WATCH: Local dancers prepare for virtual examinations

Local dancers continue to shine, whether on a physical stage or in front of a screen.

July 8, 2020

Bruce Douglas 1 minute read

Catia Marques sang for Kainos Sangstudio.

Despite being locked down, local dance students continue to sharpen their skills at home.

Owner and instructor at En Stage Dance Studio, Juanrè Lombard said although she misses her students dearly, the school has found new and innovative ways to continue dancing.

“My students participated in various online challenges and have been working on their exam syllabus via videos I made and sent out to them,” she explained.

While some students have continued with online lessons, Juanrè said many had to stop because of factors including limited technology, finance or simply preference. This has also impacted on En Stage’s income and numbers.

The lockdown’s broader effects also include the cancellation of the Talent Africa Nationals, which were scheduled to take place over the March school holidays. However, the competition has since resumed through video submissions.

“My soloists have been very creative in finding a stage, from clearing out the garage to dancing on the lawn, and we have submitted their auditions.”

Students are also preparing for digital/electronic examinations, through video submissions. Juanrè added she was working on ideas to stream the studio’s annual concert and committed to dancing no matter what challenges came her way, through sheer love of the sport.

“This has been hard. I haven’t seen my students in almost four months and I miss them like crazy. Hopefully, we will slowly be able to move into the ‘new back to normal’ slowly.”