Policies - Sapphire Circus Arts

Studio Policies

Maintaining a safe and inclusive space for all our staff and students is a priority to Sapphire Circus Arts please read our studio policies before attending classes. Updated: Feb 21, 2023

Studio Rules - For your Safety

No one can use the equipment unless supervised by a Sapphire Circus Arts instructor.
Every participant must have signed a liability waiver to participate in a class – activity involving height has the potential for injuries such as strains, sprains, dislocations, breaks to bone structures, serious head/neck injury, paralysis and even death.
Notify a Sapphire instructor of any physical or emotional limitations that may affect your participation and/or safety.
A clean studio is a safe studio – please, keep shoes and food out of the training space. You may bring water in a plastic or metal container (no glass).
In case of emergency or injury, please immediately notify your instructor. There is a first aid kit and AED onsite.
Please do not arrive any earlier than 10 minutes prior to your class and no guests without prior approval are allowed to observe classes (including kid’s classes).
The gym is passively video monitored and video can be pulled for up to 30 days. If an incident happened in the gym please notify the owner as soon as possible.
Observation among students and coaches is important for learning. If you would like a more private environment to learn in please let us know, private lessons are avaliable.

Photo / Video Policy

Instructor permission is required for video or photography during class time.
You are not permitted to record an instructor without their knowledge.
When approved by an instructor you only have permission to record yourself. No other student should be recorded without their knowledge or their permission being given.

Spotting Policy

Aerial circus often requires active spotting; a physical touch to guide or support the movement. Verbal consent will be required from all students for spotting. In the case of an emergency, a physical spot may be required without consent in order to prevent harm.

Open Training Policy

Open training time is for practicing skills you know.
Open training time is for adults (Age 16+).
Only use equipment you have training on.
You do not have to take classes with Sapphire to qualify for open training, but you must be able to train safely without instruction.
If you are consistently behaving in an unsafe way you will be asked to leave. No refund will be provided.
Ask permission before offering feedback to others’ training in the studio. If a person says they do not want feedback, respect their wishes.
Video yourself and not others (see Photo/Video policy)
Students should not be teaching other students, please refer to the open training monitor for questions.

Injury Policy

Training while injured regardless of where the injury was sustained can be dangerous. If a medical professional has advised against training due to an injury, please do as they have instructed. If you attend classes against medical advice Sapphire is not responsible for delayed healing, re-injury or worsened injuries caused by aerial training.

If you miss a class due to injury you may replace up to 1 class per session with 1 open training. Missed classes can also be sold or traded between students of a similar level and are to be arranged by the students and notification send to info@sapphirecircus.ca of the change.

Please note we will not be offering any refunds or class credits for classes cancelled for any reason. We greatly appreciate your support and understanding.

Late Arrival Policy

Arriving late disrupts your coach’s ability to deliver a safe and effective class and is disruptive to the other students. Students who arrive more than 15 minutes late should expect to need to spend 15-20 minutes on their own warming up – you cannot participate in class until you have done a warm-up. This is up to the instructor’s discretion and you could be asked to leave or only observe if you are over 15 minutes late.

Missed classes/Cancellation Policy

Adult classes: If you miss a class due to schedule, illness or injury you may replace up to 1 class per session with 1 open training, to be completed in the same session. Missed classes can also be sold or traded between students of a similar level and are to be arranged by the students and notification send to info@sapphirecircus.ca of the change.

Adult/Kids classes: If there is a similar levelled class at another time with space in it you may request to join that class as a replacement for a missed class. This is based on availability and instructor permission. If there is no space in a similar levelled class no make-up class will be provided for missed classes.

Cancellation Policy: Please note we will not be offering any refunds or class credits for classes cancelled for any reason. We greatly appreciate your support and understanding.

Emergency Action Plan

If an aerialist, student, or anyone in the facility has a life-threatening emergency, one person should stay with them and call 911.

INFORMATION FOR THE DISPATCHER:

Indicate your need for an ambulance
Our Studio Address: 9527-49 Street Edmonton, AB (Inside Dreams Gymnastics Academy)
Dreams landline: 780-440-0014
Erin (owner) cell: 780-993-0001
Injured person’s approximate age and medical issue (i.e. head injury, spine injury, heart condition, etc.)
Directions to our facility:

We are in a warehouse bay inside Dreams Gymnastics Academy, enter through the door labelled “Dreams Entrance” and walk straight down the hall.

A second person should be waiting at the entrance to help responders to the injured. This person should also call the injured person’s emergency contact if they are not already present.

A third person should serve as a ‘runner’ to retrieve medical supplies and first aid necessities as needed for the first person that is with the injured.

A fourth person should take responsibility for the other students, aerialists, and people in the facility and ensure that the area around the injured is clear.

