2020 Vision: The Dance Year in Review
At this point last year (2019), many of us competitive dance families were either just getting our feet wet or gearing up for our “season.” Here in New Jersey, there were few conventions and competitions that took place in the late fall or early winter; other areas of the country had already begun their season and were in full swing by the end of 2019. Whatever the situation, the competitive dance world still had yet to see plenty of action, with many regional and national events on the horizon. If only we knew what 2020 had in store for us…
In our studio, the first real event we take part in is typically the 24/7 dance convention and competition at the Meadowlands at the end of January. With this, our entire team takes the convention classes. Solos, duos, and trios were allowed to compete as well, if they so desired. At the time, I withheld my girls’ solos because they were still working out some kinks in the routines. Plus, we would have plenty of opportunities for them to enter other competitions, right? Looking back, I obviously wish I had entered their numbers for that event. But I am glad that they competed in an optional event in February – it would prove to be their last for quite some time.
Reality Sets In
Sometime around the end of February, we started to get wind that the virus we’d begun hearing about was more serious than we had initially believed. The news of outbreaks around the world set our nerves on edge – would this impact our dance year? Studio owners began to seriously consider what effect it would have on their businesses, the lifeblood of their family’s existence, if they had to close their doors (even temporarily). We dance families began to imagine life without the constant hustle-bustle of chauffeuring our kids around to classes and events; throwing together meals and snacks for on-the-go; and the countless other chores we do to keep our dance kids hustlin’. And we realized that, even though we often complain about it, we feared losing that lifestyle to a global pandemic.
In mid-March, our country effectively shut down (on Friday the 13th, of course). Many sources expected that the shutdown would last only about two weeks, so many dance schools suspended classes for the time being. We had been scheduled to attend Jump in New York City at the end of March (this would have been our first full-team competition of the year), so we waited anxiously for the word on whether or not it would go off as scheduled. It didn’t take long for our hopes to be destroyed; that, along with every other competitive event in the country, was postponed indefinitely.
Time to Pivot
In the next few months, the competitive world of youth dance “pivoted” in countless ways. When it became clear that in-person instruction would not be a reality for some time, dance school owners began to investigate the possibilities of virtual instruction. We parents cleared space, moved furniture, built and installed ballet barres, and did everything else possible to create at-home dance spaces for our kids (see my series on setting up a dance space at home, starting with Part 1). The instructors and staff adjusted to this new way of teaching, and tried out new activities to engage their students at home (see Keeping the Connection). Sometimes, we moms and dads had to find new ways to motivate our kids to turn the laptop on; being removed from their passion took a toll on the children (and us parents, to be fair), and many were reluctant to engage despite their schools’ best efforts.
Sadly, some schools could not sustain their instruction this way, and had to shutter their doors forever (for a tribute to all dance teachers, read To the Dance Teachers, We Thank You). Those affected students searched for new “homes,” while others decided to hang up their dance shoes altogether.
A Whole New World
At the same time, the corporate offices of dance event companies scrambled to create something out of nothing. Fledgling efforts at virtual competitions began to take shape, and dancers began to record their routines at home to submit to the only opportunity they had to showcase their talent on a stage outside of their homes. The administrative staffs tweaked and improved their formats and procedures, opening up a new method of competing with dancers across the globe (it remains to be seen whether virtual competitions will continue to exist once in-person events resume). Judges began to offer their critiques virtually as well; this service has been around for some time, but more and more dancers are now capitalizing on it.
Professional dance companies also got creative in their efforts to keep their group afloat. This year, we’ve seen a huge wave of virtual performances offered to the masses. While some were free, many charged a nominal fee so they could sustain their respective companies. The arts community has been hit particularly hard (just look to the dimmed lights of Broadway), so most viewers were eager to support these performances in any way they could.
A Turning Point?
As the spring gave way to summer, live events began to take shape in some parts of the country. For example, Starpower began planning an outdoor event in Atlantic City in August (see The Greatest Show, Part 1 and Part 2 for our first time back onstage). Dance parents pored over event pages – how would these competitions be run? What would be the new protocols and procedures? Would my kid need to wear a mask onstage? Where are they changing? How will the venue limit the number of spectators? So many considerations were agonized over, and the entire structure of the event was reworked. “Studio blocking” became a common term in our new vocabulary, along with “social distancing,” “temperature checks,” and “six feet apart.” Participating in this reworked format was a new experience, but a very welcome one. More and more proud, relieved dance families were posting pictures of masked kids posing in front of backdrops at in-person events, and we seemed to be returning to something resembling “normal.” Hope seemed to be on the horizon.
In Limbo (Again)
With the cold weather and holiday season upon us, outdoor events are no longer a possibility for many parts of the country. Indeed, we have moved back indoors, which severely limits our live performance opportunities. The numbers of positive coronavirus cases are spiking dangerously across the globe, and events that were scheduled for the winter have been postponed until the spring. Once again, we find ourselves in limbo. This time, however, we have reason to hope – two new vaccines were recently rolled out, and many of us are hopeful that this represents the end of the dark times we’ve come to accept during the COVID epidemic.
