Shoebox Studio Blog

Part 2 - 7 tips for your yoga, and workshop still coming along

2011-06-14T06:39:00.000-07:00

Happy Tuesday, Shoeboxers.

We're finishing up part two of our guest post with Jennifer Henry, and below we have tips 5-7.

We're also still gearing up for her 3 hr master class on July 9th, (More details here: bit.ly/k9B8uT)

5. In each movement make sure to breathe in and out through the nostrils, matching each breath to each movement...

...elongating the breath, even if the heart beats fast and asks you to respirate more quickly. This makes one calm and able to proceed without ceasing in the presence of stressful experiences, both physically (i.e., running, swimming, cycling or hiking long distances w/ a heavy pack) and mentally reducees or eliminates anxiety that comes up when faced with hard work.

6. To protect the soft tissues in the wrists, whenever weight is in the hands, press down with the knuckle of the index finger that meets the palm...

...and curl the tips of the fingers into the mat. The hands and forearms have many muscles in them, but tend to be dominated by the major muscle groups of the outside layer. Many of us need an extra boost of strength in that region as the large group of muscles are not strong enough to bare the weight of the body. Pressing down through the index finger engages the secondary group of muscles in the forearm, adds extra strength we didn't know was available and takes the stress out of the wrist joint. It also enables the shoulders to fit properly into their joints, as it creates a type of rotation in the entire arm.

7. Wash hands and face before practice...

...and don't wear lotions so your mat doesn't become slippery! It is also a good ritual to remind yourself you are preparing to cleanse your system. The ancient Sutras of Patanjali explain 8 limbs for yoga practice, like that of a tree. The first and second limbs (yamas and niyamas) describe 10 personal and social codes one should follow, cleanliness (saucha) being one of them. The third limb is the practice of posture (asana), which most of us begin first.

Namaste,

Team Shoebox

7 tips to get the most out of your yoga practice (and new yoga class to the schedule!!!)

2011-06-10T08:14:00.000-07:00

Hi Shoeboxers -

Today we have a guest post from Jennifer Henry, our regular Ashtanga yoga teacher.

But before we get to that, NEWS ALERT!!!! Jennifer has just added another yoga class to the schedule from 6-7 PM on Mondays,

Enrollment for her Ashtanga Master Class is still going strong, (you can still get in on the action here: bit.ly/k9B8uT ) and she's decided to prepare 7 tips to help you prepare for class and the extended workshop. We've decided to turn this into a two part series, for you to get the most out of the material, get a chance to absorb it then take on the next set of instructions.

1. Come to practice with an empty stomach.

Try not to eat anything solid for approx 4 hrs before practice. A little yogurt or some nuts can be taken before, if necessary. Many of the poses are meant to affect the digestive system and it is good not to toxify the body with matter in the intestines and bladder. It also aids in adding comfort to a practice that works to create a suction-like feeling in the lower abdomen.

2. Keep the lower abdominal region engaged throughout every inhalation and exhalation.

Think, "Inhale, navel towards the spine, exhale, navel towards spine.". Ultimately this should help one find that tautness in the entire body cavity and begin to awaken the perinium and other diaphrams within the torso. This is the essence of "core strength". Breathing should be done expanding the ribs and lungs of the upper torso, not the belly, unless otherwise instructed for restorative systems.

3. When in downward dog or a forward bend rotate the tops of the thighs toward each other.

This helps us find and isolate the lowest abdominal muscles that seem to be the most difficult to locate and engage. Over time, the inguinal region will become strong, taught and charged with energy and the perenium will engage as well, becomming coordinated and intentional. This will also "lift" the weight out of the hips and give a lightness and bouyancy leading the way to a sensation of "freedom" within the poses.

4. In any position, but especially forward bends, pull the shoulders back away from the ears, giving yourself a long neck.

This furthers the process of creating a suction-like feeling within the cavities of the torso, essential for balance, strength and longevity. The relationship between the shoulder and abdominal region will begin to come to life and increase a sense of lightness within one's posture in general.

Pretty cool stuff, eh? We'll be posting part 2 next week. Stay tuned.

Namaste,

The 'Box

For the next 2 days... 2 classes for $15

2011-06-02T11:40:00.000-07:00

Hi local Shoeboxers!

We are creating a 2 day special, as an incentive to take classes this month. With summer in full swing, we want to make sure you're still coming to the studio :-)

Super simple - 2 classes for $15. They expire July 10th. You can buy as many 2-fers as you want, but only buy as many as you think you can use through July.

Its pretty straight forward and self explanatory.

Here's the link
(You can purchase until Friday at Midnight)

3 Reasons Dancers Should Consider Yoga as a Cross Training Tool

2011-05-18T18:28:00.000-07:00

By Lisa Kotecki

As dancers, we are constantly at high risk of injury. (Ouch, ugh).

Cross training and conditioning absolutely imperative to reduce our risk of injury, and mantain strong and happy bodies. As a dancer that walks into our studio, we want to ensure you get all the skills and training necessary to be at the top of your game. So we added a Ashtanga Yoga with Jennifer, staring May 31st, every Tuesday and Thursday from 7:00 -8:30 AM. (Here's the direct information about the class)

Yoga provides an excellent cross training tool to keep your body happy, muscles strong and invigorated, and mind calm to execute movements. Here are a couple of things to think about when considering yoga as a cross training vehicle for training:

1. Most dancers learn to breath in the top of their chest - Yoga will teach you to breathe in a way that induces a relaxation response. Yogic breathing is not natural, this is only something that can be learned with practice. Result: More stamina in your dance practice.

2. Yoga helps with mind chatter. What does this mean? You know those funky moves that trip you up? Yoga can help you achieve them. Former Ailey dancer turned yoga instructor Jessica Hadari says, "I quit dance and got my yoga certification, and after a couple years off went back to dance. I noticed a big shift in my mind chatter. I used to talk myself out of scary dance moves, like certain jumps and turns. That part was gone, and I found I could center myself enough to execute movements with greater ease." Translation: Yoga will ease your mind so you can master difficult movements with greater ease.

3. Dancers don't typically hold stretches long enough for sustained injury prevention over time. We warm up our bodies, and can jump directly into difficult poses or stretches. Over time this could mean wear and tear on the body, and greater risk to injury. It takes 2-3 minutes of sustained holding for muscle groups to open. Bottom line: Yoga can help with long term sustainable flexibility and decrease chance of injuries.

Happy Dancing!

PS - if you haven't joined our Shoebox Studio SF fan page - its not too late. If you help us get to 400 users by Monday, we have a present for you (see video below)

New Workshop, and Why you Shouldn't Fake it Till You Make It

2011-05-10T19:32:00.000-07:00

Hi Shoeboxers!

I want to introduce myself. My name is Lisa Kotecki, and I've been doing a lot of the behind the scenes work at Shoebox. We may have met on the Facebook page, or at the front desk, or even via email - but if not, allow this to be our first time meeting!

Today I'm writing you to tell you about something I'm doing that we're not supposed to do as dancers, and to let you know about a really hot workshop coming up with Byron later this month. (More details here).

How fun would it be if we just did what others told us to do?

So what is this bad thing I'm doing? Admitting I'm weak, and not letting it stop me from dancing. As dancers we're taught to fake till we make it, and to be fabulous, and out.

Dancers can get a really bad rap for being divas from this attitude. I don't have that. I know when I've walked into a class and felt intimidated because I felt like I was the weakest link in the class, I haven't come back. I'm guilty of thinking, "I can't go to class, I don't want to be the worst person, and feel uncomfortable - as if somehow magically I'm going to get better by "watching' on the sidelines. Its so silly - why would I take class if I already knew what to do?!?

Do you have that experience?

I remember taking a class from a really great teacher from another dance studio. He had a reputation for being rough, but I wanted to learn what he had to teach, so I made the commitment. I went in and, and boy did he picked on me -A LOT. One class he was going around the room doing corrections, and it got to me, and he said "gurl, you've got so much going on, I can't even do anything with that." I laughed, but it really impacted me. Needless to say, it wasn't much longer of taking his class.

Fast forward a couple years later - I was talking to Byron last week about taking his Jumps and Turns class. I told him "Hey Byron, I'm not a jazz dancer, but I really want to take your jumps and turns class. If I take it, I know I'll flail." (because of lack of experience). What he said completely suprised me - He said "gurl, if you're gonna fail, you better own your flail." I was so shocked and inspired by that response - own your flail. He could have gone in the other direction and told me how lucky I'd be to take his class, and what an honor it would be to study with him, because his students who are committed end up going to New York and LA (true story). He could have told me how he's studied and choreographed for some of the biggest names in the business (also true) and how I've gotta tough it out. But no, he just told me to own it, right where I was, and if I stuck it out long enough, I'd get the results I wanted.

Where was he a couple years ago? So you can bet, that I'll be there, on May 28th from 3:00-5:00 owning my flail in his Jumps and Turns Clinic. I'm so grateful for Byron's approach.

This class isn't just for professionals (though by all means if you are one, Byron can really up your game), and it definitely isn't for everyone. Its for dancers committed to their path - not for dancers interested in "looking good" or about "getting it right" but for dancers interested in doing it full on. There's only 8 spots, (7 now that I've taken one), and once they are gone, they're gone. So if you think this is you, you can click here to get your jumps and turns on. Once you get to the page, you click "register" and go through the prompts.

PS - If we haven't met, come say "hi" to me next time you're in the studio. I look forward to seeing you!

How to dance like nobody's watching

2011-03-04T16:17:00.000-08:00

While working in the front at Shoebox, there are a couple of questions/comments that come most frequently when we are having conversations with students:

Do I have the skills to take this class?
I'm going to feel like such an idiot because I don't know what I’m doing.
People are going to look at me like I'm an idiot because I'm going to be awkward.

Here's the deal. People are too self absorbed to care about what you're up to. So many people are so into their process, they don't have time to worry about what you look like! And, the better the dancer they are, the more likely they are looking at themselves in the mirror, focused, making sure they are hitting their marks, learning the moves, and integrating the instruction, that they might not even know you're in the room. So just take a deep breath and learn from that: look in the mirror at yourself, focus on the instruction and integrating it, and don't forget to have a good time!

Ten thousand hours to mastery

For anyone who has ever read Malcom Gladwell's Outliers you know where this is coming from. For those of you who have never read it, here's some highlights (we highly recommend the book). While this isn't meant to be a book review, it really is meant to highlight some very important lessons that Gladwell explores about success. According to his observations, it takes about 10,000 hours to be a "genius" or “master” in your given field. This is about 10 years of full time dedication.

Here are a couple salient examples he notes:

Its no accident the Beatles were the first boy band, and were more successful than other boy bands. They put in more hours in their career before they got famous than most people do after they get famous. (to be specific, they had 1,200 performances before 1964. This is more than most people have in the entire span of their career).

Bill Gates had 10 thousand hours of practice BEFORE starting Microsoft. His genius was not random. He didn't wake up at 18 and decide to create a vision for the personal computer and build Microsoft. He already knew computers, because he started programming in the eight grade.
By the time Mozart had written a critically acclaimed concerto at the age of 21, he had been composing regularly for 10 years

The biggest takeaway is that it takes time to make a mark in the world, and it takes practice and dedication. Talent is not inborn, its cultivated. Gladwell is proposing that, "practice isn't the thing you do once your good. Its the thing you do to make you good." Success is not from a super genius gene, or necessarily from being from the right family. Its from time, dedication and hard work and focus.

Anyone has what it takes

Martha Graham started dancing at 22, and went on to change the shape of an entire dance genre. You don't have to be brilliant, have the right body, or be the right age. You just have to be dedicated and want it bad enough, and show up. In all honesty, most of us don't even want to go pro, or to change the world. We're interested in learning a new skill set, we're interested in having extra exercise, we're interested in expanding performance skills. You don't have to lock yourself away for 10 years for 40 hours to do your time just to have fun in a dance class. You do have to get your butt into class and do the work though. Don't discount yourself because you didn't do it perfect the first time around. You'll never get to perfect, because there is no such thing.

Suggestions for getting yourself to class

Class is a place to explore, to learn and to grow. Not a place to perform. Its the exact place to be messy, make mistakes, and learn and grow from them. So if you're thinking about how you look or what people will think, its the wrong place to think that. Here are the things to consider instead:

Be honest about what your goals are: If your initial goal is just to get to class, that's a good start. And if you get to class and you finish the class, then you've reached your goal. And don't forget to celebrate small wins. If the goal is to get to class, its self defeating to beat yourself up if you didn't understand a certain move - that wasn't your original goal (and its always pointless to beat yourself up for not understanding something). Your goal was to just finish. And you should celebrate that moment and congratulate for sticking it in, because 80% of the work is just showing up.

Put in the time to reach them: If your goal is to learn a particular new move, or to know a choreography, make sure that your time commitments are realistic for your goal. If you've only got 30 minutes a week to work towards your goal, then its going to take you alot longer than if you've got 30 minutes a day, to put things into perspective. If you're not happy with your progress, you may want to adjust the time you're putting in to make it happen.

Don't worry about who else is in the room: You came to class to learn something for yourself, not to see how good (or bad) anyone else is. Just look in the mirror, focus on yourself, and have a good time!

Find a buddy to practice with: If you really want to see yourself accelerate then find someone else who has a similar background (even better if you can find someone a bit more skilled than you to up your game) and make a commitment to meet each other in class. You're more likely to show up if you have someone to be accountable to. And you're also more likely to practice if you have a buddy to get together with.

To your dancin'

~Da Box

PS - If you haven't had a chance to register for the Jumps and Turns Clinic, its happening tomorrow, and a great space to get your practice on. There's a link here to still get in on the early bird pricing, which ends today.

