What should my child wear to a trial class?

• Something comfortable that they can easily move in. Leggings / shorts / joggers and a t-shirt would be ideal. Bare feet are fine for trial classes and we continue to dance with bare feet for Modern and Creative Dance. Properly fitted shoes are required for ballet, but not until uniform is purchased, following the trial. Full details of where to purchase the uniform and what to buy will be sent, once your child has decided to enrol at Elastic.

Can I watch my child’s class?

• Short answer, no! We find that children are far more focused without parents watching and there’s often a reliance on a parent’s presence, if we get started in this way. If your child isn’t comfortable coming into class alone, we suggest that they try again in a few months, once they are more confident / independent.

How much are classes?

• Classes are £6 for a 30 – 40 min. class and £8 for an hour long class, regardless of the genre.

How is payment for classes taken?

• Payment is taken via monthly direct debit, on the 1st of each month. The cost of classes is worked out over the year and divided by 12 months, so you are always paying an even amount each month. If your child was to leave before completing the academic year, there is likely to be a final settlement (based on the number of classes offered within that time frame). By completing the direct debit mandate you are agreeing to pay over 12 months, while your child is registered as an Elastic student. A full month’s notice is required, in writing, if your child decides to end their dance training.

Do I ever get to watch my child dance?

• Yes! At least twice a year at the end of the term, we arrange an ‘open class.’ Parents are invited along to observe a typical class and therefore check-in on their child’s progress / enjoyment of dance. It’s a great chance for teachers and students to share what they’ve been working on over the term.

How does the exam system work?

• Once the student is ready, confident with the work and able to perform to the best of their ability, an examination will be arranged through the ISTD. Your child will enter the exam with others (a max. of 4 children), but without the teacher present. This will usually take place in their normal premises, but at times it’s necessary to join another school’s exam session. They will always have had a rehearsal in the exam space, if it’s new to them. Students will be required to attend 4 – 6 exam coaching sessions, to ensure they are fully prepared and enable the teacher to focus solely on exam candidates. These are in addition to their normal lessons and excellent attendance (of both standard and coaching classes) is required. Students are generally exam-ready within 1-2 years of learning a grade of work. Exams are optional and at times it’s not in the best interest for a student to sit an exam. If the teacher feels the student is ready for new challenges, it is possible to advance to the next grade without taking an exam. There is a fee which is paid directly to the ISTD and additional costs to cover coaching, music operator and hall hire.

What about the teachers?

• Teachers are all fully qualified, DBS checked and first aid trained, with a wealth of experience to help support your child with their training.