1. SPACE: Make sure you have set up a clear space, free from distractions and safety hazards. This means you might need to push coffee tables and couches back.
2. TIDY UP: A cluttered learning space creates a cluttered mind and can cause poor focus and poor concentration.
3. TURN THE HEATER OFF: Having the heater on during dance class will dehydrate the body and can cause headaches and nausea during class. If it’s cold, start class with a jumper on and take it off after warm-up. Have a water bottle nearby.
4. DON’T MAKE IT A FAMILY AFFAIR: Parents should be close by to supervise but shouldn’t be involved beyond helping set up. Siblings and family members sitting around watching, offering input/feedback, or trying to participate can be distracting for the student and diminish their confidence.
5. GET OUT OF YOUR ISO CLOTHES: Put your dance uniform on and the correct footwear. Tie your hair back and splash some water on your face to refresh and wake up. Get out of “slouch mode” by rolling the shoulders back and making a conscious effort to stand up tall. Look like a dancer, feel like a dancer, act as a dancer.
6. DO YOUR OWN WARM UP BEFORE CLASS: Everybody’s body needs something different right now. If you’ve been experiencing stiff or sore muscles from spending more time on the couch, you may need to take extra time to ensure your body is ready for class. This will also help you get in the right frame of mind for dance class.
7. ELIMINATE REASONS TO LEAVE YOUR DANCE AREA: Go to the toilet and have a snack before class. Have your water bottle full and nearby.
8. ELEVATE YOUR SCREEN: If you need to continuously look down at your device to see the teacher, you are practicing poor posture and will develop bad habits that can cause injury over time. If watching an iPad or laptop, elevate these to eye level or above. Shelving, stands or a pile of books can help with this OR use an HDMI cord to connect your device to a large tv screen. If using an iPad or MAC you may need an adapter.
9. BE EARLY: Sign-in and set up 5-10 minutes before class to allow for technology hiccups, forgotten passwords, etc. It is especially hard to jump into a dance class late, remotely.
10. BE AS CLOSE TO YOUR INTERNET MODEM AS POSSIBLE: To help with internet speed. Ask family members to refrain from using the internet/downloads during your class time (it’s only 30-45 minutes!) A wifi extender may be helpful if you are struggling with lagging.
And a bonus one…
11. BE PATIENT: This set up is not perfect or seamless but we are all, including you, trying our best. Be patient with technology, it is out of your control. Be patient with your internet, it is in demand more than ever. Be patient with your teachers, this is new for them too and most importantly, be patient with yourself. You have gone weeks without dance class and it will take time to get back to where you were. You are also likely facing more challenges and more distractions than you ever have before. Your body and mind are understandably exhausted from all the change and setbacks you have endured. Keep trying your best and know that it’s ok if your best is not where you want it to be right now. We promise to be patient with you too. 🧡
