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Archives for July 2020

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GYD re-opening plans!

Guelph Youth Dance is excited  to re-open our studio doors! The last few months have been a whirlwind, trying to plan for the future while working with so many unknowns.  

We do know that the physical, emotional and mental wellbeing that dance brings into our lives has been greatly missed by all of you. Having the joyful, creative and community feeling in our studios has been greatly missed by us too. 

We are therefore very excited to announce that we are opening registration for the 2020-2021 season.  As we do this, we are keenly aware that this season might look very different from what we are used to and we will need everyone to be open and flexible as we adapt to changing situations. Luckily as dancers we are trained for this ☺.  

To offer the most flexibility- we are offering:

  1. Full Year 2020-2021 Registration: for classes that run from September 14 2020-May 14th, 2021. Classes from September 14-October 10th will be offered outdoors.  Thank you to our backyard hosts!  We will then move indoors to our studios for the remainder of the year (we hope!).  If inclement weather we will offer the classes in the studio.
  2. Fall 2020 classes: where space is available we have opened up classes for the 13 week fall session- a great way to try a class!  Please note that due to restrictions on class sizes we only have a limited amount of per session classes. Please put your name on a waiting list if a class is full and we will try to see if we can add another class.
  3. Online Classes: For those who cannot join us in the studio we are offering Online class options! We have some live-streaming options where you can join the students in the In Studio class from the comfort of your home and some online only class options! Class options are available for dancers  ages 4 to adult and a variety of styles are available including creative dance, improvisation and composition, contemporary technique, jazz, contemporary barre and conditioning.  Continue to work on your skills at home so you will be up to speed when you are ready to come back into the studio!

2020-2021 Registration 

We have a NEW REGISTRATION SYSTEM!  We are very excited to announce that we have used these past few months to move over to a new registration system that we hope will make the registration process easier for you. You have let us know in past parent surveys that you would like to have one place to see your dancers’ schedules, account balances, music files, etc.; This system has it all!

All families with credits have been emailed a Parent Login and Password on July 3rd. Your child’s information is already in our system and your credits are already on your accounts.  Please feel free to update any contact information, update your child’s photo, etc. If you think you should have a credit and was not emailed a Login and Password, please contact us ASAP.

Here is a video tutorial of how to use our New Online Registration system.

Here is quick access to our  Parent Portal so you can see all the classes we offer, fees, and schedules in one place.

When registering you will be asked to pay a non-refundable registration fee of $25 plus HST (maximum of 2 registration fees per family). Company non-refundable deposits are $100-$150 plus HST. These fees will reserve your spot in the classes you choose. Credits can be used to pay this fee.  

Tuition will be due on September 14th. Please note that we are happy to make payment plans (monthly or quarterly) if need be.  

If we move back to stage 2 and are unable to have in studio classes we will offer classes outdoors as well as online. 

If classes will only be taking place online- we will reduce Tuition owing to reflect a reduced online class fee ($10 per class for 45-minute classes and $12 for one-hour classes).

At this time families can decide if they wish to stay registered in their classes or opt out. We will then go to our waiting list first to fill any spots that may open up. Only the $25 registration fee and company deposits will be non-refundable.  We hope this will provide families with the flexibility to move forward with what they are most comfortable with. Please be sure to put your child on a waiting list if a class is full as we can also add more classes to the schedule if necessary.

Thank you so much to all our families for your patience and adaptability during these uncertain times.

To ensure everyone’s safety and to follow all government regulations- we have put the new system’s in place. Please read these Protocols carefully as all families will be required to follow the protocols in order to dance at the studio.  Please note that these will be updated regularly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Parent Information Online meeting Thursday August 27th!

In case you missed the Information meeting, no worries it was recorded! This is the earlier meeting for those with dancers 1-8 years and has all the information pertinent to parents with young children as well as everything that was discussed in the later meeting for dancers of all ages (including our adult dancers). We discuss the start of class occurring outdoors and what that will look like, go over our Covid-19 Policies and Procedures and go over using our Parent Portal to ensure you are getting the most use out of this new system. I hope this helps!

