5 Things That Will Change After Quarantine, and 5 That Will Stay the Same
An update on new policies and procedures for when we return
My lovely Phoenixes,
Now that the city of Chicago has been released to Phase 4, we are planning to return to in-person classes on 7/5/20 for a 4-week mini-session. Our first full 10-week session will begin 8/2/20.
If quarantine has taught us anything, it’s that Studio Phoenix is a vibrant community of strong women who love and support each other through ANYthing. We’ve seen just how many of our amazing pole sisters are essential workers, working extra hours on the front lines and putting themselves at risk, which has given us a whole new group of superwomen to admire. We’ve seen our students stepping up to help others in need... sewing masks, donating food, helping neighbors, and reaching out with emotional support. We’ve also seen each other through periods of anger, and grief, and isolation... traveling through strong emotions and learning how to process this new situation. We truly are a tribe of powerful women, and I’m so proud to have each of you as part of our family!
Our team has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring you our virtual studio, keep you connected with fun social hours and games, and keep you challenged with different theme weeks and challenges. So I’d like to give a shout-out to my fellow Managing Instructors Jen and Anna, our Office Manager Shelley, and our Zoom instructors TaShona, Danielle, Shelley, Julie, Cia Sarah, Nikki, and Stephanie. Thank you for your great attitudes, your creativity, and your passion for our students. We are so blessed to have you on our team!
I also want to give a shout-out to those who have graciously kept their payments going during quarantine. This situation hit small businesses hard, and many studios have had to close. You ladies have helped keep Studio Phoenix functioning so we could continue to bring you our epic classes when all of this was over. You are seen, you are appreciated, and you are loved. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Since COVID-19 became a concern, I have been planning and working with experts on our plan of action. There have been a lot of quick changes and government decisions that made planning difficult, so I appreciate your patience as we’ve implemented new programs, and have done our best to pivot quickly to keep our connection alive and well! Every virtual class you take, every Zoom event you attend, helps keep the Studio Phoenix spirit flourishing. Below is an outline of what our “new normal” will look like, with 5 things that will change, and 5 things that will stay the same when we return to our beloved studio.
What will be changing when we return to in-person classes:
1.Social Distancing and Sanitation
For everyone’s safety, and to adhere to the government mandate, we will be temporarily limiting class capacity to help maintain social distancing. You may need to do a different class time during this session, due to the smaller class sizes, and we know that is frustrating. Know that it’s only temporary, and we are grateful for your flexibility as we do our best to keep everyone healthy and safe. We will also be putting several new sanitation and social distancing policies in place:
Due to popular demand, virtual studio and outdoor class options will continue to be available for some classes. Please note that for combination classes that are hosted at the studio with both in-person and Zoom students, instructors will need to give priority attention to those who are in the studio. All students will get time with the instructor, but splitting attention between live and video is difficult, and will require a bit of extra patience from everyone. Hybrid Zoom/in-person classes will begin 8/2/20.
3.Aerial Hammocks
Due to the difficulty of thoroughly sanitizing fabric quickly, we will be pausing aerial hammock classes until we feel we can safely bring them back without fear of cross-contamination. Likewise, blankets, pillows, and the bean bag chair will be removed from the lobby until we feel it is safe to return them.
4.Showcase
Our Showcase will be moved to the fall. If you are registered to perform, we will be contacting you with more information.
5.Special Curriculum
In order to get back on track with our session schedules, the July mini-session will be 4 weeks. Classes will be grouped by Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced, and classes will be available based on instructor availability. Our first full 10-week session will begin on August 2, 2020. All credits that accumulated during quarantine will be extended out through 10/10/20. Since most of us have not been conditioning at our usual pace, a significant amount of muscle and flexibility loss has occurred. Pole is a journey, so be encouraged that you will get that strength back! To help everyone adjust to returning to a more rigorous exercise schedule, we have created a special leveled pole curriculum for the July mini-session. We will be focusing on conditioning to help our strength return, as well as reviewing milestone moves from previous levels to ensure you are confident and able to return to your level in a safe way. If you have been taking privates in June, and wish to continue progressing in July, we recommend continuing with privates until 8/2/20.
5 things that will stay the same:
We love you. Can’t wait to dance with you again!
Xoxo,
Jenni
Now that the city of Chicago has been released to Phase 4, we are planning to return to in-person classes on 7/5/20 for a 4-week mini-session. Our first full 10-week session will begin 8/2/20.
If quarantine has taught us anything, it’s that Studio Phoenix is a vibrant community of strong women who love and support each other through ANYthing. We’ve seen just how many of our amazing pole sisters are essential workers, working extra hours on the front lines and putting themselves at risk, which has given us a whole new group of superwomen to admire. We’ve seen our students stepping up to help others in need... sewing masks, donating food, helping neighbors, and reaching out with emotional support. We’ve also seen each other through periods of anger, and grief, and isolation... traveling through strong emotions and learning how to process this new situation. We truly are a tribe of powerful women, and I’m so proud to have each of you as part of our family!
Our team has been working tirelessly behind the scenes to bring you our virtual studio, keep you connected with fun social hours and games, and keep you challenged with different theme weeks and challenges. So I’d like to give a shout-out to my fellow Managing Instructors Jen and Anna, our Office Manager Shelley, and our Zoom instructors TaShona, Danielle, Shelley, Julie, Cia Sarah, Nikki, and Stephanie. Thank you for your great attitudes, your creativity, and your passion for our students. We are so blessed to have you on our team!
