threaded | unthreaded | newest first

First Online Class, FREE demo - available now!

topic posted Sun, November 23, 2008 - 4:32 PM by  Inara 		Share/Save/Bookmark
Advertisement
I know there's another discussion posted as well, but I thought I'd make this the new place for comments and questions about the new online demo class....for those of you not on ANsuya's email list - here is what she had to say this weekend:

This is a cutting edge, state of the art, ground breaking way to be Ansuya's weekly student, as her classes are now available all over the world all at once on her brand new website!

Try the free sample class at www.Ansuya.com to have fun, get fit, and feel sexy right now! This free sample class will be available for a while before we run the weekly classes to give you all a chance to check this out for free and to give us your feedback and comments!

It's so Easy!

These classes are an easy and fun way to learn from Ansuya, instantly, right in your own home! More than just a Bellydance class, Ansuya makes your online experience with her as enjoyable as watching a fun TV show! As your host, Ansuya not only trains you to become the best Bellydancer you can be, she also performs for you, answers your questions, and gives you glimpses into her home and her life behind the scenes! She also highlights guest artists, ranging from fellow Superstars to rising stars - who come on the show to share their moves and performances!

It's so Affordable!

Ansuya created these online classes in part due to the current economic climate. If you need to watch your budget, but don't want to give up Bellydance, than these classes are for you! For the low price of $12.50 per class, you will be paying less than purchasing a DVD and less than paying for a live class. Plus, since you can watch each class as many times as you want while logged on, including pausing, rewinding and fast forwarding, you are getting more than one class for your payment! Even further, since you can enjoy these classes in your own home, you won't have to pay for gas, for parking, and you will save on travel time! If that's not enough, why not invite your friends over, pay once, and share your class and cost with others! Ansuya has never been so available to you at such an incredible value and in such an exciting way! You can't afford not to take advantage of this cutting edge Bellydance training with superstar,
Ansuya!


Try the free sample class at www.Ansuya.com right now!
posted by:
Inara
offline Inara
Florida
20 friends
join to post
Advertisement
Advertisement
  • Dawn
    Dawn
    offline 0

    Re: First Online Class, FREE demo - available now!

    Tue, November 25, 2008 - 8:34 AM
    I have been trying the free class and am really enjoying it but was also hoping we could burn/save it or at least have continuous access to it. The site says no thoughunless I misunderstood, darn it. I also have no place near my computer and am in a cramped corner so the rest of the family can have their puters set up as well lol. I was trying this with my chair pushed away from my desk and it was great fun hehe just not the room needed. Maybe I can snag my hubby's laptop and go to the bedroom.

    All in all I loved everything about the class and I am a complete beginner, I just hope theses stay geared towards the beginners and advanced so we can all enjoy them. Great job Ansuya!
    join to post
  • Inara
    Inara
    offline 20

    Re: First Online Class, FREE demo - available now!

    Tue, November 25, 2008 - 8:51 PM
    It is my understanding that the videos are not intended to be able to be copied/saved. They are for online viewing only.

    Please feel free to continue to let us know what technical problems you're having, as it helps Ansuya with future classes. It is quite a learning process!

    Here are some preliminary tips she gave me, in case it helps anyone who might come across it:

    1. Internet Connection
    We recommend a high speed internet connection such as DSL, Cable, or Satellite.

    2. Operating System
    Windows Vista, XP, 98, or 2000, or Mac OS X version 10.4 or later.

    3. Browser
    Internet Explorer, Firefox , Safari, or Netscape.

    4. Flash Player
    Flash Player 9,0,115,0 or newer. If you are experiencing a blank screen when trying to view our videos then please download for FREE the latest Adobe Flash Player at www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/%0A

    NOTE: If you are using the browser Internet Explorer on Windows you might have trouble installing this player. The quickest way around this is to install the additional browser Firefox. Then, using Firefox as your browser, log back into Ansuya.com, come to this page and download the player!

    Software Update
    We recommend that you also run your Software Updater to make sure that your computer is as up to date as possible.

    Keep the comments coming! :)
    I'll post any more tips/updates as I get them.
    join to post
    • Inara
      Inara
      offline 20

      Re: First Online Class, FREE demo - available now!

      Tue, November 25, 2008 - 8:53 PM
      Oh - also, if you continue to have problems with viewing the class, it is helpful if you give this info:

      Internet speed, processor speed, ram, computer model, operating system, and the name of the browser of the computer you are having trouble with.

      This will help Ansuya Productions in our research to continue improving this service!
      join to post
  • Patr...
    Patricia
    offline 20

    Re: First Online Class, FREE demo - available now!

    Mon, December 1, 2008 - 3:40 PM
    Are you going to keep all the classes available as they are rolled out. So if I want to go back to week 1, I can access that one again?
    join to post
    • Espe...
      Esperanza
      offline 240

      Re: First Online Class, FREE demo - available now!

