We are online, live and in your living room
Grab your laptop, tablet or phone and move that coffee table. ITD is going online, live and in your living room! We are very excited to be offering our full schedule online starting March 30th. All you need is a reliable internet connection, a streaming device and a safe space to dance (10x10 feet min is recommended). Simply log in to your parent portal and click on the green camera icon next to the class you are ready to join and a pop-up window using the Zoom client will open. You will be prompted to download the client, which will only take a few moments, and your class will begin!
While we realize that the dance class will look and feel a little different than it does in the studio, our teachers are excited to find new and creative ways to work with their students. This is a stressful time for all of us and we have several goals we wish to accomplish during this unprecedented time:
- To keep our community happy, healthy and safe.
- To continue to deliver the quality instruction you’ve come to know at ITD.
- To maintain a connection to the ITD community we all know and love.
- To support our faculty during this difficult time, when many are experiencing layoffs or reduced hours.
We realize many of our families are also enduring hardships at this time, so to help we are suspending our usual withdrawal policy of no cancellations after Feb. 1. If you are unable to continue with your classes, please let us know by March 30, in order to avoid tuition charges April 1. We will then continue tuition charges as usual but on a month to month basis, so families will be able to withdraw in May or June if they find they need to. We will also be opening registration to the public again and we would love to offer you a 15% discount if a family registers and mentions you as a referral. If you need to reach out to discuss payment plans and deferrals, we are also more than happy to see what options we can make available to you.
We look forward to making the most of social distancing with you! We hope to continue to be a positive role in your child’s life by providing exercise, both physical and mental, a sense of connection and community and, of course, a source of fun!
The teachers will be posting notes and extra resources for each class on the parent portal, so be sure to keep checking in to make sure you are up to date on any changes and adjustments we make at this time.
Please see below for our frequently asked questions and contact dancewithus@invitationtodance.ca if you need assistance.
Stay happy, healthy and safe and we look forward to seeing you the week of March 30th!
Miss Erin and the ITD team
FAQ
How do I access the live classes?
We are keeping our regular schedule intact so you will have access to any of the classes you are normally registered in. Simply log in to your parent portal when your class is scheduled to begin, click the video camera icon and your zoom window will pop up.
What do I need to live stream my class?
You will need a reliable internet connection, streaming device such as tablet, phone or laptop, access to your parent portal and some safe space to move.
How much space do I need?
We will be modifying our lessons to accommodate limited space, but we would recommend a minimum of a 10x10 foot space. Make sure you clear the floor from toys, furniture, pets and anything else you could trip up on.
I’m in, why hasn’t my session started?
Sessions don’t begin until the instructor joins the class. Please be patient as they will be transitioning from class to class just like a regular night and may still be finishing up the class before you. Please contact the office if a class does not begin within 7 minutes of it’s scheduled time.
How much parent involvement is necessary?
We are asking all parents to be on the floor with all students in our Jazz/Acro, Ballet/Tap, Pre School, Primary Acro, Primary Jazz, Primary Ballet and Boy’s Hip Hop classes. This way you can help to keep your child focused and engaged with the class, while getting a bit of bonding time in as well!
We also ask that all parents join the first acro class, so that they can receive a safety orientation from their teachers regarding class work.
What about tap?
If you can get a sheet of plywood (2-4 feet by 2-4 feet will do), that will make an amazing tap floor to work with. We know not everyone has access to this, so even tap shoes on carpet or sneakers on a hard floor will work. Be aware of how slippery your floor choice is and make sure the taps will not damage the wood or tile!
What about acro?
We are asking parents to join us for the first acro class back after the break. This way we can go over some safety reminders regarding the skills. We will be modifying class, so you won’t see skills requiring a lot of space or a lot of spotting (for example cartwheels, walkovers and limbers) but there will be lots of balancing, conditioning and flexibility drills.
What about a ballet barre?
If your class usually incorporates barre work, we recommend having the back of a chair or couch handy. Something sturdy and close to 36” tall, or your closest option!
What do I wear?
In the spirit of trying to find some normalcy in these trying times, we would like everyone to wear their normal dance attire with their hair up. However, the emphasis will be on fun and maintaining your hard-earned technique this year, so we will be understanding of any limitations that may come up.
When is my class?
Unless you have been contacted directly regarding a class time change, your class will be at your regular day and time.
Why am I muted?
All students will be automatically muted when class begins. This is to cut down on background noise for everyone involved. You will also find that the music and your teachers voice will cut out if you are making noise on your end. You have the power to unmute yourself at anytime to ask a question however, and your teachers will give ample time for questions and discussions.
What is gallery vs speaker view?
Gallery view will allow you to see all the participants (both teacher and student) in individual frames. Your teacher will watch the class from this view to see everyone’s progress. This will be a great view for the beginning of class and during class discussions. We recommend you spend most of your time in speaker view however with your teacher pinned so that they are the focus that fills your screen.
What about recital?
Currently we still have our dates booked at Glenmore Christian Academy, however it is unknown at this point whether we will be able to hold a recital, hold a simplified showing or cancel completely. Because most dances had barely begun before the shut down, we have decided to hit pause on developing the choreography for the month of April. When we have more information on the development of the pandemic and the governments recommendations for May, we will decide on the best way to proceed. Stay tuned for more information mid to late April.
Can my friends join?
Yes! We will be accepting new registrations month by month at this time. If you know anyone who is looking for organized online activities for their children, please let them know to contact us or register online through our website. If they give us your name as a referral at the time of registration, we will take 15% off your remaining tuition payments for the year.
I’m struggling with fees but want my child(ren) to stay in class, what are my options?
We know this is a difficult time for many people. We have suspended our withdrawal policy and you may cancel your registration for April up to and including March 30th. After that we ask for notice prior to the 20th of the current month to avoid tuition charges for the following month. (For example, notice given up to April 20th can be for a May withdrawal).
In addition, we are open to setting up payment plans and deferrals of payment until this crisis is over and you can return to work. Please contact the office directly to discuss specific options.