Ms. Poppy Chiffon — the doyenne of dance, the baroness of ballroom etiquette, the sultana of Southern hospitality — is pleased to answer your dance-related questions. Here are a few queries that Poppy deigned to extract from her mailbag this week. If you have a question that you would like Poppy Chiffon to address, please e-mail her at askpoppy@dancestationusa.com. Ms. Chiffon regrets that she cannot respond individually to questions.
Dear Poppy,
I have a hard time hearing in the dance studio especially when there are other classes going on and the music is playing. However, when someone else in the class is talking while the teacher is giving instruction it really distracts me. Is there a certain etiquette about conversation during group dance classes?
Distracted
Dear Distracted,
Well of course, the rule is simple! No one in the class should be talking while the instructor is speaking. This is simply rude. Group dance classes are not social hours. The teacher and others are trying to concentrate on the instruction. Everyone has paid to participate in the class and the teacher deserves the utmost attention at all times. Talking should not be tolerated out of respect for your fellow class mates and for the instructor.
Dear Poppy,
Sometimes I can’t keep up with the teacher in my dance class. He/She goes too fast for me, and then we have to rotate partners. When I ask questions he/she always answers me briefly, but I need more details most of the time. Do I have to always do what he/she asks in the class and why are there no detailed answers to my questions?
Left Out
Dear Left Out,
The instructor has a responsibility to the entire class. The instructor is asking you to rotate and giving the group instruction for a reason. It is to help everyone taking the group class to learn something new or to improve on something already introduced. Sweetie, you can schedule private lessons any another time.
