Frequently Asked Questions

How do I enrol for a free trial lesson?

Just select any of the ‘Enrol Here’ buttons and they will take you to our online registration portal. Select one or more classes that you would like to trial free of charge and complete the simple registration form – it’s that easy!  You will receive an immediate acknowledgement by email.

(Please note that you will have the opportunity to read our Code of Conduct and safeguarding policies when enrolling).

What should students wear for their free trial lesson?

Leggings and a t-shirt for girls or jogging pants and a t-shirt for boys. Soft shoes or bare feet.  We will issue an uniform list after your free trial lesson when you have decided to make your trial place permanent.

What do I do after the free trial lesson?

Simply send an email to Sue Wood to confirm your decision and we will do the rest and you can attend all future classes. Here is the email address: admin@swtheatreacademy.co.uk

Does every class have a uniform?

Yes, each class has a uniform.  You will receive an email with all the relevant information as soon as you let us know that you wish to continue with classes.

Do I pay fees weekly, monthly or per term?

We send our customers an invoice one week before the due date of the 1st of the following month.  Invoice values will vary depending upon how many classes there are in that month; for example, invoices will be less during months that have school holidays and slightly more if there should be five weeks in a month.

How do I pay for my invoice?

Our preferred method of payment is ‘GoCardless’ – a safe and guaranteed direct debit method. We will send you a link to set yourself up when we send your first invoice.

Do I have to pay for absences?

We don’t refund fees for absence except for extremely exceptional circumstances (we refer to our Code of Conduct which you signed during the registration process).

Is there a notice period if we have to leave the Academy?

Yes, there is a 4-weeks notice period (we refer to our Code of Conduct which you signed during the registration process – there is a copy on our website).

Can I enrol a student for the Competition Team classes?

No.  All competition team students have been invited to audition to be members of the teams by their teachers and then undertake a 3-month probationary period. These students have to participate in a number of classes, including technical classes such as Ballet, Tap and Modern. They train until they reach competition standard and then they compete against other dance schools.

Do you do examinations?

Yes.  Students can work towards grades in a number of classes and as soon as the class teacher deems them ready to take their exams we will schedule an exam day and enter students who wish to participate.  Parents should be aware that there are exam entry fees and it is possible that students will require additional practise sessions to ensure that everybody has the opportunity to achieve the best possible grade.

Can I go into the class and watch my child?

We only have one class where a parent can accompany their child and this is ‘Little Stars’; a class for 2-4yr olds who may still be dependent upon a parent/carer and may need them to tend to their toilet requirements.

It has been proven that students work far better when they do not have the distraction of parents being in the studio.

Periodically we do invite parents into the studio for a ‘show of work’ event, so the students can demonstrate what they are working on at that moment in time.

Can every student participate in the bi-annual show at Buxton Opera House?

Yes, every class will participate, with the exception of Little Stars.