Wingman for Dance inspires empathy, compassion, kindness and most importantly, acceptance of all children regardless of any perceived differences. Each month in the studio we will be incorporating Wingman for Dance activities within all of our dance  classes. This month we discussed how to create joy and kindness while being safer-at-home.

January’s Wingman Week: Joy & Kindness

In our January dance classes we reflected on the current state of the Covid-19 Pandemic. With being placed back into lockdown, our community was experiencing a lot of grief and sadness. Case numbers in the province are high, and the virus is directly impacting our local communities. This is having the biggest impact on our physical and mental health right now.

In our classes we discussed how some days the pandemic-feeling may knock you flat out. You may find yourself being extra grumpy or feeling very sad about the reality of missing school, missing your friends, and missing dance. And other days, you may find yourself “living your best life” happy to stay in your PJs and have an at-home day. We stressed to our dancers that all of these feelings are okay. That they are totally allowed to feel those feelings and experience the full spectrum of emotions involved in this ongoing pandemic.

Together in our online classes, our dancers did one of three exercises:

1 – The Joy List

In this activity dancers created a list of things that inspire them to get up and create a little joy for themselves. On those days where we find it hard to get out of bed, we want to think of the things that bring us joy and inspire us to get up and not let that sour mood keep us from the things we love. Either individually or as a group dancers created their joy lists and shared them with the class. Here were some of our favourites:

  • Mommy/Daddy hugs
  • Playing with my siblings
  • Petting my dog or cat
  • Spending time with my family
  • Put on my Elsa gown
  • Call Grandpa
  • Watch BTS videos
  • Bake some treats
  • Watch a movie with my family
  • Video chat with friends
  • Eat
  • Go for a walk in nature
  • Make some art

2 – Kindness Project

For this activity dancers were challenged on how they can spread some kindness in the community. We have seen so much support and gratitude for our frontline workers during the first lockdown of the pandemic. The doctors, nurses, hospital staff, grocery store workers, etc that have kept our society running have been working so hard to keep us safe. And now, just as we are feeling extra tired and grumpy about the pandemic, these people are feeling those feelings even more so!

Here were some of our dancers ideas:

School Teachers:

  • Listen to what they tell us during class
  • Mute when we are supposed to be muted
  • Write them a thank you note
  • Do they work they worked so hard to make for us
  • Participate and give feedback when they ask for it

Doctors & Nurses:

  • Write a thank you note and send it in the mail
  • Draw them a picture
  • Ask Mom/Dad to drop off donuts/treats to the office

 3 – Helping Our Parents

In this activity we challenged our dancers to empathize with their parents. In class we discussed how our parents are feeling extremely stressed and tired out right now. They are worried about their kids health, their parents health, making ends meet, and keeping it all together for the family. As a class we brainstormed different ideas on how we can help out our parents to ease some of their stress. Here is what our dnacers came up with:

  • Help with little siblings
  • Separate our school time from their work time
  • Be respectful when they are on a work call
  • Be patient when they are doing their work
  • Clean up after yourself
  • Plan a special day for them
  • Bring them breakfast in bed
  • Plan a fun movie night and you make the snacks
  • Do your chores (the first time you are asked)

How Can Parents Help?

Discussions at home that include the idea that reflecting on how we can make this lockdown easier for everyone. This will help enforce positive behavior and gratitude all year round. Questions like, “What can we do to help?” and “How did you show you were grateful today?” will help your dancer learn the importance of expressing appreciation and develop humility and gratitude.

What is Wingman for Dance?

Wingman for Dance is a program from Dylan’s Wings of Change, a foundation dedicated to the memory of Dylan Hockley. Dylan was one of the first grade victims of the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School on December 14, 2012. Dylan was six years old and had autism. He could be his best when those around him would be his Wingman. You can find out more at www.wingmanleague.org. Also, find Wingman for Dance on Facebook and on Instagram.