Local Salsa Dance Studio Impacted by Covid-19
Jose Luis Gutierrez, a Dominican-born artistic director and owner of Karibe Dance Studio, tells us how the pandemic impacted his dance studio. The attendance rate of students and profit has yet to reach full force.
He notices Karibe has not been the same ever since, however, his positive attitude has helped him grow the strength to sustain a local business. The Marine vet with a smile on his face, is hopeful to recuperate the 100% attendance rate he once had.
Prior to the pandemic, he had 30–40 adults in each class. After lockdown, the number of students decreased to 10 students and everyone was solo dancing instead of dancing with a partner. Post pandemic, he was able to recover 10 more, with a total of 20 students in each class.
Children are the most concerning for him. It worries him that although we are gaining a sense of normalcy, kids are no longer sent to his class. Before, he had 30 and until this day only half came back.
Gutierrez explains the hardwork, dedication, and passion it took to sustain his business while others were closing down. He feels extremely grateful to bee one of the few operating a business even after Covid-19. Having a full force studio is still a daily thought and goal he is striving for.
Sources:
Jose Luis Gutierrez, Owner and Director of Karibe Dance Studio
