Because of Santa Barbara County's recent shift back into the purple tier, here is what we are doing to adjust our operations in compliance with the new regulations:
1. We are excited to announce our transition to a new outdoor dance space! In order to have this new space prepared for long term use as soon as possible, we will be closed for all in-person and online classes from Monday, November 23rd to Sunday, November 29th. Classes will resume both online and in-person in the new outdoor studio space on Monday, November 30th.
2. As always, all our classes are available online! Zoom links will be sent our for the remainder of this week's classes so we can still dance together as we are in transition to our new outdoor space.
3. Remember that we can all contribute to keeping our community safe! To continue to protect our community and dance families, all outdoor studio classes will still require students to check-in with: masks, temperature check, health questionnaire, and hand sanitizer. If you don't feel well to may have been exposed to someone with COVID, please stay home and take your classes over Zoom!
4. Remember to stay calm, breathe deep, and take care of yourself. We will get through this together!
New Safety Measures - Studio Codes
In response to growing concerns over health and safety with regards to both COVID-19 and outside air quality, The Dance Network is now implementing a new color coding system. This system allows us to easily share the status of classes on any given day as air quality conditions continue to change.
The new system will show one of three possible code colors each day: Blue- Classes are outside and on Zoom Purple - Classes are on Zoom ONLY (in the event of poor air quality) Teal - Classes are indoors and on Zoom (for when we are able to return in studio!)
To find out more about the codes and the steps we are implementing to continue to keep our families safe, please give us a call at (805) 225-6078. We are always happy to answer questions and be there for our families. Thank you all for your flexibility during this time!
Let's Dance Outside!
Starting Sunday, August 30th, all group classes are going to be outdoors in the Thunderbird Open Space. This park is positioned right behind the studio next to Walnut Lane.
Please carefully read the following information regarding drop-offs, check-ins, and more:
- All students will need to be dropped off and picked up in the back parking lot behind the studio. There is a walkway from the back parking lot to the park that will be marked off where the students can check-in for class. Please DO NOT drop off or pick up your child(ren) on Walnut Lane. Our goal is to keep our students as safe as possible and we also do not want to interrupt the flow of traffic in the neighborhood.
- Families will be able to park in the back parking lot as necessary.
- Upon arrival, students will need to wear a mask when checking-in for class. Each student will still be screened for temperature and any possible symptoms before going to their designated class area. Students with a temperature of 100.4F or higher will not be permitted to take class.
- Classes will end just a few minutes early to help facilitate transitions.
- We will try our best to keep classes in the shade, but students are encouraged to wear sunscreen and bring lots of water. Students should also consider bringing sunscreen with them to reapply between classes.
- The back door to Studio N will be open at all times for students to have bathroom access.
- Ballet, jazz, contemporary, and ballroom classes should wear jazz shoes (ballet and ballroom shoes are not recommended for outdoor use). Fitness, hip hop, and break dance classes will wear sneakers as per usual. Tap boards will be provided for all tap classes so students are able to still wear their tap shoes.
- Ballet students will still be expected to wear a leotard and tights, but can choose to wear shorts instead of a skirt while classes are outdoors.
- Fitness classes will have access to the studio's weights, but should bring a towel or yoga mat to use for class.
We are excited to still be able to dance together and appreciate your flexibility during this ever changing time!
Back to Dance Guidelines
On Monday, June 15th, we are starting in-person classes!
We are excited to see all our friends again and want to share with you what we are doing to help keep all of our dancers, families, and staff as safe and healthy as possible.
Classes - Because of class size and health limitations for many families, all classes will allow for a blend of in-person and online learning.
- At this time, tuition students will only be permitted into the studio. Drop-in and class card students will be able to take classes online, but not in-person.
- Class card students who are interested in taking classes in-person can call the office to put their class card on hold and reserve a spot by switching to tuition for the time being.
- Due to county regulations, in-person classes have a limited capacity. Because of these restrictions, the studio had to make some adjustments to class pricing. For more information on pricing, click HERE.
- Spots for in-person classes can ONLY be reserved by calling the studio office at (805) 225-6078. Online students as well as class card and drop-in students can still register online through ClassBug.
- Students or parents of students under the age of 18 years old who will be taking in-person classes will need to fill out an additional waiver before their first class.
Coming to the Studio - Studio D classes will enter through the door on the left side of the building. Studio N classes will enter through the door on the right side of the building. Only students for Studio T can enter through the lobby.
- Only students attending classes are allowed to come into the studio. Observers and parents will not be permitted inside. Safe curbside drop-offs and pick-ups are recommended.
- Students and families should avoid congregating outside and must maintain social distancing when waiting to go inside the studio.
- Students and staff are encouraged to self-screen for symptoms at home before coming to the studio. If students or staff exhibit any symptoms or feel unwell, they are expected to notify the studio immediately and stay home. You can also find a symptoms test online HERE.
- Students and staff who live with or have come in contact with someone diagnosed with COVID-19 are expected to notify the studio immediately and stay home.
- Students and staff will have their temperature taken and answer a brief health questionnaire to determine if they are well enough to enter the building each time they come to the studio. Students and staff with a temperature of 100.4F or higher will not be permitted to enter the studio.
- Students must sanitize or wash their hands when entering the studio and before leaving the studio. Staff must wash their hands when entering the studio and before leaving the studio. Sanitizing throughout class as necessary is highly encouraged.
- Masks must be worn to the studio. Dancers will not be health screened or permitted to enter without a mask.
- Students will not have access to cups for water and must bring their own water bottles.
- Clients wishing to speak with the front desk may do so over the phone or by scheduling an appointment. Any clients or employees will be required to wear a mask for any in-studio appointments.
