Isn’t it crazy what has been going on in the world? This pandemic has taken a toll on us all. We have planned competitions, spent on coaching, spent on competition registrations and costumes and now we can’t even use those and get up on stage.
It is frustrating as a dancer to suddenly lose something you have been working hard for. For most of us, dancing isn’t just a hobby – it is our life.
We dream of becoming professional dancers, we dream of performing our whole lives but this has ended so quickly. But does it have to end right now? The answer is no.
Just like academics, we can still learn through online classes or virtual learning. Some parents may believe that it isn’t worth it to take online classes but it is.
ONE LEARNS TO LISTEN AND CORRECT ONESELF
Online classes are different from seeing your teacher face to face. You have to listen intently, watch them, and be aware of what’s going on in class. You learn to correct yourself in the sense that when your teacher explains it, you have to analyze it yourself and apply it because your teacher will not be able to properly place your body.
LOCKDOWN HAS MADE ONE ACTIVE
Instead of staying at home, lying down, overeating, watching TV, using gadgets – you are moving and getting the exercise you need. In the digital age, it is difficult to find something that will help your kids stay active and keep moving. If you continue your classes, your kids will stay away from gadgets for an hour or so which is a win-win for everyone! You can also read about Parenting Through Dance Challenges: Navigating Your Child’s Desire to Quit with Insight and Support by clicking here.
ONE STILL FOLLOWS A ROUTINE SCHEDULE
Since the lockdown happened, everyone has just been waking up late, and sleeping late and it is just unhealthy. For kids, we need to keep a specific routine for them to follow. Wake up, shower, breakfast, school, lunch, dance, dinner, sleep. With online classes, they still follow a routine!
QUIET TIME WHILE WORKING FROM HOME
We love our kids, of course, we do! But 24 hours of crazy kids at home while we work, is usually a problem. Kidding aside! I would love to have my quiet time or alone time while I work and not have kids around running and begging me to cook them snacks. QUIET TIME MAKES MAMA HAPPY AND WE CAN CUDDLE ALL NIGHT BEFORE BED BECAUSE WE AREN’T BOTH IRRITABLE!!
SOCIALIZATION
Your kids still learn to socialize and play with other kids before or after their classes. I believe that these kids need socialization in their lives. I don’t want my kids to be stuck at home, all alone in their room and on their gadgets all day.
DANCING RELEASES DEPRESSION AND RESTLESSNESS
Dancing is just plain magic. It just makes me feel like I am in a different world. Like I am a different person and most importantly it makes me feel free! Dancing is your child’s first love and it will always be their first love no matter how old they are.
IT IS HARD TO GET BACK FROM A LONG BREAK
Dancers know this. When you miss a class – your body changes and just remember that the kid in class today will be stronger than you. You sit at home and do nothing while the other kids are working hard. Dance is never a one-time thing. YOU EITHER COMMIT TO IT AND BE THE BEST OR YOU DON’T PURSUE IT AT ALL.
COMMITMENT
You wanted to dance and make it your career. So you have to dance no matter what happens. Rain or shine. Come hell or high water, you dance!
Now, I know everyone has been having trouble financially. We are all affected but let me tell you this, it will be worth it in the end. You don’t see it now, but it helps your kids grow and learn! It helps them in so many ways that we may not see. And most importantly, it makes them happy and the only thing parents want to see is their kids be happy! Take the class. Dance. Don’t let this pandemic stop you from pursuing your dreams. A few months from now, you’ll be back in the studio and back on stage.
