Wednesday July 22 marked the first day Footprints Dance Centre was able to reopen for dance classes in over 120 days in Woodstock. After working closely with Public Health, our local dance studio welcomed back dancers into the Woodstock studio in a safe and welcoming way.
Heading into classes Wednesday evening we were truly in awe of how much our dance families were needing to get back into the dance studio. From our little Twirling Teacups to our advanced Seniors, it was clear that our dancers were missing more than just dance classes.
With floor markers all over the dance studios’ floors, our staff in face coverings, and hand sanitizer everywhere it is obvious to say that we are not back to “normal” yet. But we were so happy to be able to provide a little slice of the ‘everyday’ for our dancers again. From walking into the studio and seeing their dance friends, to being able to move freely again during freeze dance/improv, and even getting those little corrections and compliments from our teachers. It was clear that our students needed a piece of the everyday back in their lives.
And of course, our dance families stepped up to the plate and were so responsible in the studio. All parents and dancers in the studios were quick to reach for our newly installed hand sanitizer machines. Everyone respected the floor markings in the lobby and public areas to keep their distance too. Seeing our dance families treat the studio space with such love and respect truly makes us appreciate our dance family so much.
Once classes were over and the dust settled it was so encouraging to hear from so many parents:
“My daughter is finally acting like herself again. Being able to dance again, definitely helps her express those things inside that she can’t quite get out again.”
“Getting to walk through the new policies and procedures in the summer has helped me feel more confident and less anxious about returning in the fall. It’s clear that the FDC team is doing as much as they can to keep us all safe.”
“She will certainly be sore in the morning. But my goodness, she needed to move again!”
We are thrilled to be able to continue to offer our Summer Reunion Sessions through the remainder of July and August.