I've got turns on my jumps, I've got jumps on my turns

2011-03-03T15:27:00.000-08:00

We got two words: Byron Seddens. (And for us, those are some pretty exciting words.) Byron has performed, studied, taught and choreographed throughout the United States, Japan, and the Caribbean. And now he'll be teaching in the heart of SOMA at Shoebox Studios on Tuesday nights from 7:15-8:45 PM. But there's something else we're writing about here that we'd like to tell you about. We'd like you to come join us for a special event we've put together with Byron. Please read on to learn more. :-)

After some arm twisting, we've convinced him to do a Turns and Jumps clinic. This is such an amazing opportunity to learn from Byron in an intimate setting, and we're not sure when he will be able to make time again in his busy schedule to do it. If you've been thinking about a way to up your game in your dancing, this is a great opportunity to learn from a world renowned master.

Here are some of the deets:

Turns and Jumps with Byron Seddens
Date: Saturday, March 5, 2011
Time: 1:30-3:30
Where: Shoebox Studio, 864 Folsom St.

This class will focus on the mechanics of jumps and turns. In here we will focus on things such as alignment/placement, timing and those pesky “little” things that may be keeping you from that extra revolution or from executing that dazzling jump the way you wish! Byron has been analyzing and focusing on these areas with his students for years and aiding them in the techniques and “tricks” that help them achieve their goals!

Even more deets:

You don't have to be a professional ballet or jazz dancer.
You do need to know your left foot from your right foot.
If you're a bellydancer or an ethnic dancer, it's an awesome cross training class.
If you are of the ballet/jazz variety, it's gonna up your game.

Curious to learn more? Click here.

We also found this cool video that's an awesome inspiration for the workshop. While we can't guarantee this is what your jumps and turns will look like at the end of the workshop, we still think its a cool video with some insane jumps and turns, and a great source of inspiration.

See ya in the studio!

To jumping and turning~

Team Shoebox

New classes, and a new additions to the Shoebox Family!

2011-03-02T21:50:00.000-08:00

We are so excited to announce three new classes at Shoebox!

Contemporary Partnering & Repertory (level 2/3) with Brian Gibbs (Saturdays,11:30-1:00)
Starts March 5th

About the class: Brian Gibbs will be teaching a brand new rep class designed to challenge the dancers to investigate weight sharing along with numerous contact improv techniques that will allow for smooth transitions into choreographed dance sequences in a fun open environment.

Jazz 2 with Byron Seddens (Tuesdays 7:15 - 8:45)
Starts March15th

This class will focus on the art that is jazz dance. Technique, versatility, performance quality and the nuances that make jazz jazz are what we'll be working.

The class will start off with a thorough warm-up, an across the floor that will challenge the dancer and aid in the material at hand and then go into the combination where we will work it all!

Dancers should bring a great attitude and a readiness to sweat!

From lyrical to theatre dance, from Fosse to funk there will always be something to challenge the jazz dancer in you.

Partnering Salsa with Ashanti Altovese (Fridays, 7:30-8:30)
Starts March 18th

Are you interested in learning how to Salsa dance socially at clubs, parties, and special events? Well instructor Ashanti Altovese can teach you how to do so with style and ease. Over 4 weeks, you will learn basic footwork, lead and follow technique, turn patterns, and simple styling in Salsa for fun. No partner is necessary and all dance levels are welcome.

To register for class click here.

MEET THE NEWEST ADDITION TO THE SHOEBOX FAMILY - BRIAN GIBBS AND BYRON SEDDENS!

A bit more on Brian:

BRIAN GIBBS was born in Charlotte North Carolina. He studied visual arts for 11 years and was also a skateboarder. While attending North West School of the Arts as a visual artist he was invited to take dance class by one of the dance teachers. He went onto the Charlotte City Ballet School for classical training under Claudia Folts. Later he was accepted into the North Carolina School of the Arts college program where he continued his training in Contemporary, Ballet and Composition.

Upon graduation Gibbs moved to San Francisco to freelance and choreograph. His works have been performed onstage by world-class performers, projected during fashion shows and featured in a three-page spread in the summer issue of Movmnt Magazine, with the editorial by recently retired San Francisco Ballet principle Muriel Maffre. Within a years time his association The Artist Group (TAGsf) has accumulated over 30 dance films, shot by videographer Matthew Taylor.

Brian’s choreography is situated between classical technique and contemporary. Modern dancers appreciate it because the movement involves technique, while ballet dancers appreciate it because there is more freedom in the movement. Because his style cannot be grouped into anyone category, Gibbs calls it “Thirdstream” or “Progressive”.

More Brian Hotness found here:

A bit more about Byron:

Byron Seddens - Has worked with some of the best in the business! He has been a featured performer in long running productions for the legendary Jack Cole dancer and jazz dance
innovator Ron Lewis, Broadway and film great Tony Stevens, the award winning Michael Darrin, and for the very busy producer Greg Thompson just to name a few. He has performed for Kraft/
Oscar Meyer, Sorbie Hair Products, Clothestime, Expedia and many others.

More on Byron's Magic:

See you in class!

To your dancin'

Team Shoebox

2 New Hot events for the New Year

2011-01-13T20:32:00.000-08:00

With the New Year in high gear, how have your fitness goals been going?

If you’re looking for a way to keep up the momentum, we have 2 great events we want to share with you!

1. Fridays 7:30-8:45: Ladies Salsa Series with Ashanti Altovese

Women can learn the sensual and energetic dance of Salsa during an 8 week workshop series that focuses on basic footwork, body movement, timing, musicality, and styling. There is no partner necessary and after the class, students are invited to attend a Salsa party from 9:00p.m. until 11:00p.m. to practice their new moves (Salsa party happening every other Friday starting January 14th). With each class, students build on their knowledge by executing Salsa fundamentals within choreographed moves that are common in social dancing. Build confidence, get fit, and learn to Salsa with Ashanti Altovese over the course of 8 weeks and become Salsalicious! (we’ve also got a video below of her performing at our Winter Showcase).

To sign up for Ashanti's class, click here

About Ashanti: Ashanti Altovese Griffin, a professional Salsa dancer with 20 years experience in dance performance, competition, and instruction, is dedicated to female empowerment through dance. As the director of the Dancesport Divas® performance team and dance fitness program, host of the television pilot "Salsa Superstars", CEO of Danscents! The Official Fragrance of Dancesport, and a dance fitness expert and lifestyle guide for Examiner.com and Ballroom Fantasy.com, Ashanti promotes self-confidence in women. With a B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the Illinois Institute of Technology and work experience as a product developer for the Eastman Kodak Company and Kraft Foods, Ashanti utilizes her technical background coupled with her artistic abilities to provide women with products and services that help them discover their inner dancer.

2. Valentine's Showgrrrl Workshop: Sensuality in Motion

A special workshop with Kristina Nekyia happening February 13th, 3-5 PM.

A showgrrrl is a powerful, sexy, self-directed woman of the stage. She is part of you. Find that confident, fully embodied, sensual, raw energy and let it imbue your movements with a new fire. Drawing on the movements of belly dance and burlesque, this workshop addresses how to be sexy onstage in a way that is strong, classy, and completely real. Learn the common pitfalls and cliches to avoid, and strut your stuff in a fun, burlesque style routine. Be your own saucy Valentine!

To sign up for Kristina's workshop, click here

About Kristina:

Kristina Nekyia is a belly dancer, circus contortion dancer, burlesque queen, pin up nymph, actress, fire eater, director, and writer based in Hollywood, California. She was the 2010 First Runner-Up for the title of Queen of Burlesque at the Burlesque Hall of Fame competition in Las Vegas, and she founded and directed The Nekyia, a company of showgrrrls specializing in circus, belly dance, and burlesque.

Class Cancellations for this week (1-3-11 through 1-8-11)

2011-01-03T16:50:00.000-08:00

There will be NO Beginning Graham w/ Erica tonight, 1/3. Erica will be back next week.

There will be NO Jazz 1 or 2 w/Charles Edward. Jazz will be on hold until further notice.

We are sorry for any inconvenience, please come check out one of our other awesome classes!

Update to class schedule!!! Please read!

2010-12-26T15:26:00.000-08:00

Hey Shoeboxers,

Please check the mindbody schedule (found to to the right, under "sign up for classes here") for the most up to date info.

Happy New Year

Classes Cancelled, Limited Class Schedule to resume 12/27

2010-12-22T15:18:00.000-08:00

Hey There!

Just a friendly reminder we are now on day 3 of construction at Shoebox. A limited class schedule as outlined below will resume on 12/27.

Monday:
Dance Conditioning with Erica from 6-7
Contemporary Hip Hop with Kyle Limin from 8:30-10

Wednesday:
Sharqui Workout with Oreet
Jazz 1 w/Charles Edward

Thursday:
Jazz 2 w/Charles Edward 6:30-8:00 PM

Normal class schedule will resume on 1/3.

To sign up online click here

Happy Holidays!!!

Sincerely,

Team Shoebox

PS - Just incase you're wondering about the instructors above - there's a reel of them below! Happy viewing.

January 2011 DANCE CLASS SCHEDULE

2010-12-20T18:57:00.000-08:00

Hi Sheoboxers - we've made some big changes for 2011. Our class schedule below has minor changes. Please stay tuned to the blog for updates on our new Big Shiny Shoebox coming to you. You can sign up directly for any of the classes below by clicking on our class schedule here: http://bit.ly/gBlUng.

Additional classes in the new quarter:
6-7pm Balance & Conditioning for Dancers w/ Gavin on Wednesdays
7:30-8:45 Ladies Salsa Series w/ Ashanti Altovese on Fridays
9-10:30 Level 1 Ballet w/ Carla on Sundays
10:30-12pm Level 2 Ballet w/ Carla on Sundays

Changes to the schedule:
Jazz 1 w/Charles Edward is now 7:15-8:45 on Tuesdays

MONDAYS
6-7pm Dance Conditioning w/ Cera Byer & Erica Pinigis
7-8:30pm Level 1 Bellydance w/Cera
7-8:30pm Level 1 Graham-based Modern w/ Erica
8:30-10pm Contemporary Hip Hop w/ Kyle Limin (Level 2/3, some dance experience HIGHLY recommended)

TUESDAYS
6-7:15pm Level 1 Ballet w/ Carla
7:15-8:30pm Level 1 Hip Hop w/Joanne Mulson
7:15-8:45 Level 1 Jazz w/ Charles Edward
8:30-9:30pm Level 2/3 Hip Hop w/ Daniel Kang

WEDNESDAYS
6-7pm Balance & Conditioning for Dancers w/ Gavin
7:30-8:45 SharQui, the Bellydance Workout w/ Oreet
8-9pm Banghra w/ Ky Doan

THURSDAYS
6-7pm Dance Conditioning w/Cera
6:30-8 Level 2 Jazz w/ Charles Connolly
7-8pm Bellydance Drills & Skills w/ Cera

FRIDAYS
6-7:15pm Adult Beginning Ballet w/Carla
7:15-8:45pm World Fusion Contemporary w/ Cera
7:30-8:45 Ladies Salsa Series w/ Ashanti Altovese

SATURDAYS
10:15 – 11:15 $5 Pilates w/ Cera
11:30 – 1 Fusion Bellydance Levels 1 & 2 w/ Cera

SUNDAYS
9-10:30 Level 1 Ballet w/ Carla
10:30-12pm Level 2 Ballet w/ Carla
12-1:30pm Suhaila Salimpour Format Bellydance Level 1 w/ Andrea Sendek
1:30-3:30pm Suhaila Salimpour Format Bellydance Level 2 w/ Andrea

Classes Cancelled

2010-12-20T09:46:00.000-08:00

Happy Holidays!

Classes will be canceled at Shoebox Studio from 12/20-12/26, resuming a limited schedule starting on 12/27. We're going to have a shiny new Box for you in the New Year!

Please check the schedule here for the most up to date information: http://bit.ly/gBlUng.

Shoebox Studios GRAND OPENING Weekend @ 864 Folsom!

2010-03-19T18:01:00.000-07:00

In this issue...

* Join us! Grand Opening Party, April 3rd
* April 4th - Open House Day of Classes
* Preview of Auction Items up for grabs - Get on 'em!
* New SBS Faculty - Daniel Kang
* Still Accepting Online Donations

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Join us! Grand Opening Party, April 3rd

Please join us on Saturday, April 3rd for a weekend of festivities to christen our gorgeous new space at 864 Folsom St.

5-7pm: Wine/Appetizer Reception + Silent Auction (all ages, no cover)

Join us for a silent auction of goods, services, and artworks by local purveyors! Appetizers generously provided by our neighbors at Oola, music by Rhubarb Whiskey.
Below you'll find a list of the items that are up for grabs - Bidding starts as low as $25, every dollar goes to helping SBS with relocation costs on our new space!

7-11pm: Party & Performance (all ages, $5+ Donation, no one turned away)

After the auction, join us for an evening of drinks, dancing, hot performances, and more to celebrate the opening of our new space!
Performances by...
SF's best acoustic duo Vagabondage
Beatboxer Cody Gianotti w/ dance by Robin Carlson
Shredder the amazing fire-hoop artist of Vau De Vire Society
Bellydancers Gibson Pearl, Michelle Reynolds, and Songya
Troupe Evil Eye
Damage Control Dance Theater
and Bellydance Superstar Kami Liddle.

Dont miss us for this amazing night of celebration!

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April 4th - Open House Day of Classes

On April 4th, join us for our inaugural day of classes at the new space!

Come and dance all day, for only $10+ donation - no one turned away for lack of funds.

