SANCA has announced a new COVID-19 Health and Safety Policy. It is updated and goes into effect as of May 8, 2022. The Policy is based on updated guidance and requirements from King County Public Health, the State of Washington, and the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

School for Acrobatics and New Circus Arts
COVID-19 Health & Safety Policy

SUMMARY

SANCA is going above and beyond the recommendations of public health organizations to ensure the safety of our students, staff, and surrounding community. Below is our updated policy based on the most recent publications from King County Public Health, the State of Washington, and the CDC

MASK POLICY

Despite the State of Washington no longer mandating masks for indoor businesses, all persons who enter SANCA are required to wear masks that cover face and nose.

The only exceptions to this rule are as follows:

• For staff and students, masks may be temporarily removed when drinking water.
• For staff, masks may be temporarily removed when eating (students are not permitted to eat inside SANCA’s facility).
• For staff when inside an enclosed room and isolated, masks may be temporarily removed.

VACCINATION POLICY

• Students and visitors to SANCA will be asked to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or proof of a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours of arrival at SANCA.
  • Proof of vaccination can be presented as:
    • A original COVID 19 vaccination card
    • A copy or photograph of the vaccination card on a mobile device
    • A print out of a Certificate of Immunization Status (CIS) form from the WA State Immunization Information System
    • Certificate of COVID-19 Vaccination or QR Codes from MyIRmobile.com, WAverify.org, or another WA State endorsed partner mobile app.
  • As an alternative to providing vaccine verification, prior to entry individuals over 12 must provide digital or printed documentation from a testing agent, including a laboratory, health care provider, or pharmacy of a negative FDA-approved PCR test administered within the previous 72 hours, or
  • If a PCR test cannot be acquired in advance of arrival, students will be asked to take an FDA approved rapid antigen test onsite under the supervision of a staff member. Students will not be allowed to join classes, workshops, or lessons until a negative result is obtained. If you plan to test onsite, please arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the start of your event to allow adequate time for testing.
• SANCA also requires that its staff provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19. Exemptions may be permitted for religious and health reasons as appropriate when approved by Human Resources and/or the Executive Director.

 SOCIAL DISTANCING POLICY

• We recommend all students remain socially distant when possible within SANCA.
• Students and guests who are fully vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus and/or have provided a negative test result prior to entering the building do not have to remain socially distant from others while participating in contact activities such as partner acrobatics, partner aerial, and catching in the fly tent.
• In order to maintain social distance, coaches will minimize hands on spotting during classes. If a student would like additional support during maneuvers, please ask. Coaches are able to offer more hands-on support when requested, but will maintain social distancing otherwise.

EXPOSURE AND REPORTING POLICY

• Our existing waivers still address COVID-19 so students are advised to read them again to understand exposure reporting and other responsibilities.
• According to the waiver, everyone who comes to SANCA represents they are in good health and have had no known exposure to COVID-19 and no symptoms of COVID-19 for 14 days prior to entering SANCA’s facility
  • If a student develops symptoms of COVID-19, they shall immediately cease entering SANCA’s facility and complete a COVID-19 test.
    • If the test is negative and they are not experiencing a fever, they may return to SANCA Immediately.
    • If the test is positive, they must remain in isolation for 5 days. They may then return to SANCA as long as they are symptom free.
      • If symptoms persist after 5 days of isolation, the student must remain out until symptoms subside and they have been fever free for 24 hours.
      • Students do not need to retest after the stated isolation period, but should continue to mask and social distance when returning to activities (per CDC guidelines).

• If an individual has a known exposure to COVID-19,  the student must immediately quarantine and complete a COVID-19 test 5 days after the date of exposure
  • If an individual tests negative, they are welcome to immediately return to activities. However, they should remain isolated if any symptoms are present and only return to activities once they are post-symptomatic.
  • If the test is positive, they must remain in isolation for 5 days. They may then return to SANCA as long as they are symptom free.
    • If symptoms persist after 5 days of isolation, they student must remain out until symptoms subside and they have been fever free for 24 hours.
    • Students do not need to retest after the stated isolation period, but should continue to mask and social distance when returning to activities (per CDC guidelines).

