FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Welcome to our FAQ page!
We hope you find answers to any questions you may have about the Braswell Arts Center.
If you have any further questions, please contact us at anytime by sending an email to admin@braswellartscenter.com
IN THE Neighbourhood
PARKING
Steinenschanze entrance of the Parkhaus "Steinen"
ATM
Basler Kantonalbank - Steinenvorstadt 34
Basellandschaftliche Kantonalbank - Zoo main entrance
PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
Tram 6 to Holbeinstrasse
Bus 30 to Steinenschanze
SUPERMARKET
Coop Basel Bachletten - Steinenring 45
Migros Schützenmatt – Schützenmattstrasse 27
DANCE SUPPLIES
We have a collaboration with the dance shop below. In order to receive a discount use the following link:
https://shopera.ch/tanzschule/braswell-arts-center/
You can also visit the shop in person:
Ballet Shop Opéra - Totengässlein 13, 4051 Basel
GENERAL QUESTIONS
WHAT LANGUAGE ARE THE CLASSES TAUGHT IN?
All of our adult classes are taught in English although our teachers speak and understand German as well. The children’s classes are taught in a mixture of both German and English, depending on what works best for each child.
WHAT IS THE AGE RANGE OF YOUR MEMBERS?
We are happy and proud to say our members range in age from 4-70 years old and we are hopeful to continue to extend that age range as wide as possible.
I HAVE NO PRIOR DANCE EXPERIENCE. CAN I STILL JOIN?
Yes! The BAC was founded on the basis of non-professionals training in a professional, but supportive atmosphere. We are happy to have people of all levels, ages and experience with us at the BAC and strive to bring the gift of dance to as many people as possible!
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE ADULT CLASS LEVELS?
To explain a bit about the class levels, the Intermediate and Advanced classes are faster-paced and are geared towards people who already have an established foundation in dance and while the teacher is definitely teaching technique, etc. in the classes, the people in the class don't necessarily need things to be explained like proper placement, technique etc. We certainly welcome questions and are more than happy to help with these things, but we wouldn't necessarily break these things down unless specifically asked as the Intermediate and Advanced classes are for people more interested in improving and building on the technique they already have.
The Beginner classes are for people who have had no prior dance training and for those that are especially looking for help with technique, placement, posture, etc. The exercises are more basic and the teachers provide more of a breakdown/explanation of the exercises.
DO YOU HAVE MEN IN YOUR CLASSES?
We do have men in our classes, but not as many as we would like to see. We encourage men to join us!
WHAT SHOULD I WEAR?
We would recommend wearing the type of clothes you usually wear to exercise in. If you have ballet or jazz shoes, that would be great, however socks or bare feet would also be fine, depending on how you feel most comfortable. The dance surface of the Braswell Arts Center is a sprung floor, made especially for dance. If attending a pilates or yoga class, please bring your own mat. If attending a HipHop class, we ask you to wear clean trainers. And don’t forget your water bottle!
WHERE CAN I BUY DANCE CLOTHES & SHOES?
We have a collaboration with the dance shop below. In order to receive a discount use the following link:
https://shopera.ch/tanzschule/braswell-arts-center/
You can also visit the shop in person:
Ballet Shop Opéra - Totengässlein 13, 4051 Basel
DO YOU HAVE LIVE MUSIC FOR ALL OF YOUR CLASSES?
We are proud to offer live music accompaniment by a wonderful team of musicians for all of our adult ballet classes as well as most adult contemporary and jazz classes as well.
ARE THERE DRESSING ROOMS?
Yes, we have a dressing room available.
ARE THERE SHOWERS?
No, unfortunately we do not have showers on the premises.
PRE-MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONS
I'M INTERESTED IN JOINING. CAN I TRY A CLASS?
Yes, you can!
For adults, we offer a special 1-week trial membership to all adults for CHF 30. With this trial week, you are granted unlimited access for one entire week and are welcome to join as many adult classes as you like. For more information, please see here.
For children, we offer one free trial class which you can schedule by sending an email with your child's name and the class they would like to try to admin@braswellartscenter.com. After one free class, we ask that you pay CHF 25 for each additional trial class which can be paid directly at the studio with cash EC/credit card shortly before the class. Please note your child's trial class is not confirmed until you receive a reply.
WHAT TYPE OF MEMBERSHIPS OPTIONS ARE AVAILABLE?
Membership Classes: Exclusive classes with unlimited access for members, providing high-quality, consistent dance training and community engagement.
Drop-In Classes: Flexible classes ideal for those with unpredictable schedules or who prefer no long-term commitment, offering the freedom to join classes at convenience.
Hybrid Classes: Combining the benefits for both members and non-members, these classes offer variety and occasional participation, suitable for all.
