Teaching in the Time of COVID

 Since the shutdown occurred in March of 2020, there were many questions on how our programming would continue. As many organizations went virtual with their classes, so did CAM. Our end of the year 2020 performances in Nayarit, Mexico were canceled and everyone devastated. We immediately sent out a video message of encouragement to our students to remind them to stay positive. We had just learned about the resilience of many artists, scientists, athletes, and political figures with our theme prior to the pandemic and now more than ever we needed to remember their message of HOPE. As Nelson Mandela said, “May your choices reflect your hopes, not your fears.”

 CAM’s spring residency was canceled at the International School of Louisiana along with the Jazz Festival performance. In response to this devastating news, we created a virtual dance class honoring the legendary Jelly Roll Morton. New Orlean’s history of jazz dates back to this pianist who helped pave the way for future artists.

 With a summer of uncertainty and the unknown of schools reopening, CAM moved forward with planning for the 2020-2021 program in Mexico. Since November, CAM has been offering socially distant classes in open-aired spaces. Because all of the schools are closed, we found palapas and terrace studios to teach classes. Our students need JOY in their lives and exercise through dance accompanied to live music has done just that.

 The definition of resilience is the ability to become strong, healthy, or successful again after something bad happens. Creative Arts Momentum is continuing the mission of profoundly impacting children’s physical and mental wellbeing. Our all-inclusive program emphasizes teamwork and we are teaching problem solving to help children persevere during these challenging times.