Getting started with us

⭐ Trial Class at Base Dance

Welcome to Base Dance! We’re so excited your child is joining us for a trial class. Below is everything you need to know — before, during, and after — to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.


3 Steps to your trial

⏰ When should we arrive?

Please arrive 10 minutes before the class begins. This gives you time to visit the welcome desk, meet the teacher, and settle in calmly.


👕 What should my child wear?

Fitted dancewear or activewear – nothing baggy or restrictive.

Clothes should allow safe movement. Please avoid anything loose or revealing, especially around the chest and bottom. No crop tops, please.


If your child is joining us from another dance or performing arts school, we kindly ask that they wear neutral clothing (not another studio’s branded uniform) to help create a welcoming and inclusive environment.


🦶 What footwear should they bring?


Acro, Hoop, Contemporary & Technique: Barefoot


Ballet, Tap & Jazz: Ballet, Tap & Jazz shoes if they have them or clean trainers and socks


Street, Commercial & Cheer: Clean indoor trainers or Jazz dance shoes


General: Socks and Clean indoor trainers


 🚫 No soiled outdoor shoes, Crocs, sliders, or sandals.

 🩹 Verruca’s must be covered.

💇‍♀️ Hair & Wellbeing  


Hair should be tied back in a ponytail, bun, or plaits.


Long fringes should be clipped back off the face.


No hair accessories, please


Please bring a water bottle and any required medication (inform the teacher upon arrival).


🚗 Parking & Traffic


🚗 Parking

We have on-site parking available. You may park in any unrestricted space, but please:

Do not park in front of shutters or business doorways


Do not block other vehicles or access points

 Additional parking is available over the bridge near the lake, just a short walk away.


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🔐 How do we access the studio?

We use a secure entry system. Please check in at the welcome desk when you arrive, and a staff member will let you in.


👶 What if my child is shy or won’t go to class?

It’s completely normal for children to feel unsure or hesitant, especially at their first trial. Our teachers and assistants are experienced in supporting nervous dancers, and we’ll do everything we can to help them settle at their own pace.


If your child becomes upset or refuses to enter the studio, we kindly ask that you do not accompany them into the class. For safeguarding reasons — and to help children build confidence — parents are not permitted inside the studio during sessions.

Instead, we’ll encourage your child with gentle support and the help of a class buddy. 


If they’re not quite ready to join in, we’ll happily extend their trial at no extra cost — just speak to the welcome desk to arrange another session.


We’ve found that children usually settle more quickly without their parent or guardian present and gain confidence from being part of the group.


Don’t worry — if your child becomes distressed or needs you, we’ll come and get you right away.


👪 Can I stay during the class?

For early years and primary-aged children, we ask that parents/carers stay on-site for the first trial.


You're welcome to wait in our café/waiting area, which offers free Wi-Fi.


👀 Can I watch the class?

To keep classes focused and in line with safeguarding procedures, spectators are not permitted inside the studios during class.


🚻 Toilets

Please ensure your child has used the toilet before class begins.

 Class assistants may supervise toilet trips for younger children if needed.


✅ What happens during the trial?

You'll be welcomed at the desk and directed to the appropriate studio.


Your child will be introduced to the teacher, assigned a class buddy, and included in an icebreaker to help them settle.


The class will include:

A warm-up

Technique and skill-building

Creative elements

A cool-down


👩‍🏫 Class Assistants

At BDPA, we have Class Assistants supporting our teaching team, especially in Tots, Minis, and occasionally Next Gen classes.


Assistants are senior students aged 14+, either volunteering or on staff.

All have received in-house training, including safeguarding awareness.


They help by: Assisting the teacher during class, Providing encouragement and support to younger dancers, Supervising and escorting children to the toilet if needed

We’re proud of the positive role models they offer within our studio community.


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Competitive rates

Please be aware of your child’s class finish time and arrive promptly for collection.


For early years and primary-aged children, the teacher will only release your child to you (or the named guardian) at the studio door, unless otherwise arranged.


High school-aged students may arrive and leave independently, but we ask that they do not wait alone in the car park.

 They are instructed not to leave the building unless a parent is physically outside in a vehicle.


⏳ What if I'm unexpectedly late?

We understand delays happen. If you're running late:


Please call, text, or WhatsApp us on 01704 897789 or 07958 346854


Your child will be supervised in the studio or with the welcome desk team until you arrive. 


We don’t mind the occasional delay — we just ask that you keep us informed so we can ensure your child remains safe and reassured.


💬 What if I have questions for the teacher?

Our teachers often teach back-to-back classes, so while they’re happy to give brief feedback and answer quick questions, their priority is to supervise students.


If you'd like a longer or more detailed conversation, please arrange a time through the teacher directly or by contacting the welcome desk.


🧾 After Your Second Trial Class


🚷 What happens next?

The teacher will offer brief feedback and answer any quick questions.


Attending two trial classes does not guarantee a place in the class - Please logon to your parent portal and register for the classes you wish to enrol in. 


You will also receive a follow-up email with full enrolment instructions.


If we don’t hear from you before the next scheduled class, we will assume your child is not continuing, and their space will be released.


💡 Still Have Questions?


We’re here to help!


Email us anytime at info@base-dance.com, and we’ll be happy to assist.


We can’t wait to welcome you and your child and share the joy of dance with them! 💙


Learn more

💙 Settling In at Base Dance

A Parent’s Guide to First-Time Nerves & Trial Class Support

We know starting something new can feel a little daunting, especially when it’s your child’s first time at class. This guide is here to help you feel confident in our process and reassure you that we’ve got your child’s best interests at heart.


👶 What if my child is shy or won’t go to class?

It’s completely normal for children to feel nervous or unsure, especially during their first trial. Our team is experienced in gently supporting new students and helping them settle in at their own pace.


That said, if your child becomes upset or refuses to enter the studio:


✅ Please do not accompany them into class.


For safeguarding and to help your child build confidence independently, parents are not permitted inside the studio during sessions.

Instead:

  • We’ll offer gentle encouragement and pair your child with a class buddy
  • If they choose to sit out or watch, that’s okay — there’s no pressure
  • If needed, we’ll extend their trial for free so they can return when they’re ready
    (Just let the         welcome desk know you'd like to reschedule.)


🧠 We’ve found that children settle more quickly without their parent or guardian present and gain confidence from being part of the group.


🚨 If your child becomes distressed or needs you, we will come and get you straight away.


🧸 Helpful Tips for a Smooth Start

  • Talk positively about the class before you arrive:
     “You’re going to have so much fun dancing and making new friends!”
  • Keep goodbyes short and cheerful – avoid lingering, as this can increase anxiety.
  • Let them bring a comfort item if needed (e.g., favourite water bottle or small toy).
  • Let us know if your child knows anyone already in the class — we’ll make sure they’re paired together or placed nearby to help them feel more at ease.
  • Share any helpful tips with the teacher, such as what comforts them, how they respond to new environments, or what encouragement works best.
  • Trust the process – most children settle in just fine after a few minutes!



❓ Need to Try Again?


No problem at all! We want your child’s first experience to be a positive one.
If they don’t join in the first time, we’ll happily offer a follow-up trial at no extra cost.

Speak to the welcome desk to arrange a second visit.

💬 Questions?


We’re always here to help.
Speak to our team at the welcome desk or email us at info@base-dance.com

Let’s make their first steps joyful, calm, and full of confidence! 💙