As the pandemic started, my dance studio continually repeated the phrase, “Dance Can’t Be Canceled.” And they stuck with that phrase from March to May. During these months, I took and assistant taught dance classes through Zoom. As you can imagine, it was hard. Not being able to dance with everyone in person was complicated and adjusting to my computer screen was nothing I would have ever imagined. 

Every Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday night, my living room would be adjusted in order for my sister and me to attend virtual dance class. We would transform our living room into our mini dance studio. The table would be moved, carpet rolled up, and chairs would be brought in to serve as a ballet barre; I would even sometimes take classes on my backyard deck. Virtual dance was unexpected and we weren’t ever sure when we would go back in person. 

After months of attending virtual dance, Long Island entered Phase 4, which meant dance studios were able to open back up with strict restrictions. With six feet markers, masks holders on the mirrors, and hand sanitizing stations, it wasn’t back to normal but it sure was better than virtual. The opportunity  to communicate with friends and teachers brought back a sense of normality that all of us students and teachers were in need of.

Due to our 2019-2020 season sudden end, our competitions and recitals were canceled. But on September 13th, we were able to have a showcase in the parking lot of a stage rental company. The showcase was broken up into time blocks in order to limit the amount of people in the same area at once. The name of the showcase was “The Show Must Go On,” and indeed it did. Despite the differences in this year’s recital, it was by far one of my favorites. It was a perfect day and the feeling of sunshine on my face while performing was unlike any other. 

We have now started to attend classes full time with all the restrictions and limitations. Being back on a schedule during these times is a good feeling. I hope that soon we will be able to attend dance and all other activities as we used to. For now, we will work with what we have and be grateful for the opportunity to be able to attend dance.