SWAMPSCOTT — Until the coronavirus pandemic hit in March and the lights went out in ReachArts, dance instructor Jackie Bowden and the nonprofit located in a formerly-dilapidated Burrill Street building had formed the perfect partnership.
“She has been a great addition for bringing dance into ReachArts,” said Heidi Shear, who serves as ReachArts co-president with husband, David.
A Lynn resident and aspiring dancer and actor at a young age, Bowden opened her Mini Movers Studio two years ago and gradually oriented to children with the goal of helping them embrace the joy and benefits of choreographed movement.
Attracted to the Burrill Street building’s expansive music and performance spaces, Bowden forged a relationship with ReachArts about a year and a half ago. Coronavirus upended her class schedules and she scrambled to organize virtual classes.
ReachArts opened almost four years ago offering a variety of arts programming locally. Shear said the nonprofit recently signed a 10-year lease with the town. As coronavirus restrictions have eased, Shear said ReachArts has “gingerly been putting our foot back into the water” and reopened programs.
“I checked in with her a few weeks ago and she said there was a lot of availability,” Bowden said.
Under a rental fee arrangement with ReachArts, Mini Movers has returned to the nonprofit’s performance space with ballet and “jazz hop” classes. Schedules are available on ReachArts’ and Bowden’s website.
The Burrill Street building conforms, Shear said, to strict coronavirus protocols, including a side door entrance leading directly to the dance space.
“We’re being super cautious and taking tiny steps,” Shear said.
Bowden is grateful to be back in ReachArts and putting smiles on young faces. She said Mini Mover classes are limited in size to ensure plenty of room for dancers and she also offers a virtual option for anyone who would prefer to learn from home.
“I’m very thankful. Virtual is just not the same. It’s great to see kids in person again,” she said.
