FAQ's

Children's Classes

What do they actually do in the classes?

Click here to read about each individual dance style.

What do they need to wear?

As with all dance schools we have a uniform so all the children are appropriately dressed for dance and the same.

Initially, shorts/joggers and T-shirt with bare feet (ballet & modern) or trainers for Street Dance is fine. You can purchase the uniform from the school once your child has been coming for a while and you know that they're going to stick at it.

What size is the class?

Maximum of 20 children per class. Though most classes have between 10-16 attending. ( 2 teachers in the larger classes!)

Do they need to bring anything?

Pre-Primary Ballet, Primary Ballet and Modern

No, only themselves.

Street Dance

A small bottle of water is a good idea as these classes usually involve a lot of Jumping about and are a bit longer. We give water breaks.

Do you do shows?

Yes, and our first ever show is impending! If you click on the NEWS section you will find details there.

Are teachers Police Checked?

Absolutely. All checks are available on request

Can the children do exams?

Through the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance ( I.S.T.D ) the children can enter graded examinations. No exams have been undertaken as of yet, but there are some planned for 2006. Keep your eyes peeled in the news section for details.

How much does it cost?

Click on timetable and the fees details are listed there. If your child is already doing one class, all additional classes are £2 each payable monthly (with the exception of show club, which is £4 each payable monthly).

Do they need Tap shoes straight away?

Obviously when learning to tap it does help to have the shoes, however, children can begin to learn in trainers until you know that they are going to stick at it and decide to invest in tap shoes.

Does their hair need to be tied up?

Ideally yes. With the exception of street dance (where a ponytail is fine) children should wear their hair in a bun for classes. I understand that this isn’t always easy to do due to time constraints and busy schedules, but it looks neat and tidy and stops hair getting in their faces when they spin.

What is the earliest age you take children?

3 years old for ballet
5 years for modern and tap.

Can I stay and watch the class?

It’s not encouraged as children behave very differently when parents are in the room. If it’s your first week then you are welcome to stay and see you are happy with the class and make sure your child settles.
In both halls there are rooms adjacent to the main hall in which you can wait on site if you decide to stay.
During the term we have parent’s day where you be invited to watch your child’s class to see how they are progressing.

Where can I buy the dancing outfit?

Once a term Miss Louise holds a uniform day at each of her venues where you will find everything you can possibly need on sale. This does tend to work out cheaper than buying it form the shops in Edinburgh.

Pilates

I've heard Pilates is good for backs?

If you suffer from back pain you should always check with your GP/osteopath/chiropractor before undertaking any different form of exercise.

Is it suitable if you have a sore back?

Generally if you are suffering pain at this minute then no exercise is really recommended. However, if your back is feeling better Pilates is good for rehabilitating injuries and most importantly preventing future back pain as it strengthens core abdominal muscles, keeps the spine mobile as well as looking at body balance and flexibility in general.

What do I need to wear?

You're usual gear for exercising, for example joggers and T-shirt, and maybe a jumper to put on in case you get cold. If possible make sure the T-shirt is not too baggy, as it makes it difficult to check posture and alignment. Pilates is done in bare feet or socks in winter!

What do I need to bring?

The mats are provided, but if you have one at home you want to use then bring it along. If you want to bring a small bottle of water along in case you get thirsty but we won't be jumping about.

Is Pilates suitable if I've just had a baby?

You should always wait for the all clear at your 6 week check up with health visitor/doctor before starting to exercise again. This is 12 weeks if you have had a c- section. Its always worth while to ask if they think Pilates will be ok. Having got the all clear, Pilates is a great way to start exercising gently and getting those tummy muscles back.

How much does it cost?

The beginners blocks usually run for 8-10 weeks and cost between £40-50, £5 per session.

All the other classes are book and pay monthly £5 per session other than five week months this works out at £20 per month.

Salsacise

What do we do?

See section on salsacise

What do I need to bring?

A bottle of water, and a jumper or top to put on when you finish so you don't get too cold.

How much does it cost?

£30 for 8 week block

What do I need to wear?

Just your regular clothes for exercising in. For example joggers and a T-shirt and trainers. Some people prefer to wear a small heeled shoe that's non-slip but it depends on what you're most comfortable in. Most come along in trainers for the 1 st week to see how they get on.

Dance – Fit

What kind of dancing is it?

We do 15 minutes of ‘Top of the Pops’ style dancing, 15 minutes of Modern Dance (high kicks and leaps) and 15 minutes of Tap

What should I wear?

Just your regular clothes for exercising in, and trainers.

Do I need tap shoes?

No, but some of the ladies have them and bring them along. These are available through Miss Louise if you decide you would like a pair.

How long does it run for?

It runs in 8 week blocks, with the exception of around holiday periods where we run shorter blocks to fit in with people’s plans. See timetable for details.

Does it matter if I’ve never danced before?

Absolutely not, the class is designed to be fun and something everybody can do in spite of age, fitness level and ability. As long as you’re moving and having fun that’s the main thing.