FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Everything you need to know about Studio One Dance Academy. If your question isn't answered here, message us here on the contact page, or call / WhatsApp us , otherwise send an email and we will get back to you promptly.
INDEX
1. Getting started
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Do you offer trial classes?
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What is the minimum age to start classes?
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My child has never danced before. Will they be behind the other students?
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What happens on the first day?
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How do I enrol?
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Can I enrol mid-term?
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2. Classes & disciplines
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How do I know which discipline is right for my child?
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Can my child do more than one discipline?
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Are classes mixed ability?
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My child did dance at another school. Will they be placed correctly?
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Do you teach adults and older teenagers?
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What is the difference between Lyrical and Contemporary?
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3. Timetable & locations
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Which classes run at which studios?
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We live between two of your studio locations. Can my child attend classes at both?
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How long is each class?
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What if a class is cancelled due to a public holiday or other circumstance?
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Is parking available at each studio?
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4. Fees & enrolment
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How are fees structured?
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When are fees due?
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What payment methods do you accept?
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Do you offer a sibling discount?
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What is your refund or cancellation policy?
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Is there a registration fee?
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Are there additional costs beyond term fees?
5. What to wear & bring
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What should my child wear to their first class?
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What is the required uniform once enrolled?
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What shoes are required?
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How should hair be worn?
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What should my child not wear to class?
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What should my child bring?
6. Examinations
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What are dance examinations?
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Which examination boards does Studio One work with?
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Are examinations compulsory?
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How are students prepared for examinations?
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What is Studio One's examination pass rate?
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How much do examinations cost?
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When are examinations held?
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7. Competitions & concerts
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Does Studio One enter students in competitions?
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How are students selected for competitions?
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What competitions does Studio One participate in?
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What are the costs associated with competing?
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What rehearsal commitment does competition preparation require?
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What is the end-of-year concert?
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Is concert participation compulsory?
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Who makes costumes?
8. Safeguarding & studio policy
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What measures are in place to safeguard students?
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Is there supervision before and after class?
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What is your late collection policy?
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Do you take photographs or video of students?
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What is your behaviour policy?
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How do you handle injuries?
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What should I do if my child is unwell and cannot attend class?
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How do I raise a concern or complaint?
Frequently asked questions
1. Getting started
Do you offer trial classes?
Yes. We offer trial classes across all disciplines and age groups at all four of our studio locations. A trial class is the best way to see whether a particular discipline and class environment is the right fit for your child, and for us to meet them properly. Contact us via the Enrol page or call directly to book.
What is the minimum age to start classes?
We welcome students from age three. Our youngest classes are Pre-primary Ballet, designed specifically for toddlers and focused on movement, rhythm, listening, and enjoyment above everything else. If your child is younger than three and you are keen to get them moving, contact us and we will advise on the most suitable starting point.
My child has never danced before. Will they be behind the other students?
Not at all. Our beginner classes are structured for students with no prior experience, and our instructors are experienced at bringing children in at different starting points. Dance is a skill, not a talent you either have or don't - every student in our studios started somewhere.
What happens on the first day?
Arrive a few minutes early so your child has time to settle before class begins. An instructor will introduce them to the group and to the space. For younger students especially, the first class is as much about feeling comfortable as it is about technique, we take that seriously. Parents are welcome to observe the first session; thereafter, we generally find students settle better and focus more readily when parents wait in the reception or waiting area.
How do I enrol?
Complete the enquiry form on our Enrol page, or call us directly on +27 83 652 0790. We will confirm availability at your preferred studio and discipline, discuss the term schedule and fees, and get your child placed in the right class.
Can I enrol mid-term?
Yes. We will assess availability and advise on the best entry point for your child's age and level. In some cases - particularly for classes approaching examination or competition season, it may be preferable to wait for the start of the following term. We will always be honest with you about what is in your child's best interest.
2. Classes & disciplines
How do I know which discipline is right for my child?
For younger children, we generally recommend starting with Classical Ballet - it provides the technical foundation that makes every other discipline easier to learn later. For older beginners, we are happy to discuss your child's interests and personality and make a recommendation. If you are genuinely unsure, a trial class across two disciplines is entirely reasonable.
Can my child do more than one discipline?
Yes, and many of our students do. Combining disciplines: Ballet and Acro, for example, or Modern and Hip Hop, is very common and the skills genuinely complement one another. We will help you build a timetable that is realistic for your child's age, energy, and the other commitments in their week.
Are classes mixed ability?
Classes are grouped primarily by age and level, not strictly by ability. Within any class there will naturally be a range, our instructors are trained to differentiate their teaching so that every student is working at the edge of their current ability, neither bored nor overwhelmed. If a student is significantly ahead of or behind their class group, we will discuss a move to a more suitable group with you directly.
My child did dance at another school. Will they be placed correctly?
Yes. When you enquire, let us know your child's history, discipline, level, and any examinations they have completed. We may ask them to attend a brief assessment class before confirming their placement. This is standard practice and in your child's best interest, being placed in a class that is too easy or too advanced serves nobody.
