Where to stand, what to wear, when to clap—and how to make the dance floor feel like home for everyone

What Dance Etiquette Really Means

Think of dance etiquette like the unspoken language of respect. It's not about rigid rules or fancy manners—it's about creating a space where everyone can move freely, learn fearlessly, and connect authentically. It covers personal space, floor awareness and kindness to all dancers, regardless of whether they're on day one or year ten.

Basically, it's how we take care of each other so we can all focus on what we came here for: dancing 👯‍♀️✨

ANIMA FABRIK dancers in studio during class — 📷 Patrizia Korn

Before Class Etiquette

Let's be honest—walking into a room full of strangers who seem to know exactly what they're doing is intimidating as hell. Even as teachers, we remember that heart-racing moment of not knowing where to stand or whether you belong.

Here's the secret: everyone was new once! That dancer executing perfect turns? They once stood exactly where you're standing, wondering if they'd taken someone's "spot."

Breaking the Ice: Instead of hovering awkwardly by the door, try these conversation starters with a friendly face:

"Have you taken this class before? Any tips?"

"Is there anything I should know about this teacher's style?"

"Do you mind if I ask—where's the best place for a beginner to stand?"

Pro tip: Introduce yourself to the teacher before class starts. It takes 30 seconds, makes you visible, and ensures you get the attention every newcomer deserves. We're not here to judge or criticise you for not being able to execute everything perfectly—we're happy you're here and you're curious!

Arrive on Time and Ready: If the room is empty when you arrive, don't wait for someone to entertain you. Take a spot and spend 5-10 minutes warming up your body. Roll your shoulders, stretch your spine, do whatever movement feels good. You've done some kind of exercise before—trust your body to know what it needs.

What to Wear or Fashion Choices That Don't Steal the Show

What Makes Us Happy😍

Black and white. Our studio dress code isn't about being boring—it's about creating visual calm so teachers can focus on your technique, not your Mickey Mouse t-shirt.
Fitted clothing. We need to see your body lines to help you improve.
Fresh socks = happiness🎉

What Makes Us Cry 😅

Baggy hip-hop clothes in a modern class🤦 Karl Lagerfeld loved seeing clothes hang on models, but we love seeing your hips, waist and knees—it allows the teacher to see YOU.
Keep the old clothes for painting walls. We get that dance clothes are expensive, but trust us, you will feel more self-confident and surprised how being nicely dressed will make you dance better.
Neon? Save them for the rave. In class they're just visual noise.
Sexy outfits? Fantastic for a party — but in class, functional beats fashionable every time.

The Practical Stuff:

Long hair? Tie it back so you can actually see what you're doing (revolutionary concept). And jewelry? Save the bling for after class.
Fresh body = happy neighbours. Find a deodorant that really works for you, and save the perfume cloud for date night.
Shoes? Not here. This floor is basically our holy ground. Bare feet or sport socks will make you feel connected to the floor.

In Class Etiquette — The Art of Finding Your Spot

The Strategy of Smart Placement: we love what we call "chess positioning"—strategic placement that sets you up for success. Instead of lining up directly behind each other, you stagger so everyone can see the teacher and nobody gets blocked.

The second row is pure gold 😉 You'll be close enough to see and hear everything the teacher demonstrates, you'll have someone experienced in front to follow when you're lost, and there's a safety net behind you for those moments when combinations travel or turn around.

Golden rule: Maintain at least one meter between yourself and other dancers. Nobody likes being suddenly blocked, so if you want to slip into a particular area, just smile and ask the people nearby if it's okay. A simple "Mind if I join you here?" keeps the vibe friendly and gives you allies in the room.

Bodies Collide, and they will! It's part of dancing in a group, like spilling coffee is part of Monday mornings. Quick apology, maybe a smile, then move on. Don't turn it into a dramatic five-act play with excessive apologising.

The Rhythm of Respect : After each group finishes a sequence, we clap. Not because they were perfect (perfection is boring anyway), but because they tried. It's a support act, an energy exchange, a way of saying "I see your effort and I celebrate it."

Communicate kindly. If something doesn't feel right, speak up with grace. Boundaries are healthy; rudeness is not.

Focus on Your Own Journey! It's easy to fall into the trap of comparing yourself to others, but this can be detrimental to your own progress and self-esteem. Focus on your personal growth and set your own goals. Celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small, and understand that each dancer has a unique path.

Phone-Free Zone 📵

Your phone will be just fine waiting for you. For this one hour, let the world wait—and let yourself dance. Unless you're a new parent with a two-month-old (mothers, you get a pass), the notifications can hold on.

During water breaks, talk to each other. Ask someone to explain a move you missed. Give a compliment. Share a laugh. The notifications will still be there when class ends—but these moments of human connection won't.

About filming: Filming feels tempting, we know. But honestly? Nothing beats practicing in the moment, with the energy of the room around you. Why capture it when you could live it?

After Class Etiquette

Don't rush out the door! The class doesn't end when the teacher says "thank you"—it ends when you've absorbed what you just learned.

Stay for 15 minutes to:

Practice sequences on your own
Stretch (seriously, stretch!)
Connect with other dancers over tea and fruit (yes, we provide both)
Share impressions, ask questions, be human together 🫶

The truth: We get it—sometimes life calls. But if you can, stay around and enjoy the atmosphere a little longer. The best conversations and breakthroughs often happen in those extra 15 minutes. This is where community happens, where friendships form, where the real magic of shared movement gets processed.

Clean up after yourself. Leave the space better than you found it — think of it as good karma for your next grand jeté.

Remember Why We're All Here

At the end of the day (or class), we're all here because we love dancing! ❤️ We're here to move, to grow, to connect, to challenge ourselves, and to be part of something bigger than our individual bodies.

Dance etiquette isn't about rules—it's about love. Love for the art-form, love for each other, love for the sacred space we create together.

So come as you are, respect the space, support your fellow dancers, and let's enjoy some magic on the dance floor✨

Ready to join our community?

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