Dancin around COVID-19

Given the current situation with COVID-19, I want to reflect on this dramatic pivot we have all taken. I hope this commentary might speak to some of you as well as offer a dancers perspective on the world wide restrictions we are currently facing due to COVID-19.

Dear dance community, it may appear we have been put on hold, but truthfully dance itself has not ceased. Although our regular routines, classes, performances, and choreography may be on pause, the dancing continues. I relate these circumstances to a classic studio rehearsal situation. All is well, we are dancing in front of the mirror enjoying the clean lines and visuals of those dancing with us. Then out of the blue, our director asks us to run it from the top, facing away from the mirror. We’ve made this adjustment before, but our minds are running wild wondering “Do I even know the choreography anymore?” “No mirror, I can’t possibly face away from the mirror and do the same steps.” “We just learned this, which side do I even enter on?”

Our faces smile as we prepare to start the routine facing away from the mirror portraying a “no problem” demeanor while our internal voices are running around screaming as if the office is on fire, files blowing everywhere, hair askew, and panic-stricken. This is how I felt when I discovered we weren’t going to be holding company classes anymore. Then I discovered the upcoming performance we were rehearsing for would be canceled, and after that I learned the choreography festival I was dancing in was postponed, and then I found out I wouldn’t be allowed to teach my students face to face anymore, and that I couldn’t take classes at Millennium anymore, and the gym was closed, and, and, and…

I bet the last time you were at dance you weren’t asking yourself, Could this be my last class? Could I go home tonight and not return tomorrow? Now, as you continue to miss your friends, the studio space, your teachers, music, and dance you might be thinking wow I really took this for granted. Well, I hope when we finally return to “the dancing”, you will recall the sorrow experienced when dance was taken away and how lucky we will be to have it back. Dance is such an incredible outlet, but I worry we get so tied up on the path to perfection, we forget why we came to dance in the first place. During this period, take time to remember why you fell so deeply in love with dance and how it makes you feel.

If you're a dancer who is struggling, I want you to know that you’re not alone. Please know that your feelings are valid. We grieve, because we love. Thankfully, despite social distancing and restrictions on regular dance classes, this does not mean you can’t continue to move on your own. I am amazed at the immense amount of perseverance dancers have shown during this time. Despite the closing and postponement of professional dance companies, choreography festivals, Broadway shows, cruise ship entertainment, dance studios, performances and more, the dance community has stood its ground. All over the world despite being knocked down, dance is getting back up again.

How lucky are we to have access to technology that can connect us globally? Online courses, zoom classes, and constant dance opportunities have developed and exploded around the world. Please partake in such resources, this reality should not be taken for granted.

To the students I teach, I hope you are taking full advantage of this online access to teachers, renowned choreographers, and others all in the comfort of your own homes. How wonderful is it to dance a combination in your living room where literally no one is watching. I mean you get to roll out of bed, in your pajamas, find space in your kitchen, living room, or bedroom and do exactly what your teachers have been asking you to do all along. Dance like nobody's watching, because they aren’t.

As for my cruise contract, things are still scheduled to continue. I have not received news regarding postponement or delay in my starting date. I do know those dancers who were in the middle of rehearsals have been sent home. Several casts that were already on board performing and in the middle of their contracts were actively quarantined then returned home. There are additional entertainers who remain on some ships with only crew members and no passengers at this time. Despite the unknown I am continuing to dance, learn, prepare, and create.

I feel for many people during these times of difficulty but I encourage all of you to make the best of your situation. I hope you continue to work, exercise, create art, and invent while we wait this out. Take advantage of the excellent resources around you because participating in such activities will help you through this challenging time.