• SANCA is following CDC guidelines for contact tracing. Students and staff who have been identified as exposed (having been within 6ft of an individual who tested positive of COVID-19 for 15 minutes or more) will be notified by email and phone.
  • If you receive notification that you have experienced an exposure, please follow the guidelines listed above regarding quarantining and testing.

VISITATION/VIEWING POLICY

• Due to the ongoing risks associated with COVID-19 and the overall reduced facility size at SANCA, we do not currently have a viewing room. In general, parents, family, and guests of students are asked to wait outside of SANCA’s facilities during their student’s class.
• Any parent who wishes to observe a class may do so by requesting access. Requests must be made through the SANCA Front Office at least 24 hours in advance of the class. To request access, please call (206) 652-4433 or email office@sancaseattle.org.

CLEANING POLICIES

• Cleaning supplies are stocked and placed in designated, visible areas around SANCA. Signage accompanying the supplies provides instructions for which cleaning supplies can be used on each type of equipment. Staff members are responsible for maintaining the cleanliness of equipment during and between classes. All mats and any equipment used during a class must be cleaned before being put away.

MISCELLANEOUS

SANCA recognizes that our understanding of COVID-19 and recommended precautions regarding the virus may change rapidly. SANCA reserves the right to alter these policies as needed based on new information, whether regarding COVID-19 or other factors, with or without advance notice.

QUESTIONS

If you have questions or concerns about this policy, please contact Octavia Graham.

Circus Camp Coach
School of Acrobatics and New Circus Arts

Reports to: Camp Manager

The School of Acrobatics and New Circus Arts (SANCA) is looking for energetic and enthusiastic circus coaches for circus camp. Camps run Monday – Friday, 9am-3pm. All hired coaches will be trained to coach to SANCA’s standards of safety and skill progressions. 

Description: SANCA’s Camp Program provides a fun, engaging, and safe experience for children between ages 6 and 15, with camps grouped by age into pods of 6. Coaches will instruct campers in trampoline, tumbling, aerial rope and silk, static trapeze, partner Acro, German Wheel, Unicycle, juggling, and other circus skills. Coaches will help to create an exciting and fun experience that includes teamwork, a positive atmosphere, and the joy of circus, helping campers through the challenge of learning new things by breaking difficult or complex skills down into steps, and helping their students feel successful, whatever their rate of progression. 

Camp coaches are part-time, with hours ranging from 18 to 33 hours per week.  Coaches are scheduled in AM (8:30am-1:30pm) or PM (10:30am-3:30pm) shifts.  

Job Duties and Responsibilities:

• Adhere to SANCA’s policies, objectives and rules 
• Support SANCA’s Mission and Vision 
• Participate in SANCA Camp staff training 
• Present a warm and welcoming demeanor towards campers and parents, and engage with campers in a fun and constructive manner
• Maintain a safe environment for the student, physically and emotionally
• Supervise and instruct campers in a variety of circus skills and apparatuses, including the Flying Trapeze tent, as assigned by SANCA’s camp manager
• Coach circus classes with an emphasis on safety, positivity, and small steps to success. 
• Follow the curriculum and weekly rotation
  
• Present a high level of professionalism as a teacher/representative of SANCA
  
• Prepare for each day’s classes before camp begins
  
• Communicate with other coaches teaching at the same time as you to maintain good flow throughout the gym and rotation of use of equipment
  
• Communicate with the supervisor about needs, challenges, student progress
• Be present and ready to greet campers 30 minutes before camp starts and work with other coaches to clean up camp areas 30 minutes after camp ends (this is paid time)
• Help campers develop social skills during snack, lunch, and other ‘down’ time
• Provide motivational support and guidance to campers
• Communicate and enforce SANCA’s COVID protocols

Qualifications:

The ideal candidate would have

• Have experience working with culturally diverse youth 
• Have experience teaching youth 
• Have good classroom management skills 
• Have a working knowledge of child physical and cognitive development 
• Have a broad knowledge of circus skills and safe progressions (especially, tumbling, Acro, juggling, tightwire, rolling globe, trapeze, trampoline) 
• A Willingness to learn
• Be a strong leader, patience, mature, and dependable 
• Have First Aid/CPR certification  
• Ability to lift equipment and to spot students where appropriate
• Ability to motivate and effectively communicate with co-workers, parents and students
• Exercises mature judgment and sound decision-making
• Demonstrates enthusiastic attitude and positive demeanor

