School policies

In order to provide consistent expectations and positive learning

environment for students, please note the following class policies:

 

  1. Dancers are asked not to attend class if they have tested positive for Covid-19 until 7 days from the onset of symptoms or from the date of their positive test (if asymptomatic). Dancers are also asked not to attend class if they are ill, even if negative for Covid (please advise me if they are having allergies/a lingering cough from previous illness to minimize my having to contact you during class if they become symptomatic). Virtual classes via Zoom will continue to be offered for dancers who are ill but feel well enough to have a lesson, and will continue to do this during the fall term. Email me to let me know if your child is ill and I will give them a Zoom class time to attend (these times will be different than their regular class times).

  2. Students will be expected to arrive ready to dance with shoes and dancewear already on (slip off overshoes and sweaters etc. and leave in a designated spot in the entryway). Please have your dancer use the bathroom before leaving home to minimize use of the bathroom during class. I will have sanitizer available to sanitize hands upon entry to my studio.

  3. Students may only be admitted inside at the start time of their class (the door for my first in-studio class of the day is generally locked until class time), and will be sent out promptly at the end of their class (please ensure you arrive a bit early so that you are ready to receive them when they are finished). There is no supervision of children outside of class times.

  4. If I am exhibiting symptoms of Covid-19 but am still able to teach, class will take place over Zoom instead. If I am unable to teach a scheduled class for any reason, an alternate instructor will teach the class either in person at my studio, or over Zoom. If no alternate instructor is available, a make-up class will be offered for the missed lesson (unfortunately I cannot guarantee that this make-up class will not conflict with any of my dancers’ schedules).

  5. If classes in person are not permitted due to public health restrictions, the term will be completed online via Zoom.

  6. Absolutely no smoking on the property and no pets permitted in entry.

  7. Term fees are due by the first day of each term. There are no refunds for term fees if a dancer withdraws from a class.

 


Missed classes and cancellations

No make-up classes will be given to those who miss class for reasons other than illness. If space allows, it will occasionally be permitted for a dancer to attend another group class in place of the class they missed (up to a maximum of two lessons per term). 

In cases of inclement weather - classes will be cancelled if necessary (eg. power outage, no safe path to the studio, etc.). Class cancellations will be posted on the school Facebook page and sent out by email by 3pm on the day of the class. No make-up classes will be held in these cases, though if I have power at my house I will generally teach the class via Zoom for those who are interested in attending.

No classes on holidays (if you usually have class on a holiday or class was cancelled due to weather, you are welcome to come to another class for that week only – email me to find out what class would be appropriate for your dancer to attend). The holidays where there are no classes are listed on my website.

Class Expectations

  • Dancers will come dressed appropriately for class (hair tied back, bodysuit/t-shirt/tank top, dance/gym shorts, knee socks and highland dance ghillies or ballet slippers).

  • Dancers should bring practice swords (if they know the sword) and practice skirts (please leave practice skirts/practice attire that contain glitter at home).

  • Dancers are encouraged to practice at home at least every other day (I recommend 20 minutes for new beginners, 1 hour for premiers).

  • Should your dancer need to cancel a private or semi-private lesson, please give as much notice as possible. No shows are charged the full rate.

  • All dancers and families will act with courtesy and respect towards all other students, families, and professionals involved in highland dance (in accordance with the ScotDance Canada Code of Conduct). Failure to do so may result in removal from the classes, in which case no refund will be provided.

Other useful information

  • Parents are welcome to either drop children off for their lesson or sit in the waiting area. Parents of dancers ages 6 and under are asked to remain in the waiting area to accompany their child to the bathroom, be present should their child become ill, etc.

  • Parents don't watch class, but from time to time they are invited in at the end of a lesson to show what is being worked on, how to help their dancer practice at home, etc.

**IMPORTANT NOTE**
The above policies are subject to change during the term based on public health guidelines/guidance, as well as my own personal circumstances/comfort level. These include, but are not limited to, policies on masking, vaccination requirements, classes moving to Zoom, restricting parents (or crossover of students between classes) in entry, etc.