Like more than a hundred sports and health businesses, the No Gravity Dance Academy held a health protest on Thursday, October 29th in front of its establishment located on Alexandre Street in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield.
About twenty dancers responded positively to the invitation launched by Mélody Chaktoura. From 7 p.m., it was to the rhythms of music that the dancers came forward to demand the reopening of fitness centers in Quebec. The participants demonstrated the importance of physical exercise in their lives. The peaceful protest took place in accordance with current health regulations. By the way, all the dancers wore a mask.
As the owner of No Gravity Dance Academy explains, time is running out for many entrepreneurs. “I will explain my situation, said Mélody Chaktoura. I have invested over $ 800,000 in my business. You have to understand that I own the business, but also the building. I have to meet my financial obligations, even though I lost more than half of the young dancers who signed up for the season that started last month. If the situation continues until January, I do not believe it will be possible to continue our operations. ”
Mrs. Chaktoura confirms that she is committed to respecting all necessary measures that may be required by the Department of Public Health. “We had a student who had Covid-19 and there was no contamination. We disinfect all equipment as soon as a student finishes using it. We follow the same instructions as for physical education classes in schools. Why can’t we open up? ”
As in the first isolation period, the No Gravity Dance Academy has set up for its students the possibility of continuing the process of learning to dance via the Zoom platform. Although this option is an alternative, the reception is not unanimous.
“It is difficult to teach choreography to children aged 2 to 6, admits Mélody Chaktoura. We have lost more than half of the young people. You should know that this age group is a large part of our clientele. There are also dancers who come to the studio and this is their time of the week to get out of the house. It’s really difficult for a lot of people right now. ”
Mrs. Chaktoura insisted that the government must inevitably take into consideration the health of its citizens. “I understand that the government wants to stop Covid-19. That it wishes to see its population healthy. But, is there a better way to be healthy than to be physically active? If we want to unclog the health care system, we must let people be physically active.”
Owners of fitness businesses, like Mrs. Chaktoura, hope the movement will gain momentum. It is not excluded that other actions will be taken as the situation evolves.
It should be noted that the health measures, which required the closure of fitness centers, were due to end on October 29th , but were extended for four weeks until November 23rd .
