Dance Teacher Fights Against Program Inequity of Mask Usage
Photo Courtesy of Cathy Cunningham
Dancer Lennon Hodges (11) performs a lyrical dance along with their classmates, masked up. Dance teacher Kristine Calder is currently working to ensure equality in mask usage across campus programs.
December 13, 2021
The mask issue is about inequality for dance teacher Kristine Calder.
“I’m not against masking, it’s not because I don’t like the guidelines and disagree with it, it’s how it’s being enforced,” said Calder.
Unlike indoor sports, Virtual and Performing Arts (VAPA) programs at SJHHS are not allowed to practice their activities without being masked. Indoor sports are given the option to test their athletes for COVID-19 every week instead of masking, due to potential health risks with masking under heavy energy exertion.
Calder argues that her program should be given the privilege to dance without masks (with tests necessary) under the basis of CDC guidelines.
“To facilitate safe participation in sports, extracurricular activities, and other activities with elevated risk (such as activities that involve singing, shouting, band, and exercise that could lead to increased exhalation), schools should consider implementing screening testing for participants who are not fully vaccinated,” according to CDC guidelines.
The SJHHS dance program recently held a showcase in which Calder had planned for her students to wear clear face masks that both administration and the district decided were insufficient. The day before the show, Calder was told her dancers needed to wear typical disposable masks, which she obliged to.
“For me, the mask thing, I’m not against it. If we have to wear a mask, let’s wear a mask. But we all do it, or none of us do it…Our dance program is being discriminated against and I won’t stand for that,” said Calder.
Generally, studies show that wearing a mask while exercising at a low to moderate level does not significantly inhibit breathing or pose health risks. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) advises against high-level intensity workouts with masks.
“Even when you’re in an area of COVID-19 transmission, masks should not be worn during vigorous physical activity because of the risk of reducing your breathing capacity,” according to the WHO.
Regardless, time will tell if her efforts for the dance program will show results in school policy.
Gerri Landrigan • Dec 13, 2021 at 3:10 PM
I Absolutely agree with Mrs Calder. Especially the Advanced Dance Team… Who ALL compete at a very high level DANCE doing back handsprings, backtucks all the tricks that the Cheerleaders do. I’ve been dealing with the school district regarding this matter myself and I have photos of other schools that are allowing at least a clear mask. It is public knowledge that our SJHHS does not compete in cheerleading. These 3 high level groups of Dance, Song,, & Cheer should be treated equally. The theater department does not do any extracurricular movements that result in exertion or elevated cardio and should not be included with the Dance department! Either Dance, Song, Cheer all 3 wear CLEAR MASK or ALL 3 get to test weekly for negative Covid!