Do you teach adults and older teenagers?
Yes. We offer adult classes designed for fitness, flexibility, and enjoyment - suitable for complete beginners and returning dancers alike. We also offer advanced and vocational training for older teenagers and adults pursuing dance at a serious or pre-professional level. Contact us for current availability at each studio.
What is the difference between Lyrical and Contemporary?
Both are expressive disciplines, but they serve different purposes. Lyrical is a fusion of Ballet and Jazz technique, focused on interpreting music and telling a story through movement - it is structured and emotionally driven. Contemporary is more technically distinct from classical training, drawing on floor work, improvisation, weight transfer, and physical instinct. Many students eventually study both.
3. Timetable & locations
Which classes run at which studios?
The full timetable, broken down by discipline, level, age group, day, time, and location - is available on our Classes page. Not every discipline runs at every studio, so we recommend checking the timetable or contacting us directly if you have a specific location preference.
We live between two of your studio locations. Can my child attend classes at both?
Yes. Students are welcome to attend classes across multiple locations, and some families do this where the timetable at one studio suits certain disciplines better than another. Let us know your situation and we will help you build the most practical arrangement.
How long is each class?
Class duration varies by discipline and age group. Younger beginner classes typically run 30 to 45 minutes. Older and more advanced classes run 45 to 60 minutes. Vocational and senior level sessions may be longer. Exact durations are listed on the timetable.
What if a class is cancelled due to a public holiday or other circumstance?
We communicate any schedule changes via our usual parent communication channels as early as possible. Where possible, makeup sessions are arranged, particularly in the lead-up to examinations or competitions.
Is parking available at each studio?
Yes.
4. Fees & enrolment
How are fees structured?
Fees are charged per term and vary by discipline, class duration, and level. (Flag: add specific fee schedule here, or link to a downloadable fee schedule if you prefer not to list prices publicly.)
When are fees due?
Fees are due at the start of each term. (Flag: confirm exact payment deadline and whether a grace period applies.)
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept payment by EFT. (Flag: confirm whether cash, card, or debit order options are available and update accordingly.)
Do you offer a sibling discount?
(Flag: confirm your sibling discount policy and add here. If none currently exists, consider establishing one — it is a common parent expectation at multi-child studios.)
What is your refund or cancellation policy?
We understand that circumstances change. If you need to withdraw your child from classes, please notify us in writing as early as possible. (Flag: add your specific refund policy here — e.g. fees refunded pro-rata for withdrawal in the first two weeks of term, no refund thereafter, or similar.)
Is there a registration fee?
(Flag: confirm whether an annual registration or admin fee applies and add here.)
Are there additional costs beyond term fees?
Examinations, competitions, and concert participation carry separate costs in addition to term fees. These are communicated well in advance and participation in competitions and examinations is always optional. Costume costs for concerts and competitions are discussed and confirmed before any commitment is made.
5. What to wear & bring
What should my child wear to their first class?
For a trial class, comfortable fitted clothing suitable for movement is perfectly fine. Leggings and a fitted t-shirt work well for most disciplines. You do not need to purchase any specialist uniform or footwear before your trial.
What is the required uniform once enrolled?
Each discipline has a specific uniform and footwear requirement. A full attire guide is provided when you enrol, itemising exactly what is needed, where to purchase it, and what the costs are. We do not expect families to purchase everything before the first term begins — we will guide you through this sensibly.
What shoes are required?
Footwear requirements vary by discipline. Ballet requires ballet shoes (leather or canvas); Modern and Jazz require foot undies or jazz shoes; Acro is typically performed barefoot; Hip Hop requires clean indoor trainers. The full guide provided at enrolment covers each discipline your child is studying.
How should hair be worn?
For Ballet, hair must be worn in a secure bun. For other disciplines, hair should be tied back and off the face. This is both a practical and a professional standard — it is one of the first habits we instil in students from the very beginning.
What should my child not wear to class?
Jewellery of any kind should be removed before class — rings, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets all present a safety risk in a movement environment. Jeans, school uniforms, and clothing that restricts movement are not appropriate for class.
What should my child bring?
A water bottle, and any footwear required for their discipline. A small bag to keep their things tidy. Younger students may benefit from having a snack for after class, particularly if attending a late afternoon session.
6. Examinations
What are dance examinations?
Formal dance examinations are graded assessments conducted by an external examiner from an internationally recognised dance board. They give students a structured, progressive pathway through their discipline and result in a certificate that is recognised worldwide. For students pursuing dance seriously, examinations form a meaningful part of their development record.
Which examination boards does Studio One work with?
(Flag: confirm the specific boards — RAD, BATD, ISTD, or others — and which boards apply to which disciplines. Add here before going live.)
Are examinations compulsory?
No. Examinations are strongly encouraged for students who are at the appropriate level and temperament, but they are never compulsory. We will always discuss readiness with you honestly and give you ample time to decide.
How are students prepared for examinations?
Examination preparation is integrated into regular class work throughout the year. As the examination session approaches, additional focus sessions may be recommended for students entered. We do not enter students for examinations we do not believe they are ready to pass.
