Home workouts are a great way to keep the endorphins flowing and muscles pumping while the gyms are shut, but for a real mood-lifter, why not bust a move or two? Here are a few virtual ways to join the rhythm nation, as revealed by the dance captains themselves

As told to Tim Heap

IG LIVE DANCE PARTIES.

Mark Kanemura @mkik808

“We wrap it up with a full-on party with wigs, fans, Pride flags and lots of confetti”

LEIGH KEILY

What are IG Live Dance Parties?

I have been wanting to connect and engage with my followers like this for a while. When social distancing started, I wanted to find a way to keep myself and others connected and uplifted during these difficult and challenging times, and Instagram made perfect sense as I already have a following. I have been a professional dancer and dance teacher for many years, so doing something like this feels natural.

What’s the deal?

I usually start with a warm-up just to get our hearts pumping and our bodies moving. After that, we go right into two or three different routines. I try to choreograph them so anyone can follow it. At the end, we wrap it up with a full-on party that usually involves wigs, fans, Pride flags and lots of confetti. Each party usually lasts about 20-30 minutes, and I am usually dripping with sweat by the end.

What’s the response been like?

Really wonderful - we’ve had up to 15,000 viewers join in. I love how it has been helping people physically, emotionally, and mentally! It empowers and liberates people and helps them to feel less alone during these times. I get so many videos after the dance parties of people of all different ages and backgrounds from all over the world dancing along in costumes and wigs, and watching them and hosting the dance parties has been such a light for me through all of this.