Guidelines For All Classes
* Please inform the studio if you are unable to attend class (give 2+ hours notice). If most students will be gone, the studio will reschedule class, but only if there is enough notice to contact all students.
* In the case of inclement weather, the studio will make a closure announcement via email/text (existing students) and email/facebook (new students). Safety first!
*REGULAR ATTENDANCE IS ENCOURAGED and contributes significantly to skill development. If you are unable to attend class, please contact the studio to see if make-up opportunities are available. BDB sessions require 90% attendance/completion or instructor approval to advance to next session.
*BDB sessions will always review what we learned in previous classes to help facilitate better learning of the moves. While it may seem repetitive at times, we implement multiple teaching methods and strive to make sure that students have opportunities to learn in a way that is best suited for them. Please keep in mind that everyone learns at their own pace, and drilling will become a comfortable part of your dance experience.
* Please arrive on time to class - this helps guarantee our schedules. If you arrive more than 15 minutes early to your class time, you may be interrupting another session- please wait outside the studio (due to limited space).
NOTE: If you will be arriving late, please be aware of your fellow students and come into the studio quietly, use the restroom to change, stretch at the back of the room, etc. before joining.
*Please do not chew gum in class.
*Please turn off cell phone ringers in class.
* No children in the studio please - our space does not contain a separate waiting area and there is open access to props/dance items that are not suitable for children.
* Minimum age for all students is 18 years old unless special permission is acquired.
* Refunds will not be offered on prepaid class sessions (studio-approved refunds only). Individuals who join a session that has already started will only get a studio-approved discount, if applicable.
*Punch cards are offered at a discounted price. Not all classes allow drop-ins, and drop-in rates will vary by class.
NOTE: For troupe classses, punch cards expire 1 year after purchase (updated 12/8/2019).
* Please pay for classes/purchases with cash/check/card. If you are buying a costume or something more expensive, the studio offers payment plans.
* Keep classes to dancing instead of chitchat – there will always be time before/after classes to catch up with friends, discuss upcoming events, and ask questions. Remember… you are paying for the class, so make sure you get the most out of it!
*Treat all other students/troupe members with respect! If there are any personal issues/grievances in class, please speak privately to the instructor or studio owner first to see if an appopriate solution can be reached.
*There might be photo opportunities in class/performances/other which would be wonderful to use on the SRS-P website and/or promotional material. If you would prefer not to have your photo posted, please let the studio know. We do our best to choose photo moments of students/instructors that are happy, flattering, and engaging so it can well-represent all individuals involved.
The following applies to all performance groups/performers:
* In the case of inclement weather, the studio will make a closure announcement via email/text (existing students) and email/facebook (new students). Safety first!
*REGULAR ATTENDANCE IS ENCOURAGED and contributes significantly to skill development. If you are unable to attend class, please contact the studio to see if make-up opportunities are available. BDB sessions require 90% attendance/completion or instructor approval to advance to next session.
*BDB sessions will always review what we learned in previous classes to help facilitate better learning of the moves. While it may seem repetitive at times, we implement multiple teaching methods and strive to make sure that students have opportunities to learn in a way that is best suited for them. Please keep in mind that everyone learns at their own pace, and drilling will become a comfortable part of your dance experience.
* Please arrive on time to class - this helps guarantee our schedules. If you arrive more than 15 minutes early to your class time, you may be interrupting another session- please wait outside the studio (due to limited space).
NOTE: If you will be arriving late, please be aware of your fellow students and come into the studio quietly, use the restroom to change, stretch at the back of the room, etc. before joining.
*Please do not chew gum in class.
*Please turn off cell phone ringers in class.
* No children in the studio please - our space does not contain a separate waiting area and there is open access to props/dance items that are not suitable for children.
* Minimum age for all students is 18 years old unless special permission is acquired.
* Refunds will not be offered on prepaid class sessions (studio-approved refunds only). Individuals who join a session that has already started will only get a studio-approved discount, if applicable.
*Punch cards are offered at a discounted price. Not all classes allow drop-ins, and drop-in rates will vary by class.
NOTE: For troupe classses, punch cards expire 1 year after purchase (updated 12/8/2019).
* Please pay for classes/purchases with cash/check/card. If you are buying a costume or something more expensive, the studio offers payment plans.
* Keep classes to dancing instead of chitchat – there will always be time before/after classes to catch up with friends, discuss upcoming events, and ask questions. Remember… you are paying for the class, so make sure you get the most out of it!
*Treat all other students/troupe members with respect! If there are any personal issues/grievances in class, please speak privately to the instructor or studio owner first to see if an appopriate solution can be reached.