10-10:30am: Mimosa + Coffee Reception
10:30-11am: Conditioning Warm Up w/ Cera
11-11:50am: Bellydance w/ Cera
Noon12:50pm: Hip Hop w/ Daniel Kang
1pm-1:50pm: Capoeira w/ Mico
2-2:50pm: Contemporary w/ Cera
3-3:50pm: Capoeira w/ Mico
4-4:50pm: Hip Hop w/ Daniel Kang
5-5:50pm: Bellydance Drills w/ Michelle

6pm-?? stretch, gab, hang, marvel at how hot our new space is.

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Preview of Auction Items up for grabs - Get on 'em!

* 1 Hour massage from Whitney Moses($80 value - www.whitneymoses.com)
* 1 Hour personal training session with Maggie($60+ value)
* 3 1-Hour personal training session with Cera ($180+ value)
* Orchid arrangement from Beautiful Orchids ($100+ value - http://www.beautifulorchids.com)
* GMME gift basket form Yvonne of DCDT, GMME Bakery ($25+ value - www.gmme.com)
* 1 Hour private bellydance lesson with Michelle ($50+ value - www.norulesdance.com)
* Starbucks gift basket from Michelle ($50+ value)
* Hair treatment from Atelier Emmanuel Salon ($95 value - www.atelieremmanuel.com)
* 1 Hour private TRX session
* Bellydance Bra, belt & jewelry from Oriol of Bellydance Mafia ($100 value)
* Custom costume design by Najla of DCDT ($100+ value)
* Free private Capoeira lesson w/ Mico ($50+ value)
* Original t-shirt by Vanina of 12 Mood Studios ($25+ value - http://www.12moodstudio.com)
* 1 costume item + 1 $50 gift certificate from Medina Maitreya (each over $50 value - http://www.etsy.com/shop/medinamaitreya)
* 2 hour home or office design consultation by LabExperiment ($150+ value - www.labexperiment.com)
* 1 $50 gift certificate to the Las Vegas Bellydance Intensive (www.bellydanceintensive.com)
* 1 headshot photoshoot w/ TabooMedia.com($100+ value - www.taboomedia.com)
* 1 one-hour massage by Alannah ($80+ value)
* 1 private bellydance lesson, plus hip scarf, veil, and finger cymbals, with Jackie Morris ($100+ value - www.jmorrisbellydance.com)
* 1 original piece of artwork by JD Schrieber ($50+ value)
* Apple Seed ring (in silver) from designer Anne Arden McDonald ($75 value - http://www.anneardenmcdonald.com/noflash/jewelry.html)

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In other news....
Welcome our newest family member - DANIEL KANG!

Tuesday nights, beginning April 6th:
Hip Hop w/ Daniel Kang
Beginning, 6-7pm, Intermediate/Advanced 7-8pm

Daniel Kang first started dancing at San Jose State University with beggining hip hop classes and soon realized that this was something he loved doing. After only one year of taking dance classes, Daniel was invited to join several local dance teams, and quickly found himself a home with Culture Shock Oakland. After a few years of training, Daniel was awarded the pleasure and honor of being named Culture Shock Oakland's artistic director, which allowed him to grow and gain the knowledge to start his own company, Groove Against the Machine . Daniel would describe his dance style as simple, effective and style heavy and loves anything he can groove to. He wishes to share his love and vision of dance with anyone whos there to learn.

Come and sample Daniel's new classes at our Open House day, Sunday April 4th.

Check out some videos of Daniel doin his thing:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_S5IRtS0fTE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajAlfCwIsQE

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Still Collecting Online Donations

If you cannot attend our April 3rd & 4th events, but would still like to support SBS's expansion efforts, please donate online via paypal!
Send your donations to shoeboxstudio@gmail.com, or visit www.shoeboxsf.com/moving, where you can find a list of donation awards available to you for your generosity.

Thank you so much for all of your support.

OCTOBER newsletter!

2009-10-07T17:47:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,
Can you believe it's October already? We have a lot going on here at the 'Box, including the start of Winter Performance Workshops, some exciting new offerings, a new class time for salsa, preparations for our TWO Year Anniversary party (which we hope you'll all attend), and more.
We are excited to celebrate TWO YEARS of sharing our love of movement with all of you. We hope our 3rd year is even bigger & better! Come join us for workshops, partying, and classes - and let's celebrate!

See you soon,
Cera & Shoebox Studio

*******************************************
1) New Session begins - Winter Performance Workshops begin October 24th
2) NEW CLASS! - Monday Night Bootcamp
3) NEW CLASS TIME - Salsa Rueda w/ Nick & Serena
4) Dia De Los Muertos TWO Year ANNIVERSARY BASH! - Performers wanted
5) NEW PROGRAM! - Shoebox - New Years Resolution Lab
********************************************

1) New Session begins - Winter Performance Workshops begin October 24th

Fall session FLEW by, and now it is time to start working on our THIRD Annual Holiday Performance Showcase! Our student recitals have been getting bigger and better every time, and this one should be no different!

Each workshop runs for 8 weeks, beginning October 23rd and culminating in the Student Showcase on December 18th.
You do not have to perform to take the workshop, but it's highly encouraged! (Classes that take place on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday may miss 1 week for Thanksgiving holiday).

Cost: $115
Drop in rate during workshop session: $15 - YOU CAN STILL DROP IN during workshop sessions!

Participating classes:
Salsa Rueda w/ Nick & Serena: Mondays, 7-8pm (Oct.26-Dec.14), All levels
Hip Hop Fusion Bellydance w/ Brittney: Mondays, 8-9:30pm (Oct. 26-Dec.15), All Levels
World Fusion Contemporary w/ Cera: Tuesdays, 6:30-8pm (Oct. 27-Dec.12)
Zumba w/ Claire: Tuesdays, 8:15-9:15pm (Oct. 27-Dec.12)
Hip Hop w/ Cera: Wednesdays, 7-8pm (Oct.28-Dec.16th), All Levels
Bellydance Drills & Skills w/ Michelle: Thursdays, 7-8pm (Oct. 28-Nov.19, Dec. 3-Dec.17th), All Levels - NOTE: No Class on Thanksgiving Holiday. Pro-rated at $105
Lebanese Bellydance w/ Najla: Thursdays, 8-9:30pm (Oct. 28-Nov.19, Dec. 3-Dec.17th), All Levels - NOTE: No Class on Thanksgiving Holiday. Pro-rated at $105
Modern Fusion w/ Cera: Fridays, 6-7:30pm (Oct. 29-Dec.12), All Levels
Int/Adv Tribal Fusion w/ Cera: Saturdays, 11:30-1pm, (Oct 24th. 14-Dec. 12th), Intermediate/Advanced - Some bellydance experience STRONGLY recommended
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2) NEW CLASS! Monday Night Bootcamp
Mondays, 6-7pm

No Frills, No nonsense, No excuses - Just BOOTCAMP. If you wanna get your butt kicked into gear, come get your workout on. Monday nights at Shoebox are gonna whip you into SHAPE!

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3) New Class Time for Salsa w/ Nick & Serena
Mondays, 7-8pm

Salsa folks said they were incapable of dancing while there was still light in the sky.
Please make a note in your schedule!

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4) Dia De Los Muertos TWO Year ANNIVERSARY BASH! - Performers wanted
Friday, October 30th
8pm-??

We've made it TWO years here at 855 Folsom! To celebrate, we're having our third Dia De Los Muertos themed party.
We'd love it if any of our students or friends would like to showcase their talent at this party. If you'd like to perform, hit reply and let us know.
The night will also feature a Day of the Dead Costume Contest, Raffle prizes, and performances all night! Win free classes! See your favorite teachers perform! Celebrate two amazing years of classes at the 'box!

*********************************

5) NEW PROGRAM! - Shoebox - New Years Resolution Lab

If you have been wanting to start a new fitness regimen, change your eating habits, or turn over a new leaf in your life, the New Years Resolution Lab may be for you.
This 8 week program will take a small, dedicated group of people through a transformation process of mind, body, spirit, and most importantly - daily habits.
This process will include small group fitness classes, talks with a nutritionist + chef, reframing the role of nutrition and exercise in your life, and more.

This program is still being developed, but we are compiling a list of interested participants and their availability.
If this sounds like something that may be for you, please email shoeboxstudio@gmail.com with the subject "New Years Resolution Lab" and let us know you'd like to stay in the loop!

*********************************

See you all soon!

www.shoeboxsf.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/shoebox-studio-san-francisco

August Newsletter

2009-08-11T14:33:00.001-07:00

Hey Shoeboxers,
August snuck in so fast we almost missed it!
We've been workin' hard over here at the box, and the teachers, students, and companies who rehearse here have been performing all over the bay area for the past few weeks - including with Amanda Palmer at the Fire Arts Festival, at the SF Mecca Immersion, and UNMATA's Human Rodeo. It's been a big couple of months for Shoebox dancers!

Please take note of a couple of important bits of info below - first, our student show is just around the corner, on August 28th! Second, beginning next week, there will be a later start time for Zumba with Claire, so please get all the info below, and update your calendars.

See you all soon,
Cera & SBS

********************************
In this newsletter...

1) Shoebox Student Showcase, August 28th, 8pm, Dark Room Theater
2) New Time for Zumba w/ Claire
3) Bring A Friend, Save Some Cash
4) Shoebox Lost & Found

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1) Shoebox Student Showcase, August 28th, 8pm, Dark Room Theater

Join us for the 2nd Annual Summer Student Showcase!
Date: Friday, August 28th
Time: 8pm
Where: The Dark Room Theater, 2263 Mission St, SF
Admission: $10+ Donation

Featuring performances by the students of:
Brittney's Hip Hop Bellydance Fusion class
Cera's World Fusion Contemporary & Hip Hop classes
& Najla's Lebanese Bellydance class

And featuring guest performances by:
Salsa Vale Todo (Nick & Serena's professional salsa team!)
Eve Adelfi
Bri Hurley
Kitiera Moorehead
Hello, Vixen!
Claire Furlotte (our Zumba teacher)
Clandestine
The Bellydance Mafia (The Shoebox Studio Troupe)
Cody Gianotti (Flute/Beatboxer)
& of course, DCDT

A packed night of performances for only $10, and limited to only 50 people! Come see what your friends and family have been doin all summer at Shoebox!

Get Tix online here: http://sbsstudentshow.eventbrite.com/

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2) New Time for Zumba w/ Claire

Beginning August 18th, Zumba will be 8:15-9:15 pm. Please update your calendars!

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3) Bring A Friend, Save Some Cash

For the months of August & September, if you bring a friend to Shoebox, you both receive $2 off drop in, or $10 off a 10-class card. Come dance with us!

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4) Shoebox Lost & Found

Are you missing your water bottle? Sunglasses? Socks? Sweatshirts? Did you know that SBS has a lost & found? Next time you're here, check the bench by the front door, or ask Cera if she's seen your missing stuff - when we find things we keep them here for you...unless they're really cute, and then you may find us wearing them....

May-jor New Offerings at Shoebox (sorry for the cheese, we couldn't resist...)

2009-05-03T16:18:00.001-07:00

Hey Shoeboxers,
It's an exciting month here at the studio! We've made some major (May-jor. Get it!? Nyuk nyuk) changes to our schedule, and we have some great workshops (including a FREE one), and a big party coming up for the month of May. Read on for all the information.
See you at the studio!
-Cera & Shoebox Studio

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In This Newsletter

1) NEW Class Schedule
2) FREE "Bellydance Improv Skills" Workshop w/ Najla - May 7th
3) "Beyond Bellydance Basics" A 2-part Workshop series w/ Rose Harden, May 5 & 12
4) "Breakin' Belly" Workshop w/ Kamille (Rockabelly) & Shelly (B-Girl) - May 30th
5) Cera's Birthday Bash + DCDT Fundraiser - May 8th
6) Rent Shoebox for workshops, classes, events, etc
7) Vote for Shoebox in SFGate's Best of the Bay Contest

********************************************

1) New Class Schedule

Major changes are being made to our weekly schedule - please read on and note the new stuff!

MONDAYS:
6:30-7:30pm: Salsa w/ Nick & Serena
7:30-9pm: *Hip Hop Bellydance Fusion w/ Brittney Laleh Banaei - beginning May 11th

TUESDAYS:
6-6:30pm: Dance Conditioning w/ Cera
6:30-8pm: *World Fusion Modern w/ Cera (Beginning May 19th)
8-9pm: *Cardio Dance Workout (Beginning May 19th) w/ Claire Furlotte

WEDNESDAYS:
6-6:30pm: Dance Conditioning w/ Cera
6:30-8pm: Fusion Bellydance Level 1 w/ Cera
8-10pm: Damage Control Dance Theater Rehearsal (Private)

THURSDAYS:
6-7pm: Yoga/Pilates Combo w/ Cera
7-8pm: Hip Hop w/ Cera
8-9:30pm: Bellydance Improv Skills w/ Najla (Beginning May 7th with a FREE workshop!)

FRIDAYS:
6-7:30pm: World Fusion Modern w/ Cera

SATURDAYS:
10:15-11am: $5 Pilates
11:30a-1pm: Fusion Bellydance Levels 1 & 2 w/ Cera
1:30-3:30pm: Studio Troupe Rehearsal (Private)

* New Class, Please visit website for complete class description + instructor bio.

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2) FREE "Bellydance Improv + Performance Skills" Workshop w/ Najla - May 7th

This free workshop is the kickoff to our new Thursday night class, Bellydance Improv + Performance Skills.
This mixed-level class will include warm up, drills, and improv exercises for the solo dancer. Students will come away with a solid introduction to traditional bellydance technique and solo improvisational performance skills.

