Update Issued May 27, 2020 @3:52pm

Dear BBTCD Families, 

We are thankful for your continued support. As the 2019-2020 dance season is winding down we want to keep you up to date on classes and Summer of Dance. 

CLASS UPDATES:

• We are continuing our virtual and zoom classes through June 13, 2020
• We are working on a plan to distribute each dancers’ costumes and plan a celebration for all
• Summer of Dance will evolve based on the yellow and green phases. We will be working to not only follow the phases but to ensure the safety of all involved. Currently, our June camps, classes, and intensives will remain virtual with updates to come

We are hoping to be back in the studio in some capacity in the near future and we will keep you up to date as changes occur. Keep dancing! 

 

Nathan Bland, 
Owner, Director

 

Update Issued March 29, 2020 @5:10pm

Dear BBTCD Families,

We are continuing to monitor the ever-evolving coronavirus COVID-19 situation as our goal is to keep our faculty, families, and students up to date with our decision making. Based on current information and recommendations available as of March 29, we have made the following updates to our pandemic response:

CLASS UPDATES:

• Our temporary suspension of classes will continue until further notice
• All program level classes for enrolled students are now available virtually on our all-new virtual learning platform, Berks Ballet Virtual Studio
• We will also continue to follow updates and guidance from the State of Pennsylvania and Berks County Health Departments and keep our students and families updated 

I would like to thank you for being a part of the BBTCD family. Your support during this time allows us to continue teaching our students, even remotely. 

Nathan Bland
Owner, Director

 

 

Update Issued March 16, 2020 @5:30pm

Dear BBTCD Families,

We are continuing to monitor the ever-evolving coronavirus COVID-19 situation as our goal is to keep our faculty, families and students up to date with our decision making. Based on current information and recommendations available as of March 16, we have made the following updates to our pandemic response:

CLASS UPDATES:

• Our temporary suspension of classes will continue through Sunday, March 29, 2020, with classes starting again on March 30. As mentioned in our last communication, the additional time off (March 23-29) is sourced from our Spring Break (previously scheduled April 7-13).
• Our class structure will follow a similar approach to area schools by adopting virtual learning. In the coming days, we plan to launch an online engagement platform for students called BBTCD-TV. Stay tuned for more information.
• We will also continue to follow updates and guidance from the State of Pennsylvania and Berks County Health Departments as we approach our March 30 open date.

During this unprecedented time, there are a few things I do know: kids are resilient and will make it through this, but keeping their lives as routine as possible is very important. I believe the connection between dance and each of our students will help them during this time. Our parents are likely struggling with the daily uncertainties as well, so I encourage you to participate in our virtual learning platform, BBTCD-TV (coming soon) with your students! Physical activity is a great mood booster and I bet there will be lots of laughs as well!

Staying connected and checking in on each other is so important. We are thankful for technology and social media — let us know how your students are doing with the virtual learning platform by taking a photo or video and sharing it with us on social media or via email.

If any of our students are having an extra hard time with social distancing, let me know and I will be more than happy to help in any way I can.

I would like to thank you for being a part of the BBTCD family. Your support during this time allows us to do what we do best, enriching our students’ lives through dance. I hope to see you all in the studio soon.

Nathan Bland
Owner, Director

 

 

Update Issued March 14, 2020 @4:30pm

Dear BBTCD Families,

As the situation regarding coronavirus COVID-19 continues to evolve, we have been closely monitoring local conditions and want our clients to stay up-to-date, safe and healthy. After consulting with community officials and The GoggleWorks Center for the Arts, we have determined that it is in the best interest of our faculty, families and students to temporarily suspend all classes.

Effective Saturday, March 14, 2020, the Berks Ballet Theatre Conservatory of Dance studios will be closed for one week, re-opening on Saturday, March 21, 2020, to help slow the spread of coronavirus COVID-19. As a reminder, BBTCD’s dance season is 36 weeks spread over 41 weeks to accommodate holiday time off, spring break and snow closures. This precautionary time off will utilize our built-in snow closure days.

In the meantime, BBTCD’s Spring Performance on Saturday, June 13 at the Miller Center for the Arts remains unchanged. Over the course of the next week, we will continue to monitor the situation closely and issue updated communications accordingly per emergency guidance if warranted.

Thank you for taking these precautionary steps with us to lessen the risk to our community as much as possible. We greatly appreciate your support during this time.

Warm regards,

Nathan Bland
Owner, Director