Moving Forward Together:
Dance Performance + Education
Going Digital + Global bv Christie Bondade
The past few months have been difficult to say the least. The arts are still going strong. But you already knew that...didn’t you? Dance educators and companies from all around the world are going online, sharing their ideas and assignments, sharing their performances online to the public, and making art even more accessible. The arts thrive when given limitations, and the current situation we are in shows just how quickly artists adapt. The way dancers, and all artists alike, have embraced this new way of working is beautiful to see. We sent some questions to our local members, studios, companies and organizations. A few of our members were able to respond. Check out what the artists are doing in Texas by taking their dance education and performances online, and moving to a more global platform.
n Arathi School of Dance Teachers, Shalini Varghese Chandragiri, Alpana Jacob, Anu Sury, Revathi Satyu, Sarita Venkatraman, Latha Shrivatsa, Shilpi Mehta, have continued teaching their students online. Sarita responded to our questions. Q: What you are doing in these uncertain times? The Pandemic may have created unprecedented times all around the globe, but that does not stop us from exploring creativity. Arathi School of Dance teachers have taken this as an opportunity to grow. Teachers immediately switched regular live classes to zoom live classes. Schedules stayed the same, enthusiasm doubled and kids are more active than ever before! Q: What do you need for support? We teachers and students are a big family and have been supporting each other. Parents of students understand the importance of supporting the arts and the artists that have been affected by the ongoing situation. Q: How can DCNT help support you? The DFW art community is very vibrant. We thank Dance NTX for reaching out to us and listening to us. Allowing us to speak about our dance school and getting it out there is a huge support for ASD and we thank you for it. Q: How you are coping during the pandemic? Pushing for an active life style using dance as a medium has been the most effective method of coping for students and teachers at ASD. We also make sure that students understand and follow all the important rules laid out by WHO to stay safe, stay home, and stay healthy. Q: Are you continuing to provide classes for students? Regular online zoom classes with students, devoting extra time for students that need the extra attention, providing material that can help the students further their learning are some of the various ways we have been continuing our dance education. Q: How do you see yourself coming out of this situation? When this pandemic took over our lives, there was a momentary thought that everything would come to a standstill. But Art is so powerful that it can overcome the toughest battle. The different lifestyle of teaching and learning has sparked creative conversations between teachers and students and as a dance teacher, I see us all coming out with success, determination and the zeal to continue to learn, and better ourselves in the face of any disaster. Online classes are conducted Monday - Friday 4 - 7pm and on Saturday 11 - 3pm. For more information contact Sarita Venkatraman at saritav21@
gmail.com. For more information about Arathi School of dance visit
arathidancedallas.com. Follow us on Facebook: @arathidancedallas and Instagram: @arathidancedallas.
n Avant Chamber Ballet Director, Katie Puder, is teaching daily Pilates and Ballet classes to her students and company members. Check out what Katie is doing to keep her company and students moving forward in the Q&A! Q: What you are doing in these uncertain times? I am staying VERY busy. ACB has a full schedule of group classes online plus private lessons so I am
8 • DANCE NORTH TEXAS • MAY – JULY 2020 9 • DANCE NORTH TEXAS • MAY – JULY 2020
DBDT Dancers at Home: McKinley Willis
PAS DE QUARANTINE
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