Much of Italy is still in a coronavirus lockdown. So live music, theatrical performances and movies continue to be banned. And many sporting activities are limited. However, in an industrial area just outside of Rome, competitive ballroom dancing is alive and well. With certain health and safety measures, it just looks a little different. Face coverings or social distancing are usually not part of the ballroom dancing experience. But they are now. And they do not stop partners of every age from dancing gracefully across the floor. At the New Dancing Days center, dance partners are getting ready for the Italian Championship in Rimini in July. The government considers this activity a national interest. So, the dancers are permitted to keep training. In Italy, other federally recognized competitive athletes are able to keep training even during the latest virus-related bans. “Yes, we can do it. Here we can keep on dancing,” said Raffaella Serafini. At the age of 45, Serafini has competed in ballroom dancing for a long time, 35 years. She is the owner of New Dancing Days. The dance center has mirrors on the walls and multi-colored lights. Partners wear face coverings during warm-ups and breaks. They can remove them while performing traditional ballroom or Latin dances. But most dancers keep them on anyway.
