Covid-19 precautions, policies and procedures
LOBBY IS CURRENTLY CLOSED. DANCERS CANNOT BE DROPPED OFF MORE THAN 5 MINUTES BEFORE CLASS.
NOTE FOR NEW DANCERS: It is OK for new dancers or dancers just returning for the first time since the pandemic began, for ONE of their parents to walk them in so they are comfortable (and for new parents to be able to see the studio - we understand 100% how hard this all is for parents/kids who are new). This is what we did during Fall and it worked great! You DO need to leave once they are settled in and waiting for class.
Drop off and pick up
Due to the current adaptations we have had to make, dancers should NOT arrive more than 5 minutes before class. If you do arrive earlier than that, please have your dancer wait in the car with you. Park in any spot to drop them off and they can enter in the door they normally do; you can also walk them to the front door. A staff member will be there to greet our younger dancers and help guide them in if needed. We will do the same thing at the end of class and walk them out.
For our new or young dancers, it is OK for you to bring in your child if it is their first class or two - otherwise it is most ideal to allow our staff and student assistants to guide them in and lead them out, as we need to keep our lobby free of gatherings and any extra bodies beside registered dancers and staff. This has been working great since June with staff bringing younger dancers in AND out!
Studio cleaning and sanitizing
We are proud to have always maintained a clean environment (pre-COVID!) - it is something we are consistently complimented on when people visit our studio! Of course now we are wiping things down much more often and are proud of the protocol we have followed since reopening in June.
Throughout the day when classes are going on, all surfaces that are regularly touched are wiped down - door handles, benches, cubbies, ballet barres, bathrooms, light switches. Dance floors are cleaned as well with a quick drying solution to ensure safety (it dries quick so no slipping) as well as cleanliness. Our studio is also professionally cleaned (again - something we have always done even pre-COVID).
Face Masks
As of the Fall, dancers must wear masks THE ENTIRE TIME THEY ARE AT THE STUDIO, including IN class even when they are in their socially distanced "dance box" in their classroom.
What dancers are allowed to bring in the studio
Dancers should only bring a small dance bag with the necessary items such as dance shoes and water bottle. Everything must fit in their bag, and the bag must fit in a cubbie.
Social Distancing in dance rooms (during class)
See above
Social Distancing in waiting area for dancers before class
Dancers are only to wait in the designated "social distance sticker" cubbie spots or chairs. This is to ensure dancers stay apart. It has worked very well since June!
Lobby and waiting area
Currently, our lobby and waiting area is closed to parents. This is hard for us, too, as we love parents being able to watch their dancers. We know this may be challenging for you, however we need to ensure we are following all protocol to keep a healthy environment for everyone so that we can stay open and providing the joy of dance to our students! We didn't create the guidelines for businesses (but we DO want to follow them because it is working!), so we ask that you be understanding of that. If it isn't something you are comfortable or ready for, you may want to consider waiting until things are a bit back to "normal." We want you to be happy!
All the new procedures and precautions we have followed have proved beneficial since June, so why stray from that if it is working. That is the mindset we have right now. Health and safety is our #1 priority for our dancers and teachers. Thank you!
Water fountain, microwave, fridge
The water fountain is closed. Please bring your own water. The microwave and refrigerator are also closed to dancers.
Dancers who have back to back classes - with a break
While we miss the hustle and bustle of the homework and eating area with dancers giggles and chatting....it has proved effective to have the tables and desks "closed." Over summer, we asked that dancers who have a longer than 15 min break between classes either go outside to wait (if they have parent permission) or that parents pick them up between classes. Now during winter, they need to sit in a designated seat the entire time.
If they absolutely need to eat (dancers who are here for multiple classes), they need to ask a staff member where they can sit safely to do that AWAY FROM ANYONE. We are fully aware it is an inconvenience; we too would like to go back to how things used to be! We have to do all we can to keep not only our business OPEN, but open safely and with health #1 for our staff and dancers. It is alot easier on everyone if parents can come to the studio during their dancers break to at least have the dancer eat in the car with them. Thank you!