Smiles all Round for Dancers
In an ordinary year, the return to children’s sports and activities goes hand in hand with the hustle and bustle of back to school. This has been no ordinary year, however, and just when we thought things were returning to some normality, we find...
In an ordinary year, the return to children’s sports and activities goes hand in hand with the hustle and bustle of back to school. This has been no ordinary year, however, and just when we thought things were returning to some normality, we find ourselves in the midst of another lockdown.
Dance classes have been permitted to return recently, and, like other privately owned businesses offering classes, COVID-19 hit them hard. Bek Sherlock, who is an experienced dancer and qualified dance teacher, established the Pro Rock Dance school 13 years ago when she moved to Cohuna. She explains, “It was very heart breaking. Dance classes were one of the first activities to go when things started to shut down due to COVID-19, and we were the last jobs to be able to return.
“Dance was never on the list of jobs when you would look up what the guidelines and rules where. It was very hard to follow and no communication for our industry at all. The mixed information was appalling from our government. One week we were under the category of a gym, the next we were a sport, and another time we were the arts!”
With the generosity, understanding and patience of the dance school community, Bek and her family got through the COVID-19 induced closure. “The support and love of the Pro Rock families, and my own family and friends, was overwhelming and so kind,” she said.
Bek is ecstatic to return with a full program this year, catering to children and adults. “Starting back term one for 2021 will be hard financially, but amazing spiritually. It’s such a blessing to be back and seeing these smiling faces. I have missed being creative and seeing all my students. It’s so good for the soul to be able to work in an industry I love and to be able to share it with others. My staff are wonderful and without them I wouldn’t be able to run so many classes and offer dance to so many kids and adults. I am ever so grateful for the community support. This is what keeps my business going.”
As children return enthusiastically to these activities over the coming weeks, the beaming faces of the organisers will be shining brightly among them too.
