Policies

Entering the Studio

Non students (including friends and family) must stay off mats (and not touch equipment or apparatuses) unless invited in by an instructor. Instructors may make exceptions on rare occasions or under special circumstances.
The entryway of our studio is outfitted with cubbies for your shoes and personal belongings. Make sure everything fits neatly in a cubby so that it doesn't get lost or tripped over. You will also find hooks for hanging coats or bigger bags.
After putting your belongings away, make your way down the steps to the podium area. If it's your first time being at our studio for class, please check in with the coach on duty. They will likely be at the podium.
With the exception of service animals, and special request situations, pets are not allowed on the premises.
While in the entryway, please be mindful of others and leave room for other students and classes that may need to travel through. The entryway is a shared area, so please share the space and pick up after yourself.
Family, friends and visitors of students may watch from the the seating area provided (chairs, benches, on steps or in the hall) but are not permitted in the training areas.
Students must stay off mats (and not touch equipment or apparatuses) until class starts and/or an instructor invites them in.
The bench that faces the rigging wall is only available to sit on if there is NO class going on near it.

What to Expect as a Student

At the end of a session, workshop or private lesson, we encourage you to talk to your coach about any classes or workshops you are considering next. They will help you determine what level classes might be right for you and may be able to suggest future classes that fit your particular interests.
BAA coaches prioritize facilitating and encouraging a supportive environment. Your coaches will meet you where you are and as much as possible, will coach with your specific goals in mind. Goals, preferences, questions, concerns, and feedback are highly encouraged.
Your coach will greet you as they take roll for the class and introduce everyone to start the class. The coach will go over the "First Day Talk", detailing some studio policies and focuses for your time while in class. Please let them know about any limitations, adaptations or concerns that might affect your ability to participate fully in class or might require adjustments to the techniques offered. Coaches are happy to make accommodations and you'd be surprised how often an adjustment is possible.
After introductions, the coach or assistant will lead the class through a warm up followed by things like skill building, technique, sequences, choreography, conditioning, stretching and/or other training that may be useful to the students. Please feel free to communicate with your coach what your interests are. They are always happy to take these into consideration where appropriate.
Our coaches teach in clear progressions and utilize hands-on spotting when helpful. If you have any spotting related questions or concerns, please bring them up with your coach. They are happy to provide additional information. If you are uncomfortable being spotted, the coach will either adjust the skill/activity to something that can be done safely without a spot or give you something else to work on. BAA coaches will work with you to make sure everyone is comfortable and we encourage open communication about safety of every kind.

During Class and Training

Help us get the most out of our time together by arriving on time. Students arriving more than 10 minutes late may be asked to sit out.
No food, glass, or open containers are allowed in the training space, however you are welcome and encouraged to bring a water bottle.
Use a crash mat at all times (unless you have special permission for a specific reason). Note that the red carpet bonded foam mat does not count as a crash mat.
Follow the instructions of your coaches at all times. Anyone not following instructions or being disruptive may not be allowed to participate at the coaches discretion.
Only use equipment you have been expressly given permission to use by a coach and only when you have permission to use it.
Coaches will often encourage the use of video in class as a learning tool. However, please be courteous and always get permission to video anyone other than yourself including coach demos.
For some injuries, including concussions, students may be required to have written permission from a doctor to return to class.
No one may use equipment or train while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, excessive fatigue or any other consideration that would impede their ability to train safely. Coaches may prohibit participation if they suspect any of these factors are the case.
Refrain from coaching other students - let the trained coaches do that and use your training time to focus on your own goals and progress.
Potential students may observe an approved class once only, and only with special permission of the instructor.
If you have concerns or feedback about your classes, or if you just want to sing the praises of an amazing coach email us at info@thebumbershoot.com.

