Dancers stay in shape during lockdown
Students are missing team fun
CHILDREN missing out on after-school clubs are having to rely on one-to-one coaching to keep up with their favourite activities.
Students from Dance and Cheer-a-cality are hoping to get back to classes very soon, as they are missing the team work and social interaction their groups bring, along with millions of school children who cannot enjoy their hobbies due to social distancing rules.
The group, based in Locks Heath and Hedge End, adapted quickly to the pandemic by learning new ways to keep connected through online classes, family games, online challenges and private lessons delivered virtually or in the garden.
Coach Lara Hallam said: ‘Activities are really important for developing a child’s social interaction, team work, physical wellbeing as well as a place to be themselves.
‘They have fun and interact with others who love the same activity and their passion.’
Locks Heath cheerleader Eva Peskett has been enjoying one-to-one lessons in her garden with Lara.
Eva, 11, said: ‘I really miss cheerleading as it’s one of my most passionate things that I do, we were meant to do some competitions as well which were cancelled.
‘I’m really excited for when we can go back so I can spend time with my friends and practice and do our best.’
Fareham dancer Harmony Storey, 14, added: ‘I’ve missed tap dancing a lot, seeing my friends and getting to dance and have fun.’
Lara hopes to be back to classes in September, but she is waiting for further government guidance.
The Fareham resident said: ‘It is worrying for community groups who use local leisure, community and schools to hire as we are tied to their decisions when we can return safely to get back to doing what we love.
‘Our coaches and myself are freelance so though we have done what we can to keep going with government support up to August it is uncertain what the future holds, though we are keeping positive that our time to return will come. Safety with teaching children has to be our number one priority.’
‘I would like to thank my members for their incredible support during this time, it has been overwhelming the love our programme has received.’