The Do’s and Don’ts of Taking Zoom Dance Classes

The Do’s and Don’ts of Taking Zoom Dance Classes

-UDA  Sydney

One incredible resource that has emerged for students, specifically dancers, during this time is Zoom Dance Classes. This remote learning platform allows a student to expand their knowledge and provide them with the opportunity to take from well-known instructors around the world! You can now take a class from an instructor that you never thought would be possible or you may be taking from your local studio in the comfort of your own home! Either way, zoom dance classes are a great way to stay active during this time but there are some tricky aspects of Zoom that you need to know to be successful. Here are the dos and don’ts of Zoom Dance!

 

Dos:

DO #1- Get Dressed! This one may sound silly, but it is crucial to maintaining the energy that you receive during a class in person. Not to mention the fact that your peers and instructors can still SEE YOU. Take a few minutes before each class to put on your favorite workout set or leotard and pull your hair back so you feel prepared for class each day!

DO #2- Turn off your mic! While there are many great things about Zoom, one flaw is that the sound cuts out if multiple people talk at one time. So it is crucial to make sure that your mic is turned off unless your teacher instructs you to do otherwise. This will allow the students to clearly hear the instructor AND the music during your class. It takes a little practice and time to get used to pressing that mute button every class but I promise it is so worth it!

DO #3- Find a bright and open space! This is different for each student but it is so important to make sure that your teacher can see you fully in that tiny Zoom box. The best way to make sure that you are seen is to avoid dark rooms and try not to backlight yourself. Instead of standing with your windows behind you, flip the camera around, and let that light shine through on the front of you! Do your best to clear any clutter or excess furniture that you have. And you can ALWAYS take a class outside! (I promise you’ll want to try this one out, it’s the best)

DO #4- Go FULL OUT every time! This one also seems like a given but I promise you’ll catch yourself wanting to take that extra water break or mark that battement. You only get what you give out of a class and this applies during Zoom even more! You have to create the same energy that you have in the studio and push yourself to improve at home. Find ways to motivate yourself no matter where you’re taking class, whether that means you blast that music in the living room or set goals for yourself each day.

Don’ts:

DON’T #1- Don’t count yourself out! It is easy to become frustrated with the size of your space at home. Do not count yourself out of the game if your space prohibits you from doing certain skills. One key to remember is that your instructors know that you are doing the best you can! Push through and do what you are able to. That never goes unnoticed!

DON’T #2- Don’t be late! Try your best to give yourself at least 5 minutes before class to get settled and log on so you are ready to go right when your class is scheduled. That way you can mute yourself, find the best space, fill up your water, and get yourself excited to dance!  Your instructor will appreciate this more than you know and you will feel less stressed and might even get to have a little chat/ check-in with your teacher before class begins!

Using these dos and don’ts during your next class will make it a smooth and easy class for you and your teacher!