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Information for Parents

Community driven dance training for all ages and abilities. Join our group of passionate dancers and discover your potential.

What to Expect

What to bring

Dancing Uniform

Hair tied back securely

Water bottle

Appropriate dance shoes

Positive attitude and willingness to learn!

Supportive Environment

Our instructors focus on building confidence in an encouraging atmosphere.

Age - Appropriate Teaching

Classes are structured to match developmental stages, ensuring learning is both fun and effective.

Supportive Environment

Our instructors focus on building confidence in an encouraging atmosphere.

Supportive Environment

Our instructors focus on building confidence in an encouraging atmosphere.

Term Dates

Uniform

We understand that starting a new class can be a big step, and we want every child to feel comfortable as they settle in. During the trial period, children are welcome to wear clothes suitable for movement—such as leggings, soft shorts, and a t-shirt or vest top. No jeans or jewellery for safety reasons. Bare feet for Ballet and Modern Theatre. For Tap, school shoes or trainers are fine to begin with. Once your child is settled, we’ll introduce our school uniform and appropriate footwear to support their dancing journey.


For adult dancers, we recommend wearing clothing that is both comfortable and suitable for movement - such as leggings and a t-shirt - so you can enjoy your class with ease and confidence. Please wear appropriate footwear for the dance style as per the guidance above. If you already have Ballet or Tap shoes even better!

ISTD Exams

At JA Dance School, we view examinations as a valuable opportunity to recognise and celebrate each student’s progression and achievement. While exams are not compulsory, they are encouraged as a positive milestone in a dancer’s journey.

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We follow the syllabus and standards set by the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD), one of the leading dance examination boards in the UK and worldwide. Their structured approach supports both recreational and vocational dancers, ensuring safe and professional development at every level.

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Exams offer more than just certificates—they provide dancers with a sense of accomplishment, help build confidence, and give them a goal to work towards. For many students, the experience of preparing for and participating in an exam is both exciting and rewarding.

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When the time comes, students will be assessed for readiness by their teacher, and parents will be guided through the process. We aim to make the experience supportive and enriching, in line with our values to Develop, Nurture, and Inspire.

Shows

We look forward to hosting future performances-celebrating our students’ growth and achievements in a joyful and inspiring way.

Policy Documents

FAQs

  • We welcome children from age 4 (Reception) through teens and into adulthood. If you don’t see a class for your age group, please contact us—we’ll do our best to accommodate.

  • We currently offer Ballet, Tap, and Modern Theatre dance. Ballet and Tap also have adult classes available. Modern Theatre is available for children only.

  • Absolutely. Trial classes are available and the cost depends on the selected class. Please contact us via the “REGISTER” button on our main page and we’ll be happy to assist.

  • Please use the “REGISTER” button on our main page to begin the enrolment process.

  • If you are unsure, please contact us to discuss. We are always happy to assist.

  • Please contact us and we can discuss further.

  • Our regular timetable runs during school term time. We also offer workshops during Half Terms and holidays, including a Summer School.

  • Our classes take place in a secure, spacious venue within the local community: Main Hall, Leigh Academy Cherry Orchard, Castle Hill, Ebbsfleet Valley, DA10 1AD.

What to expect

  • Our instructors focus on building confidence in an encouraging atmosphere.

  • Classes are structured to match developmental stages, ensuring learning is both fun and effective.

  • Uniform (or suitable clothing to start), a small water bottle, a smile, and lots of enthusiasm!

  • We prefer that parents wait outside the studio. From our experience, this provides fewer distractions for the class which results in a more engaging and productive session. We will be holding parent watching week at the end of term, and there will be opportunities for performances and shows in the future for you to observe your child’s progress.

  • We understand that many adults may feel nervous when starting dance classes. Our sessions are designed to build confidence gently.

Uniform & Appearance

  • Something comfortable that allows free movement. Ballet shoes (if you already have them) or bare feet are fine. Trainers are acceptable for tap. Please see our Uniform section for more details.

  • Hair shoulder-length and below should be tied back securely in a ponytail. Ballet buns are required for students in Grade 1 and above.

  • Prices will be advised once you’re enrolled. We aim to keep costs reasonable and will guide you through what’s needed.

Fees & Payments

  • Please contact us directly for current pricing.

  • We offer termly or monthly payment options via card or bank transfer. Once enrolled, we’ll set you up on our invoicing system.

Exams & Progression

  • Exams are not compulsory. We feel they are a wonderful experience and offer a sense of accomplishment. We offer ISTD exams to celebrate progression and achievement.
    Please see our ISTD Exam section for more information.

  • No. All students progress at their own pace. Exams are optional and readiness is assessed individually by the teacher.
    Please see our ISTD Exam section for more information.

  • Each student is assessed individually. We’ll let you know when your child is ready and provide all the necessary information.
    Please see our ISTD Exam section for more information.

  • We offer ISTD exams as a way to celebrate progression and achievement. They’re a positive milestone and help build confidence.
    Please see our ISTD Exam section for more information.

Policies & Safety

  • Yes. We have a simplified GDPR policy tailored for parents and students, and a controller-to-processor agreement in place to ensure data protection.

Still Have Questions?

If there's a question we haven't covered, please email us at info@jadanceschool.co.uk and we'll get back to you.

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