NEAREST HOSPITAL:
Royal Alexandra Hospital, 11026A 102 St NW

PHONE NUMBER OF HOSPITAL:
780-735-4111

FACILITY ENTRANCES and EXITS:
Our main entrance closest to classes held is under the ‘Dream Entrance’ sign and is facing west.

FIRE EXTINGUISHER/AED:
There are two fire extinguishers and one AED in the building. Each one is located next to an entrance or exit.

Frequently Asked

What do I wear?

Wear comfortable, form-fitting athletic clothing covering your legs and your stomach (you may also want something covering your armpits). Please do not wear clothing with velcro/zippers/buttons/buckles. Please do not wear jewelry that could get caught on equipment. If your instructor is concerned about any hard-to-remove jewelry, you will have the option of removing it or covering it up.

Where are you? I'm lost.

Sapphire Circus Arts is inside of Dreams Gymnastics Academy. Check the contact page for a map and picture of the location. There is a big sign that says ‘Dreams Entrance’ over the door, go in there and someone will direct you.

Facility/Equipment Information

18′ working vertical space (20′ to roof)
6 fixed silk points over a spring floor
Dedicated room with 5 fixed points for either – silks, hoop, sling, dance trapeze or straps.
1 High Static Trapeze over a foam pit
Cubbies for your things
2 gender-neutral bathrooms
Reception area with seating, and gallery seating to watch kids classes

Accessibility of facility?

Wheelchair Access?

Our parking lot has 1 accessible parking stall and a wheelchair ramp to the right of the door. There is a small bump into the lobby by the door. Since we are in a gymnastics club mats and things can be left laying around, please let us know (info@sapphirecircus.ca) your needs and we will make sure the path is clear.

Service Dog?

Service dogs are always welcome. Please contact us prior to your first visit (info@sapphirecircus.ca) so that we can help you (and us) be prepared.

Limb Difference?

We all have unique bodies. Limb difference doesn’t mean you can’t do aerials. But it does mean we will be working together to find adaptations that work for you, so one-on-one training might work best to start. Please reach out (info@sapphirecircus.ca) to get started.

Limited Vision or other Medical Concerns?

Please let us know (info@sapphirecircus.ca), we want to work with you and keep you safe while learning.

ASL?

We don’t currently have a coach who knows ASL but we would still love to work with you and find an interpreter. Please email info@sapphirecircus.ca

Are there any prerequisites for the classes?

Yes, there are requirements for certain classes. Level or skill requirements will be posted in class descriptions. Classes might also be ‘level locked’ and only accessible if your account is tagged to a certain level. If you have any questions or need your level re-assessed ask your instructor or email us.

If you are new to Sapphire and have previous circus experience, please contact Erin before registering so we can set up your account with the best match for you. You will be asked to provide details about your past experience and you may be required to book a half-hour assessment with one of our instructors.

What should I bring?

Water bottle (plastic or metal – NO glass)
Yoga mat (optional)
Notebook (optional)
Phone – for photos/video (optional)
Training aids such as yoga block, bands, weights (optional)

Can I bring my own silks/loop/trapeze/hoop?

Sorry, all of our points are fixed. Due to limited time between classes, we will not be able to accommodate students’ own equipment at this time. All of our equipment is cleaned between classes and is ready for you to use.

Does it hurt?

Your hands and muscles may be sore a day or two after class. This is normal.

But, yes, circus can sometimes hurt. It’s worth it, we promise.

When can I train?

Open training is offered and is based on available points during Sapphires operating hours when an instructor is available to monitor you. You may practice what you know, but will not be actively taught during open training. Please see the registration page for times when training is available.

Can I watch my kids class?

There is a seating area in view of the silks area where family can watch from. Trapeze and hoop classes are inside the Constellation room and due to limited space, no viewing of these classes is available at this time.

I was a Firefly Student, what level am I?

Silks
Firefly level 1 = Beginner 1
Firefly level 2 = Beginner 2
Firefly level 3 = Intermediate 1
Firefly level 4 = Intermediate 2
Firefly level 4/5 or 5 = Advanced 1
Firefly level 5/6 = Advanced 2
Firefly level 6 = Advanced 3

Trapeze or Hoop
Firefly level 1 = Beginner 1
Firefly level 2 = Beginner 2
Firefly level 2.5 = Intermediate 1
Firefly level 3 = Intermediate 2
Firefly level 3.5 = Advanced 1
Firefly level 4 = Advanced 2

Loop
Firefly level 1 = Beginner
Firefly level 2 = Intermediate

Code of Conduct

This applies to all staff, students and visitors in our space. Updated: Sept 22, 2022

Sapphire Circus Arts mission is to provide an inclusive circus community where people feel inspired to express themselves both creatively and athletically. To do this we want to provide an environment where everyone feels safe to explore movement, both in the air and on the ground and feel safe and supported physically as well as emotionally.