Najla has been practicing traditional Middle Eastern dances since the age of four. She first learned debkes from her grandmother, who began the Folk Dance Festival at the American University of Beirut. She continued to train in ballet and modern, and then met Alexandra King at UCSB, with whom she studied American Cabaret, Persian Classical, Uzbek, Turkish Romany, and Ghawazee for six years and was a member of Seher Dance Company. Aside from studying with masters of their craft such as Leila Haddad, Amel Taftsout, Nanna Candelaria, and Cera Byer, Najla has a wealth of experience as a solo dancer, and has spent her dance life honing and defining her interpretation of what Lebanese style is. She is currently a principle member of Damage Control Dance Theatre.

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3) Beyond the Basics - Two Special Classes with Rose Harden
Tuesdays May 5th & 12th, 6-7:30pm

Don't miss this exciting opportunity to study contemporary belly dance with Rose Harden. Over 7 years of performing and teaching with Ultra Gypsy during a formative time for tribal fusion has given her unique insight to sharing the essentials of great technique, dynamic presence and the joy of this dance form.

This special two week session is geared toward the intermediate/advanced dancer. Each session starts with Rose's comprehensive approach to integrating core strength and dance movement in the warmup to enhance your dancing. We will move through drills, advanced combos, and spins, with an emphasis on performance preparation. It's time to up the anti ladies!
Spaces are limited so sign up now!
http://beyondbasicswithrose.eventbrite.com/

**************************************************
4) "Breakin' Belly" Workshop w/ Kamille (Rockabelly) & Shelly (B-Girl) - May 30th

Full details on this awesome workshop will be up on the website VERY soon. Check for details!

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5) Cera's Birthday Bash + DCDT Fundraiser
May 8th, 8-11pm
PUSH Studio, 864 Folsom St. (directly across the street from Shoebox)

For the 4th year running, I will be throwing an "anything goes" art salon for my birthday. This year will be the biggest and raddest yet - It's gotten so big that we've had to upgrade to a swankier venue, the new Push Studio art gallery!
We will be doing performances, drinkin' wine, hangin out, and raising cash for DCDT's upcoming evening length show, CAVE. Please come out and show your love & support.

Featuring performances by...
Kamille Raks Bellydance (Rockabelly)
Photon (Beatbox Flautist, in his 3rd Bday Art Salon appearance...)
Team Lexington
Room for Cream (featuring JD Limelight, rockin his 4th year Saloning it up)
April & Three Sisters Bellydance
Claire Furlotte
The Bellydance Mafia
Expansion Dance Theater (led by NEW SBS teacher, Brittney Laleh Banaei)
Deb Rubin
Damage Control Dance Theater
Kami Liddle (Bellydance Superstars)

....and MORE!

Raffle prizes! Silent Auction! Amazing art! Tarot Readings! Your friends! Come celebrate....

$5+ Donation at the door (no one turned away)

(* if you would like to perform/exhibit work at this or any other DCDT fundraiser, please let me know by hitting reply to this email)

******************************************

6) Rent Shoebox for workshops, classes, events, etc

Shoebox is available for classes, workshops, meetings, parties, photoshoots, special events...you know. Whatever you need it for, really! If you are interested in renting Shoebox for an event, please email Cera or hit reply to this email. Discounted rates are available to regular students.

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7) Vote Shoebox BEST OF THE BAY in SF Gate

Shoebox has been nominated for SFGate's Best of the Bay! Please show your love and support by voting here:
http://baylist.sfgate.com/shoebox-studio-sf/biz/178492?utm_source=shoebox-studio-sf&utm_medium=reciprocallink&utm_campaign=reciprocallinks

March at the Shoebox! New Session!

2009-03-05T11:25:00.000-08:00

Hello Shoeboxers,
Stay out of the spring showers by stepping it up at Shoebox! (Then say that 5x fast. Yes, we're cheesy.)
March 4th begins our Spring Session of classes, and we've got some great new offerings for you, in addition to old favorites, special requests, and fun events!

Some Highlights:

* SAMBA! w/ Tika Morgan

* Special one-time workshop with Najla Turczyn of Damage Control Dance Theater, on Raqs Sharki fundamentals and Lebanese Stylization for Bellydance.

* Shoebox Clothing Swap!

* Weekend intensive featuring Deb Rubin and Bellydance Superstar Aubre

...and more!

Please read on for all info + schedule changes, plus upcoming events.

See you in the studio,
Cera & Shoebox Studio

***********************************************
In This Newsletter...

1) NEW CLASSES! Samba, Pilates/Yoga Combo, New Class time for Hip Hop
2) New Class PRICING for Dance Conditioning classes
3) Raqs Sharki & Lebanese Stylization workshop w/ Najla
4) Bellydance Body - Full Weekend Intensive w/ Deb Rubin & Aubre
5) Shoebox Clothing Swap - Just in Time for Spring Cleaning!
6) Rent Shoebox for meetings, events, rehearsals, and more
7) Bring a Friend DISCOUNT - $10 off class cards when you bring a friend in March

***********************************************

1) New Classes! Spring Session, March 4th-May 10th

Tuesdays (Beginning March 10-April 28th):
Samba w/ Tika Morgan, 6:30-7:30pm (Check website for class description, or click here for a sample video on youtube! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yh8KcxN0i4o)

Thursdays (Beginning March 12th):
Pilates/Yoga Combo w/ Cera, 6-7pm, $10 (or $5 if you take 6 & 7pm classes)
Hip Hop Fusion w/ Cera, 7-8pm (You asked, we listened! Hip Hop is back to it's old time on Thursdays!)

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2) New Class PRICING for Dance Conditioning classes - $5 if you're taking both classes!

Many of you have been attending Dance Conditioning as a "warm up" for the class following it, which makes your class night rather expensive.
Now, If you take Dance Conditioning back to back with any other class, it's half price! That means $5 for Dance Conditioning, or the new Pilates Yoga Combo class, if you're taking the class after it as well.
If you have a class card, each Dance Conditioning class will be marked as 1/2 a class, so you also get 1/2 off.

If you're just dropping in for Dance Conditioning or Pilates Yoga Combo without taking the second class, the price remains $10.

*************************************************
3) Raqs Sharki Fundamentals & Lebanese Stylization workshop w/ Najla
Thursday, March 5th, 6:30-8pm
$20

Special 1-time workshop with Najla Turczyn of Damage Control Dance Theater.
In this mixed level workshop, Najla brings a lifetime of bellydance experience to you and breaks down some of the fundamentals of traditional Raqs Sharki along with specific Lebanese stylization.

Only $20 at the door, no advance registration required. Students of all levels encouraged to attend.

*************************************************

4) Bellydance Body - Full Weekend Intensive w/ Deb Rubin & Aubre
Sat March 21, 1:00-6:00 PM
Sun March 22, 1:00-5:00 PM

Biomechanics, Therapeutics, & Embodiment for Dancers—from both Yogic and Pilates perspectives. Injury rehab. and therapeutics for Dancers. With Aubre Hill & Deb Rubin. 9 full hours of study.
This workshop weekend will assist you in radically shifting bellydance posture and technique, and freeing up new movement pathways to support healthy, embodied dancers. We will discuss injury prevention and self-care; learn ways of protecting overused areas in bellydance--such as psoas, low back, and hips--, and deepen our practices to stretch, strengthen, and activate the body in preparation for bellydance. A great foundation for any level dancer, of any style bellydance.
Pls. bring a yoga mat, a journal for note taking, and water bottle.
We invite you to also bring your specific questions, ailments, or injury concerns to be addressed.

$145 before Feb 14th; $160 at the door.
Paypal: deb@sfmeccaimmersion.com to reserve your spot.

For more info, click here: http://shoeboxsf.com/workshops.php

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5) Shoebox Clothing Swap - Just in Time for Spring Cleaning!
Sunday March 15th, 11am-1pm

All last month a big topic of discussion in classes was re-organization, getting rid of things, and starting fresh - which means folks around here have got the Spring Cleaning bug, big time! The Beginning Bellydance class proposed a clothing swap, which we think sounds like a blast.
Sunday, March 15th, show up with all the clothes* you are ready to part with, and be prepared to take a few new things home! But, you wont have to bring home anything you dont want - Everything that doesn't get claimed will be donated to Out of the Closet Thriftstore.
Feel free to bring snacks or juice to share. We'll put on music, spread out on the floor, and find some new treasures.

*Not limited to clothes! Feel free to bring jewelry, makeup, costuming items, housewares, anything you're ready to part with or swap for.

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6) Rent Shoebox for meetings, events, rehearsals, and more

Shoebox is available during weekdays, Saturday nights, and now Sunday afternoons, for meetings, events, rehearsals, art groups, or whatever else you might need some extra space for. Rentals are only $15/hr, or $12 an hour for folks who have a 10-class card or Monthly Dancer Card.
To rent Shoebox, simply hit reply to this email, or call us at (415) 861-5976

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7) Bring a Friend DISCOUNT - $10 off a Class card when you bring a friend in March

For the month of March, if you bring a friend with you to class, you'll BOTH receive $10 off a 10-class card or Monthly Dancer Card!

Also, the best advertising for Shoebox is YOU. If you love it here at SBS, please tell your friends, family, facebook status, barber, everybody, about our little studio. Spread the joy of dance with your friends and neighbors!

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See you in the Studio!

February At the Shoebox!

2009-02-10T08:59:00.000-08:00

Hello Shoeboxers,
We hope your 2009 is rockin' so far!
We have a great workshop coming up in February featuring our own Deb Rubin with guest Bellydance Superstar Aubre, in addition to our regular offering of awesome classes.

Also new, our Friday afternoon Yoga class with Christie is now available as a drop in class for only $10.

Please read on for info about upcoming events, and a special performance opportunity for dancers.

See you in the studio,
Cera & Shoebox Studio

***********************************************
In This Newsletter...

1) Bellydance Body - Full Weekend Intensive w/ Deb Rubin & Aubre
2) Friday Afternoon Yoga w/ Christie
3) Featured Class of the month: Salsa Rueda w/ Nick & Serena
4) DISCOUNT - $10 off the Monthly Pass/Dancer card in March
5) Discounted Personal Training w/ Cera

AND: Performance Opportunity for Dancers!

***********************************************

1) Bellydance Body - Full Weekend Intensive w/ Deb Rubin & Aubre
Sat Feb 21, 1:00-6:00 PM
Sun Feb 22, 1:00-5:00 PM

Biomechanics, Therapeutics, & Embodiment for Dancers—from both Yogic and Pilates perspectives. Injury rehab. and therapeutics for Dancers. With Aubre Hill & Deb Rubin. 9 full hours of study!

This workshop weekend will assist you in radically shifting bellydance posture and technique, and freeing up new movement pathways to support healthy, embodied dancers. We will discuss injury prevention and self-care; learn ways of protecting overused areas in bellydance--such as psoas, low back, and hips--, and deepen our practices to stretch, strengthen, and activate the body in preparation for bellydance. A great foundation for any level dancer, of any style bellydance.
Pls. bring a yoga mat, a journal for note taking, and water bottle.
We invite you to also bring your specific questions, ailments, or injury concerns to be addressed.

$145 before Feb 14th; $160 at the door.

Paypal: deb@sfmeccaimmersion.com to reserve your spot.

For more info, click here: http://shoeboxsf.com/workshops.php

*************************************************

2) Friday Afternoon Vinyasa Yoga w/ Christie
Fridays, 1-2pm
$10 drop in or $35/month

Christie teaches Vinyasa Yoga and challenges students to open their physical body and deepen their mental awareness, moving toward balance. Vinyasa yoga synchronizes ujjayi breath with a fluid sequence of poses building internal heat to cleanse the body and ultimately the mind. Christie's teaching is gentle, encouraging, and supportive, and moves students of all levels toward new levels of excellence.
Until now, this class has been private to employees of VideoEgg, but is now open to all! Come experience the powerful transformation of Yoga.

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3) Featured Class of the month: Salsa Rueda w/ Nick & Serena
Monday's, 6:30-7:30, $13

Get set for Nick & Serena's San Francisco Salsa Festival (http://salsaruedafestival.com/) with some Rueda classes!
Learn all the basic, beginning, and intermediate moves for Salsa Rueda. Come be part of the exciting global community of Salsa Rueda!
For the past 8 years, Nick has been teaching Salsa and in particular, Cuban style Salsa, bringing to it his existing concepts of connection, balance, and fluidity. Nick combines decades of Cuban tradition with modern movement concepts of space, timing, and flow. Presently, he teaches club-style Salsa, Rueda de Casino, cha cha cha, son, and several martial arts. Nick has trained and taught all over the U.S., including extended periods in Miami, New York, and Texas. He has also taught in Hawaii, and all over California. He has taught at numerous Salsa Congresses, Festivals and Cruises and is the co-star of "The Quick And Dirty Guide To Salsa vol. 4".

See a video of Nick & Salsa Rueda in action.

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4) DISCOUNT - $10 off the Monthly Pass/Dancer card in March

Gear up for spring! Beginning March 1, you can receive $10 off any Monthly Dancer Card. The monthly card allows you to take unlimited classes at the Shoebox for the month. Usually $120, for the month of March it will be marked down to $110.
This is great for students who plan to take 3 classes/week or more!

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5) Discounted Personal Training w/ Cera

Get support for all of your resolutions, changes, and new beginnings.
Personal Training is an excellent way to stay active, fit, committed, and focused!
Sessions are built around your personal fitness goals and are designed to motivate, inspire, and challenge even the couchiest of couch potatoes.
Now you can have custom work outs developed for you by Cera at prices starting from $60/session, including weekly phone and email support.
Online Fitness Coaching is also available starting at $100/month!
Visit http://www.cerawithac.com/personaltraining to sign up for a FREE consultation and read client reviews.

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- Performance Opportunity for Dancers! -

Cera & Damage Control Dance Theater are developing an evening length show, which will premier Summer 2009.
We are taking on a cast of 10-15 dancers.

