Dancin’ with Roxie students celebrate return to dancing with outdoor recital

Students in Dancin’ with Roxie’s studio celebrated their return to performances by dancing the evening away throughout the area.

Dancin’ with Roxie from Friday, June 19 to Tuesday, June 23, hosted four dance recitals outdoors in Iowa Falls, Ankeny, Hampton and Clear Lake.

Roxanna Johnson, founder, said the recitals were a way to wrap up the season that students had never gotten a chance to conclude due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The end of the year recitals were originally scheduled for the third week of May, but mandates issued by Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds for the studio to close for seven weeks.

“We knew the kids needed some closure on the season because everything happened so abruptly,” said Johnson.

While students weren’t allowed in the studios, Johnson said they were able to view routines and take online classes during the seven weeks. Eventually, ten students at a time were allowed in the studio and then on June 1, the studio was given the go ahead to operate at 50 percent capacity.

Johnson said the reduced capacity required Dancin’ with Roxie students and instructors to be creative with routines. For example, Johnson said if a routine called for a big circle with skipping, circles were reduced to just a handful of kids. Additionally, instructors filmed themselves doing routines so students could practice at home.

“There were lots of adaptations the kids had to be willing to make and they just did a fantastic job,” she said.

The Hampton recital was held last Monday at Band Shell Park. A crowd gathered in the mild sun to watch the 25 routines. Johnson said while it was the students’ first performance back together, they performed with enthusiasm and eagerness.

“It made it all worthwhile to see their faces light up,” she said. “You could tell they were so proud of themselves and the parents were super excited.

“Everyone came together and did what needed to be done,” she added. “Even coming back in that first day, the kids were beaming and you could tell they were happy to come back. It’s been a rewarding experience.”