SALT CREEK BALLET EXPECTATIONS

Arrival: 

• • • Arriving 20 min before class starts is recommended, to have enough time to properly warm up in order to avoid potential injury. Late arrival is disruptive. 

• • • If you arrive 20 minutes past the start time of class, the student cannot attend class, observe only.

• • • If you are less than 20 minutes late, please wait until the end of an exercise before you enter the class.

• • • If you need to leave the room for some reason, please stand quietly at the edge of the room until everyone finishes dancing; the teacher will invite you to join on the next combination.

• • • Have a good attitude! Leave personal/emotional problems outside of the studio. Do your best to have a positive attitude by being fully present and dedicated to the class. 

In the Studio:

• • • Chewing gum or bringing food and drinks are not permitted (a water bottle is okay)

• • • No cell phones or smart watches are allowed. 

• • • Do not talk in class. It’s a time to concentrate on the teacher and on your own body. Your dancing improves with no distractions (such as comparing yourself to, or gossiping with the person next to you). A good Ballet class has a quietly courteous atmosphere.

• • • If you get injured during class, pull a muscle, or have any type of illness that does not allow you to participate in class, let the teacher know. Get ice if needed, & call parents to pick you up, so they can give you the attention required. Ongoing requests to sit out and watch is detrimental to keep up with the class level. 

• • • If you have an injury prior to class, parents must email the directors with medical updates. 

• • • Do not record or photograph anything without permission.

• • • Do not “hang” or slouch on the barre. Be attentive at all times, especially when waiting for your turn. Never sit down unless you are asked to do so.

• • • Advanced students stand in front. Even if you arrived first, avoid the front of the room unless you know the combination.

• • • Change groups quickly, energetically ballet steps in the center.

• • • Body language is extremely important in ballet class. Ballet teachers are constantly ‘reading’ students’ bodies in order to give them specific instruction. If you are standing with your arms crossed and/or slumping, the teacher will interpret this as boredom, disrespect, or disinterest. Please keep in mind that we are observing you for the whole class: how you stand, facial expressions; what you do with your arms. Body language tells us how well you are listening and whether or not you are interested in your growth & learning as a dancer.

• • • We strongly recommend that dancers are well rested prior to class. Do not let your teacher see you yawn in class

• • • If you have a question, please raise your hand and wait for the teacher. Do not interrupt your teacher when they are in the middle of giving a combination or correction (unless it is an absolute emergency).

• • • It is the teacher’s responsibility to correct other students (peers are not permitted to do so)

• • • Do not correct the teacher. If the teacher has made a mistake (which is bound to happen) and it is causing confusion in the class, it is fine to politely ask for clarification. If you have a difference of opinion or philosophical perspective, it is best to save it for after class.

• • • Demonstrate good spatial awareness. This includes giving the instructor space. Do not crowd those in the back of the room to do so.

• • • Model our values of courtesy and respect. Stand-up and do a curtsey when the instructor enters the room.  At the end of class, it is especially courteous to say “thank you” to the instructor.

• • • Refrain from going to the bathroom in the middle of barre. You should go before class and if you need to go after barre, you can ask your teacher. Of course if you have an emergency – we want you to take care of it.

• • • Do not leave class early. Any exceptions must be agreed upon with the teacher before class.

• • • In alignment with our values, always be respectful to your fellow dancers.  Never laugh at them when they do something wrong – this will not be tolerated and a student may be asked to leave class. 

Dress Code:

• • • Dress appropriately and come prepared. Please mend ripped tights and wear leotards of your level color.

• • • No long necklaces, No bracelets, and/or wrist watches includes iphone watches should be worn during class.

Appearance & Self Care: 

• • • A groomed appearance is a sign of respect to yourself and others. When we look better, we feel better! Take pride in the way you appear.
    • Please wear deodorant to class. Please avoid perfume, as people can be sensitive to strong scents.

• • • Your hair must be neatly pulled back and adequately secured.  

• • • Your hair also impacts your technique and can be a health and safety issue. 

• • • Dancers who do not have their hair pulled back appropriately run the risk of creating bad habits, like unknowingly flicking their head to get their bangs out of their eyes, or not spotting because their hair hits them in the face when turning. 

• • • If your hair is not secure, you may have to stop dancing and leave your dancing space, which causes any dancers who are dancing with you to lose their focus when you leave your spot. If they are behind you on a traveling step, it may actually cause a collision. Also, if your hairpins fall out, another student may slip on it!

Corrections are How We Learn & Grow:

• • • Take corrections with a positive mindset, grace, & humility. You are here to learn and corrections are opportunities to grow and improve as a dancer. 

• • • All teachers want to see their students thrive and improve. While it can be confusing for young dancers, it is important for them to understand that the only way to improve in ballet is to be corrected.

• • • If you hear a correction being given to another student, pay attention!
      There is a good chance it applies to you as well!

• • • A teacher will not ask a student to do something that they cannot achieve.

Modeling Care:

• • • Respect & care for the dance spaces. Pick up trash, your clothes, etc. As a general rule, if you brought it in, take it out.

• • • This is a place of business; students/families/faculty must conduct themselves with mutual respect, and model kindness and generosity. 

• • • Parents and students are not to disparage SCB on social media, emails, or any online platforms. We value your feedback and appreciate having direct and constructive communication.”

Have FUN! 

Ultimately, this is YOUR time and you should enjoy it. Every teacher feels good when their students leave the room happy, so enjoy the process. Dance is an enriching experience, so be proud of your hard work, celebrate your accomplishments, and keep your eye on the continuing journey ahead.