Dancers should have a strong background in one or more of the following:
Bellydance
Modern
Hip Hop
and/or other forms of ethnic dance

We also have an opening for 2 tissue/silk aerialsts.

Ability to isolate, undulate, and get off the ground is essential, along with a strong work ethic, commitment, and a drive to push yourself as a dancer, an artist, and a person.

Auditions will be held: Sunday, February 15th, 5-8pm
Callbacks will be held: Wednesday, February 18th, 8-10pm

Location: The Garage Theater 975 Howard st.

No need to bring a prepared piece. If you have a resume, please bring it with you.

For more info, visit our invite on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=logo#/event.php?eid=48895797399

Happy New Year! Winter Schedule, New Classes, and MORE from SBS

2008-12-26T12:55:00.001-08:00

Hello friends,
Can you believe it's 2009 already!?!
We hope you're all having a restful and rejuvenating holiday season.
First off, THANK YOU to all the dancers, teachers, friends and family who came out for our 2nd Annual Holiday Student Showcase! The DVD's are DONE (that's right! they're done!) and we have them here at the studio for $10. All proceeds go to Justin Whitney, our wonderful videographer. We will have a viewing party this Saturday, so come by and watch yourself on screen!

For those of you itching to get back to class, we are offering a special, limited "holiday" schedule from December 27-Jan 2nd.

Our full Winter Schedule begins Saturday, January 3rd. For 2009 we're unveiling some exciting new classes at the Shoebox, including Yoga & Bellydance with Deb Rubin, 30 minute Dance Conditioning classes throughout the week, and a new "Leveled" Fusion Bellydance curriculum with Cera.

Please read on below for the holiday schedule, the NEW winter schedule, and more!

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In This Newsletter...

1) Holiday Student Show DVD viewing party - Saturday, Dec. 27th, 5pm
2) Holiday Schedule, Dec. 27th-Jan 2nd
3) Winter 2009 Class Schedule - Some day/time changes + NEW CLASSES
4) DISCOUNT - $100 for a 10-class card, all of January 2009
5) Join the Shoebox page on FACEBOOK
6) Discounted Personal Training w/ Cera for January

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1) Holiday Student Show DVD viewing party - Saturday, Dec. 27th, 5pm

The DVD's from the student show are here, and they look AMAZING! Join us for a DVD viewing party on Saturday, Dec. 27th at 5pm. Please feel free to bring Food & Drink to share!
DVD's are available to show participants for $10.

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2) Holiday Schedule, Dec. 27th-Jan 2nd
You can also find this information on the front page of our website.
This schedule is valid ONLY December 27-Jan 2nd.

Saturday, December 27
11:00 AM -12:00 PM	$5 Pilates
12:00 PM - 1:30 PM	Mixed Level Bellydance

Monday, December 29
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM	Yoga/Pilates Combo
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM	Capoeira

Tuesday, December 30
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM	Yoga/Pilates Combo
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM	Hip Hop Fusion
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM	Mixed Level Bellydance

Wednesday, December 31
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM	Yoga/Pilates Combo

Friday, January 2
1:00 PM - 2:00 PM	Champagne Pilates
6:00 PM - 7:30 PM	Modern Fusion

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3) Winter 2009 Class Schedule - Some day/time changes + NEW CLASSES

Saturdays
10:15 AM -11:00 AM	$5 Pilates
11:30 PM - 1:00 PM 1:30 - 3:30 PM	Fusion Bellydance Levels 1&2 w/ Cera Studio Troupe Rehearsal

Mondays
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM	Salsa Rueda w/ Nick & Serena ($13)
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM	Capoeira w/ Saul

Tuesdays
6:00 PM - 6:30 PM	Dance Conditioning w/ Cera ($10)
6:30 PM - 7:30 PM	Hip Hop Fusion w/ Cera
7:30 PM - 9:00 PM	American Cabaret Bellydance w/ Nanna

Wednesdays
6:00 PM - 6:30 PM	Dance Conditioning w/ Cera ($10)
6:30 PM - 8:00 PM	Fusion Bellydance Level 1 w/ Cera

Thursdays
6:30-8 PM	Yoga & Bellydance w/ Deb Rubin * NEW!
8:00 PM - 9:30 PM	Fusion Bellydance Drills & Basics w/ Gibson Pearl

Fridays

6:00 PM - 7:30 PM	Modern Fusion w/ Cera

Complete schedule and class descriptions will be available on the website ASAP.

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4) DISCOUNT - $100 for a 10-class card, all of January 2009

For the entire month of January you can pick up a 10-class card for only $100 (a savings of $30)! You can order discounted class cards for yourself, or as a gift for someone else, either on our website, or here at the studio. Class cards are valid for all classes except $5 Pilates, and are valid for 6 months from purchase date. Happy dancing!

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5) Join the Shoebox page on FACEBOOK

Hear about upcoming classes and events, view photos and videos, and chat with other Shoebox students + fans on Facebook! Show your studio support and add the Shoebox page to your favorites!

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shoebox-Studio/31582208038?ref=ts

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6) Discounted Personal Training w/ Cera for January

January is traditionally the time of resolutions, changes, and new beginnings.
An excellent way to stay active, fit, committed, and focused is Personal Training!
Sessions are built around your personal fitness goals and are designed to motivate, inspire, and challenge even the couchiest of couch potatoes.
For the month of January, you can work out with Cera at prices starting from $60/session, including weekly phone and email support.
Online Fitness Coaching is also available starting at $100/month!
Visit http://www.cerawithac.com/personaltraining to sign up for a FREE consultation and read client reviews.

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Happy New Year & We'll see you soon!

AND, DON'T MISS...
The Breakthrough Fusion Bellydance Competition, January 4th, 2009
The kick-off Bellydance event of '09!
http://www.breakthroughdance.com

October @ Shoebox!

2008-10-11T16:16:00.000-07:00

Hello friends,
Can you believe it's October already? We have a lot going on here at the 'Box, including the start of Winter Performance Workshops with some exciting new offerings, the registration deadline for the November Yoga Intensive with Tanya Lee, and preparations for our 1 Year Anniversary party (which we hope you'll all attend).
What has made this year so special for us is getting to share our love of movement with all of you. We hope our 2nd year is even bigger & better! Come join us for workshops, partying, and classes - and let's celebrate!

See you soon,
Cera, Omar, & Shoebox Studio

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1) New Session begins - Winter Performance Workshops begin October 10th
2) October 15th Registration DEADLINE for Tanya Lee's Power Yoga Fusion Workshop/Intensive
3) 3rd Fridays party, October 17th
4) Dia De Los Muertos 1 Year ANNIVERSARY BASH! - Performers wanted
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1) New Session begins - Winter Performance Workshops begin October 10th

Fall session FLEW by, and now it is time to start working on our 2nd Annual Holiday Performance Showcase! Our student recitals have been getting bigger and better every time, and this one should be no different!

Each workshop runs for 10 weeks, beginning October 10th and culminating in the Student Showcase on December 19th.
You do not have to perform to take the workshop, but it's highly encouraged!

Cost: $140 (includes all 10 class/rehearsals + performance night)
Drop in rate during workshop session: $16

Participating classes:

Salsa Rueda w/ Nick & Serena: Mondays, 6-7:30pm (Oct.13-Dec.15), All levels
Capoeira w/ Saul: Mondays, 7:30-9pm (Oct. 13-Dec. 15), All Levels
Int/Adv Tribal Fusion w/ Cera: Tuesdays, 6-7:30pm, (Oct. 14-Dec. 16), All Levels
American Cabaret Bellydance w/ Nanna: Tuesdays, 7:30-9pm (Oct. 14-Dec. 16), Some Bellydance Experience Recommended
Hip Hop Fusion w/ Cera: Thursdays, 6:30-7:45pm (Oct. 15-Nov. 20, Dec. 4-Dec. 18th), All Levels - NOTE: 9 weeks w/ Thanksgiving Holiday. Pro-rated at $130
Bellydance Fusion Drills & Basics w/ Gibson Pearl: Thursdays, 8-9:30pm (Oct. 15-Nov. 20, Dec. 4-Dec. 18th), All Levels - NOTE: 9 weeks w/ Thanksgiving Holiday. Pro-rated at $130
Modern Fusion w/ Cera: Fridays, 6-7:30pm (Oct. 10-Dec. 12), All Levels

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2) October 15th Registration DEADLINE for Tanya Lee's Power Yoga Fusion Workshop/Intensive

If you haven't signed up yet for Tanya Lee's Power Yoga Fusion Weekend Workshop or Teacher Training Intensive - you may miss your chance! October 15th is the ABSOLUTE cut-off date for registration. Register now to reserve your spot:
http://poweryogafusion.eventbrite.com/

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3) 3rd Friday's party, October 17th

This month's 3rd Friday's party is October 17th, 8-11pm. Join us for food, drinks, dancing, and hangin out!
If you'd like to perform at this months party, hit reply and let us know!

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4) Dia De Los Muertos 1 Year ANNIVERSARY BASH! - Performers wanted
Saturday, November 1st, 2008
8pm-??

We've made it one year here at 855 Folsom! To celebrate, we're having a reprise of our Dia De Los Muertos Themed opening party!
We'd love it if any of our students or friends would like to showcase their talent at this party. If you'd like to perform, hit reply and let us know.
The night will also feature a Costume Contest, Raffle prizes, and performances all night! Win free classes! See your favorite teachers perform! Celebrate 1 year of classes at the 'box!

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See you all soon!

www.shoeboxsf.com
http://www.yelp.com/biz/shoebox-studio-san-francisco

June News! Performance Workshops, 3rd Fridays Party, & More!

2008-06-04T15:38:00.000-07:00

Hello Shoeboxers!
June is full of great classes, big parties, and general summertime fun here at the 'box!
Check out what's coming, and come on by!
See you soon,
Cera, Deborah, Omar, & Shoebox Studio

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1) 8 Week Summer Performance Workshops - It's not too late to join!
2) Change in Ariellah's Workshop
3) 3rd Fridays! June 20th Party & Hafla
4) Interested in becoming a Personal Trainer/Health & Fitness Coach?
5) Review Shoebox on Yelp!

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1) 8 Week Summer Performance Workshops!

Beginning in June, join us for our Summer Student Showcase! For 8 weeks, your favorite classes become a Mini-Company as we prepare for our second student recital!
On August 8th, We'll perform at the Garage Theater to a live audience of our friends and family!
Dates: June 2-August 8

Participating Classes:

Advanced Tribal Fusion Bellydance w/ Cera
American Cabaret Bellydance w/ Nanna
Dark Fusion Bellydance w/ Ariellah
Hip Hop Fusion w/ Cera
Fusion Bellydance Basics w/ Gibson
Teen Hip Hop w/ Cera

The show will be held in a professional theater, and a DVD video will be made available for participants. The show will also feature a performance by the Shoebox Studio Troupe, Damage Control Dance Theater, Several of your favorite teachers, and surprise guests!

Cost for the full 8 week workshop will be $120. Drop in for these classes will increase to $16 during the duration of the classes. You may register for the workshop and opt-out of the show - but why not challenge yourself to get out there and perform!?

Registration is available on the Shoebox Website. Register online now, or just register next time you're in the studio!

NOTE: If you missed one, or need to miss one, that's okay! Registeer in person and we'll deduct the cost of your missed class from the workshop rate.

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2) Change in Ariellah's Workshop

Unfortunately, our beloved Ariellah sustained an injury on her trip! Her workshop will be postponed. It will NOT be beginning tonight, June 4 - we will have more info ASAP.
For the next 2 weeks (June 4 & June 11) Ariellah's regular class will be subbed by Cera.

Feel free to call or email with any questions.

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3) 3rd Friday's Party - June 20th!

Beginning this month - 3rd Friday's at Shoebox, a monthly Salon, hafla, mixer, and dance party!
Our first event will be June 20th, and will feature food, sangria, dancers, great music, and a chance for you to mix it up with your fellow Shoeboxer's! Mark your calendars, and come on out!
Featuring performances by Cera, Mina of Dallou Dance Co., & More!
If you would like to perform at this or any Shoebox Party, just hit reply to this email and let me know!

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4) Are you interested in becoming a Personal Trainer or Health/Fitness Coach?

One of Cera's mentors, internationally acclaimed Fitness Model & Teacher Tanya Lee, has offered to hold a certification intensive here at Shoebox Studio in her amazing BodyArt Method.
We are gauging interest in this intensive now, which would be held around October-November. If you might be interested in attending this, please respond to this email and let us know!
For more information on Tanya and BodyArt Fitness, click here: http://www.bodyartfitness.com/index.htm

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5) Review Shoebox on Yelp!

Every review helps! Please take the time to review your experiences here at Shoebox on Yelp.com!
http://www.yelp.com/biz/shoebox-studio-san-francisco

May at the Shoebox starts with a Rockstar Weekend! - Party & Workshops!

2008-05-02T11:28:00.003-07:00

Hey Everybody!
Can you believe it's May already?
We're kicking off May with a bang as we wrap up National Dance Week. This weekend (May 3&4) there's a big party here, as well as some amazing Mexican Folkloric dance workshops!
Also, our Summer Performance Workshop series begins May 31st. The series will culminate with a student showcase in a local theater the second weekend of August. Our December series was a blast, so we hope you join us this time!
Come party with us this weekend, and we'll see you soon!

- Cera, Deborah, Omar & Shoebox Studio

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In This Newsletter:

1) Cinco De Mayo/Cera's B-day Bash - THIS SATURDAY!
2) Mexican Folkloric Dance Workshop with Linda Landeros - THIS SUNDAY!
3) Open Rehearsal with Damage Control Dance Theater - THIS SUNDAY!
4) Summer Performance Workshops begin May 31st
5) Reveiw us on Yelp.com

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1) Cinco De Mayo/Cera B-day BASH!

