Cornerstone Ballet

Tips for those choosing virtual lessons:

Virtual lessons are beneficial. 

To make the most of them if you are able, provide a small dance area for your student. Many professionals have been posting live lessons online and most just use a chair and the space they have so I think it’s also beneficial for students to see you can dance anywhere with anything. However, certain things do help with mental preparation and optimal dancing for joint safety, etc at home by creating a dance space. 

1. The best thing you can do if use a stand or something to prop up the device your student is using so we can see their full body for proper corrections. 
2. A chair works as a ballet barre which are used in most dance classes regardless of genre at least here and there. You may also chose to purchase a small portable barre. Vita Vibe makes some great ones. You can also make one out of PVC pipes or (what I had as an adolescent) if you have a wall you can use simply sand a round long piece of wood and mount it on the wall. 
3. Mirror- This is more for practicing without a teacher but it’s nice to have a floor length mirror students can prop up to see themselves to work on certain corrections. We always give “homework” for upper levels ;).
4. Flooring- small portable dance floors are great. Many are 4x4 or 5x5. You can also gather materials to make something. Thin foam pads with a board covered with a section of Marly also works on certain flooring. If you look online you’ll see lots of options for both DIY and for purchase. Again, this isn’t necessary for most dance levels but nice to have.
5. Stretch Resistance Bands and Yoga/Exercise Mat. For our Stretch Sculpt Stamina Class series, Pointe and Pre-Pointe students and students practicing dance fitness and stretching at home we highly recommend these two items. Stretch bands should be a “medium” strength in most circumstances. I use a thicker mat (1/2 inch) I got off Amazon that works great and provides good cushioning nfor joints when stretching. 
6. Virtual classes ARE real classes. Even though being in studio is the most beneficial and we do alter what we teach and how when we are virtual we were/are pleased with what we could see and apply a lot of corrections virtually! We learned a lot of what works and what doesn’t on March-April. If virtual is the best option for your family please continue learning! Performing Arts are especially important at this time in history. They aid in expression, fitness, collaboration, confidence, public speaking and so much more!