Submitted by Dance Etc.
Dance Etc. is celebrating the start of its 25th year in business and it’s been a year like no other so far, according to Founder and Artistic Director, Anne Kramer. Like many other businesses, they temporarily closed in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Fast forward to July and now they are mid summer session with in-person and virtual dance and tumbling classes, adhering to all of Gov. DeWine’s safety protocol.
“During the temporary closure, my staff quickly pivoted in order to offer online programming including fun activities, music, games and exercises to keep dancers and tumblers moving,” Kramer said. “As it became apparent that dance studios state-wide would not be permitted to have in person classes until the summer, we began conducting all classes online.”
In June, they hosted their first-ever virtual end-of-the-season Showcase.
Prior to re-opening on June 15, many changes were enacted. New entrances and one-way halls were made to prevent bottlenecks. The number of participants per classes was reduced and lesson plans were modified to accommodate social distancing. Lobbies, vending machines and drinking fountains were closed to limit high-touch surfaces.
Hand sanitizing stations were placed at every entrance and exit. Lastly, a plan was made for disinfecting after every class and deep cleaning every night with products recommended by the Environmental Protection Agency.
To culminate the fun and accomplishments of students this summer, Dance Etc. will host its first-ever outdoor Summer Performance on Sunday, Aug. 16, 1:00 pm, at Miami Township Community Park for families of current dancers and tumblers.
Performers will be socially distant and guests are asked to bring chairs or blankets to sit on spaced six feet apart.
Looking ahead, registration for the fall session is now in progress with openings in most dance styles and tumbling classes and adult fitness, too. There are options for in-person classes and virtual classes for those not comfortable with or unable to attend in-person. They plan to continue following all the safely measures that have been put into place. The 2020-2021 season will conclude with a big celebration for the 25th annual Spring Showcases in June where students will have the opportunity to perform on stage.
Dance Etc., 5985 Meijer Drive, has been a part of the Milford community since its first pre-ballet class in a rented space next to the old Hader Hardware.
Over the years it has evolved into one of the premier dance and tumbling studios in the area with more than 13,000 square feet of space including an Olympic-sized gymnastics floor featuring an in ground pit and in ground trampoline.
In business since 1996, Dance Etc. is a full-service dance and tumbling studio, offering top-notch instruction in a wide variety of dance styles and tumbling techniques, including recreational classes and competitive teams. Only employing the area’s most qualified and talented teachers, Dance Etc. is committed to providing every student first class instruction in a friendly and fun atmosphere. For information about classes, please call 513-576-1400.