FAQ’s

Do you offer online classes?  

We have been working hard to ensure that everyone can continue to dance throughout these difficult times.  We have many new online classes for ages 4 years to adult.  Some of the classes will be streamed so that students can dance with those in the studio, others will only be offered online.  While we acknowledge online classes cannot replace being in the studio- they do provide the opportunity to ensure you are staying connected to your body, to other students in the class and continuing to build on your skills and perhaps even trying new classes for the first time! Online classes are offered at a reduced rate from In Studio classes. Go to our ONLINE class offerings on our website to find out more.

When do In Studio classes start?

In Studio classes begin the week of September 14th!  We cannot wait!

Do you offer outdoor classes?

All our In studio classes will be offered outdoors from September 14-October 10th.  Thank you to our backyard hosts! If inclement weather the classes will be moved into the studio.  We will send out locations soon! They will be in the St. George’s Park and Exhibition Park areas.  We will then move into the studio beginning the week of October 11th. 

When do your online classes start?  

Online classes will begin October 11th. This is because many of online classes will be streamed with our in studio classes and therefore we need to wait until the classes move indoors.

What are you doing to ensure everyone’s safety during the pandemic?

Guelph Youth Dance has been working hard to ensure the safety of everyone returning back to dance.  We have Policies and Procedures which can be found on our homepage of our website.  We encourage everyone to read these carefully. We will offer an Online Parent meeting around our new policies at the end of August.  We will announce this meeting date soon.

Can I enrol for just the Fall to be sure the class is right for me?

Yes! We are continuing to offer classes by the season.  Go to our Parent Portal and be sure to click on the Fall 2020 tab to see the class offerings available per dancer’s birth year.  Please note that many of our classes are full and have a waiting list. Registering by Season will not guarantee a spot for the Winter or Spring season.

I am on a waiting list- what are my chances of getting into the class?

We will make every effort to ensure everyone can dance.  Sometimes it means just juggling the spots available from the Full year to the Fall or vice versa. We will also try to add classes at the same or similar time to ensure everyone has a spot when possible.  

When is tuition due?

Full tuition is due on September 14th to ensure your spot in the class. Please be sure to either pay by sending an e-transfer to guelphyouthdance@gmail.com or by paying online through the Parent Portal. 

Can I pay in instalments?

Yes! We offer 3 month payment plans for the Fall session and 8 month payment plans for Full Year registrations. Simply take your total owing and divide it into 3 or 8 equal instalments and date it the 1st of the month from September to April.  All instalments must be provided by postdated cheque by September 14th.

Do you offer refunds?

Yes.  Your registration fees and company deposits are non-refundable. If you would like to cancel your registration you will be charged a $20 drop in fee per 45-60 minute class for the classes taken to date and will be refunded the balance. 

What will happen if businesses are shut down again?  

We are ready to move classes online so we can all continue to train!  At this point you can decide whether you would like to continue to dance or if you would like a refund (see our refund policy).

What should I wear to dance?

Please visit the For Parents section on our website for a complete list of what to wear to class depending on the class you are enrolled in.

This is my child’s first dance class- what if they want me to stay close by?

Our lobby will be closed this Fall to parents to keep everyone as safe.  This means parents will drop their child off at 42 Quebec Street with one of our Studio Assistants (current graduating dancers who are there to help ease any discomfort!) who will help young dancers find their way to the studio and ensure they feel safe and secure. They will also be close by the whole class time in case anyone needs to go to the bathroom or needs anything at all. Parents will pick up their child at 21 Chapel Lane (entrance off the back of the building).  All dancers will be chaperoned to the back until parents arrive. This is the safest scenario for all and we hope that parents can follow this whenever possible. We do however recognize that there will be times when your child needs you to accompany them to their class or stay closer by.  We will allow a few parents in our lobby and if space available in Studio C (small studio on the second floor) if absolutely required. 

Other questions?

I am sure there are other questions!  Do not hesitate to contact us at guelphyouthdance@gmail.com and we would be happy to help!

