We are BACK in studio, and boy does it feel good!
We are currently offering classes at reduced sizes: maximum 12 students in our 4,200 sq.ft. studio (3,200 sq.ft. of dance space).
We want to share with prospective Irish Dance Campers what we are doing to ensure the safety of our families. Ms. Emma called the governor's office and discussed our proposed class structure with them, and it was met with approval. Check it out!
Arrival Time - We ask that you arrive for your class/camp at the time of class and no earlier. Please wait in your car or outside (6' apart) until the teacher invites you inside. Parents, caretakers and siblings may not congregate outside the studio during class hours.
Screening Dancers - All dancers and staff will have their temperature taken before entering the studio. Anyone exhibiting a temperature greater than 100.4ºF, cough, shortness of breath, or any other respiratory symptoms shall not be permitted to enter.
Face Masks - Teachers and dancers will be required to wear face masks while at the studio. Because Irish Dance Camp is 3 hours in length, we will take breaks (including a snack break), but we will space the dancers out a minimum of 12 ft. during this time and ensure lots of hand washing.
Dancers will need to provide their own mask. We consulted with a pediatrician about children wearing face masks while exercising in reaching this decision. **Please see our note below about face mask safety and children. Click HERE for a link to CDC's guide to masks and templates for DIY masks.
Limited Items and Guests - Please Arrive with dance shoes on and limit belongings to dance shoes and one large water bottle. Parents and siblings will not be permitted inside the building. Dancers will not be permitted to bring cell phones or other personal items inside.
Hand Washing & Sanitizer- Dancers will be asked to wash their hands immediately upon arrival before entering the dance area. Hand sanitizer will be throughout the studio - outside bathrooms and near exits.
"Zone" Teaching - The studio floor will be marked to spread out our students while they dance. All dancers will be required to stay within their "zone" unless directed to move about the studio, or using the bathroom. If a dancers is asked to demonstrate a moving piece, all other dancers will remain in their zones in order to maintain a safe distance between all. Students will not use cubbies for their belongings - and instead keep their few personal belonging in their "zone".
Touchless Teaching, Greetings & Goodbyes - We will not be shaking hands or hugging at this time. Instructors will stand within their own "zone" and maintain at least 6' distance. Teachers will wear gloves if helping dancers open something.
Drop Off and Pick Up: To expedite the change between classes and limit the number of people, Students will be Dropped off in the Front & picked up in the Rear of the building. Pick up will be "Elementary School Carpool Style". CLICK HERE FOR CARPOOL SIGN - please write or Type your dancer's LAST name on the Sign
Mandatory Reporting- In-studio families must inform the directors if they suspect their child or a family member has COVID Symptoms or has been in contact with someone who has developed COVID. If we are made aware of such a situation, the entire student body will be informed via email (the names of those affected will not be used) and any and all relevant classes will be discontinued for 14 days to prevent spread, in addition to other safeguarding measures.We are providing training to our instructors on identifying symptoms of Illness in dancers, the proper process of removing a potentially ill dancer, including isolation areas for potentially sick dancers.Dancers, please wear your uniforms to class as usual.
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We are very happy with our structure thus far. Our Irish Dance Camp will have 12 campers maximum and our Champ Camp (for our champion dancers) will have 16 campers maximum. We are constantly monitoring the Governor’s Executive Orders, CDC recommendations, and WHO’s recommendations and are ready to update our procedures at any time, especially if necessary to increase safety measures.
Thank you! We can’t wait to see you at the Studio!
~Ms. Emma, Ms. Erin & The Atlanta Irish Dance Team!
**Guidance from pediatrician Dr. Hill (board certified pediatrician, member of the AAP who works with Northside Hospital and CHOA. Special interests include preventative medicine and infectious disease) regarding children ages 5 & older wearing face masks while exercising and general tips: Yes- children can wear masks to exercise. They can wear them as long as necessary. Exceptions to this would be medical reasons that make it dangerous to wear the mask (asthma, etc.). Masks only need to be worn when exposed to people outside the family and still need to remain 6 feet away when masks are on. Have children wash hands before putting their mask on and after taking it off. Always remove the mask from the ear loops. Masks should be placed in a bag and washed as soon as possible in the washing machine. If a child touches their mask while wearing it, have them wash their hands or use hand sanitizer. There is no "official" statement from AAP or CDC but both sites have useful information you can piece together to make good policy. A good article regarding AAP's coronovirus guidelines can be found here, which includes information on children and masks: https://www.fatherly.com/health-science/american-academy-of-pediatrics-coronavirus-guidelines-explained/