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Virtual dance classes online have been around for a long while. Whether they’re live or pre-recorded, they are a lot of fun! Recently though, the demand for virtual live and pre-recorded dance classes has soared for those dancers that either want to stay at home or are required to. In fact, some dance studios now only offer virtual dance classes and virtual dance camps.

If you’ve taken a dance class online before, you know what to expect. But, if you’re thinking of taking virtual dance classes in Toronto for the first time, there are a number of useful tips you should know, so that you get the most out of your virtual dance classes.

1. Make Sure You Have a Good Internet Connection

If you’re taking virtual dance classes, whether live or pre-recorded, you need to make sure you have a fast and reliable Internet connection. If you want to take part in a pre-recorded dance class and your Internet service is slow, you’ll probably be stuck waiting around for 10 minutes or more for the lesson to load or buffer.

Having a good Internet connection is a must if you’re going to be taking virtual lessons in real-time. If your Internet freezes while you’re doing a pre-recorded class, you can just rewind and go over what you missed. You can’t do that with a live class. A lost connection means missing out on precious class time and getting feedback from your instructor.

2. Research Your Instructors

It’s always important to research a dance studio and the instructors. It’s a lot easier to do that, though, when you can actually go into the studio and watch a class or talk to an instructor.

It’s a little more difficult, but just as important, when you’re doing everything virtually. That’s because anyone can set up a Zoom or Instagram Live class. Not everyone knows how to dance and even fewer know how to teach dance. The last thing you want to do is waste your money on a virtual dance class taught by someone who can’t dance as well as they said they could.

Look for an established dance studio that has a history of doing virtual classes. If you see an instructor you like, go through their social media profiles and tagged posts to see what kind of classes they teach, their dance style, the way they teach, and the number of students they have in their class.

3. Know when to Choose a Live vs. Recorded Class

There are some big differences between a live dance class and a recorded one. That’s why you need to know what kind of class you want to take. Recorded classes give you the freedom to dance and learn at your own pace, whenever you want. You can also go back over moves or focus on certain parts you want to work on more than others.

When you take a live class, you’re front and centre in the action. You can watch other students dance, see how they move, talk to other students, and get immediate feedback from the instructor.

4. Adjust Your Camera

If you’re taking a recorded class, you don’t really need to worry about the camera on your computer. After all, you’re just watching a dance class.

Knowing how to adjust your camera is really important, however, when you’re taking a live virtual dance class. The biggest reason for making sure your camera is adjusted properly is so that your dance instructor can watch you and give real-time feedback.

5. Try Wireless Headphones

A great way to stay focused on your dance class is to use wireless headphones connected remotely to your computer or any other device you use to take classes. Wireless headphones give you the freedom to move around, you can adjust the volume, and they’re amazing at blocking out unwanted noises and other distractions.

6. Join Early

One of the best parts of dance classes is being able to hang out with your friends before the class even starts. If you can, try joining a virtual, live dance class 5-10 minutes before it starts and catch up with your friends!

7. Warm Up and Cool Down

As you know, dance classes can be physically demanding. That’s why it’s important for you to warm up before the class starts and cool down after. Unfortunately, a lot of online classes and pre-recorded classes usually only cover the class material. That means you need to take time before the class starts to warm up and set time aside after class to cool down with an easy stretch routine.

8. Choose the Ideal Dance Space

Create a dedicated space where you can dance. Find one that is big enough for you to do your dance routines and is free from distractions.

You also need to find an area that has the best flooring too. Carpet and wooden flooring is best; but you have to know what’s underneath it as well. If it’s just glued over concrete your knees and legs will feel it. If that’s the case, you may need to use portable mats or flooring to ensure the surface is safe for you to dance on!

9. Ask for Feedback

Lastly, ask for feedback! It’s the only way you’ll really know whether or not you’re getting better as a dancer. Besides the instructor, find a couple people you can rely on for feedback. Ask them after every virtual class how you’re doing.

Performing Dance Arts – Helping You Become an Amazing Dancer

If you want to take virtual live or recorded dance classes in Toronto, contact the instructors at Performing Dance Arts or visit one of our studios in Vaughan or Etobicoke. As one of the top dance studios for kids in Toronto, the trained instructors at Performing Dance Arts have years of industry experience.

Since 1986, our extensive dance programs, which include ballet, jazz, tap, acro, lyrical, and hip-hop, have helped children develop higher self-esteem, better coordination, creativity, self-confidence, and poise, as well as a healthy mind and body, a better quality of life, and a love for dance!

If your child is interested in taking dance classes or you want to learn more about Performing Dance Arts, contact us today.

 

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