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. Don’t overthink it—roll your shoulders, stretch your back, swing your arms, maybe do a few squats. Anything that wakes up your body works.

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. We’re not against colours—just keep them tasteful.
Fitted clothing. We need to see your body lines to help you improve.
Fresh socks = happiness🎉

What Makes Us Cry 😅

Baggy 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. Think of standing like trees in an orchard — everyone gets sun and nobody is hidden in the shade.

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.

Work Your Listening Skills. In class, every correction is a gift. Even if the teacher is talking to someone else, listen as if it’s meant for you. Chances are, you’ll need that advice too. Train your ears as much as your body — it’s one of the fastest ways to improve.

The Rhythm of Respect: So when the teacher says ‘next group,’ the other group becomes the cheer squad — and at the end, clap for them, no matter what. 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? And if you really want to save something for later—film yourself after class, or ask a classmate if they’ll repeat the combo for your camera. That way the flow of the class stays alive, and you still get your practice video.

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. Even if you only remember one move, repeat that one. Replay the class in your head—it helps more than you think.
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.

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?

→ Try a beginner-friendly class this week

→ become part of the ANIMA family 🤍

ANIMA FABRIK students warming up in a contemporary dance class in Vienna — 📷 Patrizia Korn

Confused by numbers on the timetable? Here's what each level really means—and how to find your safe starting point.

Since When Did Creativity Become a Suffering Contest?

Almost every dance timetable carries labels: Beginner · Intermediate · Advanced. Think of them like movie genres—comedy, thriller, drama. The label sets the vibe; it doesn't decide whether you're "allowed" in the audience. 😉

At ANIMA FABRIK, we believe curiosity is the truth and the only reliable compass for creative living. Our levels aren't door guards—they're comfort-vs-challenge guides designed to feed your wonder, not your ego.

Here's the beautiful reality: our classes often end up mixed anyway. Beginners pick up insights from experienced dancers, pros still drill the basics, and the blend makes the room vibrate. ⚡

Level 1 • Basic

0-2 years of training

💡 About those timeframes: The years mentioned are based on our observations of how long dancers typically spend developing at each level. They're guideposts, not rules. Your journey might be faster, slower, or completely different—and that's exactly as it should be.

This is where curiosity begins. You'll learn essential elements like plié and contraction, pick up terminology, and work through simple sequences in a supportive environment. Think: learning to walk in contemporary language.

What you might do: a basic phrase moving from simple to more complex variations, exploring weight, breath, and coordination.

If you're new to dance or just dusting off, this is home base. But remember—you can always peek into higher levels. It's not a crime to be curious.

Level 2 • Beginner

1-3 years of training

You know some basics now, and it's time to refine them. Slightly more complex combinations, deeper understanding of fundamentals, and growing confidence in your movement. You have learned that failure has a function—it's teaching you.

What you might do: warm up exercise combos, traveling phrases across the floor, introduction to different body languages and forms.

Remember: the only real rule is—show up. The floor will meet you where you are.

Level 3 • Beginner+

2-5 years of training

By now you've got a solid foundation, and this is where it gets interesting. You don't feel intimidated by faster pace and challenging combinations, you pay more attention to musicality, and yes—frustration still visits. But that's the sign that you are growing.

What you might do: complex floor work sequences, jumps and turns in combination, playing with dynamics and timing.

Remember: now you know that if you love dancing more than your ego, suddenly words like "failure" and "success" become irrelevant. Don't let ego run the show; it only craves reward, reward, reward. Instead, desire wonder.

Level 4 • Intermediate

5-8 years of training

You're fluent in dance vocabulary now and ready to dive into nuance. Classes focus on detailed technique—like jeweler work under a magnifying glass—quality of movement, and sophisticated combinations. You'll start feeling like a craftsperson, shaping your dance with intention and care.

What you might do: intricate phrase work with multiple levels and directions, performance quality development, redefining your own style.

This is where technique meets artistry, and self-confidence becomes your most powerful tool.

Level 5 • Advanced

8-10+ years of training

Designed for pre-professional and professional dancers with extensive training across contemporary and modern styles. This level is about care for details, personal style of self-expression, and pushing limits with courage and intelligence.

What you might do: highly complex choreography, advanced technique integration, preparation for performance or professional work.

At this level, it's not just love anymore—it's a need. You're educated, skilled, but you still want more. After 8-10+ years, dancing isn't something you enjoy; it just becomes part of who you are.

Why We Use Level Ranges, like 1-3 or 2-4

You'll notice our timetable shows ranges like "Level 1-3" instead of single numbers. That's because dance learning isn't that precise! A single class might have floor work perfect for beginners, a traveling sequence that challenges Level 2 dancers, and a final combination that pushes Level 3 students.

These ranges give you permission to grow within the same room. Remember: whatever class you choose, it will feel simple in some ways, and it will feel hard in other ways. There's no "perfect easy class" where everything clicks immediately. Dance always challenges you — that's part of the fun!

If you want to do it, just start. Don't wait until you feel "ready" — because the floor will make you ready🌟

The Truth About Levels

Here's what we've learned after years of teaching: the room belongs to everyone who loves to move. Whether you're discovering your first grand battement in Level 1 or perfecting your artistry in Level 5, you're part of the same creative conversation.

Curiosity doesn't care about your level. Wonder doesn't check your résumé. And the magic that happens when bodies move through space? That's available to everyone willing to show up and explore.

So come as you are, start where you are, and let your curiosity guide you forward. The numbers on our timetable are just suggestions—your love for movement is the only requirement that matters.

Ready to explore? Check our timetable and follow your curiosity. And we will be there to support you on the dance floor✨

→ SEE TIMETABLE

Dance Etiquette: Your Guide to Studio Harmony 🫶