You would think that lockdown has put an end to many dance-related activities and in some cases that’s true. In-person dance classes can’t take place and people can’t meet up for dances or go to watch shows featuring dance. But this doesn’t mean that there aren’t some great dance experiences happening during lockdown – they are just a bit different from what you would expect!
#Roofseries with Robbie Fairchild
Robbie Fairchild is best known for his time as a New York City Ballet dancer and more recently for his part in the Broadway version of Cats. So, while he may not be able to perform in his usual spots during the lockdown, he has found a new way to connect with people and show off his dance skills.
Called the #Roofseries, Robbie has taken to dancing on his Manhattan rooftop with his flatmate, dancer and choreographer Chris Jarosz. The pair have been delighting fans with their dances and showing them on Instagram along with messages of encouragement.
American Dance Theatre
If you are a fan of Alvin Ailey’s Revelations, then you can experience it in a whole new way during lockdown. The American Dance Theatre combines dancers performing live from their own homes with sections from the show that have been already recorded. The result is a fascinating combination of dance, a sneak look into people’s homes and a fun lockdown experience.
Mikhailovsky Ballet with Ivan Vasiliev
It is very handy during lockdown if you share your home with a fellow dancer. And that’s the case for Ivan Vasiliev from the Mikhailovsky Ballet in Moscow. He and his wife Giselle have been enjoying a fun take on ballet alongside their daily lives, broadcasting on Instagram with sections of Giselle in their living room, Cinderella who really can’t go near the ball and other classics with a lockdown twist.
Watch training with Francesca Hayward
Francesca Hayward’s debut in Swan Lake was due to be one of the big ballet events of the year until the coronavirus came along. But you can still get a fascinating glimpse inside the training and life of a ballet dancer with her regular videos on Instagram.
With her partner Cesar Corrales, the short videos are a great snapshot of their life in lockdown and a chance to see some stunning ballet moves. Share their love of dance while waiting to see Francesca for real.
Other live broadcasts
Many venues that would normally be packed with people are offering the chance to live stream dance events in your home. Examples range from Sadler’s Wells in London where a range of contemporary and flamenco dances will be available to the Alexander Whitley Dance Company that is live streaming every Friday on Facebook.
All these amazing experiences let us share in our love of dance even in difficult times and we look forward to when we can all dance together in person again!