Frequently Asked Questions about Studio Wolfe Performing Arts Classes in Cork
Everything You Need to Know
Answers to the most common questions about classes, registration, fees, and more at Studio Wolfe.
Getting Started
Starting Your Journey
Children can begin their performing arts journey at Studio Wolfe from as young as 3 years old.
- Little Stars Dance — from 3 years old (typically children in pre-school)
- Drama Classes — from 5 years old (usually when children begin Junior Infants)
- Singing Lessons — recommended from 7 years of age and up
Each programme is carefully designed to suit the age, development and confidence of the students so that every child can learn and grow at their own pace.
No experience is required for most classes.
Our dance classes from Little Stars through to Intermediate level are completely beginner-friendly, so children can start with no previous training. Whether your child is trying dance for the first time or has danced at another school, we'll find the right class for them.
For older students joining Senior dance classes, the level can be more advanced as many students have been dancing for a number of years. However, we often offer beginner classes for teens, such as beginner ballet or introductory dance classes.
Drama students can join without any previous experience at any age.
If you're unsure which class is best, simply get in touch with us and we'll happily help you find the right fit.
We always recommend choosing a class based on your child's age first.
It's important that children learn alongside their peers, as this helps build friendships, teamwork and confidence in the classroom. Our programmes are carefully structured so that children learn age-appropriate skills and progress naturally as they grow.
For dance, most students begin with our Contemporary Modern Jazz classes. From there, many choose to add Ballet, Hip Hop, Acro or Musical Theatre as they develop their interest in dance.
If you're unsure where to start, feel free to contact us and we'll guide you to the best class for your child.
We do not offer trial classes at Studio Wolfe. Instead, students register for the term.
However, we understand that starting something new can take time to settle into. That's why we offer a refund policy up to the third week of term. If after the first three classes your child decides the class is not for them, we can refund the balance of the term fees.
We find that many children — especially our younger students — may take two or three weeks to feel comfortable in their new surroundings, particularly if it's their first time attending an activity independently.
For this reason, we always encourage families to give the first few classes a chance, as most children quickly make friends, grow in confidence and fall in love with the experience.
If you have any questions about getting started, feel free to reach out to us at info@studiowolfe.ie — we're always happy to help.
The first class at Studio Wolfe is all about helping your child feel comfortable, welcomed and excited to be there. Whether your child is joining us in Douglas, Donnybrook or Blarney, every first class follows the same approach.
Every class begins with fun games and a warm-up, helping students relax, get moving and start interacting with each other. We always take time for students to introduce themselves and learn each other's names, which helps build friendships and ensures every child feels part of the group from the very beginning.
In our younger classes, learning happens through fun, imaginative activities and games designed to spark creativity and confidence. Children may work with a partner, practise skipping together, or use props such as ribbons, scarves and parachutes to make the class engaging and enjoyable.
At Studio Wolfe, we are proud that every single class has a minimum of two teachers present. This ensures students always have support, guidance and encouragement whenever they need it, creating a safe and positive learning environment.
Most importantly, the first class is about creating a happy experience where children feel relaxed, supported and excited to return the following week.
The Practical Stuff
The Practical Stuff
Classes are available across three convenient Cork locations:
Douglas — Studio Wolfe HQ
Dosco Business Park, South Douglas Road, Cork, T12 X370
Four purpose-built studios: a drama performance studio with lighting and tiered seating, two dance studios with mirrors, Harlequin flooring, ballet barres, air tracks, springboards and flex-roll mats, and a fully equipped singing studio with microphones, instruments and recording software.
Donnybrook — Studio Wolfe Donnybrook
C5 Donnybrook Commercial Park, Donnybrook, Cork, T12 R25F
Our newest location offering dance and drama classes for children in the Donnybrook and Grange area. Dance classes run on Thursdays and Saturdays, with drama classes on Fridays.
Blarney — Studio Wolfe Blarney
Blarney Golf Club, Tower, Blarney, Cork, T23 DK50
Studio Wolfe has been teaching dance and drama in Blarney for over 20 years, helping generations of local children discover a love for performing arts.
Class durations vary depending on age and level:
- Little Stars Dance, Junior Level 1 Dance, and Wolfe Pups Drama: 45 minutes
- All other dance classes (Junior Level 2, Intermediate, Senior): 1 hour
- Junior and Intermediate Drama: 1 hour
- Senior Drama: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Performance Groups (The Wolfe Pack & Musical Theatre Group): 1 hour 30 minutes per week
This structure ensures students get the right amount of time to learn, have fun, and develop skills without feeling rushed.
Studio Wolfe runs two terms each year:
- Autumn Term: September — January
- Spring Term: January — May
Each term consists of approximately 15 weeks of classes, following the school calendar. We take breaks for mid-term, Christmas, Easter, and other school holidays, ensuring a schedule that works well for families.
Studio Wolfe classes follow the school calendar, with breaks for mid-term, Christmas, Easter, and other holidays.
For the most up-to-date term dates, please check our Studio Wolfe Calendar.
- Drama classes: Comfortable clothing is recommended, as classes involve a lot of movement, jumping, and games.
- Dance classes: Studio Wolfe has a specific uniform for each level.
For new students, especially in Little Stars and Junior Level 1, we recommend attending a few classes before purchasing the uniform. In the meantime, comfortable clothes like a tracksuit, leggings, or t-shirt are perfect.
Details about uniform requirements, availability, and purchasing are shared via the Studio Wolfe App for your convenience.
