In our new series, Daniel Boal learns about the varied hobbies people across the north and north-east are picking up to get through lockdown
The world’s current health crisis has impacted everyday life at almost every level.
More than ever is being asked of key workers as they hold the country together through grit and determination, while the rest of us stay at home to save lives.
For some, lockdown presented a novel change of pace – the opportunity to roll out of bed, work in pyjamas and be on the couch binge-watching Netflix by 5.01pm.
But as the weeks have worn on, people have adopted a vast array of new hobbies to keep themselves active, from Bollywood dancing to backgammon.
Dancer Kat Officer has been sharing her passion online by hosting classes in her home.
The 23-year-old was forced to leave India and return home to Westhill after production on Bollywood films was halted due to coronavirus.
She has taken up a temporary job at her local Tesco, but is thrilled to be sharing her knowledge and skill with dozens of people online.
She said: “Dancing makes so many people happy, I just wanted to share my love of dance with as many people as possible.
“Even though it is exercise, it is still something people want to do and if I’m able to help someone be less bored or get a little active then even better.
“Together with our neighbour Amber, we brainstormed ideas that could perhaps bring a bit of joy and physical activity to people at home.
“Having been a dancer all my life we thought it would be easy to take my love of it and help people take part from their own homes.”
Ms Officer films and edits the videos and then posts them on Facebook, with her repertoire ranging from hip-hop to contemporary, with almost everything in between.
And she hopes that more people in the north-east will fall in love with Bollywood by trying out a few moves in their living rooms.
She added: “The first video I posted did so well and it was great to see so many people reacting positively to it.
“I have since tried to run classes Monday to Friday for anyone who wants to watch them.
“Unfortunately arts was one of the first things to go in the lockdown. Theatres were the first thing to close and obviously production on shows has stopped around the world which essentially left me without a job.
“But, this has been great because I have been able to do a little bit of what I love and hopefully bring something to other people as well.”
The performer has been taking her views through routines of varying lengths, from 10 to 30 minutes.
With her two younger sisters and three nieces also at home from school, she has tried to make the routines as accessible as possible to all age groups.
