Reflections
General Announcements
A reminder to wear warm clothing to and from dance class: As the weather gets colder, dancers should make sure to put on some sort of leggings and top after a workout to keep the body warm and prevent catching a cold. Even if you are just walking to the car from the studio.
This is not only a good health practice, it is the same protocol we follow when performing at the theater.
Thank you for protecting your body and building good habits.
Health check update: For our vaccinated students, we trust that if you are showing up for class that you are healthy and do not have COVID symptoms. We will no longer do a temperature check for vaccinated adult and youth students.
Children and Youth under 12 will continue to have a touch free temperature check when entering the classroom.
We will continue to mask for all classes regardless of vaccination status.
Thank you to our parents and students for being cautious and staying home when not feeling well. We appreciate your care for yourself and our dance community.
Dancing for all ages
One of Danspace’s teachers Mary Armentrout shared this article with us. It’s one person’s reflections about beginning dance training in their 60s. It’s a beautiful piece that articulates what many of us experience, regardless of age: dance class is joyful, fun, and a practice that connects your mind, spirit, and physical body.
We love reading about dance — we invite you to share your favorite writing with us.
Children’s and Youth Divisions
October Etiquette reminder
Arrive at your class 5-10 minutes early to get settled and prepare for class. Try to use the bathroom before coming to class, bring as few items as possible.
Nutcracker Project 2021: Nutcracker Sweet
The Nutcracker ballet is a part of every ballet dancer’s training, from dancing in a production to going to see a performance at the theater.
For most of our students and families, The Nutcracker is likely the most well known Ballet. Each year we look forward to participating in two local Nutcracker performance opportunities with Oakland Ballet School and Oakland Ballet Company. While we are still adjusting to guidelines and safety for the pandemic, our usual Nutcracker performance opportunities are not available.
Once again, Danspace is working on a virtual Nutcracker Project where our Children’s and Adult Division students are learning choreography which will become a dance film that we put together for our students and their families to view in December. We are thankful that rehearsals can take place in person this year.
As the culmination of the project will be a film, a viewing date will be announced soon but you will have flexibility for when you choose to watch it if the viewing date conflicts with other scheduling. Stay tuned for more details.
Adult Division
Series 2 begins October 31
As we continue to adapt to allow as many dancers to be in-person as possible, we have added a second class on Sunday. We are now offering Adult Beginning Ballet and Adult Intermediate Ballet on Sundays from 11-12:30pm.
We are still requiring masks and continuing to maintain distance between dancers. Learn more about our in-person protocols and what you’ll agree to if you decide to dance in person. This page also has some FAQs.
Our registration deadline was October 15, but if you’re interested in dancing in Series 2, please email us: info@danspace.com.
New guideline for attending class on Zoom
Login to your class meeting 5-10 minutes prior to the start time. We cannot guarantee that you will be admitted into class if you are joining late. We cannot guarantee that you will be admitted into class 10 minutes after the designated start time. Email info@danspace.com if you have questions or concerns about this updated guideline. We will happily schedule a make up class if you are running late and miss the cut off time.
Ballet with Beth in November!
Saturday, November 13 from 11:00am-12:30pm
Saturday, December 11 from 11:00am-12:30pm
For the safety of our students and instructors, class sizes are still limited to allow for 6 feet distance between each other. We are offering this class to adult students on Zoom so that our enrolled teens can attend the class in person. Thank you for understanding and supporting our safety plan.
If you are interested in attending Beth’s Ballet class on Zoom, email info@danspace.com for payment information and the zoom link.
Dancing with Beth is an educational, energizing, and uplifting experience. Learn from her wisdom and experience as you grow your technique and artistry.
In The Community
Pilates Classes
Melanie Hilario, a student in Danspace’s adult division, is becoming a certified pilates instructor. If you’re curious about pilates (reformer/mat) and want to help Mel get her training hours completed, you can schedule private lessons by emailing mel.hilario@gmail.com.
Katie Taylor (one of Danspace’s teachers and Adult Division coordinator) has been taking pilates classes from Mel and has this to say: “Pilates is great cross-training for dance. It builds core strength in the muscles we use to lift and lengthen and engages your whole body in every exercise. Pilates also reminds me of dance class: as soon as you’ve mastered an exercise there’s a harder version to work on. It’s really fun and sweaty, and Mel is an awesome teacher. She’s supportive, fun, and is a great guide. I highly recommend working with Mel!”- The Danspace team
Looking Forward
Upcoming holidays and studio closure
Danspace will be closed the week of Monday, November 22 through Saturday, November 27 (no classes will be held).
Danspace will also be closed for winter break from Monday, December 20 through Sunday, January 2, resuming classes in Children’s, Youth, and Adult Divisions on Monday, January 3.
This past year has been challenging for everyone, and arts organizations are struggling. Danspace has been committed to continuing to pay our teachers and staff, and your support continues to make that possible.
If you’re able to, please consider making a contribution. You can contribute to Danspace directly or make a tax-deductible donation through our resident company, dNaga. Click here for contribution options and please contact us if you’d like to support our school at a different amount.
Thank you for all the ways you make Danspace so vibrant and special!
