
Summer 2020 Programs are Virtual!
Danspace is offering weekly classes for Serendipity and Pre-Ballet, Dance Camps for dancers 7-10 and 10-15, CODA Virtual Performance Opportunity, and weekly classes for Teens/Adults. We also encourage our Ballet 3/4/5 and Adult students to participate in Ernesta Corvino’s donation-based daily ballet classes (see their schedule on their website). Find more details about our summer programs on our website and email info@danspace.com to sign up.
2020-2021 enrollment opens June 1!
We are planning to go forward with virtual classes in the fall, but are eager to gather together in the studio when health guidelines and safety permit.
Danspace’s fall semester starts September 14.
You will receive an email with your child’s class placement and enrollment information. Please send in your fall registration by June 27. If you prefer to pay with a credit card, email info@danspace.com so that we can send you an invoice to pay online. If you would like to enroll in a class, but need to make arrangements to pay at a later date, email us right away.
If the virtual format changes during the semester, we we will work with you to make sure the changes work for you and your child.
Enrolling as soon as possible gives us an idea of which classes will have enough enrollment to be held as scheduled, or inform us if we need to condense classes to meet the needs of the students and studio.
Adult Division
Reminder to complete all your makeup classes by the end of this series (Sunday, June 21). If you need recommendations for makeup classes or have any questions, please email us! You can find our Series 5 schedule on our website.
Makeup classes are the perfect time to try a new-to-you class! Wondering about the difference between your regular ballet class and the next level up? Curious about Cardio Hip Hop? Always wanted to try Modern Jazz? You can use your makeup class to experiment – you might find your new favorite class!
Adult Division’s summer schedule is available now! Don’t forget to read our emails. As always, you can email us to inquire info@danspace.com.
Summer 2020 Programs are Virtual!
Danspace is offering weekly classes for adults in a short July series and a short August series. We have postponed the Hoge and Corvino intensives until 2021. We also encourage intermediate and advanced dancers to participate in Ernesta Corvino’s donation-based daily ballet classes (see their schedule on their website). Find more details about our summer programs on our website and email info@danspace.com to sign up.
Renter Spotlight
Gospel Grooves virtual workshop on June 6: facebook.com/Gospgrooves
Gospel Grooves is a group exercise dance class. Their classes are centered around spiritual, physical, and social wellness and cater to all fitness levels. The classes are fun, energizing, and easy to follow.
Contact Lovella: 510.828.2370 to sign up!
We will continue to update our website with renter updates. Check back here.
In the Community
There are a lot of recorded dance performances online right now. While we wait to be able to attend in person, these can be a great way to support your dance education. Share your favorites with us on Facebook! Here are a couple to get you started:
Looking Forward
The future is uncertain, but we are hopeful to continue to offer classes and programs during this time of physical distancing. We would love to see photos or videos of you dancing at home! If it’s ok for us to share them, please note that when you send them to us: info@danspace.com.
Virtual high fives and celebrations for all the ways you’re continuing to dance during this time,
The Danspace team
