FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Logistics
Where are you Based?
Our address is: The Dorothy Coleborn School of Dancing, Englishcombe Court, Englishcombe Lane, Bath BA2 2EJ.
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The dance school is located upstairs, above Baskervilles Gymnastics Club.
Is There a car park?
Yes, there is a free car park that we share with Baskervilles Gymnastics Club. There is also a ‘drop and go’ area to allow outside the front door allowing dancers to safely and efficiently get into the building. Please note, the ‘drop and go’ area should not be used for collections and the car park can get busy at peak periods so please take great care.
Can i Leave my child unattended at the dance school?
Children under 11 years must be supervised by parents or guardians while changing, and until their activity begins. Older children may, within reason, be left unsupervised for short periods (e.g. waiting for a younger sibling to complete a class) however an excellent level of behaviour is expected.
Is there somewhere i can wait whilst my child has his/her lesson?
Yes, we have a number of open areas suitable for parents and siblings to wait. Please note, there is also a waiting area dedicated to men located at the top of the stairs on the right.
Joining a class
What classes do you run?
We run classes in classical ballet, American tap and modern/jazz (generally primary school aged children) adding hop hop and contemporary for senior school aged dancers.
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Please note that our youngest dancers start with a combination of ballet and tap during a single lesson up to Grade 2 when the classes become separate.
At what age can children start with dorothy coleborn?
The average age for a child to start attending a dance class is around the age of 3 years and we run a Pre-School class for 3-4 year olds. You should assess the ‘readiness’ of your child to start based on the following criteria:
· An enjoyment of music and movement
· Confidence to attend a class without a parent or carer in attendance
· Familiarisation with a more formal group structure .
· Awareness of the need to listen and co-operate
How do I register my child to join a class?
If you are interested in joining a DC dance class, you can either:
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Contact one of the team on 01225 335087. Please leave a brief message if no-one is free to take your call and we will call you back as soon as possible.
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Send an e-mail to stating what your child’s interest and their age/previous experience.
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Pop into the office and speak to one of the staff who will be able to advise you on a suitable class.
Please note that for some classes we operate with a first come, first served waiting list system. We will contact you when a place becomes available.
Can my child start in the middle of a term?
Subject to a place being available in your preferred class, the staff will advise you on the optimum time to start. This can depend upon a number of factors including the classes current proximity to an exam or a performance however it is often possible to start during a term. In this instance, fees will be charged on a pro-rata basis.
Classes
What should my child wear to their dance class?
A: It is extremely important that students come to classes dressed in full Dance School uniform in order to be able to work correctly and safely in class and present a neat and elegant appearance. We ask that all students make a concerted effort to come to class wearing a bun or neatened shorter hair.
A guide to the DC uniform can be found on our Uniform page.
Dorothy Coleborn Dancing School zip up jackets can also be worn during the colder months. These can be purchased from the office.
Can i buy Dancewear at Dorothy Coleborn?
We have a selection of new and pre-loved shoes available to purchase from the office as well as a stock of tights, socks and some leotards. The office can get busy and so occasionally before the start of term, we open to allow uniform to be bought, exchanged or organised.
Please note, all uniform must be paid for by card, cash or cheque. Dance shoes that have become too small can often be exchanged at minimal cost for a bigger 2ndhand pair.
Finances
When do the classes Run?
We operate across the 3 school terms, Autumn, Spring and Summer. Between 3 - 9pm everyday other than sunday. For a more detailed timetable click the button below
Will the children get any performance opportunities
We firmly believe in the wonderful experience for children of performing on a stage with their friends and to build their confidence and showcase their skills. We have put on a number of ambitious dance shows at The Theatre Royal over many years and hope to continue to do so. We also have been fortunate to access a number of other performance opportunities on offer over the years including taking groups to perform at Disneyland Paris and a strong involvement with the professional pantomimes in Bath, the Bath Festival and other local opportunities as well as West End Shows.
What happens if my child misses a class?
Regular attendance is extremely important. If students do not attend on a regular basis then the development of the class and the individual student will be affected. Exam students’ attendance will be monitored as they prepare for their examinations and assessments and students who fail to attend classes and additional lessons may be withdrawn. It may occasionally be possible to make up missed classes by attending another class of the same standard. Unfortunately, it is not possible to provide refunds for missed classes.
How much do the classes cost?
Classes are charged on a termly basis with some discount for attending multiple classes. We take great pride in providing high quality tuition at reasonable prices.
How do i pay the fees?
Fees are payable on the first day of term. Your child will receive an invoice via email. PLEASE do not forget! If a student begins in the middle of the term, you will be invoiced for the remaining weeks in that term. Fees can be paid by BACS, card, cheque or cash by prior arrangement. BACs is our preferred method of payment but if you wish to pay by cheque please make payable to Dorothy Coleborn School of Dancing. Late payments will be subject to a £10 late payment charge.
Are the parents/carers allowed to watch classes?
Friends, parents or relatives are able to view classes during our watching week generally held once a term. Times and dates for watching week will be posted outside the office and on the website. Parents are also occasionally invited in to watch exam classes if the teacher feels that it will benefit the children.
The Staff
Do you offer private tuition?
In normal circumstances, we will do our very best to accommodate the needs of the individual within the regular classes. However, individual lessons are available and can be arranged as required.
Are the Dance teachers qualified?
All our dance teachers are qualified under the Royal Academy of Dance or the Imperial Society Teachers of Dancing. All our staff hold current DBS certificates also and bring a wealth of experience, expertise and enthusiasm to their teaching.