Date: Saturday, May 3
Time: 6PM-11PM
Location: Shoeboxxxxx
Cost: $10-$20+ Donation at the Door. No one turned away.
Performances throughout the night beginning at 7PM.

Come PARTY with us! It's Cinco De Mayo! It's Cera's Birthday! It's SUNNY outside! What other reasons could you possibly need?
How 'bout performances? DONE! Live performances by Clandestine, Linda Laderos, The Bellydance Mafia (Shoebox Studio Troupe) Nanna Candelaria, DCDT and several Shoebox Students!
How 'bout FOOD? You got it! Delicious food from the Chieftan, Chevy's, and more, as well as Cera's Slammin' Sangria, and home-baked treats from Yvonne!

If you've come to any of the past salons, you know how rad they are.
I can think of no better way to celebrate my bday then with all of you! Come out and party!

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2) Cinco De Mayo WORKSHOPS - Regional Folkloric Dances of Mexico with Linda Landeros
Sunday, May 4th, 11am-3:30pm

In honor of Cinco De Mayo, we are presenting 2 workshops in traditional Mexican dance with Linda Landeros. There are a limited number of spaces still available - reserve your spot today!

Workshop 1: "Dances of Veracruz"
Sunday May 4, 11am-1pm
Students will be introduced to the basic technique of Mexican folk dance and learning 1-2 dances from the state of Veracruz.

Workshop #2: "Dances of Jalisco"
Sunday May 4, 1:30-3:30pm
Students will be introduced to the basic technique of Mexican folk dance while learning a traditional dance from Jalisco (including the Mexican Hat Dance "El Jarabe Tapatio").

For more information, workshop descriptions, and to register online, reserve your spot here: http://shoeboxstudio.eventbrite.com

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3) Damage Control Dance Theater Open Rehearsal Q&A
Sunday May 4th, 5pm

After the workshops, Damage Control Dance Theater is hosting a FREE open rehearsal and Q&A. Anyone interested in checking out the behind the scenes of DCDT is invited to come visit! We will perform a work in progress, and possibly a completed work, and open the floor to your questions! Come check it out!

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4) Summer Performance Workshop Series
10 Weeks, May 31- August 8

Join us for our second Performance Workshop Series! For 10 weeks, your class becomes a working company as you create and rehearse for a student showcase. The show will be held in a local theater, where you can show your friends and family what you've been working on! Performance workshops are a great way to get experience on stage, as well as to accelerate your learning curve.
(Yes, you may also attend the workshop but choose not to perform. But performing is highly encouraged!)
Put yourself out there - you'll be glad you did!
A full list of the participating classes will be posted on our website ASAP.

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5) Review Shoebox on Yelp.com!

We value your feedback, and every review helps! Review us on yelp.com, and help spread the good word about the Shoebox experience. Thank you all for your continued support!
http://www.yelp.com/biz/shoebox-studio-san-francisco

April at the Shoebox - Free Classes, Designer Trunk Show, New Classes and MORE!

2008-04-01T17:45:00.000-07:00

Hey friends,

It's beginning to look a lot like spring time, and here at the Shoebox we're celebrating with some new classes, a debut show for our Studio Troupe, and a local designer trunk show where you can pick up some new gear for Summer! We're also offering a week of FREE classes for National Dance Week, some awesome discounts, and more, so read on!

We look forward to seeing you here at the studio!

Happy Spring,
Cera, Deborah, Omar, & Shoebox Studio

PS. We are constantly working to improve your experience here at the Shoebox. We have a brief survey on surveymonkey that we would love for you to fill out. The surveys are anonymous, but we'd love to thank you for your time - If you fill out the survey, email shoeboxstudio@gmail.com with the subject "survey" and your email address will be entered into a raffle for a FREE 5-class card for a class of your choice!
Click here to fill it out online, or fill out in person here at the studio!
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=RzzIrZK7TEZptEMH2gnEIw_3d_3d

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In this newsletter...

1) New Class - Advanced Tribal Fusion, Tuesday 6-7:30
2) A special offer - $5 Capoeira, ONLY Monday, April 7th!
3) Debut Show for the Shoebox Studio Troupe
4) Local Designer Trunk Show - Spaces for designers still available!
5) National Dance Week: A week of FREE classes at the Shoebox!
6) Private classes for YOUR office
7) Coming in May - CINCO DE MAYO PARTY & CARNAVAL!

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1) New Class! Advanced Tribal Fusion w/ Cera

TUESDAYS, 6-7:30pm (beginning April 22nd)

We hear you loud and clear, Shoeboxers - You wants the Bellydance, and you gots it!
Tuesday night is now a back-to-back Bellydance night, with Advanced Tribal Fusion w/ Cera from 6-7:30, and American Cabaret Bellydance w/Nanna from 7:30-9!

Advanced Tribal Fusion will include conditioning, isolations, and drills for layering, combo building, and choreography. This is a class designed for advanced/professional level dancers, or intermediate level dancers looking to push their skills to the next level!

* Advanced Tribal Fusion is offered to students in the Shoebox Studio Troupe at the discounted rate of $10/class.

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2) A Special Offer - $5 Capoeira, ONLY Monday, April 7th

If you've been wanting to try it out, now's the time - Monday, April 7th, Capoeria Dance Workout will be offered for only $5! AND, that night
only, you will be able to purchase a 5-class card for Capoeira Dance Workout at the discounted rate of $60 - that's 1 class free! See you there!

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3) Debut Show for the Shoebox Studio Troupe!

Event: "6th Annual Dancin' Downtown Festival 2008"
Date: April 27, 2008,12-5pm: Kick off Celebration for National Dance Week!
Cost: FREE
Location: The Circle of Palms, downtown San Jose (next to the Fairmont Hotel and the Modern Art Museum)

We are so proud to announce that our Int./Adv Performance class (aka Shoebox Studio Troupe) hah! is having its DEBUT Performance this month!

Come join us at the 6th Annual Dancin' Downtown Festival... featuring 35 dance organizations from the Bay Area, including professional modern, ballet and jazz companies, San Jose State University, Santa Clara University, performing arts high schools, local dance schools of all kinds and a wide variety of ethnic and cultural dance groups - including, of course, the Shoebox Studio Troupe!
It's free all day, so come hang out with us for a day of dance!

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4) Local Designer Trunk Show - Spaces for designers still available!

DATE: April 27th
TIME: 11am-2pm

This month, Shoebox and Hipgnostica Designs (www.hipgnostica.com) are hosting a local designers trunk show! This will be a source for dance clothes, accessories, and costuming items made by local artists and dancers. Many of the items sold here will be made by fellow Shoeboxers! Come by and pick up some cute new stuff, and support local artists in the process.

Designers, if you'd like to have a booth at the trunk show:
The table fee is $60, or you can share your table with a friend and split the fee.

To participate, please email shoeboxstudio@gmail.com and let us know you're interested. We will send you a google checkout invoice so that you can reserve your spot. Please feel free to forward this information to friends who may be interested!

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5) National Dance Week = A week of FREE classes at the Shoebox APRIL 25-MAY4

Shoebox will be offering 1 FREE class a day during National Dance Week!
To find out which of your favorite classes will be offered for free, visit our events page: www.shoeboxsf.com/events.html, or check the Bay Area National Dance Week guide at www.bayareandw.org

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6) Private Classes for YOUR Office

Do your employees, members, or staff need to get out and move a little? Let Shoebox Studio design a private class just for you! We offer Yoga, Pilates, and Bootcamp, Hip Hop, Bellydance and other dance forms, or a combination of more than one option, tailored to your group's specific needs and wants.
We make the studio entirely private during your class time. On-site classes at your location are also possible.
Group fitness, yoga, or movement classes are an excellent way to increase energy, motivation and morale, decrease stress and absences, and build closer cooperation and stronger working relationships.
Classes can be one to three times per week, mornings, lunchtimes, or afternoons, for 1 to 1.5 hour sessions.

For pricing information, a brochure, or to speak with us about setting up your private class, call us or email today!

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7) Coming in May - CINCO DE MAYO PARTY & CARNAVAL!

On May 4th, we will be hosting 2 very special workshops in Mexican Ballet Folklorico & Azteca Dance, followed by a LATE NIGHT PARTY! Sangria, Mexican food, dancing, performances, the works! Save the date!

Would you like to parade with Shoebox in the SF Carnaval Grand Parade on May 25th? Email us today and let us know!

March News at the Shoebox!

2008-02-29T19:12:00.001-08:00

Hey all,
We're leaping right into March classes - and there are a lot of great ones on the horizon! We're going to be strutin' our SF Dance Spirit in San Francisco's Carnaval, welcoming in new teachers, and much more!

We look forward to dancing with all of you this month,
Cera, Deborah, Omar & Shoebox Studio

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1) Class Schedule Changes

2) Coming Soon - NEW CLASSES!

3) Introducing the Shoebox Studio Troupe - an Int/Adv Performing Bellydance class!

4) Dance with Shoebox in the CARNAVAL Grand Parade!

5) Alexander Technique Workshop, March 30th

6) Rent the Shoebox for rehearsals, workshops, and events!

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1) Class Schedule Changes

The following classes have changed:

* Afro-Caribbean Dance w/ Virginia is now Wednesday's, 7:30-8:40AM

* Int/Adv Hip Hop Fusion is now taught by Cera - Thursdays 6:30-8pm

* Lunchhour Pilates is now taught by Amber Z. - Tues/Thurs, 12-12:45

* Turkish Roman is on hold while Liz travels Europe

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2) New Classes Coming Soon!

Look out for these exciting new classes on the horizon:
* American Cabaret Bellydance, with Nanna Candelaria! 12 week series beginning SOON, Tuesdays 7:30-9.
* Beginning Adult Hip Hop
* Ancient Hula w/ Misao Mizuno

Watch the website for information TBA!

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3) Introducing the Shoebox Studio Troupe! Int/Adv Performing Class

Shoebox Studio is now home to it's own studio troupe! Saturday afternoons from 1:30-3:30pm, Intermediate and Advanced bellydance and fusion bellydance students will be working together in a performance based class. This group will work on choreographies, perform for the public, and work with guest choreographers on stage craft, performance skills, polishing technique, and working in a troupe environment.
This class is invite or audition only. If you would like to be considered for the Studio Troupe class, please email shoeboxstudio@gmail.com, or speak with your regular teacher about recommendation.

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4) Dance with Shoebox in SF's CARNAVAL Parade!

On Sunday, May 25th, Shoebox Studio will be rockin out in San Francisco's CARNAVAL Grand Parade! Please join us! You can freestyle, hand out beads and cards, hang out with your dance-mates, drink rum in the morning, and have an all around GREAT TIME! This will be a very fun, free event. Family and friend's of Shoeboxer's welcome - lets go out and have fun!

If you would like to join us in the parade, please email shoeboxstudio@gmail.com, or let your regular instructor know!

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5) Alexander Technique Workshop, March 30th

Unleash Your Inner Fire: Dancing with Passion, Presence, and Inspiration
"This flute is played with fire, not with wind." - Rumi

Sunday, March 30 11:00 - 1:00 PM
$35 advanced purchase
$40 at the door

A master class for dancers with Alexander technique teacher Nickolas Knightly

When we dance at our best the flute of the body is played with fire. This workshop is about simple things that unleash the fire within. When it burns, the people watching you become like moths watching a candle: they can't take their eyes off of you, they find you irresistible.

The Alexander Technique can help you dance with fire. We will work on practical things that can allow you to achieve new levels of presence, connection, and artistic expression as well as helping you improve your technique. Come ready to work on any technical or artistic challenge you currently face:

I want more stage presence
I want a better shimmy.
I want to feel more inspired.
I want to move more naturally

Register on the Shoebox website: www.shoeboxsf.com/workshops.html

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6) Rent the Shoebox!

You can rent the Shoebox for meetings, events, workshops, and rehearsals, for only $15 an hour, or $13 with a 10-class card! For rentals, call (415) 861-5976, or email shoeboxstudio@gmail.com.

February Newsletter!

2008-02-02T14:27:00.000-08:00

Hello from Shoebox!

With cold, rainy January behind us, now's the time to start making good on those New Years Resolutions!
With daily classes in Dance & Pilates, Personal Training, and exciting new class offerings (can anyone say CAPOEIRA!?!) the Shoebox is the place to achieve your goals. Join us today!

- Cera, Deborah, Omar & Shoebox Studio

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In This Newsletter:

1) NEW CLASS! Capoeira Dance Workout w/ Mestre Wilson Low & Rhonda Stagnaro Low

2) Workshops: Hit the Dancefloor w/ Kamille Hitz, and a day of Fusion Bellydance workshops with Freyja, Cera, and UNMATA of Sacramento.

3) Monthly Unlimited Class Pass & Referral Rewards

4) S mall Group Personal Training w/ Michelle – Sign up now!

5) Class Cancellation: Ballet Latino

6) Rent the Shoebox!

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1) New Class! Capoeira Dance Workout

Monday Nights, 7:30-9pm - Begins February 11th!

Capoeira is a unique dance art form, which has strong roots in Afro-Brazilian music and dance. It is an excellent physical activity for all ages and levels. Its harmony of forces promotes flexibility, endurance, self-discovery and power. Capoeira dance also develops personal discipline, self-confidence and balances the mind, body and soul. The main goal of this high-energy class is to have fun and learn the secret of the "Capoeira smile".

Mestre Wilson Low and Rhonda Stagnaro Low have been teaching Brazilian arts in the bay area for over 20 years. They have made dance, music and the practice of Capoeira their lives.&nb sp; In 1995, they founded MaraReggae, a group whose mission is to create artistic expression and community participation through Brazilian arts, with respect to the teachings of the ancestors. (http://www.marareggae.com/)

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2) February Workshops!

