Dancers and performing artists allowed to practice in pods of one – Higgins

Dancers and performing artists are now allowed to practice in pods of one under Level 3 restrictions, a Fine Gael TD has said.

Deputy Emer Higgins received confirmation in the Dáil last night that while dance studios are closed at Level 3, they can provide facilities for use in individual dance practice or dance training at a safe distance of at least two metres.

Deputy Higgins said: “I am delighted that children and adults who dance will now be treated equally to those who play sport.

“Dancers up and down the country deserve the right to practice too, they are also athletes.

“Not every child or adult is sporty; a kick dance is as important as a karate kick and speech and drama is as important as soccer and drills.

“Before this important clarification, this Government was sending the message that the hobbies of children who dance or perform simply weren’t as important as children who play sport.

“That couldn’t be further from the values or the truth that this Government holds dear.

“We now have equality and fairness. We need to give dancers back the feeling of the rhythm of our national Irish dance in their feet, feeling the buzz of modern dance and the elegance of ballet in their spirit.

Deputy Higgins concluded: “This was a huge issue for dancers, especially those preparing for dance, music and drama exams.

“They need this outlet now more than ever. Studios and facilities around the country will ensure the highest levels of sanitization, mask wearing and strictest adherence to protocols such as staggered arrivals so that people can get back to dancing and performing in pods of one.”

ENDS