Frequently Asked Questions
How many children are there in a class?
We restrict the number of pupils in a class — by having smaller classes, safe practice of dance can be ensured. It is vitally important that a child develops a sound and safe technical base; this can be taught on a more individual level in a smaller class.
Do you have a waiting list for classes?
Our classes are often in high demand (especially for younger students) and, owing to the strict limits we place on the number of students in a class, this does mean that there may be a waiting list for some classes. Please contact us if you wish for your child to commence classes with us, and we will inform you whether the class has a waiting list. We will then contact you once a place becomes available.
Does a dance teacher have to be qualified?
It might be surprising to learn that anyone could open a dance school and offer dance classes — even if they have never danced a step in their life.
Dance is a highly physical art form and damage can result from improper training. Although you may feel that you only wish your child to dance for fun, formal dance training is critical, as bad (and sometimes dangerous) habits can quickly develop — even with classes taken at a basic level. Also, children (and especially young children), are at a crucial stage in their development until their bones are fully formed. Qualified dance teachers have had to undertake rigorous training, both as a dancer and dance teacher, and have carefully studied anatomy and lifespan development. This is not to say that all dance teachers who are unqualified are not good teachers, but the standard of their teaching is unregulated.
At our school, all of our teachers are highly qualified; they hold teaching qualifications with numerous recognised examination boards. They have many years of teaching experience and have also trained to a very high standard as dancers themselves.
Do you teach boys?
Yes — we teach both boys and girls of all ages. Boys can participate in any of the classes that we offer and they are encouraged to be a strong, technical dancer. With the rise of the ballet stars, such as Carlos Acosta, ballet is becoming increasingly popular for boys.
The ISTD syllabus is designed to develop a well-rounded dancer in all aspects of strength and dance abilities. There are some separate exercises for males and females in order for them to develop the specific requirements for a dancer (e.g. pointe work for girls, virtuosity and grand allegro for boys) — especially with a view to the dance industry's needs. The syllabus is intended to "develop the differing physical strengths and capabilities to the advantage of the gender, and are not intended to limit opportunities for access".
Boys taking examination classes will be offered boys-only coaching in addition to their regular classes.
What age do you take children from?
We advise four years old for beginning classes with us – our Beginners classes are structured lessons for students to begin their dance training. At this age, children are more likely to be more confident and independent when both entering class and during the lesson itself.
Please see our Beginners page for enrolment requirements.
Can we watch our child's class?
We do not allow parents to observe the classes as it can be distracting for children and teachers. Just like academic school, children need to act independently and so can grow as individuals.
However, there are frequent opportunities when you are invited to observe your child's progress in class. Also, before an examination is taken, a 'preview' performance of the work is given in front of an audience of parents, family and friends.
We have a small waiting area for parents of students in the Beginners Classes — however the majority of parents (even of very young students) use this opportunity to go and do some shopping!
Will my child be offered a place if they have previous dance experience?
If your child has danced at another school for a significant amount of time (and especially if they have been taking graded examinations), we may require them to have an advisory audition for a place in one of our classes. (Please contact us to check if your child would require an advisory audition.) It is very difficult to assess the standard of a child's dancing or their understanding of technique from just an email or speaking on the phone — and we don't want to put a child in a class that they will be completely lost in.
In an advisory audition, a student will join in one of our ballet classes in order for us to understand the child's requirements, knowledge of technique and knowledge of steps. Unfortunately, parents are not allowed into the dance room while the advisory audition is in progress, but they may be involved at the end in a further discussion with the teacher and child if necessary. Sometimes we may need a little longer to consider carefully which class is best for your child and so the classes we can offer may need to be emailed following the advisory audition, along with prices and times.
Following an advisory audition, regrettably, we cannot guarantee your child a place in our school as we may not have a space available in the class required by your child — they would then be placed on a waiting list.
Should a beginner just turn up?
No, please contact us first as time, fees and vacancies in the appropriate class will need to be advised upon.
What is your uniform?
We have a set school uniform that is required to be worn for all classes – information about our supplier is given at your first class. Girls of all ages and standards must wear their hair in a neat ballet bun for all classes (short hair should be clipped back). Boys should have their hair in a suitable style, which should be fixed back off the face if it is long.
