The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Dance studio faces hard times during pandemic
Local studio facing hardships caused by coronavirus pandemic
Miss Darcy’s Academy of Dance and Art is struggling to stay in business during pandemic.
Teal and black walls decorate the new empty studio of Miss Darcy’s Academy of Dance and Art in Sheffield Village.
Since March 15, the once bustling dance studio at 5422 Detroit Road, has been silent and empty due to the novel coronavirus pandemic.
With a former nearly full academy of 178 students, Darcy Sines, owner and director of Miss Darcy’s Academy of Dance and Art, said she’s now worried about the survival of her business.
After being denied or not receiving aid from small businesses grants, loans and programs, Sines was left to use her savings for the bills related to her business.
“I know a lot of small businesses that are suffering during this time,” she said. “Although it’s made to seem like there’s a lot of aid out there for us, it’s been challenging trying to secure any financial help at all.”
Sines, who’s taught dance for over 26 years, said she hopes to continue her business after the Stay Safe Ohio Order is lifted May 29.
“I’ve been concerned because nothing for my line of work has been announced,” she said. “We know when stores and offices are opening up, but the arts always seem to get left out.”
Giving back
With dancing, Sines said she can do her part in giving back to the community.
And with teaching free classes at the Elyria Public Library System once a month, to taking her students to dance at nursing homes, to offering inclusive dance classes, Sines has a passion for spreading dance.
“It’s something I’ve wanted to do since I walked out of my first dance class in the fourth-grade,” she said. “I knew right then and there I wanted to be a dance teacher.”
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sines has offered virtual classes, but said the experience didn’t feel quite right for her or the students.
“I mean, it makes sense to why people weren’t taking to it,” she said. “There’s a level of instruction that you can’t get online that you can get in person; it’s just not the same.”
With multiple dance competitions canceled and the cancellation of the student’s upcoming recital June 7, Sines said she’s afraid the participants are going to lose their motivation to continue dancing.
“They’ve worked on these routines so hard,” she said. “They’ve practiced and accepted instruction, they’ve worked so hard for this and it’s just gone.”
Another concern for Sines is the social development of children who are at home during the self isolation.
“I have two kids at home who are missing their friends and social interaction,” she said. “I know kids have to be missing social interaction across the board.
“I’m concerned with how they’re going to mentally deal with this situation.”
Preparation
As Sines continues to prepare to eventually reopen her business, she wants answers on how to prepare and what rules and guidelines to follow.
“I haven’t heard anything pertaining to dance studios or my line of work,” she said. “Will I only be allowed to have 25% of my normal attendance? How will that work?”
With different styles of dance such as jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, ballet, tap and others, the dances often require close connection.
Work is extremely physically active and includes people touching, sharing props and in close proximity for routines, Sines said.
“I know people think I should have solutions for this, but I don’t,” she said. “Artistically, it doesn’t flow. I don’t know how I’m going to get this to work.
“We’ve never had to figure something like this out before.”
Elijah Taylor, 12, is Sines’ son and has danced since he was two.
During the pandemic, Elijah said it’s been mentally hard on him to remain isolated.
“I can talk to my friends, but it’s not the same,” he said. “I try new things, but everything seems boring and it just feels like the same day everyday.”
Although Elijah has been playing a lot of video games, he said he’s also tried to continue dancing at home.
“I was working on a routine with my friend on FaceTime, but it just didn’t feel right,” he said. “It’s tough. Dancing doesn’t feel the same anymore.”
Financial help
With a lot of uncertainties, a friend of Sines friend set up a GoFundMe account to help her pay the rent on her studio.
“I’m a prideful person, and I had savings, but they’re starting to dwindle and it seems like I only have about another month left,” Sines said.
She said she and her friends, who are small business owners, are scared and are looking to the government for some kind of direction.
“I want to know what steps I have to take in order to be there for my kids, my students and the community,” Sines said. “This is what I love; this is what I’m passionate about.”