CONDUCT IN THE STUDIO
Come to class ready to dance - Make sure you get to the studio early enough to prepare for class. You should give yourself time to change, put your shoes on, use the restroom, and warm up.
Respect the teachers - Our teachers have many years of experience within the Irish Dance world and want to see all of our students succeed. Please listen actively and attentively in class. Pay attention when the teacher is speaking or demonstrating.
Speak up when you need help - Tell your teacher if you are having trouble or a problem in class.
Do not contradict the teachers - If you have questions or disagreements, please stay to discuss after class to come to an understanding
Respect your classmates - Limit conversation during class time. When other dancers are up on the floor, give them the respect to not talk loudly or be distracting. Treat your classmates with kindness and empathy. Support and cheer each other on.
Do not correct other dancers - Only the teachers or officially appointed assistant(s) may correct a dancer. It is not the place of other students or parents to give corrections on choreography and technique.
Bring a positive attitude - Poor sportsmanship, rude behavior, eye rolling, and/or negativity will not be tolerated in class.
Keep a good dance notebook - We go over a lot of material in class. We ask all dancers to bring a notebook to class to write down corrections, changes, and other notes about their choreography. Corrections are meant to be helpful and tools to improve your dancing. Changes to your choreography are always done to help you have the steps that will work best for you and not taken away as a punishment.
Address concerns directly with teachers - Dancers or parents who have questions or concerns should directly ask the teacher. Parents and students should not be confronting another student or parent with issues.
Only dancers are allowed in the studio dance space except for first time dancers.
CONDUCT AT COMPETITIONS
Always come prepared - Make sure to have everything you need for that competition weekend packed. Make sure your shoes are polished, costume is presentable, and have something to attach your competitor number.
Show School Pride - Cheer on your fellow classmates and dance families. Even though we mostly compete in solos, we are still teammates! Help out new dancers who may not know the ropes yet. Share words of encouragement if you see somebody is nervous. Dancers and Parents are encouraged to wear school gear or school colors to competitions!
Respect your fellow competitors - Always treat others with respect and exercise kindness. Everything we say can positively or negatively affect others, so choose to only comment if it is going to make another feel good. Talking poorly of other dancers or schools reflects badly on not just yourself but our school as a whole. You never know who is listening nearby.
Focus on your own scores - Steer clear of comparing yourself with other dancers. Avoid comments such as “I beat you in this danceâ€. Do not tell others their results unless they ask (some people like to wait until later in the day to check).
Wear proper attire around the ballrooms - Please exercise modesty at competitions. Change in changing rooms if available.
Wear pants or shorts over bloomers, jackets or button up shirts over sports bras, etc.
Respect volunteers/and organizers - Without volunteers and organizers, we would not have competitions to attend. If you have questions for volunteers or stage hands, please make sure you are approaching them with respect. Unless you have a young child, parents/guardians should not be approaching stage hands at a competition. If there are any major concerns, please speak with your teacher so they can handle the situation.
Do not speak with adjudicators or musicians - There is no circumstance where a dancer or parent should be speaking with an adjudicator or musician at a competition unless they directly address you. This can get you or your dancer disqualified. Questions could be addressed to stage hands or your teacher.
No video or photography allowed - The CLRG prohibits video and photography of dancers while they are on stage performing. Please limit any photos or videos to award ceremonies or outside of the ballroom.
CONDUCT AT SHOWS
Arrive on time and in costume - All dancers are expected to arrive 30 minutes prior to show time. During these 30 minutes, dancers will review show choreography line ups and warm up to perform.
Quiet side stage - Limit conversations side stage. Often the audience can hear what is going on side stage which distracts from the current performance. If there are no curtains or something to block the view - please stand or sit quietly during others performances.
ZERO TOLERANCE FOR BULLYING
All members of our dance community have the right to a safe space. Bullying in any form (ie direct or indirect, physical, emotional, social, verbal, written, electronic) will not be tolerated. Bullying is harmful and creates a hostile environment in the dance studio. Any documented bullying event will have serious repercussions under our zero tolerance policy. Immediate termination of enrollment may be enforced for serious violations. We recognize that bullying is not limited to just students. Anyone witnessed bullying or harassing another student, parent, or teaching staff will be subject to disciplinary actions.
If you or your child are being bullied, please alert a teacher as soon as possible. If you wish to report anonymously, please leave a note by the studio radio. Each situation is unique and will be treated with urgency and sensitivity by the teaching staff.
I have read and acknowledged the Code of Conduct section. I have reviewed these rules with my dancer(s) and am aware of all school policies. I agree to abide by the rules outlined in this handbook.
