The Academy of Dance in Kamloops was back open, hours after finding out from the B.C. government that dance studios can re-open for children under 19 years old (Image Credit: CFJC Today)

By Chad Klassen

DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY!

A day after uncertainty, Kamloops dance owner relieved to have her studio re-opened for students

Dec 3, 2020 | 5:06 PM

KAMLOOPS — Krista Faraday, owner of the Academy of Dance in Kamloops, went to bed wondering if her dance studio would ever re-open.

However, she woke up with a different feeling on Thursday when the provincial government updated their regulations to include dance for children. Her studio was open right away, bustling with students who were back for the first time in 10 days.

“We’re contacting everybody and we’re open, and we’re beyond thankful,” said Faraday, who couldn’t hold back a smile. “I can’t even explain the relief we feel right now.”

Like many kids’ sports, the government is allowing dance studio to open only to children under 19 years of age.

The Tattle of Hastings

THE TATTLE OF HASTINGS: Mutrie looks back on 10 years

8h ago

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: How artificial intelligence can help Kamloops' construction industry

Oct 14, 2024

Sound Off

SOUND OFF: Relaunching Food and the City to address food security in Kamloops

Oct 14, 2024

The students, who were learning over Zoom during the in-person break, couldn’t be happier to be back in studio, excited to not be dancing in their living rooms.

“It’s really fun, actually. It’s kind of hard because we have to wear a mask the whole time, but yeah,” said dance student Aliyah Corbett.

Kaydyn Wipf added: “It’s really fun because I get to see all my friends.”

Faraday now know can rest easy, knowing her business and staff are safe for the time being.

“But even more importantly, it means that we’re offering that safe space for the children again, which was really important, and they need that. They need the physical outlet and they need the mental outlet,” said Faraday.

Faraday says this is victory for the dance community, which all came together during the break to make this happen.

“I want to thank the fellow studio owners that I’ve been working along with in Kamloops. We did this together. We’ve all been advocating for each other and for the kids, and I’m so thankful as a dance community we’ve come together to really push to have a positive outcome.”