What is Studio One's examination pass rate?
In 2025, Studio One achieved a 100% pass rate across all entered students. We consider this a direct reflection of our approach — we prepare thoroughly, and we do not enter students prematurely.
How much do examinations cost?
Examination fees are payable to the relevant examination board and are communicated to parents well in advance of the entry deadline. (Flag: add approximate fee ranges if known, or note that fees are confirmed each year based on board pricing.)
When are examinations held?
Examination sessions are typically held once per year. (Flag: confirm the usual term or month and add here.)
7. Competitions & concerts
Does Studio One enter students in competitions?
Yes. Competition participation is an important part of the Studio One programme for students who are ready for it — and our 2025 competition results reflect what is possible when well-prepared students take the stage. Participation is always optional and always discussed with parents well in advance.
How are students selected for competitions?
Selection for competition is at the discretion of the teaching faculty, based on technical readiness, performance confidence, and commitment to the preparation process. We do not enter students for competitive events without an honest conversation with parents first.
What competitions does Studio One participate in?
In 2025 our students competed at Time Competition, Cape Eisteddfod, and Move Competition (national level), among others. The competition calendar is confirmed at the start of each year and communicated to relevant students and families.
What are the costs associated with competing?
Competition entry fees, costume costs, and any travel requirements are communicated clearly and in advance. We are transparent about costs and will never commit families to expenditure without prior discussion and agreement.
What rehearsal commitment does competition preparation require?
Competition preparation involves additional rehearsal sessions outside of regular class time. The schedule and frequency are confirmed per competition and per student group. We are mindful of the demands placed on children and families and do not make rehearsal requirements unreasonable.
What is the end-of-year concert?
Our annual concert is a full production showcasing the work of Studio One students across all disciplines and age groups. It is a significant event in our calendar and a meaningful experience for every student who participates — often the first time younger students perform for a live audience. Full details, including costume requirements and ticket information, are communicated each year once the production is confirmed.
Is concert participation compulsory?
Concert participation is strongly encouraged — it is one of the most valuable experiences a young dancer can have — but it is not compulsory. We ask that families consider the commitment carefully before withdrawing, as group choreography affects the whole ensemble when a student is absent.
Who makes costumes?
Costumes are sourced or commissioned by the studio. Costs are communicated in advance and parents are given sufficient notice to budget accordingly. Students are not expected to source their own costumes unless specifically advised.
8. Safeguarding & studio policy
What measures are in place to safeguard students?
The safety and wellbeing of our students is the foundation on which everything else at Studio One is built. All Studio One instructors are adults with relevant training qualifications and professional experience. Classes are conducted in designated studio spaces, and no instructor is ever alone with a single student in a closed room without appropriate supervision protocols in place. If you have any safeguarding concern — however small — you are encouraged to raise it directly with Paula or Jillian immediately.
Is there supervision before and after class?
Students should not arrive more than ten minutes before their class begins. A staff member or instructor will be present in the reception or waiting area during class transition times. Students are not released to leave the premises unaccompanied unless written authorisation has been provided by a parent or guardian.
What is your late collection policy?
We understand that delays happen. If you are running late to collect your child, please contact us as soon as possible so we can reassure them and make appropriate arrangements. A staff member will remain with your child until they are collected. Persistent late collection may be addressed in conversation with the family.
Do you take photographs or video of students?
Studio One does not photograph or video students without prior written parental consent. A photo and media consent form is included in the enrolment documentation, and no images of students are published on our website, social media, or any other public platform without explicit permission. If your consent preferences change at any time, notify us in writing and we will update your child's record immediately.
What is your behaviour policy?
We hold our students to a standard of respect — for their instructors, for their fellow students, and for the studio environment. This is not about rules for the sake of rules; it is about creating the conditions in which every student can learn without disruption or anxiety. Persistent disruptive behaviour is addressed first in conversation with the student, and where necessary with the parent. In serious cases, we reserve the right to ask a student to leave a class or the programme. This has been and remains extremely rare.
How do you handle injuries?
The safety of our students in class is paramount. All instructors are trained to teach movement safely and progressively — we do not push students beyond what is appropriate for their age, level, or physical condition. In the event of an injury during class, first aid is administered immediately and parents are contacted without delay. A written record is kept of any injury that occurs on our premises. We recommend that all students are covered by appropriate medical aid or accident insurance.
What should I do if my child is unwell and cannot attend class?
Please notify us as early as possible — ideally before the class begins — via our usual communication channel. (Flag: add WhatsApp number or email address here.) This allows us to plan the session accordingly and ensures your child's absence is noted. Please do not send a child to class if they are contagious — we have a responsibility to the health of all students and staff.
How do I raise a concern or complaint?
We welcome feedback and take concerns seriously. In the first instance, speak directly with Paula or Jillian — both are accessible to parents and committed to resolving any issue promptly and fairly. If you feel a concern has not been adequately addressed, you may submit it in writing to our studio email address. All concerns are treated with confidentiality and respect.