Ever felt that you didn’t know what to do when a more advanced dancer attended your class? This happens quite frequently when dancers want to take a lower level class to focus more on cleaning their technique or perhaps they are joining in to make up for lost time from a previous class they missed. So the big question I always had on my mind when I was in this situation was…where do I stand in class?

You want to be able to benefit from having someone with more advanced technique and years of experience attending your class, but also want to feel like you have your own place. So what should you do?

It is polite and customary to allow the more senior dancer (meaning level of dance placement and not age) to select where they would prefer to stand either at the barre or center of the room before those of less seniority have their pick. After they have done so, you can feel free to select any spots that are available.

In some cases, the more senior dancer wants to stay in the back or offers the dancers of the class they are joining to have first pick of the space. If this is the case, by all means select the space where you would normally go to on any other given day.

Bonus Tips:

• It would be extra beneficial if you can snag a space right behind the more senior dancer at the barre or on the line behind them in the center. This way you can watch how they execute different steps and learn from observation.

Observe:

• How do they move?
• What do they do differently from you? How can you mimic what they do well?
• How do they execute steps that you have more difficulty with?
• After class, ask for pointers on steps you want to improve on.

***Sometimes a fellow dancer will be able to explain a step in a way that you can relate to better.

***Every extra ounce of information or time spent practicing something will bring you closer to mastering and achieving your goal.

Remember by following proper dance etiquette you are demonstrating to your peers and teacher that you respect the art of dance, those who are invited to attend class, and the time that is being given for your overall improvement.