As we all work to figure out new schedules, we’re also thinking about creative ways to incorporate our dance practice into our lives at home.
We’re seeing dancers across the world shifting their dance practice from something that is inherently social (we gather together to move, to learn, and to create) to something where we can still connect and dance together in separate spaces. There are free online classes and other dance resources in the Bay Area, and we’re also reading about how dancers around the world (like the ones in Italy) have made the shift to dancing online, together.
For parents of Danspace students, we’re here to help! If you need suggestions of dance activities, playlists, or other dance resources, please send us an email. We’ll try to get information out to you as we can. Your dancers of all ages are also incredible resources – try asking them to teach you a stretch or their favorite dance moves or just put some music on and dance together (the sillier the better!).
While we’re shifting so much of our lives at the moment, finding ways to connect or reconnect with a movement practice can be incredibly grounding. Whether it’s dance, yoga, running, or whatever gets you a little sweaty and filled with joy, we hope you can find ways to explore how these practices can fuel our bodies, minds, and spirits during this time at home. Share your favorite movement practices with us on Facebook.
Reflections
Danspace is scheduled to stay closed for the duration of the shelter in place order (currently set through April 7). We’re closely watching the situation with COVID-19 and are following guidance from Oakland Unified, the CDC, and other experts in guiding our decision to reopen. We are first and foremost always concerned about the health and wellbeing of our community, so, while we don’t have definitive answers yet, we will stay in touch about what’s next as we know more.
Children’s Division
Check out this video of Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood featuring Arthur Mitchell and Dance Theater of Harlem company dancers and students. Share your favorite dance videos with us on Facebook (we’re sharing more of our favorites there too)!
Adult Division
Summer Enrollment Deadline Extended to April 18
We know these are uncertain times. We are hoping for the best and plan to hold Summer Workshops and Intensive until we have more information about how daily activities and gatherings will be affected after the shelter in place is lifted on April 7. If you’re interested in signing up and reserving space in one of our summer programs, please email us.
As we have more information about what will happen after April 7 we will update our Adult Division students by email. If you have questions in the meantime, please contact us.
In the Community
Best of Parents Press is taking preliminary votes for Best of 2020!
Will you vote for Danspace?
Looking Forward
We look forward to gathering together to dance in person. In the meantime, we hope to run into you on a virtual class or on our Facebook page.
Cheers to dancing together, apart,
The Danspace team
