Hi everyone! I've decided to go to one of Finis Jhung's beginner open classes at Alvin Ailey and I'm really excited and SO nervous, but I was wondering a little bit about etiquette.

I know it's an open class, but since it's a weird time of the year, I'll probably be the only complete newbie there.

How do I know if I'm taking someone else's preferred place at the barre? And, most importantly, am I supposed to introduce myself to the teacher before class or just stand in the back and hope I'm not noticed? That sounds really lame but I really don't want to do the wrong thing.

Also feel free to mention any other tips that I haven't asked about regarding intro/beginning open classes

I wouldn't worry about taking anybody's spot at the barre or centre, etc. Perhaps since it's a new class you may not want to stand right in the front so you can watch someone else in case you can't keep up. I would introduce yourself if there is time and the teacher is not busy. If you do not have the chance to do that then you could hang back afterwards to thank him and introduce yourself then.

Take an open spot at the barre, making sure no one has "reserved" it (by setting a water bottle or other personal belonging by it). If the teacher is available, introduce yourself before class. If you don't have a chance to introduce yourself he/she may ask your name when class is starting. Otherwise you can thank them and introduce yourself after class.

I'd say in general try to follow what everyone else is doing and you'll be fine. Have fun!

And please post here afterward to let us know how it goes. I've always wanted to take one of his classes but never seem to get a chance whenever I get to NY!!

If the class is like the one I saw this past Sunday, it will be packed. I'm guessing there were 40 or so in the room. I only saw about 10-15 minutes of barre exercises, all done facing the barre.

I wish I had checked the schedule. I would have loved to have taken his class.

how exciting!

I love finis jhung! You're so lucky! Try not to worry about the details and just absorb everything this amazing teacher has to say!

Goodluck, get there 10minutes early so you are ready to start class on time and if you get a chance introduce yourself to the instructor before class,if not thank them after the class.go for a sot in the middle,easier to see the teacher and no matter which way you turn you can see other students incase you need to copy them

I took a class with him at Alvin Ailey before. The class had between 30-50 people and the studio was huge. Taking someone's space at the barre was not an issue. There were some people at the front barre that seemed to be regulars (there were about 5 rows of bars at least) because he had them demonstrate but there really was no "etiquette" to be worried about. At the NYC studios I have gone to, there were no reserved spots at the barre. There are so many people that are not regular who drop in for class before auditions, just in town for a class, or a week, whatever.