CHEEKTOWAGA, NY (WKBW) — Courage. Commitment. Challenge yourself.
Three C's the KipTom dance center in Cheektowaga has lived by. Words that have never been more important than during these trying times.
"I always say I'm a big bear mama," owner Dawn Tarbox-Szerbiak said. "I would do anything for my dancers. Anything."
It's why Dawn was prepared when COVID-19 hit. Like every business KipTom Dance Center had to close their doors but thanks to virtual classes, the learning never stopped.
"We needed to express to each age division how important it is that you can dance out your emotions," she said. "So it really became very therapeutic for all of the kids."
The studio reopened on July 6th with social distancing measures. It was different, but Dawn and her staff was determined to make it special.
She said, "It's about trying to make these children know how much we love them and what we would do for them so that they could have the respect that they need at the end of the year."
It's why they're holding a virtual dance recital. Over these next few days, each act will be in the studio recording their final performances.
"Our first taping was Thursday night," Dawn said. "There was no better feeling than to see how proud they were that they did this."
The video will be shown to the dancers and their families at the Transit Drive-In in Lockport in September. It'll be a culmination of another dance season and a moment that will remind these dancers of all their hard work.
"When they remember it, they're gonna remember the positive work and perseverance it took to make something brilliant at the end of it all."
