Choosing a Dance and Performing Arts School for Your Child: A Parent’s Guide
Choosing a Dance and Performing Arts School for Your Child: A Parent’s Guide
Choosing a dance and performing arts school for your child can feel surprisingly difficult.
You may have several local options offering dance, drama, musical theatre, acting or combined performing arts classes – all with different teaching styles, class sizes, opportunities and approaches.
So how do you know which one is actually right for your child?
At All Access Performing Arts, this is something we think about a lot.
We believe the right performing arts class should do much more than teach children steps, songs or scripts. It should be somewhere they feel comfortable enough to have a go, supported enough to make mistakes and confident enough to gradually become more themselves.
For us, the most important question isn't:
“Which is the best performing arts school?”
It's:
“Which is the best environment for my child?”
If you're currently looking for dance, drama or musical theatre classes for your child, here are some of the things we believe are worth considering.
1. Start With Your Child, Not the Class
Parents often begin by asking:
"Should my child do dance, drama or musical theatre?"
But a better starting point may be:
What does my child enjoy, and what kind of environment will help them thrive?
Some children love music and movement.
Some spend hours creating characters, stories and imaginary worlds.
Others sing along to musicals at home and love putting on little performances.
And plenty of children enjoy a bit of everything.
Think about your child's:
- Personality
- Confidence level
- Interests
- Age
- Previous experience
- Energy levels
- Reasons for wanting to join
A child who loves movement may enjoy dance.
A child with a big imagination might flourish in drama.
A child who loves acting, singing and dancing could find musical theatre particularly exciting.
And if your child doesn't know yet, that's absolutely fine too.
One of the benefits of a broader performing arts programme is that children can experience different disciplines and gradually discover what they enjoy most.
2. Understand the Difference Between Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre
If your child is completely new to performing arts, you may be wondering what happens in each type of class.
Dance
Children's dance classes can help develop:
- Coordination
- Rhythm
- Musicality
- Strength
- Flexibility
- Memory
- Creativity
- Performance skills
- Confidence
There are many different styles of dance, including ballet, street dance, contemporary and commercial dance.
Some children simply love the feeling of moving to music, while others enjoy learning choreography, improving their technique and working towards performances.
Drama
Drama classes involve much more than learning lines.
Children might explore:
- Acting
- Improvisation
- Character work
- Storytelling
- Voice
- Expression
- Imagination
- Communication
- Teamwork
Drama can be especially valuable for children who enjoy being creative, but it can also be wonderful for children who would benefit from gradually becoming more confident speaking and expressing themselves.
Musical Theatre
Musical theatre brings several performing arts together:
Acting + singing + dance.
Children may work on songs, choreography, scenes, characters and performance skills.
For children who love variety – or can't decide whether they prefer acting, singing or dancing – musical theatre can be a great fit.
3. Don't Worry if Your Child Has Never Done Performing Arts Before
One of the concerns we hear from parents is:
“Will everyone else already know what they're doing?”
Children start performing arts at all different ages.
Some begin dancing at three.
Others discover drama at eight.
Some don't try musical theatre until they are teenagers.
A good beginner-friendly class should make room for that.
Enthusiasm, curiosity and a willingness to have a go are much more important than arriving with lots of experience.
4. Choose an Age-Appropriate Class
A performing arts class for a four-year-old should look very different from one designed for a fourteen-year-old.
For younger children, classes might focus on:
- Imagination
- Music
- Movement
- Creative games
- Simple routines
- Listening
- Taking turns
- Expressing ideas
- Building confidence
As children get older, classes can gradually introduce more:
- Technique
- Choreography
- Script work
- Character development
- Vocal skills
- Performance technique
- Independent work
- More challenging material
The aim should be to challenge children without making the experience feel overwhelming.
At All Access, our different age groups are designed so children can develop at a level that feels appropriate for where they are now, rather than where somebody thinks they should be.
5. Look at the Atmosphere, Not Just the Timetable
Performing arts schools can have very different cultures.
Some are highly competitive.
Some focus strongly on exams.
Others prioritise shows and performance opportunities.
And others place more emphasis on recreational classes, enjoyment and personal development.
None of those approaches is automatically right or wrong.
