Ballet dancer leaps to online classes

At exactly 11 am, Chun Wai Chan turns on his camera and begins to dance while livestreaming. Hundreds of viewers across the world stretch and leap with him.

Hosting these hour-long free ballet classes from Monday to Friday has become his "new job". The principal dancer with Houston Ballet has been staying home amid the COVID-19 outbreak.

"I was among the first to offer free online dance classes in the United States," Chan says.

"I said 'yes' when some followers on social media asked me if I can."

Chan writes on Instagram: "Trust me. I am an expert at taking ballet class at home."

Dance Magazine promoted Chan's virtual lessons on its website, along with those by other distinguished dancers.

His first class on March 18 attracted over 500 followers worldwide.

Chan's ballet dreams began at age 12, when he enrolled in the Guangzhou Academy of Fine Arts in southern China's Guangdong province, where he was born.

In 2010, he entered the Prix de Lausanne, an annual international competition for young dancers held in Switzerland.

After finishing as a finalist, he received a full scholarship from the Houston Ballet Academy to study at Houston Ballet's second company, HBII.

Chan became one of its four principal dancers in 2017.

He also dances up a storm on Instagram, where he has over 42,000 followers.

Although he's a social media influencer, he's new to teaching online.

"I can't see my students while teaching. This is the biggest obstacle," Chan says.

A traditional in-person dance class usually has only a few students, but there's virtually no limit for online classes.

Chan has to communicate with students of different abilities and backgrounds one-on-one after the classes.

"Everyone is different, and it's impossible to take care of everyone's needs in a one-hour class. Therefore, I'll respond to my students' questions after class. It at least helps me adjust my next lesson."

Chan spends around three hours a day on social media, recording, livestreaming and chatting with students. He enjoys and learns from it, although it can be tiring.

"It's like playing video games by interacting with my students. The more time you spend, the more you gain," he says.

Chan says the online classes have brought him closer to his followers during this period of social distancing.

"I have students all over the globe. Some have difficulties learning dance in their countries, but they can follow me online," he says.

He feels like life is more meaningful than ever.

"Some parents said their children's dance skills have improved a lot. Others said I brought them sunshine and happiness during this difficult time."

Chan says all the feedback has been positive, giving him confidence to continue.

There is an "inverted relationship" between mind and body, says Houston-based psychotherapist Moni Tang.

"Dancing or other exercise from home can not only maintain blood flow and keep us physically active but also calm down our minds and reduce anxiety in this pandemic."

Chan plans to continue offering his free online classes even after the lockdown.

Teaching online has become an important part of Chan's life.

"Thinking about how someone has changed and is waiting for me in front of a computer gives me strength and determination," he says.

"I'll probably have classes on weekends since I need to train seven hours every day at Houston Ballet. But I'll definitely keep doing this because this is the future."

Xinhua