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How to Register

We have a new ONLINE REGISTRATION SYSTEM

  • Once on the Parent Portal you will be able to search to see if you or your dancer is already in our system or to add a new student.  All the classes that are available to the dancer due to year of birth will show up when you click on “Register a Student”.  Be sure you are in the season you are registering for (Summer, 2020-2021 Season, Fall 2020, or Online Fall 2020).
  • Here is a video tutorial to help you use the Parent Portal for the first time.  There is a lot to offer in this new system! Prices, schedules, class descriptions and the ability to register online are all available on the portal.

When registering you will only be asked to pay a non-refundable registration fee of $25 plus HST (maximum of 2 registration fees per family). Company non-refundable deposits are $100-$150 plus HST. These fees will reserve your spot in the classes you choose.  Credits can be used to pay this fee.

Tuition will be due on September 14th. Please note that we are happy to make payment plans (monthly or quarterly).

If we are unable to open on September 14th for in studio classes, we will offer classes outdoors as well as online.

If classes will only be taking place online- we will reduce Tuition owing to reflect a reduced online class fee ($10 per class for 45-minute classes and $12 for one-hour classes).

At this time families can decide if they wish to stay registered in their classes or opt out.  Only the $25 registration fee and company deposits will be non-refundable.  We hope this will provide families with the flexibility to move forward with what you are most comfortable with once we know more, while providing us with a sense of what families are looking for at this time.

Please be sure to put your child on a waiting list if a class is full as we can also add more classes to the schedule if necessary.

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Online Classes

Following are the Online classes we are offering this Fall:

Pre and Post Natal Nia, Livestreamed, Monday, 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

The Nia Technique is a whole body, mind and spirit movement program that focuses on directing your awareness to how your body, mind and spirit feel at any moment during and after class. Dance to eclectic music, release energy through martial arts, and open, lengthen and breathe into your joints with the healing movements of yoga. Pregnancy is a time of connection to your body and your baby and Nia provides the opportunity to take the time to connect, sense and bring joy into your body. Come and share this special time, nurturing your body, mind, spirit and baby with music, movement and magic.  Taught during the in studio class with Janet Ragan.

Adult Hip Hop Livestreamed, Tuesday, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

This class is designed to provide Adult dancers with the foundational knowledge of hip hop. Dancers invited to explore this diverse urban genre while building confidence and learning how to express themselves through choreography and freestyling. Taught during the in studio class with Heather van den Broek.

Solo Dancing Improvisation and Composition 9-12 years, ONLINE, Tuesday
5:30 PM to 6:15 PM

Improvisation and composition classes develop the whole dancer, training dancers to express themselves and fully embody technique, cultivating a more well-rounded and expressive dancer. In this online class dancers will develop a solo work through the exploration of shape, time, space and relationship. For those who wish to participate- this class will end with an online performance of solos created. Taught by Catrina von Radecki

Solo Dancing Improvisation and Composition 13 + years, ONLINE, Tuesday
7:45 PM to 8:30 PM

Improvisation and composition classes develop the whole dancer, training dancers to express themselves and fully embody technique, cultivating a more well-rounded and expressive dancer.  In this online class dancers will develop a solo work through the exploration of shape, time, space and relationship. For those who wish to participate- this class will end with an online performance of solos created. Taught by Catrina von Radecki

Adult Beginner Jazz, ONLINE, Tuesday, 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM

Our Adult beginner Jazz dance classes are geared to adults who want to be physical, creative, meet new people and learn new skills. Following a balanced conditioning warm-up, funky combinations full of traveling steps, kicks, spins and isolations make this class both challenging and fun! Taught by Chenise Mitchell.

Creative Dance 3-7 (and families!) ONLINE, Thursday, 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM

Creative Dance class aims to build physical confidence, strength, flexibility and body awareness while developing the child’s natural joy of movement and active imagination. Students will learn fundamental movement skills necessary to express themselves through dance. Children will twist, turn, bend, stretch, feel and play, all in a fun, protected and stimulating artistic and creative environment. Taught by Catrina von Radecki.

