JAMM Virtual Classes
April 1 - May 4
When Life Gives You Lemons
JAMM Families,
None of us could have possibly been prepared for how our world has changed in the last three weeks—JAMM included. Life sure did throw us all some lemons, and now everyone is doing their best to turn them into something, anything, to keep life going with some sense of structure and normalcy. We understand completely; and together as a dance family, we are going to persevere.
There’s still so much uncertainty in our everyday lives, but we do know one thing for certain at JAMM: It is our top priority to protect our dancers, their families, our staff, and the place we love so much—our studio—during this time. We will not only do our part in protecting everyone’s health, but our dancers’ training, our staffs’ careers, our parents’ investments, and our second home. After careful consideration on all of the above, we would like to communicate the following updates in regard to the remainder of the 2020 dance season.
With Gov. Walz’s shelter-in-place order, JAMM will stay closed through May 4. To prepare for this, we have been working tirelessly to implement a form of reliable virtual classes for our dancers. We are moving all recreational and competitive classes to Zoom, an amazing video-conferencing platform, effective April 1. (See download/installation instructions and class links below.) This program allows for interaction between all parties—as much as possible without being physically face to face.
Will it be the same as in-person classes? Of course not, but all we can ask is that you give the virtual classes a chance. Even with these trying circumstances, we refuse to give up in making sure our kids continue to have dance, including the connection and happiness it brings, in their lives right now. We ask you to remember this is only temporary. Our faculty can still correct, still teach, still spread joy, and still inspire our dancers all the same. (We even have “waiting rooms” set up so kids can still talk and catch up before classes begin like usual!)
In addition, please note that class times throughout the week will stay the same, and attendance is mandatory and will be taken weekly. We will also offer virtual private lessons at a later date.
But know that no matter what happens, we will have an annual recital this season. And for competitive dancers, we are leaving no stone unturned to see you compete. It is possible the dates and venues are adjusted, but above all, we want our dancers working toward their performance and team goals. Now more than ever, they need to see the reward of their hard work, time, and effort.
We are anticipating your very valid questions about tuition and pricing, especially about how these virtual classes and the value JAMM offers are interpreted into a dollar amount. To be as forthcoming as possible, please recognize that full tuition will continue for the month of April. Exceptions in individual circumstances may apply and will be carefully considered in each situation.
In the spirit of transparency, we want to be proactive in our reasonings as of why:
· JAMM wants to keep its amazing teaching faculty employed, and we need to be able to pay them fair wages for their time. We need to take care of the staff that gives so much to take care of your dancer.
· To be candid, JAMM’s investment in Zoom as a training module is expensive to run at this level and frequency. We are investing in the best to ensure our dancers get nothing less.
· While we understand that classes are not being performed onsite, JAMM’s costs do not disappear. We need to keep the studio intact, so we have our second home to come back to when this is over. If we discount our tuition for these online classes, we are vastly limited in our ability to move forward.
Even in our own homes (see below for resources on how to set up a safe dance space!) and through a computer screen, our team of professionals feels confident they can provide the same value and dance training you expect and deserve. JAMM is committed to keeping our staff working, studio running, and dancers training at the highest level possible—training that will be more attentive and generous than ever.
But more than anything, we truly appreciate your understanding and flexibility as we navigate these unprecedented times. We are so grateful to have the ability to keep our kids connected with their peers and teachers. Our JAMM family is loved so, so fiercely, and will do everything in our power to make this the best experience we can for your dancer. We miss you all tremendously and cannot wait to see your smiling faces in person again. As always, we are here, listening, and available to answer questions and address concerns as they arise. Please do not hesitate to send us an email at angie@jammdanceco.com.
And don’t forget: Even when life hands us lemons that are little bruised, we can still make lemonade.
We’re proud of you, JAMM. Keep shining!
Angie & Rick Kirchner
Owners of JAMM Dance Co.
How to Zoom
STEP 1:
Download the Zoom App to your device or computer. www.zoom.us. Or in the app store it is called Cloud Meetings by Zoom. Zoom is FREE for you! You do not need to pay for Zoom or even register an account. You simply need to download the app. The studio has purchased all the licensing needed for your dance classes.
STEP 2:
Click on your dancer's class link below 5-10 minutes prior to your regularly scheduled class time. Pay special attention to the class name, day, time and teacher listed so you are joining the correct class.
SPECIFIC ZOOM DOWNLOAD STEPS BY DEVICE:
Desktop Pc or Mac:
-Click on your dancers class link in the newsletter below and it will send you to either download or launch zoom.
-Once you have joined a meeting, it will ask you to create your name as well as enable or disable the audio and video. We would like all dancers to have the audio and video on so they are able to see their dance teacher(s), but also be able to communicate with their dance friends and teacher(s).
-Once this is completed and you have joined a meeting, you will be in a waiting room and it will say waiting for teacher to start class.
Phone:
-Download the zoom app in the app store or google play.
-Click on your dancers class link in the newsletter below and it will send you right to the zoom app.
ONCE INSIDE THE APP:
- It will ask you to create your name as well as enable or disable the audio and video. We would like all dancers to have the audio and video on so they are able to see their dance teacher(s), but also be able to communicate with their dance friends and teacher(s).
-Once this is completed, you will be in a waiting room and it will say waiting for teacher to start class.
Ipad or Tablet:
-Download the zoom app in the app store.
-Click on your dancers class link in the newsletter below and it will send you right to the zoom app. Once in the zoom app it will have you wait for your dancers teacher to start class.
- It will ask you to create your name as well as enable or disable the audio and video. We would like all dancers to have the audio and video on so they are able to see their dance teacher(s), but also be able to communicate with their dance friends and teacher(s).
