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Dance Studio Etiquette: How to be a better dance student

Doing your upmost to be a better student in class will gain you the respect of your fellow students and your teacher. Not only that, it will also help you to get the most out of your lesson and increase your dancing potential. You deserve to get the most out of your lessons, not simply because you paid good money to be taught dance but also because dancing will make you look and feel much better. Here is a list of advice that will help you become a better student.

Punctuality

Be on time. Try to get to the class at least 5 minutes before it begins. This way you have time to place your bag and coat in the designated area, catch your breath and mentally prepare for the lesson.

If you do not make it to the lesson on time, quietly go to the back of the class, warm up and join the lesson when a new routine or movement is introduced. Even though you are late, make sure that you place your bag and coat in the correct area. Do not put it in front of behind you, not only will this clutter up the studio, it is also dangerous as a fellow student could trip on your belongings.

Attire

Wearing the appropriate clothing is a mark of respect to the studio and your teacher. For certain dances there is a strict dress code but for others this is not so clear. If you are just starting a lesson and you are unsure what the correct attire is, call up the studio ahead of time. They will be happy to advise you on what to wear.

You should remove all jewelry before you begin dance class. This could be dangerous for you and the other students. It has been known for a student to become entangled in another’s necklace.

Do not chew gum. This will restrict your breathing and there is the possibility that you could choke on it when performing a challenging movement. Not only that but it is considered very bad manners when the teacher is describing a dance and all the other students can hear is you chewing.

Your hair is also an important part of your overall attire. You should wear your hair up for all styles of dance. It will keep it out of your face and will cancel out the chances of you whipping someone else in the face when you perform a fast turn.

During the lesson

Give the teacher your full attention. Refrain from conversation until the class has concluded. If conversation takes place in the studio, it should be relevant to the lesson plan.

You should also try to take correction and constructive criticism gracefully. The teacher is not doing this through spite; their advice is only given to try and help you as a dancer. When you are presented with this advice, try not to slouch, sigh or roll your eyes.

If your hair or clothing needs correction, quickly move to the side of the studio to fix the problem. If you stand there and try to fix it, you will be distracting the other students and could be getting in the way of the exercise.

Your fellow students

The advice and friendship of the other students can prove invaluable to your progression as a dancer. Offer kind words of encouragement and if you notice an area that could be improved, offer this advice in a friendly and positive manner. Most people in the studio will be acutely aware of their inadequacies. Imagine what it would be like to receive this advice and say it like you would want to hear it.

If a new student starts the class, offer to be their partner should the opportunity arise. Your teacher will be respect your generous and welcoming nature.

Personal hygiene is also an important consideration to your fellow students. You will be working your body hard and sweating a lot so you should come prepared. Always arrive to the studio fresh and clean.

If you are feeling unwell prior to the lesson you should cancel your appointment. In a closed environment such as a studio, germs can spread very easily. Be considerate of your fellow students and do not go to the lesson if you are feeling unwell.

Most of this list is common sense, but it is important to reiterate these points. Take this information to heart and you will become a better student and as a result, a better dancer.

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