About
Q: Where are you located?
We operate all of our classes out of Kirkham Community Centre, in Kirkham, Lancashire. The address is:
Kirkham Community Centre, Mill Street, Kirkham, PR4 2AN
The entrance is located off the car park at the back of Mill Street
Q: Is there parking available?
Yes! There is a car park directly outside the community centre, which offers free parking. If this car park is full, there is additional parking just down the hill, in Mill Street car park (a 2 minute walk to the community centre).
Q: I have a question that isn’t answered on this page. What should I do?
You can send any queries or questions to us via our contact form
Starting Classes
Q: I want to start dancing! Can I just show up?
We ask that potential new starters get in touch with us first, so we can learn a bit more about your experience and comfort levels and match you to the appropriate class. You can find our contact details here.
The only exception to this is our Dinky Dancers class, which does not require advance booking (you can show up on the day and enjoy the music with your little one(s)!)
Q: I am an adult and I’d like to start classes, but I don’t have a partner. Is this OK?
Yes! We have a large team of teachers and teaching assistants, and will always try to accommodate solo dancers wherever possible in our adult classes.
Paying for Classes
Q: How much do classes cost?
Costs vary, but generally fall between £5 and £7 per person, per class. See our current timetable for prices.
Q: Do you operate a “Pay as You Go” system?
The first class you attend is a free taster! If you decide you’d like to continue dancing with us, you can “pay as you go” for the next 3 classes. If you keep dancing beyond this, fees are due monthly, and paid at the beginning of each month.
Q: How do I pay for classes?
You can pay for classes online, via BACS, or in cash. Payment is due at the beginning of the month, for the whole month’s classes i.e. If your child attends Street Dance on a Saturday, and you’re paying for the month of March, there are 4 Saturdays in the month and the class costs £5, so a payment of £20 is due on or before March 1st.
Q: What are your bank details?
We will provide you with the Kirkham Dance bank account details after your free taster class, if you decide you’d like to continue dancing with us. If you’re a current pupil or parent and would like a reminder of our bank details, please contact us.
Q: What if I can’t attend class? Will you give me a refund?
You must pay for all classes in the month, regardless of whether or not you attend them all, unless they are booked off at the beginning of the month. Our classes are popular, and we can’t provide refunds for missed classes otherwise.
Q: Do you offer any sibling discount?
Not at the present time.
Q: I’d like to bring my older child(ren) with me to a Dinky Dancers class. Do I have to pay for them?
You must pay for each child that is participating in the class. The maximum age for participating children is 3. There is plenty of seating available in the room we run the Dinky Dancer classes in, and children older than 3 are welcome to sit and watch for free.
Clothing & Footwear
Q: What clothes should I wear to class?
Both adults and children should wear comfortable clothes appropriate for light exercise (i.e. leggings and a loose-fitting top).
There is an inexpensive Kirkham Dance uniform (leotards and skirts for younger girls, polo shirts and hoodies for younger boys and older children). This is optional for new starters, but mandatory for longer-term pupils of the school. Uniform can be ordered from Michael on Saturdays (at drop-off or pick-up), with payment due at the time.
Q: What shoes should I wear to class?
Both adults and children should wear comfortable, lightweight shoes with a flexible sole.
When starting out on your dance journey, professional Ballroom or Latin shoes are not necessary, but are recommended if you are a longer-term adult dancer and want to improve your footwork, or a child who is taking medal tests. Shoes with ankle support (i.e. a strap – not slip-ons), a low heel (1 – 1.5”), and some flexibility in the sole can be worn as a cheaper alternative to professional dance shoes.
Q: What about hair and make-up?
Children should wear their hair tied back neatly. Make-up is not necessary.
Ending Classes
Q: I’d like to stop dancing. How much notice do I have to give you?
There is no notice period; you can stop dancing at any time. We do not provide refunds, so if you decide to stop dancing, we advise that you do so at the end of the month, in order to take advantage of classes you’ve already paid for.
Medal Tests
Q: I’m an adult and I just want to dance for fun. Is that OK?
Yes! The majority of our adult pupils dance socially, and there is no pressure whatsoever to work towards, or take, medal tests.
Q: I’m an adult and I’d like to take medal tests. Can I?
Yes! If you think you’d like to take medal tests, speak to your teacher during class for more information.
Q: Where do medal tests take place?
At Kirkham Community Centre, where all our classes also take place.
Q: What happens in a medal test?
A UKA examiner visits on the day, and children are given timed slots, usually on a Saturday afternoon. They perform their routines for the examiner in groups (according to age and ability), and parents can wait.
Q: How often do medal tests take place?
Approximately once every 6 months.
Q: Does my child have to take medal tests?
No. They are encouraged but not mandatory. All children are taught the same routines on the same schedule, regardless of whether or not they take a medal test at the end of it.
Competitions & Events
Q: Do you participate in competitions?
No, we do not enter or otherwise participate in any competitions at this time (neither adults nor children).
Q: When is your next adult social event?
Please see the Events page for details.
Q: Do you run any events for children?
Yes! We turn some of our regular classes into themed dance parties, at seasonal times of year (i.e. Christmas, in the summer). We also run medal presentation afternoons every 6 months. These are held on Saturdays, at the community centre, and allow the pupils to showcase for parents what they have been learning. They are also presented with any certificates or medals they have achieved in the last medal test they took. Tickets cost just a couple of pounds per person, and include light refreshments.
Private Lessons
Q: Can I book a private lesson?
Private lessons are only available for existing pupils of the dance school, and focus on helping them improve their footwork and technique in the dances we choreograph in our lessons. If this applies to you, please get in touch to find out availability and prices.
Q: Do you provide wedding choreography?
Occasionally. Private lessons would be required (pending availability). Please contact us if you’d like to enquire further!
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