Awareness:
Be sensitive and listen to your body. Move at your own pace.
Mariane will move the class at a specific pace, but allow yourself to move at the appropriate pace for your body within the group. If you need to adapt an exercise to work with your bodyʼs limitations, do so.
Give yourself permission to do what you need to do to take care of yourself.

Being on time/Late arrival:
All classes begin on time. Each class is designed to give you a balanced experience, so it is best to be timely. For Wed Night Movement class doors lock at 7:15 pm.

Comparison:
It is natural to observe where you are relative to other class members, however, this work is designed individually for your own progress.  If you find yourself comparing yourself to others, bring your attention back to yourself and what is occurring inside of you. You cannot attend to yourself or learn anything while you are in the midst of a comparison.
You progress by paying attention to yourself.

Partnering:
You always have a choice if you want to partner or not. If you do not want to work with a partner, you can choose to be your own partner and still take the class from the area in the room set aside for students to work on their own.  
If you get matched with someone with whom you are unbearably uncomfortable, let Mariane know and she will switch you so that you can work with an appropriate partner. Partnering with people you are uncomfortable with can be challenging in a positive way. Do what is appropriate for you.

Commitment:
Dance Alive is a discipline. In order to receive the benefits, consistent practice, repetition and participation is necessary.
Showing up to class is the first part of the process. Bring your body, no matter how you feel, and through the process of being there, you will have the opportunity to transform. In order to get the most out of this process, make a commitment to yourself when you'll be coming that works in the balance of your life and stick with it. Then you are not continually thinking about whether or not to come.

Stages of progress:
As you move from one level to the next and layers open and close, you can experience feeling connected and disconnected inside or with others. At times you will be very excited and encouraged about your work and progress. There will come a point when you will hit a plateau and you may feel bored, resistant and frustrated and will not see much progress. Maintaining your commitment to showing up for class will sustain you so that you can move into the next level of depth and participation.

When to take a break:
If you want to take a break, leave at an upward swing, when you are feeling excited and making progress. If you leave when you are feeling frustrated, you do not get to experience the benefits of the progress  you have made and establish a pattern of quitting in the middle of your process. There is a time to take a break and/or move on. Take the break/or move on at the end of a cycle, not during the middle. Talk the Dance Alive Staff about your timing.

What to expect:
It is normal and natural to experience a wide variety of sensation, emotion and/or thoughts throughout the class. There is no “right” feeling or state of being. You will go through a full spectrum from pleasure to discomfort as you build your capacity to move. Keep on encouraging yourself and know you are doing great as long as you are taking the guidance at your next level. Progress is inevitable!

Health Issues:
It is very important that you inform Mariane before class begins if you have any physical injuries, chronic problems or other health concerns that might affect you during class. If you are not sure whether your medical condition is relevant, please err on the side of caution by telling Mariane. We also recommend that you consult with your physician before beginning any new physical exercise program.

Shoes and Belongings:
Shoes are not worn during class.  However, if you need to wear tennis/dance shoes for support during the active sections of class, it is allowed. It is important to support your feet in order to support your body. There is storage space inside of class for your personal belongings.

Cell Phones:
All phones must be turned off during class.