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Ballet Studio and Class Etiquette
Just like every class, there are rules and etiquette that apply. Ballet is no different. If anything, ballet has stricter guidelines and etiquette than any.
Just like every class, there are rules and etiquette that apply. Ballet is no different. If anything, ballet has stricter guidelines and etiquette than any other dance (or other types) class. Granted, the level of strictness of your ballet class will vary, but more professional companies will have stricter rules. Below you’ll find guidelines for ballet studio etiquette.
Ballet Studio and Class Etiquette
- Show up to class on time
- If for any reason you are late, then wait for your instructor’s permission to enter the dance floor
- No talking, chatting or whispering
- Do not wear any clothing that is torn or dirty
- Make sure to wear clothing that fits, i.e. no leg warmers that fall off.
- Do not wear big or dangly jewelry.
- Do not bring anything to drink or eat during class (except water)
- Don’t turn on fans or open windows without permission from your instructor
- No photography
- Do not watch from the doorway
- No sitting or hanging from the barres
- The barres are not towel racks! Do not hang or drape clothes on them
- No talking on the phone when in class
- Don’t text while in class
- Do not touch or lean on the class piano
- No gum chewing
- Keep the PDA for outside of class
- Don’t walk barefoot during ballet class
- Wear the correct colored and type of ballet tights. We recommend using convertible tights to easily transition
- Only wear ballet clothes and footwear during class. No streetwear.
- Don’t do your own choreography
- Don’t leave class early
- Don’t position yourself in front of the first person on the barre
- Do not correct others on their form. That is the teacher’s job
- Do not lock elbows or hold hands with a classmate
- No listening to music on your iPhone or iPad
- Don’t yawn during class or show boredom
- Keep the seriously sexy leotards for use at home
- If you have bad B.O., then double up on the deodorant
- Don’t wear strong perfume to class
- Regularly clean your ballet supplies and clothing to avoid bad smells
- Keep your hair in a ballet bun. No loose hairs or ponytails
- Bring a towel to wipe your sweat from the floor or barre
- Don’t use oversized luggage bags to carry your equipment.
- Do your part. Help clean up after class
- No napping during class
- Do not cross center when exiting class, and stay out of other dancers ways
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the basic rules of ballet class etiquette?
Show up on time, stay quiet during class, and wear clean, well-fitting ballet clothes and footwear only. Keep your hair in a bun, avoid jewelry and strong perfume, and help clean up after class.
What should you do if you arrive late to ballet class?
If you are late for any reason, wait for your instructor's permission before stepping onto the dance floor. Entering without acknowledgement disrupts the class.
Can you use your phone during ballet class?
No. Talking on the phone, texting, and listening to music on a device are all against studio etiquette. Phones should stay put away for the duration of class.
What should you not do with the ballet barre?
Do not sit on, hang from, or lean on the barres, and never use them as a towel or clothing rack. Draping clothes or hanging on the barre is considered poor etiquette.
Why is it against etiquette to correct other dancers?
Correcting another dancer's form is the teacher's job, not a classmate's. Focus on your own technique and leave feedback to the instructor.
What should you wear to ballet class?
Wear proper ballet clothes and footwear only, with no streetwear, and use the correct colored and type of tights. Avoid torn or dirty clothing, dangly jewelry, and anything that does not fit properly.
