Professional Dancer University

DANCE ETIQUETTE: 101

DESCRIPTION:

Okay, pay attention, because this doesn't happen too often, but ummmmm....school is in session!  Just because you can dance, doesn't mean that you are professional dancer.  No hard feelings, just saying.  Before you go off tooting your own horn, or walking into a choreographer's rehearsal trying to dominate, make sure your dance etiquette is up to par.  Oh, and just in case you forgot, or you need help brushing up on your basic Dance Conduct Code, Professor Nikita put together a few lessons to help guide you along the way.

LESSON 1: BE ON TIME
This is self explanatory in any profession.  By showing up early, not only are you doing the choreographer a favor, but also yourself.  Expect to show up to rehearsal at least 30 minutes beforehand to stretch, change, review, and mentally prepare yourself for the day.

LESSON 2: WEAR PROPER DANCE ATTIRE
Each dance class requires a certain dress code.  If you do not know what to wear to class, call the studio and ask, or you can also do a google image search or something.  Whatever you do, do not show up ready to dance in your work pants, blouse, and flip-flops (I wish I was making this up, but yes, I have seen this).  Adhering by the dress code shows that you are a disciplined dancer who is in the studio prepared to learn, not for a fashion show.

LESSON 3: PLAY YOUR ROLE
If working a 9 to 5, you would not go into an office meeting talking over your co-workers, or contradicting the boss, would you?  No!  You sit there, and wait until it is your time to speak.  Well, the same rules apply in the professional dance world.  You must think, breathe, and live professionalism.  Do not overstep your boundaries.  When you are cast as a dancer for a show, or are taking a class somewhere, understand that you are taking on the role of a dancer.  Nothing more and nothing less.

LESSON 4: SHUT UP & DANCE!
I don't mean to be so forward, but someone has to say it.  Rehearsal and class may be a place where you meet some great friends, but it is not a social hour.  Come in prepared to exercise your mind, body and soul, not your mouth-piece.

LESSON 5: THE DANCE BUBBLE
As a professional dancer, it is important to know how to immediately space yourself in a studio and on stage.  Learn spacial awareness, how to stay within your own dance space, and how NOT to violate other dancer's spaces.  Trust me!  This will take you a long way, and your fellow dancers may like you a little more.

LESSON 6: DANCING AS A GROUP
Observe and Blend.  If you see a fellow dancer doing a step in a style you liked, try it out!  Just remember to keep it clean, simple, controlled and try your best to look like the rest of the group.  Working together as a team is important and definitely shows on stage.  Taking your ego out of the equation is best for everyone.

LESSON 7: BE KIND

Photo Courtesy of Disney-Clipart.com

Like Thumper said, "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all."  I know, a bit 3rd grade, but it's one of my fav Disney movies.  But seriously, both your verbal and non-verbal actions have an affect on everyone in the room.  Energy is something dancers feed off of.  So keep it positive and motivating.  We are all on the same team to build each other up, not to bring each other down.

LESSON 8: CONFIDENCE VS. COCKINESS
A perfect segue from Lesson 7, if you are a professional dancer, chances are you will be performing with other dancers.  Therefore, it is important for you to know how to work well with a group and to develop your interpersonal skills.  There are plenty of egotistical people in our field, however it's important to know the difference between confidence and cockiness.  When it comes time to shine, do it on the dance floor!

LESSON 9: WATCH 1ST, ASK QUESTIONS LATER
When learning a new routine it is no doubt frustrating when you can't grasp the steps right away.  Sometimes it's only natural for you to get an attitude or huff and puff.  However, you must learn to control your grievances.  Instead of blurting out your frustration, by interrupting the choreographer or asking other people what the step is in the middle of the learning the routine, watch first.  Chances are the choreographer will review the combination a few times, and you will have a chance to ask questions then.

LESSON 10: PERFORMING
Now this really should be another class, but I will give you a few basic pointers when it comes time to perform.

1. Come performance ready, both mentally and physically!  Not only do you have to be concerned with you hair, costume, make-up, accessories, and extra miscellaneous items that you carry in your caboodle, but your mind must be cleared, focused, and ready to do the dayem thing as well.
2. Know your routine!  Do not let the adrenaline, crowd, and lights distract you from doing your job.  You are there to put on a great show, and perform your best.  So practice, practice, practice!  
3. This is by far the most important tip I can give you, NEVER walk off stage or pick up an item that has fallen off from your costume!    The show must go on no matter what happens, so if something is in your way, find a way to discreetly move it to the side.  DO NOT stop dancing!!

I hope you enjoyed reading this.  Let me know what you think by leaving a comment below...