let's move, let's groove!
Simon Says Move & Groove classes are parent-and-child classes specifically for Toddlers aged 18m-35m who are up and walking*
These classes focus on the blend of play and dance where children will move across fun apparatus to develop their physical strength, coordination and spatial awareness, groove along to music with the class teacher to discover the basics of movement while learning about fun topics in a creative and immersive way, using fun props.
The Parent/Guardian joining the class will play a pivotal part of the class experience, helping their child to explore the space and take part in the class content – gently guided by the teacher – to build a wonderful bonding experience for all.
*If your child is just under 18m but walking, contact us to discuss enrolment.
These classes focus on the blend of play and dance where children will move across fun apparatus to develop their physical strength, coordination and spatial awareness, groove along to music with the class teacher to discover the basics of movement while learning about fun topics in a creative and immersive way, using fun props.
The Parent/Guardian joining the class will play a pivotal part of the class experience, helping their child to explore the space and take part in the class content – gently guided by the teacher – to build a wonderful bonding experience for all.
*If your child is just under 18m but walking, contact us to discuss enrolment.
BACKGROUND
Simon Says Move & Groove is part of the Simon Says Dance family. We have over 14 years experience offering classes to children and young people locally, and we've had countless requests over the years to provide a toddler offering, but now as parents to a 2 year old themselves, Simon Says Dance owners Simon & Craig know just how important it is to have great activities on offer for toddlers here in Edinburgh, and are excited to bring something to the table that provides a good mix of everything.
We understand that a fully structured class environment isn't always productive for some toddlers, so we're blending the aspect of play and dance together to form a fun class offering for both toddlers and their parents/guardians.
Our Move & Groove classes are also the perfect starting point for children who want to progress into our Simon Says Dance classes, which are offered for 3yrs+.
We understand that a fully structured class environment isn't always productive for some toddlers, so we're blending the aspect of play and dance together to form a fun class offering for both toddlers and their parents/guardians.
Our Move & Groove classes are also the perfect starting point for children who want to progress into our Simon Says Dance classes, which are offered for 3yrs+.
the team
Simon MOVE & GROOVE class leader Simon is the driver of all things Simon Says. With his Performing Arts Training and extensive dance teaching experience, he's known for creating a wonderfully fun and inclusive environment for all the children and young people he teaches! |
Emily MOVE & GROOVE support Emily is our Business & Events Co-ordinator at Simon Says Dance, and will be one of your first points of contact when you book a class. You'll also receive a warm welcome from Emily when you arrive for your class at our studio. |
Craig MOVE & GROOVE support Craig is the Business Manager for Simon Says Dance, so you might see or hear from Craig sometimes. He's responsible for the behind the scenes stuff, but as a parent to a toddler too, you might see him at a class with his and Simon's son. |
location
Classes run from Simon Says Dance Studios – our modern, purpose-designed space in Longstone, 32 Inglis Green Road EH14 2ER.
This venue is buggy accessible, but please note that classes will take place upstairs and we do not have a lift, but buggies can be left in our downstairs area, where we also have baby change facility.
Whilst our car park is usually closed for our busiest times (later in the day) we open our small car park to our Toddler class attendees because our class sizes are smaller. There's approx. 10-15 spaces, and on-street (non-restricted) parking available too if the car park is full. Please take care when entering/exiting the grounds, being mindful of both moving vehicles and pedestrians.
This venue is buggy accessible, but please note that classes will take place upstairs and we do not have a lift, but buggies can be left in our downstairs area, where we also have baby change facility.
Whilst our car park is usually closed for our busiest times (later in the day) we open our small car park to our Toddler class attendees because our class sizes are smaller. There's approx. 10-15 spaces, and on-street (non-restricted) parking available too if the car park is full. Please take care when entering/exiting the grounds, being mindful of both moving vehicles and pedestrians.
Answers to FAQS
can my child try a class?
Yes — we offer a trial option (1x taster session) so toddlers and the parent/guardian can see what the class is like before committing to a block. To book this option, visit our online schedule - for info, a trial booking guarantees your child a space in the term if you choose to continue the class.
HOW DO I BOOK after trialling?