I also want to give a shout-out to those who have graciously kept their payments going during quarantine. This situation hit small businesses hard, and many studios have had to close. You ladies have helped keep Studio Phoenix functioning so we could continue to bring you our epic classes when all of this was over. You are seen, you are appreciated, and you are loved. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
Since COVID-19 became a concern, I have been planning and working with experts on our plan of action. There have been a lot of quick changes and government decisions that made planning difficult, so I appreciate your patience as we’ve implemented new programs, and have done our best to pivot quickly to keep our connection alive and well! Every virtual class you take, every Zoom event you attend, helps keep the Studio Phoenix spirit flourishing. Below is an outline of what our “new normal” will look like, with 5 things that will change, and 5 things that will stay the same when we return to our beloved studio.
What will be changing when we return to in-person classes:
1.Social Distancing and Sanitation
For everyone’s safety, and to adhere to the government mandate, we will be temporarily limiting class capacity to help maintain social distancing. You may need to do a different class time during this session, due to the smaller class sizes, and we know that is frustrating. Know that it’s only temporary, and we are grateful for your flexibility as we do our best to keep everyone healthy and safe. We will also be putting several new sanitation and social distancing policies in place:
- Please bring your own yoga mat, pole rag, and grip aid if you use one (we also sell grip aids at the studio). Please wash both after each night of classes. To minimize exposure, instructors will spray the studio's alcohol bottle for you. So if you prefer to clean your pole more frequently, you're welcome to bring your own alcohol spray bottle (91%). While we have always been known for our clean studio, we have added even more sanitation methods to our cleaning routine. We've also added medical-grade air purifiers to each classroom. Hand sanitizer will be provided at the front desk and in the classroom. Please use it before each class, and any time you touch your face. You are welcome and encouraged to bring your own if you have a preferred brand!
- Our front desk staff will use masks to help ensure your health and safety. The front door will be locked until 5 minutes before class starts. Each staff member and student will have her temperature taken before she's admitted to the studio (anyone with a fever over 101 will be asked to come back another time, and will have her class credits returned). If it's your first class back since quarantine, we will have you sign a COVID-19 waiver. Please keep 6’ of distance from other students as you wait (we recommend waiting in your car until the door is opened). Classes will be dismissed, so instructors can sanitize equipment, and then the next round of classes will be admitted. If you are staying for another class, please move quickly to your next class. Try to avoid spending unnecessary time in the hallway or lobby... keep socializing to outside for everyone's safety. Please come dressed for class, as the lobby and locker room are closed.
- If you need assistance with scheduling classes or buying services, please do so by calling the studio, rather than standing at the front desk (with the exception of product/merchandise purchases).
- Masks are required in the lobby, hallway, and restrooms. Due to updated recommended procedures, please wear masks in indoor classes. If you feel dizzy or unwell, please have a seat and let your instructor know ASAP so she can check your oxygen levels. Masks will be required for any moves requiring spotting, and we are unable to do contact spotting for right now. If you do not feel comfortable having someone spot you for now, we understand, and will give you alternative moves to work on. You may not do new moves that require a spotter without someone spotting you, so understand you will be limiting your progression with this decision. But your peace of mind and safety are important to us.
- As much as we miss hugging you, please avoid hugging and high-fives for now. Some great alternatives: jazz hands, waves, and booty-shakes.
Due to popular demand, virtual studio and outdoor class options will continue to be available for some classes. Please note that for combination classes that are hosted at the studio with both in-person and Zoom students, instructors will need to give priority attention to those who are in the studio. All students will get time with the instructor, but splitting attention between live and video is difficult, and will require a bit of extra patience from everyone. Hybrid Zoom/in-person classes will begin 8/2/20.
3.Aerial Hammocks
Due to the difficulty of thoroughly sanitizing fabric quickly, we will be pausing aerial hammock classes until we feel we can safely bring them back without fear of cross-contamination. Likewise, blankets, pillows, and the bean bag chair will be removed from the lobby until we feel it is safe to return them.
4.Showcase
Our Showcase will be moved to the fall. If you are registered to perform, we will be contacting you with more information.
5.Special Curriculum
In order to get back on track with our session schedules, the July mini-session will be 4 weeks. Classes will be grouped by Beginner, Intermediate, or Advanced, and classes will be available based on instructor availability. Our first full 10-week session will begin on August 2, 2020. All credits that accumulated during quarantine will be extended out through 10/10/20. Since most of us have not been conditioning at our usual pace, a significant amount of muscle and flexibility loss has occurred. Pole is a journey, so be encouraged that you will get that strength back! To help everyone adjust to returning to a more rigorous exercise schedule, we have created a special leveled pole curriculum for the July mini-session. We will be focusing on conditioning to help our strength return, as well as reviewing milestone moves from previous levels to ensure you are confident and able to return to your level in a safe way. If you have been taking privates in June, and wish to continue progressing in July, we recommend continuing with privates until 8/2/20.
5 things that will stay the same:
- Our fabulous instructors will still be guiding you and working with you to safely increase your strength and flexibility. We know you missed their motivating workouts, supportive encouragement, and in some cases, cackles of glee as they pushed your limits (you know who you are! LOL).
- You’ll get to see your pole sisters in person again! Clapping, cheering, whistling will be louder than ever. While air-hugs and jazz hands may temporarily replace hugs and high-fives, the sisterhood is still just as strong as ever.
- Our commitment to quality, expert, and anatomy-based pole education.
- Our openness to feedback on what we are rocking, and what needs some work. We love being the place you love to come for an escape. Thank you for helping us be our best.
- The Studio Phoenix spirit. We are where you come to dance and be free. Where you come to shed the weight of the world and let your freak flag fly. Where you come to laugh, and cry, and sometimes a bit of both. Studio Phoenix will continue to be where you find your confidence, your fun, your sisterhood.
We love you. Can’t wait to dance with you again!
Xoxo,
Jenni