As in many walks of life, people in Elliot Lake's arts leadership roles have experienced some big challenges in the wake of COVID-19.
When Christine Brunet was forced to suspend classes at the Elliot Lake branch of Studio Dance Arts in March due to health and safety protocols, she, along with her teaching staff students, had few options.
"We were actually having a fabulous year last year and then when COVID hit, we had to stop all of our classes as of March 17," she told ElliotLakeToday. "So obviously our kids never got to perform in the year end recitals and they all had their costumes. It was devastating for the kids and their families as well."
Six months later, they have a new 3,000 square foot studio space ready to open at 126B Ontario Avenue downtown. It will accommodate two large dance studio spaces and other facilities all on one floor.
The studios, washrooms and other facilities are in the basement of the building housing Kathy's Brew Haha street level coffee shop.
Due to social distancing requirements, even the spacious new digs will accommodate a limited number of students at each learning session.
Just as our school system will maintain a cohort system this fall, so will Studio Dance Arts. That means students need to register early for the first day of classes on Sept. 14. This year registrations are being accepted online only.
Brunet credits a very generous landlord for having faith in the project and paying for needed renovations up front.
As well, she pays large credit to Studio Dance Arts owner Richard Kim for keeping the operation afloat despite being forced to shut the doors this year, losing revenue and sending everybody home.
She notes that taking COVID-19 into account, local health leadership has given approval of the facility's appointments and amenities.
As for COVID-19 protocols, Brunet says, "We're only allowed to put 'x' number of children in a classroom. We have to follow those guidelines. Right now, we're really encouraging the families to enrol and get set up in the programs. Once the season starts and they have, as described, the cohort for each class made, we're not in a position where we can keep taking enrolment."
"We are the one program in town right now. In the large studio we can accommodate 15 students (at one time), maybe more, depending on how many instructors are present. In the smaller studio it could be eight or 10," she explained. "We have a boys hip hop class this year on Monday night and that may encourage some of the boys to stay fit and be comfortable in a classroom."
All ages will be accommodated in the program. Brunet explains, "We have our pre-schoolers at 3 p.m. and our 4- and 5-year-old kinders after that. From six years and up we offer tap, jazz, ballet and hip hop."
Most adult classes will be held at night. Parking is plentiful in the area.
For Brunet, it's like coming full circle since she began her dance teaching career in a building adjacent to Canada Post – literally down the street from her new digs – just over 30 years ago.
There were problems for the studio as other venues came and went over the years, including Grace Christian Centre, an old bingo hall and a former downtown gym.
For more information, Brunet can reached on her mobile at 705-849-6522. The business phone number at the new studio is 705-848-8464.