FAQs
Here's answers to some of our most commonly asked questions. If by chance there's a question we haven't answered below, please contact us and a member of the team would be delighted to assist.
what classes are syllabus/do shows/exams?
Syllabus refers to specific course content for training purposes (e.g. content developed by establishments for the purpose of teaching specific skills) whereas Non-syllabus refers to classes that follow content developed by the qualified or professionally experienced teacher. Non-syllabus classes are not eligible for examinations and are mainly just for fun, but still develop the fundamental techniques and skills for that specific style.
To view the below table on a MOBILE DEVICE, please turn your phone to landscape:
To view the below table on a MOBILE DEVICE, please turn your phone to landscape:
Syllabus? |
Certified Teacher? |
Exams? |
In annual SSD shows? |
Other info |
|
Acro |
Part Syllabus |
Yes - Acrobatic Arts or AcroTrix Teacher |
N/A |
P1-7 - No Teen/Inter - Yes |
- |
Ballet |
Part Syllabus |
Yes - RAD Ballet Teacher |
No |
Yes - every MARCH |
Note our Ballet classes do not currently enrol for Examinations |
Commercial |
Non-syllabus |
N/A |
N/A |
Yes - every MARCH |
- |
Commercial Academies |
Non-syllabus |
N/A |
N/A |
Yes - every OCTOBER |
- |
House |
Non-syllabus |
N/A |
N/A |
Yes - every MARCH |
- |
Jazz |
Non-syllabus |
N/A |
N/A |
Yes - every MARCH |
- |
Musical Theatre |
Non-syllabus |
N/A |
N/A |
Yes - every MARCH |
- |
CAN BEGINNERS JOIN SIMON SAYS DANCE CLASSES?
YES! Our classes are tailored as such to develop students by age group, meaning experience isn't essential. We welcome all abilities, and with the help of our experienced teaching team, we're positive your child will come on leaps and bounds in a very short space of time, regardless if your child has experience or not.
can my child try a class first?
YES! We offer a FREE TRIAL to any new student trying a new style with us. For example, if you're unsure which style your child might like more, book multiple free trials then decide afterwards - simples! Your child's space is guaranteed until you decide after their trial. To book a free trial*, visit our Timetable here. *spaces dependent
IS THERE A UNIFORM?
Depending on the class style, there may be a specific uniform required if your child continues the class after their trial. For the purposes of a free trial class, simply ensure the clothing is comfortable and not too loose - a t-shirt, joggers/leggings and trainers is perfect. See our detailed Uniform Guidelines here for more info.
CAN PARENTS WATCH SSD CLASSES?
Due to venue space restrictions, we don't offer a specific viewing area at our classes. For those who are just starting with us, we can allow parents to come in for the first 5 minutes of a trial class, to help your child settle. To avoid any distractions, we usually ask parents to then head away and return to collect their child at the end of the class.
Parents are always welcome to pop their heads into a class at any time, if they'd like to see the goings on! Just ask a member of staff if you'd like to take a peek. With the exception of Acro P1-7, all classes and students have the option to take part in an annual dance show - this is when parents get to see how much their child has come on since joining us. You can read more about shows, here. We also sometimes do end-of-term videos that we share with parents.
Parents are always welcome to pop their heads into a class at any time, if they'd like to see the goings on! Just ask a member of staff if you'd like to take a peek. With the exception of Acro P1-7, all classes and students have the option to take part in an annual dance show - this is when parents get to see how much their child has come on since joining us. You can read more about shows, here. We also sometimes do end-of-term videos that we share with parents.
DO YOU TEACH MANY BOYS?
YES! At Simon Says Dance, we teach nearly 200 boys each week across ALL styles! We promote inclusivity here and welcome anyone to come and enjoy our classes. It can be daunting for boys to take the leap and try dance but we urge everyone to remember that some of the world's most famous dancers are male - think Diversity dance troupe!
PAYING/BOOKING CLASSES
We use Class4Kids for class bookings which allows parents to review their bookings online via a nifty online portal. You can pay Online via the portal, in Cash at class or via Bank Transfer. Classes must be paid by the date specified by us communicated in advance of a new term. When it comes to a new term, we auto-enrol your child so they have a space in the class, unless you advise us otherwise.
For info, our weekly classes run by the Edinburgh school timetable - roughly speaking, an Academic Year looks like:
Aug-October (Autumn Term)
*break for October school break*
October-December (Winter Term)
*break for Christmas/New Year*
Jan-Apr (Spring Term)
*break for February school break mid-term, then break for Easter*
Apr-June (Summer Term)
*break for Summer holidays*
We bill by term - as follows:
Autumn Term (payment in August)
Winter Term (payment in October)
Spring Term (payment in December)
Summer Term (payment in April)
For splitting payments (must be agreed in advance)
Autumn Term (first payment Aug, second in Sept)
Winter Term (first payment Oct, second in Nov)
Spring Term (first payment Dec, second in February)
Summer Term (first payment April, second in May)
During the school holidays, we often run holiday camps.
For info, our weekly classes run by the Edinburgh school timetable - roughly speaking, an Academic Year looks like:
Aug-October (Autumn Term)
*break for October school break*
October-December (Winter Term)
*break for Christmas/New Year*
Jan-Apr (Spring Term)
*break for February school break mid-term, then break for Easter*
Apr-June (Summer Term)
*break for Summer holidays*
We bill by term - as follows:
Autumn Term (payment in August)
Winter Term (payment in October)
Spring Term (payment in December)
Summer Term (payment in April)
For splitting payments (must be agreed in advance)
Autumn Term (first payment Aug, second in Sept)
Winter Term (first payment Oct, second in Nov)
Spring Term (first payment Dec, second in February)
Summer Term (first payment April, second in May)
During the school holidays, we often run holiday camps.
