Online dance classes got a big push during the pandemic and have proved yet again that dance is a universal language. Some of us are okay with the medium, some of us aren’t, but none of us can ignore this. We all want to go to spacious studios to dance, but with physical studios not functioning like they used to and world-class training available at your fingertips, it’s impossible to not want to take training.

Now for some easy tips to get you organized and maximize the fun and the human connection we all want.

1. Cherry-pick your class

You can choose your class from literally anywhere in the world. Just like you chose your first dance class from a studio, now you can do that, just that your studio is the world and has teachers from all over the world. They could be world-class performers or their teachers, undiscovered talent or superstars of what they do. You can choose to cross-train in a form you’ve never tried before or go for advanced-level classes in your own form. There is so much to learn and see.

Many renowned Ballet schools have Online Intensives that have auditions, so you have to prepare for them just like an exam – the work will only make the fruit sweeter. Many performers have been giving free lessons on their social media. Many teachers who didn’t have social media accounts, have shifted to online training.

2. Join with a friend or family member

It just doubles the fun, if you join with one or more friends. It’s more brilliant if they can come over, but even having your studio friends or your non-dance friends try a class is awesome. It’s a great way to connect with your parent, spouse or child. It can make your bond stronger and give you a fun activity to do together. Many studios also offer such classes and they call them duet sessions.

3. Make space in your home

Most of us city-dwellers live in apartments and share it with family or friends, hence space is a challenge. The first thing to do here is to ascertain just how much space do you need. For Ballet barre class, you need about a minimum of  6 feet by 6 feet. Rearranging furniture or getting rid of excess furniture in your own room is one option. Decluttering a balcony or any storage room is another way. The floor has to be even, so you don’t slip or hurt yourself. If you’re learning Ballet online and you have wooden flooring in a room, make space there, as it can help prevent injuries. You can use a dance mat or a PVC sheet if you have a hard floor. You can use a chair or a counter top as the Barre.

4. Camera placement and Speakers

This stumps a lot of kids and adult students. If you’re using your laptop or phone for class, do check the frame of your webcam or camera phone. The angle of these should be higher up or further away from you, so that your entire body and some more space is visible. For online classes, good lighting is important. Make sure light is falling on you and not behind you, so that the instructor can see you clearly. Do sound testing and see if you want wireless headphones or extra speakers to create an ambience for dance class. A short to-do list of things to check just before class:

1. Fully charge your devices
2. Check your internet speed here
3. Check camera frame
4. Check your speakers
5. If you want to connect phone to tv, here’s how

5. Wear the right clothes

Dress as if you were going to the studio to take class. Some examples are given here. It’s always a good idea to call or email and ask the studio, if you’re not sure about this. It makes a difference in the way you approach class and how ready your mind is for class.

6. Have the right attitude

Online classes get interrupted when either we get interrupted or the teacher has to do extra to keep everyone on the same page.

Here’s a list to ensure things are running smoothly

1. Ask family members or housemates for privacy at home during dance class
2. Keep the Video on at all times
3. Keep yourself muted unless you’re talking
4. Use physical cues like thumbs up and down to signal to the teacher to save time
5. Set the screen view to your preference – Gallery view or pin the teacher’s video according to your preference
6. Please be kind and understanding towards instructors and classmates. Technology glitches can happen anytime to anyone and we are all trying our best

Need more guidance or have questions about our Online classes?

Reach out to us. We are happy to help.