Parents' Frequently Asked Questions
What Age can my child start to learn to dance at Pointe Works?
We start teaching children to dance at Pointe Works in the September before they start school. The children are taught The Royal Academy of Dance Pre-School Syllabus 'Dance to your Own Tune' which has been carefully designed to meet the needs of children in their Pre-School year. It is a wonderful introduction to their Dance Training.
What benefits are there in sending my child to dance classes?
Dance classes will develop their musicality, control and co-ordination. Attending weekly classes will improve their cardio vascular fitness and enhance their creativity. You may find they are more expressive physically and definitely more self confident. Correct posture, core stability and balance are important focus areas which may result in less falls and bumps.
What should my child wear to attend classes at Pointe Works?
For Ballet classes they will need ballet shoes. It is important that students get used to working their feet correctly in ballet shoes. Uniform is available for children from Pre-School upwards and can be bought from Pointe Works, please see the Uniform page for details.Long hair should always be tied back, preferably in a bun.
For Contemporary Dance, they can wear any clothes they feel comfortable to move in & bare feet.
How do I pay for classes?
When your child starts at Pointe works, there is a 2 week trial payment option so that you can check that your child is enjoying the classes prior to joining in with term fees. Payments are made online via the Class4kids payment App.
Can I stay and watch the class?
It is possible for parents to watch the Pre-School Ballet classes when they are able to do so from the very start to the very finish of the lesson and only when they are able to arrange childcare for siblings. If you do decide to stay in the main teaching area, it is really important that you don't talk to other parents during the lesson. For me to teach them effectively I will need you to be quiet. Once your child has started school, parent observation is available on the last lesson of each term.
When can they take their first Ballet Exam?
After they have completed First Steps & Next Steps ballet, each September the children move up to the next class. The classes are organised in academic school years to match the RAD’s minimum age requirements for exams. The Royal Academy recommend the children study each grade for a minimum of one school year before either taking an exam or moving up to the next grade. Exams are held each year in the Summer term and are optional and by invitation only. They do not need to have taken or passed an exam to move up. You will be advised as we go along when the exams are held so that your child has an option to join in if they are eligible.
“Nicolle is the nicest ballet teacher I have ever come across. My daughter (aged 4) loves attending lessons at Pointe Works and the summer show was spectacular!”