The owner of a dance academy in Kent is offering free online classes every day during the coronavirus crisis.

Belle Fisher, of Xtreme Dance Academy, which has schools in Sittingbourne and Whitstable, was forced to shut her doors to keep her students safe from the spread of the virus, also known as Covid-19.

But to help keep them – and others – active, the 21-year-old is creating routines from her home in Herne Bay and posting them online for anyone to follow.

She said: "Now that dance schools are closed and children aren't getting access to dance and physical activities, and at a time when people are losing their jobs, I've decided to put all my dance classes online for free – anyone and everyone can get involved.

"They're all dance-based classes. There are videos for children, adult dance fitness and basic steps for the elderly to do as well."

The online classes are from 45 minutes to an hour and they feature Belle as well as guest dance teachers, where possible.

"I started posting the videos online last Tuesday and I've had one guest teacher join me already, and this week I have two or three," Belle said.

"It's always been something I've wanted to do, but I've never got round to doing it. But when things started getting worse with the coronavirus, I decided to just do it.

"I think at this time, when everyone's at home, it's a really good thing for people to do to keep fit and active – especially children, who aren't able to be at school. It's like a good, fun PE lesson as well."

Belle, who has been dancing since she was 10 and has worked with artists including Little Mix and rapper Donae'o, added: "There are new videos going online every day and, each day, I post who the video is going to be for and aimed at, but my classes start for those aged two and up.

"It's all based around street dance and there are lots of different styles.

"There are routines to house music, general hip hop and chart music, as well as 'old school' classics for adults."

The first online class Belle posted has almost reached 5,000 views.

"The feedback I've so far received has been amazing," she said.

"I just want to do something for the community and to help people during this time of uncertainty.

"A lot of people are not going to be working, so that's the whole point of doing it for free, and it's important to keep active and have some fun."

The videos can be accessed via the 'Coronavirus-19 Free Online Dance Classes' Facebook page or from Belle's Youtube channel.

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