Nothing is more nerve-wracking than going to a dance lesson for the first time. There is always the worry that you might accidentally break some unspoken dance class rules or ruin the class’s flow.
Besides the usual first-day jitters, we also understand how difficult it can be to attend adult dance lessons in the first place. For a lot of people, it means confronting an old fear or insecurity with dancing or challenging themselves to try something new.
Let’s put those fears to rest!
These things are only scary because they are new. When you learn the basic rules and etiquette of dance classes, you’ll fit right in!
So let’s get right to it!
Before the Dance Classes (Dance Class Rules)
Prep Your Belongings
When you take a dance class, be it salsa, tango, swing, rock ‘n roll or ballroom, make it a point to bring a bag with all of your essentials. Experienced dancers have a go-bag with a random assortment of knick-knacks that will help them survive lessons.
In general, these are some of the items beginners should have on hand:
- Bottle of water – Dance is a very physical activity, you are sure to work up a sweat. Always have water on hand so you can rehydrate during the lesson.
- Snacks – Depending on your dance class schedule, you might need a little bit of food to keep up your energy levels. A muesli bar, crackers and cheese, or fruit is good to munch on when you are finished dancing.
- Small towel or handkerchief – We have some at QuickSteps already, but always handy to bring one yourself.
- Hygiene items – You’ll want to pack a small kit with hygiene items like deodorant/ antiperspirant, mouthwash, chewing gum or toothpaste/toothbrush so you can freshen up before and after class. Since dancers have to be up close and personal, maintaining basic hygiene is a common courtesy. If you forget, don’t worry, we have some at QuickSteps for your use.
- Change of clothes – If you are coming to the studio after a stint in the office or have errands to run when you are done, you should bring an extra set of clothes and shoes. We have a change room and shower at QuickSteps for you to use if needed.
- Personal medication – If you have asthma, allergies, or other chronic conditions, don’t forget to bring your medication!
Double Check Your Schedule
Keep your dance class appointments on a calendar you regularly check. The time and date should be clearly listed. And on the day of, don’t forget to double-check your schedule and see if there are any changes.
Holidays, weather concerns, and emergencies have a way of sneaking up. QuickSteps Adelaide will always update students on changes via email and text, and for community announcements, you can always check our website and socials.
Arrive on Time
Dance studios like QuickSteps usually have back-to-back classes, with only a couple of minutes in between to “reset.” You don’t want the admin stuff to eat into lesson time. You also want to avoid having the instructor go over sections they already taught just because you were late.
At the same time, you don’t want to leave early. Leaving the class mid-session can be very distracting. The best thing to do if you have an urgent errand is to reschedule. QuickSteps offers the same dancing lesson with multiple time slots. You could join a different group for one session and get back to your normal slot in the next week.
Follow the Dance Studio’s Dress Code – Dance Class Rules
Every dance studio has a dress code. It usually varies from dance style to dance style. For example, if you take hip-hop lessons, you’d probably wear athletic clothes and trainers. If you take ballet, then it would be a leotard, tights, and ballet shoes.
In ballroom and Latin dance class, the dress code is typically, a shirt and slacks for men and a shirt with a flared skirt or flowy dress with minimal jewellery for women. Casual athletic clothes like yoga pants and T-shirts are usually fine as well. However, there is one thing that is non-negotiable and that’s dance shoes!
Sneakers and trainers don’t move the way they should on the dance floor. You need to have a little bit of slip, especially when you do spins and quick footwork. You can’t properly mimic what they teach if your feet tend to stick to the floor. Besides, proper attire prevents dance injuries.
Read More: Everything You Need to Know About Dance Shoes
So what is QuickSteps’ dance dress code? We encourage new students to come in clothes that feel comfortable and that they can sweat in. Here are our guide questions to make sure you are wearing the appropriate attire:
- Can you stretch your arms above your head with no problem?
- Can you stretch your arms from your side to the front easily?
- Can you take long, travelling steps?
- Can you lift your knee to your chest?
- Do your dance shoes fit properly?
If you answer “yes” to all these questions, then you are good to go. Take note, these are for classes only. Studio events like the Ballroom Blitz do come with a dress code for the overall mood and atmosphere.
Read More: Dance parties, workshops and events in Adelaide
During Dance Classes
Keep Your Phone on Silent
Most instructors discourage students from having their phones on them during the lesson. If you have it in your pocket, it could affect your movements. It should always be put away in your bag and put on silent mode.
Avoid Talking During Class
While dance classes are a great chance to socialise, save your conversations for before or after class. Short, whispered conversations aren’t as discreet as you think. It could be very distracting to your teacher and fellow classmates.
If you want to play catch up, you could come in a couple of minutes earlier or hang out at the QuickSteps bar after class.
Know Where to Position Yourself
For partner dance classes, the leaders line up on one side of the room, facing the followers on the other side of the room. Traditionally leaders were always men, and followers were always women, but these days it’s normal for people to choose any side they wish.
Whether you switch partners is up to you. If you arrive with a partner and only want to dance with them, that’s fine. If you come without a partner, and want to benefit from the learning experience of dancing with multiple partners, that’s fine too.
Read More: Do We Have To Swap Partners In Our Group Dance Class?
Accept Feedback
This might be an obvious one, but be ready to accept feedback. Your teacher may comment on your form, articulation, timing, body movement and more. Since they are managing multiple students, these comments can come quickly. Take every improvement note in a positive way. After all, this is a chance for you to finetune your skills.
After the Dance Classes
Be Thankful
When the class is over, don’t forget to give a big thank you to your teacher and the fellow members. They play a large role in honing your talent and improving your dance skills, acknowledging their role is the least you could do. After a couple of classes, this will be second nature.
Keep the Studio Clean
Make it a point to collect all your belongings when the class is over. The space should look exactly as you found it, if not better. To make sure this happens, do not eat in the dance space or drink sugary beverages that may be difficult to clean. Stick to water and be ready to ask for a mop if there are accidental spills.
Dancer Don’ts (Dance Class Rules )
You’d think this part would be long, but there’s only one real “don’t.” Don’t be disrespectful. Or do be respectful, if you want to avoid those double negatives.
Let’s run through some of the Dance Class Rules we covered. Be on time. Practise basic hygiene. Position yourself well. Keep the studio clean. These all boil down to respect. Respect for the teacher, for your fellow members, and the space. When you keep that in mind, you set yourself up for success at any studio.
Now that you are finished familiarising yourself with the rules, it’s time to get dancing!
QuickSteps provides lessons for all kinds of dance styles from the sexy salsa and bachata to elegant waltz and foxtrot. There are classes for students of all ages and all levels. If you are itching to move, book a trial class today!
