Whether you’re currently dancing online out of choice or necessity, the experience can sometimes be a frustrating one! Your internet connection may be shaky, your children, husband or pets are constantly interrupting you and you bang into your furniture at every turn!

Follow our simple tips to make your online time the most enjoyable you can. Online classes aren’t the same as in studio but that isn’t to say that online classes aren’t incredibly valuable and, if approached in the right way, can be a great tool in improving your dance technique and more.

MAKE SPACE FOR YOURSELF

You might not have a spacious dance studio but try to create a space where you can move freely without fear of knocking anything over. Push furniture to one side and roll up your rugs to avoid tripping over. Make sure you have a clean surface you can dance on (preferably not carpet) and check that you can move freely in all directions.

DO NOT DISTURB

Not only is it important to schedule in your online class, but its also important to let your family and friends know that you’ll be unavailable. Block out the time in your diary with enough buffer time to get changed, set up your computer and transition from work mode into dance mode. Make sure you won’t be disturbed, even if this means sharing your online calendar with your family or putting a ‘do not disturb’ sign on the door!

CLEAN UP AND SHUT DOWN

To optimise your online experience, especially if your internet connection is sometimes unstable, make sure your computer is always updated to the latest version, that you close all other programmes and tabs that you’re not using and that you regularly restart your computer. If you’re in a Zoom class make sure that you also have the latest version of Zoom.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION

Not only do you want to see your teacher in action, but your teacher wants to see you too! Make sure that you have enough light in the room and don’t stand in front of the window or light source because you’ll be in shadow. Position the computer so that your whole body can be seen - it’s very difficult to give corrections if only a small part of your body can be seen.

TESTING, TESTING 1,2,3…

If you’re using Zoom you can test your speakers and microphone before the class starts. Make sure everything is working perfectly to avoid frustration during the class.

BE ON TIME

Just because the class is online doesn’t change the fact that it’s disturbing for the teacher and other students when you turn up late. You might also miss essential information and won’t be able to get the most out of the class if you’ve missed an explanation on technique, style or rhythm given at the beginning of the class.

SHHHHH!

Make sure to mute yourself on Zoom! Your teacher will give opportunities for you to unmute yourself and ask questions. Don’t forget you can use the ‘put your hand up’ emoji to get your teacher’s attention or try physically waving! You can also use the chat feature to ask questions, but try not to overuse this. You want to concentrate on your dancing and less on the technology you’re using.