Dance Program Policies
General Dance Policies
Respect & Conduct
- Respect instructors’ professional decisions about training, supervision, participation, and progression.
- Instructors will respect students’ skills, boundaries, and privacy.
- Students may not teach other students. Demonstrations by advanced students may be requested by instructors; any student-to-student teaching or skill-sharing requires instructor approval.
Attire & Hygiene
- Technique classes require form-fitting clothing (dance, aerobic, or bike wear); supportive undergarments recommended (sports bras, dance belts).
- No gum or hazardous jewelry. Remove or tape piercings; secure hair away from the face.
- Ballet shoes recommended for ballet classes; tap shoes for tap classes.
- No dirty street shoes on studio floors or risers—leave them in cubbies. If sneakers are needed, use a clean, studio-only pair; wipe soles before entering.
Classroom Etiquette & Safety
- Classes begin promptly. Be prepared and warmed up; late students must complete the instructor’s warm-up before joining fully.
- Follow instructor directions and safety protocols. Ask for help when needed and be courteous to fellow students.
- Report any health conditions or injuries to the instructor.
Open Studio & Practice
- Respect the supervising instructor’s authority during open studio sessions.
- Open Studio is for practicing skills you’ve been trained on—not for experimenting with new techniques or teaching others without permission.
- Advanced-level skill-sharing is allowed only with instructor approval.
Aerial Dance Policies
Safety & Communication
- Safety is our top priority. Follow all instructor directions, procedures, and class protocols.
- Do not practice new apparatus skills outside class without permission.
- Report health conditions that affect participation and any injuries sustained during class.
- Instructors can contact on‑duty EMTs; an incident report will be filed for injuries.
- Tape minor cuts/abrasions and notify the instructor immediately if you bleed on equipment. The instructor will isolate and clean affected apparatus and determine next steps.
- Discuss spotting and physical contact preferences with your instructor before class.
Attire & Hygiene
- Wear pants that cover the backs of the knees and shirts that cover the midriff and do not ride up; leotards encouraged. Long sleeves may be advisable to protect underarms.
- Remove or tape jewelry and piercings; tie back long hair; trim nails. No zippers, ties, or hooks that can catch.
- Avoid heavy lotions within two hours of class; keep hands and feet clean. Deodorant recommended.
- Late students must complete the instructor’s warm‑up before using an apparatus.
Rosin, Equipment & Facility Care
- Rock rosin is available; use sparingly as a temporary aid for grip—not as a substitute for building strength.
- Treat apparatus and mats with care; equipment is inspected regularly. Use mats at all times unless the instructor grants an exception.
- Notify the instructor immediately if you soil equipment so it can be isolated and cleaned.
Health & Food
Avoid eating a full meal within two hours of aerial work to reduce nausea.
Class Levels & Prerequisites
- Instructors may reassign or withdraw students based on ability; private assessments are available.
- Core Fundamentals/Beginner: foundational climbs, foot/wrist locks, basic inversions; focus on strength and flexibility.
- Mixed Apparatus: suited for those meeting basic strength requirements (e.g., 20‑second plank, basic climb); builds endurance and repertoire.
- Intermediate Silks: must climb to the top, invert cleanly, perform footlocks and hip keys, and know several drops.
- Repertory & Choreography: for intermediate students ready to create and perform sequences; not for learning new aerial skills.
Setup & Strike
- Students assist with mats and general setup/strike; only instructors handle apparatus rigging.
- Respect the supervising instructor’s authority—final say on safety and equipment use.
- Advanced-level skill-sharing permitted only with instructor approval.
Local Dance Stores
Bloch
505 Tremont St. Boston, MA
13 min walk from Arlington stop on the Green Line
Boston Dancewear
247 Washington St. Stoughton, MA
26 min walk from Stoughton MBTA commuter rail station
Capezio
330 Washington St. Wellesley, MA
2 min walk from Wellesley Hills MBTA commuter rail station
Dancer’s Image
1353 Washington St. Newton, MA
Dance This Way
79 Commonwealth Ave. Concord, MA
On Your Toes Dancewear
194 Newbury St. Peabody, MA
Teddy’s Shoes
548 Massachusetts Ave. Cambridge, MA
2 min walk from Central stop on the Red Line