AUSTIN, Texas — The economic impact of COVID-19 has been particularly harsh on performers of all kinds, who now are limited in their ability to share their talents with the public. 

For two professional ballet dancers, life while social distancing is a major change of pace. The kitchen isn’t typically where Abbey Marrison puts on her pointe shoes. 

She’s a professional ballerina with American Ballet Theatre in New York City, and despite the COVID-19 pandemic she’s doing her best to stay in shape. 

It’s a struggle she shares with her boyfriend Max Azaro, who is also a professional ballet dancer with Ballet Austin. 

“You just have to be creative to get to dance as much as you can in this little like, little space here," said Marrison. 

Since the middle of March they’ve been self isolating in his apartment in Texas, and even though it’s a small space, they’re making the most of it. 

“We can do like you know some certain exercises, a couple partner’s, basically anything that doesn’t really travel too much," said Azaro. 

Also helping them pass the time is their new puppy Walter, who is bringing them plenty of joy until they’re able to return to the stage. 

His walks are part of their daily routine, and its a chance to get outside and keep their bodies moving. 

Yoga and virtual workout classes are also helping them stay active, but after being used to training and rehearsing for 8 hours or more five days a week, life in quarantine is still a major adjustment. 

“The expectations just have to be changed at this point, you can’t replicate like a noon to seven rehearsal day," said Marrison. 

But as a couple that’s normally long-distance, for them, quarantine has a silver lining. 

“We’re really lucky that we get to spend as much time together," said Marrison.