Whether you’ve taken a Tiny Dancers’ virtual class all session or just dropped in for a make-up, you know that virtual class just isn’t quite the same as being in the studio. So I have gathered these tips to make virtual dance class more like our in studio class with that extra touch of magic!
Let’s kick it off just like we do in class… with sparkles! At Tiny Dancers we always start class with glitter. Even with virtual classes I love giving pretend glitter through the screen to my students. They can apply their own homemade glitter at curtsy time with this homemade glitter recipe: 1 Repurposed Jar/Container for Glitter + Any Color Craft Glitter or Makeup Glitter + Aloe Vera Gel. Fill the container with as many sparkles as you want ( I usually put enough to cover the bottom of the container) and fill the rest of the container with aloe gel. Mix with a popsicle stick, wooden skewer, chopstick or by putting an air tight lid on the container and shaking it. Use your finger to dab on homemade sparkles!
Our ballet classes as young as 2 years old use the ballet barre every class. If you want to splurge and really give your dancer that in-studio feel, have your dancer use a barre instead of a chair for their virtual lesson. If you prefer buying a barre, a less expensive one can be found on Amazon for $5. If you prefer the DIY method it will take a trip to Home Depot and cost less than $30 for materials. Here are 10 steps (from teacher Sarah-Marie Belcastro) on how to build your barre!
Tiny Dancers really knows how to bring the magic at story and dress-up time! While virtual classes age 2-5 read and dance out a weekly story, there is no way of getting everyone at home a coordinating costume. We encourage our dancers to bring their creativity and costume trunk out for virtual class! Let your dancer put on a special tutu, old recital costume, or princess dress while the story is being read. As long as they can move freely and are able to leap and jump without tripping they are good to go! If you crave even more creativity (who doesn’t??) you can make a new costume or costume accessory every week with this super cool no-sew costume puzzle.
At the end of class I like to give a virtual stamp (ok sometimes, it’s a full-on stamp attack) for a job well done. Recently one of my students gave ME a stamp and it made my day! Let your dancer get a real stamp after virtual class for that in studio class feel. You can get inexpensive, non-toxic self-inking stamps for kids here. Stamps a bit too messy for you? Stickers are a great end of class reward as well!
Every child deserves the most fun and engaging dance experience they can get so we are constantly thinking of new ways to make classes fun. We hope you enjoyed these tips and we hope they make virtual classes even more magical for your dancer!