Our Dancer's Handbook

DANCEWEAR
When you go to dance class, you should always wear clothes so the teacher can easily see the your muscles and the way you are moving. This also assures that muscles are kept warm to avoid injury. This is part of a dancer's discipline. You must look like a dancer to feel like a dancer. I will be very strict on this point.

There IS a Dress Code :

Ballet - black leotard, pink tights, pink leather or canvas ballet slippers (Split sole for Intermediate & Advanced students)

Tap - Black leotard, pink tights, black tap shoes

Jazz - Black leotard, jazz pants are permitted, black or tan jazz shoes

Boys - White t-shirt, black tights/jazz or sweat pants & appropriate shoes You may wear leg warmers, a tasteful wrap skirt, and a wrap sweater at the beginning of class and take them off as soon as you are warm.

HAIR UP!!! All dancers are REQUIRED to have their hair secured off their face & neck.

Dancers MUST wear a cover-up when coming to & from class such as a coat, pants, or skirt. Please put your child's name in EVERYTHING they wear or bring to class. You would be appalled by what gets left behind.

 

Dance Room Etiquette
Classroom etiquette is a very important part of the dance learning environment. Show the teacher and students the same respect you give at your regular school. Simple things like the tips below will help class go faster and you will be able to move onto more advanced things quicker.

Be on time. It is very distracting to the teacher and other dancers if someone walks in late. You also won't have time to warm up properly. This means at least 10 minutes early to allow time for warm up. It is not safe to run in & immediately begin dancing. Most injuries occur because of an inadequate warm up.

Space yourself so that other dancemates can see themselves in the mirror too.

Always be aware of who is around you. Allow plenty of space to control your movements.

If you are waiting to do a combination across the floor, be ready to begin your count. Know your cue. Once you've completed the exercise across the floor, move out of the way of other dancers.

Don't always dance next to the same dancer or use the same spot at the barre / in the center. Challenge yourself: sometimes stand next to someone who is more advanced.

No chewing gum in class.

If you accidentally cut off, hit or bump another dancer, excuse yourself with a nod and smile

If you have to leave early for any reason, tell the teacher before class so that your exit can be subtle.

Be quiet and do not talk in between combinations. Be attentive when your teacher explains exercises.

Do not dance around the room while another group is dancing. This is very distracting both to the teacher and the dancers. Wait your turn patiently and go over the steps so you don't make any mistakes when you get out there and dance.