What are your age requirements for students taking open classes?
Must we register and choose our classes before we arrive?
Can I arrange a trial period in case it's not what my child is looking for?
How do we know what classes to take?
Can parents stay and watch classes?
What is the best time of year for me to bring my students?
What types of classes do you offer?
My child is 13 years old and has never danced before, is there a place for her/him in this program?
Does my child need to audition to get into the school?
Can my child take classes whenever he/she wants and what type of a commitment is expected?
Refunds for missed classes
Why is notice required to cancel registration?
Who do I contact should I have a query or complaint?
How will my child be disciplined?
Will my child be encouraged and praised? What are your age requirements for students taking open classes?
Young students 9 years and under are welcome into any class. However, there are some restrictions on which classes they may take due to their physical development. top of page Must we register and choose our classes before we arrive?
It is very difficult for us to accommodate your child if you visit unannounced. We suggest you choose your classes prior to your arrival to ensure placement. Please note that you can change your mind at anytime without penalty. A registration form and beginner fee (£10) must be received before commencement of any classes. top of page Can I arrange a trial period in case it's not what my child is looking for?
Trial periods of 4 weeks can be arranged if discussed with principal before commencement. Children attend for the minimum of the four week trial an at the end of those 4 weeks the parents are required to inform the principal whether or not your child wishes to continue If they do - you will be invoiced for the terms fees.
Normal registration terms of business apply. If they do not wish to continue they you simply pay for the 4 classes they have attended. Payment due within 7 days. It is not acceptable for a student to attend classes for one/two or three weeks as this does not provide them with adequate information of whether it's what they are looking for. £10 registration fee is still applicable for students wishing to use a trial period. top of page How do we know what classes to take?
One of the main functions of MADS is to advise you on class selection. The principal is happy to spend as much time as you need to assist you in organising your timetable. top of page Can parents stay and watch classes?
We welcome class observation as we believe there is so much to learn through watching. Parents are normally permitted to stay and watch during the first few weeks, it is then advised that the child is left in the room with the teacher, this way both can build a relationship of trust. Parents are also invited into classes on the last week of term. top of page What is the best time of year for me to bring my students?
Students are welcome all year round. Our busiest season is during Jan and Sept. Please speak with the principal to help you arrange a most memorable visit. top of page What types of classes do you offer?
We offer classes in creative movement, Babes, tap, modern, commercial jazz and triple threat (dancing, singing, & acting). Workshops are also arranged with touring companies such as Stomp, Tap Dogs, Cats, Grease etc. top of page My child is 13 years old and has never danced before, is there a place for her/him in this program?
Yes, we offer classes for children and teens of all levels (beginner upwards). Commercial Jazz would be the most suitable class for them as no experience is required. top of page Does my child need to audition to get into the school?
There is no audition process. Class placement is done at the discretion of the principal and/or teachers. Placement is based upon age, ability, and experience. All children are accepted. top of page Can my child take classes whenever he/she wants and what type of a commitment is expected?
Classes are a 14 week commitment with classes running from the beginning of Jan to July and Sept through to the middle of December on Saturdays and Weekdays. Class attendance is extremely important for your child’s progress. It depends on what you would you like you child to participate in, the more they do the more commitment is required. The school provides students with the opportunity to participate in festivals, shows, demos, performances in London and exams.
Some classes run parallel to their normal dance classes therefore they could be dancing several hours a day. It's not just class commitment though, if students take exams or do want to participate in festivals and shows then you must consider transport, waiting time, late evenings at times, not to mention the costs of extra lessons, entries into festivals, costume hire and petrol. The level of commitment can vary from child to child and also on their ability.
Parents will always be asked well in advance (each term) what level of commitment they wish to give. top of page Refunds for missed classes
There are no credits or refunds for missed classes. top of page Why is notice required to cancel registration?
A notice period is common with all dance schools. It prevents students coming and going throughout the term as it can be disruptive and unsettling for remaining students and also the teachers work to a planned schedule for the term. If you fail to provide 12 weeks notice in writing you will incur a terms fees.
The notice period will commence from the date of postmark. Notice is MADS school term time and does not include general school holidays such as Easter, summer, Xmas and half terms. Notice is required for each class attended. top of page Who do I contact should I have a query or complaint?
The first point of contact for any issue is the principal. Teachers will not answer queries other than dance related issues such as a childs behaviour, injury etc. It is requested that parents contact the principal soonest should they have a query or complaint against the school, it's teachers or other students. top of page How will my child be disciplined?
The atmosphere at the school is relaxed in that the students are not requested to enter the room in silence and remain that way until they leave. it is fully appreciated that they are children and their attention span can be quite short. Classes are normally structured on 10 minutes work 3 mins relaxation and this continues throughout the class time. This way we get the most from the students and also give them an opportunity to let off steam and energy. It's also a useful way of developing trust and chatting to them in general. When children attend exam classes then the environment is more disciplined.
In ISTD examinations they are not permitted to chat unless the examiner asks them a question so we need to practice this within normal exam classes. They learn how to become self disciplined. The same rule applies for festivals and shows as talking is not permitted side stage. It is general rule of thumb that when the students are practicing or marking work them the atmosphere is relaxed. When teachers are teaching new work where concentration is vital then students are asked to not talk and focus.
If a student continues to be disruptive then the teachers normally count to three to bring them under control and if this fails to work then they are asked to leave the class. Parents are then notified of their behaviour. Students are not shouted at. top of page Will my child be encouraged and praised?
It is the principals belief that students are praised when it's due. If they work hard then they are given endless praise. younger students are continuing encouraged and praised as this helps them to develop confidence. However if a child is not working to their full potential then they will be told. The teacher needs to be honest and provide constructive criticism but not in a dictatorish manner.
Most students appreciate an honest response as this is all part of their learning and development. They do also need to be communicated to tactfully as many are very sensitive and can take things personally when it's not intended. Pressure and expectation is not offloaded onto the students as long as they give their best and are happy with their own performance then that's all that's required. top of page | 