-Once this is completed, you will be in a waiting room and it will say waiting for teacher to start class.
RECITAL
JAMM RECITAL BACK UP BLOCK OF POTENTIAL DATES:
On hold July 13-18 @Ames Center in the event our June Date is postponed by the state.
We will notify all families as we are guided by state regulation with regard to recitals.
Designate a Space for your at home dance studio
Designate one spot in your home for your child to dance and practice in. Designating one spot in your home will help your dancer get in the mindset of when they are in this space they are focused and ready to take class.
Clear the space of furniture if possible to make sure your dancer has adequate space for their dance class.
Placing a mirror in the space can be helpful but is not required. Your dancer will feel more like being in the studio if there is a mirror for them to dance in front of, especially younger students.
Having a ballet barre of sorts for those that take ballet. Remember we are making lemonade and not everyone has a ballet barre. Below is a DIY tutorial if you want to make one. Otherwise, using a chair, railing or countertop will work just fine!
DIY BALLET BARRE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tG1EOPIcQ5c
TAP FLOORING IDEAS
Your dancer should designate a space that is safe for them to take tap class that will not ruin your floors. We recommend the following for both carpet and hard floor surfaces:
HARD SURFACE:
Laying and taping down a 4 x 4 sheet of Vinyl , or shower pan liner (purchased at a local hardware store Menards, Home Depot) and tape it to the floor surface (We Recommend using Gauff tape as it will not leave any tape residue).
CARPET SURFACE:
Dancers that are on carpet can put down a piece of 4 x 4 piece of plywood. We recommend birch plywood if you are going to go buy some. Home Depot will cut it right there for you too!
Lastly, don't forget a dance uniform, dance shoes and your device to watch class!
BAND APP
Sparkle Bear and Ninja 6 week session
Let's Dance! Your zoom links are below
Tot Classes
Teacher-Ms. Angie
Teacher-Ms. Angie
Teacher- Ms. Angie
Tap and Jazz Classes
Teacher-Ms. Angie
Teacher- Ms. Kayla
Teacher- Ms. Kayla
Teacher- Ms. Kayla
Ballet/Pointe Classes
Teacher- Ms. Kayla
Teacher-Ms. Kayla
Teacher-Ms. Kayla
Teacher-Ms. Stef
Hip Hop Classes
Teacher- Mr. Corey
Teacher-Mr. Corey
Teacher- Mr. Corey
Teacher-Mr. Greg & Mr. Corey
Teacher- Ms. Kayla
Acro and Contemporary Classes
Teacher-Mr. Corey
Teacher- Ms. Kayla
Competition Companie Class Links Below
Mini Starz Companie
Teacher- Ms. Kayla
Teacher- Ms. Angie
Drive Companie
Teacher- Ms. Kayla
Teacher-Mr. Corey
Teacher-Ms. Stef
Teacher- Ms. Kayla
Teacher- Ms. Yellie
Push Companie
Teacher-Mr. Corey
Teacher-Ms. Kayla
Teacher-Mr. Corey
Teacher-Ms. Stef
Teacher- Mr. Corey
Teacher- Ms. Yellie
Elevate Companie
Teacher-Mr. Corey
Teacher- Ms. Kayla
Teacher-Ms. Stephanie
Teacher-Ms. Katelyn
Teacher- Ms. Yellie
Edge Companie
Teacher- Ms. Kayla
Teacher-Ms. Katelyn
Teacher-Mr. Corey
Teacher-Ms. Stef
Teacher- Ms. Katelyn
Teacher- Ms. Yellie
Momentum Companie
Teacher-Ms. Sally
Teacher- Ms. Katelyn
Teacher- Ms. Stef
Teacher- Ms. Katelyn
Teacher-Ms. Katelyn
Hip Hop Companies
Teacher-Ms. Katelyn
Teacher-Mr. Corey
Small Group Companies
Teacher-Ms. Katelyn
Teacher-Mr. Corey
Teacher-Ms. Katelyn
Weekend Technique Classes
Teacher- Mr. Corey
Teacher- Ms. Sally
Teacher-Ms. Sally
Teacher- Mr. Corey
Duets & Trios
Teacher- Mr. Corey
Solo Lessons
Private Lessons
COMPETITION DANCER ONLY UPDATES
The following are the new competition dates JAMM has been notified of. Below the new dates, you will find information on refunds and/or transfer of competition fees for each event. If things change, we will keep you posted with information as it comes to us.
NEW COMPETITION DATES
MASQUERADE NATIONALS CURRENT DATES: 6/14-6/21 @ AMES CENTER
(All dancers, solos and groups) NOTE: this event may be postponed to July see below back up date
HALL OF FAME 6/25 - 6/26 @ ROY WILKINS
(all entries not danced at MARCH event + Move and Drive Co. )
MASQUERADE NATIONALS BACK-UP DATES: 7/19 - 7/24 @ AMES CENTER
(All dancers, solos and groups)
COMPETITION FEES
HALL OF FAME: Entries not danced during the March 13-15 event will be transferred to the June event at Roy Wilkins. Graduating seniors will have the option to dance their solos again at this event but will be billed to do so.
SHOWSTOPPER: Canceled. Full refunds are being processed by Showstopper at this time. As soon as we receive this refund from Showstopper, it will be credited to your dance accounts.
MASQUERADE: All entries that were supposed to dance in May will be transferred to the July event listed above. This event has been paid in full by JAMM at this time.
BRAVO: Canceled. These entries were not paid out by JAMM yet, as the due date for the event was not until March 20. These fees will be fully refunded to you by JAMM and credited to your dance accounts by April 1.