GRACE, MOTION AND CONNECTION
Mt. Pleasant School of Dance continues to educate and interact with students despite coronavirus setbacks
Mt. Pleasant School of Dance continues to educate students online as the COVID-19 crisis continues.
Mt. Pleasant School of Dance is owned by Andrea Purrenhage, which opened in the summer of 2019. Purrenhage is a faculty member at the Central Michigan department of Theater and Dance and choreographs for the University Theater Dance Company.
Due to the coronavirus, the studio closed March 16 and shifted technique classes online, a move that has been helpful to both parents and students.
“COVID-19 has had a significant impact on Mt. Pleasant School of Dance,” Purrenhage said. “However, we will always continue to dance.”
Mt. Pleasant School of Dance is using multiple platforms for students. Purrenhage also teaches weekly ballet technique classes on Zoom.
“The Mt. Pleasant School of Dance On-line Course Curriculum provides every student at the studio access to all classes during the shut down,” Purrenhage said. “The silver lining in this situation is that now any student can try a different genre of dance from their own living room. We strive to support positive mental health habits while families are at home, and encourage Mom, Dad and siblings to participate.”
Unrelated to the regularly scheduled dance classes, Purrenhage has also started a “Read and Move” books online video program for the children.
“These videos featured a story and follow-along activity to get children moving,” Purrenhage said.
There is also free barre burn classes available to the community via the Mt. Pleasant School of Dance Facebook page. These classes are available every Monday at 6 p.m.
“Parents and students have been incredibly grateful that classes have continued,” Purrenhage said. “For many students this provides an opportunity for normalcy and routine. MPSD is a family studio and we will do everything in our power to support our community.”
Because some families may be struggling once normalcy returns, the studio is offering 20% discount to returning families.
“The response to this has been truly amazing,” Purrenhage said. “Many families have donated their discount to instead create a scholarship fund for other MPSD families who may be in need.”
Staff members at the studio have also stepped up during this time. As soon as the closure occurred, they held a Zoom conference call to figure out a plan.
“Our staff are tremendous professionals who really stepped up to the call,” Purrenhage said. “We have all pulled together for ‘Kitchen Classes,’ and ‘Living Room Live Sessions’ for our students. It’s certainly been an adjustment, but we’ve all kept positive attitudes and laughed through the bumps.”