Frequently Asked Questions

Whatever the style of dance class you are joining us for, we recommend wearing clothing that you can move comfortably in. For the most part, people wear basic exercise/work-out clothes.  

Some classes may have certain recommendations about what to wear. Speak to the teacher after the first class if you need any guidance, or feel free to ask our Bookings team. 

For example, we recommend that you do not wear clothes that are too baggy to a ballet class, as the teachers need to be able to see your posture. There is no requirement to wear a ballet class uniform (leotard and tights), but you can if you wish.  

Different types of dances require different shoes. We would recommend, if you are new to a dance style, waiting until you have taken a few classes in the style before purchasing the dance shoes you require.  

Some examples include: for flamenco, we recommend wearing shoes with short block heels; for ballroom, wearing shoes with short block heels or dress shoes. For ballet classes, you can start either barefoot or wearing socks, or if you have them soft ballet slippers. 

When you do decide to buy shoes and still feel unsure about the best options, feel free to ask the class teacher who will be happy to help.  

The dance shoes you require can be purchased in-person or online from dance shop specialists. Below are a few recommendations of shops in Edinburgh. 

Dance wear shop recommendations: 

Dancewear, 182 Rose St, Edinburgh EH2 4BA 

The Dance Shop, 50-54 S Clerk St, Newington, Edinburgh EH8 9PS 

Bliss Dancewear, Corstorphine Shop, 217-219 St John’s Rd, Corstorphine, Edinburgh EH12 7UU 

You are welcome to bring your belongings into the dance studio if they are not in the way of the class as it takes place.  

We also have lockers located in our changing rooms, outside our changing rooms, and in the foyer beside Studio 3 and 4.   

You need £1 to secure the locker, which you will get back after using it. If you do not have £1, please ask reception for a token that you can use.  

Yes, we have showers. In our main changing rooms, we have communal style showers and in our changing rooms beside Studio 2, we have separate cubicle showers located in both changing rooms.  Please bring your own towel. 

No, we do not sell water. But we have a water fountain in our central foyer space, where you can refill your water bottle.  

If you have forgotten your bottle, just ask reception and they will be happy to help.  

We operate waiting lists for any of our classes that are fully booked.  

If the class you wish to book for is a course, you can add yourself to our waitlist by calling or emailing us or through your online account. If you are unable to add yourself to a waiting list through your online account, please get in touch with us.  

To be included on a waiting list for a drop-in class, please contact us by calling us 0131 225 5525 or email dance@dancebase.co.uk, and our Bookings and Front of House team will be happy to add you to our waiting list.  

If we receive any cancellations, we will contact the people on the waiting list by phone or by email in the order they were added to the list.  

When you arrive, please check-in for your class at the front desk. You will need to do this each time you arrive for your class.  

We recommend arriving at least 10 minutes before your class starts, or at the teacher’s discretion. 

We generally allow latecomers to join a class up to 10 minutes after the start time, but the final decision lies with each individual teacher – i.e. they may not permit latecomers if they feel there is a health and safety concern from missing important warm-up time in the class.  

Based in Edinburgh’s historic Grassmarket, Dance Base is a modern, purpose-built home for creating, nurturing and celebrating dance.

We have: 

• A lift for level access to all areas of the building;
• Four purpose-built dance studios, each with sprung dance floor, barres, mirrors and a sound system;
• Changing facilities, showers, toilets, including lockers;
• Accessible toilets, showers and changing facilities, both opposite reception and next to the main changing rooms at the rear of the building;
• A reception area with seating and friendly Dance Base staff to welcome you;  
• Two further foyer/waiting areas with seating; 
• An office space, kitchen, meeting room and green room for staff, artists and teachers; and
• Hearing loops in all studios.

We do not offer pointe ballet classes here at Dance Base. All our ballet classes are taught in soft shoes.

If you are experienced in pointe, you may speak to your teacher about wearing your pointe shoes in class. However, the content of the class will not change.

We may, on occasion, offer one-off workshops which may include pointe ballet, so keep an eye on our programme for any of these.  

Give the gift of dance! Our gift cards start at £20, and the value of the card will be added to the recipient’s Dance Base account to spend as they like. Buy gift cards here.