What would you look for in a dance website?

[BDanceAnonymous]

Hi folks,

I'm working on an online business, Social Ballroom Dance, and hoped you could offer some feedback.

My goal is to reach and educate those who don't feel they can dance, either because they are too busy, lack the necessary finances, or simply feel too shy about learning a new skill in the presence of others. To that end, I'm trying to make my website as personalized as possible, so users can have a hand in the creative process, and I can provide more specific help to them beyond simply putting up a bunch of videos. Specifically, members have access to the following:

1. Instructional videos in American ballroom and nightclub, organized by playlist
2. The option for members to vote for new videos, or other improvements on the site
3. Access to the "Ask an Instructor" series, in which I answer member's dance-related questions in a monthly video

My question is, if you didn't have access to a studio or otherwise preferred to learn elsewhere, what would you want to see in an online dance website? What would make you want to subscribe?

I plan to do some beta testing after I've gathered enough feedback, so feel free to contact me if you'd like to learn more. Thanks everyone!

P.S. The website is https://socialballroom.dance

 

[opendoor]

My question is, if you didn't have access to a studio or otherwise preferred to learn elsewhere, what would you want to see in an online dance website? What would make you want to subscribe?

Hi BDA, since everything is free on YT I really doubt that there is anything left for you?

 

[BDanceAnonymous]

Fair point opendoor,

Although Youtube is free, there's a few things it lacks I believe can take advantage of:

First, there's the quality. Most videos on YT simply show the step, maybe with a few pointers thrown in. The SBD videos by contrast, give a much more comprehensive understand, each beginning with a demonstration, a closer look at the footwork, and an explanation of how the leader and follower work together to make it happen. Similar to the layout of DVIDA videos.

Second is the convenience. It can take a lot of time to find decent dance videos on YT, and I've yet to see a channel that lays out steps for every ballroom dance, from beginner to experienced. The videos on SBD are clearly laid out in sequential order by dance, so you can easily and clearly progress from easy steps to more challenging.

Third is the personalization. What if you try the step in the video, and it just doesn't feel right with your partner? If this is YT you're stuck, but with SBD you can ask a question through the Ask an Instructor series, and not only will I reply, I will physically demonstrate the step for you in videos that are released and archived every month. You can also vote on the dance you would like to see future videos created on, and the type of content you want to see in those videos - we film and upload new ones every month.

I hope ultimately to provide an experience as similar to an in-person lesson as possible, but one that you don't have to leave the house for. I'm not yet entirely sure how much such an experience would be worth to some people, but hopefully it won't be free!