Dress Code and Recommendations

For all of our classes, we recommend students wear comfortable clothing that allows for a wide range of movement like leggings, lightweight t-shirts, and sneakers. Dancers are more than welcome to wear ballet or jazz shoes if they have them but it is not a requirement, we just ask that the dancers do not dance in socks as this can be very slippery and dangerous. Learn more about our Dress Code and Recommendations HERE.

Guardians + Families in Class

While family support is of course imperative for a student’s development and education, guardians are not permitted inside the classroom during instructional time, except on Family Observation Days (more information below).

We have this policy for a few reasons:

• Focus: Kids love the attention of grown-ups! They want to please their loved ones who might be watching, and they end up more focused on their guardians than on the educator. Additionally, grown-ups often get excited about class, and that excitement can lead to extra talking and noise during the program. That noise is a distraction and a detriment to the quality and progression of the class.

• Safety: A child seeking the attention of a guardian may inadvertently place themselves or their caregiver in harm’s way by accidentally getting kicked, hit, knocked over as another classmate is engaging in the lesson. We want to prevent as many injuries as possible.

• Safety: Additional bodies in the room creates crowding, which can be an emergency hazard in many of our spaces. In the event of an emergency, we need to be able to get students out of rooms in a calm and safe manner. This also includes blocking hallways or doorways.

• Program Goals: It is important that students have time apart from their guardians in class, in school, etc. It is part of our mission to instill personal confidence and autonomy in our students.

We understand that families want to help - and we love that - so we’ve created Family Observation Days at the end of program sessions to serve as an opportunity for adults and guardians to engage in the class.

This policy does not apply to Dance With Me classes, which are intended for students and their caregivers to participate together.

Should there be extenuating circumstances that may require another adult in the classroom, please reach out to us at info@brainchildcollective.co at least 48 hours in advance of a particular class session. We’re always happy to craft solutions to serve your needs.

Family Observation Day

Family Observation Day is typically held on the last day of the session, and is a chance for families, guardians, friends, etc. to come see what we’ve been working on in class!

What to expect?

• A short presentation of classroom work. This may include a warm-up, games, or a prepared performance, and maybe even a chance to participate!

Additional Family Observation FAQs:

• Extra folks in the room are often a distraction to the students, so dancers may not be as fully engaged as they regularly are in class. Some may have extra energy and less effective “listening ears,” and others may be more shy than normal. This is not always an indicator of how they act or respond during the regular class. This is totally okay! Your educator knows what to expect and will make adjustments as necessary.

• You are welcome to take pictures or videos! We just ask that mobile phones or devices are silent and only answered outside of the classroom or performance space.

• Siblings are welcome on Family Observation Days! If you’re planning on bringing a toy or device to entertain a sibling, we ask you to please choose an activity that will not create a distraction during the presentation.

• Please remember to be respectful of the other people observing and the teacher who is trying to lead the class.

Thank you for adhering to our classroom guidelines and we look forward to providing a fun, safe environment for your child.