There’s a few unspoken dance class etiquette rules you may not know. Here’s a few tips that we’ve picked up along the way to help you make the most out of attending a dance class.
1. Spaitial Awareness: When taking a dance class it’s important to be aware of your fellow classmates. Never stand directly in front or behind someone (including your teacher). If you keep bumping into people you may need to space yourself out better. Standing in a “window” is the best way to set yourself up in class for room to move and to see the teacher. If you arrive late to class- fill in empty spaces in the back or sides of the room; never walk in front of others dancing to avoid being a distraction or getting injured. The same rule applies if you step out of a run through to grab water or use the restroom, wait until the song is over to reenter the dance floor.
2. Try to avoid standing with your hands on your hips when learning a combo. This is a difficult one, but its an unknown secret that it’s a lot of dance teachers pet peeve. It gives off the wrong vibe; a lack of interest or impaitence or being bored. It’s best to stand in a more neutral position with hands at your sides.
3. Ask questions, respond verbally. There is nothing worse than teaching a class and crickets..no questions, no eye contact, no verbal responses. Your teacher has spent time preparing for class and creating the choreography. It’s important to them that you walk away from class feeling confident with the choreography and your abilities. Ask questions! If the teacher asks a question, give a verbal response, a yes or no, or even a head nod. Strong dancers ask questions and respond to teachers to show they’re truly engaged in class.
4. Apply all feedback as if it applies to you. If a teacher offers a correction or someone in class asks a question about a move-listen! Don’t tune out. You may need to apply this correction to your own dancing. Or you may have a lightbulb moment about technique or choreography.
5. Try to avoid side conversations. It becomes a distraction to your teacher and fellow dancers. We want you to have fun and ask questions, just keep the side conversations to a minimum or save it for after class.