FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

GENERAL FAQs
How do I register?
Pre-registration is required for all classes and for both new and returning students. You can access our online portal by clicking here! 

How do I pay?
In order to be eligible for monthly instalment payments, or to sign up using our online system, families are required to sign up for automatic payment by credit card. A deposit payment must be made in order to reserve a spot in class. There will be a $25 charge for NSF payments. For those would prefer to pay by cash, cheque or bank transfer, lump sum payment of the whole session is required before the first class. ​

Do you offer discounts?
Yes we do! If a student or members of a family take four or more classes within a session, they will receive a discounted rate. This discount may not be combined with other promotions, or specials offered on any of the partner sites or any way we may choose to advertise.  Discounts do not apply to registration fees. If a class is dropped where multiple-class discounts have been applied, the discount will be reduced accordingly. Multiple-class discounts do not apply to single or per-class fees.
 
How do you handle missed classes?
If you miss a class during the session, you can do a makeup class! We do not offer refunds for missed classes.

How do makeup classes work?

• If you miss an aerial class, you can drop in at another aerial class at that same level or lower, or you can come to an Aerial Silks Test Drive Tuesday class. You must confirm with the instructor that there is room in a particular class; 24 hour's notice is required.
• ​If you miss a ballet, creative dance or Dance Foundations class, you can drop in at any other dance class at that same level or lower, or students nine years and older can come to an Aerial Silks Test Drive Tuesday class. You must confirm with the instructor that there is room in the class; 24 hour’s notice is required.
• All makeup classes must be taken within the same session that the class was missed.

What if I decide not to complete a session? 
Registration at our studio is on a per-session basis, and by enrolling, students are committing to attend and pay for the whole session.  If a student cancels before the first day of class, we will offer a full refund or credit towards other classes, minus a $30 administrative fee. PLEASE NOTE: no refunds or credits will be given after the first class of a session.

What about snow days?
Even if the school district declares a snow day, we will continue to run class if at all possible, so at least those who live close by can still attend if safe to do so. If we have cancelled class due to weather-related events, we will email you and text you (please make sure we have an up-to-date cell phone number on file). We are unable to offer refunds for snow days, but students may be able to make up missed classes during the session (see above for makeup class info).

What if the studio cancels classes?
If the studio cancels a class for reasons not related to weather, we will endeavour to offer a makeup class within the session for the affected students.

Can I stay and watch my child take class?
We welcome adults and caregivers! However, our space is small and things can get crowded pretty quickly if folks stick around to watch class every time. Also,  having spectators can sometimes throw kids off their game. We recommend that carers drop their kids off and then come back in to watch the last few minutes of class if they'd like to see how it's going. We also have an Open Studio week at the end of January, where caregivers are invited to watch a whole class. Keep in mind that, even if you are at the studio during class time, the teacher is in charge of discipline and instruction, and we ask that parents not communicate with their children from the sidelines during class, except in an emergency.  

Can I take pictures?
You can take pictures and video of yourself or child once in a while if you have cleared it with the instructor before hand, but please keep it discreet and to a minimum. We do not allow pictures of other students or staff without express permission from the subjects' guardians.

What's the deal with scents? I've heard that this is a scent-free activity.
Any and all scents can and do rub off onto the floor and onto aerial fabric, making other students' class experience an uncomfortable, or even impossible, one. Please avoid using these products if they are scented:

• Detergent and fabric softener
• Shampoo and conditioner
• Perfume and cologne and strong-smelling deodorants

What about (ahem) body and foot odor? What about cigarette smoke?
We  ask students to keep their uniforms laundered, and to change into it just  before class. We have shelves in our dressing room for you to put your street clothes on; just don't forget to take them home!

it's a good idea to do a check in with yourself before you enter class. If anything could use a bit of freshening up, feel free to do so. This will enhance your (and everyone else's) class experience! 
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AERIAL SILKS FAQs
Is it Aerial Silks or Aerial Fabric? I see both names used.
Since the material is not actually made of silk at all (ours are nylon), it makes sense to call it Aerial Fabric. However, since few people recognize the term, we sometimes use Aerial Silks so people know what we're talking about. 

Can I really do aerial silks? It looks so hard.
Aerial silks IS hard! And uncomfortable and exhausting. And FUN! Silks is excellent for strength building, but does stress the wrists, hands, knees and waist (all these parts take a person's body weight). Being comfortable with the idea of going upside down is an asset, as there's a fair bit of that. Check with your doctor to make sure they have no concerns, and then come on out!

What do I wear?
Our new dress code is on its way, but meanwhile, we ask that you wear close-fitting fitness wear that covers backs of knees, underarms and midriff.  Clothes that overlap to securely cover the belly are a big help. Matt fabric (non-shiny) is best. 

What do I NOT wear?
Rings, earrings, clothing with zippers or studs; all these things can tear aerial fabric.

Is there a weight restriction  for students taking aerial fabric classes?
Aerial work does put a lot of weight on wrists, elbows, shoulders, knees and backs. For that reason, a student's weight can become a consideration. Too much extra weight on a student's joints can be painful and lead to long term damage. For the safety of their joints, students should not carry an excess of 45 lb over their optimum weight. 

​Aerial training is a great workout, but is not meant to be a first step to a weight loss program. We highly recommend that you start your weight loss journey by accessing nutritional and general exercise supports before beginning aerial classes. We can help steer you in the right direction if you have questions.

DANCE FAQs
What do I wear and bring?
For now, wear close-fitting clothing like tank top and t-shirt, leggings and bare feet. (Our new dress code is on its way.) Bring a water bottle!

Do classes like ballet require special shoes?
We do use soft ballet slippers in ballet, and in  part of Junior Dance and Dance Foundations classes For part of Junior Dance and Dance Foundations, students wear bare feet in class, to give instructors the best possible view of students' foot articulation, and to help students get connected with the ground. 

Is there a point to doing both dance and aerial arts?
Dance classes focus a dancer's body awareness, allowing them to move with precision and clarity; essential when dancing in the air. Aerial silks builds strength and power; super helpful when dancing across the floor.  So yes, dance, aerial arts and other movement practices such as yoga, Bartenieff, Pilates, kick boxing, Feldenkrais, Gyrokinesis, martial arts, sports of all kinds, and walking in the woods can all have something to offer. Might as well get moving!

NOTE: Information subject to change without notice.