Dance Attire, Hair, Etiquette & Attitude

Hi dance families,

Dancer readiness and ability to learn in dance class is impacted by having the proper attire and hair for each style, bringing a water bottle to class, demonstrating proper etiquette throughout class and having a positive attitude.

This week (November 13 to 18) there will “Ready to Dance” checklists completed for each student in class. This will include Creative Movement, Dance Foundations, Primary, Junior and Senior level classes. Dancers will be sent home with their checklist so that they know which areas are good or excellent and which need improvement.

The following two weeks (November 20 to December 2) will be a “Ready to Dance Challenge” with dancer checklists completed in each class over the two week period. Dancers who receive all good or excellent marks over the two week period will win a prize!

Thank you parents for your effort in helping dancers understand what being “ready to dance” means. Your dance teacher would love nothing more than to see every dancer receive a prize during the “Ready to Dance Challenge”.

Need a refresher on what proper attire is or want to review studio rules and etiquette with your dancer at home? Take a moment to review all of the information below.

Why are dancers required to have proper attire and hair?

• Part of dance training is the discipline learned from arriving to class on time and with proper hair and attire. It is also reduces distractions during the class and makes it easier for the instructor to assess and correct technique and clean choreography.
• Need a refresher on the attire requirements for your classes? You can find the list at anytime under the FAQ page on danceworkskenora.com
• Don’t forget that dance footwear should never be worn outside AND that outside footwear should never be worn in the studio.
• Jewelry and watches are not to be worn in class. Stud earrings or hoop earrings smaller than a pinky finger may be worn.

Does a proper ballet bun really matter?

• Yes! Not only does it show respect for the tradition of ballet and for your teacher/studio that has requested it but a proper ballet bun also
  • keeps the dancer’s hair out of their face and saves a lot of fidgeting or adjusting during class (which can also turn into fidgeting in a performance if it becomes a habit).
  • lets the dancer feel secure, balanced, and keeps the focus on the rest of their body during class.
  • makes it possible to work on turns without whipping yourself in the face with your hair.
  • provides a consistent look and a more visible neck/shoulders which makes it easier for the teacher to focus on your alignment and make class corrections.
• Hair is to be pulled off the face for all dance classes. While a ponytail can be worn in some styles a bun is the recommended hairstyle for Primary levels and up in all dance styles as it is the most secure and distraction free hairstyle.
• Haven’t mastered the ballet bun yet? Take a look at this “Bun Making Tutorial” video from the RWB School.

Why are water bottles so important?

• One of the major factors of body health is water consumption. Water breaks are provided during classes and young dancers should not get water at other times unless they have their teacher’s permission.
• Having a water bottle in class means that dancers are learning that hydration is important for their body and also reduces distractions during class as dancers do not need to leave the class to get water.
• Dancers learn with time what the right amount of water intake is; too much water and they will begin to feel sick during class and too little water will impact their focus and energy.

What is dance class etiquette?

• Studio rules are required behaviours for the safety of students. Dance class etiquette is the behaviour expected of dancers during class to help the class run smoothly and ensure that dancers get the most out of each dance class.
• Our dance studio rules and dance class etiquette are posted in the studio.
  • You can also view them here: DWK Studio Rules & Etiquette
• Within each class we have reviewed the rules and have been working on dance class etiquette and maintaining a positive and “ready to try” attitude.

Thank you parents for your effort in helping dancers understand what being “ready to dance” means. Your dance teacher would love nothing more than to see every dancer receive a prize during the “Ready to Dance Challenge”.