Imagine setting up your equipment like a palindrome—creating a flow in the setup and breakdown. Handle your setup and breakdown yourself. Politely decline offers of help, not out of rudeness, but to maintain the order you've established. Every piece of equipment and cable should be accounted for, streamlining your process and building a reputation for ease and reliability.
Setting up for a dance class combines practicality and respect for the space. Embrace minimalism—bring only what you need to focus entirely on the class, without unnecessary distractions. TV trays are a quirky but incredibly useful piece of my rig. Their perfect height and portability make them ideal for holding your gear. Unlike cumbersome tables, TV trays are just right and fold up neatly for easy transportation.
Where you setup is usually pretty set from studio to studio. It’s good to setup in that spot, unless there is something the teacher needs musically and you can only provide that from another place in the room. Since I switch between piano and laptop frequently, I setup everything as tight as I can around me, while still having enough comfort to play and see the teacher. Try to position your speaker close to you and angled to provide the best possible listening experience for the class.
A power strip is essential, but keep it simple. Avoid massive power strips with ten outlets; instead, opt for a smaller, manageable power strip and a 20-foot extension cord. This prepares you for any studio setup, no matter how unconventional. Running everything off the same power strip is crucial. It simplifies your setup and ensures all your equipment is grounded the same way, reducing the risk of electrical issues. Many studios have questionable wiring, and you don't want a power surge frying your gear. Protect your equipment like you would any other instrument, with care.
Being familiar with your setup inside and out means you can troubleshoot on the fly. Always have a backup plan for every piece of equipment. If a cable fails or a power source is too far, being prepared for these scenarios means you can handle them seamlessly, maintaining the class flow. Respect the rhythm of setup and breakdown. Practice it like you would scales or rhythms. This speeds up the process and ensures nothing is forgotten or misplaced, creating a seamless routine.
Setting up for a dance class is about more than just plugging in equipment. It's about creating an environment where you and the class can thrive. By being meticulous in preparation, self-reliant in setup, and mindful of the space and dancers' needs, you lay the foundation for a seamless, enjoyable experience for everyone involved.