5 Dance Class Etiquette Rules You Might Not Know
Dance class etiquette is one of the first things we learn when we step into a dance studio. I have had many parents of littles come to me before their child starts dancing, worried that they won’t be able to follow directions. Fortunately, that’s what these beginning classes are for: learning how to learn! We are having fun and moving, but the most important skills we work on have nothing to do with the dance steps and everything to do with classroom etiquette.
As we advance in the dance world, the skills we learn as young dancers only become more important. When you arrive at your class properly prepared with a mindset to learn, your teacher can focus on doing what they do best: teaching dance! Instead of focusing their energy on getting the class to stop talking, or leaning on the barre, etc…they can funnel all their energy into making you the absolute best dancer you can be. Sounds like a no-brainer, right?
Ultimately, the discipline and attentiveness you learn during your training will carry over into how you present yourself as a professional dancer. You will become the type of dancer that others know they can count on to be prepared, consistent, and thoughtful - all qualities that are just as important (if not more so!) than your technique.
There are some etiquette tips we learn early on: Arrive to class on time. No chewing gum. Wear proper dress code. Today, I’m going to share with you 5 dance class etiquette rules that you might not know about yet:
Always turn toward the barre when changing sides during ballet class
The reason? In class, the barre is our partner! When we are dancing, we lightly hold onto the barre as if we were holding our partner's hand. When it's time to change sides, we politely turn toward our partner.
Note: This does not apply when the combination dictates you turn away from the barre, such as with a détourné or soutenu. It is simply for switching sides in between combinations!
Never mark your arms
This is one of my pet peeves as an educator. Dancers tend to be overly focused on their legs and feet, often to the detriment of the upper body. While the lower body is incredibly important, the upper body is what tells the audience a story. Without an expressive port de bras, your dancing will fall flat. Plus, when you perform your arms full out you build the brain-body connection necessary to learn combinations and choreography more quickly!
Get in the habit of always doing your arms full out and you will notice a rapid improvement in your coordination, expression, and overall technique!
Don’t make requests to work on specific steps.
I know, this sounds counterintuitive. Doesn't asking to work on certain things show that you are eager to learn and improve? Possibly. But it can make your instructor feel like you don't trust their teaching. Your instructors spend HOURS outside of class planning their syllabus to provide their students with the best possible education. When you make requests, it tells them that you don't have confidence in them.
Typically when I get requests, it is because dancers want to work on something they have seen more advanced students doing that they are not quite ready for. I get that you are anxious to move ahead! But you have to walk before you can run. A great teacher knows exactly what you need to be working on now to get you from point A to B. Trust their expertise!
Apply every correction, even if it’s not specifically being given to you
I see so many dancers tune out when the instructor is giving an individual correction to another student…and it’s such a shame. Every note is an opportunity to improve as a dancer. Just because the correction wasn’t given to you specifically does not mean it doesn’t apply. I’ve had countless lightbulb moments come from taking the time to listen to notes given to my peers. If I had taken that time to zone out I would have missed out on incredibly valuable information.
Our job in class is to be constant learners. The more information you can soak up, the faster you grow.
Allow more advanced dancers to go in the first group
If you ever find yourself in a class with mixed levels or a new environment with which you’re unfamiliar, it’s customary to allow the more advanced dancers to go in the first group. Sometimes when entering a new environment, dancers are told to make their way to the front of the room and go in the first group - basically, make sure they are seen. While this might be sound advice for auditions (although I would argue that there are better ways to stand out), it’s not always appropriate in a classroom setting.
It’s not only more respectful to wait for a later group, it logistically makes sense too. By yielding to the more advanced dancers you are taking advantage of the opportunity to learn from them. Take a step back and time to process so when it’s finally your turn you are not only prepared but inspired as well.
***Exception to this rule: Ladies first! Regardless of level, gentlemen should wait until the last group.
In the end, classroom etiquette boils down to this: being fully present and aware in the moment. I always view my classroom as a reciprocal exchange and work to cultivate mutual respect. The etiquette rules I instill as an educator are not arbitrary - they serve the greater purpose of creating an environment where every single student has the opportunity to grow into the best version of themselves. By being respectful of ourselves, our peers, and our instructors we can spend our time in the classroom fully immersed in the art form of ballet.
Want to geek out even more on this topic? Check out the discussion I had with my colleague Jennifer Milner, founder of Bendy Bodies, all about Dance Class Etiquette!
Meet the Author
Caitlin Sloan is a Dance Educator and Career Mentor based in Madison, WI.
Caitlin received her Bachelor of Arts in Dance from Grand Valley State University and Graduate Certificate in Nonprofit Management from the University of Missouri.
She danced professionally for nine years with companies including Ballet Tucson and Missouri Contemporary Ballet (now Mareck Dance). Caitlin has taught at schools all over the Midwest, most notably serving as Director of The School of Missouri Contemporary Ballet and Youth Company Director for Central Indiana Dance Ensemble. She is currently on faculty at the School of Madison Ballet.
Caitlin founded The Brainy Ballerina® in 2019, a virtual resource providing support and guidance for aspiring ballet dancers. Follow @thebrainyballerina on Instagram for your daily dose of dance career guidance and inspiration.
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