As people around the globe are working to curb the spread of the coronavirus by staying home and keeping their distance from others, families have gotten creative in their attempts to stay connected with one another. Many folks are using technology to “see” each other remotely via FaceTime or Zoom in place of in-person socialization.
One grandfather and granddaughter, however, found an innovative way to adhere to the social distancing rules while still goofing around together in person. At 6 years old, Kira Neely lives across the street from her “Papa” and “Grandmama” in Nashville, and although Kira knows the importance of keeping a distance from her elderly relatives right now, it has been tough for her not to visit with them as she usually would.
So, Kira and her Papa, 81-year-old Marvin Neely, have started throwing down in dance-offs on the street that runs between their two homes. The friendly dance competitions are set to favorite songs of Kira’s, and the grandfather and granddaughter take turns showing off their dance moves for each other.
Kira’s mom, Sherrie Neely, recently captured video of a sweet dance-off moment when Neely and her Papa grooved along to the Jackson 5’s “ABC” across the street from each other. Neely posted the heartwarming video on Facebook:
“Kira loves her ‘Papa’ so much and they’ve now started daily ‘dance offs’ since the virus is keeping them separated,” Neely wrote in the caption.
“My Dad is turning 81 years old next month and I’ve never seen him dance, but he’s really putting forth great effort and has some special moves!!!!”
The video starts with Kira jumping and spinning around a giant stick for a few moments before throwing it over to her grandpa for him to take a turn. When her Papa commits wholeheartedly to the dance challenge and busts out with his own leaps, twirls and hand claps, Kira dissolves into giggles. Ultimately, the two boogie down together to the extremely danceable Jackson 5 tune.
“The fact that we can still get outside and have fun from a distance means everything to us, and helps to give us a sense of normalcy in such a crazy time,” Neely told “Today.” “I’m so thankful Kira will always have these memories of her time with her Papa.”
What a sweet way to stay connected during this time of isolation. Maybe we’ll all start to see some dance-offs happen on our own streets!