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Frequently Asked Questions - Online Classes

How do I book a class? 

  • Click on the class that you would like to book

  • Click continue to proceed to booking

  • Fill out the required forms, please ensure that this information is accurate. Typos may result in class details not reaching you

  • Pay for your selected classes

  • If you want to book more than one type of class you can now go back and register for more

     

How do I access my class?

  • Book and pay for your class

  • Instagram classes: ensure that you are following @istaronlineclasses on Instagram. The username that you provide on your online booking form will be granted access to join the live class

  • Zoom classes: you will receive an email 1 hour before the class is due to start with a password and a “Go to Zoom class” button. Clicking this button will take you directly to the class. Enter the password and you should be ready to go.

  • Join the class waiting room 5 minutes before the class is due to start to avoid any issues and ensure that you have a working WiFi connection


What classes do you offer? 

We offer a wide range of dance, gymnastics and fitness/technique classes for all ages and abilities.

We also offer private lessons with our highly qualified and experienced coaches. Please click on the “Private Lessons” tab on our Open Classes page or if there are none available, please send us an email to request a private lesson.

Which level is appropriate for me/my child?

Classes are offered at open, intermediate and advanced level. For dance classes this is just a guide and all levels are welcome to any of the classes. The recommendations for our gymnastics classes are as follows:

Open level - any age or ability, no experience required

Intermediate level - any gymnast training in a gymnastics squad

Advanced level - gymnasts training and competing at level 4/5

Where can I take part? 

Our online classes are designed to take place in your home. Try to find a clear space in a room that doesn’t have too many obstacles and allows free movement. You may use a mat for stretching if you prefer to do so.  Don’t forget to check above you (light fittings) as well as around you. Ensure that the floor surface is safe (and not too slippery for example). Socks must be removed when training on a hard floor.


What should I wear? 

We recommend that you wear clothes suitable for the activity (dance or gymnastics) that are easy to move in. Please also make sure that you have some water available should you need it. Hair should be tied up.


Will I be visible to everyone participating? 

Zoom features an option to turn your screen off so that you are not visible during the class. There are options to tailor your screen so that you can see everyone equally (Gallery View) or to see the instructor primarily (Speaker View), with other participants as small thumbnails along the bottom. We recommend you use Speaker View so the class instructor will feature as the largest tile in the centre of your screen so that you can follow the movements appropriately.  If you need to alert the class instructor to anything or have a question, please raise your hand during the class. We require you to turn on your camera for the duration of the class introduction in order to verify your age and to protect the safety of all children taking part.

 

My children would like to take part in your online classes, how are you ensuring online safety? 

We require all participants to register before taking part. You will be asked to submit the name, email address and date of birth of the participant - these details are purely for the purposes of child protection. Our class instructors will monitor each session for behaviour and age appropriate attendance. We will ask you to ensure that your camera is activated before the class starts to verify the age of all participants. We advise young adults to let their parents know that they are taking part in an online class, to make sure you are the only person on camera and to use only a first name in any profile you set up with Zoom. 

Important things to remember when taking Zoom classes

  • You must join the meeting with your camera switched on and keep it on whilst the class instructor verifies the ages of all participants to protect the children taking part. If you cannot meet this requirement you will be removed from the class.

  • Join your class waiting room 5 minutes before the class is due to start

  • Meeting IDs and passwords are not to be passed on to anyone else. Classes will be monitored to ensure that everyone attending has been through our booking system. Failure to comply with this strict rule will result in being removed from the i-star Academy online programme. No refunds will be offered in this instance.

Online classes disclaimer 

By joining our online classes you agree that you are in good shape and able to take part in the exercise. You accept and assume responsibility for injury or damage that may result from your participation in the class.​ ​Neither i-star Academy LTD nor individual class leaders are responsible or liable for any injury or damage to property whilst you take part in online classes.  

If you are regularly taking part in our gymnastics activities, you must be a British Gymnastics member. 

Please note that classes are non refundable.