FAQs
Practical answers about joining, class routines, uniform and exams.
Joining LLDS
How do I choose a class and enrol?
Start with the class guide to find the closest age and stage. New families can then complete the online registration form. Our office team will recommend the most suitable class and answer any questions.
Can my child trial a class first?
Yes. We offer a three-week trial to settle your child and make sure it's the right class and the right fit for you, before you enrol fully. If your child continues, fees move to direct debit, and the fees page lists every class. Three visits give children time to feel comfortable and properly experience the class.
Can we join partway through a term?
Yes, for children and adults alike. For children, after the three-week trial we work out your next monthly payment so that it lines up with the regular monthly fee dates. Adults pay the term price pro rata for the classes that remain. The fees page has the details.
What is a first class like?
Our staff, our senior helpers and the dancers already in the studio will give you a warm welcome. We can show you around, introduce you to your teacher and buddy your dancer up with a fellow class member, so they feel happy and safe from the start.
Your first class walks through the whole thing, from arriving to what happens after the trial.
What should they wear for a first class?
Wear: depending on the level of the class we recommend leggings and a T-shirt, or a leotard. A fairy dress is perfect for our littlest dancers. School shoes or trainers can be used for Tap at first.
Avoid: no jeans or jewellery, please. Once settled, dancers are expected to wear the correct school uniform and footwear.
We have plenty of spare ballet shoes and tap shoes to borrow. See your first class for the full list of what to wear and bring.
Class routine
What is the uniform and where do I buy it?
Uniform varies by class and is available from the online uniform shop. There are two order deadlines each term, along with personalised items such as LLDS jackets and onesies. Check the shop for the correct uniform before ordering.
How should my child wear their hair?
Hair should be neat and off the face in a bun, ponytail or similar style. For Ballet, please use a classical ballet bun where possible. The LLDS YouTube channel includes Miss Lovick's bun tutorial.
Do parents stay, or drop off?
Parents now drop off and collect in the courtyard after class.
You are very welcome to stay on site if your child is nervous. If you do stay, we ask you to wait outside the studio rather than in it, as fewer distractions help dancers get more from the session.
The exception is our pre-schoolers, aged 3 to 4. Their parents need to stay on site and wait in the reception area.
Families are invited to Watching Week open classes to see what dancers have learned. Your first class covers arriving, waiting and collection in more detail.
Where do I park?
All the local streets around the studio have free parking, and there is a bay for three cars directly outside the building with a 40-minute waiting limit. There is a bus stop right outside on Sydenham Road, and the nearest stations are Lower Sydenham and Sydenham. Full directions are on the contact page.
Dance exams
When will my child be ready?
The Parent Portal's continuous report tracks technical progress through levels 1 to 5. Level 5 is the performance level and indicates exam readiness. Dancers then focus on polishing their performance before the exam.
Are exams required to progress?
No. We encourage invited dancers to take official exams because they provide a valuable goal, but they are not compulsory. Families who opt out or cannot attend the dates can choose a paid internal assessment with Miss Lovick and the class teacher in a familiar setting.
The exam guide explains how dancers are invited, how they prepare and how exams are marked.
Still have a question?
The studio team is happy to talk it through. New dancers start with a three-week trial.