      Tue, December 2, 2008 - 8:16 PM
      It says you have to pay for the class again once you logout...
      I'd be interested but I want axcess to the classes that I had already viewed and not have to pay again.
      ....in a perfect world
      join to post
      • Rahil
        Rahil
        offline 21

        Re: First Online Class, FREE demo - available now!

        Thu, December 4, 2008 - 10:28 AM
        I watched both classes and quite enjoyed them. My method, watch through once interrupted, watch a second time and take notes, the on the third time, practice the parts/combos that interested me. I just kept the page open and stayed logged in all afternoon so I could go fix lunch for the kids when they came home at break and grab a bite for myself, take calls.
        So if you don't have space by your computer, watch a few times and make really good notes, then go to your practice space and work through the combos. As long as you don't log off, you can watch as many times as you want.
        Really though, if you are taking classes in person, you don't go back to the same class over and over again, it is different every time. You also can't have your class run over and over again for a few hours, and this price is way cheaper than paying $15/class plus gas costs, and you don't have to fly to florida to study with Ansuya.
        Personally, I can hardly wait for the next class to come up! It would be nice to keep them linked on the site so that if you are away or busy you wouldn't miss a week in the series, you could go back to it or be able to do 2 classes in a week.
        join to post
        • dina
          dina
          offline 27

          Re: First Online Class, FREE demo - available now!

          Fri, December 5, 2008 - 11:34 AM
          I agree with what you said for ppl far away it is a great opportunity to learn with Ansuya (like I m living in Europe).

          But seriously, if I pay about as much as I pay for a live class, an online class just does not do because I am not corrected by the teacher.
          If I pay only slightly more for the majority of dvds out there (except for IAMED, but really all other good ones, from WDNY to Cheeky Girls Productions), which I can replay any time I like, it is not worth it for me.

          If I pay this amount, I want to AT LEAST be able to rewatch it any time online.
          Given it is almost as much as a dvd, I d actually prefer being able to download and burn it.


          Just for comparison: WDNY had an offer download our dvds, get them instantly without shipping charges around the world. Sounded great, what was bad as it would be downloadable only to one computer (and had the "dvd rip" disadvantage of not offering chaptering - which i do not care about, but others may).
          The price was the same as for regular dvds, only they were not burnable.
          I have now seen they want to burnable ones.

          I think this shows the idea is great - but if you offer it I personally think a large majority of fans will only jump to it ONLY if AT THE VERY LEAST they have the right to view the purchased classes online as many times as they wish without having to keep the computer running for 2 months, but I d rather think it will get real responses only if the classes are *downloadable* and maybe even burnable.
          The WDNY case supports this notion of mine nicely I believe...

          Anyways a great idea!
          join to post
          • Amy
            Amy
            offline 35

            Re: First Online Class, FREE demo - available now!

            Sat, December 6, 2008 - 2:20 PM
            I have to agree with Dina. Of course, first I want to give Ansuya lots of complements--the first sample class was so fun and well-done. She's so conversational--it's like getting to hang out at her house and learn. Just loved it. And it is such a great idea. But..... it would only be worth it to me if I could download it. It's actually a more expensive (though just slightly) than a lesson in my hometown, but, as I can't stop to ask questions and there's not even room in my office to dance along. So, it wouldn't replace a lesson. But, for the price of a used or short-and-new DVD.... I can understand that it might not be worth her time to allow multiple viewings. Maybe allow for an extra charge to download the lesson after viewing?
            join to post
            • dina
              dina
              offline 27

              Re: First Online Class, FREE demo - available now!

              Sat, December 6, 2008 - 3:52 PM
              Ya this idea sounds like a nice enlargement of the existing business model.
              I must also say I enjoyed both Ansuya s teaching style and content in the sample class (I did not follow along, but just quickly watched part of it to get an idea), and it is a very innovative idea.

              However in the meantime I ll spend my few dollars on the Ansuya dvds I do not already own, and actual live classes - I just feel I get more for my money from both options, personal advice in the one and re-viewability and constant exposure to Ansuya s style and tips in the second.
              join to post
  • Dawn
    Dawn
    offline 0

    Re: First Online Class, FREE demo - available now!

    Tue, December 2, 2008 - 8:44 PM
    I just went through the second class and it was great fun. Ansuya is so cute and fun to work out with lol. The fact that she gears this towards beginners through advanced really helps us beginners keep up and I didn't have to stop and wait for the non beginners section or fast forward to the next section. What a workout for us beginners as well, while we are continuing working on our part and the more advanced work on their part and the building up for us, wow just awsome.

    One thing people should be extremely aware of that I made a huge booboo with is, when you pay make sure to hit the go back to site button once you make the payment, don't wait for the receipt to come to your email then try to get in the class because you can't. I am such a dork because I was so excited to do the second class that I didn't read all directions, lesson to me heh. I paid twice because of my mistake rofl.
    join to post
  • Felicia
    Felicia
    offline 22

    Re: First Online Class, FREE demo - available now!

