What a crazy world we're living in! Our studio has now been teaching virtually for 8 weeks! (As of May 8th, 2020) I have learned so much from this experience, so I thought this would be a great time to share some of my top tips with you.
1- Lighting is everything. Don't stand in front of a window, or you'll turn in to Peter Pan's shadow. Enough said. We have a lot of natural lighting and overhead lights in our living room (aka the big room), but you can also order ring lighting, lamps, or photography lights to help brighten up your space.
2- Don't forget to bring home or order supplies/props for your home "studio." I often have my dancers utilizing foam blocks and ankle weights while training. While mats and blocks were available in the studio, many (awesome) dance moms have ordered yoga blocks for home use. Click "shop now" below to see some of my favorite foam blocks. I recommend at least 2 blocks per dancer, and these come in a 2 pack!
The stripe version are 3 inches and come in several colors. The pink blocks are 4 inches (recommended for more flexible dancers), and they also come in multiple color options!
You can also find foam blocks at Five Below. They are currently sold out, but stores will (eventually) reopen and hopefully restock them!
These ankle weights are great! I recommend 1-3 pounds (each) depending on the age and strength of the dancer.
3- Save your joints and prevent injuries with compression socks or by teaching in tennis shoes. We typically train and teach on sprung marley flooring, so the switch over to hardwood floor has been brutal! I finally made the investment in Apolla Shocks when we switched to teaching from home. I recommend the Joule for jazz or ballet shoes or when dancing barefoot. The Amp (without traction) works well with tap shoes or tennis shoes, and the Performance (with traction) is great for contemporary! Use this link for $5 off your first purchase!
4- Protect your flooring! Tap isn't the same without tap shoes, but be careful not to ruin your hardwood floors. So many dance dads have jumped in to make tap boards (and ballet barres) for their dancers to train at home! If you aren't up for DIY, there are many portable dance floors available online. Bonus- these will also give you a great place to practice turns!
5- Try out new styles and take classes from new teachers! Now is the perfect time to experiment with new classes on top of your studio schedule. Pick a new style to try or find a class in the area you need the most help in. (Note- This doesn't mean stop taking your studio classes! Your teachers are working hard to keep up your technical training, keep choreography fresh in your mind, and they love seeing you (virtually) each week. Studios need your support now more than ever, so be sure to thank your teachers for keeping you dancing!)
I am offering stretch and strength lessons virtually each week. Email me at 1sewcc@gmail.com for more information!
6- Do your best! In the words of Tim Gunn, we are all "Making it work!" Show up for all of your Zoom classes, have a positive mindset, and try your best in the space you have. One day we will be back together dancing in a large space again. Until then, just keep dancing!! We will get through this together!
~Kendall Gay
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