Question 1

Do I need to book a trial class?

Accepted Answer

Yes please! All trial classes must be booked in advance, as we aren't able to accept walk-in visitors.Booking ahead allows us to recommend the most suitable class, check availability and ensure your teacher is expecting you. It also gives us the opportunity to answer any questions before you arrive, helping you or your child feel confident and prepared for your first visit.Children's first trial class is completely free, while adults are welcome to book a pay as you go trial class.

Question 2

How do I book a trial?

Accepted Answer

It's easy!Simply click any Book a Trial button on our website to view available classes and reserve your place online.If you're not sure which class is right for you or your child, just get in touch. We'd love to help you find the perfect fit.

Question 3

What age can my child start dance classes?

Accepted Answer

Children can join our Story Time Ballet classes from 18 months, once they are confidently walking, alongside a parent or carer.As they grow, dancers can progress through our carefully designed classes in ballet, tap, modern, acrobatics and musical theatre, with each stage supporting their development, confidence and love of dance.

Question 4

How do I know which class is right for me or my child?

Accepted Answer

We're always happy to help you find the best class based on age, experience and individual goals.Children are usually placed into classes according to their age at the start of the academic year (1st September), helping them learn and progress alongside children of a similar age and stage of development. In some cases, we may recommend a different class if we feel it would better support a student's confidence, ability or long-term development.Simply get in touch via our contact form, or by emailing hello@theative.co.uk and we'll recommend the most suitable class based on age, experience and individual goals, whether that's building confidence, learning a new skill or taking dance more seriously.

Question 5

My child has never danced before. Can they still join?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! Many of our students take their very first dance steps with us.Our classes are designed to be welcoming, encouraging and inclusive, helping every dancer build confidence, develop new skills and discover a love of dance, whether they're learning for fun or working towards performances, examinations and more.

Question 6

My child is shy or lacks confidence. Will they be okay?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely!Many of our students joined us feeling shy or nervous, and helping children grow in confidence is one of the things we're most passionate about.Every child is welcomed at their own pace, and our nurturing teachers take the time to build trust, celebrate small successes and create a supportive environment where every dancer feels safe, valued and encouraged to shine.

Question 7

Do you offer classes for adults?

Accepted Answer

Yes!Our Adult Beginners Ballet classes are perfect for complete beginners, those returning to dance after many years away or anyone looking for a fun and welcoming way to improve fitness, flexibility and wellbeing.No previous experience is required.

Question 8

Are your classes suitable for beginners?

Accepted Answer

Yes!Many of our students join with no previous dance experience at all. Our experienced teachers nurture every dancer at their own pace, helping them grow in confidence and ability while making classes fun, engaging and supportive.

Question 9

What should we wear to our first class?

Accepted Answer

For your first trial, comfortable clothing that allows free movement is absolutely fine. We recommend leggings, and T-shirt, with bare feet for ballet, modern and acro, and hard soled shoes for tap.If you decide to join us, we'll send you everything you need to know about uniform, dance shoes and how to order them.

Question 10

Do students need to wear uniform?

Accepted Answer

Yes, once you've enrolled.Our uniform helps students feel part of the school, allows teachers to see alignment more clearly and creates a smart, professional environment where every dancer feels proud to belong.We'll provide all the information you need before your uniform is due.

Question 11

What makes Theative different?

Accepted Answer

At Theative (pronounced thee-ay-tiv), we believe every dancer deserves to feel seen, supported and encouraged to shine.Our classes combine high quality dance training with imaginative teaching, creativity and genuine care for every student. Whether you're dancing simply for the joy of it or working towards performances, examinations and more, we'll help you build confidence, resilience and a love of performing that lasts far beyond the studio.

Question 12

Do you offer performances and shows?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We believe performing is a wonderful way to build confidence, celebrate progress and create lasting memories.Throughout the year, we offer a variety of opportunities for students to share what they've been learning, including regular Watch Weeks, where parents and carers are invited into the studio to celebrate their child's progress, performances at our holiday camps, and our full-school theatre productions.Every opportunity is designed to help dancers grow in confidence, develop their performance skills and enjoy the excitement of sharing their achievements with family and friends.

Question 13

Do you offer dance examinations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We offer internationally recognised RAD Ballet and ISTD Modern and Tap examinations for students who are ready and would like to work towards them.As dancers progress beyond the preliminary grades (typically from Grade 2 onwards), the technical demands of the syllabus increase significantly. To ensure students are properly prepared and able to achieve their full potential, dancers wishing to continue taking examinations are required to attend two classes per week.For students who choose not to take external examinations, or who prefer to continue attending once a week, we also offer our own annual in-house assessments and awards. These celebrate each dancer's progress and achievements, giving every student the opportunity to receive personalised feedback, celebrate how far they've come and continue working towards meaningful goals, regardless of whether they choose the examination pathway.

Question 14

Does my child have to take exams or perform?

Accepted Answer

No. Examinations and performances are optional, and we respect that every family has different goals and commitments.However, as classes continue together throughout the year, all students take part in learning the examination syllabus and show choreography during lessons. This means that even if a dancer chooses not to participate in an exam or performance, they will still be learning the same material alongside the rest of their class.We encourage every student to take part wherever possible, as performances and examinations are fantastic opportunities to celebrate progress, build confidence, develop resilience and create lasting memories. Our teachers will always be happy to discuss the options with you and help you decide what's right for your child.

