Dance Program Policies

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

Avoid eating a full meal within two hours of aerial work to reduce nausea.

• 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.

• 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.