GET THE BEST OUT OF YOUR DANCE CLASSES ON ZOOM

We know things are harder on Zoom, which is why we wanted to give you some tips to make the most of how you use it - to give yourself the best possible experience of learning to dance, keeping up with your practice and attending classes via Zoom.

The most important thing is to turn up! Whether your camera is on or off, whether you’re feeling tired or energised, just showing up to class takes a lot of effort, dedication and commitment. So if you’re coming to class, you’re already doing a brilliant job!

And maybe sometimes you don't want to see yourself - well, you can turn your camera off if you like - if that makes it easier for you to dance that day - just make sure you chat to your teacher and explain why first, so she knows, that it's just one of those days and you need a little help.

If you are on camera, try and think about where you place it, so that your teacher can see as much of you as she can to correct your form and give guidance and advice.

If possible, place your device up high and angle down or place your device down low and angle up - and you can also use your camera to help with your own alignment - acting as a mirror for you to see yourself (which is useful!)

You can pin the teacher or select gallery view in Zoom, and you might find different benefits from the different options.

Pinning the teacher: Depending on how I am feeling, sometimes it is just best to focus exclusively on the teacher and not be in gallery mode. That way I don’t get distracted by others practicing (and I don’t compare myself to my classmates as much).

Gallery view: When I miss dancing with others, sometimes staying in gallery view (if I am able to see the teacher) feels more like I’m dancing with others, even though I’m alone in my space. When I’m missing that sense of community and ensemble, I choose gallery view (though sometimes I have to still pin the teacher to see the combinations more clearly).

Set up your dance space, use sturdy objects to adjust your barre height and move furniture if needed. It's useful as well to make sure others are aware that you're using the space for your practice - humans and cheeky pets!

Creating a space that sets you up for a positive dance class experience can be challenging but I am so grateful that we have technology to keep us moving and stay positive in 2021.

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Welcome to the Katie Cox Dance Studio (KCDS). Our story began in 2010, when our founder Katie Cox opened our doors for the very first time - to just 25 students.

Known then as Warlingham Dance Studio, Katie discovered that after years of working as a professional dancer, her true passion was in teaching; passing on her expertise, and nurturing and motivating the dancers of tomorrow

With a full compliment of highly qualified dance teachers, KCDS has earned a reputation, not only for its excellence but also as a place where everyone is welcomed and valued.

At KCDS there is something for everyone - dancers have the chance to enjoy opportunities such as graded exams, assessments, personalised sessions for audition preparation and a biennial dance show in a professional theatre, plus the chance to perform on stage in London's West End, at fetes, competitions, and more.