CALGARY -- Dancers from around the world are back in Calgary to begin studying in the studio — and in the classroom.

Alberta Ballet School students returned in stages from countries like Australia, New Zealand and Japan, and quarantined in the school's residences for the 14-day-period, which is now complete.

“That first few classes yes we were all tired, our muscles were all sore because we weren’t used to moving that much, but it felt amazing to be able to express again, to be able to move that much,” said Tatyana Carr, a student from New Zealand entering her second year of the post-graduate program.

Carr says it's a relief to be able to express herself through dance with in-person instruction.

This fall, she’ll dance in a specific cohort and be mindful of tape markings to allow for physical distance.

In addition to tights, slippers and pointe shoes, students will also wear masks.

“A lot of dancers across the world are dancing in masks all of the time and it takes some getting used to but the students have adapted really well to it,” said Alberta Ballet School director Ashley McNeil.

She says resuming regular training is imperative after the pandemic cut the program short in the spring because of the outbreak of COVID-19

“When we stopped for three or four months, we did what we could but it was certainly compromised and now they are back and it's just such an integral part to get their training done when they are younger so they can be launching careers when they are 19 or 20,” said McNeil.

And the students already have their first homework assignment.

They’ve been asked to choreograph a dance that can be performed in tight quarters — inspired by the quarantine period — which will later become part of a show.

“To be able to express those feelings in dance was a really nice way to pass the time,” said Carr.

The professional division of the school offers both full-time dance and academic course-work for junior high, high school and post-graduate students from across Canada and from various countries around the world.

The first day of fall classes resumes on Sept. 1.