Ed. note: It is a an honor to share words written by dance educator and director of the Anaheim Ballet, Larry Rosenberg. Larry is expressing feelings and ideas shared by dance educators and company directors world wide. Larry writes as follows:
COVID-19 is dangerous and relentless, a real virus. But the virus of discouragement is equally real. For dancers who have found physical development, emotional self-confidence and spiritual beauty in their ballet training, the current lockdown is nothing short of devastating. While prudent precautions are necessary, the dance-trained body only understands it is no longer moving freely or jumping safely in a clear, open space.
The lockdown of “non-essential” dance studios and theaters has crimped the financial blood supply of thousands of enterprises and crushed the souls of dancers and dance lovers everywhere. We are seeing the inevitable effects of lockdown on our live dance community and on our dancers’ physical development and artistic expression.
While online zoom or instagram classes can help the continuance of dance in our communities, bodies training in a small room at home are not as flexible, not as strong, not as fast as those training in a dance facility. Atrophy presents a physical threat to dancers; despondency is a clear and present emotional danger.
So what are we to do as COVID-19 restrictions continue to inhibit normal indoor training? Here’s the Anaheim Ballet School and STEP-UP! outreach program “More Than Dance” success solution.
First, at Anaheim Ballet School we infuse every class with positivity. Both online and outdoor in- person students must be made to feel safe, challenged and welcomed. Every participant must sense that they are part of a community, that there are others involved with them in practicing this beautiful art form and that the teacher cares about them. Each student must work diligently for progress with the understanding that they can improve their technique no matter where they are standing.
Ballet is beautiful. It’s a gift. But that gift is languishing, losing its luster as dance studio doors and theaters remained closed. Our goal at the Anaheim Ballet School and outreach program STEP-UP! is to continue unlocking the beauty of ballet despite lockdown circumstances.
Anaheim Ballet School | for Zoom or in-person classes connect by email: school@anaheimballet.org
Read the extensive bios of Larry Rosenberg and his wife and co-director of the Anaheim Ballet, Sarma Lapeniek Rosenberg.
Great job Larry. Remain blessed.
Robert L.
The work that Mr. Larry Rosenberg does is truly inspiring and life-changing, not just for local dance students, but also for professional dancers and dance teachers across the border. He is one true master teacher.