It depends on the child.
When looking at a school, pay attention to how it talks about its students.
Does everything revolve around being the best?
Or does it also talk about:
- Confidence
- Inclusion
- Friendship
- Creativity
- Progress
- Enjoyment
- Individual achievement
- Belonging
Those words can tell you a lot about what the school values.
At All Access, our ethos is summed up in three words:
Confidence. Belong. Shine.
6. Ask Whether Your Child Can Try a Class First
A trial class is one of the best ways to find out whether you've found the right place.
A website can tell you what a school offers.
Social media can show you photographs and performances.
But neither can tell you exactly how your child will feel in the room.
A trial allows them to:
- Meet the teacher
- See the venue
- Meet some of the other children
- Experience the teaching style
- Try the activities
- Get a feel for the atmosphere
Afterwards, instead of simply asking:
"Did you like it?"
try asking:
- What was your favourite part?
- Was there anything you found difficult?
- Did you feel comfortable?
- Did you like the teacher?
- Was there anything you'd like to try again?
- Would you like to go back next week?
That final question can often tell you a great deal.
At All Access, new students are welcome to arrange a free trial, because we believe families should have the opportunity to see whether a class feels right before committing.
7. Consider How the School Supports Shy or Nervous Children
Not every child will walk confidently through the door on their first day.
Some may:
- Stay close to their parent
- Feel worried about joining in
- Watch for a while
- Speak very quietly
- Avoid volunteering
- Worry about making mistakes
- Take several sessions to fully settle
That doesn't mean performing arts isn't for them.
In fact, it may be exactly why performing arts could become so valuable.
This is a particularly important part of our approach at All Access.
We don't expect every child to arrive confident.
For some children, developing that confidence is one of the most important parts of their journey with us.
We believe confidence should be encouraged gradually rather than demanded.
A child's first achievement might not be performing a solo.
It could simply be walking into the room independently.
Then joining a game.
Then putting their hand up.
Then saying one line.
And eventually, perhaps, standing proudly on stage.
Those small steps matter.
8. Think About Class Size
Class size can make a difference to a child's experience.
Larger classes can be exciting, energetic and sociable.
Smaller groups can make it easier for teachers to know individual students and give them attention.
There isn't one magic number, but it is worth asking:
- Approximately how many children are in the class?
- Are there assistants?
- Will the teacher get to know my child?
- How are quieter children encouraged?
- Will my child receive feedback?
This is especially worth considering if your child is nervous or joining performing arts for the first time.
At All Access, one of the things we value about keeping classes supportive is being able to recognise children as individuals rather than simply as members of a group.
9. Ask About Performance Opportunities
Performing can be one of the most exciting parts of attending a dance or performing arts school.
Working towards a performance can develop:
- Confidence
- Teamwork
- Commitment
- Memory
- Stage presence
- Resilience
- Independence
- A real sense of achievement
But it's worth finding out how performances work.
You might want to ask:
- Are performances compulsory?
- Does every child have the opportunity to take part?
- Are there additional rehearsals?
- Are there extra costume costs?
- How are parts allocated?
- How are nervous children supported?
At All Access, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to shine.
That doesn't mean every child needs the biggest part or needs to feel ready for exactly the same thing at exactly the same time.
Performance should build confidence – not take it away.
10. Find Out Whether Exams or Qualifications Are Available
Some dance and performing arts schools offer graded examinations and recognised qualifications.
These can give children:
- A clear goal
- Motivation
- Recognition of progress
- A sense of achievement
- Opportunities to work through different levels
- Qualifications they can build upon as they get older
At All Access, students can already have opportunities to work towards LAMDA qualifications in acting, and we are also planning to introduce dance examinations in the future.
This means children who enjoy having something structured to work towards will have the opportunity to develop through both performance and graded qualifications.
However, we don't believe exams should be the measure of whether a child's performing arts experience is worthwhile.
Some children love working towards grades.
Others are more interested in performing, making friends, learning new skills and enjoying their classes.
Both experiences have value.
If a school offers exams, ask:
- Are they optional?
- Which examination board is used?
- Are there extra fees?
- Are additional lessons needed?
- Is every child expected to take exams?
