Dance Love Studios aims for classes to always be fun and engaging. For classes to also be safe and provide proper dance training, they also require certain etiquette:

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Please:

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- turn off phones (and smart watches!) during class. This is your time to dance. Don't let it be interrupted by devices.
 

- arrive a few minutes early, so that class is ready to begin on time;

- don't have chewing gum (or any food in your mouth) during class. (If you have a medical reason that requires a snack, please finish it before you resume dancing. We don't want anyone choking during class!);

- limit chatting to certain times. Part of connecting with other dancers is always going to involve having a bit of a chat! And that's encouraged! Just please just be aware of not chatting when you teacher is trying to guide you in something, or holding up the learning or dancing process with long stories on tangental topics (but, by all means, tell me after class!);

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- two of the times to definitely avoid chatting are during the warm-ups and cool downs. Not only does being quiet during these times allow everyone to transition into and then out of class (and have focused movement), they are also times when it's super beneficial to listen to your body (which you can't do if you're talking);

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- the same goes for limiting "bringing your troubles" to class. Whilst it's super important to not feel that you have to just put on a happy face (after all, life happens to us all and Dance Love Studios dancers are some of the most supportive out there!), it's also important to find a balance between sharing and seeking support, and completely dominating the mood of the class. Seek support, of course, but you're also gently invited to allow yourself to put aside whatever you're dealing with for an hour to find connection, happiness, and support through dancing with your classmates;

- stick to the group drink breaks. (If you are desperate for some water and it's not an allocated "drink break", please just discreetly get some water from your drink bottle and then return to dancing);

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- avoid offering unsolicited "help" to other dancers. If they ask for help, by all means feel free to give it (just noting that it might be something I would be better positioned to answer). But if they don't ask, please avoid offering help (such as "you move there during that bit" etc). Whilst I completely understand it is offered with nothing but good intentions, it can make someone else (especially if they are new!) feel uncomfortable or out of their depth in class;

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- be mindful of how many times you say "I can't do that" (or jokingly tell me that you can't/don't want to do something). What we tell ourselves (and others) actually becomes ingrained as a thought pattern and then becomes that much harder to change. Allow yourself to have a giggle if you're finding something tricky, but remind yourself that progress happens over time (and however long it takes is ok!). Avoiding saying these limiting things to ourselves also means that the whole class can build an "I'll give it a go!" attitude, which always leads to good things; 

- avoid wearing strong fragrances;

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- remember that people with all different personalities attend Dance Love Studios classes - some will be more outgoing, some are quieter. But everyone is there to dance and deserves equal time, attention, and support (so let's allow for all different personalities to thrive and feel valued);

- give yourself the grace to be a student by allowing yourself to learn and find joy in the process; and

- be respectful of your teacher and other dancers (this one really goes without saying! We know that the adults who come to Dance Love Studios are kind, encouraging, welcoming people!).

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