FAQs

  • Children can begin dancing with us from the age of 2½, starting in our gentle, play-based pre-school classes. These sessions focus on creativity, coordination and confidence — and are a lovely introduction to music, movement and the fundamentals of dance.

  • Yes! We have a growing timetable of regular adult classes and occasional workshops, including Ballet, Tap and Contemporary. Whether you're a total beginner or returning to dance after a break, our adult sessions are welcoming, encouraging and great for fitness and wellbeing.

  • We offer classes in:

    • Ballet (RAD syllabus)

    • Tap (IDTA Syllabus)

    • Modern (IDTA Syllabus)

    • Musical Theatre (IDTA Syllabus)

    • Street Dance (IDTA Syllabus)

    • Contemporary

    All styles are open to different age groups and ability levels. Find out more here.

  • Yes — we offer a four-week trial scheme to help you or your child settle in and get a real feel for the class before committing for the half term. Starting something new can feel a little daunting, so we do everything we can to ensure your experience is welcoming, friendly and supportive from the very first visit.

    A longer trial gives us time to:

    • Build a relationship between teacher and student

    • Help students grow in confidence and start forming friendships

    • Let you see the true rhythm and atmosphere of our classes

    • Understand your child’s needs and make sure it’s the right fit

    Register now for a trial class

  • Our fees vary depending on the length and type of class. Please contact us for our most up-to-date fees.

    Following an initial paid four week trial, our regular classes are charged by direct debit each half term.

    Workshops and holiday course are available on a pay as you go basis.

    Adult classes can be charged by the term, or week-by-week on a pay as you go basis according to your own preference.

    Enrolment and payment is through our class manager app, see the next question for further detials.

  • As a new customer, or to book additional classes, please complete our registration form and we will get back to you via email to confirm the next steps.

    Pay as you go classes for adults, workshops and holiday courses can all be booked directly in Class Manager.

    See below for more details on class manager.

  • No — exams at NFAD are completely optional. While we offer recognised qualifications through RAD and IDTA, every student’s dance journey is different. We only recommend exams when a student is ready and the experience will be positive and confidence-building. Alternatives such as class awards or progressing without formal assessment are always available.

    Learn more about our exam approach on our Exams Page

  • Each dance style has a recommended uniform designed for safety, comfort, and freedom of movement. After your trial class, we’ll let you know exactly what’s needed for your child’s chosen classes.

    For Ballet, girls typically wear a leotard, ballet tights or socks, and ballet shoes. Boys wear a leotard or fitted t-shirt with shorts, socks, and ballet shoes. From Grade 1, students begin Character dancing, which requires a character skirt and shoes where applicable. As students progress, they may be advised that they are ready to begin pointe work, with guidance provided on appropriate shoes and safe preparation. Our higher grade students also have the option of a repertoire skirt to add to the theatrical feel of the senior grades.

    For Tap, Modern, Street, Contemporary and Musical Theatre, our uniform consists of NFAD-branded shorts or leggings, a t-shirt, and an optional hoodie, worn with the appropriate footwear (tap or jazz shoes).

    Uniform can be purchased through our shop, and we also hold second-hand uniform sales each term to help make dancewear more affordable.

  • Class Manager is the secure online system we use at NFAD to manage all our student records, class bookings and payments. You’ll use it to register for trial classes, manage your account, and stay up to date with your child’s dancing journey.

    There are two ways to access Class Manager: through the website (desktop or mobile browser) and through the parent app. Some actions can only be completed on the website version, so please read the guidance below carefully.

    What you can do through the Class Manager app:

    • View your timetable and class information

    • Access invoices and payment history

    • Manage your contact details

    • Book certain pay-as-you-go classes, workshops and holiday courses.

    What must be done via the Class Manager website:

    • Create an account If you’re new to NFAD, your initial registration and account setup must happen through the website.

    • Register for your trial classes All trial and term-time class enrolments must be completed through the website, not the app.

    • Enrol in a new class Whether you're a new student or trying a second class, any term enrolments must be made using the browser version of Class Manager.

    We know this can be a bit confusing at first — especially if you’ve already downloaded the app — so we make it as clear as possible throughout our website and email communications. If you’re ever unsure, please don’t hesitate to email us at hello@newforestdance.co.uk and we’ll be happy to help.

    You can access the Class Manager website here.

  • Yes — we run regular watching weeks for families to observe progress and see what students have been working on. These are usually held twice a year and are a special part of the NFAD experience, giving loved ones the chance to celebrate their dancer’s achievements.

    For our youngest dancers in pre-school classes, parents are welcome to stay and watch the first class to help their child settle in. In most cases though, we find that children become confident and independent more quickly if they attend without a parent in the room — but we’ll always take a flexible approach to support each individual child.

    We also offer a range of performance opportunities throughout the year. You can learn more on our Performances page.

  • Yes! Performance is an important part of what we offer. Opportunities include in-class showings, local events, our popular Musical in a Week project each summer, and a large-scale whole-school show every two years.

    We understand that performing in front of an audience is not for everyone though, so performances are never mandatory.

  • Please let us know if your child will be missing class by emailing us on hello@newforestdance.co.uk

    We do not offer refunds for missed classes, but will always try to be flexible and offer a make-up class, subject to availability.

  • No — competitions are not part of what we offer at NFAD. While we recognise that some schools enjoy the competitive dance scene, our focus is on creating a supportive, inclusive environment where students are encouraged to grow at their own pace. We believe that performance opportunities should build confidence and foster teamwork, rather than comparison.

    You can read more about our approach and values on our Our Philosophy page.