Virtual Learning Tips & Tricks

When getting ready for a virtual dance class there is no “right way”. But these are a few tips I have found to help parents get their dancers ready for class or to help the dance teachers get their dancers excited for class.

Let’s start with the dance parents:

1. Make sure your dancer knows how to work the platform you are using for virtual lessons. Especially how to mute and unmute themselves. Dance teachers typically like to have all the dancers muted during normal class but unmuted during private lessons. Class time can be wasted away with a little one trying to find that unmute button each time they have a question. So make sure they know where to find that button before class. (Don't worry, your teacher has the ability to override their mic if they leave it unmuted or are having what I call a "story time" moment)

2. Dress them for dance class. They need to come to virtual class with the same seriousness as a normal class. Otherwise distractions at home will win their attention over class. Plus who doesn’t love to put on their Leotard and tutu?

3. Before class begins make sure they have used the restroom and have a water bottle handy. Just like normal class, same rules apply. And once one has to go they ALL have to go!

Now for the dance teachers:

1. I have found having a specific class lesson plan and routine structure can really help a class stay on track. When they know what’s next, they are more likely to stay engaged.

2. My dancers have loved dressing up for class in the past. Examples being: Dress in your princess attire or tea party dress, dress like the character in your favorite book (ask them to bring the book to class to share), wear mix matched socks, wear or make a silly hat, etc.

3. Find new ways for them to have what I call “story time”. In my in person classes during stretches I ask if anyone has an exciting story or something to share. I get this out of the way early into class and that way the rest of class we can stay focused. Staying focused is even harder virtually. So I usually ask a simple question during attendance. Examples being: What did they have for breakfast? What are their lunch plans? Who is their favorite Disney character or princess and why? If they could escape to one place during quarantine, where would they go?

4. Use props at home during class. This gives them a class break even for just a few seconds. And they feel so accomplished when they come back with their item. For example: During ballet I have them bring a chair or use the side of the couch to help with balance. During across the floors they find a pillow or stuffed animals to do their jumps over. At the end of class we do a freestyle freeze dance and they can bring princess crowns or wands, scarves, towels, hats, stuffed animals, etc. Anything to make class more fun!

5. End class with a game they enjoy. Examples of games my dancers have liked is: freeze dance, freeze drop (drop to the floor instead of simply freezing), Bring me something… (insert a color, shape, texture). I have also sent a coloring page for them to print at home and color before class and show their friends their master pieces right before we sign off.

I hope this helps!