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Dance Companies Take Baby Steps Back to Rehearsal Dance Companies Take Baby Steps Back to Rehearsal
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Eight dancers from the Ballet du Rhin were partway through a class at their studio in Mulhouse, eastern France, recently, when the company’s artistic director decided to step things up.Eight dancers from the Ballet du Rhin were partway through a class at their studio in Mulhouse, eastern France, recently, when the company’s artistic director decided to step things up.
The dancers had been doing gentle exercises at the barre. Then, the director, Bruno Bouché, asked them to perform a short routine, heavy on pirouettes, in socially distanced pairs.The dancers had been doing gentle exercises at the barre. Then, the director, Bruno Bouché, asked them to perform a short routine, heavy on pirouettes, in socially distanced pairs.
Alice Pernão, 22, one of the first dancers to try, performed the spins with the relish of a dancer moving her limbs fully for the first time in months.Alice Pernão, 22, one of the first dancers to try, performed the spins with the relish of a dancer moving her limbs fully for the first time in months.
But as soon as she finished, Ms. Pernão performed a little extra routine that dancers worldwide might soon have to get used to: She flipped her face mask off an ear, and, breathing heavily, rushed back to her place at the barre to gulp down some water.But as soon as she finished, Ms. Pernão performed a little extra routine that dancers worldwide might soon have to get used to: She flipped her face mask off an ear, and, breathing heavily, rushed back to her place at the barre to gulp down some water.
She then disinfected her hands with gel, put the mask back on, and tried to catch her breath for the next exercise.She then disinfected her hands with gel, put the mask back on, and tried to catch her breath for the next exercise.
The Ballet du Rhin this month became the first company in France to return to work, having agreed on measures with the local authorities. Under the permission, the company could restart the classes that traditionally begin a dancer’s day, but with procedures to reduce the risk of virus transmission. The performers also had to endorse the changes for the classes to resume, and full rehearsals are not yet allowed.The Ballet du Rhin this month became the first company in France to return to work, having agreed on measures with the local authorities. Under the permission, the company could restart the classes that traditionally begin a dancer’s day, but with procedures to reduce the risk of virus transmission. The performers also had to endorse the changes for the classes to resume, and full rehearsals are not yet allowed.
Across Europe, other dance companies have also started practicing again to varying degrees. Performances are still a long way off for most, although some theaters on the continent are being allowed to reopen with social distancing. Austria, for instance, is allowing events of up to 100 people from Friday. On Tuesday, Bavaria in Germany announced that theaters in the region could reopen from June 15, albeit for a maximum 50 people.Across Europe, other dance companies have also started practicing again to varying degrees. Performances are still a long way off for most, although some theaters on the continent are being allowed to reopen with social distancing. Austria, for instance, is allowing events of up to 100 people from Friday. On Tuesday, Bavaria in Germany announced that theaters in the region could reopen from June 15, albeit for a maximum 50 people.
Mr. Bouché said in a telephone interview that, before the pandemic, his 32 dancers sometimes spent all day with each other: in classes, rehearsals, or just chatting. Now they had been split into three groups and get only an hour’s class.Mr. Bouché said in a telephone interview that, before the pandemic, his 32 dancers sometimes spent all day with each other: in classes, rehearsals, or just chatting. Now they had been split into three groups and get only an hour’s class.
“There are many rules,” he said. For instance, dancers are not allowed to use changing rooms. Instead, they must go directly to the studio and stand at a marked spot at the barre, about 11 feet away from others.“There are many rules,” he said. For instance, dancers are not allowed to use changing rooms. Instead, they must go directly to the studio and stand at a marked spot at the barre, about 11 feet away from others.
Their outside clothes must go into a bag to ensure they do not touch anything, he added; that bag must then be put into another one provided by the company that is thrown into the trash once the class has finished. They are also each given a spray to disinfect the barre. And, of course, they have to dance wearing masks.Their outside clothes must go into a bag to ensure they do not touch anything, he added; that bag must then be put into another one provided by the company that is thrown into the trash once the class has finished. They are also each given a spray to disinfect the barre. And, of course, they have to dance wearing masks.
