Frequently Asked Questions

Absolutely not!

MyCharleston classes are designed to be all levels, so you don’t need any previous dance experience. Everyone has to start somewhere, and I’ll break the choreography down step by step.

Where needed, I can also give you easier options for some of the more complex movements.

The most important thing is that you come along ready to have fun.

No — you don’t need to bring a partner.

Lots of people come to class on their own and you won’t be expected to arrive with somebody to dance with.

MyCharleston is a really sociable class, so even if you come alone, you’ll soon get to know the rest of the group.

Definitely.

Lots of people feel a little nervous before their first class, especially if they haven’t danced before or don’t know anyone else who is coming.

The classes are friendly, relaxed and welcoming, and you’ll soon get to know the other people in your group.

You won’t be expected to partner up with someone or arrive knowing anybody.

Fun, friendly and relaxed!

Over the course we’ll learn a Charleston routine together, building it up gradually each week.

There’s no pressure to get everything right, and nobody is expected to arrive already knowing what they’re doing. The focus is on enjoying the music, learning something new and having a great time.

Each MyCharleston course runs for 6 weeks.

We build the routine gradually from week to week, so by the end of the course you’ll have learned a complete Charleston routine.

Don’t worry if you have to miss a week — there are online resources available to help you catch up.

I completely understand that booking a course can feel like a bit of a leap if you’ve never tried Charleston before.

That’s why, for the September 2026 courses, I’m offering a first-class money-back guarantee.

Book and pay for the full six-week course, attend Lesson 1 and give it a try. If, after that first class, you decide that it genuinely isn’t for you and you don’t want to continue, let me know within 24 hours and I’ll refund the full amount you paid to the original payment method.

You must attend Lesson 1 to qualify; non-attendance does not qualify for a refund.

So you can give Charleston a go without worrying that you’re committing yourself to all six weeks before you’ve even stepped onto the dance floor.

No!

MyCharleston is designed for adults of different ages, backgrounds and levels of experience.

You don’t need to be young, super-flexible or particularly fit to take part. I’ll always encourage you to work at a level that feels comfortable for you.

Please work within your own limits and let me know before class if there is anything that might affect your participation.

I can often suggest alternative or lower-impact versions of movements where appropriate.

If you’re unsure whether dancing is suitable for you because of an existing injury or health condition, it’s always sensible to seek advice from an appropriate healthcare professional before taking part.

That’s completely normal.

Some steps will click immediately and others may take a little longer. I’ll break everything down and, where appropriate, offer alternative or simplified versions.

You’ll also have access to recap material between lessons, so there’s no pressure to remember everything during the class itself.

Wear something comfortable that allows you to move freely.

There’s no need for specialist dancewear — so you can safely leave the leotard at home!

Try to avoid clothing that restricts your movement, such as very tight jeans or tops that make it difficult to lift your arms above your head.

Choose shoes that are comfortable, reasonably supportive and secure on your feet.

Ideally, they should have a relatively smooth sole so that you can move and turn without your feet sticking to the floor.

I recommend avoiding:

• Very grippy trainers
• Very high heels
• Loose ballet pumps or shoes that may slip off your feet

Lace-up pumps with a smooth sole are ideal.

If you already own dance shoes, you’re very welcome to wear them, but they certainly aren’t required.

And don’t worry if you arrive and discover your shoes are a little too grippy — I have dance socks that can be worn over your shoes to help.

Just bring yourself and some water.

You may get warmer than you expect once we start dancing, so having a drink with you is a good idea.

The Penrith classes are held at:

Beaconside School
Eden Mount
Penrith
CA11 8HG

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Please use CA11 8HG, which directs you to the correct rear entrance for the hall. This is different from the school’s main address because the class entrance is around the back of the building.

Yes. There is ample free parking available through the gates at the Penrith venue.

The Darlington classes are held at:

Centre Stage
Unit 6, 80 East Mount Road
Darlington
DL1 1LA

Centre Stage is the home of Darlington Operatic Society and gives us a great space to dance.

There is plenty of parking available, so you shouldn’t have any trouble finding somewhere to leave your car.

If it’s your first class, please arrive a few minutes early so you have time to find your way in and get settled before we start.

Please arrive a few minutes before the advertised class start time.

This gives you time to park, find the room, check in and get settled before we start.

I try to begin classes as promptly as possible so that we can make the most of our dancing time.

Life happens, and sometimes missing a week is unavoidable.

After your first class, you’ll be given access to online recap material so that you can catch up on anything you’ve missed or practise the choreography between classes.

You’ll also have access to additional online MyCharleston resources and recorded classes, giving you plenty of ways to stay up to date.

So missing one week certainly doesn’t mean you have to abandon the course.

Of course — provided there is still space on the course.

I recommend booking in advance rather than simply turning up, as some courses do sell out.

If you have a friend who would like to join you, send them the booking link so they can reserve their place.

Occasionally I take photographs or short videos during classes for MyCharleston Cumbria’s website and social media.

You will never be directly named unless you choose to identify yourself.

If you would prefer not to appear in photographs or videos, please let me know. I am very happy to make sure you are omitted.

Once your course begins, you’ll have the opportunity to join our WhatsApp group.

This is where I normally share reminders, class updates and useful information during the course. The joining link is shared directly with course participants.

Please get in touch.

I’d much rather you ask than spend the week worrying about something before your first class.

And if you’re feeling nervous about coming along, that’s completely normal too. Most people are — right up until the music starts.

Then we Charleston.