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Ask us about a class

If there is anything you are unsure of, or you would like assistance with choosing a class or making a booking, please write to us. Select the correct venue, either Blessington or Palmerstown, so we can reply with the correct information.

Email the school

ruthshineschoolofdance1@gmail.com

This is the school inbox. Reach out to us with any questions. If you're asking about classes, make sure you tell us which location you're looking at.

Online Portal: Step-by-step guide

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This guide will take you through each step of using the Ruth Shine School of Dance Customer Portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

We welcome dancers from our youngest wobblers and toddlers in Sparkle Steps, through children and teenagers to adults. We offer classes for different ages, abilities and levels of experience, so there is something for everyone.

Not at all! While ballet is an important part of our programme, we offer a wide range of dance styles for children, teenagers and adults.

Depending on age and level, classes may include ballet, jazz, contemporary, acro and breakdancing. We also offer specialist classes and programmes, including Sparkle Steps for our youngest dancers, boys-only classes, line dancing and a programme of dance workshops covering a variety of dance styles.

Absolutely! Boys are welcome to join any of our classes. We also offer specific boys-only classes for those who would prefer to dance in an all-boys group.

Absolutely! We offer a three-week trial period at selected points throughout the year, giving new students and adult dancers the opportunity to experience a class before deciding whether to continue.

You can find our current trial options and information here.

All students, new and returning, need to register through our online portal. Full details and step-by-step instructions can be found on our Registration & Enrolment page.

If you are unsure which class to choose, please contact us before enrolling and we will be happy to help.

Our timetable is updated each term, so please take a look at our current classes to find the styles and options available for your age and experience level.

Usually, yes. We are happy to welcome new students and adult dancers during the term, although there may be some exceptions as we approach performances, shows or examinations.

Please contact us before enrolling so we can check whether the class is suitable and advise you on the best option.

For a trial class, simply wear comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely and bring a bottle of water. There is no need to purchase dance uniform before trying a class.

Once you have decided to continue, child and teen dancers should purchase the appropriate dance shoes and uniform. Details of our uniform requirements can be found here.

Adult dancers do not need to purchase a specific uniform. Comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely is perfectly suitable for our adult classes. Once you have decided to continue following a trial class, we recommend purchasing the appropriate dance shoes for your chosen class.

Not at all! We welcome complete beginners as well as those with previous dance experience. You don't need to be particularly flexible, fit or experienced to get started.

Our teachers work with dancers at different levels and can adapt movements where appropriate to suit individual abilities.

The most suitable class generally depends on age and, for younger dancers, their personality and sociability.

If you are unsure which class would be the best fit, please contact us before enrolling. We are always happy to help you choose the most suitable option.

It is completely normal for children to feel nervous, upset or even cry when starting something new, especially if they have never been away from you before.

We understand that this can be a big step for some children, so there is no pressure for them to join in straight away. Sometimes the first big win is simply getting through the door.

We work alongside your child at their own pace, helping them feel safe, comfortable and confident. We see it as a marathon rather than a sprint and we celebrate every little step along the way.

Children can do hard things and learning to manage a new experience can be a huge step in building confidence and independence. So if your child cries, please don’t panic. We’ll take it one step at a time, together and you may be amazed at how much they can achieve over time.

Parents do not normally remain in the studio during classes, with the exception of Sparkle Steps, which is specifically designed as a parent-and-child class.

We hold regular “Watching Weeks” throughout the year, giving parents the opportunity to see what their child has been learning and how they are progressing.

We understand that students and adult dancers can occasionally be absent. Students can attend one make-up class per term if they miss a class, subject to availability and a suitable alternative class being available.

Yes. Many of our dancers take more than one class each week, and combining different classes can be a great way to develop skills and confidence.

For students in Grade 2 and above who wish to be eligible to present for dance examinations, a minimum of two graded classes per week must be attended for the full academic year. This requirement ensures that students receive the necessary training and preparation for their examination.

No. Dance examinations are optional.

However, students in Grade 2 and above who wish to be eligible to present for examinations must attend a minimum of two graded classes per week for the full academic year.

For those who choose to take examinations, they can be a great way of working towards a goal, developing confidence and discovering that they are capable of achieving things they may initially have found challenging.

No. Taking part in performances and shows is optional. Students will be given opportunities to participate in performances throughout the year, with full details provided in advance.

Term fees can be paid by monthly Direct Debit, allowing the cost to be spread across the term. When enrolling, you are committing to the full term regardless of whether you choose to pay monthly or in one payment. All other fees and charges are payable in full in advance.

We're always happy to help! If you have a question about classes, registration, enrolment, fees or which class would be most suitable, please get in touch with us before enrolling using our contact form.

We are happy to help and would much rather you ask than be unsure about anything.