This Sunday, February 3rd, is the final installment of "Hit the Dancefloor" with Kamille Hitz of Rockabelly Dance. Hot moves for the club, drum circle, or just to bust in your living room. If you want to get out there and shake it, this is the workshop for you!

Saturday, February 9th, Shoebox is pleased to host a fundraising day of workshops for UNMATA of Sacramento! Three back to back, butt kicking workshops including: Bellydance Core Integration w/ Freyja, Funk Fusion Bellydance w/ Cera, and UNMATA3 (to the 3rd power!). Prepare to sweat, smile, and shimmy!

(Note: There will be NO Modenco on Feb. 9th)

For details and pricing on all upcoming workshops, visit our workshop page: http://www.shoeboxsf.com/workshops.html

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3) Monthly Unlimited Class Pass & Referral Rewards

Monthly Unlimited Class Pass: Are you looking to improve your technique, expand your vocabulary, get in shape, or just feed your movement addiction? Buy a Monthly Unlimited Pass! $120 gets you all the classes you can stand! * Pick one up today.

Referral Rewards: Bring a friend to take class with you and get a discount for yourself! For every buddy you bring to the Shoebox, you will receive $10 off ANY class pass or discount card, or one free class for you! Bring in a friend today!

* Small Group Personal Training & Flamenco classes have a separate price structure than all other classes. If you'd like to attend these, contact us to work out details.

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4) Small Group Personal Training w/ Michelle

It's all about setting attainable goals, and watching yourself achieve! In small groups (3-4 people) our kick-ass personal trainer Michelle Opperman will help you set realistic fitness goals, and reach them one by one. Want to be able to do a clean push-up? Increase cardio endurance? Touch your toes? Whatever your goal, Michelle's got the skills to get you there fast!

Each group is limited to 4 participants, pre-registration ONLY. This kind of high-quality personalized attention would cost you at least $85/hour in a gym!

Dates: Wednesdays
Time slots available: 11-12pm, 12-1pm, 1-2pm
Cost: $400/8 weeks ($50/session. Available in 2 payment installments)
Early Registration Discount: Register n ow and receive $25 off your total! Only $375 for all 8 weeks!
Call or email today to reserve your spot: (415) 861-5976, shoeboxstudio@gmail.com

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5) Class Cancellation: Ballet Latino™

There will be no Ballet Latino™ on Tuesday nights. Our amazing Modenco™ teacher, Carole Acuna, now teaches Tuesday night Flamenco. Come check it out!

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6) Rent the Shoebox!

The Shoebox is available many weekday mornings & afternoons for Meetings, Events, Rehearsals & Workshops. To rent the Shoebox, email shoeboxstudio@gmail.com, or call (415)861-5976.

Most rentals are $15/hr, or $13/hr for Shoebox students with a 10-class or Dancer Discount card. Some wor kshops or special events may be excluded from hourly rate. Please inquire for details.

January at the ShoeBox!

2008-01-02T20:10:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, ShoeBoxers!

Here at the 'Box we're rarin' to kick off 2008 in our new home, with the resolution of providing the best service, highest quality classes, and friendliest community to our guests and students.
Classes begin tomorrow and we cant wait to see you all back!

In addition to many new and fabulous class offerings, December's voting has left us with a Dance-a-thon cause! CARE.org will be the recipient of proceeds raised by our January 12th Dance-A-Thon ( http://www.care.org/). Thank you so much to everyone who voted, we think CARE is a great choice!
More information about CARE.org and the Dance-A-Thon can be found below.

Hope you all had a wonderful holiday, and we look forward dancing with you in 2008!

-Cera, Deborah, Omar, and ShoeBox Studio

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*****

1) New Classes & Prices

2) DANCE-A-THON!

3) ShoeBox Youth Performing Arts Program - Spread the Word!

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1) New Classes & Prices

Our new class offerings are rockin' the house! New classes include Ballet Latino (tm) and Flamenco with Master Teacher Carolina Lugo, Modenco(tm) (Modern Flamenco Fusion) with Carolé Acuña, and some new class times for some old favorites! Please check the website for new great classes!
www.shoeboxsf.com/dailyclasses.html

As you know, ShoeBox offers one of the best Student/Teacher ratio's in town. Our prices have been updated for the new year, and include a HUGE discount for our dedicated students taking 3 or more classes/week.

Prices are:
$15 drop in
$130 for a 10 class card ($13/class),
$120/month for dancers interested in taking 3 classes/wk or more ($10/class)
Unless otherwise noted. Please check the website or printed calendar for exemptions to these prices or changes to the schedule.
All class cards purchased in 2007 will be honored at their current rate until their expiration (6 months from purchase).

We have had some questions about whether 10-class Cards and Holiday Gift Cards can be used for specially priced classes (Bootcamp, Flamenco, Ballet Latino). The answer is - ABSOLUTELY! You can use your 10-class card and pay only a $3-5 additional charge (depending upon the class price) when using your class card for these special offerings.

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2) Dance-A-Thon! January 12th, 2008

Kick off the new year by dancing, sweating, and shaking it for a great cause - CARE.org*! On January 12th, from 10am-8pm, every ShoeBox class will be offered in a 30-45 minute sample format. Classes will run back to back as a "marathon," and will be taught by all of the ShoeBox teachers, giving you a chance to try a little bit of everything, all while raising money for CARE!
The full schedule of Dance-A-Thon classes will be up on the website by Friday January 4th.

You can begin collecting pledges immediately by requesting an email pledge sheet (shoeboxstudio at gmail.com), or you can pick up a pledge sheet here at the studio.
Start collecting pledges right away!

We will announce and post the top 3 Dance-A-Thoners' times, and how much we've raised and donated as a group, in February.

If you would like to come dance, but you do not want to collect pledges, you can simply pay a $12-20 sliding scale donation at the door, and stay for as many sample classes as you'd like.

Help us bring in the new year by offering aid and sharing our good fortune with those in need.

* CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. Women are at the heart of CARE's community-based efforts to improve basic education, prevent the spread of HIV, increase access to clean water and sanitation, expand economic opportunity and protect natural resources. CARE also delivers emergency aid to survivors of war and natural disasters, and helps people rebuild their lives.
Please see the attached pledge sheet and start collecting pledges now! You can dance all day for free, and raise money for a great cause!
Donation will be made in the name of ShoeBox Studio Student Community.

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3) ShoeBox Youth Performing Arts Program - Spread the Word!

ShoeBox is launching it's full-fledged Youth Performing Arts program, with classes in dance and theater, for kids ages 3-19. All of the great classes the ShoeBox offers for adults are now available to young dance enthusiasts! Please let your friends with kids know about our awesome offerings by directing them to www.shoeboxsf.com, and clicking on "youth".

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See you Soon!

December newsletter!

2007-11-28T18:56:00.000-08:00

Baby, we know it's cold outside...but at the ShoeBox we're keepin it hot!

As the madness of the holidays approach, it's more important than ever for all of us to set aside time to tend to our bodies, minds, and spirits. In just 60-90 minutes, you can rejuvenate, de-stress, and re-enliven yourself by rocking your core, working your shimmy, shakin' your samba, or just cutting loose on the dance floor. ShoeBox classes are going strong during the cold months, so when you're done fighting through the crowds ready to kill for the last tickle-me-elmo, come on in to ShoeBox and get your December groove on!

We've got a big month coming up, including our first Student Showcase, a dance workshop for expecting mamas & partners, a holiday trunk show, and preparations for our New Ye ar Dance-A-Thon! Read on for all the fun....

See you soon,

Cera, Deborah, Omar & ShoeBox Studio

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1) Class Schedule Changes - Please read and stay up to date!

2) Student Showcase - & VOLUNTEERS! December 14th - at The Garage, 975 Howard

3) Dancing Out The Baby Workshop, December 15th & 16th

4) Holiday Trunk Sale, Dec. 22nd: Procrastinators and connoisseurs of local crafts come together for a day of SHOPPING!

5) ShoeBox Gift Cards! Only $90 for 10-class cards purchased during December!

6) Dance-A-Thon: place a vote, take a pledge, dance your butt off for a great cause!

7) Rent the ShoeBox for rehearsals, holiday parties, meetings, or events December 17th-Jan. 4th!

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1) Class Schedule Changes

The Following classes are CANCELLED for the month of December:

Ari ellah's Int/Adv. Bellydance Class, Wednesdays, 8:15-9:45pm (Beginning is still happening, 6:30-8pm)

Yoga Booty Ballet & Afro Caribbean Cardio, M,W,F's, 7:30-8:30AM

All other classes will continue as listed! If you have a coupon for AM or Afternoon dance/fitness classes, they will be honored at *any* class time, except for special workshops.

Sorry for any inconvenience. Please check the website regularly for changes to the schedule.
Look for new classes which will be added to the schedule in January!

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2) Student Showcase! Volunteers?

We are very excited to announce our first ever Student Showcase! On December 14th we will be unveiling the product of our Winter Performance Workshops, and we'd love for you to be there! See your friends performing choreographies by Ariellah, Elizabeth Strong, Cera, Amber Steele, Dandara, Cassandra, and special performances by the ShoeBox Yout h Performing Arts Program.
Tickets are available NOW on the website!

When: Friday, Dec. 14th, 8pm
Where: The Garage, 975 Howard St., between 5th & 6th
Cost: $10

NOTE: There are only 50 seats available. Tickets are available on a first come, first serve basis. It is HIGHLY recommended that you reserve your tickets online ASAP. Please list your first and last name in the "comments" field when you reserve your tickets online. Thanks!
(If we have an overwhelming response for tickets, we will do our best to add a second show at 9pm. If we need to do this, we will contact everyone with a reservation immediately to let them know.)

ALSO! We need volunteers to help out at this event! If you are available to help set up, strike, usher, sell concessions, or anything else, and you'd like to see the show for free, please let us know asap by responding to this email!

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3) Dancing Out T he Baby - Special Workshop, Dec. 15th & 16th

ShoeBox Studio is thrilled to offer a special weekend of movement workshops for expectant moms and their partners by Portland, OR dance instructor Jerushah Ramos, a doula, dancer, and creator of the labor and birth movement technique Dancing Out the Baby.

Dancing Out the Baby provides pain and energy management during labor and birth using sensual and belly dance-inspired movements, to help laboring moms relax, encourage labor progress, assist dilation, and master the intensity of contractions and birth more effectively.

Jerushah will be a guest instructor at ShoeBox Studio during the weekend of December 15-16, 2007, offering two classes each day: a Mamas-only workshop, and a Mamas & Partners workshop. Each workshop offers unique exercises and perspectives, and expectant parents are encouraged to sign up for both: ShoeBox makes it easy with a discount when you take both classes!

Date: Saturday & Sunday, Dec. 15th - Dec. 16th
Rates: $40 per person for Mamas Only class
$60 per couple for Mamas & Partners
only $80 for both classes! (A $20 savings per family!)

SIGN UP NOW: Register here: http://www.shoeboxsf.com/register.html
under special workshops. Make sure you pick the correct date.

Please feel free to forward this to any expecting moms you know!

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4) Holiday Trunk Show - Procrastinators Anonymous

ShoeBox is pleased to announce its first Holiday Trunk Show! There are SO MANY talented and diverse artists that come through our classes each week - jewelry designers, clothing designers, screen printers, book makers, and more, that we were inspired to set up a shop where ShoeBoxers could share their wares with one another!
Support your classmates and friends, and get one-of-a-kind gifts for yourself and anyone else lucky enough to get a present!
Join us for snacks, wine, schmoozing, and gorgeous artisan goods!

WHEN: December 22nd
TIME: 12-5pm

Vendors will be listed on our website under "events"

If you would like to vend at the show, please email us and we'll get back to you ASAP.

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5) ShoeBox Gift Cards!

For the month of December, all 10-class cards will be reduced to $90!
You can purchase 10-class card gift certificates on our website, or at the Studio.

All holiday gift cards will be honored beginning January 3rd, 2008

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6) DANCE-A-THON! January 12th, 2008

Kick off the new year by dancing, sweating, and shaking it for a great cause!
ShoeBox Studio is hosting its first ever Dance-A-Thon! On January 12th, from 10am-8pm, every ShoeBox class will be offered in a 30-45 minute sample format. Classes wil l run back to back as a "marathon."

Get all of the info on how our dance marathon will work on the Events page of our website--where you can also vote on the charity our marathon will benefit!

All interested dancers can sign up now by emailing us with the subject "dance-a-thon", and we will send you a pledge sheet, or you can pick up a pledge sheet here at the studio.
Start collecting pledges immediately!

We will announce and post the top 3 Dance-A-Thoners' times, and how much we've raised and donated as a group, in February!

If you would like to come dance, but you do not want to collect pledges, you can simply pay a $12-20 sliding scale donation at the door, and stay for as many sample classes as you'd like.

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7) Rent the ShoeBox for your December event or rehearsal!

The ShoeBox will not be having regular classes from December 15-Jan 2. During this time, we will be available for r entals!
The ShoeBox is a great place for holiday events, small parties, meetings, rehearsals, and gatherings.
Most rentals are $15/hr, or $11/hr with purchase of a 10-class card (also valid for regular students who already have one!)

Some rental costs may be subject to change based upon the nature of the event.

To rent the studio for your event, or for information on availability, email shoeboxstudio@gmail.com , or call (415) 861-5976

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Happy Holidays, and we'll see you soon!

Old dog? New Tricks? What does it take to get an adult to take up a new hobby?

2007-11-20T17:37:00.001-08:00

So, this is something i've been thinking about a lot, as an artist and a teacher.
I frequently hear people say "oh, I could never"... fill in the blank - do yoga, pilates, take up a martial art, knit, whatever.
And yet, I frequently meet people in my classes that are new to dance or pilates, and excited about taking up a new skill. Some of them stick with it; Some of them disappear after one class when they realize that you're frequently...not a master on your first day trying out a new thing.

