Many small businesses world wide have been struckdown by COVID-19. Being forced to close her doors, dance studio owner Melissa Jacobson has not let the social distancing stop her from pursuing her true passion of teaching and sharing the love of dance.

From living in California to moving to Evans, Colorado, Melissa

Jacobson started her small dance business in her garage. She had gotten to the point where the number of  clientele outweighed the space available. Early October brought in new experiences for the small dance studio owner. She found a place for her studio in Eaton, where she had moved to, and felt like the community was home. Since October, On Pointe Dance and Movement has thrived and flourished from the overwhelming support from the Eaton community. 

Unfortunately, March 23 brought unnerving news that the studio was to close until further notice, following Governor Pollis’s reccomendations. Through her time of self isolation, Jacobson has found new and innovative ways to still share dance. “Personally, I have taken this time of isolation to reflect on opportunities of self improvement… and gain knowledge on how to implement the much needed technological factor into studio life, such as live-streaming,” she said. Before going online, On Pointe Dance and Movement held classes almost everyday. Going online has called for adjustments to teaching techniques. Jacobson said, “ I have been thrown into the techie world to keep the momentum of training for my clients through the use of online services to abide by the social distancing orders.” Jacobson is doing everything in her power to keep the studio going with the momentum it had picked up prior to closing. 

COVID-19 has taken the world by storm, and has put everyone’s lives on hold. Finding ways to deal with the intense emotions felt through the chaos is very much needed in these times. On Pointe Dance and Movement offered face-to-face yoga and dance classes that taught clients the importance of relaxation and mental health. Jacobson has been able to implement some of her yoga knowledge and ways into these times of panic. “My coping skills are being put to the test and some tools I use to help with the stress and anxiety that comes with uncertainty have been regular movement and exercise like dance and yoga, mindfulness in prayer and meditation, and plenty of water and rest,” she said. Healthy habits are crucial in order to maintain good health and wellness. 

Challenges are often turning points in hard times. Being able to find faith and belief that everything is going to be okay has been hard for Jacobson. She said, “My biggest challenge, with or without a global pandemic, is obtaining control of the overactive mind to trust in the process of life.” Relief and obtaining peace of mind in times of hardship can be difficult, but ever the less helpful.

Being stuck inside in quarantine has brought joy to Jacobson. She has been able to find the fun in the action of discovering. She said, “I’m having a blast allowing new creativity to flow, which gives me new inspiration and feeds daily motivation! Priceless!” Jacobson has had time to reflect on the obstacles given, and has come about encouraging words of wisdom she would like to spread to the world. “Remember, now more than ever, the WHY of what it is that you are doing. I find great motivation in the people that I work with and I cling to the faith that we will make it through the storm stronger and better because we were together… Stay connected to your WHY,” she said. 

Jacobson had just begun to blossom into the Eaton community when the overwhelming pandemic hit. Rather than letting COVID-19 take over her studio and her passion, she has created virtual classes and videos that are still reaching the public. Through the hard times, Jacobson has found a light at the end of the tunnel through finding and using control, keeping faith, and staying active while still allowing others to move through dance. She said, “…always know that with the strength of true, pure, unselfish, ever-giving love, all things will continue to work out for our BEST! I will continue to share my passion and knowledge to fulfill our motto to our commUNITY. “Healing Arts Thru Arts.” To help support the On Pointe Dance and Movement family through these times of uncertainty, follow the studio on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

A video for the Eaton Community on how to help On Pointe survive!

https://www.facebook.com/113402250064540/posts/235467064524724/