Studio Etiquette & Class Guidelines

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At Minnesota Ballet School, we believe that discipline, respect, and a positive attitude are an essential part of ballet training. Our studio etiquette helps create a safe, focused, and welcoming environment where every dancer can learn, grow, and enjoy the art of ballet.

Arriving on Time & Being Prepared

Arriving on time allows dancers to begin class calmly, confidently, and safely.

• Younger dancers (ages 3–7): Please arrive 10–15 minutes before class to allow your child time to get ready, settle in, and feel comfortable before entering the studio.
• Older dancers (ages 8+): Please arrive 30 minutes before class to allow enough time to change, prepare, and properly warm up.
• Dancers should arrive dressed appropriately, with hair secured and all necessary shoes and belongings ready before class begins.
• Late arrival can be disruptive to the teacher and other dancers and may increase the risk of injury.
• If you arrive late and the teacher permits you to participate, enter quietly and wait until the end of the current exercise before joining the class.
• Students arriving 15 minutes or more after the scheduled class start time may observe but will not be permitted to participate.
• If you need to leave class early, please speak with your teacher before class whenever possible.

In the Studio

• Cell phones must be turned off and put away during class.
• No food, gum, or beverages are permitted in the studio. Water bottles are welcome.
• Please do not talk during class. Stay focused on your teacher, your own body, and your dancing.
• Remain attentive even when waiting for your turn. Do not sit, lean, or hang on the barre unless instructed.
• Allow dancers who know the combination and more advanced students to stand toward the front when appropriate.
• Move quickly and quietly when changing groups or exercises.
• Maintain good spatial awareness and respect the personal space of other dancers and the teacher.
• Do not record, photograph, or livestream a class without permission.
• Please use the restroom before class whenever possible.
• If you need to leave the studio during class, wait for an appropriate moment and ask the teacher.
• Do not leave class early without prior permission from the teacher.
• Please do not watch the clock or remind the teacher when class should end. Allow the teacher to manage the class time.
• Maintain a quiet and respectful environment. No running, shouting, whistling, horseplay, or unnecessary noise is permitted in the studio or common areas.

Personal Belongings & Studio Safety

Please help us keep the dance space clean, safe, and free of unnecessary distractions.

• A water bottle is welcome in the studio. Water is especially recommended for longer or more physically demanding classes.
• A small personal towel may be brought to class if needed.
• Bring only the items you may need for class, such as ballet shoes, pointe shoes, a skirt, leg warmers, resistance bands, or other teacher-approved training items.
• Large bags, backpacks, coats, and personal belongings should be left in the designated changing or storage area.
• Personal items brought into the studio should be placed neatly in the designated area along the mirrors, keeping the dancing space completely clear.
• Do not leave belongings in the center of the studio or around the barre where they may create a tripping hazard.
• All personal grooming should be completed before arriving at the studio. Please do not clip or file fingernails or toenails, brush hair, or perform other personal grooming in the studio.
• Dancers should arrive clean, groomed, and fully prepared for class.

Respect & Courtesy

Ballet is built on respect — for your teachers, your fellow dancers, and the art form itself.

• Be courteous and respectful to teachers, staff, classmates, and other families.
• Stand and curtsy or bow when the teacher enters the room, according to the teacher's instruction.
• At the end of class, thank your teacher.
• Never laugh at, tease, or make fun of another dancer's mistakes.
• Do not correct other students. Corrections are the teacher's responsibility.
• If you have a question, raise your hand and wait for the appropriate moment rather than interrupting the teacher.
• If something is unclear, politely ask your teacher for clarification.
• If you disagree with a correction or have a different perspective, speak with the teacher privately after class rather than interrupting the lesson.
• Support your fellow dancers and contribute to a positive studio environment.

Take Corrections Positively

Corrections are an important part of ballet training.

Teachers give corrections to help dancers improve their technique, develop healthy habits, and reach their potential.

• Listen carefully and apply corrections with a positive attitude.
• When a correction is given to another dancer, listen — it may apply to you as well.
• Do not take corrections personally. They are given because your teacher wants to help you improve.
• Be patient with yourself. Ballet requires time, consistency, and dedication.

Dress Code & Personal Appearance

Proper attire allows teachers to clearly see the dancer's body and technique and helps create a professional learning environment.

• Wear the required leotard color for your level, with appropriate ballet tights and shoes.
• Dancewear should be clean, neat, and in good condition. Please repair or replace ripped tights and worn-out dancewear.
• Hair must be neatly pulled back and securely fastened away from the face.
• Hair accessories and pins must be secure so they do not fall onto the studio floor.
• No jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, long earrings, or watches, should be worn during class.
• Please maintain good personal hygiene and wear deodorant.
• Because many people are sensitive to fragrances, please avoid perfume and strongly scented products.
• Ballet shoes should never be worn outside the studio.
• Street shoes should not be worn inside the dance studio.

Safety & Injuries

Your safety is our priority.

• If you have an existing injury or physical limitation, please inform your teacher before class.
• If you experience pain, become injured, or feel that something is wrong during class, notify your teacher immediately.
• Never continue an exercise through significant pain.
• Teachers may modify an exercise or ask a dancer to observe if participation is not appropriate for safety reasons.
• Please follow all teacher instructions regarding safe movement, spacing, and studio equipment.

Food & Snacks

• Food is not permitted in the dance studios.
• Small snacks may be enjoyed in designated eating areas when appropriate.
• Please choose snacks that are quiet, non-messy, and low-odor.
• Please avoid foods that are greasy, strongly scented, crumbly, or difficult to clean.
• Meals should not be eaten in the studio or waiting area.
• Please clean up immediately after eating and dispose of all food and packaging properly.

Keep It Clean

Please treat the studio as a shared space and take pride in keeping it clean.

• Pick up your belongings, clothing, water bottle, and any trash before leaving.
• If you bring it into the studio, take it with you when you leave.
• Keep personal belongings neatly stored in designated areas.
• No running or inappropriate behavior is permitted in the studio or common areas.
• Please help us maintain a quiet, clean, and professional environment throughout the school.

Have a Good Attitude

Ballet requires discipline, patience, and perseverance.

Come to class ready to learn, work hard, listen, and improve. Leave distractions and personal conflicts outside the studio and bring a positive, focused attitude to your training.

Your body language matters. Stand with confidence and attentiveness, listen to your teacher, and show respect for the learning process.

Have Fun!

Most importantly, enjoy dancing!

Ballet is challenging, rewarding, and a lifelong journey. Be proud of your hard work, celebrate your progress, support your fellow dancers, and enjoy every step of your training.

Work hard. Be respectful. Stay focused. Enjoy the journey.