Northampton dance school live-streams first virtual class amid coronavirus pandemic

A Northampton dance school has responded to the global COVID-19 pandemic by introducing virtual classes.

Step by Step Dance School live-streamed its first dance class straight into people’s homes on Saturday (March 21).

Dance director Andrzej Mialkowski encouraged family members to stop cooking dinner, turn the oven off and join him in his first ever online live-streamed dance class at 5pm.

In the virtual class he said: “I’m a bit nervous – this is the first time in my life I’ve live-streamed a lesson but together we can get through this difficult situation.”

He was joined by 376 online viewers watching and participating in his first class that consisted of a warm-up and steps from disco dance, cha cha cha and the waltz.

Just two hours later, the video of the class, that was uploaded to Facebook, had been viewed by more than 6,000 people.

Viewers left comments online saying how much they had enjoyed the class and sent in videos of themselves and family members participating in the lesson.

One viewer, Cathy Johnson from Northampton said: “I loved it. He did it in a confined space which clearly showed anyone can do it from home.”

During the coronavirus pandemic, Step by Step Dance School will be live-streaming dance classes to replace dance lessons.

Andrzej and teachers from Step by Step dance school will teach virtual classes in various styles including salsa, bachata,waltz and disco dance – for the whole family.

The school also streamed a special Mother's Day class for all family members to participate in.

Andrzej added: “As the leader in the dance community, we are committed to doing our part to help dancers keep dancing, stay positive and put a smile back on people’s faces.”

Other organisations may well follow suit as community and arts based businesses face major challenges during the coronavirus pandemic.

Dancers and coaches from M.A.B gymnastics club, Northampton will soon be offering virtual gymnastic classes.

From Monday to Friday Andrzej and teachers from Step by Step dance school will teach a daily class at 6pm in various styles including salsa, bachata,waltz and even disco dance – for the whole family. On Saturday and Sunday the virtual class well be live-streamed at 5pm.

To access class timetable by Step by Step Dance School, visit the dance school's website.