With COVID still making life uncertain in the fitness industry, have you considered an Omnichannel approach? We chat to Dance with KTO about her Omnichannel experiences - we think it’ll definitely pique your curiosity to give it a try!
Omnichannel is a new buzzword floating around in the wake of fitness venues reopening across the UK, and it’s becoming clear that expanding on your fitness offering by doing omnichannel delivery is a win-win situation!
What is Omnichannel?
Not sure what Omnichannel is? It’s when an instructor hosts an in-person class at a venue whilst also live streaming the class to those at home.
And why is it such a good idea? You’re adapting to the different ways that people like to move in this strange new world we’re living in.
It’s a case of evolving and adapting to the needs of your customers. Whether they’re confident to return and move with you in-person, or are still cautious about returning and prefer to work out at home, you’re offering them the different options to ensure they continue working out with you. Now is not the time to be losing customers!
Dance with KTO: Making Omnichannel work & reaping the benefits!
We chat to Dance with KTO about her Omnichannel experiences and why it’s suiting her so well. Pop your dancing shoes on and take a read about how she’s finding her new style of teaching...
First of all, tell us a bit about yourself. Who are you & what do you do? And why do you do, what you do?!
I’m Katie O’Halloran, known in the dance and fitness world as “KTO”!
I’m a dance fitness instructor, dance artist, choreographer, performer and entertainment / party host with more than 20 years dance experience and over 15 years teaching experience. My classes are stress-busting, fun, energetic and nothing too crazy to follow. I’m also a bit silly and enjoy humour in my classes! You're guaranteed fun in my classes.
"I LOVE what I do and how much joy my dance family receives from my classes."
I’ve done many dance projects and ventures over the years but knowing I get to dance with my participants regularly makes me very happy, especially being online and dancing from anywhere in the world!
How has it been since reopening?
It’s been good! Having the face-to-face element in the studio is wonderful of course - you get to interact on a more personal level.
But the beauty of live streaming while teaching face-to-face (i.e. ‘omnichannel’) is that it gives my streaming participants the feeling that they are there and involved too! The sense of community is still there which is fantastic.
I’ve kept a lot of classes online as they've been so successful and taken my choreography classes back to being face-to-face in the studio. But again these are still live streamed, so no-one misses the opportunity to dance!
What measures and precautions did you take to create a safe but fun environment?
Safety is a big priority with me for the in-person workouts. Measurement layout grids have been set on the floor so my participants are in their own safe area. We also run risk assessments and generally keep up-to-date with the government rules and regulations.
Despite all the changes in this new normal, the in-person class's atmosphere is still fun, energetic and there are lots of happy clients!
How have your customers reacted?
They are extremely supportive and go with the flow. They really like the fact I have online dance fitness classes and also livestream my choreography sessions from the studio. Omnichannel hasn't deterred either my streaming participants or those who dance with me in-person.
What’s the atmosphere like now compared to how it was pre-lockdown?
Honestly, it’s better! Dance is very powerful. It enables us to let go, be ourselves and enjoy the moment, whether in the comfort of your own home or in a dance studio. I'm just beyond happy that I'm able to satisfy all of my participants, no matter how they want to workout.
Tell us why you wanted to start giving ‘omnichannel’ classes?
Online was the only option once lockdown hit and I wasn’t going to give up on everyone!
My goal was to keep them going, keep them dancing, fit and happy. Now having the option to teach online and face-to-face in the studio is a blessing.
The amazing thing about live streaming is that I’m connecting with people from all over the world. Some of my participants have gone abroad and taken my class whilst they’re away which makes me so happy to know they don't want to miss a class!
How would you describe the experience to someone who hasn’t done it before?
It is not as daunting as you build it up in your own mind, HONEST! You'll never know if it can work for you unless you try it out.
My slogan is “No Judgement, No Ego, Just Dance” - because that's what we are doing, dancing, having fun and enjoying being in that moment, no matter if you're with me in the studio or bopping at home!
What have you learned from omnichannel classes that you didn’t know before?
That the opportunity was always there but sometimes you don't try something until you're thrown in the deep end! I am thankful for taking the dive as it's working really well!
What is your top tip for an instructor considering starting giving omnichannel experiences?
Just try it! Speak to other instructors for advice on what has worked for them, and test it out on friends to make sure you know the best way to run the omnichannel experience.
It opens the door to an opportunity to connect with so many new people. You won’t regret it!
Thanks so much KTO! We'll definitely be joining in your workouts - that energy is incredible! More interviews with top people in the fitness industry coming soon...
- Find out more about KTO on her website.
- Check-out KTO's live streaming classes on MoveGB!
