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7 Ways Kids Can Make the Most of Online Dance Class
Okay, so your kids are taking an online dance class, and you want to make sure they get the most out of it since you’re investing so much into these classes. You can do this using the following tips.
Adjust the Camera
You want to make sure your kids are visible at all times. This means they have to be far enough from the camera so that the instructor can see them. Parents may want to stay nearby to move the camera just in case kids have to do groundwork during the class. The instructor needs to see students in every position to effectively evaluate their performance.
Ideal Location
The next thing you have to worry about is location. Lighting is important, and a lot of people don’t place the camera in the right location. For example, having the light behind your child creates a shadow, and that’ll make it harder for the instructor to evaluate your child. To get the most out of the class, you want to put your kids in front of a blank wall. The light source should be behind the camera instead of in front of it.
Start Early
Your kids should join the class as early as possible. If your child is taking a Broadway dance class, this provides time to gather any props that might have been missed. This also gives everyone a little buffer time to deal with technical difficulties, like making sure the camera has been adjusted, that the lights are okay and that you’re kids have enough time to catch up with friends. Your kids should feel more prepared and calmer if they come to class early rather than late. You don’t want your kids to miss something like a big announcement at the beginning of the class.
Good Space
Create a designated dance area. You don’t want your kids to feel self-conscious about things that may be around as they dance. There shouldn’t be any furniture or decorations nearby. You want to remove rugs and cables near the floor. This will allow your kids to concentrate on dancing rather than worrying about damaging your favorite frame. Doing this also keeps your kids safer since it can prevent them from tripping on things.
Wireless Headphones
The next thing you want to pay attention to is sound. If your home is a little loud or your neighborhood can be distracting, then it’s a good idea to invest in wireless headphones for your kids. These headphones should cancel most noises that might distract them from their classes, and they should ensure your kids hear everything their instructor says. If you want to hear what’s going on, then you may want to buy some headphones for yourself. Try to make sure the headphones are designed for exercise since dancing can be physically demanding.
Set Goals
Have your kids set a few goals regarding what they want to accomplish with these classes. If they understand this, they’ll be able to get that from their instructors. If they are interested in Broadway, then be sure to say that to the instructor so he or she can push your child’s limits. Knowing what you want also helps encourage kids to keep going even when things get challenging as their dance lessons get more difficult. Talk to your kids so that you know where they stand.
Use Your Hands
Your kids shouldn’t interrupt the class unless they need to. If it is ever necessary, they should do this in an orderly fashion so that the instructor can take a moment to answer. For the most part, this means your kids should stick to hand gestures rather than pressing the unmute button all the time. Teach your kids some universal hand gestures. This will tell the instructor they understood the instruction or need it repeated. Most of the time, a simple “ok” sign is good enough to show you understand. A circular motion around your ear tells the instructor you need something repeated.
Your kids can get the most out of their online classes using these tips, but you can talk to the instructor to see if there’s more to do. Maybe you need to improve your internet connection, or maybe you need to purchase a better webcam.