    Mon, December 8, 2008 - 1:38 PM
    I love it!! I've done both week 1 & 2 and it couldn't have come at a better time. I've had to sit out the winter session of my weekly class because of conflicts with my kids' schedules (i havn't figured out how to be in 2 places at once) but I have been able to supplement my DVD training with this online class. I am very grateful for it and the 12.50 is a fair price. I do wish I could do it as many times as I want within the week but as I have learned I don't always get what I want! IT would be so awesome if some of the other dancers would try this idea as well. Thank you Ansuya for taking your time to do this and share your talent.
    join to post
  • Asyia
    Asyia
    offline 43

    Re: First Online Class, FREE demo - available now!

    Mon, December 22, 2008 - 2:27 PM
    Couple comments:

    1. re-watching the videos:
    I have a little Cannon digital camera that takes video. I use it almost weekly already to watch/critique my own dance. It's fantastic to finish up the online class, then video myself doing the combo's. Then you have the combos forever and you don't have to watch the breakdown over and over.

    2. downloading her videos:
    Although this would be a fantastic option, I totally understand Ansuya for not offering this. Think of how many people would pirate her online classes! and if you don't think people do this, you haven't been to Asia. I was shocked when I was in China and the movie stores sold ONLY bootlegs. They did not have a real DVD in any of the stores!!!

    Also, we're still in the test run for online classes. maybe she'll come out with more new technology.

    3. Getting feedback:
    If you record yourself dancing anything, I bet you could easily give yourself constructive criticism. To learn how to watch yourself on video and give yourself honest feedback about what looks good and what doesn't work is a skill on it's own, that is worth developing. Ansuya gives plenty of technique tips along the way, remember them, write them down, then watch yourself dance and ask if you are really doing that. Also, if you watch your video beside her's, what is she doing better than you? Why? People always thought I was nuts for comparing my dancing with Ansuya and (while it's definately not as good) I've learn so much by doing so.
    join to post
    • dina
      dina
      offline 27

      Re: First Online Class, FREE demo - available now!

      Thu, January 15, 2009 - 9:11 AM
      Recording yourself right when doing the combinations would be a great idea actually.
      or maybe recording the stream or part of it with a digital camera (the part you find most difficult?) also? this quality will not attract any piratage as it is too bad to be sold. but i guess for oneself it s sufficient.

      and yes - feedback from taping oneself is valuable, but I can do that with any other dvd as well :) and then I still got the dvd to rewatch whenever ;)

      pirating and stuff: i did not think of that. It is an argument I understand, yet it s pretty bitter if fans who pay almost as much as for a dvd get no dvd because criminals might exploit it. Like paying someone else s debts :(
      also the bellydance dvd market is not a mass market. Well going bellydance dvds on amazon, the REALLY well doing ones, sell several hundred copies in the first 1 or 2 years. With a few exceptions (glamoured up performance dvds widely available in bookstores) it s not big market at all.
      The mass copied movies ARE directed towards mass markets of hundreds of thousands of sellable copies in different parts of the world.So I doubt there will be so much pirating with simple online classes.

      But sure a point to consider.
      Pretty shocking the shops do not HAVE original copies where you went! was that china? 8-s
      join to post
      • Aziyade
        Aziyade
        offline 141

        Re: First Online Class, FREE demo - available now!

        Thu, January 22, 2009 - 8:38 AM
        You are not going to stop the pirates (especially in other countries) just by making this video non-downloadable to the paying user. A quick search on google gives me dozens of results of how to rip this kind of video to my desktop.

        Torrent and p2p sites often post Hollywood movies on the internet about a day after they open in the theater. There are full copies of MANY instructional dvds on torrent networks. People who are too lazy to PAY for a dvd are never too lazy to hunt down a stolen one. This isn't going to change no matter how much "copy protection" is out there.

        All this kind of "security" is going to do is drive away PAYING customers who want full use of what they bought. I would LOVE to study with Ansuya again, but my computer is nowhere near my dance area, and I'm not going to pay even $5 for something I can basically only watch once.

        As for feedback from taping oneself -- for more advanced dancers, I would definitely recommend this, as I do it myself and find it very useful. But for beginner-intermediate dancers, well you don't know what you don't know. This level of student doesn't know how to correct what they're doing wrong, and many times they won't even KNOW they're doing it wrong. Online and video lessons are Super as a SUPPLEMENT to a live instructor, but only as a supplement.
        join to post

Recent topics in "Ansuya"

Topic Author Replies Last Post
Ansuya's Bellydance Studio Opening Soon! Ansuya 10 November 24, 2009
Drum Workshop Was Awesome! Kaleena 1 October 18, 2009
L.A. workshops Fearless Leader 0 August 27, 2009
Online classes Fearless Leader 3 July 26, 2009