The 800 students who regularly take classes at Neisha’s Dance and Music Academy in Chula Vista are now dancing on carpets, in living rooms and out on patios as lessons shift online to accommodate social distancing efforts through the current COVID-19 pandemic.
With a tinge of pride creeping into her friendly voice, owner Neisha Hernandez said it has been a smooth transition.
“The music classes were easy to pivot because they’re all one-on-one. As far as the group classes, we found out on a Friday that we’d be closing in-person classes and did staff training on Friday and Saturday. By Monday we were live with all 250 classes with your same classes, your same content. Of course, everyone is in their living room so there were some safety adaptations but these kids were able to stay connected to the community, engaged and we’re keeping them fit,” Hernandez said.
The only challenge, she said, was helping people who didn’t understand the Zoom platform the studio is using to connect with students at home.
“It was easier to teach the kids and the parents at the same time because parents know their setup but the kids are so comfortable moving in technology. Having them there together seemed to work out well,” Hernandez said.
Sharee Villasenor said her daughter Mikayla caught on immediately.
“It’s working out really good and it’s really simple and easy to connect. They send us a link, we connect through Zoom, and the kids can see their other dance friends and the teacher,” Villasenor said.
As part of the competitive dance team, nine-year old Mikayla takes eight classes each week, all of which is now being done from the small living room of her family’s RV home in El Cajon.
Remarkably, Hernandez said being in homes hasn’t been a hurdle for Villasenor or any other student.
“Out of 800 students, we’ve had zero say they can’t adapt their space. I’ve seen kids transform their garage, their bedroom, their living room. I’ve seen them doing class under a covered patio. What impressed me so much was the very first day I watched advanced ballet— I logged in to watch the class and check on how things were going and every one of them had a barre in their home. It tells me that parents already had a set up for kids at home,” Hernandez said.
She said she even has two students who left the state of California and have been able to keep up with classes while isolated elsewhere because of the online offerings.
Although there have been moments where teachers needed to privately address students and correct their movements, she said the Zoom capabilities allow teachers to do so without disrupting the rest of the class, a feature that has worked out especially well for the younger students.
“Ages six and up, where the kids are committed from their heart and want to be there already is a bit easier to connect with online. Before that age, class is more about fun and if they don’t get the online thing it is more challenging for them. I have some adorable little kids in the youngest classes, completely engaged and loving every minute they are with the teacher,” Hernandez said.
The studio owner says it helps to have teachers who are already used to dealing with a younger set of students and that some parents have said their child is more focused without being able to look over at their friends in class.
However, Hernandez said while she could potentially see online classes being accessed by some families if necessary, there is no substitute for teachers being able to connect with their students in person.
“Human contact, especially with the arts— so much of dance is a hands-on translation. With young children, we literally rotate their legs to the right position. As human beings we’re made to connect. While it’s necessary right now, I don’t know if it is the best for longterm life,” Hernandez said.
Villasenor echoed that sentiment:
“Online would be a great option in the future for when she’s not feeling well but otherwise… (she sighs) we’d love to get back in the studio.”
For now, Hernandez said, staying connected is vital.
“The most important thing right now, to us, isn’t continuing on with the artistic process, it is about staying engaged with the community and keeping mentally healthy, helping a lot of kids who are isolated,” Hernandez said.
