ALegUp:Tips toHelpYouinDanceClass


al, but it also disrupts the rest of the class.Of course, circum- stances beyond our controlwill cause small delays fromtime to time, but do your part as a gracious dancer to be on time. Actually go a step further, and arrive a fewminutes early.Go even further than that bywarming up or reviewing before class begins.


I love to seemy students alreadyworkingwhen Iwalk into class. It shows that they are hardworking and dedicated.Not only that, dancerswho are consistently late to class tend to not performaswell as thosewho arrive on time or early.


Don’tCheckYourCellPhone by Shaté L.Edwards W


ell, it’s that time of year again. You’ve probably just spent the summerwith swimsuits and selfies, but nowit’s time to get back into the swing of things.


Pretty soon, school bellswill be ringing and lectureswill have begun. You’ll have carpools, traffic, homework, andmore.All thewhile, your friend dancewill be eagerly awaiting your return.


The start of a newschool year also ushers in a newseason of dance. Schools and studios everywhere are gearing up for this newbeginning.Concert and recital themes are being discussed, instructors are being put into place, andworkshops and conven- tions are being planned…all for you, the dancer.


Somuch time and energy is put into executing a successful dance season.Beyond structuring the season, evenmore is invested in your classroomexperience. Fromplanning lessons, to finding newmusic, to creating choreography – you name it – dance professionals go through great lengths to ensure you have a fulfilling dance life.


So let’s talk payback.What can you do to showsome love to dance instructorswho’veworked so hard to help you become the phenomenal dancer that you are? Howcan you do your part tomake the countless hours of planningworthwhile?


There are plenty ofways you can be a gracious dancerwho makes our job a delightful experience, and I’msure you don’t need help coming upwith ideas. So, I’ll tell youwhat you shouldn’t do. Instead of giving you a list of “Do’s”, Iwant to give you a list of “Don’ts.”


Here is a list 6DanceClassDon’ts.Avoid thesemistakes tomake sure you and your dance teacher have the best season possible.


Don’tBeLate


I’msurewe already knowthis one, but humorme for a moment. The hour or so you get in a typical dance class flies by in the blink of an eye, and your dance teachers are responsible for jugglingmany taskswithin that short period of time. Arriving to class late not only causes you tomiss out onmateri-


page 12 August-October 2016 www.thedancecouncil.org


This should be a “no-brainer”, inmy opinion, but it’s stillworth mentioning.While smart phones have been great inmaking our livesmore interesting and convenient, they have no place in the dance class, unless your instructor says otherwise.Even if you’ve been excused forwater or the restroom, or if you’rewaiting for your group’s turn to perform,whatever the case, just say no to cell phones in class.


Again, there are exceptions to every rule. If there is a family situ- ation that requires you to use the phone during class, simply notify your instructor of thematter before class begins, then dis- creetly excuse yourselfwhen you need to take the call.Or, if your instructor is likeme and allows you to record the combination at the end of class, absolutely take advantage of the opportunity, then place the phone back in your bag until you’ve been dis- missed.


Cell phone use in class is incredibly disrespectful.By using your phone in class, you’re disregarding all of the effort your dance teacher has put into giving you quality dance instruction. It also says a lot about the type of dance student you are.Gracious dancers are always fully engaged throughout class and aren’t easily distracted.


Don’tTalkExcessively


Speaking of being fully engaged in class, it’s pretty difficult to do that if you’re having your own side conversations. I knowener- gy is highwhen you’re among friends, doingwhat you love to do.However, there is a time and a place for everything, and dance class is not a social hour. It’s a time to develop your skills so you can become the best dancer you can be.Howwell are you doing that if you’re always engaged inmiscellaneous con- versations?


Talking excessively not only affects your personal development, but it also affects your instructor and classmates. It interrupts the flowof class because your instructormust stop teaching to address the disruption,which also prevents your fellowdancers fromgetting the best class possible. Instead of holding conversa- tions during class, catch upwith your dance friends after class has ended, or better yet, use those beloved cell phones to chat once you get home. If you’re usually a “ChattyKathy,” show


DANCE!NORTHTEXAS a publication of the dance council of north texas vol. 19 • no. 3


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