The 7 Stages of Dancers Adjusting to Social Distancing
We don’t want to downplay the seriousness of the coronavirus pandemic (please stay safe, everybody). But, because we could all use a chuckle right now: Here’s a walk through the feelings dancers have been feeling as we figure out what it means to “dance remotely.”
Shock
Wait—you’re telling me I don’t have 5 hours of class and rehearsal every day? Is this…real life?
Denial
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There’s no way they’ll keep this up for long. Dancers can’t work remotely. The show must go on, right?
Guilt
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Why, why, why didn’t I go full-out in that last run-through? Who knows when I’ll dance that piece again in a space larger than my kitchen?
Anger
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I can’t BELIEVE this! Of course it’s all happening THIS year, when I had that epic solo in my now-canceled show.
Sadness
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Everything feels gray when I can’t get to the studio. I miss my dance friends. I miss my teachers. I’m even starting to miss that dressing-room foot stink.
Reconstruction
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OK. Your technique isn’t going to maintain itself. Let’s start streaming those online classes. Also: Maybe it’s time to become a TikTok star?
Acceptance
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This isn’t forever. With the help of the internet (specifically Mark Kanemura), I will survive. And I’m NEVER going to stop dancing—even if it’s just in my living room!
