Hip scarf in hand, you’re ready to dance - but instead of walking along Europaallee to the ZeoT studio, you open up your laptop. Who hasn’t been happy to conveniently stop working, do a class and then jump in the shower - all from home and saving the commute - to name just one of the benefits of online dance classes.
Despite the benefits, online can’t compare with in-person sessions in the studio with your favourite teacher and fellow classmates. But this isn’t to say that online classes aren’t incredibly valuable and, if approached in the right way, can also be a great tool in improving your dance technique and more.
STUDY WITH SOMEONE NEW
There are so many different classes online, additional to the ZeoT Zürich Zoom classes, where you can access a wider range of teachers. Increase your skillset by learning from different teachers and experimenting with other belly dance technique.
DO YOUR HOMEWORK!
Don’t just see online classes as a flexible option for when you’re on holiday (or in lockdown!) but rather as your belly dance homework! Studying at home and at your own pace, you’ll consolidate what you’ve learnt in the studio and will definitely experience some major breakthroughs. Practising outside of class is what really makes a difference.
PLEASE COULD YOU REPEAT THAT?
Online classes in video format give you a great chance to really repeat and dive deep into the material. Rewind and repeat! The more you repeat a move the faster you can advance to new levels. Even live online classes are often recorded for the students to repeat on their own later.
HOW AM I DOING?
If you’re doing a class via Zoom and you have your video on, the teacher can quickly ‘zoom’ in and give individual feedback. Of course, this depends on class size and where you have your video camera positioned! In some online courses, there’s also the option to video yourself, send it and get feedback directly from the teacher.
SPICE IT UP!
Since there’s such a variety of styles of dance online, why not try something new? Trying a new dance form can tone different muscles and help you gain better form.
MIRROR MIRROR ON THE WALL…
Lastly, if your video camera is turned off or you’re working with online video material, then no-one will see your first attempts at mastering a new technique! Doing online classes is a great option to build up your confidence before stepping into the studio plus working without a mirror can do wonders for your proprioception, or the ability to feel where your body is in space and what it's doing. If you become visually reliant on a mirror, you don’t learn to trust your other senses.
ONLINE CLASSES - THE PERFECT ADD ON TO STUDIO TIME
Make sure to combine your online learning with studio time. There are critical benefits that only in-person training can offer. Teachers can answer your questions directly and adjust your body to correct you. Combinations can be tailored to your needs and abilities and the teacher can demonstrate something in different ways to help increase understanding.
Use online learning as a portal to new technique, ideas and for additional practice. See online classes as a bonus rather than a replacement for your studio experience and enjoy the best of both worlds!
ZeoT Zürich is currently offering 9 online classes, streamed live from the lessons in our studio. Check out our timetable for more details >>