Online Class Tips

First Timer Tips

  • Sign in at least 15 mins early in order to test your own setup, at least the first time!
  • Try to download the zoom app and test it out on your own or with a friend
  • Use the chat window if having difficulties; you may also call/text our tech, Birkley, at 780-604-7572
  • If you want to see everyone, choose “Gallery” in the top-left corner of your window (on PC), or by swiping left/right on your mobile device. “Speaker View” is likely better for you for dance classes
  • Sometimes a simple restart of your device could help fix some issues
  • If all else fails, we can send you the recording of the instruction – message dance@sugarswing.com

Reducing Lag

  • We recommend a wired connection to your device, because wifi is usually too inconsistent!
    • We recently purchased a USB-C to ethernet adapter, which allows us to wire our phone OR laptop. If you really want to get fancy, you can get a USB-C hub that has input/outputs for ethernet, hdmi (to your TV), keyboard & mouse, etc that might work for you laptops, phones, and tablets. Be sure to check compatibilty!
  • Close down your programs and apps, especially any that connect to your network

Better Audio

  • Choose “Turn on Original Sound” in the top-left corner of your Zoom window (on your PC) to get better sound. Especially good during practice songs! If the option doesn’t appear, you may need to select this setting:
    • Settings->Audio->Advanced-> “Show in-meeting option to Enable Original Sound”
  • Use good speakers connected to your device, or consider bluetooth wireless earbuds.
  • It’s helpful to mute your microphone when songs are playing (to reduce feedback), and inbetween practice songs, unmute so you can speak up during class

Bigger Monitor/TV

If you happen to have an HDMI output on your laptop or a USB-C hub for your phone/tablet, you could output to your TV, larger monitor, or projector

Your Video Feed

  • Having a larger space, clear of objects, with good front lighting, will help the teacher and others to see you better
  • Using a wide-angle camera certainly helps, if available

Using Arm Gestures

We’ll try provide a how-to video, but doing gestures like this may help communicate if you can’t use, or are away from, your mic:

  • Make an X with your forearms = No
  • Two thumbs up = Yes, ie, that was good
  • swing your arm in a circle = run it again, ie, repeat
  • cup hand to your ear = say that again
  • flip your hand over (if that makes sense) = would like to move on