Minimum requirements are:

• Experience working with youth 
• Working knowledge of circus skills 
• Pass a background check 
• Patience and ability to deal with stressful situations 

Email resume to: Program Director, Tom Hanna at tomh@sancaseattle.org

SANCA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. www.sancaseattle.org

The SANCA Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Joe Hampson will be our new Executive Director, starting March 21. Joe stands out among the large pool of qualified candidates for the depth of his experience with nonprofits serving youth over more than 20 years. He brings an outstanding level of expertise in nonprofit management, strategic planning, community outreach, marketing, finance and development.

SANCA has been very fortunate to have benefited from the leadership of Dr. Octavia Graham, who has served as Interim Executive Director since last November. Octavia has been an inspiration for her deft handling of SANCA’s business and operations during this time of transition. She will be resuming her work as the Director of Staff Success (HR). Thank-you, Octavia.

Joe Hampson has been an Executive Director for the Sno-King Youth Club and the Sound Football Club, and a senior executive in multiple areas for Special Olympics Washington. According to those who have worked with Joe, he is very smart, a hard worker, open to hearing and developing the ideas of others, has strong experience with equity and inclusion, and is warm-hearted and kind. He is really excited about the power of SANCA to transform lives and he wants to be part of the team doing that.

Please give Joe our warmest welcome, and get to know him.

Kevin Ruddell
President, SANCA Board of Directors

Greeting SANCA Community,

As many of you are aware Governor Inslee announced that the vaccination verification mandate will end on Tuesday, March 1^st and the indoor mask mandate will be lifted Monday, March 21^st. This has sparked a great deal of discussion here at SANCA (as well as with other local circus organizations). For the foreseeable future, SANCA will continue with our current policies requiring students and staff to provide proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test and to wear masks while inside the building.

SANCA’s mission is to improve the mental, emotional, and physical health of children of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities by engaging them in the joyous creativity of acrobatics and circus arts. This means many of our students and community members fall into age or health categories that leave them at heightened risk of COVID-19. While current numbers are at their lowest point since last fall, they are still as high as they were during the Delta surge. The best way to stay protected is to continue to be cautious and vigilant.  In an effort to protect the health and well-being of our students and staff, we ask that you continue to wear your mask when onsite and be prepared to show proof of vaccination or a negative test when entering the building.

Thank you for your patience, understanding, and cooperation as we navigate through these challenging times. As always, our goal is to keep everyone at SANCA as safe as possible. We want to ensure that you feel safe training with us. We will be continuously evaluating our policies and updating them as necessary during the coming weeks. We welcome your input as we navigate and adapt to the changing public health landscape.

Best,

Octavia Graham, Interim Executive Director

There is an aerial class for everyone ages 9 to adult. Focus on strength, flexibility, and form as you become familiar with the static trapeze, rope, and fabric.

Winter 2 Session runs for 6 weeks starting February 14th.

Preteen Aerial 1

In Preteen Aerial 1 students will focus on strength, flexibility, and form as they become familiar with common aerial vocabulary on the static trapeze, rope, and fabric. This class will introduce students to air awareness and safety as they explore the aerial arts.

Sundays @ 12:00pm | Sign Up
Wednesdays @ 5:00pm | Sign Up
Thursdays @ 4:00pm | Sign Up
Fridays @ 4:00pm | Sign Up

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Preteen Aerial 2

In Preteen Aerial 2 students will be introduced to more complex and demanding elements of aerial. Building off of what they learned previously, students will gain not only new skills at a literal higher level on the equipment but also alternative pathways into and out of skills that they are already familiar with, as well as be introduced to more dynamic movements.

Mondays @ 4:00pm | Sign Up

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Preteen Aerial 3

In Preteen Aerial 3 students will be introduced to more complex and demanding elements of aerial. Building off of what they learned previously, students will gain not only new skills at a literal higher level on the equipment but also alternative pathways into and out of skills that they are already familiar with, as well as be introduced to more dynamic movements.

