Some Common Questions and Answers:

Why send my child to dancing classes?

Most children attend dance classes because they have a fun time.  Classes need to be properly planned and geared to their age and abilities.  If these points are accounted for then the class will be interesting and enjoyable; both are essential criteria to maintain childrens enthusiasm. 

Dancing will also improve a childs confidence.  This is a very important aspect of their development.  Careful nurturing of their abilities will expand their confidence into all aspects of their lives providing a sound basis for personality and physical development.

Physical exercise is another important contribution from dance classes.  Many children spend an increasing amount of time in front of the television and computer; physical exercise is essential for their development and health.  Dance classes will improve physical strength and stamina markedly.

What qualifications do people need to teach dancing?

The frightening truth is that anyone can set up their own dancing classes.  There are no regulations covering dancing classes or any other classes.  Many independent teachers will hold some qualifications with one or more bodies.  There are several awarding bodies in the UK, all of which are independent and hence there is no regulatory council to oversee their activities.  All professional schools and ballet companies usually require teaching qualifications to be held with the Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) or with the Imperial Society for Teachers of Dancing (ISTD).  Both these governing bodies are very well regarded throughout the world; their qualifications are recognised in many different countries.  Importantly, both these organisations are registered charities.  This means that they are not established to make a profit, enabling them to set and maintain standards impartially.  Some bodies and associations are commercial organisations.  This can lead to a conflict of interests where examination fees raise money and thus it is in the interest of the organisation to pass students without them achieving any recognised standard.

All the teachers at Eosse are well qualified with recognised organisations to teach their specialities and all have a good practical performing background.

What syllabus is it best to follow?

The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) classical ballet syllabus is generally regarded as being the best in the world and is internationally recognised.  Whilst being technically challenging, it also encourages an elegant dance quality which can be used in all other forms of dance.  We encourage children to take ballet classes as this gives them the strength and technique required for them to excel in other dance forms.  The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) syllabus is excellent for modern, tap, jazz and disco awards.  Again, the awards and qualifications are internationally recognised and regarded as essential qualifications for entry into professional schools and colleges.  

Why Ecosse Juniors?

 Quite simply, we employ the best teachers available and operate from the best facilities in the region.  Our teachers are recruited from all over the UK and many travel long distances to teach for us.  We are not limited by local supply; if we need a position filling we select the best from around the country and bring them in to the area.  We invest our resources to give you the best possible service.

Our studios in Lossiemouth are unrivalled in the region.  Three years of extensive capital investment have resulted in Lossiemouth having a unique facility equipped to professional standards.  All the studio flooring is supplied by Harlequin who specialise in manufacturing dance floors for professional companies all around the world.  The floors layering system ensures that injuries are minimised and the surface finish is ideal for all dance forms.  Mirrors and other fixtures are all specialist high grade products; quality of this kind is not available anywhere else in Morayshire.

We would urge you to go and have a look at all available schools and observe some lessons in progress.  Any school that hides its classes behind a closed studio door has no accountability.  Compare our services and facilities to anyone else; we are confident that we provide the best value for money.     

All our activities are open and accountable.  As an approved Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) Centre all our management systems are scrutinised and examined.  Our classes are also inspected regularly by HM inspectors as we run full time courses in conjunction with Moray College.  No other dance school in the area is subject to any external evaluation and inspection.