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TIPS
Arrive Early
Plan to arrive to class 10 to 15 minutes early to give yourself plenty of time to prepare and warm up. Most dance teachers appreciate students who are on time and ready to work. Get into the habit of arriving about fifteen minutes early and use the time to stretch. If you happen to arrive late, try to enter the studio quietly to avoid disrupting the rest of the class.
Save Big Meals for Later
Don't eat a heavy meal right before you go to class. Dancing on a full stomach is never a smart idea. Have a small, high-energy snack before class instead. Good choices for pre-class snacks include fresh fruit, yogurt, nuts or dried fruit.
Fix Your Hair
Take the time to secure your hair, preferably up and out of your eyes and face. Some teachers usually prefer that hair be worn in a tight bun. If your hair is too short to be pulled up into a bun, try a tight ponytail instead. Make sure to secure bangs away from your face.
Clear Your Mind
Before you enter the room, clear your mind of any outside issues or concerns. Many people find dancing to be a stress-reliever...use your class time to relax and clear your mind. Instead of focusing on your worries, concentrate on your dancing.
Claim Your Space
When you enter the studio, find a spot to stand with plenty of room to move and stretch out freely. Many dancers arrive early to claim the best spots, usually in the front row. Wherever you choose to stand, make sure you can see and hear the teacher.
Be Sensitive to Injuries
If you have an injury, don't overdo it. A sore muscle is vulnerable to further injury. Realize that your injury will not last forever, but forcing it will probably prolong your recovery time. Always listen to your body...if you feel like you probably shouldn't attempt that split jump, don't. Give yourself a much-needed break.
Learn at Yout Own Pace
Everyone learns to dance at different speeds. Don't compare yourself to others in your class. Some people just seem to catch on faster than others. Ask questions if you are unclear about a step. Do your best, smile and have fun! If you take class and find that movements are too complicated or challenging, understand that this is a normal feeling. One needs to take a class several times to allow the body to acquire a certain amount of muscle memory, stamina, and strength. It does get easier, but you may need to take more than one class to feel comfortable.
Please note you will be asked to sign-in at the front desk before taking any class. Please have your Drop-In Discount or method of payment ready. We want to get you into class as quickly as possible. Students wishing to take more than one class per night/day will be asked to sign-in for all classes upon arrival.
For your safety we ask that you do not chew gum in class.
Please keep all jewelry to a minimum. Long earrings and dangling bracelets can easily get caught. For your safety, we ask that you remove all jewelry and bring your valuables with you into the studio.
Individuals all work at different paces and levels. In an effort to accommodate most people, we have devised class levels to help guide you to the proper class. However, if you are unsure of what class is right for you, please consult our desk staff or class instructor prior to taking any class.
DANCE ATTIRE
Wear the Right Clothes
Go to class in the proper dance attire, Always wear dance clothes that fit your body well. A leotard that is too tight in the shoulders or too loose in the bottom will certainly disrupt your dancing. Also make certain that your shoes are the correct size.
For ballet, modern, belly dance, jazz, pilates mat, and yoga, please wear clothes that are form-fitting. This allows the instructor to easily ascertain proper alignment. Belly Dance classes require a hip scarf of any type.
WHAT DO I WEAR ON MY FEET?
Please bring with you to the studio the shoes you plan to dance in and change into them after you arrive. Make sure the soles of your dance shoes are clean before entering the studio. No shoes worn in from the street will be allowed in the studio. Please note the following guidelines for footwear in class
Afrobrazilian: Bare feet (preferred), ballet shoes acceptable.
Ballet: Ballet slippers (preferred), socks acceptable.
Latin Jazz: Jazz shoes (preferred), Jazz sneakers acceptable.
Belly Dance : Bare feet (preferred). Socks or ballet shoes acceptable.
Modern: Bare feet (preferred), socks acceptable. No sneakers.
Yoga/Pilates/Floor Barre: Bare feet only. Socks acceptable.
The classes are open to the general public and are held at 1515 14th St N.W, Suite
#200,Washington D.C 20005
