Sheltering in place doesn't mean we can't still be active, and technology allows us to get our exercise inspiration from all over the world — or just across the city. Many professional dancers staying at home are going live online and posting videos of classes so you can take a little ballet break from the comfort of your living room (or kitchen or bedroom — you get the idea). The great thing about a basic ballet class is you really don't need any special equipment or clothing. You just need something to hold on to, such as a chair back or countertop, and serve as your barre.

click to enlarge Dance at home with Oklahoma City Ballet
Oklahoma City Ballet / provided
Natalie Matsuura

Today (March 25) at 3 p.m., Oklahoma City Ballet corps de ballet dancer Natalie Matsuura hosts a beginning ballet class geared toward children on Facebook live, and principal dancer Alvin Tostovgray teaches an adult class on Friday. Check out Oklahoma City Ballet's Facebook page for virtual class listings. The classes are for beginners, but most beginning classes are great practice for everyone, no matter their skill level. They are free, but donations are appreciated, as the local company is a nonprofit entity.

Non-local classes

Chun Wai Chan, a principal dancer with Houston Ballet, is hosting classes on his Instagram page. Classes are also posted on his fitness channel on YouTube.

Fan favorites Isabella Boylston and James Whiteside — you might have seen his music video featuring male dancers en pointe — both principal dancers at American Ballet Theatre, host The Cindies Ballet Class on Instagram.  Search for the hashtag #TheCindiesBalletClass. They're raising money for Dancers' Emergency Fund.

Adam Boreland, a dancer at Orlando Ballet, is teaching live on Facebook and saving the videos to his YouTube channel. Boreland also runs the Facebook group Dance Is For Everyone.

Camilla Mancuso, formerly of Hungarian National Ballet, is teaching classes from her home in Rome on her Instagram page.

Kathryn Morgan, a soloist at Miami City Ballet, has a YouTube channel filled with classes (including pointe) and dance-related content.

Bloch EU, a leading dancewear and shoe manufacturer, hosts classes on its Instagram page.

Capezio is also hosting classes on Instagram.

Keep dancing and send your favorite online ballet classes [email protected]!

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