Story by Jeffrey Ryan. Photos courtesy of Dance Studio of Maine.

The studio space in the center of town may be quiet, but the Dance Studio of Maine hasn’t lost a step. Just one week after closing the studio due to Covid-19 related concerns, Owner/Instructor Trish Moulton and her instructors were running a full schedule — 80 classes a week — using a combination of live video and chat rooms to keep their students connected, and most importantly, dancing.

“Music makes you feel good, dancing makes you feel better.”, says Moulton. “We were committed to keeping the same schedule, teachers and routine, so our students could look forward to meeting at the same time as always. Parents love that, too!”

At a time when many public activities have been canceled, bringing dance into the home has been fun and healthy. With most families hunkered down at home, the dance classes play an important role in keeping people moving and connected to their teachers and peers.

“I really owe a lot to my team”, says Trish. “Everyone was onboard from day one and wanted to pick up classes right where we left off. We’re fortunate to be working at 100% and appreciate the support the dance community has shown us.”

Jeffrey Ryan is a Maine-based hiker, photographer, public speaker and author of several books about the outdoors. Learn more at www.JeffRyanAuthor.com.