Drop in Policy

Rates vary for different lengths and levels but drop ins are more expensive per class than signing up for the entire session. Students must first get permission from the coach to insure that the level is appropriate and that there is room in the class. Next, create an account, sign a digital waiver, and purchase a Drop In Card through the website prior to the class. Make sure to select the correct time option (60, 75 or 90 minutes). Straps drop ins are distinct from other drop ins. After purchasing your Drop In Pass, please show up 10 minutes before class and let the coach on duty know you are there for a drop in.

Make Up Policy

Bumbershoot allows 1 makeup per class per session and these can be done by dropping into a class of equivalent level or by attending an Open Aerial Practice session any time within the session. If seeking to do your makeup in another class, please reach out to that coach prior to dropping in to make sure that they have room for you.

What To Wear

Appropriate aerial attire may vary a bit depending on apparatus, level and skill so feel free to consult your coach if unsure. Most skills work best with full length leggings over a leotard or with a fitted top that is long enough to tuck in. Or a bodysuit.
Kids should wear leggings, athletic pants or footless tights with a leotard or bodysuit. Students may wear a very fitted top that is long enough to tuck in over a leotard but certain skills have a way of "eating shirts" so an under layer is needed in case the shirt gets stuck. NO SHORTS, or BAGGY TOPS! These can become a safety issue for certain apparatuses.
No metal or hard plastic of any kind. No fitbits, apple watches, buttons, zippers, snaps, grommets, velcro, or other accessories or embellishments that could snag the equipment.
All jewelry except very small, non dangly earrings must be removed before class. If jewelry is permanent, and at risk for snagging on equipment, it needs to be taped or covered.
Students practicing for a show may be permitted to use approved ear buds for practice but anything metal or hard plastic other than the ear buds itself must be covered by clothing at all times while on the equipment including clips or fasteners. Bluetooth behind the head earbuds that allow the ipod to be left on the ground is preferred.

Skill Requirements

Beginner/Introductory classes have no prerequisites. All other classes have specific prerequisites (including instructor permission) that are designed to help ensure that the class is a good fit for you. Please see class description and prerequisites for details and/or ask an instructor if unsure if a certain class is a good fit for you.

Student Performances

Throughout the year, BAA provides opportunities for students to perform if they choose. It is not required, but performing can be a tremendous asset to connect with your aerial training on a deeper level and share with others. We offer opportunities including our end of session class Culmination shows and annual Student Showcase. Talk to your coach if you are interested in performing and they will connect you with some options and opportunities.

Open Aerial Practice

Students must create an account, sign a waiver, and purchase an Open Aerial drop in through our website prior to participate in Open Aerial.
Open Aerial Practice is a supervised but open practice time and no instruction will be given by the instructor.
Cost is $18 for Bumbershoot students and $25 for non-students.
Prepaid punch cards are available to regular and consistent Bumbershoot students at a discounted rate ($150 for 10 practices). Families may not share punchcards. All students much purchase their own prepaid punch card.
You are considered a current Bumbershoot student if you are enrolled in a class or have taken a class or private lesson within the last 2 weeks.
Participants must be 18 years of age or older in order to participate. Exceptions may be made on a case by case basis for Bumbershoot youth students with coach approval and guidelines.

Open Aerial Rules for Students

You are only allowed to use equipment on which you have obtained instruction from a Bumbershoot Coach.
Open studio time is a time to practice skills that you have learned in a class AT BUMBERSHOOT and which have been approved by your coach to practice. It is NOT a time to teach yourself new skills or practice skills that your coach has not yet approved you to practice in OA.
You may NOT teach or spot another Open Aerial student on any new skills. Spotting for conditioning exercises, however, is encouraged!
If the instructor on duty feels that something you are doing is not safe for you to practice during Open Aerial you must stop until approval is agreed upon by your coach and the instructor on duty.
Share the equipment, warm yourself up before getting on it, and always have an appropriate mat underneath you. If this is unclear to you, check with the instructor on duty.

