Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

How often are your sessions?

Sessions are held weekly during term-time. Each term is 10 sessions and typically follows the format: 5 sessions – half term – 5 sessions.

How much do sessions cost?

Sessions range from £5 to £10 each.

If you are new to Magpie Dance your first class will be free (a taster!) and then the rest of the term will be half price.

There are discounts for booking full terms in advance, attending multiple classes and of course, for siblings (for those that need it, reduced fees are also available, please ask when booking).

Do I need to book?

It varies by session, please see the details of the sessions you are interested in.

Most of our sessions need to be booked in advance, If you are new to Magpie Dance your first class will be free (a taster!) and then the rest of the term will be half price.

We do offer some community drop in sessions that you do not need to book in advance.

Where are the sessions held?

We hold sessions in Bromley, Beckenham, Orpington and Catford (please see individual sessions for the venues). All our venues are accessible.

What are sessions like?

Every session is accompanied by dynamic, live music - either percussion or keyboard - and varies from 45 minutes up to 2 hours depending on the type of session you are booking. Specific details of what is covered can be found in the description of each session.

There is a lead facilitator, assistant facilitator and a musician in every session; all DBS checked, and first aid trained.  In some sessions there are also volunteers and our Magpie Dance Ambassadors helping too.

At the end of each term parents/carers are invited to watch sharings for the respective session.

Performances are arranged on an ad hoc basis and are optional. 

Rest assured, our facilitators have extensive experience of working with children, young people and adults with learning disabilities as well as having highly successful careers as professional dancers, choreographers and teachers.

Should I be accompanied?

Only Magpie Minis should be accompanied.  Parents of Juniors and Youth are asked to stay for some of the first session, and for our Adult Community sessions, carers / support staff are asked to stay for the less independent participants (it is free for carers, but they are asked to join in).

If you have any specific queries or concerns, please do speak to us - either the staff team, or to your facilitator.

What should I wear?

Loose, comfortable clothing and footwear that allows you to move – no jewellery please.

There are opportunities to buy Magpie Dance t-shirts / hoodies, that many dancers love. This is optional.  Please contact Karis Barlow (karisbarlow@magpiedance.org.uk) if you wish to purchase one.

What are the benefits?

Through dance, participants gain significant life, social and communication skills with measurable health and wellbeing benefits.

Participants (that wish to) gain opportunities to perform on professional stages through our annual performances, including ad-hoc opportunities in prestigious performing arts venues – as well as in church halls!

Participants can also be supported through professional dance progression pathways such as having the opportunity to undertake our peer mentoring programme or progressing to one of our technique sessions – as well as simply progressing through classes in age.

What are your term dates?

Autumn term 2023: Saturday 16th September – Saturday 2nd November. No classes from half term week from 21st of October to the 30th of October

Spring term 2024: Saturday 9th January - Saturday 23rd January. No classes at half term from 12th of February to the 18th of February.

Can I join mid-term?

You are welcome to join after the term has started, so long as the class isn’t working towards a performance, and you aren’t joining too close to the end of term. A member of the team will help advise you.

Do I have to come every week?

Ideally yes, dancers are should come to every session, however, we do appreciate that things come up and this may not always be possible. If you are unable to attend a session, please let a member of staff know.

Is there a waiting list?

If a session should become fully booked, we operate a waiting list. With each new term everyone in sessions and on the waiting list are invited to book in advance. Places are then allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Come on, what are you waiting for? Start dancing with us today!

View our sessions