BAC Kids Membership Classes: A special program for kids focusing on multi-arts, self-discipline, and creativity, featuring a 20-Class Membership for consistent learning and additional class options.
CAN I JOIN AT ANY TIME?
Yes, we have new members joining every week. The people taking our classes change each time so the class does not “build” from one week to another. Similar to yoga and pilates classes, the class is different every time so it is not necessary to join the same class from week to week.
CAN I PAY FOR A SINGLE CLASS? DO YOU OFFER DROP-IN CLASSES?
Yes. We now offer Drop-In classes to accommodate those with an unpredictable schedule.
I REALLY WANT TO BE A MEMBER, BUT I CAN ONLY ATTEND 1 CLASS PER WEEK. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?
We do offer a once a week membership option. Please visit the adult classes page for more information.
DO YOU OFFER A STUDENT DISCOUNT?
We are happy to offer a 20% student discount to anyone under 30 years old with a valid student ID.
We would also like to mention that we'd be happy to offer you a payment plan which you are free to propose.
DO YOU OFFER ANY OTHER KIND OF DISCOUNT?
The BAC is proud to support members of the KulturLegi Beider Basel as well as those in possession of a FamilienpassPlus card by offering a 70% discount to children and 20% to adults. If you receive Prämienverbilligung level 1-9, you are also eligible! Please contact us via email for more information.
AM I ELIGIBLE FOR A REIMBURSEMENT FROM MY HEALTH INSURANCE?
Some health insurance companies (SWICA and Sympany, for example) offer to reimburse some of the cost of our membership fees. This depends on your health insurance company and the specific plan you have with them. Please inquire directly with your health insurance provider to ask if they offer this type of benefit and, if they do, what you need to submit to receive it. We would be happy to help in any way we can.
HOW CAN I PAY MY MEMBERSHIP FEE?
To register online and pay via credit card, please visit the Adult or Kids and Teen dance class pages. If you prefer to pay via bank transfer, please send an email to us at admin@braswellartscenter.com and send your payment to the following account:
Braswell Arts Center
IBAN: CH23 0023 3233 2014 9401 W
BIC: UBSWCHZH80A
Bank transfers are appreciated, however, you are also welcome to pay via cash and or card (EC/Maestro card, Visa, MasterCard, etc.) at the studio just before the class (please arrive a bit early to process your payment).
If you'll be bringing cash and since we have a limited amount of cash on-site, please bring your payment in exact change in a sealed envelope with your name written on the outside of the envelope.
CAN I MAKE PARTIAL PAYMENTS?
Yes, payment plans can be arranged upon request. Please contact us via email for more information.
DO YOU HAVE AN ENGLISH VERSION OF THE CONTRACT?
Unfortunately we don't yet have an English translation of the contract, however please feel free to contact us if anything is unclear and we are happy to clarify.
MEMBERSHIP QUESTIONS
I AM A MEMBER. HOW DO I SIGN UP FOR CLASS?
Once you become a member, we will set up an account for you so that you can log in to our system via our website and make your class reservations up to one week in advance. Alternatively, you are also welcome to make class reservations via the Mindbody app on your smartphone. More information can be found with the registration documents we sent you via email, however please feel free to contact us at any time if you need further assistance. We are always happy to help!
HOW DO I APPLY FOR A REIMBURSEMENT FROM MY HEALTH INSURANCE?
Every health insurance company is different, but in our experience, simply sending the receipt is usually enough. After you have made your payment, please send us an email and we’d be happy to send you a receipt for you to forward to your health insurance company.
I AM A BEGINNER, BUT DUE TO MY SCHEDULE, I CAN ONLY MAKE IT TO THE INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED CLASS. CAN I TAKE A CLASS OUT OF MY LEVEL?
Yes, you are welcome to join whichever class you feel most comfortable in.
DOES THE BAC CLOSE FOR HOLIDAYS?
Our regular BAC classes take place every week except during Basel-Stadt school holidays. During school holidays, the children’s classes take a break, however we do offer evening workshops for adults that are included in the BAC unlimited abo as well as open to the public. The only time BAC is closed completely is for the two-week Christmas/New Year break.
HOW DO I FIND THE SCHEDULE?
I HAVE SOME TRAVEL PLANNED. CAN I PAUSE MY ABO?
Yes, you can. We know how hectic life can get, so we are happy to offer every member 4 weeks per 12 months in which you can pause your abo. If you wish to pause your abo, please send us an email in advance to notify us of the pause.
HOW DO I CANCEL MY MEMBERSHIP?
Although we are sad to see you go, if you would not like for the membership to renew automatically, please be sure to contact us no later than 30 days before the renewal date. To find your renewal date, please log-in to your Mindbody account.
You can cancel your membership by simply sending us an email. Please note we do not have the capacity to send reminders to each person about their upcoming renewal date so please be sure to keep this in mind as late cancellations will not be accepted.