Keep dancing! Pupils still learning via Zoom
WITHIN HOURS of the realisation that dance schools across the UK would sadly have to close their physical doors, the principal of Dance Arena Ballet and Stage School in Brighouse started planning the move to remote classes.
“I knew that simply stopping teaching was not an option”, said Gail Marsden, principal of Dance Arena Ballet and Stage School. “After all, if dance teaches us anything it is how to adapt and change to different circumstances. I knew my students would miss the impact of dance in their daily lives, now more than ever. ”
Gail researched all the available options of how to deliver interactive dance lessons remotely, and opted for a paid business Zoom account that offered maximum security and safety for her Dance Arena students. Gail’s partner Simon helped with the technical side, and her kitchen was soon armed with a large TV screen to be able to see all her class participants.
Becky Miller, whose daughter Summer is in the primary classes, said: “Such a change in routine for a six year old from their normal day-to-day school and dance classes came as a massive shock. I am so pleased my daughter could continue her ballet, modern and tap lessons as her classes break up the monotony of being at home.”
The Dance Arena remote Zoom classes are catering for all abilities and stages of dancer, from three and four year old students all the way up to 16 year old advanced student Taylor Vain, who holds a place at Ballet Theatre UK to start full-time professional dance training in September 2020.