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Class ettiquite is an important part of joining a class
Frequently asked questions
How do I book a course?
- Click on the ‘book a class’ button on the homepage, or the tab ‘classes’ and select ‘book a class’ from the drop down menu
- You can also book via the ‘shop’ page.
- Search for the class you wish to take in either the Children’s Classes or Adult Classes. Teenagers of Grade 5 ballet and above need to click on the Adult Classes button.
- Once you have found the class you wish to take click on the ‘add to basket’ button. You can purchase several courses at a time.
- Once you have added all the classes you wish to take, click on your basket, which is located top right.
- Follow the instructions during the check out process. We will need to know of any existing medical conditions that may affect your ability to join a class.
- Fees are due in full for the whole course in advance at the point of booking your course. We can no longer accept payment by cheque or cash.
What should I wear?
We would ask that you invest in the school uniform, which can be purchased through our school shop either in person at your class or via the shop on this website. It is compulsory for students attending our children’s school to have the correct uniform for the class they wish to take, and their hair in a neat secure bun.
We withhold the right to refuse any student we feel is not properly dressed for the class they wish to take.
Children’s School Uniform
Adult School Uniform
Exam requirements
Acro; leggings/shorts, tee-shirt, socks with grips, hair tied back
Tap; either leotard and tights or leggings and a tee-shirt, tap shoes (or sturdy shoes with a slight heel)
PBT; leggings or tracksuit bottoms that you can pull up to your knee, tee-shirt, socks with grips.
Scholars Classes : Burgundy Leottard, Blue waistband, pink tights, pink ballet shoes.
Do you offer an initial free trial?
NO! Due to the current Covid-19 social distancing rules and regulations we are unable to offer one off trial classes, open days or drop in classes. All students must be registered and in a ‘bubble’ for the entire half term course.
Can I make up a missed class later ?
NO! Unfortunately we can not permit students to mix between classes or make up missed classes under any circumstances. We can also not offer a refund for any classes that are missed. Please refer to the Terms & Conditions for more information regarding this.
What if I want to cancel?
You have the right to cancel your class within 14 days of your initial purchase up until 24 hours prior to the commencement of the course. This must be done in writing, either by email or by completing the cancellation form which can be found on the Terms & Conditions page. We suggest you read through our cancellation policy found in the Terms & Conditions before completing a purchase.
Can I join a course even if it has already started?
YES! As long as there are still spaces available in a class you can join at any point. We may not be able to offer you a reduction in fees but suggest you contact the office for more information.
From what age can my child start classes?
Children can start attending classes from 2.5 years old in our Stay, Play, Ballet class. From there they can move into a Pre-Primary Class when both teacher and parent feels they are confident and ready to do so. From Grade 1 children will need to take an examination in ballet and/or tap to progress to the next level. Usually children will progress through the grades taking one exam a year.
Do you have an access policy?
Yes! We are a fully inclusive school and make it our mission to cater for all children and adults, regardless of their age, ability, ethnicity, sexuality, and gender. If you or your child has specific requirements, or extra needs then it would be most helpful to know this in advance so that we can plan to create as inclusive an environment as possible. The location we use is fully wheelchair accessible, with free parking on site.
Can Parents, Friends, Guardians Grandparents or extended family watch the class?
No! Due to Covid-19 social distancing restrictions we can only grant permission for one parent/guardian to accompany their children in our youngest classes, Stay, Play & Ballet, and Pre-Primary Ballet & Tap. Parents will not be permitted into the building for all other classes. We hope to be able to reinstate ‘watching week’ towards the end of term so that we can invite friends and family to help us celebrate the progress of our students.
Where can I park?
YES! There is free parking on site at the college, however it is offered on a first come first serve basis, and on busy days there may be no parking available. The venue is also serviced by a reliable efficient bus service.
Do you offer private tuition, exam coaching & audition preparation?
YES! We are always keen to help students reach their goals. Students do not need to be attending a regular course or class with Brighton Ballet School. Private classes can be booked via the website in the same manner as courses.
Do you offer drop in classes?
NO! Due to the current Covid-19 regulations we are not able to offer a drop in service in any of our studio-based classes. We do, however offer a drop in system for our online dance school. You can check availability here:
Do I have to take an exam?
Exams are an essential part of dance training as the extra work, concentration and effort required makes students work all that bit harder. This can be a very rewarding endeavour which fosters self-confidence and a sense of achievement. We do request that all students attending the Children’s School take an exam before progressing on to the next level. Exams are not mandatory for adults to progress to the next level, however we strongly advise that all students from Grade 5 and above work towards taking the exam before progressing on as the requirements in these grades is very demanding.
Which class should I start in?
We cater for all ages and abilities, right from complete beginners level for students who have never taken a dance class before through to advanced ex-professional dancers who are looking to stay fit during their performing or teaching careers. We have many students who return to dance class in their adult years and we would recommend that they return to a level that is possibly easier than they remember as a child so that they can return safely without the risk of injury. We also have many children that join classes at all stages of their childhood and recommend that parents and guardians contact the office to discuss the best class for them to start in.
keeping students and staff safe during the covid-19 pandemic
Covid-19 Social Distancing Requirements
We have implemented strict social distancing rules in accordance with the government guidelines, to ensure the least possible risk to Students and their families during the time they attend classes with us. We would ask that you read through the following actions we will be taking to protect the safety of all our students and their families, and adhere to them. A full risk assessment has been conducted by an outside specialist agency which is available upon request.
