​The first week back was one of the most remarkable for Destine Dance.

I was honestly unsure about what would happen. And it was indeed pleasing to have a week that had:

• all classes attended, 
• me almost fully booked out (now fully booked out this week), and
• new students signing up straight out of lock down. 

Not to mention the wedding couples we had - there certainly seems a few engaged couples out there who were just waiting to implement their wedding plans once able.

Check out the photos of some of the classes this week to see how happy people were to be 

The group classes last week were mostly focused on recapping and that seemed to work well for most. So that's the plan for this week too. The only thing to change is that we will focus on some different dances this week. To recap the basics of the styles we teach. This week the classes will be:

1. Tuesday - Tango and Merengue
2. Wednesday - Quickstep and Jive
3. Thursday - Blues and R'n'R

Finally, thanks to everyone for the speed with which they were able to leave space for the capoeira group. It helps in these times to keep as much social distance between groups as we can.

I look forward to seeing you on the dance floor
Clint

​It's an eventful update this one:

1. Farewell to Scott
2. Welcome back

Farewell to Scott
You might recall that our instructor Scott Everard was studying education. Well he now has work at Caulfield Grammar helping out around the school in different places, particularly around the boarding house doing administrative stuff for the heads of boarding. He will also be doing relief teaching. That means it is time to move on from Destine Dance. He was a great recourse for the studio. He had excellent rapport with students - I am sure his private students will miss him - and he brought great expertise on the swing based dances that highlighted his overall dance knowledge and ability. He did say he will also come in from time to time. So as well as wishing him all the best, we look forward to seeing him around in the future.

Welcome Back
And this is the week of our return!
I am very keen to see you back on the dance floor and also simply interested to see what things will be like given the past. The next 4 weeks will be a time of reflection on what things are now like (I have little idea what to expect) to establish plans on what to do next year. It is a very interesting time full of potential and I am glad to be sharing it with you. 
Also, I wanted to remind you of a few things:

1. We will be wearing masks 
2. I know some have already told me that they are fine with group classes, but if you wish to stay with your partner, then that is fine too.
3. There will be a lot more hand washing and sanitising so the vibe might be a little different
4. There will be fewer cases of shared space and we will ask that you leave when your class is done - especially before capoeira (that's an opportunity to separate groups that we will pursue)
5. There might be times when we reach capacity and we need to say you can't join a group class 

No matter what, we will be doing our best to give you the best dance experience you can have.


See you on the dance floor
Clint

The coronavirus pandemic has disrupted life for everyone. Adapting your plans to a global
pandemic isn’t easy, but in many cases, it’s still doable. Here how you can handle six different
life changes during the pandemic.

Buying a House
Some things can’t wait even during a pandemic — having a baby, starting a new job, and
moving house, to name a few. While optional upsizes and downsizes can be put off, some
homeowners have no choice but to move. Luckily, the real estate industry has wasted no time
adapting to the coronavirus pandemic. With 3D photography, virtual walk-throughs, and tours
via video chat, buyers can find a home without putting themselves or sellers at risk. Buyers may,
however, want to include contingencies in their offer in case the virus becomes an issue.

Having a Baby
Speaking of having a baby: This is one big change you can’t reschedule no matter what.
There’s no need to panic if you’re expecting a baby during the COVID-19 pandemic. The risk of
an ill mother transmitting the virus in utero or during childbirth appears to be low, and hospitals
are taking precautions to minimize transmission in maternity wards such as limiting visitors.
Women with low-risk pregnancies also have birthing centers as a hospital alternative.

Starting a Job
Whether you accepted a job offer before stay-at-home orders were issued or got hired by an
essential business, the coronavirus pandemic has made it a strange time for workplace
onboarding. Your workplace may still be shut down due to the crisis, temporarily operating
remotely, or taking new precautions to prevent coronavirus transmission. If you’re being asked
to work remotely, find out what technology you need to excel at your new job. If you’re reporting
to a workplace, know how to keep yourself safe at work. And if that new job is on hold, learn
how to apply for unemployment benefits to help make ends meet until your first paycheck
comes in.

Adopting a Pet
Not all changes are big and scary! People are also making little changes to brighten their lives
during the coronavirus pandemic, like adopting pets. While adopting a pet isn’t a decision to
take lightly, this is a good time to take the leap if you’ve been considering pet ownership for a
while. The extra time at home gives new pet owners plenty of time to train and bond with their
new pets.

Spending More Time at Home
We’ve all been spending a lot of time at home this year. If your family is anxious, arguing a lot,
or complaining excessively, there are steps you can take to make your home a more positive
environment. This starts with eliminating clutter by putting things away or tossing items you no
longer use. Next, give your home a top-to-bottom cleaning. Finally, open up some windows and
let in as much natural light as possible.
You can also find some fun family activities to participate in whether that’s starting a family
dance party, practicing yoga together, or holding a backyard scavenger hunt.

Starting a Victory Garden
Some families have turned to their backyards to solve the challenges brought on by the
pandemic. Rather than frequenting grocery stores for their fresh vegetables, people have
revived the tradition of victory gardening. It doesn’t take much to get a garden growing if you
have a sunny patch in your backyard.

Navigating life changes is challenging enough without a pandemic thrown into the mix, but life
stops for no crisis. So, when one shows up, take the reins instead of backing down. With a can-
do attitude and the right tools, you can keep life moving forward no matter what.

​You might have seen the post on facebook and you might have noted that indoor contact sports are now allowed. 

Whether you have or not, the point is, we will be teaching classes for the end of November and into December to see 2020 out. Not a bad way to finish the year I reckon.

So starting on the week of the 23rd, we will be running group and private lessons.
You can see the details of the group lessons below:

• Tuesday Street Latin (6:30pm)
  We focus on two styles from the Street Latin styles
• Wednesday Latin and Ballroom (7:30pm)
  We focus on two styles from the Latin and ballroom styles
• Thursday Swing and Rock & Roll (6:30pm)
  We focus on  Swing, Rock & Roll and Blues styles

If you want to pick up your private lessons, then drop your teacher a line or they will contact you. We do not have as much available time for private lessons so get in quick by contacting your teacher if you are interested and you want to secure time. 

COVIDSafe plan
We are only teaching because contact indoor sports are now allowed. Our plan is within this context. We will ask that you:

• Wear a mask
• Use hand sanitiser before dancing
• Register your name upon arrival
• Arrive just as your lesson starts and leave once it is over

You may also opt to dance only with your partner.

Please let me know if you have any questions and I look forward to seeing you - even if half your face will be covered. 




Regards
Clint