ROME (AP) – Social distancing is not usually part of the lexicon of ballroom dancing. But in an industrial area on the outskirts of Rome, couples of all ages turn and cross the dance floor, even through a pandemic, as ballroom dancers have done around the world for decades.
Although much of Italy is in a coronavirus closure, with live music and banned theatrical performances, closed cinemas and many limited sporting activities, competitive ballroom dancing is alive, albeit with caution.
The couples in the New Dancing Days room are preparing for the Italian Championship in Rimini in July and are therefore allowed to continue practicing, as the government considers their activity in the national interest. It is the same subsidy that has allowed other federally recognized competitive athletes to continue training in Italy even during the last round of virus-related closures.
“It simply came to our notice then. Here we can keep dancing, ”said Raffaella Serafini, owner of New Dancing Days, 45, a 35-year veteran of competitive ballroom dancing.
In the huge ballroom with mirrors on the walls and multicolored lights, couples wear masks during warm-ups and breaks, but are allowed to remove them while performing traditional ballroom or Latin ballroom dancing. Most keep them active as well.
“It’s a beautiful thing for us because we’re older, but we can still put ourselves in the game,” said Franco Cauli, a 70-year-old dancer who along with his 74-year-old partner is training for a competition at the end of April.
He said he felt safe with the health protocols adopted by the school and that participants strictly abide by them.
The Italian Sports Dance Federation has decreed that 34 athletes be allowed to train in a school the size of the New Dancing Days, recognizing that continuity in practice is necessary. There are currently 17 couples, nine to 76 years old, who train up to five days a week.
From an observation post above the dance floor, Serafini watches his students turn and calls them for directions. If he sees something wrong, he will leave the music, go down to the dance floor, and demonstrate the right way to step, pose, or turn.
“School is my great pride. When I see them on the dance floor, it’s like I’m there, ”he said.
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