Tips on Producing a Virtual Swing Lesson and Dance from LindyGroove
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Around the world, scenes have been looking for ways to keep their dances and classes going, despite coronavirus quarantines and lockdowns. I was really inspired by how LindyGroove in Southern California has been producing their weekly swing virtual gatherings. They have a dance lesson, games, birthday shout-outs, give-aways and more to keep the energy positive and fun for the participants.
I checked in with Brett Dahlenburg, who has been technically producing the LindyGroove online events. Brett is a veteran of live video production, streaming, along with his partner Rachel, such events as ILHC, Camp Hollywood, Lindy Focus, Lindyfest, California Balboa Classic, among others. So we thought he was the perfect person to offer some advice for dance organizers out there on how to bring their events online.
CREDIT: Irina Mechtaet
Q: What technology do you use to produce a virtual swing lesson and dance?
I use a variety of tools. Software tools include Zoom, for our staff and teachers to join from the safety of their homes and Facebook Live as the delivery destination, which we chose for its real time social capabilities and quick access to our target audience.
On the hardware side, I had to get creative with the technology I have on hand. I use one MacBook Pro to “host” the Zoom meeting and switch between speaker modes and the grid view. I then run an HDMI output from that laptop into a Blackmagic ATEM Mini HDMI switching device which gives me the ability to add transitions, graphics, and play out full resolution videos. The ATEM is connected to a second MacBook Pro and I use the OBS to compress and send the video directly to Facebook Live. Both laptops are on hardline ethernet connections to my router with Spectrum high speed internet. Fast internet and no Wifi lag are key to making this work.
Q: What roles do you have in your team to produce this event?
I handle pretty much anything technical. Lance Powell is my main contact on the LindyGroove side. I speak with him a few times a week to discuss what he envisions for the upcoming broadcast and what we are capable of doing from a technology perspective, but Lance is always looking for feedback on what we (me and my wife Rachel) think works from a creative perspective. Lance also enlists the help of various teachers, DJs, bandleaders, and other LindyGroove staff for advice, and often to participate in the stream as well.
Q: Are there relevant costs that people should take into account?
Zoom has a fully featured free version, but we opted to pay the $15 a month for a “pro” version. With the exception of ethernet cables, I already had all the gear on hand, however, that will not be the case with most people and unfortunately it is very difficult to source gear right now. However, if you don’t need graphics and transitions and are fine with Zoom screen sharing capabilities, you don’t really need any equipment. Zoom allows some accounts to stream directly to Facebook Live or similar services (I haven’t personally tested this).
Q: How much time does it take to plan and execute this weekly event?
I can’t speak for everyone, but for me personally I spend 6-10 hours a week depending on how many changes we are making from the previous week. This includes the broadcast itself. We are only three weeks in, however, and I expect the time commitment to come down as we settle on a style and best practices.
Q: What are some things that you’ve learned about producing a virtual swing dance to make it work smoothly?
Zoom is a great tool for meeting up with people on the internet. But our goal is really more to put on a “show” for lack of a better word. We are trying to produce something for people to watch and enjoy and to try at home. Something that can be watched and enjoyed by watching over again and in the future. Because of this, Zoom is far from a perfect tool for our purposes. It is not designed for production.
Unfortunately, there aren’t a lot of affordable solutions out there, but I hope to be testing some in the future. At the same time, our audience doesn’t seem to be very picky, so maybe it’s best to just go with what works.
It’s also been interesting to see how viewership ebbs and flows during a broadcast. What does it mean? If we lose half our viewership halfway through is it because we are being boring? Or is it just because it’s after midnight on the east coast? Or are our broadcasts too long? No way to know for sure, but we are constantly trying to interpret the data Facebook provides to (hopefully) improve the next broadcast.
Q: What kind of feedback have you gotten so far from the LindyGroove community?
Feedback has been incredibly positive. Our fans seem to really appreciate the content we are providing and long time LindyGroove attendees appreciate that we are trying to achieve a digital version of the in person LindyGroove experience.
One typical response: “Y’all rock. It was so much fun tonight! You really brightened this dark and gloomy day. Thank you. 😽”
Thanks, Brett for agreeing to share your insights with the lindy hop world. Brett wanted to remind folks to support their local dance and studios at this time, who are all hurting. If you would like to support LindyGroove, you can venmo @Staci-Miyagishima (the LindyGroove door person) or PayPal: dance@lindygroove.com.
Still have questions?
Check out this great blog post by Pauldances, where he shares what he has learned about streaming swing dances, including different technology options, monetizing your work, and community management.
There’s a Facebook group called Streaming Swing Dance and Music where you will find out about online swing events around the world.
Have you been bringing your classes, dances, and concerts online? How has it been going? Any tips for others out there? Let us know in the comments.