We apologize for any inconvenience and appreciate your flexibility and understanding during this time. Thank you for your help to keep our dance community safe!
COVID-19 Update
Wednesday, March 17th, 2020
We are very sad to share that, as of today, Wednesday, March 17th, Santa Barbara has mandated that we close our doors for all in-person classes.
On a more positive note, we have been planning ahead for this and want to let you all know what we have in store so you can continue dancing during this crazy time!
To help us seamlessly continue studio operations once our doors are open again, we will reach out to you over the phone to help you finish setting up your ClassBug accounts. We know this process can be a little confusing and want to make it as easy as possible.
Virtual Classes and More! Many of you know we have been exploring options to make our classes virtual and we are excited to announce that we have found some great solutions!
Our plan is to offer students the following: - Live virtual classes at their regularly scheduled time through Zoom - Replays of classes in case you missed during the normal time - Video breakdowns of combos & choreography so we can be ready for the June show - Fun activities you can do anytime, including challenges with prizes!
Accessing the Online Materials In order to be able to access all of these great materials, we do ask that our dancers and families stay current with tuition and class pack payments. This allows us to be able to compensate our teachers and staff for their time in putting all of this together for you.
We understand if that, because of the numerous shut downs going on, paying for classes might not be an option for everyone at this time. If there is financial need, please reach out to us so we can work together to find a solution. As well, we will be waiving all late fees for February and March tuition to help ease any financial burdens our families might be experiencing during this time. (If you would like to take a moment to review our tuition and other studio policies, feel free to check them out HERE.)
Tuition Students: - You will be able to access all the materials for the classes that you are enrolled in currently.
Class Pack Students: - You will be charged a single drop-in for each live virtual class you attend through Zoom. We will send the Zoom link to the anyone who has taken the class since January 1st, 2020. You do not need to attend the live virtual class if you do not want to pay for the drop-in. - If you are not able to attend the live virtual class, you will charged a single drop-in for each replay and video bundle we send you. These will only be sent by request since we do not want to charge anyone for materials they do not want.
Our goal is to continue to bring dance to the community while doing our best to accommodate everyone’s needs and hardships during this time. We hope you all stay safe and healthy, both physically and mentally, and please feel free to reach out to us with any questions or concerns. As well, let us know if there is anything we can do to help you during this time.
We will miss seeing all of your faces for the next few weeks, but we hope you all stay in touch!
Important Protocols at The Dance Network
Monday, March 16th, 2020
During this time of crisis, we are doing our best to keep our doors open while helping our students, families, and staff stay safe and healthy. We understand and encourage any students or staff who are practicing social distancing or who are self-quarantining to continue to do what they feel is in their best interest at this time.
What you can do to help keep the studio and other students safe: - We highly encourage everyone to take your temperature before each time you plan to come to the studio. If you have even a small fever, please stay home! - If you have any signs or symptoms of any illness (cough, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, etc.), please stay home. - When you arrive to the studio, wash your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water. Our staff will kindly remind you to do so when you first walk in. - While at the studio, try to avoid direct contact with others. As well, try to maintain some distance when possible. - If you sneeze or cough, please do so into a tissue or into the corner of your elbow. Afterwards, or after blowing your nose, remember to wash your hands. - Avoid touching your face, especially with unwashed hands. - We also recommend washing your hands before you leave the studio.
What we are doing to keep you safe at the studio: - Daily cleaning of the entire studio - Regular cleaning of door handles, equipment, stereos, and other common area surfaces throughout the day - Hand sanitizer available in the lobby and every studio - Cleaning wipes readily available at the front desk - Regular reminders for students to practice safe health practices including hand washing information in our restrooms - Consistent monitoring of information from the: Centers of Disease Control, California Department of Public Health, and Santa Barbara County Public Health Department.
Other important notes: - Because of school closures, some of our families have expressed interest in possible day camps (similar to a summer camp). If this is something that you might be interested in, please send us an emailHERE. - We are still working on a virtual option for classes. We want to implement this as soon as possible for our students who are social distancing or self-quarantining. In the event that we need to close our doors, though, we will conduct all classes in this manner. - All company requirements are waived during this time. You are welcome to still come to classes and rehearsals, but your normal obligations are not mandatory until further notice.
Again, the most important thing during this time is to use your best judgement and keep yourself safe. We do not want anyone to feel any obligation to come to classes and want the studio to continue to be a place of joy and comfort for our students.
Please do not hesitate to let us know if you have any questions!
A Message About COVID-19
Thursday, March 12th, 2020 The Dance Network has always been committed to the health and safety of our dancers, families, and staff. With the recent events and the ever-changing situation around the coronavirus (COVID-19), we felt that it is important to share what we are doing to help keep all of you and our staff safe.
We have been closely monitoring updates and information from the following resources:
We are also keeping hand sanitizer readily available at the front desk and in each studio, have hand washing guidelines posted in both restrooms (with a recommended wash time of at least 20 seconds), and are ramping up cleaning services and sanitization throughout our studios. As well, we encourage all our students and employees to stay home if they are feeling sick to avoid spreading illnesses in general.
At this time, we will continue to have our regular classes and rehearsals at the studio while closely monitoring the progress of the coronavirus. Forward thinking, we are exploring options to hold classes virtually so our students do not miss out on all the fun if they do not want to attend in person. We will share more information about this option as things develop.
We hope you all stay healthy during this time and we are committed to doing everything we can to keep The Dance Network a safe environment for our community. Thank you all for doing your part, as well.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
Refer a Friend Program
Our studio has a great referral program!
Students and families who are currently enrolled in classes at The Dance Network will receive$10 OFF their next month's tuition or class package for EACHperson they refer!
Credit will be applied to the current family's account when the referred student/family registers for at least a month of classes or purchases a class package.