- Can children still attend purely for enjoyment?
You should feel comfortable that the school's approach fits your child's goals rather than feeling that your child has to follow one particular path.
11. Look Beyond Dance, Acting and Singing Skills
One of the reasons we are so passionate about performing arts is that children can learn much more than how to perform.
Dance, drama and musical theatre can also help develop:
- Confidence
- Communication
- Creativity
- Concentration
- Coordination
- Teamwork
- Independence
- Resilience
- Social skills
- Listening skills
- Self-expression
Sometimes the biggest achievement isn't something an audience would even notice.
It may be the child who was once too nervous to say their name becoming brave enough to volunteer for a role.
It might be making a friend outside school.
Or having an idea and feeling confident enough to share it.
At All Access, we celebrate those quieter milestones just as much as performances, examinations and technical achievements.
12. Find Out How Teachers Handle Mistakes
Children need to know that it is safe to get things wrong.
Whether they're learning choreography, delivering a line or singing something unfamiliar, mistakes are part of learning.
A positive performing arts environment should encourage children to:
Try → Make mistakes → Listen → Try again → Improve.
They shouldn't be afraid of being embarrassed because they missed a step or forgot a line.
One of the things we want children at All Access to understand is that they don't have to be perfect to take part.
Having the confidence to try is far more important.
13. Don't Feel You Have to Choose Only One Performing Art
Some children know immediately what they love.
They might say:
"I just want to dance."
Or:
"I LOVE acting!"
But lots of children enjoy several different areas.
There can be real benefits to trying more than one discipline.
Drama can help a dancer become a more expressive performer.
Dance can improve a musical theatre student's movement and stage confidence.
Drama helps develop communication and character.
Musical theatre combines acting, singing and movement.
A broader performing arts school can give children the freedom to explore before deciding what they enjoy most.
At All Access, children can access opportunities across dance, drama, musical theatre and acting, allowing them to experience different sides of performing arts as they grow.
Explore our children's classes →
14. Don't Choose a School Just Because Their Friend Goes There
Having a familiar face in the room can certainly make starting easier.
But it shouldn't necessarily be the only reason you choose a class.
Children have different personalities.
One child may thrive in a large competitive environment.
Another might flourish in a smaller, more supportive group.
It can also be incredibly valuable for children to develop friendships outside school.
Joining somewhere new, gradually getting to know people and realising “I can do this on my own” can become an important confidence-building experience.
15. Check the Practical Details
The atmosphere and teaching matter enormously, but so do the practicalities.
Before committing, check:
- Class times
- Location
- Parking
- Term dates
- Fees
- Payment arrangements
- Uniform
- Notice periods
- Performance costs
- Costume costs
- Examination fees
- Sibling discounts
- Multi-class discounts
The right class needs to work for the whole family.
A wonderful activity that creates stress every week because of travel, timing or hidden costs may not be sustainable long-term.
16. Pay Attention to What Happens After the Class
Sometimes the best feedback comes from your child afterwards.
Do they:
- Show you a dance move they learned?
- Re-enact a drama game?
- Sing the song from class?
- Mention another child?
- Talk about their teacher?
- Seem proud of something they achieved?
- Ask when they're going again?
Not every child will give you a detailed account of their lesson.
In fact, sometimes you'll ask what they did and get:
"Nothing really."
Only to discover them recreating the entire routine in the living room three hours later!
The important thing is that, overall, they associate the class with something positive.
17. Remember That Progress Looks Different for Every Child
This may be one of the most important things to remember when choosing a performing arts school.
Progress doesn't look the same for everyone.
For one child, progress might mean:
- Learning a difficult dance routine
- Performing a solo
- Passing an examination
- Getting a speaking role
- Singing in front of an audience
For another, it could mean:
- Walking into class without their parent
- Introducing themselves
- Speaking loudly enough to be heard
- Making a new friend
- Joining in with a group exercise
- Putting their hand up
- Trying something unfamiliar
At All Access, we believe children should be encouraged to progress from their own starting point.
We don't want children comparing their chapter one with somebody else's chapter ten.
The goal is for each child to become a little more skilled, a little more confident and a little more willing to believe in themselves.
