Updated: 7 days ago
Attending classes online is possibly the most convenient way to squeeze in your favorite Dance class, Yoga class, Felden Krais Class, and even Martial Arts.
Post-COVID online technology rapidly upskilled many movement modalities in the way they made their classes more accessible to their customers’ ultimately allowing them to continue their weekly exercise routine from home!
The ZOOM Boom was born! Us kiwis were encouraged to keep moving and stay fit by exercising at home. Very fortunately our lockdown was not for long and then a new style of Live Online classes was created as venues slowly opened to the public in level 2
This brain sparked the HYBRID style class, first developed by New Zealand Nia Dance teacher Stephanie DeMay
Very quick to follow her lead was a Waikato based Nia Dance Class Teacher
When you Zoom into a HYBRID style Nia Dance class you see the class leader at the front of the class with the in-person dancers as well it typically looks like this
Follow these tips to get the best out of your internet bandwidth
IMPROVING YOUR EXPERIENCE USING ZOOM FOR Nia CLASSES
Sometimes the audio or video in Zoom becomes interrupted by a poor internet connection. Being part of a Zoom class is using a lot of your internet connection’s “bandwidth”. In other words, your internet “capacity” is being taxed.
Here’s what you can do to get the most out of your online Nia Dance class experience.
Use the best Internet connection you can. In general: • Wired connections are better than wireless (WiFi or cellular) connections. • WiFi connections are better than cellular (3G/4G/LTE) connections.
A hot spot connection from your phone to a laptop can also work beautifully, it pays to ACTION>>>>> test your internet connection speed. To attend an online class you need an upload speed of at least 4mbps.
Plan Ahead! An Ethernet cable plugged directly into your laptop and into your modem will give you the best connection
Mute your microphone.
When your microphone is on, Zoom will devote part of your Internet connection to an audio stream for you, even if you are not speaking. When you first sign on, you will get a message that says “To join others, please join audio”.
You will have 3 options: Call using Internet Audio – select this option Dial-In Cancel 2 This will allow us to say “hello” before the class starts.
Dance Class leaders will mute your microphone when the class starts.
This will allow Zoom to use your Internet connection more effectively and more importantly eliminate zoom attendees background noised being heard by other online participants
It is your preference to Stop your webcam video. When your video is on, Zoom will devote part of your Internet connection to a video stream for you and this may add to distortions.
If you like, start your video at the beginning/end of class – to say “hello” and check-in. When we start a Nia class, as well as muting you Nia dance Teachers will remind you to stop your video.
This will help you see and hear the class in the best possible Video and sound quality.
Disable HD webcam video. Sending high-definition (HD) webcam video requires more bandwidth than sending non-HD. Disabling HD video will free up more of your Internet connection for other parts of your Zoom meeting. Although you will only be sharing your video at the beginning and end of class (if you choose to do so), it will still help your internet connection if you disable your HD video.
Another super effective tip is to find out where the nearest internet tower is from your home and set up a hot spot from your phone!
With this option, you can set up your dance floor from just about anywhere!
All you need is a screen large enough to see the teacher and a sunny day to dance in the park!!
How to transfer the video from your phone onto your lap top or TV screen?
This video shows how to chrome cast your iPhone image onto your laptop or tv screen
For android devices check out this mirror your screen option from your android phone or your laptop onto your TV screen
Another super simple option from your laptop to your TV is with an HDMI cable, this is great for TVs older than 10 years.
Making time for your exercise class is made even easier with a 24-hour replay of the class allowing you to view the class again as many times as you like within 24 hrs!
Nia Dance at Dance NZ offers a 24 hr replay of all weekly classes, to access these replays and find online HYBRID style Nia Dance classes with Belinda Click HERE
Weekly Dance classes to choose from , dancing Live Online or In person at our Dance Venues
• Nia Dance Move to Heal Tuesday classes (11:15 am) are held at Saint Aidan’s Hall (located on the corner of Thames Street and Heaphy Terrace, Hamilton), and can be booked here.
• Classic Nia Tuesday classes (5:30 pm) are held at the Waikato Sports Fishing Club (located on Grantham Street, Hamilton), and can be booked here
• Gentle Nia Wednesday classes (9:30 am) are held at the Raglan Town Hall (located on 41 Bow Street, Raglan), and can be booked here
• Classic Nia Friday classes (9:30 am) are held at Saint John’s Hall (located on 20 Wellington Street, Hamilton), and can be booked here
• Nia for Parkinson’s Freedom Dance Friday classes (12:00 pm) are held at Saint John’s Hall (located on 20 Wellington Street, Hamilton), and can be booked here.
For all information regarding these classes and to access 24 hr Replays contact us at Dance NZ
If you want to find out more about the Nia Technique, visit nianow.com.