Everyone wants to be an A+ dance student, but before you become the apple of your dance teacher’s eye, there are a few simple rules of etiquette every dancer should take to heart:
Review 15 important classroom rules you should be following!
- Always arrive on time. If you are late, enter through the door quietly and wait for your teacher to invite you to join the class. After class, be sure to apologize for your late arrival.
- Dress Appropriately and always come prepared in proper dress code. This includes hair style. Come with hair properly secured for the style of dance you’re taking.
- Go jewelry-free. Obtrusive jewelry is potentially dangerous to you and others and is not allowed in dance class.
- Don’t wear dance shoes outside the studio and don’t wear street shoes on studio floors.
- Dancers should practice good hygiene. Come to class with fresh deodorant on, clean dancewear, and brushed teeth/freshened breath.
- Listen first then ask questions. That means no talking while teachers are talking. Not even quietly to your neighbor.
- Don’t “hang” or slouch on the barre or on anything else.
- Be attentive at all times, especially when waiting for your turn. Be aware of negative body language (like folded arms or hands on hips). Never sit down unless you are asked to.
- Stay for the entire class. If you must leave early, talk to the teacher beforehand and make your exit as quick and discreet as possible.
- Don’t leave the classroom. Stay in the studio for the entirety of class—no ins-and-outs. Bring any supplies or additional shoes you’ll need when you arrive for class. NO BATHROOM BREAKS! Go before, in-between, or after class.
- Demonstrate appropriate spatial awareness. This includes giving the instructor space, as well as your peers.
- Stow away the cell phone. We should not see or hear them!
- Don’t film or take pictures in class. Always ask your dance teacher’s permission before recording or photographing any portion of your dance class.
- Try your best. You are here to learn, to make mistakes, to push your limits. Never walk out of a class or sit down in frustration—hang in there and try your best, no one will fault you for that.
- Be courteous and respectful. At the end of class, applaud and thank the instructor.
May you be proud the work you do, the person you are and the difference you make!