Manners for Dancers
Dancers show respect for themselves by:
- being prompt for class;
- being dressed properly for class in assigned color leotard, without underwear under leotards, without jewelry other than small earrings, and with shoe strings either tucked in or tied in a knot and cut off;
- having their hair up off the neck- buns for ballet follow levels and requirements sheet for other classes. For shorter hair, pulled back from the face with a headband or clips.
Dancers show respect for others by:
- keeping their hands to themselves during class;
- waiting quietly for others to have a turn and for instructions from the teacher;
- waiting until the music is finished before entering the classroom if they are late to class;
- talking with one another only during “share time” for ages 3-5, and only when instructed by the instructor for ages 6 and up;
- never laughing, teasing or being negative toward another dancer.
Dancers show respect for their teacher and the art form they are learning by:
- being properly dressed and ready for class on time;
- listening when the teacher speaks;
- always standing in a “proper dance stance” while listening to the teacher give combinations or corrections;
- being prepared for their turn;
- always asking before leaving the room for any reason and upon returning enter quietly and go around the back of the room, never through the dancers who are dancing;
- always finishing every exercise, never walking off noisily or showing anger or aggravation.
Dancers show respect for the studio by:
- leaving gum, food or drinks outside of the building;
- never hanging or leaning on the barres;
- never running or doing gymnastics in the studio lobby;
- putting trash in its proper place;
- putting away books and magazines when finished with them;
- always keeping all belongings zipped inside their dance bag;
- not wearing street shoes in the studio.
Parents show respect for the dance class, teacher and studio by:
- knocking before entering the classroom if class is in progress;
- making every effort to stand away from the viewing windows if it becomes obvious that the students are being distracted;
- not letting children stand and hit the viewing windows or doors;
- making sure the child has the opportunity to go to the restroom prior to coming to class;
- having students ready for class before entering the classroom;
- letting us know in advance if possible if a student will be absent;
- clearly marking all of their child’s items with a child’s name and leaving toys at home;
- teaching children to sit quietly and read while waiting, remembering that the waiting area is also a homework area for many dancers;
- teaching children to never run or scream in the studio, waiting areas or parking lot;
- not bringing your child to class if you will be more than five minutes late;
- picking your child up on time.
Page designed by Laura Ward Moran, Director of the Maryland School of Ballet and Modern dance.