Back to Dance Class, Post-Pandemic
May 31, 2020 – Across the country, small businesses are starting to open their doors to a new, unfamiliar, post-pandemic world. Restrictions, guidelines, and rules have been set, and owners are scrambling to make sense of and comply with the seemingly ever-moving goal posts. Here in New Jersey, the COVID-19 impact was severe; being the second hardest-hit state means that our government has been hesitant to loosen the restrictions. We’ve adopted a very gradual, very cautious approach that is broken down into several phases. More than likely, our state’s dance studios will be among the last to open in the country. Owners and teachers have been making outdoor contingency plans (cordoning off areas in parking lots, county parks, etc.), stocking up on hand sanitizer, and marking the studio floor in six-foot intervals. While these steps take us the right direction, many parents are understandably nervous and unsure. Even if the government says it’s safe, should we let our children resume in-person dance classes now that the pandemic has run through its first course?
If you have come here for a definitive answer, I’m sorry to disappoint you. There are far too many factors at play for anyone to make this call for you. A majority of state governments are only allowing a certain percentage (25%, 50%, etc.) of the maximum occupants into a building during the initial reopening phase, and of course, that amount varies by the dimensions of the space. The number of students in each school will need to be considered, as will the amount of kids in each of the routines. What about bathrooms? Will they be cleaned after each use? How often will the students be made to use hand sanitizer? Many dances feature lifts, partner work, and other elements that require direct contact; will those still be permitted, and if so, what is the protocol for washing up afterwards? One of the hot-button issues is the wearing of masks; will they be required, and if so, how can kids breathe if they’re engaged in intensive cardiovascular activity? What about students with sensory issues? If the classes are moved outside, what surface (grass, asphalt, etc.) will they be working on? How will their movements be adjusted to accommodate for the new surface – will they still be doing their acro tricks, turns, lifts, floorwork, and other dynamics? The number of considerations to take into account is mind-numbing.
Remember the duck-and-cover drills that were conducted in schools in the 1950’s? We now know that hiding under a desk would not have done diddly squat to save your life if an atomic bomb were dropped on your building. So why did schools conduct them? Why force kids to learn and practice these anxiety-invoking exercises when they wouldn’t have been much more effective than covering oneself with a soft, fuzzy blanket? The truth is this: Adults couldn’t shield children from knowing about the threat of the atomic bomb (kids do listen to their parents’ conversations, even when the content isn’t meant for their ears), so the duck-and-cover drills were a way to give them a sense of CONTROL over a scary situation. At the back of his mind, a child would feel that there was SOMETHING he could do to protect himself if the unthinkable became reality. Knowing this, owning some level of agency, allowed children to feel a degree of confidence. In their minds, they did not need to live in fear if there was something they could do to save themselves.
So what does this have to do with the global pandemic we’re dealing with? If you choose to allow your child participate in in-person dance classes again (whether it be in a studio, a parking lot, a public park, or someone’s backyard), you can capitalize on the opportunity to teach them to take control of the situation by adopting habits to protect their own health. Rather than allowing them to be plagued by anxiety and fear, we can reassure them that officials have deemed the situation safe, and that we can do our part as responsible citizens by following the rules and guidelines that have been laid out (masks, social distancing, hand sanitizer, etc.). For younger children, this is especially important; show them how to properly wash their hands (the “Happy Birthday” song has probably never been as popular as it is now), make a fun game out of teaching them what six feet apart looks like, buy sanitizer in fun scents (if you can find them), etc. Arming them with information and mitigation techniques can protect their mental well-being, which is being tested like never before. At the very least, they won’t feel powerless against the virus, and will believe that they have some ways to protect their own health and safety.
If you do not feel comfortable sending your child back to dance class, then you shouldn’t. At the end of the day, it is the parents’ responsibility to keep their children safe and healthy, so the decision rests solely on your shoulders. Many kids will push back, and understandably so; their dance friends and teachers often become a separate family to them, and they miss each other terribly. If this is the route you’re going, and you are absolute in your resolve, opening it up to a discussion or negotiation with your children could prove disastrous. Make your decision, calmly (but firmly) explain your reasons to them, acknowledge their feelings of disappointment and frustration (if applicable), and inform them that you will reassess at a later date. Be prepared for the worst reaction (tears, screaming, throwing stuff – just kidding, hopefully), but stand your ground. For most dancers, they will be able to resume normal classes next year (so offering them that reminder might take the edge off the sting). Don’t dwell too long on how your studio owner will react; most of them are parents as well, and should respect your judgment (even if she or he doesn’t necessarily agree with your call). Many studios have offered to continue virtual classes for those families that are not ready for in-person instruction yet (if your school hasn’t mentioned doing this yet, you would absolutely be within your rights to request it).