Adult Ballet Bootcamp livestreamed, Thursday, 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM

Just as it sounds, combining the technique from a traditional barre/ballet class with the flow of a fitness class done to music that isn’t so “traditional”. No experience required. Bring your running shoes, ballet slippers or go in bare feet but be prepared to sweat and tone like a ballerina does. Plies, sautes and abs, oh my! Taught during the in studio class with Heather van den Broek.

Contemporary Barre 13 + years, ONLINE,  Thursday, 4:45 PM to 5:30 PM,

The contemporary barre classes will focus on the fine tuning and technical focus of a ballet barre while integrating contemporary torso articulation, fluidity and athletic grounding. Taught by Janet Johnson.

Conditioning 10-11, Livestreamed, Thursday, 5:00 PM to 5:45 PM

C-I Training™ (conditioning-with-imagery) is a body system which incorporates both conditioning exercises for muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility, as well as visualization and imagery work for neuromuscular re-patterning (or movement re-education), alignment work, and mind-body integration and connectedness. A deeply physical experience with clear mind/body integration.  

Conditioning 12 +, ONLINE, Thursday, 5:45 PM to 6:30 PM

C-I Training™ (conditioning-with-imagery) is a body system which incorporates both conditioning exercises for muscular strength, endurance, and flexibility, as well as visualization and imagery work for neuromuscular re-patterning (or movement re-education), alignment work, and mind-body integration and connectedness. A deeply physical experience with clear mind/body integration. Taught by Janet Johnson.

Contemporary Barre 9-12 years, ONLINE, Thursday, 6:30 PM to 7:15 PM.

The contemporary barre classes will focus on the fine tuning and technical focus of a ballet barre while integrating contemporary torso articulation, fluidity and athletic grounding. Taught by Janet Johnson.

Jazz 12 and up, ONLINE, Saturday, 11:30 AM to 12:15 PM

Dancers are introduced to different syncopated rhythms and movement qualities. Dancers learn to identify, repeat and mark new rhythms. Following a balanced conditioning warm-up, funky combinations full of steps, kicks, spins and isolations make this class both challenging and fun! Taught by Chenise Mitchell.

Hip Hop 12-14, Live streamed, Saturday, 12:15 PM to 1:00 PM.

This class is designed to provide students with the foundational knowledge of hip hop. All levels and ages are invited to explore this diverse urban genre while building confidence and learning how to express themselves through choreography and freestyling. Taught during the in studio class with Lindsay Roe.

Jazz 8-11, ONLINE, Saturday, 1:15 PM to 2:00 PM

Dancers are introduced to different syncopated rhythms and movement qualities. Dancers learn to identify, repeat and mark new rhythms. Following a balanced conditioning warm-up, funky combinations full of steps, kicks, spins and isolations make this class both challenging and fun!

Hip Hop 8-9, Live streamed, Saturday, 2:00 PM to 2:45 PM

This class is designed to provide students born 2012-2011 with the foundational knowledge of hip hop. All levels and ages are invited to explore this diverse urban genre while building confidence and learning how to express themselves through choreography and freestyling. Taught during the in studio class with Lindsay Roe.

Hip Hop 10-11, Live streamed, Saturday, 3:45 PM to 4:30 PM

This class is designed to provide students with the foundational knowledge of hip hop. All levels and ages are invited to explore this diverse urban genre while building confidence and learning how to express themselves through choreography and freestyling. Taught during the in studio class with Lindsay Roe.

Please go to your Parent Portal to see all the options available to you!  Adults must add themselves to the Portal as a student to see our adult class offerings. Once in the Portal you will see 4 tabs for each season we are offering. Be sure to go to the ONLINE 2020 tab to see online class options.

Go to our Portal in the ONLINE 2020 tab to find out more.

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New Policies and Procedures due to Covid-19

Dear Guelph Youth Dance Family members,

As valued members of our dance family, we have implemented the following rules as we proceed in our opening of Guelph Youth Dance.

We will continue to monitor and implement the local, provincial and federal recommendations as they’re announced and make changes as necessary. We will take each week, or day to day, into consideration as it approaches and keep you updated on what’s happening. We will be updating through Facebook and email.

