I am pleased to bring to you a timely article regarding the current COVID-19 crisis and its effects on dance classes at Mayur. It has been over five weeks since Mayur’s dance classes shifted to be held over Zoom. While this is the best option as of now, teachers realize that it is a different learning experience, especially regarding space. They know that one’s surroundings play a big role in their ability to be productive. One may argue that without other dancers around, there are fewer distractions. While that is true, there will be a lack of socialization in classes. Moreover, the structures of some homes are just not compatible with dancing, and that is why the teachers have been genuinely thanking all of us who are attending class every week because by doing so, we are helping them hold on to the feelings of normality and familiarity.

The teachers realize that expectations of dance class should adapt to respond to the changes going on, and that not everyone has access to large open spaces. A student’s safety is the first priority for teachers. How can we make sure that online classes are as accessible and effective as before? Here are some tips:
If you don’t have proper flooring, or have people living under you, then try to avoid jumping with force.
Avoid turns if you are dancing on carpet to avoid burns.
If possible, ask your family to remain quiet for the duration of your class. Oftentimes concentrating is hard when there is a lot of noise around you.
Keep a water bottle or a glass of water nearby so that if you feel thirsty you don’t have to miss out on instruction to grab a drink.
Warm up before class if you don’t already do so. Jumping jacks, high knees, butt kickers, and hamstring stretches are just some of the many examples.

At the same time, a couple of expectations for us as students must remain to ensure that the efficacy of classes remains just as high:
Practice dance items before class to save time, which will also prevent the teachers having to go over the same remark multiple times.
Dance in proper attire. Just because classes are going to be conducted at home doesn’t mean you can show up in your pajamas.

It is totally normal to feel sad, insecure, scared, and frustrated during this quarantine. But the required result is physical isolation, not social isolation. Aren’t we lucky that the virus cannot travel through one screen to another? During these unprecedented times, we should stay connected to our families, friends, and communities to maintain our mental health. Although we all miss the fun times during class, staying indoors is a requisite for the well-being of the entire community. As Kurt Vonnegut said, “dance, even if you have nowhere to do it but your living room.”