F.A.Qs

Q1: What will my child learn?

A1: They can choose to attend either all three disciplines of Ballet, Tap and Modern or just one or two. We also hold a musical theatre class called Production for our over eights.

Q2: Are the teachers of the school qualified?

A2: Yes - both Caren Elkin and Carrie Sketty received Distinction for their Associate dance teaching qualifications while training at the Italia Conti Academy of Theatre Arts, London.
Caren specialised in Classical Ballet and Carrie specialised in Modern and also Tap. They have also both worked professionally in the performing arts.

Q.3: Are the teachers of the school C.R.B checked?

A.3: Yes - as members of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing they have their CRB renewed every 2 years and are happy to let you see the documentation to back this up.

Q.4: At what age can my child attend classes?

A.4: We take pupils from the age of 3 upwards.

Q.5: Can we just come along and enrol?

A.5: Generally, yes. However, our classes for 3 to 6 year olds are very popular so there is often a waiting list for those age groups.
You can send us your details for the waiting list via this website.

Q.6: How are fees paid?

A.6: We ask that fees are paid in bulk at the beginning of term for either a whole term or half term of classes. You can pay by cash or cheque.

Q.7: I don’t want to pay in bulk the very first week my child tries your classes in case they don’t want to continue - what is my option?

A.7: We ask that if it is your child’s first ever class with us you pay for just that session.
If they decide they want to continue, we ask for full payment of fees the following session.

Q.8: What happens if I don’t pay my fees on time?

A.8: If fees are not paid in full by the 3rd week of term, we have no option but to terminate your child’s place at the school.

Q.9: Do I get a refund if my child is absent?

A.9: No - fees are paid up front and secure your child’s place at the school.

Q.10: Can I sit in and watch the classes?

A.10: Our experience shows us that having parents in the class affects the children’s concentration so we ask that parents either wait outside or make use of the many cafes along Church St. and pick up the children after class. On the final week of each whole term we have ‘Work In Progress’ week - this is an opportunity for parents to come in and watch the classes in action. Please note it is not a performance of any kind but simply a normal class for you to observe.

Q.11: What do the children wear for class?

A.11: We have a uniform and if you click on the uniform page on this website you will see more details as to the requirements.

Q.12: How do the children progress through their grades?

A.12: We enter them for dance examinations with the I.S.T.D examination board when we decide that they have achieved a high enough standard to pass.

Q.13: What happens in a dance examination?

A.13: They are expected to demonstrate the entire syllabus for the grade they are being tested on and are marked on various criteria relating to alignment, rhythm, technique, performance etc. We are not allowed to be in the examination studio with them and the final result is the decision of the examiner.

Q.14: Do you only do exam work?

A.14: No. We alternate a year of fairly intense exam work with a year of show work leading to a performance at a local venue. Photos of our 2007 show are available to view on this website. Photos from our most recent show in May 2009 are coming soon!!

Q.15: Is it guaranteed that my child will take their exams during the year of exam work?

A.15: Unfortunately not. We will only enter pupils for exams if we are 100% sure that they are ready and, therefore, capable of passing.

Q.16: Is it guaranteed that my child will perform in the school show?

A.16: Absolutely! We love every pupil to be a part of our shows as it is such an exciting time for them and a fantastic opportunity to wear costumes and perform on stage.