The 7 Stages of Dancers Adjusting to Social Distancing
March 20, 2020

We don’t want to downplay the seriousness of the coronavirus pandemic (please stay safe, everybody). But, because we could all use a chuckle right now: Here’s a walk through the feelings dancers have been feeling as we figure out what it means to “dance remotely.”


Shock

Shocked cat

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Wait—you’re telling me I don’t have 5 hours of class and rehearsal every day? Is this…real life?

Denial


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There’s no way they’ll keep this up for long. Dancers can’t work remotely. The show must go on, right?

Guilt


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Why, why, why didn’t I go full-out in that last run-through? Who knows when I’ll dance that piece again in a space larger than my kitchen?

Anger


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I can’t BELIEVE this! Of course it’s all happening THIS year, when I had that epic solo in my now-canceled show.

Sadness


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Everything feels gray when I can’t get to the studio. I miss my dance friends. I miss my teachers. I’m even starting to miss that dressing-room foot stink.

Reconstruction


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OK. Your technique isn’t going to maintain itself. Let’s start streaming those online classes. Also: Maybe it’s time to become a TikTok star?

Acceptance


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This isn’t forever. With the help of the internet (specifically Mark Kanemura), I will survive. And I’m NEVER going to stop dancing—even if it’s just in my living room!