Mondays @ 5:30pm | Sign Up

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Teen Aerial 1

Students will focus on strength, flexibility, and form as they become familiar with common aerial vocabulary on the static trapeze, rope and fabric. This class is designed to introduce our students to the concept of air awareness and safety as they expand the aerial skills they learned in their general circus classes.

Sundays @ 12:00pm | Sign Up
Tuesdays @ 5:00pm | Sign Up
Fridays @ 5:00pm | Sign Up

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Teen Aerial 2

In Teen Aerial 2 students ages 13-17 will be introduced to more complex and demanding elements of aerial. Building off of what they learned previously, students will gain not only new skills at a literal higher level on the equipment but also alternative pathways into and out of skills that they are already familiar with, as well as be introduced to more dynamic movements.

Mondays @ 5:00pm | Sign Up

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Adult Intro to Aerial

Nervous about strength after a two-year pandemic? Let’s build that confidence and strength back up with drills that will set you up for success and refine technique. We will focus on core and cross body stabilization with air and ground circuits.

Tuesdays @ 1:00pm | Sign Up

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Adult Aerial 1

Adult Aerial 1 is an introductory adult aerial class where students will focus on strength, flexibility, and form as they become familiar with common aerial vocabulary on the static trapeze, rope, and fabric. This class will introduce students to air awareness and safety as they explore the aerial arts.

Sundays @ 1:00pm | Sign Up
Mondays @ 6:30pm | Sign Up
Tuesdays @ 1:00pm | Sign Up
Thursdays @ 5:30pm | Sign Up
Saturdays @ 12:00pm | Sign Up

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Adult Aerial 1/2

Adult Aerial 1/2 is an introductory adult aerial class where students will focus on strength, flexibility, and form as they become familiar with common aerial vocabulary on the static trapeze, rope, and fabric. This class will introduce students to air awareness and safety as they explore the aerial arts.

Mondays @ 7:00pm | Sign Up

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Adult Aerial 2

In Adult Aerial 2 students will be introduced to more complex and demanding elements of aerial. Building off of what they learned previously, students will gain not only new skills at a literal higher level on the equipment but also alternative pathways into and out of skills that they are already familiar with, as well as be introduced to more dynamic movements.

Thursdays @ 7:00pm | Sign Up

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Aerial Mini-Series

In this Mini-session students will learn skills on a veriety of aerial equipment depending on the focus of the series. Apparatus focus for WInter 1 will be Lyra.

Fridays @ 1:30pm | Sign Up

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Adult Duo Aerial

Partner Aerial is back at SANCA! Make sure you AND your partner sign up for the class. Because of COVID, we will not be mixing around partners during class, so you must come as a pair.

Wednesdays @ 6:30pm | Sign Up

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Vertical Aerial Jam (Drop-In)

Two hours of supervised training time on aerial rope and fabric. Perfect for students who would like a little extra training time outside of class.

Saturdays @ 11:00pm | Sign Up

Looking for fabric, lyra, trapeze, rope, or sling specific classes? Find all our aerial offerings here

Join us for Lyra Jam! Two hours of supervised training time on Lyra. Perfect for students who would like a little extra training time outside of class. We offer it on Wednesday or Friday evenings. Plus, it’s cheaper than our normal class at just $30!

Wednesdays at 5:30pm | Sign Up
Fridays at 5:00pm | Sign Up

See you there!

Start the year off by developing your skills! Our movement classes are here to help you grow in strength and flexibility. Now is a great time to get moving each week, or to supplement your training.

Flexibility 

Flexibility is a key component of every circus art, so this would be an excellent supplement to your favorite circus class or a great stand alone to ease you back into a fitness routine! This class is designed to improve range of motion through a combination of dynamic and passive stretches and holds.

Tuesdays @ 7:30pm – SIGN UP

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Strength and Flex

Are you ready to level up your circus conditioning?Join us for an hour of Circus-focused conditioning and flexibility to take your circus skills to the next level! This class makes a great addition to your favorite circus skills class or as a great way to get moving each week.

Saturdays @ 2:00pm – SIGN UP

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Registration closes January 15th, so sign up today!

We are so excited to be offering a new class this session: Contortion Prep!
Saturdays from 4:30pm to 5:25pm
With Coach Lauren

Description:
The art of contortion is taking one’s flexibility and advancing it to an at times extreme level, thus, creating skills, and sequences all based in contorting one’s body.

