NEW ORLEANS — In a city known for music and dance, the Jewish Community Center on St. Charles Avenue in New Orleans is getting a little creative.
“We’re out here dancing,” said assistant camp director Bridgid MacArthur-Thompson.
MacArthur-Thompson is working to connect people during a time of social distancing and staying at home.
“People just really want to have some happy things right now and they want to be reminded of good times,” said MacArthur-Thompson
It’s a virtual dance party, designed for kids, part of JCC’s summer camp, but open to anyone who wants to cut loose. Bridgid MacArthur-Thompson is the one in front of the camera, keeps the steps moving.
“People were saying, ‘oh this is so much fun’ or they were filming videos of their own kids and sending them to us,” said MacArthur-Thompson
One video came from Leah Glade, who’s a member of the JCC.
“It’s a little challenging just to keep them from going a little too stir crazy,” said Glade.
Glade’s 4-year-old daughter and 7-year-old son are part of that camp and now stuck at home while schools are shut down.
“I just thought that it’d be a nice diversion and also a good way to get moving,” said Glade.
Like most parents, Glade is having to adjust to a new balancing act.
"It’s a little bit monotonous right now. We’re trying to keep a schedule going so that they feel comfortable but I’m trying to do interesting stuff to keep them entertained so they’re not bored,” said Glade.
Whether avoiding boredom or keeping a routine, MacArthur-Thompson says these dance moves are steps to staying connected to a community.
“For me that was the biggest point about this is bringing that message of the community into their homes and saying we’re still here for you,” said MacArthur-Thompson.
And as long as people are watching, the hope is to keep dancing.
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