Lynn Panting Dance: Studio Etiquette, Policies & Dress Code

Lynn Panting Dance Etiquette & Expectations

At Lynn Panting Dance (LPD), we cultivate a positive and respectful environment where every dancer can thrive. Our studio etiquette guidelines are designed to support this mission:

1. Be Kind

  • Foster a supportive atmosphere by encouraging and assisting fellow dancers, especially those who are younger or less experienced.

  • Treat everyone in the studio with respect and positivity.

2. Be Prepared

  • Arrive early to class to allow time for stretching and mental preparation.

  • Bring all necessary items, including appropriate footwear, a water bottle, and a healthy snack.

  • Ensure you have everything you need for class to minimize disruptions.

3. Dress the Part

  • Hair must be neatly secured away from the face for all classes; a bun is required for ballet classes.

  • Wear proper dance attire that allows visibility of key joints (shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles).

  • Sweatpants, sweatshirts, and T-shirts are not permitted after warm-up.

  • Jewelry should not be worn during class.

  • Street shoes are not allowed in the studio; please remove all outside footwear in the porch area.

4. Show, Don't Tell

  • Demonstrate respect for your teacher by refraining from talking during class.

  • Exhibit commitment by arriving early, stretching, and practicing steps independently.

  • Maintain excellent posture at all times and avoid sitting unless instructed to do so.

5. Be Thoughtful

  • Keep personal belongings organized and out of communal spaces.

  • Clean up after yourself, including disposing of trash and storing equipment properly.

  • Be mindful of noise levels in common areas to avoid disrupting other classes.

  • Offer encouragement to others.

Common Dance Etiquette

Understanding and practicing proper dance etiquette enhances the experience for all participants:

Punctuality

  • Arrive on time to participate in warm-ups, which are crucial for preventing injuries.

  • If late, enter quietly and wait for an appropriate moment to join the class.

Attentiveness

  • Listen actively to instructors and avoid side conversations.

  • Save questions for designated times to maintain class flow.

Respect for Space

  • Be aware of your surroundings to prevent collisions.

  • Maintain appropriate spacing during exercises and routines.

Personal Hygiene

  • Wear clean attire and use deodorant to maintain a pleasant environment.

  • Avoid strong fragrances that could affect others.

Gratitude

  • Thank instructors and peers after class to show appreciation.

  • Acknowledge corrections and feedback with a positive attitude.

Equipment Care

  • Handle studio equipment with care and return it to its proper place after use.

  • Report any damaged equipment to staff promptly.

By following these guidelines, we ensure a respectful, safe, and enjoyable environment for all members of the Lynn Panting Dance community.

LPD Dress Code

At Lynn Panting Dance, we recognize that every student is unique, and their comfort is paramount to their success. Early in my teaching career, I encountered a student with a sensory issue who was ready to quit ballet because they couldn't tolerate the feeling of ballet tights. This experience made me question the rigid rules I had grown up with and realize that such strict requirements were unnecessary. While I still believe that dressing the part can positively impact a student's mindset, I also know that students perform best when they feel confident, comfortable, and most like themselves. That's why LPD's dress code offers options to accommodate the diverse needs of our dancers, ensuring everyone can focus on their passion for dance without unnecessary discomfort.

  • Hair must be secured neatly off the face for all classes. 

  • Hair must be worn in a bun for ballet classes.

  • Proper body-wear is always required. Sweatpants, sweatshirts, and over sized T-shirts are not permitted in class. Keep in mind visibility of the "big joints": shoulders, hips, knees and ankles. 

  • Jewellery is not worn in class.

  • No "street shoes" are permitted in the studio. 

  • All students will require a “nude” layer of tights and undergarments for the recital. This layer is for modesty and dancer comfort during costume changes. This layer could include a combination of: nude bodysuit, nude tights, nude underwear, nude dance-belt, nude bra, and nude body tights.

Beyond Ballet Pink

Ballet has long been synonymous with elegance, discipline, and artistry. However, some of its practices are deeply rooted in outdated and exclusive norms. At Lynn Panting Dance, we believe in fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all dancers, which is why we have recently amended our dress code to give our ballet students a choice: pink tights and shoes or skin-tone tights and shoes. This change, while simple, reflects a commitment to inclusivity and equity.

LPD Dress Code

Wee Dance 

  • bodysuit any style and in any solid colour

  • pink tights and pink ballet slippers with elastics or skin tone tights and skin tone ballet slippers with elastics

  • short ballet skirt in any solid colour (optional)

or 

  • t-shirt in any solid colour

  • stretch pants or shorts

  • pink or skin tone ballet slippers

Ballet 

  • bodysuit any style and in any solid colour

  • pink tights and pink ballet slippers with elastics or skin tone tights and skin tone ballet slippers with elastics

  • short ballet skirt in any solid colour (optional)

or 

  • t-shirt or tank in any solid colour

  • legging or shorts

  • pink or skin tone ballet slippers

Modern

  • t-shirt or tank in any solid colour

  • leggings or shorts

  • socks are recommended

  • knees pads (optional)

Jazz, Latin Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop

  • t-shirt or tank in any solid colour

  • leggings or shorts

  • jazz: black ballet or jazz shoes (character shoes TBD)

  • tap: black tap shoes

  • hip hop: black sneakers

  • Latin jazz (Latin heels TBD)

LPD Policies

Class Payment Information

LPD classes run from September to June each year. Registration is considered a full-season commitment.

We offer a variety of flexible payment options:

  • Full Year – due by the first day of class

  • Per Term – three equal payments due September 1, December 1, and March 1

  • Monthly – nine equal payments due on the 1st of each month from September through May

  • Drop-In – where available

Your payment includes more than just weekly classes. It also covers all additional recital rehearsals—such as show runs, staging sessions, and dress rehearsal—as well as your year-end costume rental through our Costume Bank.

Learn more about our Costume Bank here.

Cancellations & Withdrawals

If you need to withdraw from a class, please send written notice via email.

  • A $57.50 cancellation fee applies to cover administrative costs.

  • Payments will stop after notice is received.

  • No refunds are issued for payments made prior to the date of withdrawal.

Liability

RELEASE OF LIABILITY, WAIVER OF CLAIMS, & ASSUMPTION OF RISKS

Dance is a physical activity, and while LPD takes every precaution to ensure safety, participation may involve some risk of injury.

By agreeing to this release, I/we (the dancer and parent/guardian) acknowledge and accept the following:

  • I/we voluntarily assume all risks associated with participation in LPD classes and activities, including but not limited to scrapes, sprains, fractures, or more serious injury.

  • I/we release Lynn Panting Dance, its instructors, staff, and any facility used by LPD from any liability or claims related to injury, loss, or damage to personal property before, during, or after classes.

  • I/we agree to follow all class and facility rules and accept responsibility for any personal conduct or property damage.

  • I/we acknowledge that LPD is a professional, insured business and will report any unsafe conditions to Lynn Panting or staff as soon as possible.

Costume Fees

LPD’s costume bank has grown and we are able to accommodate costume rentals for all dancers. As of the 2024-2025 season, the costume fee is built into class fees.

Lost or damaged costume bank costumes are the responsibility of the dancer. A charge of $100 will be applied to any damaged or lost costume.

LPD Scholarship Fund

Make dance classes accessible to every body. Help LPD support scholarship dancers by contributing to class tuition and costumes. Donate $25, $100 or $500. Custom donation amounts or subscriptions available on request.

All scholarship students are anonymous.