'Lessons we learnt from the pandemic'

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MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Dance teachers have had to think on their feet during the various Covid-19 lockdown levels.

But there have actually been advantages to the lockdown and they have learnt valuable lessons.

Kim Wessels, who teaches ballet, modern and tap in Mossel Bay, Great Brak and George, says: "Initially Covid-19 did affect my studio. I lost a third of my dancers. The parents were afraid. But the numbers have picked up again."

Wessels follows protocol strictly and parents may not come into classes to watch their children.

"Our performances have been affected. Yearly we have internationally accredited exams."

She says she and her dancers have adapted to doing video exams; they went well and the dancers received their results quickly.

Photo gallery: Lockdown lessons from Mossel Bay dancers

"We used to have examiners coming from overseas sometimes and we had to accommodate them and provide food.

Video
"Now we simply take a video of the dancer and put it on Google Drive.

"Our examiner was in Cypress this year and she emailed the results and comments."

Wessels offers lessons in the Boy Scout Hall in Heiderand, Mossel Bay. "Now, with level 4, we are not allowed in public places, so we can't use the hall.

"We will have to move down to level 3 or 3 before we can use it again."

Tap dancing and ballet teacher in Mossel Bay, Philip Davel, says: "It's been a learning experience - learning how to cope in new circumstances."

Philip Davel

Davel points out that usually dance teachers have to keep their dancers safe, but now it is "even more about keeping people safe".

It is about using one's instinct, "keeping up with protocol" and as soon as you can open for lessons, opening immediately. "It's a super-interesting time."

'Don't be scared'
Davel's take is: "Don't be scared to get going. I started classes earlier than the schools opened this year and had enough classes until this level 4 lockdown started."

He notes that the lockdowns have shown how hard many people have it at the moment. "Most dance teachers lost students because parents can't afford lessons anymore. There's been an impact on dance and gyms and any physical activity industry."

Melody Alers, who teaches ballet, modern, tap, hip hop and acrobatics, says it has been difficult to adapt constantly, but her students have coped well.

She has kept her classes exciting by having themes for her lessons. The children have danced with balloons, she had bunnies for Easter and she has offered various exercises which are fun and colourful.

"I've tried to keep everything as normal as usual and keep up with competitions, but not live performances.

"Last week we practised for the eidsteddfod and I found the children are not grasping what it is to go on stage."

Alers says the children were anxious because they weren't used to performing for a live audience. The children are out of practice and finding it difficult to memorise steps.

"Last year I lost many students, but people have now adapted to how things work and things have stabilised."

Kim Wessels' dancers did their Association of International Dance Teachers exams in June.