*There might be photo opportunities in class/performances/other which would be wonderful to use on the SRS-P website and/or promotional material. If you would prefer not to have your photo posted, please let the studio know. We do our best to choose photo moments of students/instructors that are happy, flattering, and engaging so it can well-represent all individuals involved.
The following applies to all performance groups/performers:
- Due to choreography lineups, individuals performing in a dance must be decided 3 weeks before a show (newer students may have a longer requirement). This reduces the stress load on all performers and prevents last minute changes.
- Performers should be confident in their choreography. If you are struggling, you can always book private or semi-private lessons to help with any sections you'd like to focus on.
- Arrive at the requested check-in time for shows to prevent people calling/searching for you. This includes leaving ample time for traveling to the venue. It's very hard to change lineups at the last minute (and very stress-inducing for both your fellow dancers and the event organizers).
- Please come to shows as ready as possible (makeup, gear, jewelry etc) and plan to store your items in an organized fashion. A training video can be provided for tips on makeup/hair.
- Always wear a coverup when in costume. It protects your clothing and keeps the surprise!
- Please conduct yourself in a professional manner when attending performances, especially while in costume. Your behavior will reflect on the both the studio and the cultures you are representing, so allow yourself to develop a "belly dancer persona." Don't drink excessively, imbibe drugs, run around half dressed/costumed, etc. If you prefer to smoke, please change into street clothes.
- Please be mindful of where you take pictures/videos. It is preferred that you do not do so in changing areas, and if you take pictures/videos of other dancers, please check with the other people in them before posting online. For videos, check with all other performers before sharing online (ex: another troupe).
- Keep all comments about performers and performances positive! We want the environment to be welcoming and fun, and you never know who is listening. If you hate a performance, keep silent (this includes online). Not every dance style will speak to you, and that's okay!
- If you feel there is an issue with an event we are attending, please speak to me privately. However, should you feel endangered, please leave and contact me once you feel safe. This action may include telling other members to also leave. Whenever we interact with the public, there is always a risk of sexist, racist, sizest, homophobic, ageist, or bigoted comments, but this does not mean that you need to tolerate them or feel uncomfortable. As part of the "persona" of a performer, you can choose to ignore them, walk away, or leave completely, depending on the severity. Any of the decisions can be a good decision.
- Watch out for your fellow dancers! This may include walking each other to your cars (especially when your hands are full of gear), contacting your instructor if you notice intense interest from audience members (especially in the form of social media, pictures, or video), and safety in general.
- If the weather is bad while traveling, let your fellow dancers know that you arrived home safe!
Covid-19 and other Respiratory Illness Requirements (last updated January 2024)
*Do not enter if you are currently experiencing symptoms of Covid-19, RSV, or other contagious respiratory illnesses.
*Do not enter if you recently had direct contact with a person diagnosed with Covid-19 in the past 2 week (please allow 10 days from the date of exposure before returning to class).
*If you tested positive for Covid-19, do not enter class until you have tested negative, symptoms are improving after 5+ days, you are fever-free, etc. > see CDC.gov for exact guidelines.
*As of January 2023, face masks are optional in the studio. However, you are requested to wear a mask if you are experiencing respiratory symptoms such as cough and runny nose. Physical fitness/exertion while ill may also have negative effects on your overall health.
**At our studio, safety is our top priority, especially considering the presence of immunocompromised individuals among our students, teachers, and their families. To safeguard everyone and ensure a consistent and uninterrupted dance experience, we recommend getting the Covid-19 vaccine. That stated, we do respect individual choices, so if you choose to join classes without being vaccinated, please keep in mind that you do so at your own risk. Our collective effort towards a safer space greatly benefits the entire dance community and supports our shared commitment to health and well-being.
*Do not enter if you recently had direct contact with a person diagnosed with Covid-19 in the past 2 week (please allow 10 days from the date of exposure before returning to class).
*If you tested positive for Covid-19, do not enter class until you have tested negative, symptoms are improving after 5+ days, you are fever-free, etc. > see CDC.gov for exact guidelines.
*As of January 2023, face masks are optional in the studio. However, you are requested to wear a mask if you are experiencing respiratory symptoms such as cough and runny nose. Physical fitness/exertion while ill may also have negative effects on your overall health.
**At our studio, safety is our top priority, especially considering the presence of immunocompromised individuals among our students, teachers, and their families. To safeguard everyone and ensure a consistent and uninterrupted dance experience, we recommend getting the Covid-19 vaccine. That stated, we do respect individual choices, so if you choose to join classes without being vaccinated, please keep in mind that you do so at your own risk. Our collective effort towards a safer space greatly benefits the entire dance community and supports our shared commitment to health and well-being.