The New Studio Set-up: Live vs Pre-recorded Online Dance Classes
Live vs Pre-Recorded Online Dance Classes
Meeting those daily dance dose needs through the world wide web, dancers around the world are either joining or creating online dance classes in response to staying at home. With so many different viewing platforms and classes offered, it’s difficult to decide on what to try. Breaking down the pros and cons between live versus pre-recorded online dance classes, we’re giving you our two cents on the virtual realm of dance studios!
You Get What You Pay For!
Who doesn’t like things for free? Free online dance classes can be great, especially for college students, people who just want a taste of dance, or those who don’t really want to commit to a subscription. With that said, you can generally expect to get shorter videos and shorter classes. Which may not be the best for pre-professional dance students who require more comprehensive training.
But with pre-recorded video classes, you can combine several videos together and create your own playlist to lengthen your practice time. The picture and sound quality of free live video dance classes might not always be the best, because high quality videos rely on top of the line equipment, software and wi-fi set-up. Live videos also require you to have a relatively good wi-fi connection to get the best picture and sound quality, and to get rid of those annoying sound or image delays. Freeze dance was fun when we were five, but it’s just frustrating when you’re trying to learn a combination and the screen freezes up on you in an unflattering moment. Free live dance videos don't offer much flexibility in terms of scheduling. Plus, you’ve got to do a bit of math and pay attention to the time zones! Dancing zombies look great in Michael Jackson’s Thriller, but that’s about as good as it gets, no one really wants to take dance class at 5 am in the morning.
Though you may not want to open your wallet, paid online dance classes offer a wide range of products, packages and pricing. Subscriptions will give you more initiative to keep up a regular practice routine as well. This is great for those who want to train more intensely and regularly, but still need some guidance with more thorough descriptions and corrections. Pre-recorded video dance classes usually allow you to see the dance or movements from more than one angle, plus you can pause, play and rewind as needed. Live streamed dance classes mean that you get real-time interaction with the teacher and can ask questions during the class. Some live dance classes can be recorded or saved so that you can go back to it later. Despite being at home, many of us are still keeping busy and working away, that’s why both paid live and pre-recorded video classes can be an excellent option, as there will be more flexible class schedules to choose from.
Got Room for It?
Before you choose your online dance class, take a close look at the description, thumbnail or trailer videos to make sure that you actually have enough space to execute the movements safely. You should be able to get an idea from the thumbnail or description. Rather than give it your all, learn how to modify your movement. In a live online class, the teacher can also give you real-time modifications if they notice you have space limitations.
Level Up or Down
It never hurts to take an easier leveled dance class, but it can hurt to take a level that’s beyond your current capacity. Be realistic about your daily progress as a dancer. It can be exciting to take class from a professional dancer of a big name company, but it’s also not worth getting a pulled hamstring if you’re not quite ready for an advanced level class. On the other hand, there are many professional dancers out there who will also take beginner or elementary dance classes to seize the opportunity to dance and go back to the basics.
When in Doubt, Dance About
If you’re feeling frazzled by the idea of taking online dance classes, trust your gut and move to the beat of your own drum. Turn on some tunes, and just let go to the music! Enjoy the abundance of time that’s at your fingertips, time for movement exploration, growth and discovery!