2020 was a milestone year for the rise of online dance classes. Let’s take a look at the ‘in’s and out’s’ of learning to dance in the comfort of your own home in 2021…..
–> Where to find the best online classes
What are online dance classes?
Online dance classes are workshops hosted by a teacher or choreographer from their own studio or home and broadcast live via a platform such as Zoom, Facebook Live or Instagram Live etc. These classes can then be joined by students from anywhere in the world ‘as they happen’.
How do you take online dance classes?
Interested in taking a ‘virtual’ session? Here are some do’s and don’t’s!
Do your prep.
Check out the Platform your class is on so you are familiar with it’s workings beforehand. Get your tech set up, book your class and login (if necessary). Plugin your charger so your device doesnt’t lose power half way through!
Ready your studio.
Push back the sofa, roll up your rug and do anything else you can to give yourself a space and surface you’re comfortable with. Let the rest of the family know what you’re doing so they don’t walk in. Put a ‘Do Not Disturb!’ note on the door if you have to!
Remember it’s still a dance class!
Treat it like a normal lesson, be ready before time – wear appropriate dancewear and have a bottle of water to hand. If you need any equipment – tap board, yoga mat etc, keep them nearby so you don’t have to go searching for them. Most of all, give the same effort and attention you would in-person to get the most from your class – and thank your teacher at the end.
Camera – On, Mic – Off.
If you’re using Zoom in particular, it’s important to let your teacher see you so they can offer feedback, Likewise it’s just as important to keep your mic off (muted) – unless you need to ask or answer a question – as the sound of background noises in your home can distract others from your choreographers own audio.
Supplement, don’t replace.
Training with different, sometimes famous, choreographers is an awesome addition to your dance training. It’s also perfect to maintain your fitness levels if you’re social distancing. Remember though, your priority should always be to keep up with your in-person lessons at your own school/ studio whenever possible.
Where are the best online dance classes?
Check out todays online classes with the @thedancedaduk daily online class planner
The rise in popularity of online dance classes in 2020 means that you can find something for you ‘virtually’ any day of the week (see what I did there??!). There are some fantastic websites that specialise in online classes as well as choreographers and dance schools that are also set up to teach remotely. Some great places to try are;
- Adam Lyons – fitness, commercial and musical theatre classes. Check out @itsadamlyons for more schedule info.
- DNACERS – global platform specialising in online dance and dance fitness classes. Visit dnacers.com for booking and schedule.
- Front and Centre – musical theatre workshops with WestEnd and Broadway stars. Visit front-centre.co.uk for booking and schedule.
- Jasmine Zia Taps – free tap weekly tap class. Visit @jasmineziataps for info.
- Josie Lee Choreography– pro performer and choreographer offering workshops and private lessons. See @josieleechoreography for more info.
- Latin.comm – Daily classes featuring a new dance fusion combining high energy dance with fitness
- Magnetic Studios – Online classes from some of the West End, Broadway, UK and Ireland’s finest teachers, creatives and instructors. Visit magnetic-studios.co.uk for booking and schedule.
- Mission Inspire – for online intensives, masterclasses, comps & conventions. Visit missioninspire.co.uk for upcoming events.
- Nu Flow Dance – dance, fitness and 50+ relax & stretch classes. Check out @winston_the_geezer for the latest timetable
- Pineapple Live – online dance classes in a whole range of styles streamed from London’s largest dance studios. Visit pineapple Live for up to date schedule info.
- Prestige Dance – the dance competition judged by WestEnd pro’s also offers workshops via it’s instagram account. Visit @prestigedancecomp for more info.
- Sammy Ceriani – weekly locking and popping classes from the founder of sdcdanceuk. Visit @sammyceriani for more info.
- Samuel Downing – weekly open stretch and strength classes for dancers. Online at samueldowning.com.
- SJ Dance – classes every Tuesday and Wednesday including ballet, jazz, tap and body con. Check out @s.j_dance for details.
Are you hosting virtual dance classes that you’d like featured? Promote your dance class here..
Here to stay!
Even before the Covid pandemic there were already opportunities to take classes online. The emphasis on staying home in 2020 has therefore merely served to improve the popularity of this type of workshop. There are now many more opportunities to learn to dance or supplement your training with ‘virtual classes’ and it’s safe to say the online dance class is here to stay!
Have you tried an online dance class yet? Tell us about your experiences and favourite platforms in the comments below!
