When Covid-19 roared out of nowhere, the world took a major hit and feelings of uncertainty, loss and grief were most prominent. With businesses closing doors – some forever – schools transferring to at-home learning and a huge loss of extra activities, we were all forced to adapt to changes and shift our perspective on the importance of everyday things we once took for granted.
From my personal perspective, this pandemic has actually increased my workload and provided me with many opportunities to upskill and while this has been challenging, I am incredibly grateful.
Coping with change is something I have admittedly not always been great with but with no other choice I have embraced new ways of doing things with open arms. Through the transition from in studio to online dancing, I have learnt new skills in the areas of filming and editing, Zoom live meeting platform, Teachable online lecture and class creation, Canva graphic designing, reception and admin experience and lastly – blogging. Whilst gaining knowledge in all these areas, increasing hours and juggling 3 other studios and a weekend job, I have learnt the importance of balance and ‘me time’. In order to make the most of the experience and keep motivated whilst working long days and meeting deadlines, I found it crucial to ensure I make time for non work related things that keep me sane. Whether it be going for a surf, a walk or reading a good book with a good coffee – I learnt that it’s the little things that make a big difference.
In order to have a successful online transition, it was all hands on deck. Days consisted of filming extra class content, editing and loading to our online platform, loading graphics, keeping socials updated and planning classes around our new friend ‘Zoom’. Staying on top of weekly loading and editing was challenging but vital in ensuring students remained engaged. Choreography was adapted to fit not only the screen we were teaching through but the spaces the kids had to learn in, most commonly a small bedroom or living space. This required us to challenge ourselves to create new content and keep it interesting with limitations.
Going from only teaching 3 hours a week, to working 10-12 hour days, 6-7 days a week has been, and continues to be, a learning experience. I am taking every day as a new day to grow and continue to broaden my horizons. At only 20 years old, I am utilising every opportunity presented to gain knowledge and new skills to have the ability to apply them to future endeavours.
Whilst I have been faced with massive changes and challenges and hope we never have to experience another pandemic; I am grateful for everything it has led me to learn and how it has shaped my outlook moving forward into the rest of my 20’s.
I know I will never take a day off or sitting down in a café for my coffee for granted again!
