How to Prepare for Your Virtual Programming Classes

The Alberta Ballet School staff, instructors and IT department have been working hard to bring the very best online programming to our students. Alberta Ballet School’s Virtual Open Division Programs consist of two unique elements allowing it to stand apart from other online offerings. Real-time Zoom classes that allow students to connect with their peers, musician, and their teacher, and obtain real-time instruction, feedback, and correction. As well as a new Virtual Platform that consists of a series of pre-recorded modules designed to help your child train at home safely and effectively.
While this form of programming looks a little different, we encourage students to treat these online classes just as they would if they were attending a class in a studio! Read on to learn more about how to best prepare for your Virtual Programming classes.

Items Needed to Participate

1. 1. Laptop or Tablet with a Camera
      This will allow you to see your peers and instructors, and for them to see you as well!
   2. A Strong Internet Connection
      Test your home internet connection here: www.speedtest.net. Alberta Ballet School recommends running the test when most family members are online (Netflix, gaming, working from home). A score of at least 25 is recommended to participate. Lower speeds of the internet will prevent the lesson from streaming without interruption.
   3. A Dance Floor or Open Space
      Find a space that allows you to lift and fully extend your legs and arms in all directions without obstruction and far away from any stairs. Marley Floors are the best floors for ballet and contemporary dance – exactly what you will need to keep up with your Alberta Ballet School classes! Marley Flooring is used in studios and professional ballet schools around the world. They are vinyl dance floors that provide a safe, controlled surface with the right amount of grip and resistance.

Items to Consider Using

1. 1. Good lighting
      Avoid dancing in front of windows and doors as this can cause glares and obstruct the camera quality on your laptop or tablet.
   2. A Standing Portable Barre
      A standing, portable barre is recommended. This will be helpful for barre work, stability, and make you feel like your home dance studio feels just like being back at ABS!
   3. A Dance Mat/Floor
      You may not realize, but the floor that you are dancing on is very important We suggest using Harlequin Floors for your at-home dance studio. Looking for more information on flooring? Check out our blog post!

What Should I Wear for Class?

Female students are asked to wear a leotard of their choice, pink tights, pink ballet slippers, and their hair pulled into a classic ballet bun.
Male students are asked to wear a white leotard, or white fitted shirt, black tights with black ballet shoes, or grey tights with grey ballet shoes, and white socks. Hair should be kept away from the face.

We cannot wait to have all of our students back at Alberta Ballet School once again! Our teachers are deeply knowledgeable, hold an international accreditation, and have had extensive careers in performance. Their incredible insight, combined with our curriculum, is what makes the Virtual Training Program stand apart from other online offerings.