We take pride in our facility and how it operates and would like to highlight the policies we have in place at GYD to help our dance families stay healthy and safe.

Prevention Steps​:

  • ENTERING​ AND EXITING THE BUILDING: ​All dancers will enter the building from the OLD QUEBEC STREET entrance. After classes all dancers will exit the building through the back of the building at 21 CHAPEL LANE.

To make that a safe entrance for everyone to use. Here’s how this will work…

    1. WAITING ROOM IS CLOSED​: we are asking all parents/guardians to drop off your child and wait outside the building for your dancer to enter or exit the building.  We will have volunteers ready to help students when needed (younger children).
    2. Once your dancer is dropped off, they will be ushered immediately into the studio and provided with hand sanitizer.  Everyone must wash their hands prior to and before exiting the studio. You may bring your own sanitizer if you wish. Please note that as the waiting room is closed, it is best to arrive only 5 minutes prior to class start time as dancers will be asked to wait in a line to the studio 6 feet apart.
    3. Everyone entering the building must wear a mask in all common areas and all studios where 6 feet distancing cannot be maintain.
    4. Please be in your dancewear when you arrive and bring as few items to class as possible. Items will be placed just outside the studio or in the corner of the studio so we can avoid going into the lobby.
    5. Pick-up​ – since the waiting room is closed and we cannot congregate in there, we ask that you all make a single file line up to the door where your child will be. Each child will be dismissed individually as each parent comes to the door (children 9 and under only). The line may be long on certain days so please be patient, this is all for the health and safety of your children. As long as everyone is there on time this will move very quickly. All students will be downstairs in their designated spots awaiting your arrival.
  • Sanitizer: We have hand sanitizer in each room, hallway, and front desk. Students will be asked to use it frequently. If you’d prefer your own students are permitted to bring it in their dance bag. Our sanitizer does contain at least 60% alcohol.
  • Water fountain – our water fountain is ​CLOSED​. Please make sure your child brings their own non-spillable container that has their name on it.
  • No close contact: we will be adjusting many things in our classroom to avoid contact. Please bring in your own yoga mat for conditioning classes. Students will not be permitted to hold hands, high five, or touch each other in any way. We will also ensure that they are not in close proximity to each other. If you can please remind them to keep to themselves, they all love to hug each other 🙂
  • Surface Cleaning: Every hour we will be wiping down frequently touched surfaces and equipment. Every evening everything is wiped down.
  • Deep Cleaning: the studio will be professionally deep cleaned twice per week.
  • Sneezes and Coughs: We are encouraging dancers to cough and sneeze into their shirt or arms, not in their hands. If your child has either of these symptoms we are asking them to stay home.
  • Staff: Only healthy staff members (without symptoms) will be in the studio. Our teaching staff is ready to fill in for each other so each child may get to know more teachers than normal this year.
  • Class sizes: class sizes will be restricted to the number allowed by Public Health.

How you can help​:

  • Do not bring your child to class if they are coughing, sneezing, have a fever, stomach ache, body aches, sore throat, chest congestion, diarrhea, vomiting, or any other illness.
  • Do not bring your child to class if a family member is ill with any of the above symptoms
  • Don’t bring toys from home.
  • Don’t break any formal quarantine/government restrictions.
  • Encourage your child to cough and sneeze into their arm not in their hand and to not touch other children or their teacher.
  • Alert us if your child does have COVID-19 and has been to the studio within the last 14 days so we can contact their peers.

Each family is encouraged to make their own decision about coming to the studio, please do what you feel comfortable with and what makes the most sense for you and your family. Your health and safety are most important to us!!

We are so looking forward to healthier times and when we can hug all of your little ones again, they are such a bright spot in our day! The well-being of our students and families is a top priority! Please know that we are here to address any concerns or issues and are happy to hear from you on additional ways we can keep our community healthy!

Sincerely,

Catrina and Janet

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42 Quebec Street, 2nd floor,
Guelph, Ontario
t: 519-803-8829

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Guelph Youth Dance Training Program Inc. (GYDTP) is committed to providing services that are accessible to everyone, including people with disabilities.

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