Is that the thing that holds people back from trying something new? We dont like anything we're not good at?

I frequently think that it's a REALLY good thing I was forced to learn how to ski as a child (my dad's an upstate New Yorker). Had I not, I would NEVER have endured the cold, discomfort, and falling down that learning how to ski entails, as an adult.
But I dont live entirely within my comfort zone - I frequently take up new artistic hobbies or physical disciplines - I'll try any kind of physical class, or cooking class, or just some random junior college class that looks interesting - Am I just a class taking kind of person?
Is it a personality type? A stick-to-itiveness personality type or a quest-for-new -skills personality type? An inherently geeky personality type that just wants to know little bits about everything - or master as many seemingly impossible things as we can?

Are we paralyzed in the outdated notion that grownups just know everything - which means we cant show up to learn something as a beginner, because it would require admission of not-knowing?

Do we just stop prioritizing learning as we age?

This is an open ended question I dont really have an answer to, just something I've been thinking a lot about.

As we get older, do we become less open to the public humilation inherently involved in learning new skills? Do we grow in to a fear of being wrong/not knowing? Shouldn't we become more fearless as we get older, instead of less, in the face of all the things we've survived to become grown-ups?

-Cera

Beginning Blues? Intermediate Slump? What holds you back?

2007-11-08T07:20:00.001-08:00

I had a teacher once tell me that the difference between an Intermediate dancer & an advanced dancer was simply the anticipation of what came next - "advanced is all in the transitions", was her theory. She said there was rarely a huge difference in movement skill between intermediate and advanced: all of the difference lay in the seamless quality one begins to develop as an advanced dancer. "unfortunately," she said, "it's the most difficult thing to acquire - it's mostly psychic, and can only be encouraged; it cant really be taught."

i was in a Rachel Brice workshop once and as the class opened she asked "who in here considers themselves a beginning dancer?" almost all hands went up. "intermediate?" four or five hands went up. "advanced?" one, meek, slow, shoulder-height hand went up. we all looked around at each other.

for some reason this is what i woke up thinking about this morning. What holds people back from owning their skill level? from claiming themselves advanced? Is it like the "expert" thing - you're an expert when someone else says you are, but you cant call yourself one? is it modesty? ego? too many times being told you shouldn't brag? fear? and what holds people back from advancing to the next level?

maybe people feel like until they're "declared" intermediate/advanced by someone else, they have no business setting foot in an intermediate/advanced level class - like by attending, they're claiming themselves to be something they're not (and everyone will know, and they'll be embarrassed, etc.) Like if they say "i'm advanced" they'll be challenged?
BUT - if you stay in beginning level for ever, while your understanding of beginning material will deepen and you may become a very advanced beginner, you'll never become intermediate - you have to push yourself in to intermediate material! In fact, I think you have to continually put yourself in situations where the material is just over your head in order to advance. (what i call "fake it till you make it!")

Advancing is very uncomfortable. All of the hot-faced, sweaty palmed, jumblystomached nervousness of being a brand new dancer on your first day of class must be repeated again and again - every time you master one set of skills, it's time to plunge yourself in to another. it requires ditching your pride at the door and being willing to make a complete ass of yourself in public. you have to be available to yourself, you have to be willing to strip yourself down, be wrong, fuck up, not be strong enough/fast enough/coordinated enough. and frankly...that sucks! BUT! that's why the thrill of accomplishment becomes so gratifying! i tell my teen students that being a dancer equals being a little crazy. you have to be addicted to public humiliation. it's a very unsafe life =)

i think of it like a language. Learning a new language requires challenge and immersion. Frequently you can stay in a beginning language class, or listen to language tapes that break down grammar and pronunciation forEVER. and you can recite that language tape backward and forward, you know the order of all the prepositions - but good luck trying to order food or ask for a subway ticket. conversational language is strange, fast, full of colloquialism's and slang and corner-cutting. The only way to really develop fluency is to speak with people in that language, no matter how much you stumble, no matter how red your cheeks get over your clumsy pronunciation and slow tongue. But after every conversation you find new ways to apply what you do know, and see where the basics you've acquired can really take you in communication.

Is humility the secret to advancing technique in anything? Does that explain why some of the most incredible dancers and performers out there are the most genuine, cool, humble down to earth people?
Is ego the thing that holds us back from the things we desire most?
Isn't it odd to think that what we want most is to master something, but fear of looking like we dont know stuff is what keeps us from challenging ourselves to become a master?

i dont think i'm going anywhere with all this (i'm posting before coffee again, i keep saying i'm going to stop that!), but i'd love to hear your thoughts!

CANCELLATIONS & IMPORTANT INFO!

2007-11-07T11:31:00.000-08:00

This is a note:

There is NO STREET JAZZ this Friday, Nov. 8th. Street Jazz will resume (and join the performance workshop series) on Nov. 16th, at $67 for 5 weeks, or $15 drop in.

ALSO:
Information about Thanksgiving week/end coming soon!

Thanks all! We'll see you in class,
Cera & ShoeBox Studio

Opening party - WOW! & Thank you!

2007-11-03T18:50:00.000-07:00

Our opening party was SUCH an incredible blast!
Many, many thanks to all of you who came out to support our new studio, and a HUGE thank you to:

Photon
The Lemon Lime Lights
Dan Cantrell
Rockabelly
Sara Templeton
Claire
the ShoeBox Teens!
Mina of Dalloua Dance Co.
Freyja
Cassandra Hazen
Gibson Pearl, Charlotte Nehm, & Dominique Nigro

Restaurant Oola, The Chieftan, and behind the scenes: Amar, Kristen Wilson, Brad Dosland, Deborah Brock, and Omar Contreras, and all of the friends, family, and students who helped make the night such an outrageous success!

We were humbled, honored, and stoked to have you all here. Look for photos coming soon!

November Digest

2007-11-01T12:47:00.000-07:00

NOVEMBER DIGEST
in this issue...

1) Grand Opening Party!
2) New Classes
3) Performance Workshops
4) November Workshop: Yoga for Bellydancers w/ Debra Rubin Returns!
5) Continual improvements on the Website

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1) Grand Opening Party!
We're so excited about this event! Please join us on Friday, Nov. 2, 8-11pm for our Grand Opening performance/celebration.

Featuring music by:
The Lemon Lime Lights
Photon
Dan Cantrell

and dance performances by:
ShoeBox Teens! Performing Arts Program
Rockabelly (Rockin' Bellydance Fusion)
Cassandra Hazen (Hip Hop)
Freyja (Bellydance)
Kathleen Blake (Tango)
Mina of Dalloua Dance Co. (Bellydance)
Sara Templeton (Contemporary)
Gibson Pearl (Bellydance)
and Damage Control Dance Theater (Modern Fusion Bellydance)

With food from Oola SF & The Cheiftan & Delicious Homemade Sangria
Raffle prizes including free classes, private pilates sessions, Katherine Summer gloves, Brainwash Bucks, and more!

And of course, a Day of the Dead Costume Contest!

Only $5+ Donation at the door.
See you there!

Friday, Nov. 2, 8-11pm
855 Folsom St. #112
btwn 4th & 5th

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2) New Classes!
We are offering a LARGE selection of Dance, Pilates, and Fitness classes in the mornings, afternoons, and evenings. Pilates, Bootcamp, Dance Workouts, Contemporary, Bellydance, and more! Please visit our website for our complete schedule!
www.shoeboxsf.com

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3) Performance Workshops!

Our performance workshops are filling up FAST! November begins our first ever Student Showcase preparations! Workshops include Dark Fusion Bellydance w/ Ariellah, Turkish Roman "Gypsy" Dance w/ Liz Strong, Afro-Samba w/ Dandara, Hip Hop Fusion w/ Cassandra, Street Jazz w/ Amber Steele, and Funk Fusion Bellydance w/ Cera.

Classes will work for 6 weeks to develop an original choreography which will be performed on Dec. 14th in a professional theater!
(Performing is not mandatory for participation...but why not show off what you've learned!?)

Registration is limited to 15 people, so sign up now to reserve your spot!
You reserve your spot online free of charge at www.shoeboxsf.com/register.html

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4) Special Workshop: Yoga For Bellydancers w/ Debra Rubin

Back by popular demand! This sell-out workshop with Debra Rubin is going to rock your core and refine your technique, while enlivening your spirit & deepening your practice!

Core Integration/Yoga for Bellydancers---2 workshops in one!
Guaranteed to rock your core, and take your dancing to the next level!

12-2pm: Core Integration/Yoga for Dancers
2-4pm: Now Let's Dance it!

pre-register:
$40 for first workshop. ($45 at door)
$65 for both. ($70 at door)

DESCRIPTION:
12-2pm: Core Integration, Yoga for dancers:
Drawing from yoga, feldenkrais, pilates, and Deb's personal 'stash', this workshop will focus on core integration, spinal articulation, and building the foundational strength and flexibility to directly support your dancing technique and prevent injuries. Focus will be on increasing pelvic, hip, spine, and shoulder flexibility, deepening core awareness, and gaining isolated control of all the muscles necessary for bellydance.
A necessary foundation for any level dancer.

2-4pm: Let's dance it!
Applying the techniques we focused on it the first workshop, it's now time to integrate it into our dancing. Focus at this workshop will be on deepening our slow, ooey gooey moves to achieve that slinky, sexy, intoxicating look and feel; drilling sharp, pronounced isolations, with new yogic, integrated awareness that will change your dancing at the core!
Also learn healthy habits for laybacks and backbending to save your low back, layering techniques, and 'floating' upper body, and posture for stage.

This is a one day only workshop, and the last one filled up FAST! Dont miss your chance!

Date: Sunday, Nov. 18th, 12-4pm
Rates: $40 for first Workshop
$65 for both
(+$5 at the door)

SIGN UP NOW: email shoeboxstudio@gmail.com with your name & which workshop(s) you're signing up for.

About Deb:
Debra Rubin (MA, CMT, RYT) is a holistic health counsellor, integrative bodyworker, and yoga teacher, with a private practice in Oakland, CA. Trained in both Eastern and Western healing arts, as well as integrative medicine, and various somatic therapies, she has facilitated at healing conferences all over the world, and regularly teaches in the Bay area. A core member, and choreographer of UltraGypsy Dance Theater and regular sub for Jill Parker's classes, she fuses 10 years experience in holistic health with 25+ years of performance experience to create a core-integrated class geared specifically for dancers.

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5) Our AWESOME website!
We are continually improving our website for ease of use. Check out our community blog on the News page, easier registration and payment pages, and newly updated class schedules.
Our fantastic webdesigner at www.Hipgnostica.com is working really hard to continually refine our website for us, and all his work really shows! Thanks Omar!
If you have any questions, concerns, or comments about the website, let us know.

ShoeBox News Blog!

2007-10-24T16:23:00.000-07:00

wh00t! the SB news page is now a blog, so ya'll can comment on going's on! Hooray for interactivity.

Hope you all are just itchin' to get to our grand opening party - and start your performance workshops!
We're working hard to get ready, and we cant wait to dance with you!

-Cera & The ShoeBox Crew

Oct 15th, 2007 - Moving, Performance Workshops, Teen Program, Produce!

2007-10-15T07:58:00.000-07:00

1) We're MOVING!
The ShoeBox is thrilled to announce that we are relocating to an AWESOME storefront space at 855 Folsom St. #112, between 4th & 5th . Update your address books!

This is our dream! We are building this space from the brand new sprung-floor on up! Storefront windows, a great neighborhood (just a few blocks from Powell St. BART, and only a block from the Metreon, the 'Zeum, the Carousel, and, of course, SF Dancewear...) This space will allow us to expand on the great classes and programs currently offered by the ShoeBox, and introduce some new ones!

"That's crazy! You must need help," you may be thinking. And you'd be right. If you got skills, or stuff, or time you'd like to donate, contact us! We're sure we need them, and we will repay your generosity with free classes, putting your name on stuff, and giving you lots of hugs. And if you don't have skills, supplies, or time to donate but you still want to help - come to classes and workshops! That always helps a lot!

2) Join us for our Opening Celebration on Friday, November 2nd!
We can't open a new space without a huge party! Come see your favorite ShoeBox Instructors (along with local talents in Burlesque, BeatBoxing, Dance, Drumming, and More!) perform! We will be having a raffle, prizes, a Dia De Los Muertos costume contest, and more! Check back for more details, or join our mailing list.

3) Performance Workshops
From November 5th-December 16th, most of our evening classes will be Winter Performance Workshops! These classes will focus on developing a group choreography, which will be performed at a Student Showcase on December 14th! Visit our Workshops Page, or Sign up today, only $80 for all 6 weeks.

4) Pay for classes & 10-class cards online!
We are now offering Google Checkout and PayPal as payment options for ShoeBoxers If you are registering for a performance workshop, want a 10 class card for yourself or your favorite dance/pilates junkie, or want to pay for an individual class, you can do so with your credit card a via Google Checkout, or from your PayPal account by sending a payment to shoeboxstudio at gmail dot com.

5) ShoeBox Teens!
ShoeBox is very excited to introduce our first Teen Performance Workshop! Click here for details:

6) Join our group discount on Organic Produce Delivery!
We are still accepting members for Eating With The Seasons.
You only have 1 hour a week that you can care for your body, and you always have to choose between taking your class, or going to the farmers market or swanky grocery store? No more! Pick up your customized box of Organic, Local, Farm fresh produce (as well as organic meats and eggs, coffee, tea, and what ever else you choose) direct from the ShoeBox!

If you would like to sign up to receive your weekly box of yummy local-farm-supporting produce directly after your favorite dance class, email us today!