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PROTIP # 10

CHECK IN WITH THE EDD DANCERS TO LEARN ABOUT HOW THEY’RE COPING THROUGH COVID-19

TIP - CREATE A DAILY SCHEDULE

As a natural introvert and homebody, I have enjoyed the opportunity to spend more time at home. However, it has been a major adjustment training, creating, and rehearsing outside of our usual studio setting. I am thankful to continue virtual training with the company and see my colleagues' faces every day. I have been inspired working with the administrative staff and dancers to develop a new “normal” during this time. My focus has shifted to use this time as an opportunity for personal development, both artistically and administratively.

For me, a new daily schedule was necessary to stay in a positive headspace and continue to feel valued and productive. I have continued to eat healthy meals and take daily class with the company, while also introducing new daily activities such as going for walks around my neighborhood, diving deeper into my yoga practices and spending more time reading and listening to audiobooks.

TIP - LEAN ON YOUR DANCE COMMUNITY

For me, social distancing and quarantine hit hard. As a college senior looking forward to graduation, it was difficult to learn my senior show was cancelled just days away from the performance. Missing out on milestones I had been looking forward to was disappointing and challenging; yet, in all of the chaos to find new forms of closure, I am incredibly thankful to be a member of Eisenhower Dance Detroit. 

Dance has given me a sense of normalcy in these ever-changing times. It has served as an outlet to cope, and a place to be surrounded by the people who bring me joy. Thanks to EDD, I am able to train every day with the company. Through online learning, I have found the importance of slowing down outside of the studio and focusing on myself in class. On top of my own training, I am thankful to continue teaching my dance classes online and see my students. It makes me proud to see them making the best out of this situation and I enjoy finding new ways to creatively problem solve as we navigate learning (even acro) online. I am thankful dance has provided familiarity and connection to the outside world. From my fellow company members to my students, I am continually thankful that dance has given me a community that, even virtually, inspires my own artistry and makes me feel supported.

TIP - COOK, CLEAN AND SIMPLY BE PRESENT

COVID-19 pandemic/global shut down has made me appreciate my time as a performing artist and reflect on the journey dance has taken me on. With the busy life of an artist, sometimes working 12 hour days, we often forget how to stop and just be. Although this time has been difficult both physically and mentally, I feel it’s been a great reset for myself. Cooking, cleaning, enjoying the outdoors and simply being present is now something I learned I need more of. 

TIP - TAKE TIME TO CROSS TRAIN BOTH MIND AND BODY

During quarantine, I am reminded of how blessed I am. The company has given me a reason to get the day started, and I look forward to training with my dance family every day.  Virtual class may be different, but it leaves my body and mind feeling energized. As a teacher, I've been able to introduce our students to cross-training, dance history, self-exploration, and personal accountability. This has reminded me how important all aspects of artist training are. It was a hard adjustment from working 12 hour days to being at home for weeks, but I soon found the positivity in slowing down and focusing on the task at hand.

TIP - GET CREATIVE WITH YOUR EXERCISE

There’s a lot going on in the world today and as a dancer it has been difficult not being able to express myself through movement in the studio or on stage. During this time dance has, however, inspired me to stay active and explore other ways to express myself. It has also challenged me to search for new exercises to improve my craft, both as a dancer and as a teacher.

TIP - EXPERIMENT, EXPLORE AND WATCH DANCE

While this situation has been challenging for many people, I am a firm believer that there are silver linings everywhere. Sometimes you just have to look for them. This mindset is one I have adopted and committed to over the past couple of weeks. Being in quarantine has allowed me to further express my gratitude for what I DO have and what I AM capable of. 

During this time, I have used my artform to further explore my creative voice. Even as an artist, I don’t consider myself the most naturally creative individual. With limited options at home, my creativity has blossomed and I have found new ways to move that feel fresh and innovative. I have also found movement inspiration through what others are creating and posting on social media. All of these new ideas circulating through our community push me to continue to create — something I don’t usually have the motivation to do on my own.

TIP - SELF REFLECT

Maintaining life while social distancing and staying in quarantine has been difficult, but overall, a positive change of pace. I am one to overcommit to working and taking on projects. The spring is always a stressful time, but this year I was feeling particularly overwhelmed due to all of the projects I agreed to work on-- so this push to stay inside and experience life from my home has been a great lesson on taking care of myself. I have had the chance to practice more Yoga, read poetry, and explore writing techniques, all forms of maintaining good mental health. Taking company class over Zoom each morning (without the assistance of mirrors) has helped me continue my love for training without the strain of worrying about how I look. The most important activity that I’ve found myself engaging in each day has been self-reflection; a practice that has brought me joy that I didn’t know I needed so often. Using this technique to listen to my body and mind during this time has made it a valuable experience. I am glad to have the time to realize this and bring some of my temporary practices into my rehearsals, teaching, and regular day-to-day life when things start to return to normal.

TIP - CREATE NEW HABITS

During the past few weeks in quarantine, I have valued the opportunity to spend more time at home. Due to our busy schedules as dancers, we are often rehearsing and teaching for several hours daily, and the most I utilize my home space for is sleeping. Now being home during the day, I have enjoyed eating healthier with making my meals at home, while saving money on dining out. I have also appreciated playing card/board games with family and loving on my pets.

Although I have enjoyed my time at home, it has also been challenging to be on a screen for so many hours a day. I’m not a person who is “tech-savvy” or very involved on social media platforms. This pandemic has made me step out of my comfort zone in a variety of ways which I find to be a benefit. I hope to carry these habits into the future as the world begins to normalize.

I am thankful for the continued technique/cross-training classes with the company and virtual classes with my students. Being able to interact and see familiar faces every day makes the days go by faster. I can feel all of the love and support throughout the dance community we have formed here in Michigan and beyond. 

TIP - TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ONLINE CLASSES W/ PROFESSIONALS

I am always one to say yes to every opportunity presented to me. During this time at home, I have learned it is not always healthy and gives a false perception of success and productivity. This spring, I overcommitted myself between dancing with EDD,  performing at Oakland University and Wayne State and attending all performances and competitions for the studios I work for. Although I was really looking forward to these opportunities, I was ignoring the warning signs of my body that I was getting burnt out. 

This quarantine, though it is challenging, has been a blessing in disguise. Being stuck inside and missing all of these exciting events this spring has been disappointing, but it has allowed me to take a breath and focus on myself. I have not had to worry about deadlines or being energetic around my students. Instead, I have had the opportunity to take classes from across the country, watch professional works online, and explore my movement through improvisation every day. I am grateful for the chance to experience these new opportunities. Watching the dance community come together and instantly create this imaginative virtual experience has helped me grow as a dancer and continue to challenge myself as an artist.

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