A. Introduction:
1. Virtual Dance Classes are the delivery of dance classes using interactive audio and visual electronic systems, when you (the dancer) and the instructors are not in the same physical location.
2. Virtual Dance Classes will be offered using the Zoom platform (or other designated platform by your host community organization).
3. Virtual Dance Classes will be taught by an instructor/Occupational Therapist from The Dance Ability Movement using universal design principles to improve access to virtual dance classes and adapt class style of needs of the group. Dancers will be participating from home or their designated community organization space and classes are focused on connection, socialization, and movement.
B. Privacy / Confidentiality:
1. We have carefully selected a video-conferencing platform, called Zoom, which incorporates state-of-the-art security protocols, such as encryption, to protect the confidentiality of your audio and visual data (e.g.: video-stream, contact info). You can find more information about Zoom at zoom.us.
2. You will be required to sign into a Zoom account OR use a specific password and ID for accessing the meeting from Zoom directly.
3. Meeting passwords and IDs may be different depending on the class day and week to enhance security.
4. We require participants to enter the “waiting room†before being let into the class. The Dance Ability Movement will only let in participants that we recognize the name (dancer or parent name). If we do not recognize your device’s name, you will NOT be let into the class. Email contact@danceabilitymovement.com to inform of any name changes that we should be aware of.
C. Benefits of Virtual Dance Classes:
1. Virtual Dance Classes improves access to dance: a. It can enable you to be seen by a teacher from your usual school/studio/space when the teacher is at a different location b. It can enable you to be seen by a teacher when you are not able to leave your home.
2. Virtual Dance Classes allows for communication, socialization and connection with your dance friends through your device when you are in different locations.
3. Virtual Dance Classes allows you to participate in the comfort of your home, where parents, support workers, or siblings can join for support or enjoyment.
4. Virtual Dance Classes enable you to be physically active to the degree you are comfortable.
5. Virtual Dance Classes can provide you with a consistent weekly routine to help establish a sense of normalcy and expected routine for your dancer and family, or introduce you to a new activity!
D. Possible Risks: As with any activity, there are potential risks associated with the use of Virtual Dance Classes. These risks include, but may not be limited to:
a. In rare cases, information transmitted may not be sufficient (e.g. poor resolution of images) to allow for appropriate instruction.
b. Delays in instruction could occur due to deficiencies or failures of the equipment.
c. In very rare instances, security protocols could fail, causing a breach of privacy.
d. Misunderstandings can happen even when meeting in person. But the more limited the information (e.g.: as when not meeting in person) the higher the likelihood of misunderstanding or missing some cues.
e. Injuries can happen when participating in dance classes in person. These risks are similar for participation at home, however additional risks may arise due to the different environment. Our volunteers and teachers are unable to support dancers the way they do in person. Therefore, each dancer is responsible for their own safety, it is required that a parent participate/supervise the contact@danceabilitymovement.com www.danceabilitymovement.com Updated: 2021.04.18 dancer at home/in their space. It is recommended that participants turn their cameras on so instructors can view partiicpation for safety and enhanced engagement.
E. Necessary Equipment:
1. You will need a device through which to use Zoom, including a screen, microphone, video camera, and speaker.
2. This can be done by PC, Mac, iOS, or Android; on a computer, laptop, tablet or smart phone.
3. Larger stationary screens and high-definition cameras are recommended. If you have an ethernet cord to connect to internet, this tends to provide a more stable connection than wifi. If you have an HDMI cord to connect to a larger screen (ie. TV monitor), this may help
your dancer view the class.
4. You will need to clear a space for dancing at home that is free from furniture and obstacles (including pets!). Remember your dancer will be watching their screen – so ensure they have a designated space for movement. They should be able to take at least 4-5 steps in each direction around them. Consider using a non-slip yoga mat if needed to designate space.
F. Joining a Meeting on Zoom
1. When it’s time for your dance session, you will login to the meeting through the designated platform (Parent Portal) and click on the video camera icon under “Today’s Scheduleâ€. (Make sure that your camera, microphone and speakers are turned on.).
2. If you experience any problem with connecting, you should email contact@danceabilitymovement.com for support.
G. Recording
1. At this time, we do not plan to record live sessions. We will not be re-posting sessions for viewing.
2. There may be certain opportunities in which we would like to record part of our online sessions. We will inform everyone who is signed into the live session. If you are not comfortable being recorded, you may indicate this verbally, using the chatbox (you can private message the instructor), or you can e-mail us ahead of time at contact@danceabilitymovement.com. You may also choose to turn your camera off during recordings.
3. Recordings and photos taken may be used for the purposes of reporting to funders, promoting future programs for both the host partner community organization and The Dance Ability Movement, and/or used on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and/or the organizations’ websites. By joining The Dance Ability Movement virtual dance class/workshop, you consent to your agreement and understanding of the above information, on behalf of yourself/the participant.
I, PARENT/GUARDIAN OF SAID CHILD(REN) HEREBY ASSUME ALL OF THE RISKS OF MY CHILD(REN) PARTICIPATING IN ANY/ALL ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATED WITH THESE VIRTUAL DANCE CLASSES, including by way of example and not limitation, any risks that may arise from negligence or carelessness on the part of the persons or entities being released, from dangerous or defective reigns as follows:
(A) I WAIVE, RELEASE, AND DISCHARGE from any and all liability, including but not limited to, liability arising from the negligence or fault of my child(ren), for my child(ren)’s personal injury, or actions of any kind which may hereafter occur to my child(ren) during VIRTUAL DANCE CLASSES BY THE FOLLOWING ENTITIES OR PERSONS: The Dance Ability Movement and/or their directors, employees, contractors, or volunteers. I acknowledge that this activity may involve injury. The risks include, but are not limited to, those caused by jumping, leaping, turning, stretching, or any dance movement, lack of hydration, improper dance floor, and actions of other people including, but not limited to, participants, and/or producers of the activity. I CERTIFY THAT I HAVE READ THIS DOCUMENT AND I FULLY UNDERSTAND ITS CONTENT. I AM AWARE THAT THIS IS A RELEASE OF LIABILITY AND A CONTRACT. I AGREE to this waiver OF MY OWN FREE WILL. I certify that my child(ren) is physically fit, has sufficiently prepared or trained for participation in VIRTUAL DANCE CLASSES, and has not been advised to not participate by a qualified medical professional. I certify that there are no healthrelated reasons or problems which preclude my child(ren)’s participation in VIRTUAL DANCE CLASSES. I acknowledge that this Accident Waiver and Release of Liability Form will be used by The Dance Ability Movement, the director, class holders, sponsors, and organizers of the activity in which my child may participate, and that it will govern my child(ren)’s actions and responsibilities at VIRTUAL DANCE CLASSES. I permit my child to participate in VIRTUAL DANCE CLASSES. By joining The Dance Ability Movement virtual dance class/workshop, you consent to your agreement and understanding of the above information, on behalf of yourself/the participant. If you have any questions please contact Jade Ryan at jade@danceabilitymovement.com or e-mail contact@danceabilitymovement.com