Dear Dancers,
So much of what Rhythm & Motion does is built on creating connections and community through dance. This way of coming together is changing. Now, more than ever, we turn to digital platforms and social media for community and connection. For many of us, it’s a very different experience.
We understand that our dance community is cut from a different kind of cloth. Not only are we driven by high energy movement and music and the desire to grow and release through dance, but we also thrive on being inspired by the people dancing around us, the hugs and high-fives between songs, the personal check-ins before and after class, and the unspoken understanding that even if we don’t say a word to each other, or know each other’s names, we can count on one another to help us re-energize and refuel ourselves for our day ahead. We may miss these aspects of what we do in the studio, but we can, and will, create connections like these in other ways. (Or, if needed, let this time at home be an opportunity to individually dive deep into growing in ways we’ve never thought of, to recalibrate, or to rest.)
At this time, while we investigate the viability of various online streaming platforms and techniques that all of our teachers can use to offer a successful music-driven R&M experience, we are committed to offering free and donation-based classes and events for everyone. Our team of teachers, near and far, are recording videos of themselves teaching R&M routines so that everyone can experience the joys of our classes - the choreography, the fabulous teachers and music from home. (We’re lovingly calling it “Rhythm & Motion – from our homes to yours.”) We understand it won’t be the same as the in-studio experience, but as we grow into this new temporary reality, the R&M team, in collaboration with our studio partners, will find more creative ways to connect, dance and sweat. Additionally, here at R&M, we’ll be increasing our communication with all of you from monthly to weekly to remind you that we are still here for you when you need us. (Don't forget that we can also engage with each other on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.)
I invite you to check out our “Social Distance Dancing” page for information on classes and events, teacher happenings and ways to support them, and photos of our community dancing at home. It’s a work-in-progress and the page will continue to expand and evolve as the time passes.
Until next time, stay home, be digitally social, check-in on each other, and connect with us…we promise to do the same.
Much love,
Dudley and the R&M teachers and staff
Read the rest of the newsletter here.