Take a deep breath, trust your instincts, and remember that this, too, shall pass. I wish you all the best of luck as you make your decisions, and I hope that your families are safe and healthy.
Thanks to the Hood-Kirar and Satterfield families for the pictures!
Work hard, have fun! – Danielle
If your studio is holding in-person classes, are you sending your child? Please post your thoughts below!
52 Comments
Linda Egeler
Interesting connection to the atomic bomb drills! I really like the idea of helping our children to feel a sense of control over their own health and what they can do to protect it.
Danielle
Thank you!
Kendra
I can’t even imagine how difficult this must be to maneuver with a dance team have any size. My son just started back to Band rehearsals in person. and they have a big enough space to accommodate their jazz band with six to eight foot distance, and they are still offering an online option for those who cannot or are not willing to attend the in-person rehearsals. Whether dancing together or playing together as a unit, it’s so difficult in these times.
Danielle
I’m glad to hear that your son is able to participate in live band rehearsals again, and that the person in charge is still offering virtual options. With everyone’s nerves on edge, providing flexible options is a great accommodation.
Shannon
As we get back to more “normal” life I think all of this is great advice. Do what we can and what we’re comfortable with but take appropriate care and precautions to limit risk.
Cindy
Excellent info. It’s so hard to know when is the best time to send kids back to classes or practices. Missouri opened back up in early May. My grandsons started football practice last week. Yesterday one of the athletes tested positive for COVID19. Practices stopped again after only a week. We are waiting to see if the health department quarantines everyone.
Danielle
Wow, I’m so sorry that happened! Keeping my fingers crossed for your grandsons.
Cathy
That’s a hard decision! We will all be facing a lot of hard decisions in the upcoming months! We have to make these decisions at our own comfort levels. I don’t have children but I am trying to keep my 89 year old mother safe. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Danielle
In some cases, it’s a very tough call to make. Hope you and your mom stay safe and well!
Kelly
You are so right, it’s going to have to be really up to the parents if they feel comfortable enough to send their children back. Case by case basis. We all are looking forward to getting back to some of our favorite things we used to do.
Danielle
Absolutely! Too many factors at play for others to make the call for the parents. Thanks for weighing in!
Yvette
Love this. Our kids need to feel like they are in control of something, and they need to feel like they are part of a community or tribe and dance does all of that. Thank you!
Holly
Beautifully written.. Our children are so scared and giving them an opportunity to get back to normalcy will be good for them..
Danielle
Thank you so much! We can’t wait to get back to normal, whatever that may look like going forward.
Alice
This is a scary time and kids both need to feel safe and need an outlet for their anxiety. Good post on how to ease back into in person dance classes.
Douglas Jasper
I like the idea of kids feeling they have some control over the situation and this all going to apply to so many activities.
Adrienne
My daughter’s Irish dance classes have not yet resumed in person 🙁 They are doing it via video and have missed out on so many performances this year. It is what it is I guess!
Danielle
Same. Some of our competitions are revamping and rescheduling, but we really just don’t know how that’s going to go. Thank you!
Eva Keller
Personally I am happy to see some restrictions being lifted and people getting back out there. Everything is definitely a case by case basis though.
Danielle
I agree. Not everyone is as comfortable as we are, so I can understand there being some hesitation. Thanks for weighing in!
Beth Shields
Love the social distancing dot – what a great idea. And we have been missing getting back together. Thanks for the post.
Danielle
I thought that was clever, also! Thanks for commenting!
Leeandra
I like how you talked about teaching kids to be cautious and to help calm the anxiety.
Danielle
Thank you!