These requirements have also been included in the new updated Terms & Conditions, therefore anyone found not complying with these requirements will be asked to leave the class immediately.
Book and pay in advance
Spaces will be reduced and limited due to the size of the studio and social distancing requirements set out in the government guidelines. Each student will be expected to pre-register and book their space on line via the website before attending class. We will need your name, address, telephone number, an emergency contact number, date of birth and information about any pre-existing medical conditions you may have. In the event that you or someone in the school contracts Covid-19 we may be required by law to share this information with the governments track and trace service. We will always endeavour to notify you in this situation.
Do not attend if you feel unwell
We must all do our part to ensure the well being of everyone in our school therefore please do not attend class if you, or anyone in your household has any of the symptoms of Covid-19, have been abroad, or been in contact with anyone suspected of having Covid-19.
What if I feel unwell, or display Covid-19 symptoms during class?
If a student becomes unwell during a class and displays Covid-19 symptoms we will be obligated to notify BHASVIC College immediately. We are also required to stop the class immediately and send everyone home. Furthermore we will not be permitted to run any further classes until the studio and sports centre have been deep cleaned. These are part of our terms of hire and therefore beyond our control. It is essential that we have an emergency contact number for each student attending (even if they are an adult) so that we can deal with any situation that arrises.
No Changing Facilities
Please ensure you come to class changed and ready to dance. You will not be permitted to bring any personal items into the classroom such as bags. If you do need to bring something into the classroom such as tap shoes, bags, coats etc, we ask that you put them into one of the personal belongings plastic boxes available upon your arrival at the building and then leave the box at the bottom of the fire escape upon leaving.
Separate Entry and Exit
To ensure the minimum congestion through the building, there will only be one entrance through the main doors to the sports hall, and one exit via the fire escape.
No parents allowed into the building
Following government guidelines, no parents, guardians or friends will be permitted to enter the building to accompany a student to their class. Students must be dropped off at the door to BHASVIC sports hall, and collected at the base of fire escape stairs. For children aged 5 and under, one parent is permitted to accompany their child into the class. Please ensure you observe a 2 meter distance when waiting to drop off or collect students.
Arrive on time and collect promptly
To ensure the saftey and well being of all students it is absolutely essential that parents arrive on time for class and collect their child promptly. We do not have any capacity to look after children other than during their class time so it is essential that the timetable is strictly adhered to.
Sanitising you and your child’s hands
We will require all students to use hand sanitiser upon arriving at the building, and then again upon entering the studio. After class you are encouraged to sanitise your hands upon leaving. Hand sanitiser will also be available in the classroom to use as necessary.
Can I wear a mask in class?
YES! You are more than welcome to bring a mask with you and wear it in class. This is not compulsory and entirely up to the discretion of the student.
Students required to dance in socially distanced boxes
2 meter boxes will be taped out on the dance floor with 1 meter spaces between each student’s box, and a 1 meter walk way through the studio to ensure maximum saftey for eveyrone taking part. Students 6 years old and over or in Grade 1 Ballet upwards will be required to dance only in the box that the teacher places them in at the beginning of class. Studets are not permitted to cross anyone elses box, enter the teacher’s box at the front of the class, or change box at any point during the class.
Props and toys
We will not be using any props or toys that are made of material as thse cannot be sanitised inbetween groups. We will be using hard objects such as wands, crowns/tiaras, tambourines, and musical instruments which will be put directly into a ‘used’ box and cleaned before the next group uses them. We will also be offering students attending our Pre-Primary Ballet Class the opportuntiy to purchase their own set of props that we will be using in class so that they can ensure they are clean and contact free.
No Drop-in Spaces
We will no longer be able to offer a drop in class card service in any of our classes due to the current Covid pandemic.
Maximum Ventilation
We are required to have all windows in the studio open so that fresh air can circulate through the space and will be using the air conditioning systme at all times to ensure air flow.
Increased Cleaning
BHASVIC sixth form college will be deep cleaning the sports hall and studio before and after each group that uses the facilities. We will also be undertaking cleaning with 80% medical grade ethanol wipes, all touch points such as doors, light switches, sanitiser stations, toilets, floors, props and equiptment inbetween each group.
BBS only toilet facilities
BBS students will have sole use of the toilet facilities located outside the dance studio. We request that students ONLY use these toilets marked for our use to try and stop cross contamination between groups using the sports centre. We will also be cleaning them thoroughly inbetween classes so can only guarantee these facilities.
No bare feet please!
Please can you ensure that Students are wearing either ballet shoes, tap shoes or socks with grips for Acro. We are not permitted to allow students to use the studio with bare feet.
Student Links
School Info
Opening Hours
Monday - Friday
6:00 - 9:00 pm
Saturday
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Office Hours
Monday - Friday 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
