Metropolitan Ballet Theatre & Academy continued teaching through the quarantine and into the summer without missing a beat! MBT’s teachers proved how “flexible” they could be as they taught via multiple modes including pre-recorded classes, Zoom, and Facebook Live classes. Having re-opened for in-studio instruction in late June, MBT continues to teach three types of classes: in-studio, virtual on Zoom, and hybrid studio/virtual dance classes.
Metropolitan Ballet Theatre & Academy continues to offer classes for ages 3 through adult in Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Tap, and Hip Hop. These classes are offered in-studio in their Clarksburg and Gaithersburg locations, as well as through a wide selection of virtual classes. For dancers age 3-6, MBT has also added a new option to enroll for just a quarter (9 weeks). With constantly changing health, financial, and educational concerns, MBT knew that families would want additional scheduling options! (You can also enroll for a semester or full-year of classes in-studio or virtually.)
(photos: Hip Hop and Adult Ballet classes at MBT-Gaithersburg)
MBT is committed to providing quality dance instruction as well as ensuring students are safe and healthy. Masks must be worn for all classes, and everyone that enters the building must have their temperature checked. All studios have been marked to help keep students distanced, and there is a strict cleaning/sanitizing protocol in place. Locker rooms are closed - students place their belongings on and stand at designated numbered spots at the barre and center. Later in class, students wait for their turn to dance across the floor on designated spots that have been spaced apart. Under phase 2 restrictions, the number of students allowed in the studios is very limited; most of MBT’s 6 studios allow for only 5-7 students. Due to capacity restrictions and personal preference, many of MBT’s re-enrolling students have opted to continue exclusively with MBT’s virtual classes. Students in the virtual program take classes structured specifically for a home learning environment, and also can take MBT’s hybrid classes during which an in-studio class is also broadcast via Zoom.
(photo: in studio class at MBT-Gaithersburg with a zoom follow-along for hybrid students)
Many parents have expressed their appreciation for the ways that MBT has allowed all students to continue to dance during these times. Parents of virtual students are grateful that there are still so many options available and that the teachers are always willing to find new ways to keep dancers dancing. Parents of students receiving in-studio instruction have commended MBT on how well they have handled maintaining a healthy and safe space as well as providing some sense of normalcy to their children's lives. MBT is aware that their classes are, in some cases, the only ways children are staying active, getting out of their homes, and having social interactions with their peers.
(photo: Halloween fun at MBT-Clarksburg!)
MBT parent Sally Rahnama writes: “During this time of uncertainty, MBT has given my daughters an opportunity to feel a sense of normalcy. Having the opportunity to return to dance has made such a great impact on their social-emotional well-being. The staff has taken every precaution to keep the students safe, by providing both in person and virtual opportunities. My daughters have truly enjoyed returning to classes. To see the joy on their faces when they dance has been priceless.”
Metropolitan Ballet Theatre & Academy hopes that families considering dance classes will take a free trial class. You can call the studio at 301-762-1757 to get more information or to arrange a free trial class (in the studio or virtual). You will not be disappointed!
