Durham dance teacher makes house call to student discouraged by virtual lessons

DURHAM, N.C. (WTVD) -- Virtual lessons will never replace what it is like to physically be amongst peers, so a Durham dance teacher made a house call to one student feeling discouraged by their virtual sessions.

Brittany Harlan from Empower Dance Studio stopped by Evangelina's porch to teach ballet.

The lessons took place at a distance.

The teacher grew concerned when she didn't see the 7-year-old in their virtual class all week. She later learned that Evangelina was feeling sad and missed seeing her teachers and classmates.

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"That's why we do what we do at Empower Studio. It's not about us. It's about them and keeping their spirits lifted," said Harlan. "It just really warmed my heart that I was able to do that for Evangelina."

Evangelina tells ABC11 Harlan's visit made her day.

"I was excited. I was afraid she was going to say I don't want to get sick or nothing," said Evangelina.

Evangelina's mother, Tamara Vania was thrilled too and says her daughter is motivated again.

"That was the support that I needed to help Evangelina see that we all want her do well and continue to improve in her dancing," Tamara says in encouragement of her daughter.