New to the studio?

Your Dancer's First Day, Made Easy

Nerves are normal, for dancers and parents! Here's everything you need to know so the first day feels simple, from what to wear to what happens when you walk in the door.

Dress Code

What to Wear

Proper dance attire helps instructors safely teach technique while supporting strong habits, comfort, and confidence in class.

Class Type	What to Wear
Toddler & Preschool	Any color or style of leotard is welcome, including leotards with attached skirts. Pink ballet tights Pink ballet shoes (We recommend laceless/tieless styles for our youngest dancers.)
Ballet/Tap (5-6)	Any color or style of leotard is welcome, including leotards with attached skirts. Pink ballet tights Pink ballet shoes (We recommend laceless/tieless styles) Black tap shoes (We recommend tieless or Velcro tap shoes)
Ballet/Tap (7-9)	Leotard Pink tights Ballet skirt or fitted dance shorts are welcome. Pink ballet shoes Black tap shoes
Acro & Lyrical	Fitted athletic dancewear Barefoot or foot thongs (turning shoes)
Ballet/Lyrical	Leotard Pink tights Ballet skirt or fitted dance shorts are welcome. Pink ballet shoes Foot thongs (turning shoes) for Lyrical
Jazz/Hip Hop	Baggy athletic clothing over fitted dancewear Tan jazz shoes Black athletic sneakers (small amounts of white are okay) designated as indoor dance shoes only
Tap	Fitted athletic dancewear Black tap shoes

Jewelry should be kept to a minimum and should not interfere with movement or safety. Hair should be secured away from the face.

To make shopping easier, we've created an Amazon list with the shoes we recommend for each class.

Not sure which class your dancer is in? Click their class on the class calendar to see full class details.

Before You Head In

What to Bring

Shoes & Water Bottle

Please bring a full water bottle and any shoes needed for class.

Water Only, Please

Only water is permitted inside the studio. Food, gum, and other beverages should stay in the lobby.

Electronics Stay Packed

Electronic devices, including cell phones, smart watches, and earbuds, should remain in dance bags and be turned off during class unless approved by an instructor.

Getting Here

Drop-Off & Pick-Up

Our entrance is located at the back of the building. Parking is available in the two spaces directly in front of our entrance or along Grove Street. Please be courteous to our neighbors and avoid parking in spaces reserved for other businesses.

Please arrive a few minutes before class begins so your dancer has time to use the restroom, change shoes, and get settled before class.

For the safety of our dancers, we encourage families to park and walk younger children to the entrance. Students should remain inside the building until they are picked up.

Dancers 10 years old and younger must be picked up inside the lobby by a parent or authorized guardian. Dancers 11 years old and older may be dismissed to meet their ride outside.

Please make every effort to pick up your dancer promptly at the conclusion of class. Florida Dance Gym provides instruction during scheduled class times but is not able to provide supervision before or after class.

If you anticipate arriving late for drop-off or pick-up, please send us a text at (727) 334-4244.

Get Directions

While Class Is In Session

Waiting Room

Families are always welcome to stay during class. Classes can be viewed through our observation windows and live TV monitor. We simply ask that conversations remain at a respectful volume so everyone can enjoy the space.

Still have questions?

First Day FAQ

What if my dancer misses class?+

We understand that life happens! If your dancer misses class due to illness or another personal reason, they may attend a comparable make-up class when space is available. Please complete our absence form to report the absence and request a make-up class.

How will I receive important updates?+

Text messaging is our primary communication method for weather closures, schedule changes, important reminders, and last-minute announcements. Opt in now: Text START to (833) 856-3265. Email is used for registration confirmations, payment receipts, account-related information, and other important updates when needed. Please make sure your phone number and email address stay updated in your Parent Portal.

What is the Parent Portal?+

Once registered, your family will have access to the Florida Dance Gym Parent Portal. In the portal, you can view your balance and transaction history, make payments, update contact information, register for additional classes, and view important dates on our shared calendar.

We can't wait to meet you!

Still have a question before day one?

Reach out anytime, we're happy to help you get ready.