Lessons Learned
If given the chance, most of us would never wish to repeat the events of 2020. At the time of this writing, there were over 300,000 deaths in our country alone due to this coronavirus; that in itself is enough to make us want to cast this year from our collective memory. But one powerful lesson we can learn from this terrible time in our history is that of resilience. Because so many people did not retreat, did not throw their hands up in despair, and did not turn their backs on their commitments, there will still be a competitive dance world to return to when the time is right. Yes, we’ve had to make countless sacrifices and adjustments along the way, but isn’t that the stuff of life? Maybe this generation will learn this lesson better than others, simply because they were forced to live through it.
For each problem, there is at least one solution. Having lived through a global pandemic, we’ve learned that we can adapt to nearly any situation if we’re willing to do what needs to be done. What better lesson can we impart to our children?
One thing is for certain: The term “2020 vision” will never mean the same thing again.
Work hard, have fun! – Danielle
For more year-end reflections, check out Bye 2020!
The 12 Dancing Days of Christmas
27 Comments
Christina Siwik
What a great read. So much had to be virtual in 2020.
Holly B
What a great year… even though it was different it seems you and your family have been able to find ways to get through together!
Elaina
It definitely was a rough year but I think a lot if us realized just how strong we really are and how we can persevere through almost anything. Here’s to hoping for a much better 2021!
Erica Pittenger
Adapting YES! We are stronger than we realize! We too had our ballet lesson move to online at first and then to in-person with masks on and every precaution. We just performed the Nutcracker and my Maddie was so excited. It was different and not in front of an audience, but it was wonderful to see it virtually. I hope we go back to a sense of normalcy soon, but I know we can continue to survive this way if we need to a bit more. Good post, I love your perspective.
Cecile
It was definately a difficult year for our children. Its so great to see how you were able to pivot and make it work for your girls.
Sabrina DeWalt
What a roller coaster ride 2020 has been. We can only hope that 2021 will be a different animal.
Sydney Delong-Eat Simply Sweet
2020 has been quite a ride, I can’t even imagine what it is like in the dance world specifically! It’s cool to see how the competitions have changed and how well we can adapt to it
Cindy
2020 has forced so many changes. I’m happy you found a way to adapt.
Debbie
Great recap! The girls (and parents) really stepped up and made the best out of 2020. They will never forget this year and the life lessons they learned!!
Keirsten
I feel this! I work in Film & TV (makeup) & we had hiatus after hiatus, the PPE & new protocols for background actors & main actors has changed so much. It truly is about adapting because at the end of the day, none of these things are essential. They’re amazing to have & to be able to perform & have creative careers but we don’t need them to survive. So if we can safely adapt & work them into the new normal than that’s truly a bonus for us. Great article!
Sabrina
One of my college professors said “If it does not kill you in the first five seconds, we adapt. Human nature at it’s best.” I pray that 2021 brings back some kind of “normal” for most business. God willing. Thanks for sharing.
Suzan | It’s My Sustainable Life
What a difference a year makes.
Tricia Snow
This has been a tough year for anyone in sports. To 2021!
Tiffany
It’s inspiring how sports like dance was able to work through these problems!
Barbara
All sports felt the impact of 2020 forsure! Dance like many other sports were forced to adjust after a pause. Disappointments led to compromises to be allowed to compete. I believe our idea of norml is lost forever. Once you give away an inch in anything a mile is gained away from that direction permanently. Moving forward will probably remain looking very different for all sports for quite sometime whether it is necessary or not, unfortunately.
Emi
I love that you talked about perseverence and being able to overcome.”For each problem, there is at least one solution.” Very true! Thanks for the fun read and best wishes for you and your dance fam.
Chelsea
I feel this. Our kids haven’t been involved in anything except for their Cub Scouts since March. And even that is pretty much all virtual. We can’t start anything else because we aren’t sure what the numbers will look like so nobody is opening yet. But we’ve found lots of fun ways to say active at home, that’s for sure. Cheers to 2021 and whatever our physical activity looks like in this new year lol. 😉
Shelby
I had no idea all that went into dance and being a dance family. Really interesting!
Sandi Barrett
Resilance – that pretty much sums up the year.
Marianne
2020 was definitely a bumpy ride. But look at how much more prepared we are to adapt to situations we never even thought about facing!
MissKorang
The lengths parents go to so our kids can dream…and dance!
You’re an awesome mama.
Suz | TravelsWithSuz.com
So glad to see 20/20 in hindsight! May the new year bring more flexibility to us all. Your girls are so beautiful. Enjoy!
Ayesha Siddiqui
Definitely not the year we all hoped for but glad you’re family was able to make the best of it!
Kendra
What a crazy year for the arts! Our kids have learned to pivot and repivot more than we’ve ever expected. My son had many performance opportunities revoked this year too with his jazz band. Thankfully they were still able to fit in a few outdoor gigs and even a couple indoors with masks and social distancing rules. I never thought I’d see my son singing through a mask. I hope your girls have a better year of dance opportunities for 2021!
Melissa Jones
I love the 20/20 vision comment. I never thought of that, but so very true!
Magan
A great review of a trying year. I think it’s shown us something we didn’t know we had–major adaptability.
Cindy Moore
A Whole New World is the perfect way to sum up 2020. I’m grateful too for the lessons we’ve learned. And we will all see what 2021 brings.