Last March, when COVID-19 dictated how things were going to go, Leanne Leslie’s dance studio had no option but to close.
Realizing that things were not getting better in a hurry, Leanne Kreamer, the owner, shifted to remote instruction via Zoom and video recordings for the next 12 weeks.
The effort paid off on Sunday, Aug. 2, when the studio put on its 33rd annual recital at Manning Field. And even that took some doing.
“This was very challenging to say the very least for all involved,” she said, “but (it) allowed us to all stay engaged, stay positive, keep up with technique and flexibility, and more importantly stay safe while social distancing from the studio.”
But, said Kreamer, dance instruction is a “hands on” education.
“We all had to make many changes with our style of teaching going virtual and moving forward,” she said.
One of those changes was the recital, which was originally scheduled for May 6 and 8 at Lynn City Hall Auditorium. But City Hall was shuttered during the early months of the pandemic. Still, “it never crossed my mind to cancel our event,” Kreamer said. “I was on a mission to give these students what they deserved, especially our graduating seniors, who have worked so hard for this special day.
“I needed to be creative, while following the recommendations of our governor, mayor, health department, and stadium commission.”
After weeks of planning and readjusting protocols, Kreamer’s plan and its procedures were approved and accepted by all.
“Although it was very different than our usual plan, it was as exciting as it always has been,” she said. “Maybe even more.”
Sunday’s concert was structured a little differently than the usual show. There were 10 mini sections of dance performances with 10-minute intermissions between them for sanitizing bleachers for a new batch of spectators. Each section consisted of 25 performers on the field, two audience members per dancer, seven staff members, a DJ and a photographer/videographer.
Mandated six-feet social distancing was followed, masks were worn and hand sanitizer used. Dancers were allowed to remove masks while on stage only if allowed by parents.
“Every year I am truly amazed and so proud of all of our performers and faculty members,” Kreamer said. “This is where our students show off their talents and techniques that they have gained over the past dance season.
“This year everything was put on hold,” she said. “The commitment of my staff, my students, my dance parents, the guidelines allowed, as well as myself, we were able to host an outside dance recital that will surely be the most memorable season yet. Bravo to all involved for your dedication and determination in making this special day happen.”
