Teaching and Learning Online

We are now living in a world where anything can be taught online. Last year, I had the fortunate opportunity to teach community college courses in Dance using my college's learning management system and Zoom, as well as community workshops using Zoom and social media. At the same time, I took advantage of offerings from commercial dance studios and independent artists. As a student and teacher, I've made mistakes and discoveries about what works, particularly in Dance. I'd like to share a few tips for making the best of online dance classes for everyone.

Simulate the studio experience at home in as many ways as possible.

In the college studio, phones aren't allowed. Dancers must keep these devices put away and are asked to turn smartwatches and fitness trackers to airplane mode. I often use my phone to play music or record videos, so I turn it to airplane mode and keep on the WiFi.

Clear out a space for yourself to dance, bring your water bottle and towel, and dress as you would in the studio.

Consider orienting your computer or streaming device into a location where you'll be able to focus on your screen without other visual distractions.

Take advantage of Zoom's screenshare features and let your dancers do the same.

I stream music for classes, and have had great success opening a Spotify or YouTube tab and sharing the audio on my computer. For smaller classes, instead of looking at students' work in groups, I let them solo. They bring up the music on their device and I allow them to share their sound so that we can all watch their work with good sound quality that's synchronized with their movements.

Offer opportunities to connect after class on social media.

When I took my first online class at Broadway Dance Center, the instructor encouraged students to post a video on Instagram of themselves doing the combination and requested they tag it. This gives instructors the chance to look at the work and comment, which keeps the conversation going and strengthens everyone's connections on social media.

Change up the views on Zoom.

There are advantages to watching ourselves on video, but as a student, it can be distracting to watch yourself on screen in real time. Consider placing your video on Speaker view, and changing to gallery when it's time to watch the work of others.

Keep your camera on.

It's tempting as a student, and sometimes necessary, to create some anonymity when taking a master class with a teacher you don't know and dozens of students you've never met. As a teacher, it's hard to look at a black screen. Even if a dancer isn't doing what they believe is their best work, that visual connection is everything.

Be strategic when you ask questions.

An online class that doesn't allow for easy question asking forces students to consider what can be solved, what can be thrown aside, and what really needs to be asked.

Present choreography that can be mirrored.

In the studio, it's common for me to face the mirror with the students behind me. They can see what I'm doing without having to reverse it and I can keep eye contact with them through the mirror. On camera, it just feels weird to turn my back to everybody. I offer choreography that can be mirrored by the students so we can all stay connected.

It's awkward. Push through it.

As a student, I found myself getting frustrated with the disconnect between sound and vision, but stepped back and remembered that 1.) Some of these conditions are temporary and 2.) There is more content available to me than ever, and adapting to online learning is another form of learning.