Frequently Asked Questions

Looking for ballet classes for your child in Oswestry, Chirk, Whittington or St Martins? Here are answers to some of the questions parents and grandparents most often ask us about starting ballet, choosing a class, taster sessions, uniform, fees and examinations at Eleanor Moss School of Dance.

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What age can my child start ballet classes?

Children can start classes at Eleanor Moss School of Dance from two years old.

Our classes are designed for different ages and levels of experience, so the most appropriate class for your child will depend on their age and ability.

If you're not sure where your child should start, please get in touch. We'll be happy to help you find a suitable class.

 

Where are your children's ballet classes held?

Eleanor Moss School of Dance holds classes in Oswestry, Chirk, Whittington and St Martins, making our classes accessible to families across the Oswestry area, North Shropshire and communities around the Shropshire/Wales border.

The most appropriate venue and class will depend on your child's age and ability.

Visit our Classes page for current class information and venue locations.

 

Are there ballet classes for children in Oswestry and Whittington?

Yes. Eleanor Moss School of Dance offers children's ballet classes in Oswestry/Whittington, as well as classes at venues in Chirk and St Martins. Specific venue depends on age and experience of the child. 

If you live in Oswestry or the surrounding area, contact us with your child's age and any previous dance experience and we can advise you about the most suitable class.

 

Do you offer children's ballet classes in Chirk?

Yes. We hold ballet classes in Chirk, as well as Oswestry, Whittington and St Martins. Specific venue depends on age and experience of the child. 

This makes Eleanor Moss School of Dance a local option for families living in Chirk and communities around the Shropshire and North Wales border.

Please see our Classes page or contact us to find out which classes are suitable for your child's age and experience.

 

Does my child need previous ballet experience?

No. Children do not need previous ballet experience to enquire about joining Eleanor Moss School of Dance.

We welcome children with different levels of dance experience, including complete beginners.

If your child has danced previously, let us know when you enquire so we can take their experience into account when recommending a suitable class.

 

Is my child too old to start ballet?

Children don't have to start ballet at two or three years old to enjoy learning to dance.

If an older child or teenager has developed an interest in ballet, please get in touch rather than assuming they've left it too late.

Tell us their age and whether they have any previous dance experience and we can discuss which available class may be appropriate.

 

Can teenagers start ballet as beginners?

If your teenager is interested in starting ballet but has never danced before, please contact Eleanor Moss School of Dance to discuss the available options.

We understand that starting something new as an older child can sometimes feel daunting, particularly if they think everyone else has been dancing for years.

Previous experience isn't something you need to guess or worry about – simply tell us about your teenager when you enquire and we can advise you.

 

Can my child try a ballet class before joining?

Yes. Every new student has the opportunity to attend a taster class before enrolling.

A taster session gives your child an opportunity to experience a class and see how they feel before you commit to a full term.

If you're unsure which taster class to choose, contact us with your child's age and previous dance experience and we'll help point you in the right direction.

 

What happens at my child's first ballet class?

Your child's first ballet class is an opportunity to experience the class, meet their teacher and begin discovering ballet.

Beginners aren't expected to arrive already knowing ballet steps or terminology – that's what coming to class is for!

If your child is particularly nervous or shy about attending their first class, you're welcome to mention this when you contact us.

 

Which ballet class is right for my child?

The most appropriate ballet class will depend on your child's age, ability and previous dance experience.

You don't need to work out the correct level yourself.

Contact Eleanor Moss School of Dance with a little information about your child and we'll help you identify an appropriate class and location.

 

What should my child wear to their first ballet class?

If your child is attending a taster class and you're unsure what they should wear, please contact us before buying ballet uniform. For a taster class children can wear clothing they can comfortably move around in, for example leggings and a t-shirt, if they don't own dance wear. 

Once your child is enrolled, the appropriate ballet uniform will depend on their class and level.

You can find full details on our Dress Code page and purchase the required items through our online dancewear store.

 

What ballet uniform does my child need?