18. What Is the Best Dance and Performing Arts School for Your Child?
Parents understandably search online for things like:
“Best dance school near me”
“Best children's drama classes”
or:
“Best performing arts school for children.”
But there isn't one school that is best for every child.
For one family, the perfect choice may be a large competitive dance academy.
For another, it may be a smaller performing arts school where their child can explore dance, drama and musical theatre in a supportive environment.
Try to look beyond how impressive a school appears from the outside.
Instead, ask yourself:
Does my child feel…
Safe?
Included?
Supported?
Able to make mistakes?
Encouraged to try?
Proud of their progress?
Excited to return?
If the answer is yes, you've probably found somewhere special.
Questions to Ask a Dance or Performing Arts School Before Joining
If you're currently contacting classes, here are some useful questions to ask:
- Can my child have a trial class?
- Which class would suit their age?
- Do they need previous experience?
- Do you offer dance, drama and musical theatre?
- Can children try more than one discipline?
- Approximately how many children are in each class?
- How do you support shy or nervous children?
- Are performances compulsory?
- Does every child get opportunities to perform?
- Are examinations available?
- Are exams optional?
- What should my child wear for their first class?
- How are fees paid?
- Are there additional costume, performance or examination costs?
- Are sibling or multi-class discounts available?
A good performing arts school should be happy to answer your questions.
Dance, Drama and Musical Theatre Classes Near Princes Risborough
At All Access Performing Arts, our aim is to provide children with a welcoming place where they can explore performing arts while developing confidence, friendships and skills.
We offer opportunities across dance, drama, musical theatre and acting for different ages.
Some children come to us because they already love performing.
Some want to develop their technique.
Some enjoy working towards qualifications, with LAMDA acting exams currently available and dance exam opportunities planned for the future.
And others come because a parent simply wants to help them become a little more confident.
All of those children belong.
We welcome families looking for children's performing arts classes from Princes Risborough, Lacey Green, Speen, Saunderton, Naphill, Walters Ash, High Wycombe and surrounding areas of Buckinghamshire.
If you're trying to find the right dance or performing arts school for your child, they are very welcome to come and experience All Access for themselves with a free trial class.
Explore our children's dance, drama and musical theatre classes →
Confidence. Belong. Shine.
Frequently Asked Questions About Choosing a Performing Arts School
What age should my child start performing arts classes?
There is no single perfect age. Some children begin preschool performing arts classes at three or four, while others discover dance, drama or musical theatre much later. Finding an age-appropriate class where your child feels comfortable is more important than starting at a particular age.
Should my child choose dance, drama or musical theatre?
It depends on their interests. Children who love movement may enjoy dance, children with big imaginations may particularly enjoy drama, while musical theatre combines acting, singing and dance. If they are unsure, trying different classes can help them discover what they enjoy.
Can shy children benefit from drama and performing arts?
Yes. A supportive performing arts environment can give quieter children opportunities to develop confidence gradually. They don't need to become an outgoing performer overnight. Confidence can grow through small, positive experiences over time.
Does my child need previous experience?
Not necessarily. Beginner-friendly children's classes should welcome children with little or no previous dance, drama or musical theatre experience.
Is musical theatre just singing?
No. Musical theatre combines acting, singing and movement or dance, helping children develop a broad range of performance skills.
Are performing arts classes good for confidence?
They can be. Performing arts give children regular opportunities to communicate, create, contribute ideas, move, perform and work with others. In a supportive environment, these experiences can help children become increasingly comfortable expressing themselves.
Does All Access offer performing arts exams?
Yes. Students can currently work towards LAMDA qualifications in Acting, Speaking in Public and Verse & Prose, and we are also planning to offer dance examinations in the future. Exams will form part of the opportunities available to children who enjoy working towards graded qualifications, rather than being the only measure of progress.
Should my child take performing arts exams?
Exams can provide a useful goal and recognised achievement for children who enjoy working towards qualifications, but they don't need to be right for every child. Performance experience, enjoyment, confidence and personal development are valuable too.
Is a trial class important?
A trial can be extremely helpful because it lets your child experience the teacher, group and atmosphere before you commit. How your child actually feels when they are there can tell you far more than a website or social media page.