IN-CLASS ETIQUETTE
PAY ATTENTION
Watch while other students dance—you will learn something. Dancers must be quiet and may not talk while someone is on the dance floor.
SUPPORT ONE ANOTHER
Encourage your classmates. Always clap for a dancer who is selected to demonstrate.
LISTEN FIRST
Listen carefully and ask questions when called upon. You will always have an opportunity to ask for help or clarification.
BE KIND
Be kind to everyone. Gossip is not permitted in the studio, online, in the car, or anywhere else connected to the school.
BE ON TIME
Arrive early enough to be dressed, wearing your dance shoes, and ready to begin when class starts.
USE BREAKS WISELY
Use the bathroom before class and during scheduled breaks. Do not leave class to avoid difficult material. If you are struggling, tell your instructor—it is okay not to get something immediately.
RESPECT YOUR INSTRUCTORS
Follow your instructor's directions without arguing. Questions are welcome at the appropriate time, but respectful cooperation is expected.
BE READY TO BE COACHED
Expect corrections and repetition of movements, drills, and dances. We are here to teach, and you are here to learn. Half-hearted, spiteful, or intentionally sloppy dancing will not help you improve. Give your best effort every time you step onto a dance floor.
GROUP DANCES REQUIRE TEAMWORK
If asked to fill a place in a group dance, do so without argument. Take the requested position and calmly tell your instructor if you do not know the dance or spot.
STUDIO RULES & EXPECTATIONS
Everyone shares responsibility for keeping the studio safe, organized, and ready for learning.
WATER ONLY
No soda, flavored water, sparkling drinks, or other beverages during class. Bring plain water.
COME PREPARED
Bring the correct shoes, socks, and class attire. Hair must be secured away from the face and neck.
BE READY AT START TIME
Be dressed and prepared to dance when class begins. Enter quietly, go directly to the seating area, put on your shoes, stretch, and wait for instruction.
DO NOT DISTRACT
Never walk in front of a dancer, cross between an instructor and the working dancers, or interrupt a class already in progress. This applies to parents and visitors, too.
KINDNESS AND RESPECT ARE REQUIRED
Treat instructors, dancers, families, and every member of the McGovern Irish Dance community with kindness, courtesy, and respect.
SAFETY FIRST
No hitting, slapping, pinching, picking each other up, sitting on one another, or physical horseplay—even as a joke. Please do your best to avoid bleeding, broken bones, lost teeth, vomiting, sprains, pulled ligaments, fainting, or anything else that might gross Miss Shelagh out!
LEAVE THE SPACE BETTER THAN YOU FOUND IT
Put everything you brought back into your dance bag. Dispose of trash, whether it belongs to you or not. Return moved items, chairs, and benches to their proper places.
WHO MAY BE IN THE STUDIO?
Only dancers enrolled in the class may be inside the studio. This restriction also applies to siblings, parents, non-dancing children, and friends. Space is limited, and observers can distract dancers. Exceptions may occasionally be approved.
VISITOR DAYS AND PARENT PEEK-INS
Scheduled visitor days may be offered. Visitors must sit quietly and may not correct or coach any dancer during class. Coaching from the sidelines undermines the instructor and distracts the dancer.