As a contortionist myself, I have studied with Mongolian instructors, learned the Ukrainian and Russian techniques, as well as the French Canadian technique. Studying at the National Circus School of Montreal, contortion was my secondary discipline, I have now worked for over 10 years at an international level and have gained much experience creating, maintaining and exploring the art of contortion. In this class, we will be drilling what it takes to have deep flexibility, gain strength, balance, active and passive flexibility, learn the breathing techniques when in chest stands, and develop the endurance needed as a contortionist. We will also be training handstand techniques and all that it takes to build a strong and consistent foundation. We will have fun as well acrobatically with dynamic skills as we advance and will always finish the class with conditioning to ensure we are balancing flexibility with force.

We can’t wait for you to join us!

Make sure to grab your spot and sign up today.

Custom Class Cancellation Policy

Custom classes being cancelled or rescheduled are subject to the following:

• No penalty or fee if notification of the cancellation is sent at least 24 hours prior to the class
• If notice of cancellation is sent within 24 hours prior to class, a fee of $40 per hour per coach will be due
• If no notice is given and the student does not show up for the class, the full cost of the class is still due.

Private Lesson Cancellation Policy

SANCA’s staff are allowed to set their own cancellation policies for private lessons. Please check with your coach to see what their policy is.

Class Cancellation Policy

If for any reason you need to drop your class please notify the office as soon as possible. Refund policy is dependent on when the cancellation is made and by whom:

• Classes must have a minimum of 3 paying students 48h in advance or the class will be canceled (minimum is 2 for online classes and jams).
• There are no refunds:
  • If SANCA cancels a class for any reason including low enrollment, students will be issued an in-house credit.
  • If the student cancels with more than 48h notice they will be issued an in-house credit.
  • If the student cancels less than 48h in advance no refund and no in-house credit will be issued.
• Pro-rations due to inclement weather cannot be refunded but can be used towards your next circus experience.
• Paid tuition may be transferred to another class any time before the class has started with no penalty.

Party Cancellation Policy

Parties that are cancelled by the client are subject to the following:

• Within 72 hours of the party there will be no rescheduling, refunds, or credits given
• Within 2 weeks of the party, no refunds will be given and any rescheduling or credit is subject to a 50% fee.
• Cancellations or rescheduling requests received more than 2 weeks prior to the party may be rescheduled without additional charges or refunded in full.

Camp Cancellation Policy

• Within 72 hours of the date camp begins camp tuition is not transferable or refundable.
• Paid tuition may be transferred from one week to another or canceled and refunded at no additional charge if the request is received at least two weeks before the date camp begins.
• Transfer requests from one week to another made in the two weeks before camp begins do not have a financial penalty, but transfer requests are subject to availability. If you transfer out of one camp and there are students waiting, your spot will no longer be available should you change your mind.
• Cancellations made in the two weeks before camp begins are subject to a cancellation fee of 50% of the cost of camp, and the balance of the unused tuition will be retained as a credit toward future tuition. Credits are transferable to other students and may be used toward any tuition, including flying trapeze.

The School of Acrobatics and New Circus Arts (SANCA) is committed to creating a safe and supportive environment for all people. SANCA values and caters to a diverse community where all members are able to fully participate in the joy of circus. SANCA’s mission is to improve the mental, emotional, and physical health of children of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities by engaging them in the joyous creativity of acrobatics and circus arts. This mission can only be accomplished if the learning environments in classes are safe and free from violence, harassment and intimidation.

Incidents of bias or hate affecting a person or group negatively impact the quality of experience in circus arts for our community members. SANCA takes such incidents seriously and will respond appropriately to reported or observed incidents of bias or hate. These reports will be viewed and handled by the head of Human Resources (HR) and IDEA (Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Antiracism).

This reporting system allows SANCA to understand and respond to situations that affect students, to educate and inform the community about such events, and to create awareness of intolerance as it relates to bias or hate incidents. This reporting tool is not limited to students and can be used by office staff and coaches. If you have any additional questions about this tool, please contact biasreporting@sancaseattle.org

Click Here for the Bias Reporting Tool