For a student's first lesson in the beginners class, please let them wear something comfortable that they can easily move around in eg. leggings, t-shirt, jumper (in winter) and school pumps for the first few weeks. We allow up to three weeks before our school uniform is required to be purchased in full..
Are examinations compulsory?
No, examinations are never compulsory. However, success in examinations, coming at the peak of a period of steady commitment, will bring a great sense of achievement and increased self-esteem to a student. Parents often enjoy being involved in the preparations for examinations, also.
For more information regarding examinations, please see our Examinations page.
How much do lessons cost?
Lesson fees vary depending on the length and standard of class. For students taking one or two classes per week, fees are paid every two months in advance. For students taking three or more classes per week, lesson fees are paid monthly in advance (with a 10% discount for early payment). Please contact us for further details.
Is regular attendance important?
We fully understand absences for sickness, family holidays and religious occasions. However, we expect all of our pupils to be committed to attending classes regularly each week. By missing lessons, continuity of training is disrupted when important new steps, routines and techniques may be taught.
Are there classes in the summer holidays and half term?
Yes, lessons are given throughout the year as children need the continuity of classes in order to provide strength, stamina, technique and knowledge of the steps and syllabus. However, we do close for the Christmas, New Year, bank holidays and Easter holidays.
Will my daughter dance en pointe?
At our school, we thoroughly assess each student's readiness for pointe work (approx. age 11/12) — students must meet certain criteria in this assessment before being allowed to be professionally fitted for pointe shoes.
Dancing en pointe is a serious undertaking for any dancer and a decision to dance en pointe should not be taken lightly. It is not a simple rite of passage for all dance students, and it may be that some students are advised against dancing en pointe.
How long do children stay in a class before moving up?
Unlike academic school, in any one class there can be children of various ages. Children progress into the next class based on their ability and not their age or the length of time that they have been attending the class. Ages given for classes are only an approximation.
Do you teach adults?
We offer Silver Swans® ballet classes for the over 55s.
Do you have any school policies?
Yes, please see our School Policies
We restrict the number of pupils in a class — by having smaller classes, safe practice of dance can be ensured. It is vitally important that a child develops a sound and safe technical base; this can be taught on a more individual level in a smaller class.
Do you have a waiting list for classes?
Our classes are often in high demand (especially for younger students) and, owing to the strict limits we place on the number of students in a class, this does mean that there may be a waiting list for some classes. Please contact us if you wish for your child to commence classes with us, and we will inform you whether the class has a waiting list. We will then contact you once a place becomes available.
Does a dance teacher have to be qualified?
It might be surprising to learn that anyone could open a dance school and offer dance classes — even if they have never danced a step in their life.
Dance is a highly physical art form and damage can result from improper training. Although you may feel that you only wish your child to dance for fun, formal dance training is critical, as bad (and sometimes dangerous) habits can quickly develop — even with classes taken at a basic level. Also, children (and especially young children), are at a crucial stage in their development until their bones are fully formed. Qualified dance teachers have had to undertake rigorous training, both as a dancer and dance teacher, and have carefully studied anatomy and lifespan development. This is not to say that all dance teachers who are unqualified are not good teachers, but the standard of their teaching is unregulated.
At our school, all of our teachers are highly qualified; they hold teaching qualifications with numerous recognised examination boards. They have many years of teaching experience and have also trained to a very high standard as dancers themselves.
Do you teach boys?
Yes — we teach both boys and girls of all ages. Boys can participate in any of the classes that we offer and they are encouraged to be a strong, technical dancer. With the rise of the ballet stars, such as Carlos Acosta, ballet is becoming increasingly popular for boys.
The ISTD syllabus is designed to develop a well-rounded dancer in all aspects of strength and dance abilities. There are some separate exercises for males and females in order for them to develop the specific requirements for a dancer (e.g. pointe work for girls, virtuosity and grand allegro for boys) — especially with a view to the dance industry's needs. The syllabus is intended to "develop the differing physical strengths and capabilities to the advantage of the gender, and are not intended to limit opportunities for access".
