Nowadays, people are talking a lot about taking dance courses online. Many parents and young dancers question if studying dance online might replicate the sensation of entering a class. Families in Canada, where exceptional dance studios like Fouetté Academy concentrate just on children and teenagers, should specifically pay great attention to this. Our dedication to in-person instruction at Fouetté Academy is evident: our classes are meant to provide the most encouraging, practical setting to grow skill, confidence, and lifelong connections.
What Can Online Dance Classes Offer?
Online dance classes offer unmatched flexibility and accessibility. For families with busy schedules or those living in remote areas, online classes can seem like an attractive option. Many platforms provide pre-recorded tutorials and live sessions that promise the convenience of learning from home. A few key advantages often mentioned by users on popular forums like r/BALLET include:
- Flexibility: The ability to log in from anywhere and practice at any time.
- Cost Savings: Reduced fees due to the absence of studio overheads.
- Repetition: Students can pause, rewind, and review challenging sections at their own pace.
Despite these benefits, several experienced dancers stress that online lessons rarely replace the vital in-person corrections and physical guidance a studio environment provides.
Can You Learn Dance Online?
It’s possible to learn dance online—but there are limitations. Without a teacher physically present to adjust posture, alignment, and technique, students risk developing bad habits. For example, a discussion on r/Dance reveals that many learners appreciate online classes for their convenience, yet note that detailed, individual feedback is often lacking. While platforms like Steezy or YouTube offer thousands of tutorials (including online hip hop dance classes and dance classes online for kids), they generally work best as a supplement to in-person instruction.
Are Online Ballet Classes Any Good?
Ballet is one of the most technical dance forms, requiring precise alignment and physical corrections that are difficult to achieve using video. As noted on r/BALLET, many adult ballet learners find that online classes can help reinforce technique if they already have a solid foundation. However, for children and teens who are just beginning, the absence of hands-on guidance in an online setting may compromise proper technique and safety. At Fouetté Dance Academy, our focus is on nurturing young dancers in a studio environment where every move is observed and corrected in real time.
The In-Person Advantage at Fouetté Academy
At Fouetté Academy, located in Vaughan, Ontario, our dance programs are meticulously designed for children and teens. We offer team-structured Competitive, Pre-Competitive, Recreational, and Summer Dance programs. These classes cover a range of styles—from Ballet, Jazz, Contemporary, Lyrical, Acro/Tumbling, to Hip-Hop, Tap, and Pointe classes—all tailored to young dancers.
Our Dance programs
The following table summarises the key programs offered at Fouetté Academy:
| Program | Age Range | Focus | Weekly Training Hours |
| Recreational | 2.5 years & up | Fun, introductory dance skills | 2–4 hours |
| Pre-Competitive | 5–18 years | Transition from recreational to competitive training | 6–8 hours |
| Competitive | 5–18 years | Intensive technique, performance preparation | 12+ hours |
| Summer Program | 5–18 years | Intensive training during summer | Varies |
These programs are designed with the needs of young dancers in mind. Our studio environment ensures proper flooring, ample space, mirrors, and hands-on corrections—all of which are vital to a dancer’s development.
Why In-Person Training Remains Irreplaceable
While online classes have their conveniences, they simply cannot replicate the full benefits of in-studio training. Here are some critical reasons why:
Personalised, Hands-On Corrections
In the studio, instructors have the advantage of proximity. They can offer precise, tactile corrections and immediately adjust a dancer’s posture or alignment. As Veronika Bah, Owner & Artistic Director at Fouetté Academy, shares:
“At Fouetté Academy of Dance, we believe that every student, from our youngest five-year-olds to our talented teens, is part of a supportive, nurturing family. Dance is more than just movement—it’s a language of the soul. Our goal is to inspire, guide, and help each dancer reach their full potential.”
— Veronika Bah
This personalised approach is particularly crucial in technical disciplines like ballet and acro, where even a small misalignment can affect performance and increase injury risk.
A Proper Dance Environment
A studio is designed for dance. It offers:
- Appropriate Flooring: Reducing the risk of slips or injuries.
- Mirrors: Allowing dancers to self-correct in real time.
- Space: Enabling full, expansive movement that is often limited at home.
Young dancers benefit immensely from an environment that’s free from distractions and optimised for movement. The classroom dynamic also supports social interaction and community building.
Community and Emotional Support
Dance classes are not only about technique—they’re about building confidence and forming lasting friendships. As Sammy Grano, Competitive Dance Program Director at Fouetté Academy, explains:
“Picking up choreography fast isn’t about talent—it’s about developing a system that works for you. In our competitive programs, we not only train dancers technically but also create a family atmosphere that boosts their confidence and morale.”
— Sammy Grano
The camaraderie and immediate support provided in a live setting help young dancers grow both emotionally and socially—benefits that are difficult to achieve online.
Comparing Online vs. In-Person Dance Classes
The following table highlights key differences between online and in-person dance classes for young dancers:
| Aspect | Online Dance Classes | In-Person Dance Classes |
| Personalised Feedback | Limited, mostly verbal corrections via screen | Hands-on corrections and immediate adjustments |
| Environment | Often home-based, limited space and mirrors | Studio-quality space with proper flooring and mirrors |
| Social Interaction | Minimal, mostly virtual community | Rich, interactive community and peer support |
| Flexibility | High; practice anytime and anywhere | Fixed schedules, requires commuting |
| Cost | Generally lower fees, but may sacrifice quality | Higher fees, but with comprehensive instruction |
For children and teens at a critical stage of learning, the in-person model of Fouetté Academy provides a holistic educational experience that online classes simply cannot match.
Special Note for Moms of Dancing Kids
While Fouetté Academy does not offer classes for adults (except for moms of dancing kids who might occasionally join in as a supportive participant), it’s important to note that parental involvement can be key. Parents can help by:
- Providing a dedicated space for practice at home.
- Encouraging their children and attending performances.
- Communicating with instructors to reinforce techniques at home.
By doing so, even when supplementary online resources are used, the primary focus remains on providing the best possible in-person training.
Final Thoughts
Online dance classes have opened up exciting opportunities for supplementary learning. They offer flexibility, lower costs, and the convenience of learning from home. Many parents and students use them to review choreography or maintain a practice schedule when in-person classes aren’t available. However, when it comes to developing proper technique, safety, and a strong sense of community, nothing compares to the in-person experience offered by Fouetté Academy.
As Veronika Bah beautifully states:
“Together, we will create beautiful memories and lifelong friendships. Keep dancing with passion and joy!”
— Veronika Bah, Owner & Artistic Director
And as Sammy Grano reminds us:
“Quality training is about more than just learning steps—it’s about building the system that supports a dancer’s growth and creativity.”
— Sammy Grano, Competitive Dance Program Director
For parents seeking the best for their children and teens, in-person classes at Fouetté Academy remain the gold standard. While online classes can be a helpful supplement, our commitment to providing hands-on, immersive dance training is unwavering.
In summary, while online dance classes can serve as an accessible and convenient option for busy families, the comprehensive benefits of in-person instruction—personalised corrections, a proper studio environment, and the supportive dance community—are indispensable for young dancers. If you’re serious about your child’s dance education, especially in such technical styles as ballet, jazz, or acro/tumbling, then in-person classes are the way to go.