We will send an email invite to you after your child’s trial (may arrive in a junk/spam folder) where you can either accept or decline booking for the remainder of the respective term. If you accept, it’ll create the booking automatically, providing you the total cost for the remainder of the term. If you decline the invite, a space will be given to the next person on the waiting list.
wHAT ARE THE PAYMENT TERMS?
Our Move & Groove Toddler Classes are bookable by block (payment due after trial) - running by the Edinburgh Schools term calendar. Some terms will be longer, some terms shorter depending on time of year. We can offer the option to split term costs into two smaller payments if preferred. When you book a term, you guarantee your child’s space in the class for the duration and because these classes are parent + child, we run a reduced children’s capacity to ensure we can fit everyone in the studio space comfortably and safely – we’ve therefore determined our class cost based on this. We sadly aren't able to offer a PAYG structure for these classes - block-booking allows us to secure arrangements like staffing, venue and other provisions in advance for a defined period, ensuring the offering is sustainable long-term.
ATTENDANCE & CANCELLATION?
As these classes are limited by capacity, when you book a term, you guarantee your child’s space in the class for the block and guarantee a space for them in a future term with us via our auto-enrolment procedure. Ideally you should look to attend all sessions within the term you book but we appreciate there may be times that you can’t attend. Sadly, we won’t be able to make exceptions for absence/holidays when it comes to your booking dates or booking total, as we must be able to cover our necessary overheads across the full term duration. When we rebook your child into a future term, we’ll let you know that we’ve done so in advance and per our T&Cs, we have a 2 week notice period applicable to rebooking cancellations. Note that we sadly won’t be able to provide refunds for cancellations made mid-term. Our full T&Cs are viewable online at www.simonsaysdance.com
Do you offer make up classes?
Because our classes are limited by capacity, we won’t be able to readily offer make-up classes – especially if our timetabled classes are fully booked. In instances of absence due to illness, we can look to book a make-up session but if the other classes on our timetable are fully booked, we won’t be able to offer this. Note that our class capacities are in place for safety reasons, which is why we can’t be flexible in instances where a class is full.
Do you offer sibling discounts?
At Simon Says Dance, we offer a 10% discount for x2 siblings attending sessions (10% off booking total) or 20% discount for x3 siblings attending sessions. This is across the full timetable, so if you have a 5yr old attending our Simon Says Dance classes and a 2yr old attending our Move & Groove classes, you get 10% off the booking cost for both children.
do you offer 'family' classes?
We received a couple of responses on our webform asking about the possibility of a family class. At this early stage, we unfortunately don’t have enough interest to make this possible, but we wouldn’t rule it out for future consideration. If however you have siblings close in age that don’t fit one class bracket, or you have a baby who you’d need to bring along, contact us to discuss this prior to booking to determine suitability.
can you provide 1:1 SUPPORT?
The class leader will provide guidance during the class however the parent/guardian should be available throughout to support their child to navigate apparatus/carry out elements of the class as required. As the class leader is there to provide class content and guidance for everyone, they won’t be able to provide 1:1 assistance throughout the full class (for example where parents who have multiples) but can of course lend a hand where necessary.
what if my child is shy?
We have 14 years+ experience teaching children and young people in Edinburgh, and we know that some children may be apprehensive with a new place/new faces, but we hope that with our welcoming approach and fun space to explore, your child will find their groove very quickly. Having a parent in attendance during the classes (essential) will also ensure children settle very quickly.
why do kids need to be walking?
Our Move & Groove classes are based around exploring apparatus and having a boogie to fun music – children therefore must be walking to get the full experience from the class and equipment we use. At the moment we won't be offering classes for non-walkers, but may look to introduce something suitable for non-walkers in the future!
do classes run in the holidays?
Classes will run during school term-time only. We may, from time-to-time, offer special sessions during holidays, subject to booking separately to regular term-time classes.
what happens if a class is full?
If a class is full, you can join our waiting list for the specific class you're interested in via our online schedule. Once on the waiting list, we'll be in touch with you directly once a space arises. At the moment, we've created our timetable based on feedback from submissions of our webform and our session days/times being offered are based on the most popular responses. If we receive more interest, we can look to expand our timetable in the future.
