Sunrise Coast Dance AcademyFrequently asked questions
If your question is not here, our assistant in the corner of the page can usually answer it, or send us a message.
How do I book a free trial?
Use the trial form on our contact page, ask our online assistant, or phone the studio. Tell us your child's age and which style they would like to try and we will suggest the right class and confirm a date by email, usually the same day.
What age can my child start?
Tiny Toes starts at 2, with a grown-up staying in the room for the 2 to 3 group. Ballet starts at 4, tap, modern and street at 5, and acro at 6. Adults are welcome in our Monday ballet and Tuesday tap classes.
What should my child wear to a trial?
Anything comfortable they can move in, with bare feet, ballet shoes or clean trainers depending on the class. Hair tied back. There is no need to buy uniform until you have decided to join.
Can I watch the class?
Grown-ups stay in the room for Tiny Toes 2 to 3. For all other classes we ask parents to wait in our comfortable waiting area so dancers can focus, but we hold watching weeks in the last week of every term and you are always welcome to watch a trial through the studio window.
Do you do exams?
Yes, for ballet (RAD), tap and modern (ISTD) and acro (Acrobatic Arts). Exams are optional and we only enter dancers who are ready. Most children take one exam a year from about age 7.
Where do I park?
There is free parking for 20 cars directly outside the studio on Commercial Road, and the long-stay car park on Battery Green Road is a four minute walk. Please do not park in the spaces marked for the neighbouring businesses.
How do fees work?
Fees are per term, paid in advance, with sibling and multi-class discounts. See the fees page for the current prices. Adult classes are pay as you go.
What if we miss a class?
We cannot refund missed classes, but if your child is unwell for two or more consecutive weeks we will credit the following term. Dancers may make up a missed class in another class of the same level within the same term.
Is the school safeguarding-checked?
All our teachers hold an enhanced DBS check and safeguarding training, and at least one teacher on site is paediatric first aid trained. Our safeguarding policy is available on request and our designated safeguarding lead is Miss Hannah.
Do you run classes in the school holidays?
Regular classes stop in the holidays, but we run holiday workshops in February, Easter and summer. They are announced by email and on our social media a few weeks before each holiday.
Does my child have to be in the show?
Every dancer is invited and almost all take part, but it is not compulsory. Show rehearsals happen within normal class time from May onwards, plus one Sunday stage rehearsal at the theatre.