Dance classes near Folkestone for families who want more

If you live in Folkestone and want more for your child than a loud club in a school hall, Artists In Motion in Aylesham gives you a proper dance school within an easy drive of the town. Many of our dancers already travel in from Folkestone, so the route is tried and tested by real families who juggle work, school and other activities.

AIM is a family run school that balances strong technical training with a genuinely warm atmosphere. Children are expected to listen, try their best and treat others well. In return they get experienced teachers who know how to build skills and confidence step by step, without pressure or drama.

Parents from Folkestone often say they were looking for somewhere that feels kind and welcoming but still takes progress seriously. That is exactly what you will find when you walk into AIM Studios.

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Check out our reviews on Google

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Rachel Ely
10 May, 2021

My son absolutely loves his AIM classes and as a parent I am extremely happy with the high level of teaching he receives. Everyone at AIM is helpful and professional and works towards a child centered approach.

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Natalie Douglas
10 May, 2021

My daughter takes part in two classes at AIM, Musical Theatre and Street Dance and she loves them both equally. She can't wait to show us what she has learned after each session and it's lovely to see her confidence grow each week. The lessons are fun and engaging and the teachers are friendly and approachable as well as being highly skilled and professional. My daughter is extremely happy here and a happy child makes for a happy mum. I highly recommend AIM.

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Ally Murray
10 May, 2021

Lisa and her lovely team are the most amazing dance school, giving children that live in the countryside and surrounding towns a chance to shine at all different dance styles. My daughter has been going to ballet class since she was two and love her dance family that she has come to know in the studio and on zoom sessions. She has learnt to share, take turns, rhythm beats/count and have fun with her friends. We can’t wait for her to grow in her dance knowledge with Artist in motion school of dance.

Prices and Payment Structure

30 Minute Class 45 Minute Class 60 Minute Class 75 Minute Class
£15.00 per month £19 per month £25 per month £29 per month

Classes for Folkestone children, teens and adults

Whether your child is constantly dancing round the living room or you have a teenager who already lives for performing, there will usually be a class that fits.

Typical options include

Timetables are reviewed during the year, with after school and weekend options that work for busy Folkestone families. If you have more than one child, the team will usually try to place siblings in classes that sit close together, so you are not stuck at the studios all evening.

Why Folkestone families choose Artists In Motion

If you are going to leave Folkestone and travel to a dance school, it has to feel worth the time and fuel. Families who make the journey to AIM tend to be looking for three things, a kind environment, proper training and clear communication.

At AIM you will find

  • Small class sizes where teachers actually know each child
  • Qualified, experienced staff who understand safe technique and child development
  • A clear structure of levels and exams so you can see progress over time
  • Regular performance opportunities for children who enjoy the stage
  • Firm but fair expectations around kindness, effort and respect

The school has a strong stance on bullying and unkind behaviour. If friendship issues appear, staff step in quickly and calmly. The goal is always the same, for students from Folkestone and surrounding areas to feel safe, supported and able to focus on their dancing.

Travelling from Folkestone to AIM Studios

AIM Studios are based at Intex House on Cooting Road in Aylesham, a straightforward drive from Folkestone along familiar local routes.

For many Folkestone parents the pattern is simple. Collect from school, quick snack in the car, straight to class, then home again in good time for dinner and homework. Adults who train with us often arrive after work, use class as their reset, then head back to Folkestone feeling clearer and more energised.

There is parking outside or close to the building, so drop off and pick up stay simple even on busy weekday evenings. Once you have done the trip a couple of times it tends to slot into the week without much fuss.

Exams, shows and performance opportunities for Folkestone dancers

If your child loves the idea of costumes and stage lights, AIM offers plenty of opportunity to perform and work towards goals. When students are ready, they can take recognised graded exams that build focus and give a clear sense of achievement.

Across the year AIM also runs

  • Full school shows in theatre style venues
  • Smaller in house performances for families and friends
  • Holiday workshops and short intensive courses
  • Occasional community events and special projects

Not every Folkestone dancer wants the pressure of exams or a big show. Some just want a weekly class where they feel stronger, happier and more confident. Both approaches are completely valid. Teachers will always help you decide which path suits your child and your family timetable.

Support for nervous beginners from Folkestone

Not every child runs into the studio full of confidence. Some arrive from Folkestone feeling worried, shy or convinced they will be the only new person in the room. That is normal and something our team is very used to handling.

To help new dancers settle, staff will

  • Greet them by name and speak to them directly
  • Explain clearly what will happen during class
  • Pair them with friendly classmates so they are not left on their own
  • Give gentle encouragement rather than putting them on the spot

If it helps, you can usually wait close by during their first visit, depending on the class and age group. The aim is simple. Your child leaves their trial feeling proud that they did it and able to picture themselves coming back next week.

Trials, fees and uniforms for Folkestone families

If you are unsure which class will suit your child or whether they will enjoy dance, a paid trial is the best starting point.

