Dancer Friends,
I remember leaning on the barre during a ballet class once, and the yelling that followed after that sticks with me till date. Can you imagine? I mean it wasn't the first time the teacher asked us not to lean on the barre, but what was the violence for? As in, why? ...Turns out there's such a thing as dance class etiquette that clearly no one tells you about - this should be Dance 101 - BUT worry not dancer friends, I've got you. To ensure that you are on top of your etiquette game, here are the basic 4 for 4 dos and don'ts , from my experience. Welcome to post number 4! (Too many 4s around here haha)
Don't lean on the barre. This seemingly harmless posture comes off as rude and uninterested. Instead, when you get tired and need to catch your breathe, simply sit on the floor and if you'd like, go the extra mile by extending your legs and stretch while seated. That is how go from rude and uninterested to dedicated and committed. You're welcome!
Don't ask the teacher what time the class ends. You thought leaning on the barre was rude? This is a spit on the face, no in the eye of the teacher. It basically comes off as "I'm ready to be over and done with this class. It's so boring! How much longer until I'm free of this?" Yeah, we don't want that at all. Now if you genuinely are curious about what time the class ends, find a friend to ask, go to the front desk, check their website, literally do anything else apart from asking the teacher.
Don't chew gum. You will CHOKE and DIE. Plain and simple.
Don't be a self appointed assistant. Correcting and adjusting other students without being asked to is not the great dancer energy you think it is. Everyone's there to learn, so just chill and let the teacher be the teacher. Focus on yourself, dancer friend.
Be present! Theres nothing as sucky as taking a class and having it just pass you by because you were just going through the motions, literally. You are there to learn, so activate not just your body but also your mind. Learn at least 1 new thing.
Be mindful of your space and others! If you are 8 feet tall and are standing in the front, surely...just surely. Have adequate space between you and the dancer next to you. Windows friends, windows! There's no reason to be hitting each other in a studio full of space. Respect the other dancers by lining up like you are supposed to when it comes to across the floor exercises. I've seen enough people cutting lines and it is just disrespectful! Don't do that.
Be open. There's going to be times where you'll learn a new style or a new technique, get a new teacher or a substitute with a different way of teaching, don't complain and block out because of the change. Instead, learn what you can from this new perspective: that's why you came to class after all, isn't it?
Say thank you. In ballet, it's custom to bow (for the gents) and curtsey (for the ladies) at the end of each class as a sign of gratitude to the teacher. I think that's super cool; however, is it necessary even on days where you didn't enjoy the class? The answer is yes! The thank you can be for many different reasons like for the class, or for a lesson learned, for sharing their craft with you, or for simply taking the time to teach you.
These are just a few basics I've gathered so far. Don't get yelled at unnecessarily. You have the 411 now, don't let me down. Go forth and prosper dancer friend!
Keep creating & sharing!
~Your dancer friend
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