As teachers and students work to adapt to an online format of learning, dance students in particular have found the transition difficult. 

“Dance is definitely different than it was before,” junior Jada Mignot said. “Dance is a physical activity, and when you’re online, it can be a bit more challenging than in person.”

For most students, adjusting to an online platform comes with more than one downside. 

“For me, my internet connection isn’t the best,” junior Michelle Jaeger said “So, sometimes Zoom meetings freeze. And since everything is online and you only see your teacher on Zoom, I feel that I’m more inclined to be independent when doing school work. For example, if I were in class it would be easy to ask a question (just raise your hand or talk to the teacher before class ends), but now you have to do it virtually and send lots of emails which isn’t the same at all.”

Even though students are having trouble with the change, being a teacher presents its own set of obstacles.\

“The biggest change in the process is switching to Canvas for teaching instruction,” dance teacher Nicole Nothe said. “In the past, I used Google Classroom. So, there will be a learning curve for everyone involved. And as a dance teacher, I’m not able to pick up on students who need clarification as fast as in person.”

Given the option, taking the class in school seems to be a unanimous decision.

“In person schooling is a lot easier to teach dance,” Nothe said. “If given the choice, I would prefer to teach a class of the same learning platform- all virtual and all in person, rather than at the same time.”

“If it weren’t for the situation we’re in, I would definitely choose dance class to be in-person.” Jaeger said. 

“I would definitely rather do dance in school,” Mignot said.

According to Mignot, the most important part of taking dance is being able to make memories with others.

“I regret missing out on being with my dance friends that I have made in the class over the years,” Mignot said. “Not being able to see your friends is the worst downside.”

Given all the different hardships with adapting to classes online, the staff and students of the dance department are still determined to make the most of it. 

“Our dance teachers are doing the best they can to make it work,” Mignot said. “They really want to give us the best experience possible virtually. If you’re new to dance, I would guess that classes would be a bit difficult but our dance teachers are really great in trying to create a bond with us dance students and we’re excited to learn and experience new things as well!”