LIFESTYLES

Festival Ballet Providence resumes in-person classes for 2020-21

Posted 9/23/20

Classes have resumed in the studios at Festival Ballet Providence (FBP) School located at 825 Hope St., with the introduction of major changes to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19, said Marissa Parmenter, director of dance education at Festival

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LIFESTYLES

Festival Ballet Providence resumes in-person classes for 2020-21

Posted

Classes have resumed in the studios at Festival Ballet Providence (FBP) School located at 825 Hope St., with the introduction of major changes to minimize the risk of exposure to COVID-19, said Marissa Parmenter, director of dance education at Festival Ballet.

“The health and safety of our students is paramount. We know how important in-person dance education is and that the benefits are so far-reaching for students,” she said, adding, “We want to return to the studio in the most responsible manner possible.”

The modifications FBP has made to the use of its 10,000-square-foot facility, located in the heart of the Hope Street shopping district, include daily professional cleaning, use of four separate entrances to minimize student crossover, and sanitation of high touch surfaces including ballet barres between classes.

Additionally, recently completed upgrades to the HVAC system increase airflow and ventilation, and class sizes have been limited to ensure for social distancing. “The facility changes and sanitizing are just a few parts of an overall strategy,” said Kathleen Breen Combes, FBP’s executive director. “We have been working like crazy on a very precise schedule of classes in order to keep students in stable cohorts and minimize physical interaction between classes.”

Faculty member Dina Melley, who taught in Festival Ballet’s limited in person summer program, said changes to class itself were a big adjustment. “We got rid of anything that would require teachers or students to be in close proximity, including partnering and all hands-on corrections. It’s really forced us to get creative in how we communicate with our students and help them develop as dancers and artists.”

FBP’s students adapted quickly to the new policies when summer classes resumed. “It was great to get back to the studio and see my teacher and classmates again,” said Norah Levinson a student who participated in the summer program, adding, “The changes and new procedures took some getting used to but we are all fairly used to this new normal.”

When the pandemic escalated in March, Festival Ballet was forced to cancel all remaining performances in its professional company’s season, while the school transitioned its classes to virtual. “We are continuing to respond to the needs of our students and our community while monitoring guidance on public health from the state,” Parmenter said. “Our commitment to our students throughout this period has never wavered and we are so proud of our FBP School community for rising to meet the challenges and opportunities this unique period provides.”

Enrollment for FBP’s in person classes is open and ongoing.

ballet, dance

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