The Etiquette of Dance Class and How it Encourages Gratitude

Welcome October, welcome Fall! September was full of new rhythms, settling into school, reconnecting with old friends, and meeting new ones. At Pegasus, we love celebrating the start of the school year just as much as the end, because each season brings fresh opportunities to connect with our students, families, staff, and community.

This past month we were thrilled to participate in and sponsor the Danforth East Community Association’s Art Fair. One of the joys of being part of this neighbourhood for the past 39 years is seeing how many families have passed through our doors. My heart grew over the weekend as so many alumni and parents stopped by our booth to share stories, update me on where their children are now, and reflect on the impact Pegasus had on their lives. It fills me with pride to see our alumni carrying the life lessons they gained here into the world in meaningful ways.

October invites us to pause and be thankful, and our studio focus this month is on gratitude. Over the school year, we’ll be highlighting monthly themes that nurture emotional intelligence alongside dance technique. My blog posts, our social media, and reminders around the studio will all help keep these values present. Our goal is to partner with you in raising “great kids” through dance.

As my mentor Misty Lown reminds us:
“We don’t teach kids to be great dancers, but dance to make great kids.”

Gratitude in Dance Etiquette
One of the beautiful traditions of dance is the curtsey, bow, or simply taking a moment to say thank you at the end of class. At Pegasus, we pause to thank assistants, fellow dancers, and teachers alike. This simple act of showing respect and gratitude, for one another, and for the opportunity to dance is powerful. While this custom has faded in many places, we continue to honour it. Guest and substitute teachers often tell me how much they love visiting here because our students are so polite and appreciative. That fills me with pride and reminds me how important it is to keep these traditions alive.
Through gestures like this, our core values; respect, kindness, trust, consistency, accountability, and growth, come to life. They show up when a dancer arrives on time and ready, when they say thank you, and when they recognize that each class is a gift. Dance etiquette is more than rules; it’s a practice of gratitude.

Looking Ahead
This month, I encourage you to look around the studio and ask your child how gratitude is being taught and celebrated in their classes. We’d also love to hear from you, whether it’s an idea, a story of how this theme has impacted your child, or a testimonial we can share with others. Your feedback helps us grow, and we are so grateful for your partnership.

“Being grateful does not mean that everything is necessarily good. It just means that you can accept it as a gift.” – Roy T. Bennett
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I am deeply grateful that you and your family have chosen Pegasus to find joy through the arts. May you discover gratitude in the simplest pleasures this month and feel both a song in your heart and a dance in your feet.

With a grateful heart,
​Jane​

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Artistic Director