Everyone will dance at one point or the other, no doubt about that. The only difference is that some people know how to flow well with the rhythm of the music while some don't. Nigeria is a country full of culture, and part of our culture is dance. Every tribe has its dance steps in Nigeria that differentiate them from another.
There is something about dancing that seems to take all of our cares away. At that moment, the tune of the music and the flow of movement gets the mind to be relaxed.
There are so many dance styles in Nigeria and around the world. Of course, you cannot learn all at once. You have to decide which dance style you want to learn and how you want to go about it.
There are so many reasons why people want to learn how to dance. It could be for fun, to make a career out of it, to learn a trending dance step, to make money, etc. Irrespective of the reason, the physical, mental, and emotional health benefits of dancing are endless.
So there is no reason not to start dancing. But how do you learn to dance?
Well, which is why this article is about how you can learn how to dance from a distance, especially if you do not want to get started by enrolling on a physical dance school.
Once you have established learning how to dance will be online, you'll need to set up your dance space and have an internet-enabled device.
Let's get you started.
Why Choose The Option Of Dance Lessons Online?
There is no doubt that more and more people are learning remotely, especially since it may be more flexible at times, and location will not be a barrier. Dancing is global, and each country has its style: Ballet, Hip-hop, Belly dance, and Zanku (Nigerian famous leg work dance style).
There are many dance styles to choose from and learn. Everyone can find something to suit their needs when starting a dance class. And although it is quite possible to dance according to your steps, taking dance lessons often allows you to progress in one of the many dance styles from around the world.
Taking dance classes is a way to improve your steps. Before you take a dance class, you must have thought about it because you probably enjoy dancing.

Choosing the option of online dance classes could be that you need flexibility. If you enrol with a physical dance studio, there will be a fixed schedule for your classes. However, with online dance lessons, you can choose to learn when it is convenient for you during the day.
Online dance lessons are also perfect for people who don't have dance teachers or dance schools close to their homes. Small towns or rural cities in Nigeria often don't have the offerings of larger cities. It is practically impossible to find specific dance classes such as salsa dance, tap dance or others in such areas.
Online dance lessons are also a way for some people to relax with a style of dance that they particularly like after a stressful day outside. Without the intention of becoming the best dancer in history, this set of people appreciates dancing during their leisure time.
Online dance classes are also ideal for people who are on a budget. This way, you learn from the comfort of your home without paying a kobo on transportation to a physical dance studio. You also avoid any traffic while transporting yourself to a physical dance studio.
Sometimes it's easier to turn on your computer and take a dance class from home than to motivate yourself to go out after a long day at work.
Whatever your reasons for taking dance classes, taking dance lessons online can be a convenient way to learn.
However, everyone cannot take dance lessons remotely - especially those who want to have a dance partner or probably want to socialise during the process.
How To Find An Online Dance Instructor For Your Online Lessons?
Once you have decided to take your dance lessons online, the next step is to find the right dance teacher who will be able to help you achieve your desired expectations.
The earlier you know that dancing may take time to perfect, the better for you. As a beginner, you probably won't be getting to dance at the level you want for a couple of months. What can help get you there is having a great teacher. Here's how to search for an online dance instructor.
Online Dance Lesson Websites
If you search online dance lesson websites, you will find several ones that teach different dance styles. You will find many websites that focus on certain dance styles only. Some offer face-to-face dance lessons, while some offer distance learning courses with the support of a private teacher.
Some websites that offer remote dance lessons are:
- Learn to dance
- Ucanji
- International Open Academy
- Youtube
- Udemy
- Dance Plug
The advantage of using online websites to learn how to dance is that you have a greater level of flexibility in the following aspects:
- Price (are you looking for a free or cheap course?)
- Style (ballet, hip hop, salsa, contemporary)
- Time (just a fun hobby or looking to make it a career?)
With these online dance websites, you will be able to learn what suits you without having to be around other people and have a great option of flexible timing for your lessons.

Private Tutoring Platforms
There are platforms like Superprof that connect dance instructors with students. Like on Superprof, these tutors offer the option of face-to-face lessons or remote dance lessons. If students opt for remote dance lessons, it will be via a webcam. At least this way, the dance instructor can monitor the student.
It is necessary to discuss your mode of training with the teacher you choose beforehand as not all dance teachers offer both options. Having a private dance tutor for your online lessons has its advantages.
One of the advantages is that they can keep you motivated because it can sometimes be hard to keep yourself motivated when learning by yourself online.
Another advantage is that they will be able to correct any mistakes you are making while learning how to dance. It can sometimes be challenging to know your own mistakes, but a tutor with years of experience can sight it on time and help you adjust.
Private Live Dance Class Online
Here's what a private live dance class will be like:
The first Dance Class
The first class is usually when a tutor knows about their students. The live dancing lessons or videos are the opportunity to set goals. The students will get to explain their expectations: to dance for their wedding, to dance professionally, for fun or fitness, etc.
Whatever the objective, it is essential that the teacher is aware.
Then comes the live dance class itself! While dance classes will vary from teacher to teacher, there are some common characteristics that they will all share when done online. Let's take a look at some of them:
Warm -Up
As a sporting and physical activity, warming up is essential for every dance class, not only for beginners. The purpose of the warm-up is to prepare the muscles for dancing.
There are different warm-up exercises online you can use if the online dance video or your teacher does not start you up with one.
Dancing Step By Step
It is getting done to business after the warm-up. The dance teacher teaches the students new steps via webcam, and the student observing the teacher can follow the steps.
If you're not in a live class, the step-by-step portion will have to involve you pausing and replaying the video.
Choreography
For every successful dance lesson, students should be able to choreograph to a rhythm that explains the dance style. The choreography allows you to enjoy yourself while forgetting the technical side and having fun with the steps you learned.

Stretching
Like every physical activity and sport, stretching is an excellent way to end. The live teacher or pre-recorded video invites the students to stretch to avoid aches and pains.
If your class does not include a stretching portion, you can find many videos and tutorials online that help with these exercises.
How To Get The Best Out Of Dance Lessons Online?
Like every other thing you do, taking dance lessons online requires a certain amount of being organised.
Before each class, it is necessary to prepare for it in the best conditions by ensuring you have a clean and spacious room, a good internet connection and a working internet-enabled device.
Always have it at the back of your mind that you should be in good health and have at least a basic fitness level to start your dance class.
If you also want to progress, impose a certain rigour and routine on yourself. Whichever schedule suits you, always ensure to find a rhythm that allows you not to forget the steps learned in the previous class.
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