IN THE SPOTLIGHT

Dance Xplosion presented their summer program titled "Almost Famous" last week, in a two-night performance at the Trout Creek Park. Brynn Kenyon, the director of Dance Xplosion, said this year's performance will be different and more casual compared to previous years. The performance was originally scheduled for June 25 at the Rex Theatre in Thompson Falls. Due to COVID-19, the performance had to be pushed to July.

"We usually pack the Rex, but because of the proximity, no one felt comfortable with the social distancing requirements," Kenyon said.

Other changes implemented were also due to the pandemic. No programs were printed this year. Kenyon chose to have the parents dress the children and get them ready prior to the show, and extra sanitation precautions were taken with an open-air venue that allowed people to socially distance themselves.

Kenyon also had to get a little creative when it came to teaching in the classroom. "We danced outside in designated parking spaces at the beginning, and then we moved to the classroom and the students practiced in separate 6-foot boxes," Kenyon stated. "I was really proud of how my younger group pulled together. It's been so difficult for them. We all wanted a bit of normalcy, but the kids have been great at understanding social distancing."

Friday's event started with Kenyon's younger classes, that included eight performances. Saturday's show followed with the intermediate and advanced students. Act one consisted of eight performances, and act two closed with another 11 performances.