Viking Gymnastics and Dance Policies

Policies

Studio & Classroom Etiquette

Viking prides itself on establishing a community environment and culture that values sportsmanship, respect and body positivity. All dance students and dance family members are expected to adopt the following studio and classroom etiquette policies

General Studio Etiquette Expectations

• A positive and professional attitude is expected from all Viking dance students and family members
• Students and family members must be respectful at all times to other students, parents, and faculty members
• Students must be ready and properly dressed for their classes prior to entering the studio
• Only dance footwear is allowed in the studios; no outside shoes are permitted
• Dancers are encouraged to use the restroom prior to beginning their classes
• Cubby storage is provided to store personal items and belongings 
  • • Please be aware that Viking is not responsible for any lost or stolen items
• Notify the front desk and the instructor at the beginning of class if a dancer needs to leave early
• Always knock before entering the studios when classes are in progress                                

Classroom Etiquette Expectations

• Dancers are expected to arrive to class prepared and ready to dance at the start of class
• Gum chewing, eating, or drinking is not permitted in class (with the exception of water in sealable bottles/containers)
• Electronic devices are prohibited inside the studios
• Climbing/hanging on ballet barres is prohibited
• Touching, banging or kicking the studio mirrors is prohibited
• Dancers are expected to respect their instructors and remain focused and engaged during classes
• Instructors reserve the right to ask a dancer to leave class if they are disrespectful or disruptive to the instructor and/or classmates
• Dancers are expected to accept and apply feedback/corrections graciously
• Dancers must inform their instructor of any injuries prior to or at the beginning of class
• Viking Dancers are expected to encourage and support fellow classmates

Dress Code

Viking dancers are expected to adhere to dress code guidelines for participation in their dance classes. We want our dancers to feel comfortable and express their individuality while maintaining an atmosphere of age appropriate modesty, sensibility and respect for the art form.

• Proper attire and footwear ensures adequate facility of movement and support
• Maintaining a dress code allows instructors to clearly assess and adjust body placement and alignment
• Dress codes instill a sense of respect for the discipline and have shown to increase focus and work ethic
• Our dress code is flexible, yet sensible and age appropriate

General Dress Code Guidelines

• No jewelry/accessories are to be worn during class, including Apple watches or Fitbits unless medically necessary
• No denim jeans or shorts, dresses, bare midriffs 
• Hair must be secured out of the eyes and away from the face
• Dancers are encouraged to be properly dressed prior to entering the classroom
• Dance shoes are to be worn on dance floor surfaces only; please refrain from wearing dance footwear outdoors
• Only dance footwear or bare feet are allowed on the dance floors
• Layers are recommended during the colder months
• Instructors are expected to enforce the dress code with their students. If a student is not properly dressed for class, you may send them to the front desk to borrow a leotard and shorts

Class Dress Code Guidelines:

Ballet–  

• Any color leotard (recommended) or any solid color form-fitting athletic top, fitted shorts, pants, leggings or tights, and ballet shoes. No bare midriffs or baggy t-shirts/pants permitted. Long hair must be secured back out of the face neatly in a bun.

Combination Classes– 

• Any attire from the genres that is included in the combo class is acceptable. Students are encouraged to have proper footwear for all genres in combination classes. 

Contemporary/Lyrical– 

• Form fitting athletic top or leotard, athletic pants, leggings or tights, and lyrical half shoe or bare feet. Shorts are not recommended as dancers will be practicing floor work. No bare midriffs or baggy t-shirts/pants permitted. Hair must be pulled back and neatly secured away from the face.

Hip Hop–

• Athletic wear, leggings, shorts or pants that go below the knee. No skirts, jeans, dresses, crop tops or bare midriffs. Knee pads may be worn for floorwork and clean, white soled sneakers. Whether a pair of shoes is adequately clean enough to be worn in class is at the discretion of the instructor. Bare feet are not encouraged and socks are not permitted.

Jazz–

• Any color leotard or solid color form-fitting athletic top, fitted athletic shorts, pants or leggings, and tan jazz shoes. No bare midriffs or baggy t-shirts/pants permitted. Hair must be pulled back and neatly secured away from the face.

Tap– 

• Any color leotard or form fitting top, fitted athletic shorts, pants or leggings, and tap shoes. No bare midriffs or baggy t-shirts/pants permitted. Tap shoes are required. Hair must be pulled back and neatly secured away from the face.

Absences/Makeups & Injuries

In the event that a dancer needs to miss class, please contact and notify the front desk. Viking allows for makeups in the same genre, age group, and level if there is an opening available. If there is not an alternate class offering available, an appropriate makeup will be selected with the Dance Director or Assistant Dance Director’s approval. 

Note – Makeup classes for absences will no longer be provided once that class has begun learning recital material. Viking will not overbook a class to accommodate another student’s absence and does not issue credit for missed classes under any circumstances.

If a dancer has sustained a suspected or known injury prior to class, it is the responsibility of the dancer or the parent to notify the instructor at the beginning of class. Dancer’s that do not have medical clearance to dance while injured are encouraged to still attend and observe classes.