Dance learns via video

With the switch online, students in RHS’ dance pathway no longer practice with the floor and mirrors of a dance studio. Instead, students learn dances over video and submit a home recording of them trying it out. There’s also an influx of online reading on the origin and culture behind different dance styles.

For Gavin Valdemoro, a sophomore in Dance 2, the new learning format can still be fun, but has its drawbacks.

“I think the hardest part of online learning is that it’s so difficult to contact the teacher… Also, another [challenge] is social distancing,” Valdemoro said. “Especially in dance, having friends and other people around you while in a learning environment definitely helps you improve and put yourself out there. Now that we’re stuck at home, I feel pretty starved of that.”

The classes were planning to continue to prepare for the dance show before the district extended school closures through the rest of the year.