Class Etiquette

Hey everyone,

I don’t think it hurts to be periodically reminded about etiquette for ballet classes. There are unwritten rules that can be deal breakers without you even knowing it. Unless these rules are passed down from generation to generation in our dance world, we just can’t blame the younger generation dancers for their ignorance. Parameters and boundaries always need to be instilled and it is up to us to pass this knowledge on.

So, here are some tips that I have learned over the years of being a younger dancer, a professional dancer, a teacher and a director:

1. If there is more than one group of an exercise in the centre of open class, always be ready to go in the next group, it’s very annoying to have to stop the music whether it be live accompaniment or not, as it stops the natural flow of class.

2. Enjoy yourself and thank the teacher after class.

3. Regard your fellow dancer’s personal space.

4. Be punctual, and not just punctual, be early. If you are late to class, go directly to the teacher to apologise then take your place at the barre without disrupting the other dancers.

5. Do the set exercises and respect that the teacher has taken time to prepare the class.

6. Do not walk in front of the view of the teacher directing the class.

7. Check your emotional baggage or mood at the studio door.

8. Always let the teacher know of any existing injuries, but then take responsibility for your own physical limitations, because the teacher has a lot of other things to focus on.

9. Do not ask unnecessary questions that waste valuable class time.

10. Ensure you are groomed well, hair is secure, leotard stays in place, no jewellery, ribbons are secure and laces are tucked.

11. Accept corrections courteously, try not to stop dancing, simply politely acknowledge the correction and if need be, ask the teacher after class if you don’t understand.

12. Move promptly into the centre.

13. Be prepared to be present for the full duration of class, without having to excuse yourself to go the bathroom (unnecessarily).

14. Warm up thoroughly, class is not a warm up.

15. If you absolutely must leave class early, you should inform the teacher prior to the class, then excuse yourself with a reverence and leave quietly.

16. No gum, no mobile phones, no folded arms, no leaning on the barre, no yawning, no talking and no sitting down!

17. Prepare yourself mentally, by going over your previous corrections or any new material.

18. Always have your pointe shoes with you in class.

19. Do not stand in front of the pianist.

20. Listen to everyone’s corrections and attempt to apply them.