Learning to dance is a rewarding activity that has amazing side-benefits such as physical fitness, creativity and confidence among many other things.
Only a few years ago line dancers relied on instructional DVDs to learn, practice and improve their knowledge and skills. However, the advent of online video lessons has transformed the learning landscape.
Below, we explore why online video lessons are different to DVDs when learning how to line dance.
Online Videos vs DVDs
1) Flexibility and Accessibility
Online Videos:
With internet access, you can access lessons whenever the mood, or need, takes you. It can be from virtually anywhere — be it your living room, a park, or while traveling.
Online videos can be watched on computer / laptop, iPad or tablets as well as mobile phone.
They are also often instantly accessible.
DVDs:
Require a DVD player connected to a television or a computer with a disc drive (note: many modern computers don’t come with a CD player so you may have to purchase an external one), limiting where you are able to watch and learn.
You may need to wait up to 2 weeks for the DVDs to arrive.
A big plus for DVDs is you don’t need internet access.
2) Interactive Features
Online Videos:
Many online platforms provide interactive features such as pause, playback speed adjustment, and chapter markers. Some even include community forums, instructor feedback, or live-streamed classes for personalized guidance.
DVDs:
While they allow basic playback and pause functions, they lack interactive or social elements.
3) Cost-Effectiveness
Online Videos:
Platforms often offer unlimited access to an extensive library of lessons at a fraction of the cost of buying multiple DVDs.
DVDs:
Purchasing individual DVDs can quickly become expensive, particularly if you want to learn several styles or techniques.
4) Up-to-Date Content
Online Videos:
can easily be updated with fresh or more recent content ensuring dancers always have access to the latest dances and newest moves.
DVDs:
Once produced, DVDs cannot be updated. This may limit their relevance, especially as dance trends evolve.
5) Environmental Impact
Online Videos:
Being digital, they eliminate the need for physical production and shipping, making them a more Eco-friendly choice.
DVDs:
Require chemicals, plastic, packaging, and transport, which may contribute to environmental waste.
6) Variety of Styles
Online Videos:
May offer a broad range of dance styles, from classical ballet to modern street styles. Many even include niche or emerging genres, allowing for exploration.
Although line dancing is far from an emerging genre, the music and dances are constantly choreographed and modernized to both modern and older styles of music. And not just country music. Many modern line dances are choreographed to pop and even hip hop music (among others).
DVDs:
Limited to the styles featured on the disc, requiring additional purchases for variety.
Conclusion
When it all boils down, it really doesn’t matter whether you learn via online videos vs DVDs and often is largely a personal preference depending on how you like to consume content and your current circumstances.
Either way you get to learn to line dance where YOU feel most comfortable and therefore you are more likely to stick at it.
While DVDs served as a stepping stone for line dancers, online video lessons offer some advantages. From convenience and variety to Eco-friendliness.
Learning to dance online empowers you to learn at your own pace and maybe connect with communities, and to stay updated with trends. It’s a modern, accessible, and engaging way to move to the rhythm of your passion.
Learning to dance via DVD gives all the same benefits as online, so once again I say, go with which ever one you feel is most suitable to you.
Check out Liz Collett’s DVD and online video collection.
