Published in The Ararat Advocate, Ararat's weekly newspaper published by West Vic News Pty Ltd.
DANCE schools have been quick to get their students back in the studio, following an easing of restrictions to allow indoor non-contact recreation for those under 18.
The new ruling was to come into effect this coming Monday but was brought forward to Wednesday thanks to regional Victoria’s low case numbers.
Ararat’s two dance schools have been relieved by the news, frantically getting to work so students can perform in modified 2020 dance concerts.
Ararat Dance Centre owner, Karly Harris, praised the state governments decision on Sunday to finally let kids dance.
“There's no contact, spacing is something that we do naturally as dancers. I think we've explained what dance classes are and the fact that we're not a community sports group, most of us are business owners,” she said.
“I think that's been something we've had to educate them on.”
Ms Harris’ students returned to classes at the beginning of term four, three weeks ago, undertaking their rehearsals outside to prepare for a recorded concert.
“We started in the car park but then the weather sort of hit. So, we got a marquee and just put the roof and one end on to give it a little bit of protection,” she said.
“It wasn't what we would choose to do but it gave us an option at least.
“It's been nice to have the kids back and doing outdoor, but obviously the safety with the correct equipment and flooring and being able to wear the right shoes is going to be amazing.”
Laura Cameron is another studio owner who has spent the year quickly adapting her format of teaching.
Her dance school, Dynamic Dance, will also record routines instead of gracing the Town Hall stage.
“We're very busy for the next four weeks - preparing the studio, preparing the students, getting some costuming all organised and polishing all of our routines,” Mrs Cameron said.
“Dave Nicholson has offered to help us with some of the equipment and filming, and he's going to edit it all together for the students.
“The audience isn't sitting there but the camera is there, and we know that the audience will be seeing all of the work.”
Ararat Dance Centre recommenced rehearsals yesterday and Dynamic Dance will do the same on Monday as previously planned.
Adult dancers are also able to return with a maximum of 10 in a class and density limits.
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