• Do not be late.  Allow yourself enough time to get to the location with at least a half hour to spare for warming up and getting ready.  Take into consideration traffic delays.
   
• Be aware of the check in policy at each convention.  Some require you to sign in individually, while others hand out wristbands per studio.  Find us immediately upon srrival so we can assemble and organize as one group.
   
• Be well rested getting a full night's sleep prior to attending
   
• Bring sufficient money for food and miscellaneous purposes.
   
• Dress appropriately for all classes.  Avoid sloppy, baggy clothes, and no excessive jewelry.  Wear proper shoes for every class. 
  Ballet(Required) - leotard, tights, ballet shoes, & hair pulled back.
   
• Students should wear their HSPA jackets, or sweatshirts to conventions & competitions, showing Team pride & spirit.
   
• Always be on your best behavior in & out of the classroom, treating fellow dancers with respect and politeness.  Never criticize or talk negatively about other studios, or dancers.  We have worked hard for 3 generations to build a reputation of respect and genuine kindness, please don't spoil that.
   
• Never talk in the classrooms, especially when the teacher is speaking.  All your attention should be directed towards the teacher.  If you fell the need to converse with someone, leave the room.  This goes for parent observers as well.
   
• Never chew gum or eat in the convention rooms.
   
• Never fool around with classmates during a convention class, especially when divided into groups waiting your turn.  If anything you should practice on the side far off the dance perimeter.
   
• Never leave the convention room with another person with you; letting one of us teachers in charge know where you are going.  This applies at the hotels as well when staying over a night.  Never walk alone in the halls or use the elevators without someone else.
   
• Take the opportunity to meet dancers from other studios, especially if you see someone by themselves without a studio.  Say hello to as many new faces as possible introducing yourself and what studio you are from.
   
• Show support to your fellow dancers who may be struggling or simply in need of encouragement.
   
• If you are a beginner and new to the convention atmosphere, try and stay somewhere in the middle of the classroom so that you have students in front of you to follow but not too far back where you can't see or hear.  This also applies when either in a line up, and or a ballet bar, don't be on the very end because then you will end up in front having to lead when it's time to switch to the reverse side.  Once you gain confidence, don't be afraid of the front.  Being up close provides a more  personal feeling of instruction from the teacher, working off of their energy.
   
• When coming down the dance floor in separate lines for across the floor work, be sure to pay attention to when you are up.  Make sure you do the combination ALL THE WAY down the floor, full out, with lots of energy and style.  Even if you make a mistake, keep going, never stop and walk off the floor!  That will surely get you singled out in a negative way much more so than if you simply make mistakes.

• Be confident, give 100%, don't be lazy, don't be shy, don't look like you are marking it, do it full out every time.  Smile and have fun, this is when it's OK to show off!  Get out there and strut your stuff.
   
• When you see a dancer that is really good, down in front and constantly being recognized by the teachers, use them as your role model.  Let them inspire you to work towards that level.  Don't look and point at them negatively referring to them as a "show off", but rather a talented individual that is there simply because they love to dance.
   
• What are the scholarships all about and does everyone have to participate?  Basically it is just an opportunity for students to each scholarship money towards next years convention.  All students wear a number and are watched throughout the day by the faculty.  Those students that stand out for one reason or another are recognized at the end of the day.  It is not a competition or anything the students have to stress over or be nervous about.  Many of our students have been fortunate enough to win over the years, some of whom were first time participants.
   
• If you want to get noticed to earn a scholarship, you must not only work hard, you have to get yourself in a position of being seen.  If you hide in the back, your chances are slim.  Teachers are looking for someone with energy, enthusiasm, and potential.  It's not always the most technically trained dancers that win the scholarships.  It's those that show the effort and are willing to give it all they have.
   
• Don't hesitate to jump into an additional group for extrapractice, as long as you don't push your way through other dancers.  Go in front for your assigned group, then in the back for the additional group.
   
• Be aware of the accurate style of the teacher, listening and watching the details of the choreography.  Don't just do it your way, it's very important to do it as they specifically ask.
   
• If a teacher personally corrects you or assists you in any way, don't be embarrassed, consider it a compliment that they even noticed you and see enough potential in you to take the time to help.  Always be sure to say thank you.
   
• Always be aware of your personal space taking precaution to those around you.  Most conventions are crowded so don't be reckless with your movement.  Someone could get hurt.
   
• During lunch breaks, please do not close off forming little exclusive HSPA cliques, especially if you see one of your own sitting by themselves.  Invite them into your group.  Older students need to step up in this area and set a good example.  We will be taking notice!
   
• Always take the opportunity to thank the teacher after class if time permits.  This shows respect and good etiquette.
   
• Last but not least, thank your parents for making it possible for you to attend.  Let them know you appreciate all they do for you.

                                                              Sincerely, HSPA staff