FAQ

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Frequently Asked Questions

How Do We Find The Right Class?

If your child has indicated they are interested in learning how to dance, our staff will help you find the most suitable program. Students are placed according to their age and level of ability.

In order to place your child in the correct level, our staff will assess your child after viewing them in a class or multiple classes.

What Are Your Class Sizes?

Class sizes are dependent on room size.  Students must be able to keep a six foot distance apart within the classroom.

The minimum number of participants needed to run a class is 5. If we do not receive enough interest to offer the class you have registered for, we will contact you with other options. If a suitable substitute class cannot be found, you will receive a full refund.

Are Your Teachers Qualified?

Both of the Artistic Directors not only have their Associate and Membership Teaching Diplomas with the BATD (British Association of Teachers of Dancing), but are also Ontario Certified Elementary School Teachers in good standing with the Ontario College of Teachers.  All of the faculty at Elite Dance Force also have Associate Teaching Diplomas obtained through the BATD and have post-secondary education.  A short bio and photo can be found for each of our instructors on our Team page.

Do I Have To Attend All Year Or Can I just Attend For One Term?

We hope that your child will continue dancing all year, as it is an excellent form of exercise that develops grace, balance, strength, co-ordination and posture. We also hope to provide your child with an enjoyable experience while teaching respect, discipline, confidence and teamwork.  Our year-end recital provides students with a goal to work towards and is an opportunity for him/her to develop confidence, stage presence, and ultimately to share with his/her families and friends what they have learned all year. However, if your child is absolutely not enjoying his/her dance experience, he/she may withdraw. No refunds will be issued for months that the dancer has attended classes. 

Cancelled Classes?

In the event of happenings such as a severe winter storm, the studio reserves the right to cancel classes for the safety of our students and instructors. Should we choose to cancel classes, an email will be sent to all parents. No make-up class will be scheduled if a class still has three lessons within that month.

What are the expectations of attendance?

The recreational and petite elite attendance is voluntary, as it is a relaxed commitment.  Part-Time and Full Time Competitive programs require regular attendance.  Dance is exercise that involves choreography. Your commitment has been made to participate in a class on a regular basis. If you are absent for several classes, not only will your technique fall behind, but you will also miss learning the skills and choreography.  Punctuality is also important, as late arrivals are very disruptive for the instructor and students.

Dancers can not attend class if they are showing any sign of illness.  Parents are also prohibited to enter (including atrium/lobby) if experiencing any symptoms of illness.

What if my child doesn′t like it?

Lessons are paid monthly.  If your child does not enjoy dance, you are free to remove them from programming at any time.  We realize that at such a young age, they often need to try classes for a month before deciding whether it is something they enjoy and want to continue!  Once a monthly fee is paid, that fee as well as costume deposits are non-refundable.

What if the studio must shut down due to COVID-19?

That current month will not be reimbursed, however, classes will be delivered through ZOOM.

If the closure extends into multiple months, you will not be charged for regular tuition.  Classes will be offered through ZOOM at a reduced rate for any months after the initial closure if the dancer chooses to participate.

What are EDF′s COVID-19 Protocols and Procedures?
Social distancing must be adhered to before, during and after class. We will have many visual markers for everyone to follow. Some of our procedures are outlined below.  These procedures may change or be added to at any time:
1.  Masks will need to be worn in the building and downstairs in our area. Masks can only be removed just before stepping onto the dance floor.  Masks will need to be put on immediately after class and worn out as well as worn to the bathroom. Please bring a clean container or bag to place mask in while your child is dancing. Please replace/wash this bag or container after every use.
2.  Students will need to sanitize their hands using our sanitizing stations before entering a studio and after class. Please have your own personal hand sanitizer clipped to the front of your dance bag to use in class.
3.  The back change rooms (curtain area) and water fountain in the bathroom will be closed until further notice. Dancers are asked to bring only what is needed for class that day.  They are asked to wear their attire to the studio.  Bags, coats and sweaters will be left in the room they are dancing in. Whatever can fit inside their bags must be put inside. Outdoor shoes will still be carried in and placed on the shelves. Do not leave them on the stairwell landing or stairs. Please do not wear them in the hallways.  If your dancer has a break, they will be allowed to eat their snack on the side. If dancers need to change they will have to use the bathroom. Removing layers as opposed to changing outfits is ideal. For example if the students have jazz after ballet, they are to put on a pair of shorts overtop as opposed to removing tights.  Please have dancers bring a full water bottle to class. Shared fountains will not be available until further notice.
4.  Dancers will need to make sure that their hair is pulled completely off of their face into a bun and secured with hairspray and clips and a hair net. This will help them avoid touching their hair and face once they are dancing.
5.  Following APH guidelines, we are only allowed 50 people in our space at a time.  We will have one parent per dancer allowed in our space for students in our petite elite 3s and 4s and our level 1 dancers on Saturday morning. These parents will be permitted to socially distance themselves in studio A, while their dancers are taking class in studio B.  A classroom helper will come and get you if your child needs your assistance for such things as going to the washroom etc. Level 1 hip hop and tap during the week will not be permitted to watch or be in the studio during these class times.  They can however use the atrium during class, as long as social distancing, mask wearing and hand washing/sanitizing is being followed.  Parents of Level 2 students can also use the atrium to socially distance during class times.  You can walk your dancer into the building, but once they are at the studio door they will have to come in alone.
6. The office will remain closed for the time-being.  Payments will need to be made by EMT or cheque for the time being.
7. This year, EDF is staggering the start dates to allow for a safe and organized flow to the start of the year.  Recreational, Part Time and Full Time Ages 8+ will be commencing September 8th. We will begin Petite Elites and Recreational Ages 5-7 on Saturday, October 3rd.
8.  Dancers will have their own marked box that is appropriately distanced from their peers. We will be maintaining our distance while dancing!  We can’t wait to dis-dance with you!
9.  We know that some of the class times are odd but this will allow us the proper time needed for drop offs and pick ups as well as cleaning the areas before a new group comes in.  All dancers will need to be screened before coming in each day (we are still deciding on the best method). Studios will have a deep clean each night.  High touch surfaces will be cleaned between each class.
10.  Please do not share ANY personal belongings.
11. We ask that parents respect the distancing rule in the parking lot as well.
12. Please show up on time for drop offs (not early or late). Students will need to be picked up immediately following their class time as per APH recommendations. Please follow the social distancing markers through the atrium to avoid gathering in the stairwell.
What is EDF′s current ″sick policy″?

Any student or staff member who shows symptoms of COVID-19 should stay home and get tested.  If a dancer is showing any signs or symptoms they must not enter the studio.

If a dancer or their family member tests positive for COVID-19, the dancer will need to take a COVID-19 test before returning to the studio.  This applies to all of their family members as well.  The test must be negative before any of the family enters the studio, including the atrium.

If a student is showing signs or symptoms at the dance studio, that student will be isolated immediately.  EDF will immediately contact a parent/guardian to pick up the student.  The family must then proceed to follow the directives of the Algoma Public Health Unit.