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A Shellharbour dance school is being commended by parents for its forward thinking after trialing a free online dance class on the weekend.

With around 100 children taking part it was a case of perfect timing one day before the Prime Minister announced all gyms would need to close doors on Monday.

Live streaming the dance workshop using the Zoom App was part of owner Amanda Barr's business survival plan if Australia went into coronavirus lockdown.

But she still shed a tear on Sunday night when she announced all classes will now be done this way during the coronavirus pandemic.

Mrs Barr organised the trial because she knew many families were staying home and self isolating. It was an instant hit as messages of thanks poured in. Parents thought it was great activity for their children who all expressed their approval with a big thumbs up.

Mrs Barr said it was important to keep some joy in the lives of children at this time and members of her teaching team volunteered for the free trial. She said everyone needed some happiness and good vibe endorphins at this time and the live stream dance lesson drew many smiles.

Mrs Barr introduced the two free workshops by saying it was a trial for when it might be needed to keep the dance school going during a Covid-19 lockdown. And when that happens regular teachers would be do classes with the same students.

Allison Davidson, Ciara Rogers, Astrid Nicholls, Allira Simon and Hayley Tiernan led the free workshops.

Towards the end of second class one of Miss Roger's students popped up on the full laptop screen and danced the routine back. Miss Rogers said it all went even better than she expected and it was great that everyone will be able to keep dancing during the coronavirus..

"I thought there would be a bit of a barrier in communication. But we could see all their reactions and were still able to interact with them. I still saw the same energy from the kids," she said.

"t was amazing how quickly the feedback was. We had only just finished when a message came in from a mum saying they had been cooped up all week and it was so great seeing the kids doing what they love again."

Feedback from parents

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