21 Sept 2026
Most new parents ask the same questions before booking a first class, from what it costs to what happens if their child won't go in. Here are straight answers from the Moving Waves team, who have run classes across North London since 2015, with academies in Haringey (N15), Archway/Tufnell Park (N19) and Bounds Green (N11).
In short:
At Moving Waves, we want as many people as possible to benefit from the arts. This is why we try to keep our costs as affordable as we can. Monthly memberships for our Academy start from £52 plus an annual membership fee of £25 (which covers termly report cards, staff training, enhanced customer service and insurance). We also offer a two-week trial with unlimited access to all our classes for only £27. Workshops, summer camps and parties are priced separately by session type and length.
The best style is the one your child asks to go back to, and the easiest way to find it is to try two or three during a trial. Here is a rough guide to how each one tends to suit different children.
Not every style runs at every venue. Haringey (N15) offers the widest range, including street dance, ballet, commercial, contemporary, musical theatre, jazz and acro. Archway/Tufnell Park (N19) runs street dance, contemporary, ballet and acro, and Bounds Green (N11) runs street dance, ballet and acro.
Still unsure? Book the two-week trial, try a different style each week, and let your child choose.
Yes, shy children often do very well in dance and drama, because the focus is on joining in at their own pace rather than performing on the spot. It is completely normal for a child to sit and watch for the first session or two. At Moving Waves we say that watching is taking part: children learn a great deal by observing before they join in.
A few things help:
Our approach in one line: confidence, creativity and joy first, and the skills follow.
Parents are encouraged to observe from outside the classroom in our cosy seating areas, keeping distractions low and helping children settle. If your child is hesitant on day one, that is normal and it usually passes within a few sessions.
What tends to help:
Comfortable clothes they can move in are all your child needs for a first class, there is no need to buy a uniform before the trial.
If your child continues, we will let you know about any style-specific kit and uniform.
Around age 3 to 4 is a good time to start attending dance classes, when children can follow simple instructions and enjoy moving to music in a group. However, there is no age that is too late to start dancing, and many children start in primary school or even as teenagers. Here's a guide on our age ranges
Thinking specifically about ballet? Read our guide, What age should my daughter start ballet?. New to all of this? Our dance class tips for new parents covers what to expect.
The best class for a 3 or 4 year old is a dynamic, playful session led by a teacher who makes moving to music feel like a game, close to home so the routine is easy to keep. Moving Waves runs academies in three North London locations.
Timetables change each term, so check the current times before you book. Then use the two-week trial to see whether your child enjoys the room, the teacher and the routine.
Yes, Moving Waves offers a two-week trial for £27 that includes unlimited classes, so your child can try several styles before you commit.
How it works:
Wondering how to prepare? Our tips for new dance parents answer the most common first-week questions.
Dance is for every child, and boys gain the same coordination, strength, confidence and friendships as everyone else. Every style is open to boys and they are always welcome at Moving Waves. If your son is unsure, let him pick the style that sounds most fun and try it in the trial. The trial is a low-pressure way to see how he gets on.
Our dance and drama classes at Moving Waves are designed to be inclusive, confidence-building and creative, and we welcome children with additional needs. Our team includes creative practitioners who are prepared to welcome children with SEN and different abilities.
Every child is different, so the best step is to talk to us before the trial. It helps to tell us:
We will tell you honestly whether a class is the right fit, and what adjustments we can make. You can reach us at info@movingwaves.org.
All our facilitators at Moving Waves are DBS checked and experienced in safeguarding. We have first aid kits in all our academies, so rest assured your child will be safe with us. If you have any concerns or special requirements, message us info@movingwaves.org and we will help you.
At Moving Waves we stage a larger summer show each year in a North London theatre and we also provide further performance opportunities over the year such as community festivals and smaller winter shows. Taking part on these is always optional, yet highly encouraged since this is where we see most progress and excitement.
The easiest way to find out if your child will love it is to get them on the floor. Book the two-week trial for £27 at your nearest academy in Haringey (N15), Archway/Tufnell Park (N19) or Bounds Green (N11), and let them try as many styles as they like before you decide.
Book your trial or get in touch at info@movingwaves.org.
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