Dance Etiquette In Japan

Studio Etiquette

Each studio will have its own rules and regulations for members and visitors. However, there are some common guidelines in regards to studio maintenance in Japan. Here are a few:

1. Especially in the major cities, one building can contain multiple business. Always check if the address of the dance studio has a floor number and building name. Some studios won't allow late members in after a certain time.

2. Double, triple check the prices of the lessons or courses and make sure you have the money ready before paying. One of Japan's unspoken rules is to have your money ready before going to the counter so that you don't hold up the line digging around your bag for cash. Some people prepare the money beforehand by putting it in an envelope and marking it clearly with its purpose. Very few studios accept card, so it's better to be ready with cash just in case.

3. Bring a change of clothes and shoes with you. In Japan, many places (not just dance studios) require you to take your shoes off before entering the establishment. And since it is a health risk to dance in socks or bare feet, people have shoes to wear only for inside. With clothes, make sure you don't wear the sweaty dance clothes outside. It is considered unseemly to appear in general public in workout clothes in Japan. Many studios have changing rooms with showers and lockers to keep your belongings in. You can also buy wet body tissues from the convenience store and drug stores.

4. If it is your first time, make sure to check the website to see if you need to do an induction at the studio. Many studios require possible members or first timers to look around the studio and to fill out a form. If you can't read Japanese or can only read very little, then use Google Chrome or any other translation site to translate the page. There is no guarantee that the studio staff can speak English, so prepare as much as possible before hand to save time and hassle. Documents that have your name, birthday, country of origin and phone number is a starter.

Lesson Etiquette

1. Being courteous is a big thing in Japan. Greet the teacher before the lesson and say thank you after the lesson. We understand that this can be daunting, especially if you are new and cannot speak Japanese. But this is a regular custom in Japan and it is also good for the teacher to see who is in the lesson. This is a custom in other countries too so it just good practice as a dancer. LiD has other blog posts on what Japanese phrases you should know when dancing in Japan, so check them out!

2. Some teachers like their students to ask questions and speak out. Other teachers prefer to go round to each individual and ask them if they have any questions. Either way, follow the lead of the teacher and other students. Being able to read the room is very important for dancers, so use this as practice. If you have a question you want to ask but couldn't in the lesson, you can ask the teacher afterwards while saying thank you ;)

3. Many studios have a level for each class (basic, beginner, intermediate, advanced). You can check on the website or speak to the receptionist. Again, check the website and other LiD posts about dance levels in Japan.

As mentioned above, all of these rules also can be applied in another country. But Japan is special in that rules are followed strictly in most places.

If you make a mistake, get lost, don't like class, forget to bring something.... it's okay. Not to sound too clique, but dancing in another country is its own experience. There will be many mistakes and learning opportunities. It is all apart of the journey. But to build good relationships wherever you go, try to be gracious and courteous and don't be too hard on yourself. Share your experiences with other dancers and have a laugh if you can!