A trial gives you

  • A low cost way to reserve a place in a suitable class
  • A chance for your child to meet the teacher and experience the group
  • Honest feedback on level, style and next steps

Ongoing fees are set out as clear monthly payments. You will not find surprise extras hidden in the wording. Uniform is introduced gradually. Folkestone families can begin with simple, comfortable clothing and soft shoes, then move to full AIM uniform once their child has settled and wants to carry on. The online uniform shop makes it easy to order the correct items without guessing sizes or brands.

How to get started if you live in Folkestone

If you are based in Folkestone and thinking about dance classes, the process is straightforward.

  1. Visit the AIM website and open the page for dance classes near Folkestone or the main Aylesham timetable
  2. Choose a class that matches your child’s age and experience, or ask the team for a recommendation
  3. Complete the enquiry or paid trial form with your details and preferred days
  4. Wait for your confirmation with class time, directions to AIM Studios and simple guidance on what to wear and bring

On the day of your trial, aim to arrive a little early so your child can see the studios, meet the teacher and take a breath before class starts. If they walk out smiling, talking about the music and asking when they can go again, you will know that the short journey from Folkestone is going to be worth it.

Where You Can Find Us

Studio Address

AIM Studios, Intex House, Cooting Road, Aylesham, CT3 3EP

By Car

  • 15 minutes from Canterbury via the A2.
  • 20 minutes from Dover via the A2.

By Bus

  • From Canterbury: 89 bus from Canterbury Bus Station to Aylesham; runs about hourly; journey ~18–24 minutes.
  • From Dover: 982 / 983 buses towards Aylesham; weekdays only; journey ~50 minutes (check timetable).
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Get in Touch to Book a Trial

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Frequently Asked Questions

How close are your dance classes to Folkestone town
Our nearest studios for Folkestone families are AIM Studios at Intex House, Cooting Road in Aylesham. By car it is a straightforward trip from Folkestone, so children and adults can travel in after school or work, enjoy class, then be home again without a late night. Many families follow routes they already use for shopping or commuting, and there is parking outside or close to the building which keeps drop off and pick up simple even on busy evenings.
Do you offer a free or paid trial for dance classes near Folkestone
We offer a low cost paid trial so Folkestone families and adult dancers can try a class before committing to regular lessons. The trial lets you or your child meet the teacher, see the studios and experience the group. The small fee secures your place, helps us manage class sizes and gives a genuine feel for whether AIM is the right long term home for your dancing, rather than just a one off session.
What ages from Folkestone can join your classes
Dancers who live in Folkestone can join us from around three or four years old through to teens, and where timetable space allows we also run classes that are suitable for adults. Preschoolers, primary school children, secondary students and adult beginners are all welcome. Classes are grouped by age and experience so everyone works at a level that feels achievable and safe but still has enough challenge to keep them progressing and excited to learn more each week.
Which dance styles are available for Folkestone students
At AIM Studios near Folkestone we teach a wide range of styles for children, teens and adults. These include ballet, tap, modern and jazz, commercial and street inspired dance, acro, aerial hoop and musical theatre, along with stretch and strength based sessions that support safe technique. The timetable can change each term, so we always encourage Folkestone parents to check the current schedule and ask if you would like help matching styles to your child’s personality and goals.
Can we fit travel from Folkestone around school clubs and work commitments
Yes. Many families travel straight from Folkestone schools and workplaces to AIM Studios. A typical pattern is collect from school, quick snack in the car, class at AIM, then back to Folkestone in good time for dinner, homework and bedtime. Adults often come in after work and use class as their switch off time before heading home. Because the journey is short and parking is close to the building, lessons feel like a realistic part of the week rather than another stressful rush across town.
Can Folkestone dancers take exams, shows and performance work with you
Students from Folkestone can work towards recognised dance exams when they are ready, and they are invited to take part in our shows, in house performances, holiday workshops and occasional community events. Some dancers love the focus of exams and the buzz of costume and stage lights, while others prefer to keep lessons as their weekly time to move, have fun and build confidence. Both paths are respected by the teaching team, and we will always support families to choose what feels right for their child and their schedule in Folkestone.
My child is shy and has never danced before in Folkestone, can they still join
Absolutely. Many of our Folkestone students arrive at AIM as complete beginners or as children who tried a school club but never had formal training. Our teachers are used to supporting shy or anxious dancers. We greet them by name, pair them with friendly classmates and give clear, calm instructions rather than loud pressure. Parents can usually stay close by during the first visit if that helps. The aim is that your child walks out of their trial feeling proud of themselves and keen to come back, even if they were nervous to start with.
How do I book a trial class if I live in Folkestone
To book a trial from Folkestone, visit our website and go to the page for dance classes near Folkestone or the main Aylesham timetable. Complete the enquiry or trial booking form and our team will confirm a suitable class, send directions to AIM Studios on Cooting Road and explain what to wear and bring. We will also answer any questions you have about levels, exams, costs or how to settle a nervous child into their first lesson, especially if they are used to local school clubs and are trying a more focused dance school environment for the first time.

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