Dancing During Covid-19, Part 4, Lexi’s Story

Here is Lexi’s story, directly from Lexi herself:

Lexi dancing in “Vox Veritas” (photo: V. Paul Virtucio)

“At the time of writing this, I’ve been in dance for 7 years. I have danced with Young Dance in Minneapolis, Minnesota for all 7 years. After a head injury, I have needed the use of a cane and have experimented with dancing with a cane and/or a wheelchair. In 2019, I had the opportunity to co-choreograph a piece with Tyler McCracken, my PCA, named “Vox Veritas” (The Voice of Truth). “Vox Veritas” was a solo piece that I danced in with a cane and wheelchair. Young Dance has had a very positive impact on my life and mental health. Dancing has helped me grow as a person, discover, and express who I am. I don’t know where I would be without dance.

“What being part of Young Dance means to me and now with this pandemic. Keeping in contact with other dancers. Continuing to dance? Create Dance? Regaining once this pandemic is over.

“During the pandemic, I’ve been able to continue dancing and keeping in contact with other dancers through the Young Dance classes on zoom. We have been meeting weekly and have experimented with dancing virtually together. Since we have been dancing virtually, I was able to play my bass and watch other dancers move to my music. I also got to experiment with dancing in my basement with a walker. I hope to regain the ability to dance in an open space without restrictions of small space once the pandemic and isolation is over. I also hope to regain the ability to dance with others in the same room again.”

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I encourage you to read I Will Dance, the story of Eva, a young girl with a wish to dance and a challenge to achieving that dream. I Will Dance is written by Nancy Bo Flood, illustrated by Julianna Swaney, and published by Atheneum Books for Young Readers.