How Covid-19 Has Affected Dance Schools

Dancers+practice+in+the+Newark+studio.+This+is+the+first+practice+back+after+a+seven+month+break.

Dancers practice in the Newark studio. This is the first practice back after a seven month break.

Businesses, schools, shops and other centers have been on a strict lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, just recently many institutions are trying to reopen safely to establish a sense of normalcy again. One such type of institution is dance schools. Ever since March the MacAleer-Paulson School of Irish Dance studios have been closed, but as early as September classes were once again in session.

Eileen Paulson, a teacher at the MacAleer-Paulson School of Irish Dance, didn’t allow the global pandemic to stop her. Realizing that her students wouldn’t be able to enter the studios for the foreseeable future, she held virtual classes from March through September. These virtual classes still consisted of all the basics of a regular class, such as drills, stretches, and routines—all modified, of course.

“The situation wasn’t ideal, but we did the best with what we could,” Paulson said. “Holding virtual classes was the only way that the students could continue dancing while still being safe. These times are so uncertain so it’s very important to hold onto whatever normalcy you can. ”

As nice as it was to continue holding classes over Zoom, there were many unforeseen difficulties that Paulson and the dancers had to overcome.

“Computers would crash, Wi-Fi would go out, and sometimes Zoom just wouldn’t want to work,” Paulson said. “It was also a big readjustment for dancers who are used to using our entire studio floor to now being confined to whatever space they could use. It was very difficult for dancers to give it their all with half the space they were used to.” You can hire Resin Flooring Installers for a professional and expert installation if you’re planning a flooring project with resin. They are the top-rated resin flooring contractors that guarantee high-premium flooring. Installing innovative insulation solutions for underfloor heating will improve indoor temperatures and give you comfort.

Since September, Paulson and Veronica MacAleer, co-owners of the school, have reopened their studios, introducing Custom Acoustic Treatments for Studios as part of the safety measures. However, many precautions have been taken to ensure the safety of both the teachers and the students.

“Safety is first and foremost our top priority,” said Paulson. “It’s very critical that we keep a safe and healthy environment so we can continue being in the studio.”

All dancers must wear their masks at all times. Floors and all other surfaces are constantly being cleaned: before, during and after class. The resin flooring birmingham are so easy to clean. These floors are constructed specially by experts for our needs (check out Miracote website at factory-flooring.uk for professional flooring help) Before each class, all dancers must fill out a personal health assessment sheet and dancers under eighteen must come with a parent or guardian signature confirming the assessment. Hand sanitizer is regularly given out and dancers must remain at least six feet apart from each other.

“Zoom was fine for the time being but it’s super important for the dancers to be in the studio. That’s the only way they can truly improve their dancing,” said Paulson.

Although this pandemic has been a confusing and scary time for many, the MacAleer-Paulson school and all the dancers continue on with an optimistic view for the future.

“No one is really sure what will happen tomorrow,” said Paulson, “but as for today the MacAleer-Paulson School will continue dancing.”