Participating in Latin dance classes in the era of physical distancing may sound like a contradiction in terms, but it is actually quite possible!
If you really love dancing and you have your own partner , you can keep on dancing your favorite Latin dances and continue enjoying your life, no matter the new reality of social distancing.
The popularity of Latin Dancing such as Salsa, Bachata, Cha Cha and Rumba has been growing during the time of COVID-19 for many different reasons. It is a great way to occupy your free time by listening to a fun Latin music and try dancing to the beat of the drums. This will keep you away from the negativity of the pandemic. It allows you to practice Latin dancing in a smaller space, without the need for covering a big floor or travel along the dance line. For more dedicated dancers, the Latin technique and footwork can be perfected even from your living room space in the era of physical distancing via online dance classes. Latin dance classes are also a preferred option for dancers if they decide and go for an in-person class inside a dance studio. If there is more than one couple on the dance floor and they all practice Latin Dances, social distancing can be maintained safely inside the dance space. If you are a dedicated ballroom dancer and it is hard for you to maintain your dance routines of Waltz, Tango or Foxtrot due to lack of space, you can always try something new and learn some Latin popular dances to enjoy for your future dance parties. The Latin techniques can be a great opportunity for a ballroom dancer to improve the flexibility of the upper body muscles and strengthen the ankles for better ballroom footwork. The Latin and Ballroom Dancing complement each other in many different ways, so it is the right time to expand and learn different dances, that would make you a better dancer all together.
Suggestions on how you can make dancing possible during COVID-19
Online Latin Dance Classes
Selecting online classes in the form of private lessons or group classes was for months the only option that could give you some chance of dancing your favourite Salsa, Bachata or Cha Cha from the comfort of your home. The online classes still give some interaction with other dancers and create a feeling of participating in a dance community virtually, by being active and staying positive. You can even dress up for the virtual Latin dance class and make it a special event, after a long day behind your computer.
In-Person Latin Dance Classes
If you are mentally ready to come out of your home and dance with your own partner inside a dance studio with the guidance of a dance instructor, you may think of a few options. You can select a private class or you can select a group in-person dance class.
First of all, it is best to select a dance studio of smaller boutique-style, that can offer you private classes and will allow you to occupy the dance floor without the interaction of other dance couples at the same time. Your dance instructor can offer you all the techniques and guidance from a safe distance, so you can continue learning your footwork and patterns along with your partner. As we all know, there is no equipment sharing in Ballroom or Latin dancing. You can maintain your safety measures without being uncomfortable. Spending time alone in the studio with your dance partner may actually improve your dancing, helping the concentration and productivity of your brain. It may also build some confidence by trying new steps and new complicated figures that you would not dare before. Learning in front of other dance couples sharing the dance space or during a group lesson might be sometimes more challenging. Working from home has changed our lives and modified our daily routine in many different ways. It created some positive and negative effects on our physiological condition. You may be way more comfortable in your own home space and you can work without staying in traffic and bearing the weather conditions while travelling in the city. But unfortunately breaking the routine of your life and not being able to do the things you love, such as dancing, may also affect your state of emotions and can cause even depression. Life can be enjoyable in the times of COVID-19 pandemic, only if you decide to make it better and grab the opportunity of the new way of dancing.
As we enter stage 3 of reopening the businesses in Toronto and the GTA areas, opting for a small group class experience is also a safe option if you have your own partner. Your main priority is to select a small boutique dance company that can offer you dance group classes with a very limited number of dance couples, who are learning their Latin moves from a safe distance. Coming to a beautiful dance studio with lovely music and attending the classes with few fun dance couples is not only about the dancing, but also enjoying and being part of a community. It can be a nice opportunity to dress up for a group dance class and make it a date night with your partner. You can choose and wear a face covering if that makes you feel safe. You have to follow all the sanitizing requirements of the dance studio and stay safely apart from the rest of the couples, but the feeling of some normality and safe social gathering, by doing what you love, can be an amazing experience.
No matter what option you select to continue dancing during those strange times is always welcomed by the owners of your dance studio. By choosing to support those small establishments with your participation and keeping the love of dance alive at the same time, makes a great difference to the small businesses. Be a part of the dance community and keep dancing! Stay physically active and mentally positive by going through the pandemic with some fun Cha Cha moves and enjoy life!
For more information about staying safe during COVID-19, please visit Health Canada’s website.