SMITHFIELD, Va. – The owner of Southside Ballet Studio is going above and beyond to provide services to the dancers at her studio in Smithfield.
Despite not being open, Meredith Parks started making YouTube videos for students to follow as they stretched, did barre and practiced choreography, later filming Facebook live broadcasts. Classes range from ballet, jazz and lyrical to tap and musical theater.
Parks tells News 3 that she enjoys keeping her students engaged during the pandemic.
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“We’re just trying to make sure we're staying active in our dancers’ lives. We don't want them to forget their studio. We want them to know the studio still cares about them, and all of their teachers still care about them. So, we're doing YouTube links that are unlisted - sent directly to our parents so that our children remain safe. They can review their dances, new choreography and new classes every week,” Parks explained.
And to keep things interesting, Parks began holding contests encouraging students to create their very own choreography for their family and friends.
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She looks to continue spreading artistic joy in the community through her love of dance.
