Why We Offer Online Dance & Fitness Classes
By: Sumera Garcia-Quadri
When we first shifted our in-person programs online in March 2020, it was due to the first pandemic-related lockdown in Toronto. We had no idea how to deliver a GOOD online class! We were barely getting by and hoping everything would go back to normal. After almost 2 years of on-and-off restrictions on dance and fitness, however, our instructors accepted the situation and we worked together to improve our online class experience with a lot of trial and error.
Once dance and group fitness reopened fully in Toronto, I saw a lot of hesitancy from our members about returning, especially from those still working remotely or living with health issues. That’s when I decided it was important to continue offering virtual classes 1 to 2 days a week to support the mental and physical health of those who choose to join us seasonally.
For the past 5 years, we have been able to run 10 different virtual dance and fitness classes in Toronto including Adult Bollywood Fitness and Bollywood Dance, Caribbean Dance Fitness (Socacize), Latin Dance Fitness for women and girls, Yoga Flow for kids and adults, Belly Dance Fitness, Hawaiian and Tahitian Dance Fitness (Hula), Barre Fitness, Mom and Baby Fitness, and our annual free youth dance and safety series.
Here are 5 things you can expect from our online classes
Caring Instructors
Our instructors are given insight into the participants joining that program (based on their PARQs and responses) and provide modifications to help participants of various ages and fitness levels. If we have a woman who is pregnant or a participant living with a chronic health condition, we offer tips on how they can make the most out of the class and try to avoid injuries and discomfort.
A Strong online experience
We use Zoom so we can share our music directly from our devices while we cue with our voices and hands. Whether we use microphones or earphones, we try to make sure participants can hear the music. When an instructor is not well heard, we know that using our hand gestures or cueing movements before a song may be a good option too. We try our best to have a strong internet connection, but sometimes things impact that, and we make up for that by offering extra time.
A Social Outlet
For those who cannot leave their homes (i.e. physical limitations, injuries, caregivers), online programs are a great option. They allow someone to improve their physical and mental health while bonding with others before the class starts through a quick chat or the textbox. It was through our class chats that we found out more about class participants who were joining us from Brazil, Japan, and New York!
An intimate-setting
We allow up to 15 participants in our online classes for a personalized experience. We get to know the names of our members and learn more about what they’re up to, from their family life to travels to what they eat for dinner!
They can stay active anywhere
For those who travel for work often, online classes give them the option to join us from wherever they are and from any device, be it a cellphone or tablet. I notice that members who travel a lot for work tend to hold off on registering for in-person programs regularly and this can impact their fitness plans.
To check out our online programs, click here.