Arts Academy of the Carolinas
COVID-19 Policies and Safety Procedures
Out of an abundance of caution we have come up with new procedures and policies, at least for the first part of the season, to help with safety for our dancers and tumblers and their families, in regards to COVID-19. We know that each family will have a different opinion about the effectiveness of these policies, however we ask for your help in following policies, as we are doing the best we can to make things safe for everyone.
Distancing and Mask Policies
All studios are marked with a grid pattern with boxes that are approximately 7ft x 8ft in size. Each student will have a box within the grid which is their space to take class. This ensures that everyone stays distanced and that students have a clear way to see their space. Teachers will be wearing masks at all times as we start the season. There may be times when a teacher must take a mask off for students to hear them more clearly over the music or to make sure everyone can hear and understand. We will, however, be sure that we are masked most of the class and when we are standing close to your students to help them learn.
We are asking that all families wear a mask into the building and in the common areas such as waiting areas and restrooms. Itty Bitty students and Pre-Dance students as well as siblings 4 and under are excluded from this requirement. For right now, we are asking that students age 5 and up who are in the 5-7 year old classes or older classes keep their mask on for class. We will allow them to have breaks from the mask in class when they are distanced but this way we can get them used to their class structure and work on distancing while in lines, and going across the floor while masked in case they get too close to each other while learning their spaces and the class structure.
Though the grids will be very helpful for them to stay distanced, dance at the 5-7 year old age range and above moves around the room more to go across the floor or do traveling steps and we want to make sure everyone understands the class structure before we try class without masks. Our plan is to re-evaluate mask policies for students in a few weeks once students know the class rules and new distancing for lines across the floor and once we see how COVID-19 numbers are as students return to full in person learning at school.
The only exception to this mask policy will be musical theater in which students must remove their masks to sing. We will keep these students well distanced while singing.
Class Structure Changes
Though our class sizes at the studio have never been excessively large we have made our non-competitive classes smaller this season in order to allow more space for each dancer. This season we will not be doing partnering exercises where students must touch hands or be close together such as partner stretching. Our non-competitive routines will be done with distancing in mind which means we will avoid lifts and dance steps which require dancers to touch.
In tumbling we will be spotting students for skills, however, our staff will wear their masks when spotting students.We will still teach them wonderful technique in all classes, encourage lots of smiles and classroom involvement and be sure to make dance and tumbling classes fun and engaging!
Cleaning and Sanitizing
The entire studio will receive full cleaning each morning, as always, and our cleaning staff Is putting extra focus on sanitizing all surfaces thoroughly.
Mats and shared equipment such as barres will be cleaned after each class rather than at the end of each day.
Light switches, doorknobs, and other frequently touched surfaces will also be cleaned between classes.
Hand sanitizer is available in all classrooms and in the front office.
Drop Off and Pick Up
Parents may walk students in as usual, however we ask that once your child is settled in class if you are able to wait in the car please do so in order to limit the number of families in the waiting room. Parents of 2-4 year olds are asked to stay if possible as that age may need a parent close by. If you have a child who is older than that but you feel you need to be in the building with them we will not ask you to leave as we feel it is important for parents to feel like they can wait inside with their child if needed. Please help us by distancing inside and if it becomes crowded we will ask that parents that are able to go to their car to wait please do so.
You are still encouraged to stop by the front desk for anything you may need. Ms. Cindy is happy to help! Please come to the side of the desk with the plexiglass divider for assistance.
Snacks, Drinks, and the Retail Store
We are currently only selling drinks in the front store in order to limit the amount of snacks in the building and discourage students touching their mouths. You may still bring your child a snack if they have multiple classes but please remind them to wash their hands.
The water fountain is currently closed. Students may bring water in a water bottle or purchase a drink at the front office.
The retail store is not yet fully restocked for the season, however we do still have plenty of tights and shoes. Orders are coming in slightly slower due to lower staffing at our suppliers as well as slower shipping times. If you need to try on shoes or leotards you may still do so, and we can order for you if we do not have your size in stock.
Policies for Fever, Sickness, and Possible Exposure
We will do temperature checks of students at the front door. If you are dropping your child off and staying less than 10 minutes you will not need your temperature checked, however if you will be waiting with them in the waiting area for a longer period of time we will check your temperature as well.
If your child has a fever they will not be able to take class that day. (We will be sure to take their temperature more than once if it is high to give them a moment to adjust to the temperature inside as we know some children run warmer than others naturally after riding or waiting in the car).
If your child or family has been exposed to someone with a positive test we ask that you please let us know.
If your child is has a fever, or is not feeling well, we ask that you keep them at home.
Our teachers will find a substitute or cancel classes if they have a fever or are feeling unwell.
If we were to have a teacher who tests positive during the season, we will let families know that would possibly be affected.
We are so excited to be back in the studio dancing and tumbling!