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Phoenix associates

Posted: Thu Oct 01, 2015 11:49 am
by Kazmama
I just wondered if anyone had any dealings with or had heard of phoenix associates (or the man behind it David Stinson)? DD is supposed to be signing up with them and doing a class once a month but I have never heard of them and can't find much info on them other then their website and facebook page (http://www.phoenix-associates.co.uk/).

Just wanted to find out more about them before I hand over any money, particularly as I am not receiving replies when sending emails (but DD dance school has) and they seem very new.

Thanks x

Re: Phoenix associates

Posted: Thu Oct 01, 2015 6:55 pm
by 2dancersmum
I don't know if this has replaced his previous venture or if it is a name change but he previously ran an associates programme called SSA or Stinson Stage Academy. You might find information using the search facility on here with that name. Certainly he made an impression on the balletcoforum and you will find at least one thread by searching on there - quite full on advertising/marketing a year or so ago for the SSA but no personal experience of either him or his ventures.

Re: Phoenix associates

Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2015 2:21 pm
by Kazmama
Thank you 2dancers, I could only find as you say a lot of marketing/advertising by him and the same 2 parents praising the classes, it's a gamble I think but we can pay via direct debit each month instead of the full amount upfront so if anything happens we can always cancel the payments and not lose a large amount of money. It all seems good, just very new so not as many testimonies as other associate classes, a wait and see situation I guess :D

Re: Phoenix associates

Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2015 10:16 pm
by islandofsodor
I would beware thinking you can just cancel a direct debit. If there is a notice period you couod be taken to small claims for non payment for example.

I have no actual knowledge of the classes but sonething about him rings warning bells.

Re: Phoenix associates

Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2015 10:30 pm
by islandofsodor
Just looked further. The terms & conditions state you have to commit to the whole year (most places are termly)

I guess there's nothing too untoward but I think its a little misleading. What are students "associated" with. An associate scheme is usually but not always auditioned & attached to a school or other organisation/exsm board eg Elmhurst/RBS/RAD & it's made clear it's to compliment other training. Or it has a specialist aim.

To be it's just a series of monthly workshops. There's nothing wrong with that but it's trying to insinuate the prestige of an associate scheme.

Re: Phoenix associates

Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2015 6:40 am
by Shabby
My daughter had a trial day with SSA and although she didn't join in the end due to other commitments she thoroughly enjoyed the day and said the teaching was superb.
A year to commit up front seems a bit steep though.

Re: Phoenix associates

Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2015 9:24 am
by Kazmama
Sorry didn't mean to imply I'd cancel just for the sake of it(e.g if DD decided she didn't like it/clashed with other things), I meant if anything happened like if they do a couple of classes and then never turn up again, I think I'd then be within my rights to cancel as they would not have been providing the service paid for.

I did wonder how they can call themselves an associate programme when they are seemingly not associated with anyone but I'm happy with it being just a monthly workshop type of class, DD wants extra classes and to improve as much as possible so this seemed like a good idea :)

Re: Phoenix associates

Posted: Wed Oct 07, 2015 2:32 pm
by woody
They look like monthly workshops to me. I've had a look at their website and notice that there is no audition process - I don't know of any other associate programme that doesn't hold auditions! Their Intermediate group is Grade 3+; and the requirement for the Advanced group is only from Grade 5+ which doesn't sound like a particularly demanding level for a vocational associate programme to be honest, although fine for a hobby.

Have you thought about looking at workshops and courses run by the larger regional theatres or somewhere like Tring Park School?

Re: Phoenix associates

Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2016 3:08 pm
by kaso
RARE OPPORTUNITY! Phoenix Associates have a Ballet Masterclass with Senior Talent Scout Rick Tjia. This is a rare opportunity to take this class in the UK. (London and Midlands). You are not tied into Phoenix by attending this , it is a Masterclass for anyone to attend. Please see video link to view Rick Tjia at work. Only a few pleases left on both the young dancer and Pro dancer class

https://www.facebook.com/stinsonstageac ... 223658553/