While the world has been in lockdown, you might have been thinking it’s a sad time to be a dancer. You may be mistaken. Although we can’t go to dance school or rehearse in groups as we regularly would, it’s still a great time to throw on your dancewear and get moving. Many people are using this time to explore their skills and start online dance profiles.

Some dance groups have adapted to being apart and coordinated on large, choreographed projects. Others have taken to dancing on roofs, at work and in the streets to keep everyone’s spirits up during this uncertain time.

Here are some of the coolest viral dance performances we’ve seen come out of quarantine.

Dancing in Isolation

The National Ballet of Canada put together this beautiful compilation of Canadian dance students dancing in isolation. The level of control these dancers have over their bodies is truly astounding to watch and sets their contributions apart from some of the more comedic dances we’ve found online.

Related: Should You Become a Professional Dancer?

The Blinding Lights Challenge

This dance craze began on March 3rd, when TikTok user @gregdahl7 put up a video of three people doing a fast-paced, choreographed dance to The Weeknd’s Blinding Lights. This post blew up and a dance challenge was born. As the days and weeks passed, other groups of people started copying the dance on TikTok to hilarious results.

Club Mob’s Biggest Ever Flash Mob

London-based Club Mob describe themselves as the original surprise act. They do bespoke flash mobs and have gained a strong following online. During lockdown they did their biggest ever flash mob, dancing solo but together and instructing their followers on how to get involved. Some danced inside, some in their backyards, in jeans, in dancewear, all in different locations but all in sync. They taught the moves to their followers in the hopes of performing a massive flash mob when it’s safe to do so.

Ballet Connecting Dancers

The Dutch National Ballet performed a surprisingly moving dance from their various homes. It’s a mark of professionalism how well choreographed the piece is despite the dancers not being able to rehearse together in a studio. Their aim was to offer, “Hope, distraction, support and comfort,” and urged people to stay home but keep dancing. We echo these sentiments here in Canada. If it’s not safe, stay home; but if you have to stay home, keep on dancing!

Robbie Fairchild’s Roof Series

View here.

American dancer Robbie Fairchild celebrated music and dance in isolation by doing a series of pieces on his roof in New York. This featured no dancewear, or studio, or stage. The series is just a man (and sometimes his friends) moving on a rooftop to keep up with his craft and entertain his fans.

Alexander Whitley’s Digital Body

View here.

Alexander Whitley’s series of mind-bending visuals is oddly emotive. While unable to dance with his regular players, Whitley set out to form a new community. This is an online collaboration, sharing dance through stunning imagery created with a mix of choreography and motion capture. Although it’s a futuristic aesthetic, seeing the human being shine through their use of dance is quite beautiful.

Family Lockdown Boogie

Lastly, this dancing family is pure fun. “We can’t get on each other’s nerves if we’re dancing constantly.” This group’s catchy lyrics are as impressive as their hilarious choreography. If your fam wouldn’t dream of dancing alongside you, getting an insight into this creative unit’s homelife may make you a little bit jealous.

Stay inspired while in lockdown; it will end. If you’re struggling to smile, just start dancing! These weird and wonderful performers show just how infectious a dancer’s joy is.