With the country now five months into the Covid-19 triggered restrictions, different forms of art have helped subdue the feeling of gloom and doom that the virus has brought in.
As social distancing has become a norm, the artists also took up a challenge to give a new spin to the traditional art form, by transitioning to online education while still prioritizing human connection. Be it dance, music or drama, many art lovers are now logging into online classes as there remains an uncertainty over when the Covid-19 pandemic will end or if life will ever return to normal.
Jasmeet Kaur Shan, Director, Dance Dacha, a dance academy Chandigarh told The Pioneer, “After two months into the Covid-19 induced restrictions, we realised that there is no point of waiting for things to get back to normal and we should utilise online platforms to start our classes.”
“We began online classes through Zoom app in May, and now we are conducting four online batches a day which also includes corporate wellness programmes. In Corporate wellness programmes, we are offering online classes on aspects like physical, spiritual, mental, intellectual wellness. The programme for corporates includes Bhangra, Zumba, Kick-boxing, Aerobics, Yoga, meditation, motivational sessions,” she said.
“For other students, we have started conducting our five-day week classes which include Yoga, Bhangra, Zumba, Bollywood dance, Kick-boxing classes. A batch of maximum of 18 students is allowed to attend the online classes,” she added.
The Covid-19 triggered lockdown many have eased since the month of June but great emphasis is now given to online mode of learning, be it academic or hobby classes. After facing initial hurdles due to lack of experience and deficient technology infrastructure, many institutions finally managed to take the performing arts to their patrons in the safety of their homes amid the pandemic.
From getting digital training to brush up their skills to use online platforms to updating the social media pages showcasing the online classes offers and streaming live sessions, the major shift in teaching method did not come easy for the art institutions, who also faced financial losses due to the lockdown restrictions.
“We had our set of struggles. I had trained my team of instructors to effectively use the online media. We also had to keep in mind things like branding of our company through online classes, presentable space for holding such classes from the comfort of home, factors to keep the students motivated to come online everyday to attend classes, make people believe that online classes are worth their time and money,” Jasmeet recalls while talking about the challenges faced for switching to online teaching platforms.
“In a way, the transition has also proved to be a blessing in disguise as online platforms have expanded our reach and students from Pune, Patna and even from Dubai are joining us for various sessions,” she added.
Musicians are also streaming their work online, through Zoom app, Facebook, WhatsApp, and teaching through video-conferencing as the students are reluctant to attend classes physically due to the fear of infection.
Gurmeet Singh Sandhu, Founder, String Music Academy, Chandigarh said, “Due to the fear of Covid-19, the students are not yet ready to attend the classes at the institute. So online class is the only option to connect with our patrons and bring succor to those who are great believers in the power of art.”
“Whosoever is interested in learning Guitar, Piano or Ukulele, we offer them classes through online mode as per their convenience. There is a lot of uncertainty on when the things will get back to normal but life has to move on. We had to adapt to the new normal and online classes are offered keeping in mind the days and time a person can devote for learning to play musical instruments,” Manpreet Singh, a mentor at String Music Academy, added.
Not only dance and music but theatre, as a live art form is particularly affected due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As there are no rehearsals and actors are no longer seen onstage, Theatre groups are working with homebound actors to create online content to keep their audience entertained.
“The Covid-19 restrictions have entirely changed the world of theatre. As we have to ensure social distancing, we do not gather for rehearsals anymore and can’t perform live for a bigger audience,” Mukesh Sharma, Director, Samvaad Theatre Group, said.
He said, “Our theatre group is now focusing on creating online content related to Covid-19, changes it has brought to our life and life after the virus among other issues. I and my team of actors suggest ideas, write scripts and shoot from home for short films. The video is then edited and put on various social media platforms.”
“Although the online space is giving the theatre lovers a chance to witness performances, nothing can equal the experience of social and physical interaction in the theatre. Till the things get back to normal, we will keep making online video content to motivate our actors and also, those who are interested in acting besides, connecting with the audience,” he added.
Notably, many studies have shown that participating in activities like dancing, music, drama, painting and other art forms can alleviate the feeling of pain, help people manage stress, promote physical and mental wellness, strengthen learning and also, give people an outlet to express their feelings.
With Covid-19 crisis pushing us into an unknown situation increasing mental health issues among all age groups, various arts forms are helping many people to cope with the feelings of anxiety and stress due to a prolonged state of physical isolation.
Ramandeep Kaur, 29, a city resident, shares she is glued to her laptop and phone these days as online music and dance classes keep her busy.
“Due to restrictions in movement, I have been working from home for the past four months and went out of the house on a few occasions only. It was tough to sit at home the entire day even though office work kept me busy for six-seven long hours. I signed up for the online dance and music class during the lockdown period and it is helping me to cope with the feelings of boredom and anxiety,” she said.
Echoing her thoughts, another resident, Kajal Sharma, 24 said, “She is learning Piano through online class. It is natural to feel despair as Covid-19 has completely changed our lives restricting our movement. Devoting some time to music brings hope and solace in troubling times.”