As the usual dance season comes to an end, the Dance Images crew made sure to plan a few special ways to celebrate with dancers and families while respecting the ongoing social distance measures.
The end of the season is usually a big deal for Dance Images, as it's a time for staff and students to celebrate their hard work and accomplishments, and so it’s no surprise the studio did its best to keep that feeling alive despite the pandemic limitations.
In place of the studio’s annual end-of-the-year Dance Recital, instructors instead hosted a DI Drive-By Goodbye on May 16 to connect with dancers as they head off to summer after so many months out of studio.
Dancers drove past the studio on South Hill, smiling at waving signs at the instructors on the decorated front lawn, as Dance Images staff did the same.
“It was such a special way for us to see all of our dancers and families, and give them the best celebration that we are allowed to do right now due to COVID-19 and social distancing,” said assistant studio director Shauna Bzdel in an email with the Moose Jaw Express.
The event was a parade of sorts, especially since lots of dancers joined the lineup with decorated vehicles for the occasion, and signs and balloons everywhere.
The studio also used the event as a chance to spotlight the dancers who are graduating this year, posting signs in front of the studio congratulating them as the drive-by went on. The families of those four graduates led the motorcade of dancers, and the four graduates made sure to stop by the studio for photos with their signs.
Dance Images had to close its studio several months ago due to the pandemic, which was disappointing for everyone as spring is usually the time for showcases and competitions.
The drive-by was meant as a way for everyone at the studio to see each other again, and served as a kick-off event for several other virtual special events that followed later in the week.
On May 19, Dance Images members hosted a celebration over Zoom for studio assistants and helpers, on May 20, the studio celebrated their graduate dancers over Zoom.
On May 21, the evening Zoom meeting was dedicated to the Dance Express Troupe, who did a special surprise performance to honour studio director Barb Jackman and the studio’s 30th season.
Jackman and her staff have been working extremely hard to keep up with their dancers all throughout the studio’s shutdown, with virtual classes and group chats to stay in touch.
The studio is used to having a big blowout for the end of the season and while this year looked a little different, the Dance Images family seemed grateful to be able to be together in celebration at least in some capacity.
“It was such a special time for dancers and staff alike,” said Bzdel. “Things may be different due to COVID-19, but Dance Images is proud to continue to come up with new and creative ways to stay connected with our dancers, families and the community.”
Dance Images continues to stay in touch using their Facebook page, where they post regular updates.
