Dance Etiquette: How to Show Up to Class & Groove Growth

Hey dance family,

When it comes to dance, especially the style we do, it’s always evolving.

We’re rooted in street dance. Hip hop, locking, a little popping, house, and other styles. Even the music we move to matters. R&B, New Jack Swing, classic hip hop, funk, soul, trap, and what’s current today. It’s all part of the experience.

The goal is simple. We want you to feel comfortable dancing in any room and have a strong presence when you groove.

That’s why applied knowledge matters. That’s why how you show up matters.

Here are six things that will take your experience to another level.

1. Come on time

Give yourself the space to settle in. When you arrive on time, you can choose your spot, see clearly, and fully lock into the energy of the room. You’re not playing catch-up. You’re present from the start.

2. Bring the right energy

Your energy matters. Come ready to receive, ready to move, and ready to learn.

As people, we’re powerful. We can absorb, adapt, and grow quickly when we’re engaged. Don’t take that for granted. Be in it. Be alert. Even try to anticipate what’s coming next. That’s how you accelerate your growth. I found this to be a core element in my experience in the entertainment industry over the last almost 4 decades.

3. Dance on beat

This is everything.

If you’re offbeat, it slows your growth and affects how you connect with others in the room.

Start by listening. Really listening to the music.

What are the drums saying?
What is the bass doing?
What are the vocals communicating?

The groove lives in between the beats, too. The more you can hear the music, the more you can express it.

4. Respect the space

Never walk in front of the teacher while class is in session.

If you come in late or need to step out, move through the back. That way, everyone can stay locked in and see what’s being taught.

It’s a small thing, but it makes a big difference for the whole room.

5. Learn the culture

Dance doesn’t live only in the studio.

Go out. Experience it.

Find a house night. A hip hop night. A 90s party (aye). Put yourself in the environment where the music and movement live.

That’s where you really start to understand the feeling behind what you’re learning.

6. Have fun

This might be the most important one.

When you have fun, you give other people permission to do the same.

Energy is contagious. When you’re enjoying yourself, the whole room shifts. That’s how community is built.

At the end of the day, this is bigger than steps.

This is about presence. Confidence. Expression. Connection.

Like one of our students, Bev Brownlowe, said, this is cross-training for life.

We’ve got new classes starting at the beginning of April, plus our performance program showcase and next Dance Night. Rock with us!

If you’ve been thinking about joining, this is your moment!

And if you’re in a different area and want us to bring Dance Where You Are to your city? Let us know. And we do have virtual options as well.

We’re building something bigger than a class. We’re building a movement.

Grateful to have you be part of it.

Dance where you are!

Carl Alleyne
Dance Where You Are

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