Open Aerial Rules for Non-Bumbershoot Students

Non-students may not do any drops or rolls during Open Aerial that have not been approved by a Bumbershoot coach.
In addition to the rules above, you must call or email ahead and set up a complimentary orientation with a Bumbershoot coach prior to participating in Open Aerial for the first time.

Youth

All children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
The policy above may apply to youth over the age of 13 depending on the youth.
Youth under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian for all private lessons. This is not necessary for classes.
Parents/adults may NOT bring children with them to play quietly by themselves while the adult is in class. If an adult would like to bring a child with them to be at Bumbershoot while the adult is in class, another adult supervisor, must be present. Exceptions to this rule may be made on a case by case basis at the instructors discretion.

Age Restrictions

Any student under eighteen years of age must have a parent/guardian create an account for their child, read, agree to, and sign our Liability Wavier on behalf of and for the student prior to any participation.
Kids' classes are age specific; please follow age guidelines for the corresponding class.
For adult classes, all students must be 13 years of age or older, or have an instructor's permission.

Student/Employee Relationships

For the safety of our students and coaches, any consensual romantic relationships between BAA coaches and a BAA adult student MUST be disclosed to management to ensure that it does not affect the students experience at BAA or other students experience at BAA or the ability of the coach to perform their job. No relationships of this nature are permitted between BAA coach and a student under the age of 18.

Payment

We accept all major credit and debit cards with the exception of American Express. All registrations and payments for workshops, private lessons, open aerials, drop ins and classes must be done through our website. We do not except cash.
There is a late fee of $30 per class that applies when a student signs up AFTER the registration deadline. This fee does not get applied to students signing up for their first class with Bumbershoot.
To inquire about a payment plan, email info@thebumbershoot.com.

Refunds and Cancellations

Bumbershoot has a No Refunds policy on all classes, workshops, and intensives unless canceled by the instructor, regardless of students ability to attend. This also means no transferring to a different class or session unless the class you signed up for is canceled by Bumbershoot.
Bumbershoot reserves the right to cancel any class or workshop that does not have 6 or more students registered. Students who are registered in a class that gets canceled will be allowed to transfer into a different class or receive a refund.
Private lesson students must give 24 hours notice for cancellation in order to avoid being charged for the full price of the lesson.

Discounts & Perks

Families will receive a 10% discount off the total price of classes taken by additional family members including spouses, and children. Less expensive classes will be discounted first.
By signing up for more than one class during a term, you will receive a 10% discount off the total price of each class after your first one. Less expensive classes will be discounted first. During Early Bird week (the first week after a session opens for registration), 20% will be taken off each class after the first full price class.

Liability Waiver

Prior to participation all students must first create an account on the website, read, agree to, and sign our Liability Wavier which is available online through our website.
Any student under eighteen years of age must have a parent/guardian create an account for their child, read, agree to, and sign our Liability Wavier on behalf of and for the student prior to any participation.

Emergency Information

Medical Emergencies: If you or someone else has a medical emergency, please notify the nearest coach immediately. The coach will assess the situation and may need to follow our incident/accident protocol which may include completing a report (anything more than basic first aid), requiring the individual seek medical attention or calling 911. Anyone who falls in a manner that could have caused damage to their head, neck or spine will not be moved and 911 will be called.
Tornado or Severe Weather - Coaches, students and visitors should gather in bathrooms and away from windows.
Fire, Earthquake or Evacuation - Coaches, students and visitors should leave through the nearest exit. Coaches should guide visitors to the nearest exit.
Lockdown Procedure - When there is an immediate threat making it more dangerous to exit the building than to stay inside, a lockdown procedure may be necessary. If it is safe to exit the building, exit the building. If not, students, staff and visitors should go to the bathrooms or the storage storage closet. The storage closet door is lockable from the inside. Bathroom doors can be barricaded or wedged shut with a door-stopper. Call 911 and wait for emergency services to give the all clear.