Although Dance Images by BJ has been keeping busy since the studio closed earlier this spring, owner Barb Jackman is thrilled to finally have dancers back together for a three-week shape-up session in Crescent Park.
The drop-in workout, called the Summer Shape Up program, took over the Crescent Park Amphitheatre on July 21 and 28, featuring an hour of stretching, cardio and combos to get studio members moving once again.
“We wanted to get the kids pumped up and remind them why we do what we do, and the response has been great,” said Jackman, as she greeted dancers before the event on July 28. “There’s lots of laughter, lots of spirit, and lots of positivity. It’s been great.”
Participants brought their own water, yoga mats, and other equipment for the session, and remained properly distanced on the green during the workout, while spectators sat at a distance in the amphitheatre’s seats.
The first evening of the Summer Shape Up program saw a great crowd, with the second week seeing even more dancers out to take part. Jackman is happy to see so many familiar faces, as she feels the in-person sessions are much-needed for the studio.
“We’re not in great shape,” joked Jackman. “So it’s been good to come together and [the amphitheatre] is amazing.”
Following the workout portion, dancers were also welcome to take part in the second half of the evening: a public showcase for solo, duo and trio routines.
As the season was cut short this spring due to COVID-19, Jackman and Dance Images wanted to give dancers a chance to show off their routines after working so hard on them all year.
The Summer Shape Up program is the precursor to the upcoming August training camps, an annual event at Dance Images and the opening to the dance season that will begin this fall — which Jackman says the studio is well prepared for this year.
“We’re ready, we’ve got a really great format. Parents don’t have to worry about us invading space, our class sizes are very limited,” said Jackman.
The studio will have smaller classes and social distancing squares marked out for students, and will also be extending its hours to stagger how many dancers are in the studio at a time with no overlap on arrival.
The Summer Shape Up program will return for one more week on Aug 4, with the workout portion beginning at 6:30 p.m. and the showcase for the public beginning at 7:30 p.m.
