Who We Are
Founded in Chalfont St Peter in 2019 by husband-and-wife duo Scott and Pippa, Pips Dance Academy has quickly become a cornerstone of the local dance community. We offer exceptional dance training for all ages and abilities, staying true to our ethos of “dance for all.” Whether you're a beginner or an experienced dancer, we provide inclusive, high-quality lessons that inspire every student to reach their potential.
Our academy doesn’t just focus on teaching dance — we create opportunities for our students to engage with the dance industry and showcase their skills. With numerous performance opportunities and industry connections, students at Pips have the chance to experience the excitement of the stage and make valuable connections within the dance world.
Learning Never Stops at Pips Dance Academy
We strongly believe that learning is a lifelong journey. Our students gain a wealth of knowledge from every class, every performance, and every exam they take. Alongside regular dance lessons, students have the chance to participate in local festivals, and if desired, take exams with respected awarding bodies like RAD and NATD. We are also a registered Arts Award and LAMDA centre, providing students with further qualifications and opportunities to grow.
Pips Dance Academy offers a wide range of dance styles to suit all interests and skill levels. From the classic elegance of RAD ballet to the rhythm of tap dance, and the energy of jazz and street dance, there’s something for every dancer. Our contemporary classes encourage creativity and artistic expression, while musical theatre lessons combine dance, drama, and song, creating well-rounded performers. Additionally, acro classes help build strength, flexibility, and agility, blending dance and gymnastics into one exciting discipline. We even offer GCSE Dance for students wanting to pursue a more academic path in the arts.
Contact us today!
Pips Dance Academy inspires dancers of all ages to join our vibrant community in Chalfont and Buckinghamshire, where creativity flourishes, talent is nurtured, and success is celebrated.
All of our teachers hold a minimum of an Enhanced DBS certificate and a Safeguarding certificate, ensuring your child’s safety while receiving expert instruction in their chosen dance style. Every member of our team is highly skilled and dedicated to providing the best possible learning experience for all students.
FAQs
Please find below answers to frequently asked questions ...
How do I know what class my child should trial?
If you let us know what style your child wants to trial and their age, we will allocate to the correct class. Once we have met them, we will assess their ability and put them in the correct class. Our classes are based on ability not age once we have met them.
When can I trial a class?
You can trial a class at any time of the year, except from October to Christmas as this is show preparation time. We offer free trial week once a year after our show in January, the rest of the time these will be £20 for a two week trial.
How much are classes and how do I pay?
Class costs differ depending on the length. Our current fees are on our timetable page.
All class costs are subject to change.
We offer private lessons and the cost of these are all quoted at the time of booking.
Once you join the dance school you are required to set up a GoCardless account which will allow us to create the instalment plan from the invoices that we send through. Payments for trials can be done via GoCardless or through a bank transfer - details are available on request.
What does my child wear to class?
For their first class they need to wear something they can move in. If they have the correct footwear, please bring that if not barefoot is fine. Please then see our uniform page on the website for full uniform requirements.
How do you communicate with parents?
We post a weekly update to the Parents/Carers WhatsApp Group along with a monthly student newsletter.
We try to send out minimal emails as this is not a preferred method of communication for our Customers. We are always available to answer questions via email and this is the quickest way to get your questions answered.
While our teachers would love to be able to discuss your child's progress with you in person, we ask you to forward any questions to pips@pipsdanceacademy.co.uk so that we can discuss with you or find a time for the teacher to speak to you without keeping them from teaching their class.
My child has additional needs, can they join?
Of course! We have a dance for all ethos and encourage everyone to give dance a go! If you get in touch with us we can discuss your child's needs and ensure we can make appropriate adjustments.
Can I stay and watch the class?
No. You must drop off and collect your child. We encourage independence and of course if there is an issue we can contact you. We offer watching weeks for you to be able to see your child in action.
What if my child has never danced before?
No worries at all. We provide lessons for students who have never danced before, right up to those who want a career in dance. Please get in touch and we can talk through your requirements.
What age can my child start dancing?
Our classes start at 3 years old. Your child must be toilet trained to attend classes. Sometimes we will trial a child at 2.5 years old.
Can my child take examinations?
Yes they can. We teach RAD Ballet in classes and take examinations each year (these are optional). For all other styles we use NATD. We do not teach syllabus in class and therefore we offer private packages for examinations.
Do you offer shows?
Yes we do lots of performances throughout the year, but our two big shows are our yearly dance show in January and our summer musical camp in August.
Do you have any Pre Loved uniform items?
We have a small stock of pre loved uniform items and try to run sales once a term. Keep an eye out for the next sale date. If you would like to know if we have anything specific in the stock, please email pips@pipsdanceacademy.co.uk
How does payment of classes work?
We use GoCardless (GCL) to collect payment of all invoices by direct debit. Setting up a GCL account allows the invoices to be spread across our payment terms.
Our payment terms are as follows:
-
TERM 1 - September - December
-
TERM 2 - January - April
-
TERM 3 - May - August
GCL direct debits are set up to collect payment of all invoices at the beginning of each month in that term.
Alternative payments plans can be discussed on an individual basis.
How can I monitor my account with Pips and all my invoices and payments?
The Class Manager for customers app is a really useful way to monitor your account with Pips.
To create an account use this link: REGISTER WITH CLASS MANAGER
What happens if my child cannot attend a class due to illness or for other reasons and what happens if I need to cancel classes?
If your child is not able to make their class please email pips@pipsdanceacademy.co.uk to let us know. We will contact you if we haven't seen your child for more than 2 sessions and haven't heard from you. We feel a great sense of responsibility for the well-being of all our students.
If you want to cancel any classes that you attend, half a terms written notice is required. For our after school clubs, we ask for 1 month. Please do not cancel your GCL instalment plan, as payments run over your cancellation date. We will delete your payment information once all payments are settled.
How do I know when my child should progress to the next level class?
The teachers at Pips will advise you when we think your child is ready to progress to the next age group or level. This is not always dependent on their age.
Why Do I Pay a Membership Fee at Pips?
We pride ourselves on providing many more opportunities for our students than just weekly classes. The opportunities come with additional administration, insurances, etc. We also do small activities, within the classes, throughout the year where we incur the cost and we do not pass this onto customers. We celebrate those who stay with us over the years with badges and awards for exceptional achievements. The Membership Fee contributes to all of this and so much more and allows us to continue doing all these added extras. We also ensure that all the Staff at Pips are First Aid trained and that we have some who are trained as Mental Health First Aiders.