Preparing for your First Class at Tutu School

Welcome to Tutu School!

We know that the first day of something new can bring a mix of emotions—excitement, nerves, and everything in between. That’s why we’re here to take the mystery out of your first class at Tutu School, so you and your little one can feel confident, comfortable, and ready to dance!

If this is your child’s very first ballet or dance class ever, congratulations! This is such a meaningful milestone, and we’re honored to be part of this special memory with you.

We can’t wait to welcome you into our magical world of music, movement, and make-believe!

Before You Arrive: Getting Ready to Dance

1. Talk About What to Expect ~ Share that they’ll be dancing, using their imagination, and having fun in a safe and welcoming space.

2. What to Wear: A Quick Dress Code Guide ~ Ultimately, we want your dancer to feel good! Tutus and dancewear are certainly welcome and often add to the experience but are not required. To make sure every dancer feels comfortable and ready to move, here are a few simple guidelines for what to wear.

• For your trial class: We recommend clothing your dancer can easily move in (whether dancewear or not), plus ballet slippers or bare feet.

• Baby Ballet & Tutu Toddlers: Students in our youngest division are invited to wear any clothes they can move easily in. They can take class with bare feet or rubber-soled socks if they do not have ballet slippers. Adults participating in these classes should also wear comfortable clothes and bare feet or rubber-soled socks.
• Exploring Ballet & Primary Ballet Prep: For our older divisions, we ask students to wear leotards, dance dresses or fitted shirts with tights or leggings and ballet slippers. Please tuck in all drawstrings on slippers and secure long hair away from the face as much as possible. No specific color or style of dancewear is required—and tutus and skirts are always permitted.

3. Bring a water bottle: Dancing can be thirsty work!

4. Meet Your Teacher Before You Arrive ~ We know that seeing a familiar face can make all the difference. Before your child’s first class, you’ll receive a special text message from us featuring a short video of their Tutu Teacher introducing themselves. Be sure to watch it together so your child can begin to recognize their teacher’s face and voice.

You can also show them a photo of our studio or a moment captured from one of our classes or events on our Instagram page. These small, thoughtful steps help your dancer feel more confident and excited to leap into something new.

At the Studio: Making a Magical First Impression

5. Arrive a Little Early ~To help the class start smoothly, we recommend arriving 5–10 minutes before your scheduled time. This gives you and your child a chance to say hello to the teacher, find a cubby for their belongings, slip on ballet slippers, and get comfortable in the studio environment before class begins.

A quick bathroom stop beforehand is also a great idea—just one more way to help your little dancer stay focused and uninterrupted during class.

6. Time to Dance ~ When it’s time to begin, your teacher will invite all dancers into the dance space to find a polka dot marked on the floor. Your child can choose any open spot and have a seat to get started.

If your little one is in Baby Ballet or Tutu Toddlers, you’ll join them on their polka dot and stay with them throughout class—get ready to dance together!

For dancers in Exploring Ballet or Primary Ballet Prep, classes are independent—but don’t worry, you’ll still be in the room to watch the magic happen. Your dancer will always be able to see you (and you’ll see them), which can be a big comfort in those early weeks. If they need a quick hug or water break, they’re welcome to come over—we’ll just gently encourage them to stay on the dance floor more and more as their confidence grows.

If you’d prefer to step out during class, that’s totally okay too—just stay close by in case your dancer needs a quick check-in.

7. The Flow of Class ~ Your Tutu Teacher will lead both students and caregivers (if joining) through every step of the class. No prior dance experience or special skills needed—new students can jump right in without any pressure to catch up. Our carefully crafted curriculum is designed to embrace each child exactly where they are starting out.

Classes begin with a friendly hello and gentle stretches on the floor to warm up. Next, we move on to standing practice, focusing on the basic ballet positions and steps before exploring movement across the room. Older students even get the chance to work at the ballet barre!

The class finishes with a fun and imaginative segment, where your child’s personality can truly sparkle and soar.

8. Every Dancer’s Journey is Beautifully Their Own. ~ While some kids dive right in with enthusiasm, others may prefer to watch and take their time before joining in. Both approaches are completely normal, and both offer valuable learning opportunities.

Parents often tell us that their children start mimicking dance moves at home—sometimes even before they feel ready to try them in class! This is a natural and wonderful way for children to absorb what they’ve experienced and slowly build confidence.

Just being present in class allows them to soak in the music, movement, and sense of community, which all contribute to their growth as young dancers.

9. A Magical Finish: Ballet Storytime ~ Every class wraps up with our special Ballet Storytime. Dancers explore a section of our Storytime Curriculum—first by reading the story, then by listening to the music and bringing it to life through movement. It’s a wonderful, magical way to spark imagination and truly experience the magic of ballet! Learn more about the benefits of our Ballet Storytime Curriculum.

After Class: Celebrating Your Dancer

10. After Your Child’s First Class ~ Once Ballet Storytime wraps up during your child’s first or trial class, your Tutu Teacher will connect with you to answer any questions and guide you through the next steps to begin your membership. We love marking this special moment with a photo of your little dancer alongside our “My First Tutu School Class” sign. Sometimes, we even have a little gift to celebrate the start of your ballet adventure.

We’re committed to supporting your family throughout your Tutu School journey—not just at the beginning. We’ll check in regularly to help you make the most of your membership. Plus, expect weekly emails packed with news and updates about all the exciting things happening during your time with us.

Helpful Tips for Parents (For the First Class and Every Class After)

• A Calm Audience Makes All the Difference
  Your child will get the most out of class when the environment is calm and quiet. Please help by keeping side conversations low, managing siblings gently, and keeping devices muted. While it’s natural to want to guide your dancer, please allow our skilled teachers to lead the class. They’ll let you know if they need any assistance from you.

• Step Outside to Reset
  Big feelings are normal, especially with new experiences. If your child gets upset, it’s perfectly fine to take a quick break outside. You can step out for a moment and come back when your dancer is ready to rejoin or observe quietly.
• Bathroom Breaks Before Class
  We recommend a quick trip to the bathroom before class to help minimize disruptions. That said, if your child is still potty training, you’re welcome to help them use the restroom during class if necessary.
• Secure Those Slipper Laces
  To keep your dancer safe and steady, please make sure their ballet slipper laces are tied snugly—double knots are best.Trimming and tucking in the bows helps prevent tripping. (We also have slippers without drawstrings for easier wear.)
• Please Stay Nearby
  We ask parents to remain close by in case their little dancer needs them. If you need to step out, please tell your child what’s happening beforehand to avoid any worries.
• Respectful Photo & Video Moments
  We encourage capturing special moments. Please keep videos short—around 10 to 15 seconds—and focus on your own child to respect the privacy of other families.
• Siblings as Audience Members
  Siblings are always welcome to watch class. We provide books, coloring sheets, and crayons to keep them busy in the waiting area. Please remember, however, that only registered students with completed paperwork may participate in class. Thanks for helping us maintain a safe and welcoming environment for everyone.

Ready to Dance?

Now that you’ve got all our best tips to help your little one shine, it’s time to experience the magic for yourself! Click below to schedule your Free Trial Class and discover the Tutu School Renton difference.