Creating Our Dance Community
Studio etiquette creates a positive, respectful environment where everyone can learn, grow, and express themselves safely. These guidelines help build the foundation for lifelong skills in dance and in life.
Why Etiquette Matters
Good studio etiquette ensures that every student can focus on learning while feeling safe, respected, and valued. It creates the disciplined environment necessary for artistic growth and personal development.
- Creates a safe and respectful learning environment
- Builds discipline and personal responsibility
- Develops social skills and community awareness
- Prepares students for professional dance settings
- Ensures everyone can focus on learning and improving
- Fosters a positive studio culture and atmosphere
Our Studio Values
At Dance House Productions, we believe that respect, kindness, and dedication create the best learning environment for all our students in Biddeford, Maine.
Whether students are attending ballet, jazz, hip hop, or contemporary classes, the same principles of respect and professionalism apply across all dance styles and age groups.
Foundation of Studio Respect
These core principles guide all interactions and behavior in our dance studio environment.
Respect for Others
Treating teachers, fellow students, and studio staff with kindness, consideration, and courtesy at all times.
Punctuality
Arriving on time and prepared for class shows respect for instructors and classmates while maximizing learning time.
Active Listening
Giving full attention to instructors and maintaining focus during class instruction and demonstrations.
Self-Discipline
Managing personal behavior, emotions, and energy to create a positive learning environment for everyone.
Studio Care
Treating the studio space, equipment, and facilities with respect and helping maintain a clean, safe environment.
Positive Attitude
Approaching challenges with determination, supporting classmates, and maintaining enthusiasm for learning.
In-Class Behavior Guidelines
These guidelines ensure that every class runs smoothly and every student can learn effectively.
Entering Class
Enter quietly if class has started, wait for appropriate moment to join, and avoid disrupting ongoing instruction or combinations.
Technology Policy
Keep phones silent and stored away during class. Focus completely on instruction without digital distractions.
Communication
Raise your hand to ask questions, avoid side conversations during instruction, and speak respectfully to everyone.
Personal Space
Respect others' space during class, be aware of proximity when dancing, and help maintain appropriate spacing.
Class Participation
Try your best in every exercise, mark steps appropriately when not dancing full-out, and support classmates' efforts.
Leaving Class
Ask permission before leaving class for any reason. If you must leave early, do so quietly without disrupting others.
Appropriate Dance Attire
Proper dance attire ensures safety, allows for freedom of movement, and maintains a professional learning environment.
Hair Guidelines
Hair should be secured away from the face and neck to prevent injury and allow clear vision during movement and turns.
Appropriate Clothing
Wear fitted clothing that allows for full range of motion. Avoid loose items that could catch or become tangled during movement.
Proper Footwear
Wear appropriate shoes for each dance style. Many classes require bare feet or specific dance shoes for safety and technique.
Jewelry & Accessories
Remove or secure jewelry that could cause injury. Avoid items that make noise or could distract from class instruction.
Personal Hygiene
Maintain good personal hygiene and consider others when using strong scents or perfumes in the shared studio space.
Water & Towels
Bring water to stay hydrated and a small towel if needed. Take care of your body's needs while being mindful of class flow.
Key Etiquette Concepts
Understanding these concepts helps create a professional and supportive dance studio environment.
Studio Hierarchy
Understanding the roles of studio owners, instructors, and students creates clear communication and respect for authority in the learning environment.
Peer Support
Encouraging classmates, celebrating others' successes, and offering help when appropriate builds a positive community atmosphere.
Receiving Corrections
Accepting feedback gracefully and applying corrections immediately shows maturity and commitment to improvement.
Class Transitions
Moving efficiently between exercises, finding appropriate spots, and preparing quickly for the next activity keeps class energy positive.
Performance Behavior
During performances or showcases, maintaining focus and supporting fellow performers demonstrates professionalism and team spirit.
Studio Maintenance
Taking responsibility for keeping the studio clean and organized shows respect for the shared learning space and others who use it.
Guidelines for Parents & Families
Parents and families play an important role in supporting studio etiquette and their dancer's education.
Drop-off & Pick-up
Arrive on time for both drop-off and pick-up. Communicate with studio staff about any schedule changes or concerns.
Class Observation
Follow studio policies about when observation is appropriate. Some classes may be closed to allow students to focus without distraction.
Communication
Direct questions and concerns to appropriate staff members at appropriate times, not during class instruction.
Supporting Practice
Encourage home practice and positive attitude toward challenges. Reinforce studio values and etiquette expectations at home.
Performance Support
Support all students during recitals and performances, not just your own child. Model positive audience behavior.
Studio Policies
Read and follow all studio policies regarding attendance, attire, payments, and communication to support smooth operations.
Studio Do's and Don'ts
Clear guidelines for appropriate and inappropriate behavior in our dance studio environment.
✓ DO
- Arrive on time and prepared for class
- Listen attentively to all instructions
- Try your best effort in every exercise
- Support and encourage your classmates
- Ask questions when you need clarification
- Follow dress code and safety guidelines
- Respect studio property and equipment
- Maintain positive attitude during challenges
- Thank your teacher at the end of class
- Practice good personal hygiene
- Stay focused and present during class
- Follow corrections and apply feedback
✗ DON'T
- Arrive late without acknowledging disruption
- Talk or whisper during instruction
- Give up when combinations become challenging
- Make negative comments about others' dancing
- Interrupt class with inappropriate questions
- Wear inappropriate clothing or jewelry
- Leave personal items scattered around studio
- Complain about exercises or corrections
- Leave class without thanking the instructor
- Come to class without proper grooming
- Use phone or other devices during class
- Argue with corrections or make excuses
Etiquette Quick Reference
Building Character Through Dance
Studio etiquette teaches life skills that extend far beyond the dance studio, building character and preparing students for success in all areas of life.
Discipline & Self-Control
Following studio guidelines teaches students to manage their behavior, emotions, and impulses, building the self-discipline necessary for achievement in dance and life.
Respect & Empathy
Treating others with kindness and consideration develops empathy and social awareness that serves students in all relationships and social situations.
Responsibility & Accountability
Taking ownership of behavior, preparation, and effort teaches students to be accountable for their actions and contributions to the community.
Leadership & Teamwork
Supporting classmates and contributing positively to studio culture develops both leadership skills and the ability to work collaboratively with others.
Join Our Respectful Dance Community
Great dancers are not just technically skilled—they are respectful, disciplined, and supportive community members. Help us maintain the positive environment that makes learning and growing together such a joy.
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