Background
The Bailey-Cox Dance Academy has been established in Sheffield for over
35 years, and has a strong tradition of producing students of
excellence. Whilst many pupils may not choose dance as a career, it is
important that correct training be given right from the beginning, so
that the doors of opportunity are wide open. It is equally important
that a love of dance is nurtured and encouraged in all pupils so that,
whether professionally or for leisure, dance remains a life long source
of inspiration, relaxation and joy.
Training is provided of the highest standard, and pupils are encouraged
to achieve their maximum potential. Developing individual potential is
high in the list of priorities, as is the development of good
relationships between teachers, staff, fellow pupils and parents.
The Bailey Cox Dance Academy is a fun place to be. It buzzes with
activity every evening and all day Saturday. It is a safe and friendly
place, where each child and student is treated with respect and where
lasting friendships blossom. Finally, it is a learning place, where the
love of dance is caught through inspiration as well as taught with care
and sensitivity.
Interested? Then please read on.
Boys and girls enter the school from 3 years upwards. The early classes
are fun filled and exciting where children are encouraged to express
themselves through the music and movement, and to develop their
imagination. As they progress through the school classes become more
structured while retaining the feeling that “dancing is fun”. Children
are encouraged to experiment with different styles of dance to produce
a broad base of experience, and so classes in Tap, Theatre Craft,
Modern Jazz, Street Jazz and Musical Theatre are on offer, in addition
to the basic Ballet class. For those who require specialist classical
ballet training, additional student ballet classes are offered from
Grade 1 onwards. As the teenage years approach, those who have a desire
to dance professionally, and who have the appropriate talent and
physique, enter into the Vocational examination syllabus classes of the
Royal Academy of Dance, while those students dancing purely for
pleasure, continue in the main stream. All children and students are
encouraged to enjoy all aspects of dance, irrespective of ability or
talent, and all are welcome. At the age of 16 pupils who express an
interest in teaching begin training for the Pre-Associate teaching
exams, with the option of continuing at 18 to gain the Associate
examinations of the IDTA which gives them an internationally recognised
teaching qualification.
History
The School was opened in 1972 by Cheriene Bailey, who is a Fellow
(Hons) and former Examiner of the IDTA and a full Member and Registered
Teacher of the Royal Academy of Dance. Cheriene also studied at
Sheffield City College of Higher Education for three years, holds the
Certificate in Education and is an experienced Middle School teacher.
Karen Cox joined the School in 1980, became a full-time member of staff
in 1984 and in 1988 became a Joint Principal. Karen is a Fellow (Hons)
of the IDTA, a full Member and Registered Teacher of the RAD and is a
fully qualified Nursery Nurse NNEB. Her professional experience as
dancer and choreographer in Jersey, is an enormous asset to the School.
She gained the RAD Teachers Certificate with Distinction in 1988 giving
her the RAD Teaching Diploma.
Clarification - The natural progression through the school
It always takes a while for new parents & pupils to grasp the
system, so here is a brief outline of how a pupil should progress.
•Baby class from 3 years old:
¾ hour creative, fun class to include ballet & tap.
•Preparatory class from 5 years old:
1hr class to include ballet & tap with the option of a further ½ hr
class in funky jazz. Pupils are prepared for their first tap exam in
this class.
•Pre-Primary class from 5 + years old:
1hr class to include ballet & tap with the option of a further ½ hr
class in funky jazz. Pupils are prepared for their first ballet exam
from this class.
•Primary class:
1¾ hr class to include ballet, tap & theatre craft with the option of a further ½ hr class in funky jazz.
As from Grade 1 it is recommended that where possible,
pupils take all 4 subjects, ballet, tap, theatre craft and jazz. The
minimum requirement at this level is 1 ballet class plus 1 other class
per week. We believe that this will help all pupils achieve an
acceptable standard.
On passing the Grade 1 ballet exam, pupils are given the opportunity to
take Junior Student ballet class in addition to the Grade class, for
specialist training. Freestyle is available for students from Grade 3
onwards.
Grooming and punctuality
Please ensure that pupils are correctly dressed for class. Please wear
ballet socks either pink or white, and not multi-coloured socks or
trainer socks. Hair should be neatly tied back (in a bun where possible
for ballet class from grade 1 upwards). Try to arrive 10 mins before
class is due to start. Once the child is settled parents are encouraged
to wait in the coffee bar. Please ensure that all little ones go to the
toilet before coming in to class as much teaching time is taken up with
toilet trips!!
