Online Dance Training: How to Be Successful at Home

There are lots of times when taking advantage of pre-recorded online dance training videos is a great idea—having extra practice outside of studio hours and keeping up with your skills while traveling are just a couple of them. 

But to have real success with a long-term online dance class, there are a few things you need. Without them, you run the risk of losing your edge and experiencing muscle memory loss. 

But no worries! We’ve got you covered with a list that covers what you need, plus some tips on how to find the best online dance training that’s right for you.

5 Benefits of Online Dance Training

There’s no replacement for in-person dance training—the hands-on assistance and face-to-face communication are irreplaceable. Online dance training can offer some unique benefits, though.

1. You get more dance time. Dancers have a never-ending craving for dance. Moving their body expressively comes naturally, and sitting still doesn’t. Pre-recorded dance videos allow you to dance whenever you get the urge.

2. It’s very convenient. There are times when you can’t head to the studio for classes. Maybe it’s closed for a few weeks, or maybe you’re on vacation. These are perfect times for online dance training. You’ll never have an interruption and will come back strong and prepared to get straight to work. 

3. Learn at your own pace. Pausing a video or replaying it over and over again is a great way to learn a specific move. You don’t even have the pressure of everyone staring at you and waiting for you to finish up before the class can move on.

4. It’s free (or almost). Studio time can be expensive. Luckily for you, virtual classes are free for YouTube dance lessons or have minimal costs for subscription-based access (more on this below).

5. You can experience new styles. It’s so simple and fun to pull up YouTube dance lessons and explore all the genres of dance the world has to offer. You may have a knack for Irish jigs or African jazz, and you’ll never know if you don’t try!

What You Need to Succeed at Online Dance Training

Sure, you can just turn on a video anywhere and dance to your heart’s content. But if you want to take your training a bit more seriously, we’ve got some suggestions for what you need to take online dance training to the next level.

Commitment

It’s common for a dancer to begin online dance training with the best intentions, only to give up all too soon. That’s because it’s easy to fill practice time with other things instead, like scrolling your social media feeds or bingeing a favorite show. 

Taking online classes will provide good training only if you’re committed to it just as much as your in-person classes. Make a schedule for yourself and stick to it. Aim for at least one hour of class twice a week, and the progress you make will be surprising.

Focus

So you start your online class according to your schedule—that’s great! But are you focused throughout your dance time? Or do you take frequent or long breaks in between breaking down moves? 

You might get a text or your pet walking in, but do your best to not get distracted. Otherwise, you’re just wasting time you could spend perfecting your non-favored-side pirouette. 

A Dedicated Space

Giving yourself a dedicated space to practice can really help you maintain focus and get into the groove. 

It doesn’t have to be a large area with hardwood floors and a wall full of mirrors (although that would be amazing). Anywhere you can go that is quiet and comfortable will do. Just make sure everyone else knows it’s off-limits while you’re learning. 

The Right Equipment

It’s tough to get through an hour of dance without having the right equipment by your side. Don’t forget your:

• Water bottle
• Stretch bands
• Half shoes
• Turn board
• Anything else you normally take to a studio class

Proper Dancewear

You know that feeling you get before a studio class when you pull on your leo, lace up your pointe shoes, or brush your hair out of your face? 

Replicate that same feeling at home before your virtual dance class. It’ll get you into the mood to move. Besides, wearing proper dance attire eases motion and gives you confidence. There are no downsides!

What To Wear To Dance Class [& Why It Matters] 

A Great Attitude

Having a great attitude is just as important when dancing at home alone as it is when you’re in the studio with your friends. Respect yourself, your time, your body, and your practice to truly get as much progress out of yourself as possible. 

The Do’s and Don’ts of Dance Class Etiquette

How to Find Good Online Dance Training Videos

Even though online dance training isn’t the same or as good as taking studio classes, it’s the perfect complement to them when you’re not able to go. The trick is to find videos that are high-quality (without interrupting ads!) and offer professional guidance. 

Here are a few tips for finding good YouTube dance lessons:

• Subscribe to the best choreography YouTube channels, ranked by subscribers, views, video counts, and freshness.
• Try dance fitness classes for a new spin on your workout routine.
• Watch YouTube videos without going to YouTube, so you can skip the clutter and get right to the content you want.

Two subscription-based dance online platforms we love are:

1. Dance&Co. People call this the “Netflix of Dance” because it provides easy access to hundreds of high-quality videos, classes, and workouts that are added all the time. You’ll never get bored. Instructors are world-class dancers and trainers, including our very own Jenna Johnson! 

Here are just a couple of fun class options:

• Salsa Arm Styling (Level 1)
• “Tribe” Jazz (Level 2)
• Jive Leg Burner (Level 3)
• “Trouble” Viennese Waltz (Level 3.5)
• “Colors” Heels (All Levels)

2. CLI Studios. If you want more of a community feel, you might enjoy these live, interactive online dance classes with personalized feedback from top instructors you already know and love. Hello, tWitch, Allison, and Lex! 

Here you can learn dances online like lyrical, ballet, tap, musical theatre, hip-hop, and so much more. 

Get Your Jo+Jax Gear

When you’re ready to get into gear and start dancing on your own time, get Jo+Jax gear and register for a Jo+Jax account to get your purchase processed faster.