To the Dance Teachers, We Thank You

As we wrap up this dance year, it’s difficult not to think about all of the disappointments our children had to endure as they watched their dance season evaporate into thin air.  We as parents mourned right along with them as they suffered the consequences of a situation they couldn’t control, our hearts heavy as we watched them struggle to make sense of a senseless time. In addition to our families’ pain, there was another set of amazing people whose herculean efforts should not go unnoticed or unappreciated.  It is to them that I dedicate this post.

To the dance teachers…

Who first heard about the severity of the then-coming pandemic and felt a pit form in their stomachs.

Who became more anxious when they heard about countries around the world having to essentially shut down, and hoped mightily that the virus would not enter ours.

Who felt dread creeping in when the virus breached our borders, as the threat of widespread closures slowly became more real.

Who lost sleep with worry, wondering, “What am I supposed to do now?” when the governor issued orders to limit or close nonessential businesses.

Who were forced to send that first heartbreaking “Due to the pandemic, we are closed until further notice” message to anxiously awaiting parents, knowing too well what the emotional toll on the children would be.

Who scrambled to find online classes on Instagram, Zoom, YouTube, and any other platform they could find to share with their dancers so they could keep up with their fitness and technique.

Who invested countless hours in figuring out new programs and setting up classes on virtual platforms so their students could continue to learn and grow their skills.

Who went into overdrive to keep the lines of the communication open between their staff and families.

Who organized virtual treasure hunts, games, contests, and the like to keep their students motivated and engaged.

Who went into an empty studio day after day to conduct virtual classes, and shed tears over the lack of laughter and boisterous banter that usually filled its rooms.

Who forced smiles and brave faces so their students wouldn’t see how much their pain and sadness was consuming them.

Who went above and beyond to show their graduating seniors how much they love them and wish them well, and to convey their sorrow over having to say goodbye under these circumstances.

Who combed every news story from their local government to research when they could open their doors again.

Who reached out to other studios across the country to gather ideas of what could be done to support their dancers during the closures, and what practices to institute as they prepared to reopen.

Whose eyes were blurry from the endless hours of online searching to determine which events were canceled or rescheduled so they could keep the parents informed.

Who created and coordinated plans for outdoor classes, whether they were in a local park, the parking lot, or someone’s backyard.

Who scrubbed and sanitized every inch of the studio, stocked up on antibacterial liquid and paper products, and marked off six-foot sections in the studio space to comply with social distancing rules as they waited for the official go-ahead.

Who reached out to dancers that dropped off the radar, hoping to bring them back into the fold.

Who lost those students who could not be reached, knowing that they were cheated of the experience of truly understanding the joy and sense of accomplishment a full year of dance can bring.

Who were forced to accept that an end-of-year, in-person recital was not to be.

Who pulled all-nighters to figure out how to conduct a virtual end-of-year performance, having to consider new and unknown logistical obstacles.

Who needed to muster all their courage and strength as they stepped into their studios for the last time, because their once-thriving businesses were forced to shutter their doors forever.

Who mourned the goodbyes they never got to say to their dance children.

Who found themselves on a path they could never have even known existed, unsure of which direction to choose.

Who passionately gave their all, every ounce of their very being, to rising up when all seemed lost, knowing they are examples to the young minds and hearts that aspire to be just like them, accepting their responsibilities as role models humbly and with solemnity, and absolutely refusing to let their students down in their time of need.

For all you have done for our children, we cannot possibly express the deep and everlasting appreciation we feel.  Our undying gratitude is yours, now and forever.

Thank you.

Want to thank your child’s favorite instructor? Check out Dance Teacher Gifts to find something special!

For some sage advice from veteran dance moms, check out Sharing the Load.