LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — As schools figure out their plans for the fall, dance studios will also look different. However, instructors still want to make sure kids keep moving.
“We love what we do and I want to continue it. COVID-19’s not going to get us down,” Barbara Ann’s School of Dance Owner and Director Clemmy Ann Bastin said.
The studio adapted to the pandemic over the summer, from doing health screenings when kids walk into the building to making sure dancers keep to their own spot in class with taped out markings. These are things Bastin says the studio will continue to do when fall classes begin August 19.
“We’re going to try to work on doing both virtual and in-studio classes so that if you want to take classes at home, that’s fine. You’re more than welcome to,” she said. “With schools, with Fayette County possibly starting online for the first however many weeks, I do think that children will need exercise. I think they will need to see their friends.”
Since June’s 75th Anniversary Recital was canceled, Barbara Ann’s is planning to have an outdoor performance in September with summer and fall dancers. To honor the anniversary, the studio will host a 75+1 Diamond Jubilee in June 2021.
Over at Lexington Ballet, dancers follow similar health, safety, and social distancing guidelines. Artistic Director Luis Dominguez says they’ve even opened up the third floor for classes. However, the main concern this fall is with the adult company and their performances.
“For the company, I am worried for my dancers, because normally they can go into the studio and continue training. Right now, we have to stop,” said Dominguez.
The company’s first performance in October, New Works, will be virtual and Dominguez says they hope to be able to have a live audience for their winter and spring shows.
“We are going to create online content for the first six weeks and of course promote the Nutcracker, promote Snow White and Alice in Wonderland, which are the ballets that we hope to be able to present,” he said.