Studio Halcyon Dance

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about our services.

What styles do you teach?

Classical ballet on the RAD syllabus, contemporary, jazz, hip hop, salsa and bachata, plus a conditioning and stretch class. Kids start at four in pre-ballet and creative movement, and adult classes run from absolute beginner through advanced. We do not teach ballroom or competitive dancesport.

How much does a class cost?

A single drop-in class is AED 95. A ten-class pack is AED 800 and is valid for three months, a twenty-class pack is AED 1,450 valid for six months, and unlimited monthly is AED 950. Kids term fees are AED 1,100 for a ten-week term of one class a week.

I have never danced before. Where do I start?

Take the Level 1 Foundations class in whichever style appeals — it assumes zero experience and the teacher gives everyone the basic version before adding anything on. Your first class is AED 50 as a trial. Most adults find they are comfortable by the third session, so give it three before deciding.

How are levels organised?

Adult classes run Foundations, Level 2 Improvers and Level 3 Advanced. Foundations assumes no experience, Level 2 assumes six months of regular practice, and Level 3 expects you to pick up a combination in two run-throughs. If you turn up at the wrong level a teacher will quietly suggest a swap rather than let you struggle.

What are the age ranges for children's classes?

Creative movement is 4 to 5, pre-ballet 5 to 7, junior ballet and junior hip hop 8 to 11, and teen classes 12 to 16. Children move up by readiness rather than birthday, so a teacher will speak to you if your child would do better in the group above or below.

What should I wear and do I need special shoes?

For your first class, anything you can move in and bare feet or clean trainers is fine. Ballet needs soft ballet shoes from Level 2 onward, which we sell at the desk from AED 90. Hip hop wants indoor-only trainers with a clean sole. We have a small stock of loaner shoes for trial classes.

Do you do performances or exams?

There is one showcase a year in May at a theatre in Al Quoz, optional for everyone, with a AED 250 costume and production fee per piece. RAD ballet exams run in November and March for children who want them, at AED 400 to AED 700 depending on the grade, entered only with the teacher's recommendation.

Can I book the studio for rehearsals or a private lesson?

Yes. Studio hire is AED 180 per hour for Studio A which has the sprung floor and mirrors, and AED 130 for Studio B. Private one-to-one lessons are AED 320 an hour with any of our teachers, or AED 400 for choreography work such as a wedding first dance.

What if I miss a class?

Class packs are per class, so nothing is lost — you just book another slot. For term-based kids classes we offer two make-up sessions per term in an equivalent group if you tell us before the class. Cancel a booked class up to four hours ahead to keep the credit; after that it is deducted.