Local teacher taking it one dance step at a time during lockdown

Pam Kendall, of Morehill, has been teaching dance for over 35 years.

Kendall is the owner of Pam’s School of Dancing, in Morehill, which offers modern, ballet and acrodance (which has just recently been added), with the help of her assistant teachers, Robyn Morris, Kirsten Pierce-Jones and Roxanne Carton-Barber.

The lockdown came into place on March 26 but this didn’t stop Kendall from teaching dance.

Giving up was not an option and so procedures were put into place to allow everyone to still do what they love and remain positive.

ALSO READ:

Brazilian jiu jitsu grading achievements

“We have been using Zoom to have online dance lessons,” Kendall explained.

“I advertised it on Facebook so that my existing students, adults who have never danced, and previous students, even some who have immigrated all over the world, could join in on the lessons that we host.

“I really felt it was necessary to keep the students actively going, no matter what,” said Kendall.

“At first, we would send the students videos of the work but found that it didn’t allow for that connection you get when you’re in class.

“Now that we do Zoom lessons, the kids are able see their friends and participate in an actual lesson.”

There were some hiccups along the way with the live classes and some technical difficulties, such as students not having access to WiFi.

Parents then pitched in to buy data for those children so they would be able to join the lessons.

As most dance studios send their students home with practice steps (homework), does this still count now that they are at home?

“Yes, always!” said Kendall.

“During every lesson I give them an exercise to do while at home and ask them to send me a video of them doing it so that I am able to correct if necessary.

“We also give them fun dance challenges, including some to do while washing their hands.”