The Social Aspect of Dance
It’s time to talk about Talking! Let’s face it, for some, coming to dance is just as much about the social aspect as it is for the dancing and physical benefits. There is something very special about coming together and moving as a group, and for a studio that’s been around for as long as ours, when you come to the same class for a while, friendships form, and you can’t help but need to update each other on life’s latest. Just don’t do it in class.
Silence is Golden
Even when it’s not your class, and you may be standing at the back of the studio waiting for your class to begin, please don’t talk; not to anyone in the room with you, or even on your phone.
Even that quiet mumble in the back of the studio on your phone can be disruptive. We understand that you’re trying to be respectful by maintaining a hushed tone, and we appreciate that, but truth be told, it’s a distraction.
Similarly, if your class has finished and the next is starting, quickly gather your things and make your way outside or to the waiting room where you can take your time, catch up and pow wow about class (or life). But please don’t do it at the back of the studio while the next class is trying to get started.
Engage with the Teacher
Believe it or not, there is space and time for you to talk in class. It’s when the teacher asks the class questions. “Who wants to do it again?” “Do you want to do it slower?” “Are you ready to try it with the music?”
When the teacher asks the class a question, please please please, with a cherry on top reply. We love it when you engage with us, and this immediate feedback allows us to determine if we need to speed the pace up or slow it down or focus on a particular aspect.
Similarly, ask questions. We love this. But as we stated in the last post on studio etiquette, be careful not to make the class about you. Keep some of the questions that delve into minutiae specific to you for a private discussion with the teacher, but general questions that benefit everyone – please ask them respectfully, and when the time is right.
Remember this is a direct communication between you and the teacher. So please don’t ask other students in the class, please don’t yell out in class, and don’t take it upon yourself to correct other students. We understand and appreciate that you’re trying to help. We really do. But let’s stick to dance class decorum, and the integrity of the space and not correct others in class or try to move the direction of the class.
Building Community
Finally, while keeping chatter to a bare minimum (or not at all during class) is desired, it is ok when there are breaks in the class (such as drink breaks, or times to change shoes, or move from the barre to the centre) to say a quick “hi, great to see you”. After all we’re not robots, we’re humans.
This is more so the case when you see a new person in class. It can be very daunting starting a new dance class, or going to a new studio. So if you do see someone new, don’t hesitate to say a quick “Hi, welcome. My name is ___ “. But then save the long get-to-know-you for after class.
Ashanti.
