During the Covid-19 outbreak, we all need to do our part to keep everyone safe and healthy. The changes to how we run our Dance and Performing Arts Studios and teach classes can be overwhelming. We are hoping that this set of resources, tips and information will help everyone reopen their studios, as we all adapt to, and navigate the new normal.
Every situation is different, and all information provided are guidelines. All aspects of your business needs to be considered. The 4 main critical measures to Covid-19 are:
1) Practicing physical distancing
2) Minimizing contact with droplets of mucous or saliva
3) Keeping hands , surfaces and objects clean
4) Preventing contact with potentially infected people
As more information becomes available, we will continue to add and expand this resource page.
Governmental Resources
Canadian Federal Government
Provincial Government – Alberta
Provincial Government – British Columbia
Provincial Government – Manitoba
Provincial Government – New Brunswick
Provincial Government – Newfoundland and Labrador
Provincial Government – Northwest Territories
Provincial Government – Nova Scotia
Provincial Government – Ontario
Provincial Government – Prince Edward Island
Provincial Government – Québec
Provincial Government – Saskatchewan
Through the Pivot with PAEC: Round Table Member Chats, it has been mentioned that the following two documents published by the Ontario Government, have proven to be resourceful for Dance Studio owners as they prepare for opening their studios again;
This online document, version 1 – August 14th, 2020 specifically mentions “Dance Studios” – Guidance for facilities for sports and recreational fitness activities during COVID-19
Other Resources
Ontario Dance and Performing Arts Studios Workplace Guidelines – Back in May of 2020, a group of Dance Studio Owner across Ontario presented a document to the government of Ontario outlining Workplace Guidelines for Covid-19 as it pertains to Dance and Performing Arts Studios. This document was developed based on the Alberta Dance schools protocol document. Its purpose is to describe how Dance Studios can operate within the Covid-19 protocols suggested by the government to protect the health and safety of students, staff and teachers. Many Dance Studio Owners have signed the document, showing their support of it, and are now bound to follow what is proposed.
Covid-19 Financial Assistance
Canada United Grant: You could get up to $5,000 for PPE and retrofit for protocols. https://www.gocanadaunited.ca/
Ontario Grants: There are several grants on this page that can be used. https://www.ontario.ca/page/businesses-get-help-covid-19-costs
Rent Relief Calculator: Use this calculator before you apply for the subsidy to calculate the amount you can apply for. After calculating your amounts, you will have to apply for the subsidy online through My Business Account or Represent a Client. https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/subsidy/emergency-rent-subsidy/cers-calculate-subsidy-amount.html#h-3
Disinfection and Sanitizing – We learned a lot from our Dance Studio owners in BC, as they were the first to reopen. With their experience in regards to cleaning their studios, it became quickly apparent that it was a time consuming, tiring, and expensive task. Taking 15 minutes in between every class to clean, took away from teaching time, greatly reducing potential revenues, on top of reduced class sizes. A Mississauga Studio Owner shared with the group a great find, which is a solution being largely adopted by many studios now – Green Frog Tech ! Other studios have adopted a solution from envirowise solutions inc. The links to these companies are below.
Green Frog Tech – Green Frog Tech provides quality leading edge disinfecting and sanitizing products. Their products reduce the spread of Covid-19, other viruses, bacteria and airborne pathogens using biodegradable, safe, effective, human and animal friendly methods.
PAEC MEMBERS get special discounts on Machines and Chemicals from Green Frog Tech – learn more !
Company website: Green Frog Tech
Envirowise Solutions Inc – Envirowise Solutions is a leader in green products and technologies for cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting applications. They are dedicated to innovating healthier and environmentally responsible cleaning alternatives for their customers. Their products are created, tested, and manufactured under exacting guidelines and backed by comprehensive training, support and technical resources. Their mission is to provide superior next-generation products for commercial and industrial use that are non-toxic and sustainable. They are proud to serve all industries with earth-friendly, healthy cleaning solutions for every application: “Green” Cleaning, Flood Restoration, Mold Remediation, Smoke Damage, Fire Clean-Up, Hard Surface Cleaning, and Stain and Soil Protection.
Awareness Resources – click here to access a variety of awareness resources which you can use around your studio.
Every 2 weeks, members of PAEC meet for one hour to discuss all aspects of how Covid-19 has impacted the dance industry. These meetings have been highly informative and encouraging.
Join us by sending an email to the office paecdanceoffice@gmail.com.
Facebook Group – Also available to PAEC members is the Secret Facebook group. This secret group is a safe place for all members to pose questions, share ideas and tap into a national network of extensive experience. If you would like to be a member of this group, please send the office an email paecdanceoffice@gmail.com.