Printer Friendly Version - Dance Students, Teachers Persevere Through COVID-19

From left, Ayla Chester (Chester), MaiLi Quale (Chester), Musical Director Shannon Sobolow (Marlborough), Rana Bailey (Producer/co-choreographer, Chester), William Connolly (Chester), Bo Rice (Chester), Meadow Sobolow (Marlborough), Zoey Wilks (East Hampton), Kaylee Chlodnicki (Haddam), Sophia Abramson (Chester), Summer Bailey (Chester), Elliott Paradis (Deep River), Erica Deane (co-choreographer, Portland) Belle Rice (Chester), and Rana Bailey staged The Aristocats KIDS on April 3 at the Chester Meeting House.Photo courtesy of Rayna’s School of Dance LLC

A popular phrase in show business, “the show must go on,” was put to the test by 11 students of Rayna’s School of Dance in Chester, after having to cancel a performance of the musical, The Aristocats KIDS, last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although the show was able to take place on April 3 at the Chester Meeting House, the journey to that performance was a lesson in perseverance, for students and teachers alike.

The Aristocats KIDS is a musical adapted from Disney’s animated movie The Aristocats. The musical centers on the story of a feline heiress, Duchess, and her three kittens, who are kidnapped by a butler who intends to inherit the fortunes of their mistress, a retired opera singer.

After the state closed non-essential businesses in March last year, “we weren’t sure what was going to happen,” said Rana Bailey, who owns the dance school.

“I was determined, I’m like, ‘We’re doing this show. I’m not going to let you guys down,” she said.

The studio had to quickly adapt its operations to help shape these young dancers, turning to a virtual format.

As dance is an art form that is “really hands on…not being able to help them turn in the right direction or being able to show them how to turn out their feet or point toes, just having to verbally do it, was a challenge for us as teachers,” said Bailey.

“But the kids on the other side were phenomenal because they were really listening and taking everything we were saying and trying to do it themselves. I think they knew too, we had to do what we had to do at the time. We all just kind of went with the punches,” she continued.

The decision was eventually made to postpone production of the show, with rehearsals starting back up in the studio this January.

“They started all over again,” said Bailey. “They learned the choreography and basically the whole musical all over because we had to rewrite it.”

The script was re-written in a condensed format to allow for social distancing and to adhere to state guidelines for the length of time audience members are allowed in a theater.

Other precautions were also taken on the day of the event, such as the use of industrial air purifiers, hand sanitizer, and cleaning in between sets.

Upon learning that the show would be performed this spring, “I was super excited,” said Belle Rice of Chester, who played the role of “aristo-cat” Duchess.

Rice, who is in her eighth year studying dance with Bailey, said the musical, which features jazz and tap dancing, allowed her to expand on her capabilities in a fun way.

She credits Musical Director Shannon Sobolow and Bailey with helping to ensure the safety of all involved during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I love the way that Ms. Shannon and Ms. Rana decided to…give us another chance and how they incorporated the rules of wearing masks and social distancing into the musical,” said Rice.

Similar state safety protocols are also followed for classes in the studio, located at 3 Inspiration Lane, Chester. For more information, visit www.raynasschoolofdance.com.