Within our space everyone is treated with respect, regardless of gender, race, religion, physical ability, social status, age, size, or sexual orientation.

The following behaviours will not be tolerated:

Physical violence;
Verbal abuse;
Any form of harassment including sexual harassment;
Intimidation or threats;
Malicious or harmful statements about others;
Public disclosure of another’s private information;
Possession/solicitation/purchase of dangerous, illegal or unauthorized material; and
Participation/association with any terrorist or discriminatory organizations

Unkindness is not welcome within these walls. Please be kind – including to yourself. When speaking to other students please ask for consent when offering suggestions or feedback and leave the teaching to the coaches, that is what they are here for.

Students, staff and/or visitors who appear to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be asked to leave the premises.

If you have been a victim or a witness of any perceived or concerning behaviour, please contact the studio owner, Erin Dewar, at any time.

The Owner and staff of Sapphire Circus Arts reserve the right to exclude any person from accessing services as a consequence of violating this policy.

COVID Mitigation Protocol

We don’t want to be grounded… ever again. So to keep everyone safe in our space we ask that you read and follow our Covid Mitigation Protocol whenever you are in Sapphire. This procedure is ever-evolving and changing as needed to keep our coaches and students safe at all times. Updated: Aug 29, 2022

COVID-19 RISK MITIGATION & PRACTICES

All rigging points are a minimum distance of 9’ apart – social distancing for aerials.
Sapphire equipment will either be quarantined for 72 hours or disinfected with Vital Oxide before/after use.
Hand sanitizer is available at our entry point and in the training space.
Participants are reminded to exhibit good etiquette (i.e. sneezing or coughing into the crook of their elbow or a tissue)
Students, instructors and staff who become symptomatic will be asked to leave immediately and to isolate themselves from others.
The studio will be deep cleaned, disinfected and fogged with Vital Oxide on a nightly or weekly basis, depending on usage.

MASKS

Following the current guidelines masks are not required in the gym at this time unless otherwise stated. Some classes might be marked as requiring masks at the time of registration, this is due to a request by a student or the instructor – if you sign up for a masked class please wear a mask. Otherwise, all classes are unmasked. Instructors are currently only required to wear masks for planned spotting situations. If you are uncomfortable with the masking situation in a class please let a coach know. Please follow the Alberta.ca COVID guidelines and mask if needed.

RAPID RESPONSE TO A POSITIVE TEST

If you have attended classes and received a positive test please notify Sapphire as soon as possible so we make the necessary changes.

KIDS DROP OFF AND PICK UP PROCEDURE

All new online forms & waivers MUST be completed prior to the student entering the studio.
Please make sure you are on time for pick up as we need the studio empty for cleaning.
Parents may watch silks classes from a designated seating area. Trapeze and hoop classes do not have space for observers.

WHAT ARE WE USING AS A DISINFECTANT?

We will be using the Vital Clean Fogging System that will be used daily to disinfect the space with Vital Oxide.

Vital Oxide: A hospital-grade disinfectant that is approved by Health Canada to kill COVID-19 (among several other viruses and bacteria strains). It is the safest disinfectant on the market, with an SDS rating of 0-0-0, no VOCs, and no PPE required at any concentration. It is skin safe and not a skin sensitizer like alcohol-based hand sanitizers. It is also food safe and approved as a no-rinse-required product.

ARRIVAL PROCEDURE

Prior to coming to Sapphire Circus Arts, please ensure you have read all of the new COVID-19 protocols.
All participants are required to self-screen themselves for symptoms. Any participant that is exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms will not be allowed to enter the facility or participate.
Do not arrive earlier than 15 minutes before your scheduled training and/or class time.
Masks might be required at the instructor’s request for close-up spotting.
Upon entering the studio do the following:

- sanitize your hands
- place your shoes on the shoe rack
- proceed to the Constellation room

TRAINING PROCEDURE

All training, warm-ups and cool-downs will take place in a designated training area. You will have an area to warm up/stretch on your own yoga mat; no sharing of any apparatus or equipment is allowed at this time (unless you train with a person you live with).
Sapphire equipment will either be quarantined for 72 hours or disinfected with Vital Oxide before each use.
Masks may be required in some spotting situations.
Please maintain a safe distance from people while at Sapphire.

DEPARTURE PROCEDURE

After class, all training mats will be fogged by the instructor.
Students will take all personal belongings to the exit.
Please maintain a safe distance from people while in Sapphire.

CANCELLATION POLICY