Performing arts classes go online

Performing arts are highly expressive and require proper engagement from both the teacher and students' sides. Ensuring effective question-answer sessions, observing students' efforts while understanding students' practicalities and limitations, correcting them through proper interaction, making and abiding a well-curated routine, and providing extensive materials to improve their art--these interpersonal elements are proving to be a challenge as the classes shift online.

Internet outreach is making it possible for people living in different parts of the country to attend classes remotely, which is making it an eye-opening option even for those who--prior to the lockdown--did not have access to in-person classes. Nonetheless, problems persist.

Hridvika Paul, a student at the University of Dhaka, mentions that she is thoroughly enjoying the new method of receiving guidance and instruction online, except the constant network interruption that came along with the new format of remote learning--which is proving to be a hiccup for many students while taking classes online.

Guruji Sanjib Dey, a performing arts teacher, acknowledged that there are benefits of the traditional classes, but he shared his positive perspective on this "new normal" as to him, considering the coronavirus reality, shifting to online learning seems to be the best option out there.

For many, online classes come with additional mental turmoil as they find it harder to adapt to the digital shift.

"I feel like a lot has changed in terms of learning Classical Music online for the past 5 months. Even though I no longer need to waste 2 or 3 hours on the road to go to the teacher's place, I am finding this whole process of online learning to be emotionally very draining. Classical music is what we term as "Guru-Mukhi Bidya". So, even though earlier we used to listen to what sir was teaching and then we would sing individually on which sir would give advice or one-on-one feedback to help us improvise, now, that impromptu improvisation does not happen that much. I would love to go back to the previous system as this whole online process is not good for mental health; be it for music or any other form of art," says Moumita Haque Shenjutee, a student at the University of Dhaka and an enlisted artist of the Bangladesh Television.

Learning is not confined to a four-wall classroom anymore. The teachers, as well as the students, are trying to make use of what is already available to them or whatever they have access to, in the hope of keeping visual and performance arts classes going.

Every form of art has evolved greatly over time, and for the time being, the method for learning art has also changed aligning itself with the "new normal".