The Return To Normal

As NYC reaches a 70% vaccination rate, our city is lifting the remaining COVID19 restrictions. I am so relieved that we are slowly returning to normalcy. But what is our new normal? Part of me remains in disbelief over the sudden collapse of the world as the pandemic gripped this city, the country, the world. The lives that were lost, and those lives that are still reeling from loss, are in my constant thoughts. Our family, despite being fully vaccinated, is still wearing our masks, in our building, on the street, and in the stores. The pandemic is always with me, even now.

Miranda Wilson as the French Baker

Ashley Chavonne getting ready to film the final episode of Pillow Fort.  

The Treehouse Shakers company is also fully vaccinated. In the beginning of May we filmed episodes 7-9 of Pillow Fort, our new web series for ages 3-7. In spite of the fact that we were vaccinated, we still tested the company for COVID and followed strict safety protocols. But there was a sense of jubilation that week of filming, we could all feel the change that was coming. Slowly, ever so slowly, things are returning. This week we finally returned to in-person rehearsals for our new show for babies. The creation for this work was delayed for 15 months, with a few failed attempts trying to work via zoom. It is hard to create an ensemble modern dance piece on zoom. We feel in many ways, we are a year behind. What we program in our 2022 NYC in-person season, would have been programmed in 2021. And yet, our virtual work is paying off. We were able to serve more kids across the country (not just in the 5 boroughs) in our virtual after-school programs.  Pillow Fort was recently featured in the New York Times and has also had a big jump in site visits.

Pillow Fort was recently featured in The New York Times

For now, our new normal, is still being created, as we slowly come out of our pandemic shells, facing the outer world with more clarity, awareness and care. Now is our chance to build a better world. For all of us. For our company. I continue to reflect and take action on our ideals of kindness, love, inclusivity and equity. This can be all of our new normal. 

On the Set of Pillow Fort, Episode 7. Left to Right: Ben Demarest, John Noel, Katie Montoya, Trey Coates-Mitchell, Emily Bunning & Mara McEwin, featuring Lambie from Hatched.