Ms. Pernão, in an interview via Zoom after the class, said that she loved being back but found wearing the mask difficult. “It’s like any sport,” she said. “As soon as you do a bit of stamina work, you’re breathing faster and reaching for oxygen.”Ms. Pernão, in an interview via Zoom after the class, said that she loved being back but found wearing the mask difficult. “It’s like any sport,” she said. “As soon as you do a bit of stamina work, you’re breathing faster and reaching for oxygen.”
“We’re getting used to it,” she added, “but …” She pulled a frustrated face.“We’re getting used to it,” she added, “but …” She pulled a frustrated face.
The rules for classes and rehearsals vary by country and company. In Germany, the Staatsballett Berlin’s 93 dancers restarted daily classes on May 13, but in groups of around eight to maintain social distancing.The rules for classes and rehearsals vary by country and company. In Germany, the Staatsballett Berlin’s 93 dancers restarted daily classes on May 13, but in groups of around eight to maintain social distancing.
In a class on Monday, the dancers all moved freely, even occasionally sharing jokes, as a reporter watched via Skype. None made a desperate lunge for water after completing an exercise. But the new order was clear: A pianist wore a mask as she played and the dancers had to disinfect the barre once the class finished.In a class on Monday, the dancers all moved freely, even occasionally sharing jokes, as a reporter watched via Skype. None made a desperate lunge for water after completing an exercise. But the new order was clear: A pianist wore a mask as she played and the dancers had to disinfect the barre once the class finished.
It took “four to five weeks” to draw up the rules for the classes and to get them signed off by Berlin’s health authorities and by the company, said Christiane Theobald, the Staatsballett’s deputy artistic director, in a telephone interview. The hardest part had been working out a system for the dancers to arrive at different times and to ensure that there were never more than two in each dressing room, she said.It took “four to five weeks” to draw up the rules for the classes and to get them signed off by Berlin’s health authorities and by the company, said Christiane Theobald, the Staatsballett’s deputy artistic director, in a telephone interview. The hardest part had been working out a system for the dancers to arrive at different times and to ensure that there were never more than two in each dressing room, she said.
To resume, the dancers had to sign a document stating that they agreed to return under the new conditions, she said. That meant the Staatsballett was not liable if they caught the virus.To resume, the dancers had to sign a document stating that they agreed to return under the new conditions, she said. That meant the Staatsballett was not liable if they caught the virus.
Dominic Hodal, an American dancer with the company, said in a telephone interview that he had loved the first day back. “It was really satisfying, almost in a childish way,” he said. “It was like ‘Here’s your cookie.’”Dominic Hodal, an American dancer with the company, said in a telephone interview that he had loved the first day back. “It was really satisfying, almost in a childish way,” he said. “It was like ‘Here’s your cookie.’”
But that feeling had lasted “for about three days,” he said. What he wanted now was to take part in a proper rehearsal, to dance with and touch others, and to perform for a crowd. “It feels a bit of a tease,” he said.But that feeling had lasted “for about three days,” he said. What he wanted now was to take part in a proper rehearsal, to dance with and touch others, and to perform for a crowd. “It feels a bit of a tease,” he said.
Some contemporary dance companies in Europe are also returning to work. In Austria, groups can rehearse if there is about 100 square feet of studio space per dancer.Some contemporary dance companies in Europe are also returning to work. In Austria, groups can rehearse if there is about 100 square feet of studio space per dancer.
One recent Tuesday, Chris Haring, the artistic director of Liquid Loft in Vienna, led a rehearsal for two of the company’s members. At one point, they rolled toward each other, potentially closer than the separation the government has mandated: about five feet. “Distance!” Mr. Haring said loudly.One recent Tuesday, Chris Haring, the artistic director of Liquid Loft in Vienna, led a rehearsal for two of the company’s members. At one point, they rolled toward each other, potentially closer than the separation the government has mandated: about five feet. “Distance!” Mr. Haring said loudly.
