BY LEANDRA ACOSTA
Jenny Hegarty Freeman began her early dance training in Red Bank NJ, and continued at New Jersey Dance Theatre Ensemble and the Harkness Youth Ballet, both under the direction of Nancy Turano. She went on to receive her BFA from Marymount Manhattan College and is currently the Associate Director of TAME Dance Academy and is a Company Member with Elisa Monte Dance.
We caught up with Jenny to see how she has been doing since the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
How has COVID-19 impacted your professional dance career?
COVID-19 has impacted my professional dance career in a multitude of ways. Beyond canceled / postponed performances, the company I work for has obviously stopped rehearsing in person. We were preparing for our season that was scheduled at the end of this month and very excited, as it was brand new material about a really interesting topic. I was looking forward to diving into new choreography and being on stage again with my peers, but unfortunately we are unable to work at this time. I am optimistic that these particular season performances will be rescheduled for the future, and that our summer plans of touring and performing will still happen. COVID-19 has affected me financially because of work being on hold and also the schools I teach at closing for the time being. It is all very uncertain time, but I, along with the company, are trying to stay connected and positive.
We caught up with Jenny to see how she has been doing since the start of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
How has COVID-19 impacted your professional dance career?
COVID-19 has impacted my professional dance career in a multitude of ways. Beyond canceled / postponed performances, the company I work for has obviously stopped rehearsing in person. We were preparing for our season that was scheduled at the end of this month and very excited, as it was brand new material about a really interesting topic. I was looking forward to diving into new choreography and being on stage again with my peers, but unfortunately we are unable to work at this time. I am optimistic that these particular season performances will be rescheduled for the future, and that our summer plans of touring and performing will still happen. COVID-19 has affected me financially because of work being on hold and also the schools I teach at closing for the time being. It is all very uncertain time, but I, along with the company, are trying to stay connected and positive.
"Artists are the very thing the world needs in a time of crisis" What were your plans before all of this, and how have they been affected by this pause? People I work with have been affected by the virus personally and it is a scary time for all. Obviously, day to day life has been shifted and I am finding a new normal. |  |
In order to stay inspired, I know that I have to keep moving. I'm inspired daily by how the dance community is coming together virtually. It is overwhelming how resilient our community is and it is amazing to take classes, watch performance and rehearsal footage, and listen to people discuss our art form on social media. Connecting through Elisa Monte Dance's classes, and the companies of my peers has been incredible. Our art is physical, but it is also emotional and mental, too. Knowing that I'm not alone has helped me get by. I have had conversations and engaged in a number of projects with musician friends and other dancers. It's amazing to be able to take part in these things when in a "normal" circumstance I might not have the time. Beyond moving my body and connecting with other artists virtually, I'm making sure to keep a routine, speaking with family and friends often, and then also taking time away from my phone and the computer to connect with my husband and puppy. We have been making some really great dinners that under a normal circumstance we would be rushing home to do!
What advice can you give to our NJDTE Dancers?
My advice for the dancers at NJDTE is to not lose heart. Artists are the very thing the world needs in a time of crisis. Your dance and art can be your connection to what is impossible, another world, an escape... but also your connection to what is happening. Dance is human. If you are feeling afraid, use it. If you are feeling positive, share that through your dancing. Things may be daunting right now, but you may be able to help yourself get by and help others along the way if you lean into what you have. Create, Train, and take advantage of the free online classes in the community will help you stay healthy and ready to get back to the studio, but beyond that, you have the opportunity to watch and listen to instructors and dancers you may have never met, or have the chance.
My advice for the dancers at NJDTE is to not lose heart. Artists are the very thing the world needs in a time of crisis. Your dance and art can be your connection to what is impossible, another world, an escape... but also your connection to what is happening. Dance is human. If you are feeling afraid, use it. If you are feeling positive, share that through your dancing. Things may be daunting right now, but you may be able to help yourself get by and help others along the way if you lean into what you have. Create, Train, and take advantage of the free online classes in the community will help you stay healthy and ready to get back to the studio, but beyond that, you have the opportunity to watch and listen to instructors and dancers you may have never met, or have the chance.
 | Dig into the information at your fingertips and use it when you get back into rehearsals and in person classes. Besides continuing your training, I hope you all make sure to use this time to rest and recharge. The world moves so quickly and there is nothing wrong with pausing. Take a deep breath and don't be afraid to be still for a moment. Find something that makes you happy every day, keep dancing (even in your living room), stay healthy, and be kind to each other. "The bravery was in moving forward, no matter what." |
