Studio Policies

To ensure a welcoming, safe, and supportive experience for everyone, please review our studio policies below. By participating in classes or events at Chatham Mills Studio, you agree to these guidelines.

The Chatham Mills Studio strives to create a safe space where students and teachers can build healthy connections. We are also committed to provide an inclusive environment where students of all abilities, races, cultures, genders, ethnicities, and religions can come together and grow in health and wellness.

Table of Contents

Inclusion & Accessibility

At Chatham Mills Studio, we are committed to creating a community where everyone feels welcome, valued, and respected. We believe that dance and movement are for every body, regardless of ability, background, or life experience.

Our Commitment

  • We comply fully with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and go beyond compliance to embrace the spirit of inclusion.
  • We recognize that each person's needs are unique, and we will engage in a respectful and individualized process to understand how best to support every student.
  • We are dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for all participants, while maintaining the integrity of each class's purpose (e.g., meditation, dance, or movement-based sessions).

Process for Accommodations

  • If a student requires additional support or accommodations, we will work directly with the student or their caregiver to identify reasonable modifications that enable meaningful participation.
  • Possible accommodations may include:
    • Adjusted participation (e.g., joining active portions and stepping out during quiet meditation).
    • Allowing a caregiver or support person to attend class.
    • Alternative or modified activities that align with the student's abilities and the class environment.
  • Accommodations will always be discussed privately—teachers will not use group decisions, votes, or public discussions to determine a student's participation.

Safety and Program Integrity

  • While inclusion is our priority, we also recognize the need to preserve the nature of each class. If a student's participation fundamentally changes the class or poses a safety concern, teachers will document the situation and explore all reasonable alternatives before making adjustments.
  • Any decision to limit participation will be made only after careful discussion with the student and/or their caregiver.

Community Expectations

  • We ask all members of the Chatham Mills Studio community to join us in fostering an environment of kindness, patience, and respect.
  • We celebrate diversity and believe that learning to dance together, across differences, strengthens our community.

Registration & Attendance

  • Advance registration is recommended to secure your spot.
  • Please arrive 5–10 minutes early to settle in; late arrivals may not be admitted.
  • Check in with your instructor upon arrival.

Cancellations & Refunds

  • For most classes, cancellations within 12 hours may be non‑refundable. Please refer to your teachers cancellation policy for more information.
  • If the studio cancels a class or event, you will receive a full refund or credit if the class or event is not rescheduled to a later date.

Health & Safety

  • Do not attend if you are feeling unwell or experiencing symptoms of illness.
  • Inform your instructor of any injuries or limitations before class begins.
  • Clean shared props after use; personal mats and water bottles are encouraged.

Studio Etiquette

  • Silence or set phones to Do Not Disturb before class.
  • Remove shoes in designated areas; food is not permitted in the studio space unless a manager has approved otherwise.
  • Be respectful of teachers, staff, and fellow students at all times.

Minors

  • Participants under 18 must have a parent/guardian consent; age policies vary by class.

General Accessibility

We strive to make our space and programming accessible for all abilities. If you require special accommodations, please contact us in advance so we can best support your visit.

Contact

Questions about these policies? Reach us at ChathamMillsStudio@gmail.com.