How to start your journey with DNC…
Frequently Asked Questions
Thank you for choosing to be part of the DNC community, established since 2005 serving the community of Slough. We are looking forward to welcoming you on a unique journey of personal development through dance. If you have a query feel free to contact us, otherwise please read the following FAQ’s and use these three steps when you are ready to enrol.
I have danced before, which level should I join?
Beginners! All dance teachers have a different style and so unless you have previously danced at DNC, it is advisable to start at beginners level and gradually work your way up.
My child is so young, what if I sign her up and she doesn't like it?
If you have a child above the age of 5yrs you are welcome to bring her into the dance studio to join the SUMMER SCHOOL. Alternatively we have an OPEN DAY with a free trial class on Sunday 3rd September (10am).
I would like to speak to someone before I book online.
If you have a genuine passion for learning dance and you have a question that has not been answered on this website, then we would be most happy to talk to you and add you to our waiting list:
Phone – 01628 298582
Email: admin@dncstudio.com
Can I take one examination per year?
Unfortunately not. Dance is not a linear subject, therefore it is not possible to fast-track your way through the syllabus. It is an artform that needs to be learnt with patience & discipline. Depending on how much you practice/study, it takes an average of 10 years to complete all 6 grades.
Do you offer any other classes apart from Kathak?
We have a fantastic team of teachers running various classes throughout the week including Bollywood & Bhangra! Click here for our upto date class schedule.
I live far away from your studio, do you do online Kathak classes?
We currently teach online on Mondays AND Thursdays 5.30-6.30pm for beginners. Click here for information.
When can I start performing?
You can perform upon completion of two academic terms, i.e. if you join in January then you may be able to perform in our annual July show if our teachers feel that you are ready. It all depends on how much you practice!
How much extra practice at home is required?
In order to progress, a minimum of 15 minutes per day is required at beginners level, 30mins at Intermediate level and 1hr per day at advanced. This is something we take very seriously.
Is there a sibling / referral discount?
Regrettably we do not have any discount or referral schemes at the moment.
What shall I wear to the classes?
DNC’s uniform policy for children & teens of ALL levels consists of Black Kathak dress & Ghungroos (ankle bells). Adults can choose to wear their own dress, but ghungroos are compulsory for everyone. Click here to visit our ONLINE SHOP where you can purchase the DNC uniform, to collect on your first day of term.
Step 1 - Decide which class to join
Depending on your age and level, decide which class you would like to join from our 2024 CLASS TIMETABLE.
Step 2 - Book & pay online
Click here to enrol for January 2024
NB: Additional fees apply for uniform costs, exam fees & performance costumes. Once booked, it is not possible to make up for a missed class or change the day/time part way through a term. Payments are non-refundable and non-transferable to another course.
Step 3 - Buy uniform
ALL students are required to wear the DNC dress, with Ghungroos (ankle bells).
- Black dress with gold embedded logo and belt (XS, S, M, L, XL, XXL) = £30
- Beginners kids: Pink velcro = £30
- Beginners adults: 25 bells (grade 1-2) = £50
- Intermediate: 50 bells (grade 3-4) = £75
- Advanced: 100 bells (grade 5-6) = £100
Beginners Level
Kids aged 4+, teenagers and adults who are new to Kathak dance- Beginners learn 1 hour per week either in person or online.
- Beginners are introduced to the fundamental basics of the art form, which are footwork, hand movements and spins. They are exposed to the basic rhythmic patterns and learn the basic vocabulary. They are introduced to storytelling – using mudras and introducing facial expressions. Everyone is encouraged to join at beginners level, even if they have previous dance experience.
- Beginners are recommended to practice 15mins per day to develop in addition to their weekly classes.
- Term fee: £175 (10 weeks of classes) OR Annual fee: £300 (2 terms of classes) from January – July 2024.
- NB: Additional fees apply for uniform costs, exam fees & performance costumes. It is not possible to make up for a missed class or change the day/time part way through a term.
Intermediate Level
Teenagers and adults who have learnt Kathak for at least 3 years- Intermediate level learn 1.5 hours per week either in person or online.
- Intermediate level students progress on the techniques they developed at Beginners level. They begin learning pieces and routines and are given more performance opportunities. In addition to developing their dance techniques, they gain a greater understanding of rhythm patterns and time cycle used in Kathak. They get introduced to theory and the history of Kathak dance. They also begin preparation towards their ISTD Grade 1 & 2 examinations.
- Intermediate students are recommended to practice 30mins per day in addition to their weekly classes.
- Term fee: £275 (10 weeks of classes) OR Annual fee: £500 (2 terms of classes) from January – July 2024.
- NB: Additional fees apply for uniform costs, exam fees & performance costumes. It is not possible to make up for a missed class or change the day/time part way through a term.
Advanced & Senior Level
Teenagers and adults who have learnt Kathak for at least 5 years- Advanced and senior level students learn 2 hours per week either in person or online.
- Advanced level students learn advanced techniques and complex choreography. In addition to learning dance, they are encouraged to start choreographing their own routines and observing dance to develop critical skills. They work towards ISTD Grade 3-6 level examinations.
- Advanced students are recommended to practice 45-60mins per day, in addition to their weekly classes.
- Term fee: £375 (10 weeks of classes) OR Annual fee: £700 (2 terms of classes) from January – July 2024.
- NB: Additional fees apply for uniform costs, exam fees & performance costumes. It is not possible to make up for a missed class or change the day/time part way through a term.
Termly Enrolment
September-November, January-March, April-July- • 10 weeks of dance classes per term, with qualified, experienced, DBS checked and first aided teachers, either in the studio or online.
- • End of term certificate
- • Performance opportunities at end of term Presentation day and Annual Summer Production (this applies to studio and online students).
- • Videos of dance choreography sent through a community WhatsApp group.
- • Access to OneDrive folder where instructional dance videos, podcasts and further resources to aid learning are shared.
- • Audios of music.
- • Adhok opportunities to be accompanied by live musicians.
- • Handouts of theory work and support for exam preparation.
- NB: Additional fees apply throughout the year for uniform costs, examination fees & performance costumes. Whether you choose to join termly or annually, the payments are non-refundable. Regardless of circumstances, we do not issue refunds or offer credit.
Annual Enrolment
January - July 2024- Annual students benefit from ALL of the termly inclusions plus:
- ▪ 2 courses (10 weeks per course) from January – July 2024.
- ▪ Discount of £50 per academic year (£25 per term).
- ▪ Guaranteed place for your chosen group, for both terms (no waiting lists).
- ▪ No price increase partway through the year!
- ▪ Beginners level annual students receive a badge, Intermediate annual students receive a medal and Advanced annual students receive a trophy at the Annual Summer Production.
- Regisering annually shows us your commitment and dedication to your dance training. Instalment options available on request.
- NB: Additional fees apply throughout the year for uniform costs, examination fees & performance costumes.Whether you choose to join termly or annually, the payments are non-refundable. Regardless of circumstances, we do not issue refunds or offer credit.