Boys taking examination classes will be offered boys-only coaching in addition to their regular classes.
What age do you take children from?
We advise four years old for beginning classes with us – our Beginners classes are structured lessons for students to begin their dance training. At this age, children are more likely to be more confident and independent when both entering class and during the lesson itself.
Please see our Beginners page for enrolment requirements.
Can we watch our child's class?
We do not allow parents to observe the classes as it can be distracting for children and teachers. Just like academic school, children need to act independently and so can grow as individuals.
However, there are frequent opportunities when you are invited to observe your child's progress in class. Also, before an examination is taken, a 'preview' performance of the work is given in front of an audience of parents, family and friends.
We have a small waiting area for parents of students in the Beginners Classes — however the majority of parents (even of very young students) use this opportunity to go and do some shopping!
Will my child be offered a place if they have previous dance experience?
If your child has danced at another school for a significant amount of time (and especially if they have been taking graded examinations), we may require them to have an advisory audition for a place in one of our classes. (Please contact us to check if your child would require an advisory audition.) It is very difficult to assess the standard of a child's dancing or their understanding of technique from just an email or speaking on the phone — and we don't want to put a child in a class that they will be completely lost in.
In an advisory audition, a student will join in one of our ballet classes in order for us to understand the child's requirements, knowledge of technique and knowledge of steps. Unfortunately, parents are not allowed into the dance room while the advisory audition is in progress, but they may be involved at the end in a further discussion with the teacher and child if necessary. Sometimes we may need a little longer to consider carefully which class is best for your child and so the classes we can offer may need to be emailed following the advisory audition, along with prices and times.
Following an advisory audition, regrettably, we cannot guarantee your child a place in our school as we may not have a space available in the class required by your child — they would then be placed on a waiting list.
Should a beginner just turn up?
No, please contact us first as time, fees and vacancies in the appropriate class will need to be advised upon.
What is your uniform?
We have a set school uniform that is required to be worn for all classes – information about our supplier is given at your first class. Girls of all ages and standards must wear their hair in a neat ballet bun for all classes (short hair should be clipped back). Boys should have their hair in a suitable style, which should be fixed back off the face if it is long.
For a student's first lesson in the beginners class, please let them wear something comfortable that they can easily move around in eg. leggings, t-shirt, jumper (in winter) and school pumps for the first few weeks. We allow up to three weeks before our school uniform is required to be purchased in full..
Are examinations compulsory?
No, examinations are never compulsory. However, success in examinations, coming at the peak of a period of steady commitment, will bring a great sense of achievement and increased self-esteem to a student. Parents often enjoy being involved in the preparations for examinations, also.
For more information regarding examinations, please see our Examinations page.
How much do lessons cost?
Lesson fees vary depending on the length and standard of class. For students taking one or two classes per week, fees are paid every two months in advance. For students taking three or more classes per week, lesson fees are paid monthly in advance (with a 10% discount for early payment). Please contact us for further details.
Is regular attendance important?
We fully understand absences for sickness, family holidays and religious occasions. However, we expect all of our pupils to be committed to attending classes regularly each week. By missing lessons, continuity of training is disrupted when important new steps, routines and techniques may be taught.
Are there classes in the summer holidays and half term?
Yes, lessons are given throughout the year as children need the continuity of classes in order to provide strength, stamina, technique and knowledge of the steps and syllabus. However, we do close for the Christmas, New Year, bank holidays and Easter holidays.
Will my daughter dance en pointe?
At our school, we thoroughly assess each student's readiness for pointe work (approx. age 11/12) — students must meet certain criteria in this assessment before being allowed to be professionally fitted for pointe shoes.
Dancing en pointe is a serious undertaking for any dancer and a decision to dance en pointe should not be taken lightly. It is not a simple rite of passage for all dance students, and it may be that some students are advised against dancing en pointe.
How long do children stay in a class before moving up?
Unlike academic school, in any one class there can be children of various ages. Children progress into the next class based on their ability and not their age or the length of time that they have been attending the class. Ages given for classes are only an approximation.
Do you teach adults?
We offer Silver Swans® ballet classes for the over 55s.
Do you have any school policies?
Yes, please see our School Policies
