Virtual dance class success

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We were delighted by the success of our virtual dance classes held online from April-June.

Lockdown was imposed by the government in response to the Covid-19 pandemic half way through our Term 3 impacting both our lessons, our exam week, our events and competitions, and our planned dance displays. We spent the end of what should have been our exam week recording videos of syllabus work and tutorials for our YouTube channel before trialling interactive online dance classes using the Zoom platform. It proved so successful that we established a full timetable for the final few weks of Term 3 and into an extended Term 4.

Varied and full timetable

We ran weekly lessons from preschool to advanced and adult levels in all dance styles including ballet, tap, jazz, cheer, commercial musical theatre and acrobatics. In term 4 alone we completed 198 lessons... as well as a range of free events for everyone using Zoom, YouTube Live and Facebook Live. In total since lockdown, we have hosted 319 online dance lessons plus another 66 dance events including:

That makes an impressive total of 387 live classes and events over the course of 10 weeks with over 300 individual participants of all ages in lessons, and more taking part in the family events!

Additional activities and resources

In additional to our live classes and workshops, we have created a fantastic library of tutorials, practice videos and performances on our CSBS YouTube channel. We hosted 5 'YouTube Premieres' screening some fabulous performance recordings of both short and full-length CSBS ballets from the past few years. The videos on our channel have had almost 34,000 views between 23 March-25 June over the lockdown period!  Please visit our YouTube channel.

We have also created a range of nearly 40 free downloadable dance related challenges, worksheets and activities for all ages and levels. You can still access them on our Online Dance class page and scroll to the bottom.

Thanks...

Can we again please thank the extraordinary effort put in by our teachers, our students, and their parents over this time. Even though participating online didn't suit everyone, we were encouraged to receive messages of support and to have so many families make a determined effort to provide space and time for their dancer to join in the classes... with mums, dads and siblings joining in lessons at the lower age groups too! Those dancers who were able to participate did extremely well to listen and learn through a screen, with teachers noting significant progress over the final term at all levels and abilities. We have also received some fantastic and positive feedback from both parents and students.

"Thank you to you all. In the face of such adversity you have stood up to the challenge and engaged with our children so much, bringing some normality to the days and helping us remember what day it is. You should be super proud of what you have created and delivered."  Parent, Linlithgow branch

"Its amazing what you guys have achieved so quickly setting up zoom sessions following lockdown. It has been an brilliant focus for and she has loved every session she has joined. The Masterclass sessions were fabulous and so well co-ordinated. Thank you for your hard work." Parent, Queensferry branch

"Thank you so so much for making this difficult time so much brighter! 3 months ago (when we all watched that dreaded announcement) who knew a pandemic wouldn't stop a full time table of classes, creative challenges, masterclasses, crafts and more! CSBS teachers you are definitely our stars of the week!" Parent, Braes branch

Finally, we must give a special thanks to our teachers for an incredible effort to keep the dancers active and engaged - it was a challenging experience for us too! Only a couple of our staff were unable to lead the lessons online due to work committments but were suporting us from behind the scenes. Well done to Amanda, Sammy and Hayley for leading most of the lessons, with additional classes being led by Chloe, Claire, Diane and Kiera, our student teachers Catherine and Eve, and additional tap videos prepared by adult tap teacher Olivia. Teacher Amanda was also responsible for setting up all the lessons online and maintaining both our social media, website, and Alexa skill daily, she also monitored every lesson for security and safety, and organised / led most of the extra activities. CSBS Principal, Mrs Clark watched almost every lesson and selected her "Star of the Week" each week for students she felt had done particularly well.

We all hope to be able to confirm the arrangements for our new term soon once we have received clear guidleines from the Government for our sector... but until then, keep healthy, keep safe, and of course... keep dancing! 

 

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