Dancing Together... Six Feet Apart

FEATURE STORY Dancing Together... Six Feet Apart

Those within our governing bodies consider dance schools to be non-essential businesses. Had any of them been students at Dance Theatre, they might feel differently.

Dance Theatre’s 28th season serving South Florida began in typical fashion. All four Broward County locations were teeming with eager young dancers, poised to continue their training under the guidance of it’s amazing staff. The students embarked on their journey and leapt into their training with hopeful vigor. The first several months were funfilled and fantastic. New Years came and went, songs were chosen, and the early stages of preparation for the Annual Recital were underway. Then, in what now seems like the blink of an eye, everyone’s lives changed dramatically.

Pursuant to Executive Orders designed to combat Covid-19, like most local businesses, Dance Theatre was forced to close. Classes could no longer be conducted at any of the studios, and the training of it’s thousands of students was suddenly interrupted.

What now? What could be done to salvage the season, to keep these kids occupied and exercising, and to restore some measure of normalcy to the lives of it’s students? Dance Theatre’s owner, Michelle Gerlick, knew immediately that something had to be done. “When you’re a dancer, you understand. Dancing is absolutely essential, for both your body and your mind. It keeps you physically fit, it brings you essential moments of peace and tranquility, and it provides a necessary release from the stresses that surround us, especially during times like these. Adults don’t bear the brunt of this pandemic alone. Children have been affected in ways that are every bit, if not more dramatic then their parents. I had to do whatever I could to help them cope.”

The immediate solution, much like our public schools, was to adapt to a system of distanced learning through online video conferencing technology. With the help of her entire staff, Michelle quickly set about creating a Zoom account, perfected it’s use, and off they went. Within days, Dance Theatre’s entire schedule was available online, classes were back in session, and their students were able to recapture a bit of the joy that Covid-19 had stolen. While not ideal,

Dancers working hard this Summer, so happy to be back.

they could see and speak to their teacher, to one another, and they could continue doing one thing they absolutely loved...dancing together.

Dance Theatre’s Zoom classes continued throughout April and May, while all four studios underwent modifications to prepare for a time when live classes could resume. Every HVAC unit was equipped with state-of-the-art air cleansing systems, the dance rooms were divided into 6 foot boxes, and viewing systems were installed so that students with health conditions could continue to participate from home via Zoom.

“We wanted to provide our students with the safest possible environment upon their return. We’ve gone way over and above recommended safety measures. Yes...we have no-touch thermometers, gallons of sanitizer, and divided dance floors...but we’ve done numerous other things to keep our kids safe. No expense, and no amount of time or effort is too great when it comes to safeguarding the health of our Dance Theatre families. They take care of us. We take care of them. That’s how it’s always been, and that’s how it will continue to be.” On June 8th, after nearly three months of conducting classes exclusively online, Dance Theatre was allowed to resume studio classes. “We began with a substantially reduced schedule, primarily for older students who understand the importance of following the rules of this “new normal”, Michelle points out. “When conditions improve, hopefully by the start of our Fall season in late August or early September, we will welcome back all of our students, of every age, even if class sizes must be reduced in order to maintain safety. We will also continue to offer all classes via

Zoom for any students who choose to continue from home. Our kids and their families have been in our thoughts and prayers each and every day, and we can’t wait to see them all again soon.”

For those of you interested in joining Dance Theatre, you can go to their website www. dancetheatre.net, view the Fall schedule for the location nearest you, and register on-line.

Or call for details: Parkland (954) 427-7217, Heron Bay (954) 340-1544, Southwest Ranches (954) 434-4443, Plantation (9540 423-4500.

Dancers that aren’t ready to return to the studio just yet will be able to continue dancing from home via Zoom.