By Mia Wojcik
Worldwide, schools, amusement parks, pools, and so many more have been closed down due to Covid-19, a virus killing thousands of people. Along with that, many dancers have not gotten to go into their studio, and dance. So how have they been doing? Are they still dancing AND remaining safe? Do they have the tools to do so? Three dancers will be telling you how they still follow their passion, but practicing social distancing.
Liza Shorrock (age 12) is a competitive dancer at Expression Dance Studio. She’s been dancing for almost 11 years, and claims she will continue to dance throughout her whole life, and possibly be a professional dancer. In an interview, Shorrock states she’s been greatly affected
“Coronavirus has affected dance classes a lot. Three of our competitions have been cancelled, including nationals in Sandusky, Ohio.” Shorrock said. “We have been doing zoom classes and a zoom audition. A select few of my dancers from my studio (including me) participated in Break the Floors virtual dance competition.”
Liza has been pretty active with dance, which makes me happy to hear. Something amazing about Liza is that she can make the best of situations. For example, Liza claims that she and her team go on social distancing picnics and get togethers. She can also make the best of times when dance is mentally hard for her.
“When dance gets hard, I always try to think about what I love about dance, like my team, competitions, and recital.” Shorrock said.
Mikayla Mills (age 13), recently started dancing a few months ago.
“My brother’s friend works for a company called DLD dance in Darien, IL and his mom said they are doing online zooms for dance. If (Mikayla) I wanted to participate and if I like it I can join and start classes.” Mikayla said. She claims that dance hasn’t really affected her since she wasn’t doing dance before.
“I really want to go do an actual class.” Mills said. “I will be doing inside classes with them some days in July, I believe.”
She's very brave and willing to take risks. For example, she didn’t really know if she was going to like dance. But once she tried a class, she enjoyed it.
“I enjoy dance because I like to make up my own moves a lot and I like to dance in general so I decided to join, because I knew I would like it, Mills said” She also talked about how calming and entertaining it can be, and she puts so much effort into dance, even when it gets harder.
“Some moves are easier for me, some are harder. I just try my super best.” Mills said.
Anna Forsythe (age 12), has been dancing for three years, will continue to follow her passion, even if quarantined.
“[Covid 19] affected me because some classes are on zoom which makes it harder.” Forsythe said.
“They are harder because sometimes you can't hear them.” She claims she tries to do as many classes on zoom as possible, since it will make her an even better dancer. She also says she does some in studio social distancing practices.
She sticks to things she loves, no matter what. Anna could’ve easily not practiced dance in quarantine. But she continued to attend zooms because she loved it.
“It makes me feel good.” Forsythe said. She is a very passionate dancer, and never wants to quit.
Many dancers have been keeping busy in quarantine. Just because of the virus, they will not quit their passion. Even though times are hard, people are continuing making the best of it.
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