How does Step It Up differ from the others? Students will learn Ballet, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Modern, Funk, Lyrical ,Movement, West African, Gymnastics, Step-Drill, Afro Haitian, and Salsa. In addition to dance, they will learn the origin of each dance, its meaning and symbolism, and how that dance is integrated into today’s culture. In each class, there will also be an emphasis on choosing healthy life
styles. Students learn that they need a healthy mind and body – and to ultimately have the confidence to refrain from making risky choices. Goals of this class differ than most traditional dance classes. In Step It Up, we strive to not only teach students about dance, but to build a community around dance. Students will perform for their families every 8 weeks in a program called “Do What I Do Day”. Families will see first-hand how this class is building confidence and skills. All of this will culminate in our recital every 8-10 weeks where the students will share with friends and family the efforts of their hard work. It is a day to celebrate their growth and development. About the Director - JuakilaMcConnel, “Kiki”, has been dancing since the age of three. Her favorite types of dance are West African dance, Hip-Hop, Jazz, Lyrical, Contemporary, Ballet, Modern, Tap, and Praise Dance Gymnastics. Dance and teaching is my life’s passion. “To teach a child, you must remain in the spirit of the child”. I have been teaching dance and volunteering since the age of 14 throughout my community, at my church, and all over the Bay Area. “To teach dance, you must have abundance of energy, patience, and love”. Dance should be available to all youth in the world. “Taking a stand, growing, changing, and shining encompasses the world of dance”. Kiki earned her Bachelor of Arts from of San Jose State University. She majored in Liberal Arts.8
About the Teachers – Using the “Spirit of the Child” philosophy, our teachers are passionate about dance and working with youth. Each Step It Up class will have two teachers on the floor, engaging with the student and their family, building strong relationships, trust, and respect. In addition to dance, they will continually promote healthy living – each week we will focus on a healthy lifestyle topic and integrate that into our dance.
