Some dance studios reopen, despite Phase 2 requirement they remain closed

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper’s Phase 2 plan dictates that dance studios should remain closed. However, some studios are holding in-person classes.

Andrew Lamar, the owner and director of City Ballet Raleigh, said he’s not opening until he feels it’s safe to do so. Since March, Lamar only offered classes online.

“It has been economically very disastrous this year for us,” he said.

Since starting online classes, enrollment has gone down by half, leaving Lamar and his studio in a difficult position.

“It is true that this is not sustainable in the long run. If we don’t return to in-class, I think some severe cuts will be made in order to survive,” Lamar said.

Lamar explained he knew of several other ballet studios that have been allowed to open. He expressed frustration with having to sit back and watch.

“I’m not in their shoes. I’m not them, but I am frustrated that I don’t see numbers in N.C. going down in a way that would allow us to open and reopen comfortably.”

Cary Ballet Conservatory is one of the studios that is currently holding in-studio classes.

So how exactly are ballet studios allowed to open under Phase Two?

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services states “gyms, exercise facilities and fitness facilities may open their indoor areas to serve any people prescribed or directed to use those facilities by a medical professional or healthcare professional.”

However, the number of people using the exception may not exceed the current limit on mass gatherings, which is 10 for indoor activity.

Lamar is hoping more people will sign up for online classes after Labor Day.

However, he said he’s not sure how much longer he can keep doing online because financially it’s not working out.