Eleanor Moss School of Dance has a specified dress code for students, with the required uniform depending on your child's class and level.

Please visit our Dress Code page for current uniform requirements before purchasing dancewear.

Uniform can also be purchased through our online dancewear store.

 

Does my child need ballet shoes straight away?

If your child is coming for a taster class, they do not need ballet shoes for that first class.

Once your child is enrolled, we'll make sure you know which uniform and footwear is required for their particular class.

This avoids parents buying ballet shoes or dancewear that aren't suitable for their child's level.

 

How much do children's ballet classes cost?

Class fees at Eleanor Moss School of Dance vary depending on the level and length of the class.

Every new student receives a free taster class and, once enrolled, class fees are paid on a termly basis.

For current fees for the class appropriate to your child, please contact us directly.

 

How do I pay for ballet classes?

Once your child is enrolled, ballet class fees are paid termly.

Term fees can be paid online by bank transfer – details can be provided – or payment can be made in class.

Please contact us if you have any questions about current term fees or payment.

 

Does my child have to take ballet exams?

No. Your child does not have to take ballet examinations simply to enjoy attending ballet classes.

Students can have the opportunity to work towards Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) examinations or awards, where appropriate.

Some children enjoy having an examination or award to work towards, while others simply enjoy attending ballet classes and learning to dance.

 

What are RAD ballet exams?

RAD stands for the Royal Academy of Dance. RAD provides internationally recognised ballet training and assessment frameworks.

Students at Eleanor Moss School of Dance may have opportunities to work towards RAD examinations or awards as they progress.

If you're new to ballet and aren't sure what an RAD examination involves, please ask us. We're happy to explain the process and what it means for your child.

 

Does my child have to be flexible to start ballet?

No. Your child doesn't need to arrive at their first ballet class already able to demonstrate ballet skills or flexibility.

Children come to ballet to learn.

If your child is a complete beginner, let us know their age when you enquire and we'll help you find an appropriate class.

 

Are ballet classes suitable for boys?

Yes. Ballet is for boys and girls who want to learn to dance.

If your son is interested in trying ballet, please get in touch and we can advise you about an appropriate class for his age and experience, as well as the relevant uniform requirements.

 

What if my child has attended another dance school?

If your child has previous ballet or dance experience, please tell us when you enquire.

Knowing what type of dance they've previously studied and their level of experience will help us recommend an appropriate class at Eleanor Moss School of Dance.

You don't need to decide which class or grade they should join yourself.

 

Can my child do ballet just for fun?

Yes. Children can enjoy ballet without having ambitions to become professional dancers or take examinations.

Some students enjoy working towards ballet exams and awards, while others simply love coming to class, learning new skills and dancing.

There's no requirement for ballet to become a career for it to be a worthwhile and enjoyable part of childhood.

 

How do I book a ballet taster class near Oswestry?

If you're looking for a children's ballet taster class in Oswestry, Chirk, Whittington, St Martins or the surrounding area, start by looking at our Classes page or contact Eleanor Moss School of Dance directly.

Tell us:

• Your child's age

• Whether they have any previous ballet or dance experience

• Where you're based or which class location you would prefer

We can then help you find the most appropriate available class.

 

Do you offer ballet classes for adults in Oswestry?

Yes. Eleanor Moss School of Dance offer a Silver Swans ballet class in Oswestry.

Silver Swans classes are aimed at adults aged 55+, although adults of all ages are welcome to attend.

You don't need to have danced when you were younger to enquire about adult ballet.

Visit our Adult Classes / Silver Swans page for more information about adult ballet classes in Oswestry.

 

How do I find out more about ballet classes at Eleanor Moss School of Dance?

If you're looking for ballet classes for your child or teenager in Oswestry, Chirk, Whittington, St Martins or the surrounding area, please explore our Classes page or contact us directly.

Tell us a little about your child's age and previous experience and we'll help you find an appropriate class.

Whether they're taking their very first steps into ballet or already have dance experience, we'd love to hear from you.