In a Zoom interview, Mr. Haring said there was “not much” difference in how he was rehearsing now compared with before the pandemic, except in the number of dancers allowed in the space. The piece they were working on explored ideas of “solitude,” he said, so the dancers did not need to touch.In a Zoom interview, Mr. Haring said there was “not much” difference in how he was rehearsing now compared with before the pandemic, except in the number of dancers allowed in the space. The piece they were working on explored ideas of “solitude,” he said, so the dancers did not need to touch.
Updated June 5, 2020Updated June 5, 2020
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
His biggest concern was not rehearsal rules, he added, but when his company would be able to perform again, especially given the fact that it mainly worked outside Austria. He was able to pay the dancers for a few weeks of rehearsal this summer, he said, “but we’ve all, including me, had to apply for support from the government.”His biggest concern was not rehearsal rules, he added, but when his company would be able to perform again, especially given the fact that it mainly worked outside Austria. He was able to pay the dancers for a few weeks of rehearsal this summer, he said, “but we’ve all, including me, had to apply for support from the government.”
And not all dancers in Europe are banned from touching. Starting Monday, companies in Iceland have been able to rehearse without social distancing. Iceland has had great success tackling the coronavirus thanks in part to widespread testing and to a tracking app. Performances for up to 200 people are now allowed.And not all dancers in Europe are banned from touching. Starting Monday, companies in Iceland have been able to rehearse without social distancing. Iceland has had great success tackling the coronavirus thanks in part to widespread testing and to a tracking app. Performances for up to 200 people are now allowed.
Before Monday, the Iceland Dance Company had been rehearsing with social distancing for six weeks, said Erna Omarsdottir, the troupe’s founder, in a telephone interview. The dancers found those rehearsals frustrating at times, she said, but they had also seen them as an opportunity to experiment with new ways of dancing.Before Monday, the Iceland Dance Company had been rehearsing with social distancing for six weeks, said Erna Omarsdottir, the troupe’s founder, in a telephone interview. The dancers found those rehearsals frustrating at times, she said, but they had also seen them as an opportunity to experiment with new ways of dancing.
The company was working on a production of “Romeo and Juliet,” Ms. Omarsdottir added. “It is very hard to imagine a love story without contact, without a kiss, touching,” she said.The company was working on a production of “Romeo and Juliet,” Ms. Omarsdottir added. “It is very hard to imagine a love story without contact, without a kiss, touching,” she said.
During the restrictions, the company held rehearsals outside in graveyards and beaches to afford enough space for the company’s 10 dancers to spread out, then tried experiments like dancing with a tree in place of a partner, Ms. Omarsdottir said. Some of the ideas developed during those rehearsals would be used in future, she said.During the restrictions, the company held rehearsals outside in graveyards and beaches to afford enough space for the company’s 10 dancers to spread out, then tried experiments like dancing with a tree in place of a partner, Ms. Omarsdottir said. Some of the ideas developed during those rehearsals would be used in future, she said.
Mr. Bouché, from the Ballet du Rhin, said he was not jealous of dancers elsewhere being able to rehearse without restrictions, because he felt things would change in France soon.Mr. Bouché, from the Ballet du Rhin, said he was not jealous of dancers elsewhere being able to rehearse without restrictions, because he felt things would change in France soon.
“Next week, maybe we will be able to take the mask off,” he said. “In two weeks, maybe we will be able to have some real rehearsals.”“Next week, maybe we will be able to take the mask off,” he said. “In two weeks, maybe we will be able to have some real rehearsals.”
“There is a lot of frustration,” he added, “but we’re just happy to be here. This is a lot better than being at home.”“There is a lot of frustration,” he added, “but we’re just happy to be here. This is a lot better than being at home.”