to ballet dancers?

Question

Today I enrolled in a ballet studio. Im excited but i dont really know what to expect. Is there any sort of protocal the classes follow, like clapping at the end of a class, or how to address your teacher. Are there also any rules you have to follow, like what is acceptable, like wearing makeup. I know all schools and classes are differnt but Im sure there are rules that all classes follow. Im sure I will feel more comfortable knowing what is going to happen, since Im the new girl. I think I worded this question poorly, but I think I got my point across. Thank you for all the answers in advance!!!

Answer 1

First of all, congrats on your enrollment! I'm sure you'll be fine and have a blast!

I have been in several classes and studied under several teachers, and the only thing they all really had in common was that they were all different! Some wanted perfect buns, pink tights (theatrical... not european!) and black leos with alignment belts! Others didn't care as long as you were'nt wearing something bulky.

So, how intense of a class have you enrolled in? If it's a really strict ballet class, I would recommend the bun-tights-leo attire. If it's more laid back, you could get away with hair any way as long as it's back, tights, and a leo with a skirt or shorts or something. Try wearing the leo and tights with something over it, then when you get there, see what the others are wearing.

Don't stand in the direct center at first. Girls can be picky! Show some respect for your older dancers and stand out of the limelight... for now.

Address your teachers are Miss or Mrs., unless it's a very traditional school. Then you can go with Madame or Madamoiselle (don't know if I spelled that right... I never had to spell it, just say it!). Again, stand back and see what everyone else does.

At the end of class you'll probably do a reverance. If the class has already started, just follow along. It shouldn't be that complicated, so you'll pick it up. If it's the first class, your teacher might go over it with you.

So, good luck! Just enjoy yourself and the class will be rewarding!

Answer 2

Ask about a dress code. My studio doesn't have one but most do. Usually it's pink tights and a black leotard. If you don't have a dress code I would suggest a beater, or other tank top, (ask about spaghetti straps before you wear them) In the winter wear a light weight long sleeve shirt or possibly a removable sweater. Light sweat pants work too, so do light cloth capries (make sure you can move well in them) I just found two great pairs at Walmart today for 8-10 bucks each! Footed tights will get annoying. Try ones that go to your ankle or footed ones with a hole in the bottom so you can roll them up to your ankle if you want. You can also wear leotards which come in a lot of different styles. Defiantly wear a sports bra and honestly I find that thongs are most comfortable to dance in...Clapping at the end of class? not likely.......usually we just leave but some studios do something special. Wearing makeup is most likely acceptable. I've NEVER heard of anywhere that doesn't allow makeup. I'm sure you can wear w/e makeup you want as long as it doesn't interfere with dancing (it shouldn't) Wear makeup at recitals though. And remember to smile at performances! No one likes to see someone look bored when they're dancing on stage. As for jewelry don't wear dangley earings or hoops. Wear studs if you insist on wearing earings. Necklaces usually get twisted and turned so I find them pointless to wear. chokers are sometimes ok though and bracelets can sometimes get in the way. Your teacher will tell you any rules you need to know, there usually aren't any. It's mostly instruction. Bring a water bottle and wear you're hair up. Most teachers get annoyed if it's in your face. Stretch before you go even if you stretch in class. It will help you loosen up. If your really nervous and have time before the class to spare, check when the last ballet class is before yours. Come in and watch if your allowed to. At my studio you can watch through the doorway if you want. You'll see how it works and get an idea of how the class goes. Stay calm, there's nothing to worry about. Focus on yourself and not the other dancers. Don't compare yourself to them. Be nice and make some friends! Don't be afraid to ask questions! Would you rather be embarrased and do something wrong, or ask about it first and get it right?!?!? Just do what the teacher says and try you're best. Careful not to pull a muscle. Don't push yourself too hard. You'll get a lot better over time too. Faster than you think! It's A LOT of fun. I'm glad you're joining!!! Good luck!

Answer 3

It is strongly encouraged that you don't wear makeup, but normally there are no rules against it that I know of. At performances and onstage, its a MUST to wear makeup, but in class it isn't necessary. Call the teacher by her name, or ask her what she would like you to call her. At the end of class (this depends how old you are) you get free time to dance freestyle dance, but not always. You will learn to speak some french terms and at the end of class you say thank you or something other (your teacher will tell you) in french as well. Make sure you have the right equipment, like toe pads (you probably won't need them since you won't be on pointe until few years later, but they are nice to have and you can still use them), rosin, hair nets, clips, bobby pins, white, black or pink tights (white and pink are most common for girls), ballet shoes/slippers (of course, and when you get older, pointe shoes), leg warmers are optional, hair is always neatly tied back in ponytail or bun, and a tight (normally black) leotard.

Just relax. You are here to learn. Be friendly and smile. Its OK to not know everything that is going on, they understand that you are new and its a tough thing. Don't fret about mistakes, the best dancers make them too. Just remember to relax and most importantly, have fun!

Answer 4

most studios require your hair to be pulled back neatly and fashioned in a bun. Typical attire includes pink dance tights, black leotard, fitted ballet shoes (flat for beginning dancers, and pointe for advanced dancers), and possible a short dance skirt or leg warmers. In class you are expected to listen to directions and be respectful of the teacher when they are talking. Put in all your effort in following barre as it is the basis of later awesome techniques. You usually have a floor time as well where the instructor shows a move or series of moves to be repeated across the room. Have fun and work hard!

Answer 5

You worded this perfectly. Dont worry. Most dancing schools require pink thights, black leotard, chiffon skirts for older students, ballet shoes. Don't wear any jewelry or watches. I dont encourage wearing makeup, because you'll sweat quite a bit and the make up will smudge off. i guess lip gloss will suffice. You can always adress the teacher by her name or Ms. Her Name. Usually, Reverence or Curtsy symbolies the end of the class. GOOD LUCK and HAVE FUN!

Answer 6

Well, for our ballet class we have to wear a black leatard and pink tights with our hair in a bun. Our teacher doesn't care if we wear makeup (but it's mandatory for recitals) and we usually clap after class but not all the time. Just wait to see if anybody else does :) Um..... We can't talk to our neighbors and we have to be ready for any dance step or routine. That's about it. I'm sure you'll do great.

Answer 7

well ask them for the rules? or you probably want to show a good impression so wear a black leotard pink tights and a skirt then put your hair in a bun! and make sure your ballet shoes are clean! that will show them you are excited for there class good luck and have fun!

Answer 8

just try to be nice. most dancers are friendly and will understand that you are new and make mistekes. also if you are taking a beginers class i am sure that there will be other new kids. we can wear makeup in our classes. when on stage you are actually EXPECTED to wear makeup.most studios dance reverance at the end of class. reverance means "thank you" in french, it is a simple dance that is easy to learn and very elegent. hope you love dance

Answer 9

well all ballet classes are different
but our dance teacher doesnt really have any rules bt we usually stretch a lot and stuff and i dont think u should wear long or hoop earrings and u should tie your hair up and wear socks or tights of course

Answer 10

We dont have any specific ruled to follow. We dont have to wear anything certain either. Good Luck. You'll be fine!!