Beginner Level and Up

Student Etiquette & Expectations:

What to Bring:

  • Appropriate foot attire
  • Leotard (per dress code)
  • Water bottle (bring into studio)

What not to Bring:

  • No food, gum, or non-water drinks
  • No cell phones (ask teacher to use hallway)
  • No drinks with straws that may spill
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  • Email or text SESD about absences as soon as possible — do not miss class without communicating.
  • Let the teacher know about any accommodations before class (injuries, aches and pains, external stressors, etc.).
  • If you pull a muscle or feel pain, let the teacher know. Ask for ice if needed.
  • If you feel sick, let the teacher know whether you need to go home, sit out, or take a break.
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  • No running, jumping, cartwheels, tumbling, or rough-housing in the lobby.
  • Keep belongings in cubbies; nothing on the floor.
  • Do not wear dance shoes outside. Change into them once you have entered the studio.
  • Phones/tablets at low volume; headphones encouraged.
  • Studio doors stay closed during class. No peeking or entering without permission.
  • Foundation Level (ages 4.9 and under): a parent/guardian must remain in the lobby during class. Staff cannot accompany students to the restroom.
  • We ask that parents do not enter studios without permission from SESD staff.
  • Any damage to SESD property due to negligence will be the parent's financial responsibility.
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  • Wait to be invited into the studio; enter quietly and say hello.
  • Show attentiveness and presence towards the teacher.
  • Raise your hand before asking or answering a question.
  • No talking while the teacher is talking. Small talk is for the hallways only.
  • Always move your arms full-out, even when learning a new combination (ballet).
  • Cover your yawns. Do not lean on barres or walls, or sit without permission.
  • Do not ask what time it is or when class ends.
  • No cell phones in class. If needed, ask the teacher to step into the hallway.
  • Smart watches must not be a distraction — you may be asked to remove it.
  • If observing due to injury, watch mindfully and take notes. Pre-Advanced/Advanced students will be asked to show notes to the teacher after class.
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  • Accept corrections with a positive attitude. They are a valuable learning opportunity.
  • Apply corrections given to other students to your own dancing as well.
  • Do not correct classmates. That is the teacher's role.
  • Do not correct the teacher. Politely ask for clarification if needed.
  • Take initiative — you get out of class what you put into it.
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  • Appropriate dance shoes and attire per your class type and level.
  • Water bottle (you may bring this into the classrooms). Food, gum, and non-water drinks are only allowed in the lobby.
  • Pre-Advanced/Advanced ballet: dance notebook, pen/pencil, SESD Ballet Dictionary, pointe shoe supplies (if applicable).
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  • Aim to arrive 5–10 minutes early if possible. Use the bathroom and change/do hair ahead of time.
  • More than 15 minutes late: students will be asked to sit and observe the rest of class.
  • Frequent absences and/or sitting out may impact a dancer's participation in choreography.

Class Conduct:

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  • Treat corrections as a learning opportunity — approach them with a positive attitude.
  • Pay attention to and apply corrections given to other students.
  • Take initiative — you get out of class what you put into it.
  • When the teacher works with another student, stay focused on your own dancing and previous corrections.
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  • Leaning or slouching on the walls.
  • Sitting down unless given permission.
  • Asking what time it is or when class ends.
  • Chatting with classmates during class.
  • Correcting other students — that is the teacher's job. Focus on your own corrections.
  • Correcting the teacher. Politely ask for clarification, but respect that everyone makes mistakes.
  • Playing with smart watches — if it becomes a distraction, you will be asked to remove it.
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  • Do not enter the studio when the teacher is not present — wait to be invited in. Say hello, put your water bottle on the shelves, and quietly wait for instructions.
  • If re-entering the studio, do so quietly and softly close the door.
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  • Make eye contact with the teacher and show presence and attentiveness.
  • Unless the teacher encourages discussion, raise your hand before asking or answering a question.
  • Do not talk while the teacher is talking. Small talk is for the hallways only.
  • If observing due to pain/injury, mindfully observe the remainder of class. You are welcome to take notes.
  • Cover your yawns.

Thank You for helping us create a focused, safe, and welcoming space for every dancer!