Dance is based on ideals of respect and centered on age-old traditions and codes of conduct that are kept alive in dance classes today and known as “Dance Class Etiquette”. Not only Dance Class Etiquette is commonly accepted as a sign of respect towards the teacher, the other students and the art form of dance, but it is necessary in order to develop dance technique and progress through all the movements, steps and combinations that make up a full class. Nevertheless, despite their importance, these codes of conduct are rarely taught in combination with the strict set of exercises given throughout the class.

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We at DanzArt strongly believe that the dance class should be regarded as a ritual to be treasured and undertaken by students with the same demeanor in which professional dancers approach dancing in front of an audience. We also believe that observing these bits of tradition and etiquette helps the instructor stay on his or her preferred task and provides an atmosphere that encourages deeper learning.

    With this objective in mind, DanzArt Team would like to share with you this Dance Class Etiquette that can also be applied off the dance classroom.

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Let’s further the art of dance together… Let´s make the best dance experience possible…

Let´s create the best version of us!

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DanzArt Studio is a friendly, welcoming, rudeness/judgment-free environment. Our philosophy is to make EVERYONE feel warm and welcome and experience the joy and camaraderie of dance when entering our studio. To make this possible we kindly invite our dear members and visitors to keep in mind the following

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DANCE CLASS ETIQUETTE

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• Politeness costs nothing, and yet it is a very valuable possession; it is the flower of humanity. Feel free to use these basic polite rules when entering and exiting the studio: A  SMiLE,  HELLO, PLEASE, THANK YOU,  GOOD BYE, SORRY.

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• Good manners and kindness are free and they reflect a sense of consideration for others and respect for self. Be respectful and considerate of instructors and fellow dancers.

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• Try to arrive on time. Barre or warm-up exercises are designed to prepare the body slowly and safely. A student who misses the initial exercises – e.g. pliés and tendus - risks injury by joining the class work when more strenuous exercises are being performed.

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• if you are tardy, enter as quickly and discreetly as possible. Avoid entering in the middle of an exercise as it distracts the instructor and your fellow dancers. Wait until the combination is over or the music stops to enter and find an easily accessible place to warm up or participate. Do not place yourself somewhere that makes it harder for someone who arrived on time to work properly and effectively.

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• A good dance class has a quietly courteous atmosphere. it's a time to concentrate on the teacher and on your own body to improve skills. In class give complete attention to your instructor and keep talking, gossiping and giggling to a minimum as it can be interpreted as disrespectful and disturb or intimidate your fellow dancers.  Let your movements do the talking and make the message beautiful.

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• it is customary to briefly inform the instructor of any injuries that prevent you from doing a specific movement.

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• Avoid eating or gum chewing in class.  

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• Avoid walking out of a class or sitting down because it’s too hard or you feel frustrated. This is considered rude and can be distracting. If you must walk out of the studio or leave early, talk to the instructor beforehand and make your exit as quick and discreet as possible.

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• Be ready to start. Specifically regarding ballet, it is the student’s responsibility to be in our traditional starting position (bras bas) before the music starts. This gives the student a moment to think about the combination and technique. Do not make the teacher and the rest of the class wait for you to get ready as this wastes precious class time.

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• Hold your placement throughout the class and allow your body the necessary time to rehearse its best alignment. Instructors format class to help your body warm up and align in a particular sequence. Slumping between the barre or center floor exercises will undo much of the progress you make during class time. 

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• Body language is extremely important in any dance class. Dance teachers are constantly ‘reading’ students’ bodies in order to give them specific instruction. if you are standing there with your arms crossed, slumping, leaning against the barre or sitting, the teacher will think you are bored or surly or uninterested. if your teacher can stand on his or her legs for the duration of the class, so must you. if your teacher can hide his or her fatigue, so must you.

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• Try to spend attention to every tiniest thing the teacher says. Corrections others get can also be useful for your improvement.

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• No matter what else you do, do not let your teacher see you yawn in class. it is considered to be extremely rude. We all know that in reality it is an oxygen thing, but to yawn while your teachers are showing, correcting or explaining sends out the worst message of all.

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• Be attentive at all times, especially when waiting for your turn. if you take turns to do steps, don't talk, hang on the barre or sit down in between the combinations. Pay attention when the other class members are doing their steps.

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• Take corrections with a positive mindset. individual corrections are positive attention from your teacher and are a part of learning. The only way to improve your dance skills is to be corrected. No matter how frustrated you may become, a simple ‘thank-you’ when the correction is given is always appreciated. Accept corrections with grace and a smile and try to apply the correction immediately so the instructor can give you additional guidance. 

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• Develop spatial awareness and demonstrate it. Learning how to dance within a certain confined amount of space is just as important as learning how to point your feet, lift your legs, and develop a floating sense in your port de bras.

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• In the center or across-the-floor work, when a combination is over, it is proper to run forward, first, and to the side, second, as fast as possible to allow the next group of dancers to run into place. This will help you avoid collisions and keep the class flowing.

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• “i CAN´T” is not in your vocabulary. Regular class attendance and practice is the only way to improve your dance skills. it is not supposed to be easy.  Classes and instructions are intended to challenge you.  it is okay to mess up.  it is not okay to give up. 

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• Don't look at the clock. When you look at the clock, you're communicating to the teacher that you're tired of class and ready for it to be over. Even if that isn't how you are feeling, that's how it translates. Stay engaged the whole class.

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• Applaud for demonstrators and encourage others in class. if you see someone do something brilliant in class, tell them! if you love your teacher's choreography, express that! Class shouldn't be a space filled with negative energy. Communicate the moments that you're genuinely inspired by others. You'll make everyone's day brighter, and that positivity will come back around to you.

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• Absolutely no teaching your fellow dancers! if they have questions, encourage them to ask the teacher – that’s what he/she is there for, after all.

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• Acknowledge the teacher following révérence by applauding as a group before your departure from the classroom. Clapping after class is a show of respect for the guidance of the teacher.

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• Practice as if you are performing for an audience every time.

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Stay humble and be kind and encouraging to your fellow dancers. Try to think what you can do to make the experience a better one for you and the other students in class.