Shows
Shows are usually held every 2 years, usually at the Crucible Theatre,
Sheffield. Children and parents get a taste of real theatre, complete
with full scale rehearsals, stunning costumes, makeup, lights and music
and of course a live audience. This experience of performing is vital
to the development of the young dancer, as well as being thrilling,
exciting and fun. New parents who would like to get involved in the
production side of things are very welcome. Please let us know if you
have any skills to offer, or time. Both are of great value in pulling a
production together.
Yorkshire Scholars, NBT Associates and Associates of the Royal Ballet School
Gifted pupils are encouraged to audition for the above, and each year
we are delighted to see our pupils benefiting from the superb
additional training offered. Successful pupils attend regional classes
in Leeds, York and London usually on Saturday.
IDTA Scholarships
The visiting IDTA examiners frequently nominate our gifted pupils for
scholarship. Nominated students attend the International Theatre Awards
in Manchester. If they are successful in winning the scholarship they
are given a cash award to further their training in the school. There
are only 8 winners per year.
Professional Dancers
Many pupils have successfully found careers in commercial theatre and
classical ballet and have travelled extensively around the world. Jane
Sansby has been Captain of the Bluebell Dancers at the Lido in Paris
for many years, and has choreographed for the Cirque De Hiver,
Charlotte Talbot formally Principal Ballerina with the Northern Ballet
Company and has worked as a freelance soloist with Roland Petit, Jayne
Saunders is dancing in Las Vegas, Jodie & Ryan Milner are dancing
on Cruise Ships. Caitlin Smith is working as a freelance contemporary
dancer with contracts in Europe. Emma Hopkins (aged 12) toured
professionally last year in the lead role of “Annie” and has just
completed a season in “Whistle Down the Wind” in London’s West End.
James Lomas (Billy Elliot) attended Bailey-Cox for classical ballet
training prior to the opening of the show.
Fee Payment
Term Fees
There are 4 terms in the year.
Term 1 Sept-Nov
Term 2 Nov-Feb
Term 3 Feb-May
Term 4 May-July
Terms are usually 10 weeks long and the dates of the term and holidays
are always printed on your term bill. Term bills are usually issued in
the 8th week of term. Refunds are not given unless absence exceeds 1
month and is due to ill health.
Term fees are payable in the 9th week of term by using the drop off box in class or by post to:
The Administrator
Bailey Cox Dance Academy
152 Carr Lane,
Dronfield Woodhouse,
Sheffield S18 8XD.
Late fees will incur a £10 administration fee.
Fees are:
- £2.40 per ½ hour lesson
- £3.60 per ¾ hour lesson
- £4.80 per 1 hour lesson
It is usual for pupils to take 1 exam per subject per year. Pupils will
be informed when they are ready to begin a course of coaching exam
classes. Extra lessons can be paid on the same cheque as the term bill.
Parents are encouraged to watch these lessons so that they can help
their child practise. It is also helpful to purchase a syllabus and CD
for use at home.
Exam Fees
Exam fee details do not appear on your term bill. The details are
always on the notice boards and web site. These fees can be paid using
the drop off box in class, or by post to the administrator. Please make
out separate cheques. Do not pay term fees and exam fees on the same
cheque. Children whose exam fees are not paid by the closing date will
miss the exam session and will have to wait until the next set of
exams.
Grade 1- 5 Character & TC skirts
From grade 1 onward, pupils will need character skirts for Ballet, and
chiffon skirts for Theatre Craft. They can be made individually to
order by Libby Drake. Order from her directly, by post, using the order
forms on display on the notice boards. If you would prefer to make your
own then the blue chiffon is available from Dapet Textiles in
Chesterfield. Libby has a stock of black fabric and all other items
needed so that all skirts are identical. Order forms for materials and
sewing instructions are available on line.
Contact Us
You can contact via the form on the Contact page of this website, or if you need to phone then please do so:
weekdays 9.30 - 3.00
and not on Sundays or evenings.
Cheriene Bailey: 0114 266 9287
Karen Cox: 0114 2680 956
We would like to encourage you to communicate with us via email, rather than phone call if possible.