To help children feel confident and settled, parents do not stay in the classroom during regular sessions. Often, staying can create more anxiety than reassurance.
If your child is nervous, you are welcome to step into the studio for a few minutes at the start of their first class to help them settle, but parents are asked to leave once the class begins.
Free parking is available at all three locations. At our Douglas studio, we also highly recommend Lishh — the lovely cafe right next door — perfect for grabbing a coffee while you wait!
Throughout the year, there are plenty of opportunities to see your child's progress, including dance showcases, in-class parent displays, theatre performances, and other Studio Wolfe events.
Registration & Fees
Registration & Fees
You can register for classes directly through our enrolment page.
Each class page has a "Register" option, or you can use the Enrol Now section on the website.
If registration is currently closed, you can join the waitlist and we will contact you as soon as places become available. Simply select the class you're interested in on our enrolment page and choose the waitlist option.
If you're unsure which class to choose, you can contact us at info@studiowolfe.ie or message us via WhatsApp, and we'll be happy to recommend the best class for your child.
Term fees depend on the class length:
- 45-minute classes: €155 per term (Little Stars Dance, Junior Level 1 Dance, Wolfe Pups Drama)
- 1-hour classes: €175 per term
- 1.5-hour classes: €205 per term
Singing lessons are delivered as one-to-one tuition and are paid via monthly payment over the September–May school year.
Absolutely! Many of our students attend more than one class per week.
Most children start with a Contemporary Modern Jazz class and later add a second discipline such as Ballet, Hip Hop, Acro or Musical Theatre as their interest and confidence grows.
The cost per class reduces when a student is enrolled in multiple classes, making it easier for families to explore different styles of performing arts.
If you'd like help choosing the right combination of classes for your child, feel free to contact us at info@studiowolfe.ie.
Yes! We offer discounts for both families and multi-class bookings.
Sibling discount:
- Child 1: Full fees
- Child 2: 10% discount
- Child 3: 15% discount
Multiple classes: The cost per class reduces when a student is enrolled in more than one class per week.
These discounts allow families to enjoy the benefits of performing arts training together.
If a class is full, you can join the waitlist through our enrolment page. Simply select the class you're interested in and choose the waitlist option.
When new places become available or when registration opens for the next term, students on the waitlist are contacted first and given priority booking.
Beyond the Classroom
Beyond the Classroom
Students at Studio Wolfe have many exciting opportunities to perform throughout the year, giving them confidence, stage experience, and unforgettable memories. These include:
- Dance Extravaganza at MTU Arena
- Cork Opera House Shows
- Christmas performances, including festive showcases and singer cabarets
- Little Stars and Wolfe Pups parent showcases
- Drama parent displays and performances at venues such as the Everyman Theatre
- Dance team competitions, both nationally and internationally
- Optional IDTA dance exams and LAMDA drama exams
Performances are an essential part of our ethos, allowing students to apply what they've learned in class, develop stage presence, and enjoy the thrill of live performance.
Studio Wolfe offers dance teams for our Intermediate and Senior dancers who would like to take their training and performance experience to the next level.
Dance team membership is by invitation only. Invitations are based on a number of factors including a student's work ethic, attitude in class, teamwork, skill development and overall commitment. Being the most advanced dancer is not the only factor — we look for students who are positive, supportive teammates and dedicated performers.
Students invited to join the dance team must take a minimum of two weekly dance classes (for example Dance & Ballet or Dance & Acro), in addition to their dance team training sessions.
Dance teams train weekly and work towards national and international competitions. Studio Wolfe teams have successfully competed across Ireland, the UK, France, Spain and Portugal, and our dancers have proudly represented Ireland at the Dance World Cup on three occasions.
Dance team training schedules are confirmed each year once the competition calendar and choreography plans are finalised.
Yes — students at Studio Wolfe have the opportunity to take recognised performing arts examinations, although participation is always optional.
We offer:
- IDTA Dance Exams (International Dance Teachers' Association)
- LAMDA Drama Exams (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art)
Exams provide students with a clear sense of progression and achievement, recognising the skills and hard work they develop in class. They can also help build confidence, discipline and performance ability.
Students usually have the option to take exams once per year, when they are ready and their teacher feels they are well prepared.
Staying Connected
Staying Connected
We make it easy for parents to stay connected through our Studio Wolfe App, available on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store (search "Studio Wolfe"). Once downloaded, turn on notifications to receive updates on:
- Class schedules and changes
- Term fees and registration deadlines
- Performance announcements and event details
- Uniform shop dates
- Summer camps and special projects
All important studio information is shared through the app, keeping parents fully informed and engaged throughout the year.
Studio Wolfe combines professional-standard training with a warm, supportive community where every child can thrive. With purpose-built studios in Douglas, a growing location in Donnybrook and over 20 years of teaching in Blarney, we are proud to be one of Cork's leading performing arts schools.
Our highly qualified teachers bring stage experience and a passion for nurturing talent. Every single class has a minimum of two teachers present, ensuring students always have the support, guidance and encouragement they need.
The "Wolfe Way" curriculum develops technical skills, creativity, confidence and stage presence across dance, drama and singing. Optional extra opportunities such as musical theatre projects, competitive dance teams and performance showcases allow children to explore their full potential.
Students at Studio Wolfe make friends, express themselves and shine on stage — making it the ideal environment to learn, grow and enjoy performing arts.
Still Have Questions?
We're Here to Help
Can't find what you're looking for? Our team is always happy to chat.