Jen
We’re in this same type of boat with my boys who run track. They’re allowed to start practice next week and my boys are raring to go. The coach is limited in the number of kids that he share space with at one time, even though they’ll be outside. The kids will be required to wear a mask or face covering when they arrive, but will be able to take it off to run. We’re definitely going to be overcoming lots of obstacles as our kids’ activities start picking back up.
Danielle
Lots of adjustments, for sure. Best wishes to you and the boys!
Debbie
Good points. Every facet of our lives have been affected. Some more and longer than others.
Danielle
Absolutely! Who knows how long it will take to get back to “normal”? Thanks for commenting!
Lisa
So many considerations to consider! I think doing the best in these circumstances to keep our children happy and progressing!
Danielle
There really are just so many factors impacting the decision for parents, owners, and government officials.
Carrie Beaton
So excited for things to start getting back to normal. I bet your daughter is so happy to be back!
Danielle
Here in NJ, we haven’t started reopening just yet. Some of my FB page followers shared their reopening stories, and were gracious enough to let me borrow their pictures for the post. My girls are practically ready to break down the door!
Tiffany
So much to consider – hopefully this won’t be our new normal for long.
Barbara
Getting back to “normal” is so good for all!
Erica
It is so true that it is a hard decision. My little ballerina is dying to get back to class, but I’m worried. Here in Virginia, we have done YouTube videos with her class, so it has been helpful. My heart breaks for these girls and boys.
Suzan | It's My Sustainable Life
I can only imagine the difficulty of having to make these decisions with children right now. So glad many are empowering & encouraging!
Danielle
It’s a Catch-22 for so many families right now. Thanks for commenting!
Sara - Seek Discover Learn
Our son and daughter play baseball and softball, and we had to make a tough decision this year as to whether or not to let them still play with all the new regulations. We decided to ultimately leave the decision up to them. They decided that playing ball in July and August in Kentucky would be too hot and miserable, so they decided to wait and play next year instead. We are all bummed to miss out on a year, but I think it’s the best decision. Hopefully next year all sports will look a little more like normal.
Danielle
Such a tough call to make! Hopefully, we will all be able to move on soon. Best of luck to your kids, and thanks for weighing in.
Charlene
I was just having a conversation with another parent about this topic today. Their daughter’s studio is re-opening and mom isn’t ready to send them. Mom works in the medical field and simply feels that it’s too soon and not enough precautions are being taken. The girls are upset, but dad is supporting mom’s feelings. After talking to the studio, who really want the girls to remain in the Elite program, they will be providing dance classes via video for them so they can be caught up for resuming classes in the fall. You’re right that the parents need to do what they feel comfortable with. Talking to the studio about concerns seemed to help this family.
Danielle
I’m so happy to hear that things worked out for them, and that the studio owner took their concerns seriously! It’s a very difficult call to make for some families. Best of luck to them!
Michelle
Texas is opening up (mostly open I guess by now) and we have made sure to impress on our daughter the responsibilities that go along with participating in the world again – taking charge of your health and safety and to keep everyone as safe as possible. She is one of the BEST mask wearers I know and she’s only 4!
Danielle
Wow, that’s awesome (that she’s good with the mask). It’s makes me a little sad, thinking about how we have to teach these young kids how to protect themselves from this danger. Thanks for commenting!
Jessica
Those girls are troopers!! It’s such a tough call, but I do think it’s great how lots of people are coming up with creative ways to continue safely.
Danielle
Agreed. Small business owners (including dance studio owners) are really pushing the envelope to keep their kids engaged. And yes, I couldn’t get over those girls practicing ballet in the rain! The mom who loaned me that picture said the kids actually WANTED to stay in the rain, rather than go under cover.
Sandi
Love it! Having a sense of control is so important to our well being. Teaching children they can participate and maintain control is such a great lesson.
Danielle
Thanks! I feel like it empowers them to take control of their anxiety and nerves.
Ruth Iaela-Pukahi
I love how people are getting creative and coming up with great ideas to do our best to go back to normal life! The kids need the social interaction, exercise, and goals to work on. I can’t help but worry how as a elementary school librarian, how will I have to adjust to best serve my students…
Danielle
I work in a school also (teacher) and have no idea how we’re going to manage things when we open back up. I long for the days of “normal.” Thanks for commenting!
Christina Furnival
At least one positive that has come out of the pandemic is creativity! Love that you modified the classes to fit with distancing!
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