Elite Dance Corps in Bradford have had its doors closed to students since mid March, but are keeping together a part through online dancing and a community initiative selling T-Shirts, with a portion of sales going to help front line workers at St. Michael's Hospital Foundation.
Owner of the studio, Tania Ferreira says she came up with the idea for a T-Shirt sale at the beignning of April and reached out to another local business in town, Times Designs to make the shirts, which are black with 'Social DisDANCEing ' written in red and white across the front.
"Not only did I feel the urge to pivot my business in anyway possible, but I also saw a need to help other local small businesses and help our frontline workers that are working tirelessly to comabt COVID-19," she said.
Trish Veraik Verbakel, owner of Times Designs said she is happy to be working with the studio to make the shirts.
"Elite is helping many businesses with doing this project," she said. "I am grateful for the business during this difficult time."
The intiative so far has already raised $200 for the cause.
Ferreira opened the dance studio, Elite Dance Cops in August 2001. They currently have 250 students ages two to 18, and offer a variety of classes at all different levels in jazz, tap, ballet, acrobatics, lyrical and hip hop.
With the closure of the studio, Ferreira is currently offering Social DisDANCE online program options for her students using the Zoom app.
"We are offering all styles of dance for all our dancers, from our babies to graduating teens," she explained. The program is not mandatory, but she said many of the students have joined in the online learning.
"We recognize that our online program cannot replace the in-class experience, but it allows us to remain connected to our dance family. That is our main goal," she said.
She said the studio and its members have become like her extended family, noting that all staff are missing their students and their parents.
"We are blessed to have formed such great relationships," she said.
She noted how COVID-19 has taken a toll on everyone, especially children, which is why she started the online program, to help keep kids connected, active and social.
"They need our support now more than ever," she explained. "We are fortuante to have such great technology to continue our dance training and meaninful relationships."
"Being with our students online, Social DisDANCEing gives us the strength to keep moving forward in our efforts to reopen and be together again."
To learn more about the online dance programs or to purchase a Social DisDANCEing T-Shirt visit the studio's Facebook page here or send an email to [email protected].
The money raised for St. Michael's hospital Courage Fund, through the CanadaHelp.org website, goes toward food vouchers, clothing, toiletries, phones and data plans for the most vulnerable; tablets for pallative care patients so they can connect with family and friends during isolation; and food and essentials for front line staff.
