WESTFIELD-While some dance studios have temporarily closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, others have taken a leap to online learning, and while it cannot replace the one-on-one interactions, the process nevertheless offers students a continuity in their lives.
“Our studio closed as of March 15 and our virtual classes began on March 23,” said Beth Drugan, owner and director of the Dancer’s Image at the Mill at Crane Pond on Mill Street.
Drugan noted that within one week her staff was trained and online content and Zoom instruction was created.
“We felt it was important to keep our class schedule the same so as to create a sense of normalcy for our dancers,” said Drugan, adding she has 10 teachers including herself leading virtual classes.
Beth Drugan, owner and director of the Dancer’s Image, conducts a production class on Zoom. (BETH DRUGAN PHOTO)
All of Drugan’s regular classes are being offered through Zoom, including tap, jazz, lyrical, acro, contemporary, ballet, pointe, and Irish step.
“My staff and I are primarily teaching from our homes,” said Drugan, noting she is the only teacher who has been teaching from the studio to ensure the building remains a disinfected environment for students when they are able to return.
“My staff and I have been consistently looking for the newest and most creative teaching strategies to continue our dancers’ dance education,” said Drugan. “An example of one of the challenges we have worked through has been to condense movements into smaller spaces while maintaining the integrity of movement.”
While Drugan’s teachers continue their virtual classes, the thought of not being physically present is constantly on their minds.
“I miss being at the dance studio, and when I say that, I am not just talking about the building,” said Kathleen Sitler, assistant director. “The building gives us space and freedom to move about to create beautiful dances and to work face-to-face with our students. However, the studio is so much more than that to me. It is our staff, our family members and most importantly, our students that make up our dance studio. I miss the conversations, the music, and those moments when a student masters a skill, high-fiving, cheering them on. That’s what I miss the most.”
Missing friends is a reoccurring theme when teachers talk to their students.
Dancer’s Image owner and director Beth Drugan recently sent out postcards to her students who are now participating in virtual classes. (BETH DRUGAN PHOTO)
“I miss being able to dance with my other classmates and having that interaction with my friends,” said Megan Fitzgibbons, 17, a senior at Westfield High School. “I also miss the feeling of being in the dance studio and having enough space to dance full out.”
Fitzgibbons noted she has always relished the chance to spend most days of the week with her fellow dancers.
“I was excited to be able to spend most days of the week with my friends, who have turned into family, but with not being there I am losing the time with them before college starts,” said Fitzgibbons. “I miss my teachers and working with them one-on-one. This whole situation has taught me to live in the moment and appreciate what I have since I did not know my senior year would be taken away like this.”
Sydney Drugan, 13, a seventh grade student at Westfield Middle School, shared a similar sentiment.
“The thing I miss most about dance classes is being able to see and work with my friends and teachers,” said Drugan. “The friendships that I have created at the studio not only with students but also with teachers is what got me through tough times like these. In our classes we would help each other to figure out challenges and laugh while doing it. It was always a fun, loving environment and I hope we can go back soon.”
While the regular season recital for Dancer’s Image is on hold, Drugan and her team will continue to seek out alternative options for dancers to showcase their skills.
“Our dancers have been working hard to be ready when the stage calls again,” said Drugan, adding, “in the meantime, our competition team has been entered in virtual competitions competing against studios coast to coast. We were fortunate to have competed in person at two local events prior to the shut down, and were able to submit those videos to the virtual platform. It was a fun event to share with our team, watching the livestream together online.”
Another aspect of dance that Drugan is exploring is virtual “master classes.”
“Most recently we had a guest instructor from Maryland train our elite dancers for the night,” said Drugan. “Normally we would have to fly this individual in to participate in a master class so this was a nice treat for our upper level dancers. We have plans for a few more master teachers to make appearances in the coming weeks from Michigan and Virginia.”
Throughout the area, dance professionals are committed to their dancers and are offering alternative ways to conduct business.
The New England Dance and Gymnastics Center at 28 Southwick Road, Westfield, is also offering online classes at this time.
“Our staff and dancers are working harder than ever through these tough times and we are doing the best we can,” said Ashley Williams, director, New England Dance and Gymnastics Center.
Online classes have been running for seven weeks and include “Terrific 2’s,” “Jazz,” “Tap,” “Ballet,” “Gymnastics,” “Jazz/Gymnastics,” “Lyrical,” “Hip-Hop,” “Contemporary,” “Pointe,” “Kinderdance,” “Adult Tap,” and “Adult Zumba.” Classes range in age from 2 to adult, beginner through professional, for boys and girls.
For Kim Starsiak, owner of All-Stars Dance Center at 209 Root Road, Westfield, she like Drugan and others chose to explore online programs.
“I’ve sunk my heart and my world in this business,” said Starsiak. “I have a phenomenal staff and they were 200% on board when we transitioned to online programs.”
Lauren and Claire Deauseault were among those saying hi to Kim Starsiak, owner and artistic director of the All-Stars Dance Center on May 2, during a surprise parade of cars outside the business. (HOPE E. TREMBLAY/THEWESTFIELD NEWS)
Members of the All-Stars Dance Center Tuesday tap class meet for a virtual session. Pictured: Aubrey Glen, Erin Albee, Ava Lukowski, Arden Sullivan, Jesse Matthews, Julia Slavic and Emily Miles. (KIM STARSIAK PHOTO)
Starsiak said her motto is “educate, engage and entertain.”
“We have made the programs super fun,” said Starsiak, noting a few students had to drop out due to insufficient internet connections.
Starsiak added that her goal is to ensure the online programs are never considered a chore.
“Everybody needs a laugh and a giggle,” said Starsiak, noting in addition to the regular dance classes, she hosts princess parties and story hours, and an escape room scenario is coming soon.
Starsiak was also surprised on the afternoon of May 2 when more than 65 cars drove by the studio to wish her well.
“They surprised me with a parade,” said Starsiak, adding, “it has been the best I’ve felt in weeks.”
“Parents are so appreciative and the kids love the programs, especially story hour,” added Starsiak. “Everyone hops online in their pajamas, talks about their week, and then listens as a book is read.”
For older students, Starsiak is offering motivational speakers on meditation and mindfulness.
“We all have to navigate our way through this turbulent time,” said Starsiak. “Parents and even siblings have been phenomenal through this time creating little dance rooms for the students. We are doing everything we can to make it super fun for everyone.”
Drugan concurred.
“The dance community as a whole is a small community,” said Drugan. “It is vital that we work together to better serve the dance families as a whole. Keeping the arts alive in the community is of the utmost importance. Keeping the local children engaged in activities such as dance is so critical in this time to maintain physical fitness and mental well-being. It provides consistency, a sense of normalcy, a connection to their peers and teachers, and an outlet for their stress.”
