Learning Dance in the Age of COVID-19

 

Merryn McKeough performs with Emory Dance Company

By Raven Crosby, Emory Dance Program Office Assistant

This semester, only first year students and selected others are on campus at Emory. Dance and movement studies majors and minors were invited to campus because of importance of in-person dance training. Studios have been modified to accommodate safe physical distancing and to comply with Emory’s health and safety regulations. In addition, class sizes have been reduced. The Dance Program is also offering several online classes to serve students who are not able to take class in person.

Merryn McKeough is a third-year student majoring in dance and movement studies and psychology. She is taking primarily in-person dance courses this semester. Although McKeough’s technique courses mostly feature the same material as before the COVID-19 outbreak, one element that she finds valuable has been altered. With the omission of contact specific material such as partnering work and physical feedback, McKeough misses how working with a partner would draw her attention to new sensations. Social aspects of class have also been hindered such as talking in groups while warming up. McKeough feels that “It's harder to foster that kind of connection while six feet apart.”

McKeough’s has adjusted her approach to technique courses this semester. She now must divide her attention between the course material and spatial awareness. Before the pandemic, she would transition into what she calls her “movement headspace” and connect to her body by closing her eyes during somatic exercises and warm-up. Now, she finds herself having to be cautious of moving outside of her square (taped on the floor to maintain distance between dancers). She says that “Learning combinations require a heightened spatial awareness, as I don't want to get too close to another mover.”

Continuing to train in dance while following social distance protocol is a challenge we must experience until it is safe again to engage in physical contact. These times will not last forever, but when asked if there are any components of socially distance technique courses that McKeough would like to remain post-pandemic, she answered: “The boxes on the floor are helpful in ballet class for learning the positions of the body. I also like the additional space provided by smaller class sizes, although I do miss getting to know more people through dance classes."