Question 15

Can my child take acrobatics on its own?

Accepted Answer

No. We believe a strong foundation in dance technique is essential for developing safe, well-rounded acrobatic dancers.For this reason, students enrolling in our Acrobatics classes (with the exception of our Early Years Tumble & Twirl class for ages 3 to 5) must also attend a Ballet, Modern, or another eligible class that includes ballet and/or modern training, such as our Triple Threat Musical Theatre programme.Currently, our Acrobatics classes are offered alongside Modern, making this requirement easy for most families. If you're interested in combining Ballet and Acrobatics instead, please get in touch and we'd be happy to discuss the options.

Question 16

Can we join during the middle of a term?

Accepted Answer

Yes, provided spaces are available.We'll simply calculate your fees from your start date, so you only pay for lesson from the date you joined.

Question 17

What happens if we miss a class?

Accepted Answer

If you know you'll be absent, please let us know as soon as possible so we can update our registers and let the teacher know.Unfortunately, we aren't able to offer refunds or replacement classes for missed lessons, but your place in class will remain reserved for you.Regular attendance is one of the biggest factors in a dancer's progress. Each lesson builds on the previous one, helping students develop their confidence, technique and friendships within the class. We encourage families to attend as consistently as possible so every dancer can get the most out of their training.

Question 18

Where are your classes held?

Accepted Answer

We teach at welcoming venues in Streatham, South West London, making our classes easily accessible for families from Streatham, Balham, Norbury, Tooting, West Norwood and the surrounding areas.Our Locations section below includes full venue addresses, maps and travel information to help you find the venue that's most convenient for you.

Question 19

How much do classes cost?

Accepted Answer

Our class fees vary depending on the age group, class type and lesson duration.Prices are shown on each Age Group page alongside the class information, and are also displayed in our Book a Trial timetable when you view available classes.If you're unsure which class is right for you or your child, we'd be happy to help you find the best option.

Question 20

How do monthly payments work?

Accepted Answer

Our class fees are spread across the year into equal monthly instalments, making it easier for families to budget while securing your place in class.Payments are collected automatically each month through our secure Stripe AutoPay system using a credit or debit card. Once enrolled, you'll receive an email to securely set up your payment method.Please note that monthly payments continue throughout the year, including during school holidays, as they are instalments spread evenly across the full dance season rather than payments for the lessons taking place in that particular month.

Question 21

How do I cancel my enrolment?

Accepted Answer

We operate on a continuous enrolment basis, so your place is automatically reserved until you let us know you'd like to leave.One calendar month's written notice is required. Full details can be found in our Terms & Conditions, or we're always happy to explain how it works.

Question 22

Is there a joining fee?

Accepted Answer

Yes. When you enrol, you'll pay your first month's fees, plus a joining deposit equal to your final month's fees, along with a small administration fee.Your joining deposit is held securely on your account and is used to cover your final month's fees when you leave the school, provided the required notice period has been given. This means there isn't a large final payment to make at the end of your dance journey.We'll always explain your enrolment costs clearly before you join, so you'll know exactly what to expect with no hidden charges.

Question 23

What if my child has additional needs?

Accepted Answer

We believe every dancer deserves the opportunity to shine. If your child has any additional needs, disabilities or medical conditions, please get in touch before your trial. We'll be happy to discuss how we can best support them and whether our classes are the right fit.

Question 24

Can my child try more than one class?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Many of our students enjoy taking classes in more than one style of dance, and we'd love to help your child discover what they enjoy most.If you're unsure where to begin, get in touch and we'll be happy to recommend the best combination of classes based on your child's age, interests and goals.

Question 25

Can my child join at any time during the year?

Accepted Answer

Yes! New students are welcome to join throughout the year, subject to class availability. We'll simply recommend the most suitable class and calculate fees from your start date.

Question 26

I still have a question.

Accepted Answer

Still have a question? We'd love to help. Get in touch and we'll be happy to answer any questions or help you find the perfect class.

Our Dance Class Locations in Streatham

Ready to find your class?

Prentis Road

Theative Performing Arts, Prentis Road

Conyers Road

Conyers Road

Theative Performing Arts, Conyers Road

Age Groups

Do I need to book a trial class?

How do I book a trial?

What age can my child start dance classes?

How do I know which class is right for me or my child?

My child has never danced before. Can they still join?

My child is shy or lacks confidence. Will they be okay?

Do you offer classes for adults?

Are your classes suitable for beginners?

What should we wear to our first class?

Do students need to wear uniform?

What makes Theative different?

Do you offer performances and shows?

Do you offer dance examinations?

Does my child have to take exams or perform?

Can my child take acrobatics on its own?

Can we join during the middle of a term?

What happens if we miss a class?

Where are your classes held?

How much do classes cost?

How do monthly payments work?

How do I cancel my enrolment?

Is there a joining fee?

What if my child has additional needs?

Can my child try more than one class?

Can my child join at any time during the year?

I still have a question.

Frequently Asked Questions

Term Dates

Autumn Term

Start:

End:

Winter Break Begins:

Autumn Term

Start:

End:

Spring Break Begins:

Autumn Term

Start:

End:

Summer Break Begins:

Get In Touch