COCHRANE— Snap Dance Studios is offering free at-home classes to help keep families active during the provinces most recent round of increased public health measures.
The program was first offered in spring when the initial round of lockdowns hit Alberta, and now that enhanced restrictions have returned to the province, the free, at-home program is up and running once again.
“When COVID first hit in the spring we kind of took a step back amid everything else we were doing for our current dancers and we put together a program that we’re calling our Community Dance Program,” said Alison Stutz, studio director at Snap Dance Studios. “It’s a 45-minute dance class that we’ve offered out to Cochranites.”
Stutz said she knows it is hard for parents to keep their children busy while they are stuck at home, which is why Snap Dance Studios decided to put together the program.
“We’re parents ourselves— We understand that we’re always on the lookout for activities that we can keep our kids busy with at home. We understand the importance of keeping them moving and engaged,” she said.
Included in the Community Dance Program are classes for all age categories, from two-years-old to teens, Stutz said. The classes are a mishmash of styles, including everything from jazz and ballet to hip-hop and acro— A fusion of traditional dance and acrobatic movements.
The classes will also include some stretching and conditioning exercises as well.
Stutz said now especially, in the midst of increased lockdown measures, the need for these types of programs is high.
“We understand that there’s been some hardship. It’s a tough time and for parents with kids at home, especially as the weather gets colder, we’re always looking for new ways to keep our kids engaged. We fully value movement, and the importance of movement and the connection of movement and kids’ mental wellbeing, and probably parents’ mental wellbeing,” she added with a laugh. “We value giving back and supporting our community. It really just is a give-back to the town of Cochrane, to families of Cochrane, as a way to keep your kids moving through all of this.”
Although the classes are geared for youth, parents and whole families will surely have fun with the program, Stutz said.
“We always say, even for our dancers that are doing our live classes, absolutely get your parents involved. I think it’s a great way for families to connect at home.”
The classes are not on a fixed schedule and can be done at any time, from the comfort of your own home.
To participate, visit snapdancestudios.com to sign up. A member of the studio will contact you with the necessary information to access the Community Dance Program.
