A. No, you can join at any time during the year.

A. The youngest dancers at KCDS are aged between two and a half to three years old. At this age they can enrol in our creative Pre-School and early years dance class.

From four years old they can move into our Let’s Dance Combo classes, which introduces them Ballet, Modern dance and Tap. For Reception-age students and above we also offer a Mini Performers Musical Theatre class and an Acrobatics Class.

A. Combination classes are a great place to start if your child is younger than 8. After gaining experience with different styles, your child will be much more able to be involved in choosing their preferences once they reach 7 or 8 years old. At that point, they can choose to study our whole range of genres:

Ballet, Tap, Modern, Jazz Performance, Musical Theatre, Lyrical/Contemporary, Street Dance, Kicks, Leaps & Turns and Acrobatic Arts. If you’re not sure what class is the best fit for your child, contact us – we would be glad to help talk through your options! As the students grow they have the opportunity to progress through the school all the way up to age 18.

A. Yes - we recommend that the trial take place over two lessons, to allow for students to familiarise themselves with their surroundings in the first week and enjoy the lesson in full in week two. Two week trial passes are available to book when you make your initial enquiry.

A. Don’t worry about getting dance uniform for your trial and for the first few lessons, but after the first term, we do require that uniform is worn for both face to face and online classes. For the first few lessons leggings/shorts and a t-shirt with some lightweight trainers or plimsolls are fine. School shoes should be worn for tap trials. We have some specific tap shoes as part of our uniform we like our students to wear so please don't feel that you have to rush out and purchase anything to early on.

For girls, if they have a skirt that they can put over the top for ballet, then that’s great. If your child has long hair, please make sure they have their hair tied back (girls ideally in a bun) and that they do not wear jewellery for class. Uniforms can be purchased once students are settled in, all the details can be found here. 

A. Initially no, we usually ask you to purchase the uniform once they have settled in, approximately 6 weeks after joining. Uniform is an important part of our school culture and instills a sense of discipline and pride in presentation from an early age.

A. No - Parents are not permitted into the venues under the current guidelines and generally we find the children focus and settle much quicker without the distraction of a parent in the room. We have specially designated end of term watching days so parents can come in and see what their child has learnt.

A. Our fees start from around £20 per class per month. Fees are dependent on duration and level of class. Once we have received your initial registration we will send you an email with a link to complete your online Registration Form. Once we've had a chance to talk through your child's class options, you will then be sent a link to the KCDS Performers Portal to set up your contact information and monthly Direct Debit payments. Payments are taken during the first week of the month.

A. Although KCDS follow the school term pattern (three terms per year), classes are charged per month. The costs for our three terms’ classes have been divided equally over the 12 months to make budgeting easier for parents, so payments continue monthly on a regular basis until you decide to withdraw your child from the school.

Trial passes will be charged separately. Once you have confirmed enrolment we will arrange a Direct Debit. In the first payment you will be charged for both your initial and final monthly fees.

Parents are required to give one month’s notice if they want to withdraw their child from the school. Once notice is received we cancel your Direct Debit mandate and there are no further charges for your final month (as this will have been paid in your first month).

A. Yes - KCDS was established in 2010 and has developed a strong reputation in the dance world as well as becoming a renowned place of learning for dance students in our area. When you choose a dance school, it is vital that you are confident your child is in safe hands.

KCDS dance teachers are fully qualified and active RAD & ISTD members who are required to undergo rigorous training and examinations. This ensures they are highly knowledgeable and confident to train students of all ages and abilities. Many of our teachers are qualified to Examiner and Licentiate level and continue to update their knowledge through a programmed of continued professional development. All KCDS teachers hold a current DBS Enhanced level security check.

A. No, not if they do not wish to. However we try and encourage them to do so as it is a fantastic experience and great for building confidence and rewarding their hard work.

A. Yes - at KCDS we produce our own biennial dance show and also offer students to take part in regular competitive festivals. I believe that developing performance skills and confidence is so important for young dancers. Students are also able to be put forward to join associate programmes with professional dance companies.

Our full production shows are held every two years in a professional theatre with lighting, costumes and special effects. 

A. Our terms run in conjunction with school term dates. However, in most school holidays we arrange special workshops and industry masterclasses separate to the normal classes and we usually hold a theatre workshop for a week during the summer holidays.

A. Classes are currently split between The Performing Arts Centre at Caterham School, Warlingham Village Hall, Warlingham Rugby Club and Warlingham Church Hall.

A. KCDS policies, our terms and conditions, student code of conduct and GDPR information can be found here - https://www.katiecoxdancestudio.com/contact-us 

A. The KCDS Performer Portal is a web-based platform that can be accessed via an app on your smartphone, using your own unique login. This is the best way to find term dates, check class times, notify us if a child is sick, change your contact details and register interest and sign up for new classes. You will receive an email about this with information on how to get set up when you join.

A. Yes - KCDS operate a referral scheme for friends and family. Parents who recommend KCDS to a new student who then fully enrols at the school will receive a credit of £10 against their next payment. You can refer up to a maximum of 5 students per term. 

A. The Katie Cox Dance Studio exists to create an inspirational learning experience through quality, forward-thinking instruction that empowers our students with confidence, self discipline and positive attitudes; so that they can not only grow to become independent and passionate dancers, but that they enjoy every part of their journey too.

We believe that our values reflect that: 

Inclusivity: providing a safe, impartial environment where everyone can contribute and be themselves.

Friendships: supporting the growth of others by working together and learning from others to achieve our shared goals. 

Commitment: constantly developing and refining what we do in the spirit of continuous improvement.

Excellence: striving for quality, recognising that our mistakes are an opportunity to learn, grow and evolve.

Success: acknowledging that everyone has something valuable to offer, we understand the unique contributions of everyone.

We truly believe that every dancer will be welcomed to our school with warmth and kindness, regardless of your age or ability. You will receive exceptional tuition in a caring and nurturing environment. KCDS is proud to be recognised as the premiere dance school in our area and we look forward to welcoming you into our family.