So you want to dance: Part 2 of series Postings discussion This link allows you to see others thoughts on this piece and contribute to the debate yourself if you want. We look to guarantee this link for a number of years, though after 3-6 months the page may be closed to further additions. Ballet.co's Doing Dance forum reviews by Anjuli Bai

Now let's talk about some basic rules of safety and courtesy. If the barre is crowded with people, be sure to angle yourself in or out, especially for large movements such as grand battements. The teacher should mention this if the class is a beginner level. As a beginning student the teacher might place you in between two other students who have been there longer so you will have someone to watch. In the center some teachers will place each student while others will allow students to find his/her own place. As a beginner place yourself where you can watch others. As time goes on following others is not a good idea, but in the beginning it is beneficial and expected. Space yourself at least a leg's length - in every direction - from those around you.

Sometimes when I am in the midst of a step (even the simplest one!) I get "stuck," I suddenly forget what to do!

When in the center and moving forward in lines, if you get "stuck" in the midst of a combination don't stop, keep moving forward! Remember others are coming along behind you. When you reach the front of the classroom, walk along the front wall until you reach the side walls and THEN walk to the back of the classroom. Never turn around and walk straight back into oncoming lines of people. When moving down a diagonal (from the back corner to the front corner) NEVER stop if you're "stuck," keep moving forward at the same speed until you reach the front corner.

Should I bother the teacher with some health problems I have?

Always let your teacher know before class if you have any problems, such as health concerns or previous injuries. If you need to leave the class for any reason, let the teacher know, otherwise she will wonder what happened to you.

Sometimes I don't understand what the teacher is doing, but I hate to interrupt everyone…..

If you have a question about something the teacher is presenting and it can't wait, like you don't understand a concept that is being presented, raise your hand and ask. However, if it is a personal type of question, or you wish a deeper explanation than what is immediately necessary to accomplish the task at hand, then wait until after class. Generally speaking, a smile, a nod and certainly a "hello" is always welcome, but try to avoid idle chatter. Many people find this interrupts the focus necessary in ballet class. Think of it like being in a church or other studious atmosphere that needs concentration.

You said something about taking care of equipment.

The dancer's equipment consists of several things: the body, the clothing/footwear, the floor, and the music. Each item needs special attention. Let's talk about clothing/footwear. When you are through with class change into something warm, such as sweats. Have a separate bag (plastic is good) to hold your damp tights and leotard and be sure they get washed after every class. Your slippers should be placed somewhere so they can air out, not enclosed in your regular dance bag. Which brings me to the subject of the dancer's dance bag.

A bag?

Yes, something sturdy and large enough to hold your change of clothes, shoes, towel, extra hairpins and all manner of other stuff you will accumulate. This bag actually becomes an abyss into which disappears entire closets and drawers' full of stuff including half eaten energy bars, surreptitious chocolate, rancid orange juice, as well as unpaid parking citations, "important" phone numbers, and unanswered marriage proposals. In other words, your life's story is in that bag. Like people, it puts on weight with the years.

I noticed you mentioned a towel, you forgot to tell me about that!

Sorry! The towel is your most important piece of equipment. It's a statement, a tool, and a weapon. The towel's overt ostensible use is to gently wipe up beads of moisture that form on your brow, but it is much much more than that! As you progress and begin to dance with a partner, if you like him/her you can gently dab at your brow. However, if this is a partner you would rather not have, use the towel to vigorously mop your entire face with appropriate facial grimaces.

The towel is also useful to allow others to see how hard you are working by making wringing motions to drain off all your collected sweat (your dance bag makes a handy receptacle for the drips). The towel is also a political weapon. You will notice that ballet class tends to be highly territorial. People have favorite places to stand at the barre and in the center. When entering ballet class set your towel over the barre in the place you wish to stand. The towel is your territorial gauntlet. It says: "This is my place, move it at your peril." In whipping your towel around it becomes a weapon that swiftly clears others from too close a proximity to "your" space.

Seriously, all kidding aside, it is part of class etiquette to politely find a place for yourself (if the teacher has not placed you), by observing where more senior students are standing and then asking someone if the place you have found for yourself is not otherwise taken.

Then whip out your towel.