1. Show respect for the teacher.

In Eastern disciplines such as martial arts & yoga, the teacher is revered, worshipped & given great loyalty & respect. Teachers have worked long & hard & made many sacrifices to master their arts. Many have dedicated their lives to dance.

2. Be on time.

There is no excuse for being late. It disrupts other students & the teacher when someone arrives 10 minutes late. You forego essential warm up stretches. Try to be there early if possible Also try not to miss classes as this also disrupts the flow of the work & leaves you missing work. Which means things have to be repeated.

3. Position yourself relative to your dance expertise.

European dance students begin their studies at the back & earn their position in the front. If you feel confident that you will catch on quickly & perform movements, accurately try to get a position up front. However, if you are a beginning student or do not grab the moves quickly then stay to the back of the room where you will have more advanced students to follow.

4.  Wear Suitable Attire.

Do not wear costuming to class. This is very inappropriate. Beginner students have a tendency to do this. Save your sequins etc. for performances. Costumes are made to perform in not take class in. Check to see what is appropriate for you style of dance class.

5. Keep Talking & Giggling to a Minimum.

Part of the fun of dance class is the interaction with others but there are limits. Don’t chat incessantly. Keep your attention focused on the teacher. If you have a question ask the teacher.

6. Avoid Being a Know It All.

By all means never openly challenge a teacher's expertise.

7. Take Notes When Sitting Out.

Do not wander in & out of the class space while a teacher is teaching. If for some reason you cannot continue, quietly apologize & go the side. Take notes. Do not talk! Do not shop! If you go back to participating in the class go to the back & quietly resume.

8. Let the teacher teach.

You should under no circumstances voice an opinion in a class. Try to focus on how this teacher can expand your dance horizons. Do not compare openly to other teachers. Do not complain about how a movement is presented or that it is too difficult or too easy.

9. Pay Attention.

Whether it be a demonstration or a verbal instruction. You are paying for a class & so are others. Make sure you & others get their moneys’ worth. In addition you will benefit in the long run. Be a god participator & a good sport. You are in class to learn & be taught.

10. Be Open Minded.

You will benefit by learning all you can about the given subject. Enjoy & Keep dancing.

ADAPTED FROM JAREEDA, MARCH 1998

Morwenna Assaf

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