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Staff assignments are tentative and are subject to change.
If the program is FULL, contact UMDGC to be put on the waitlist.
Status updated as of
Wednesday, February 12, 2020 11:48 PM
Provide a safe, fun-filled, educational, and healthy experience in dance and gymnastics to participants of all ages and abilities.
The UMDGC & UMAS staff is delighted to have the opportunity to be part of your lives and will do everything possible to make your experience memorable and exciting. Staff will strive to:
If for any reason you do not like a class, let UMDGC know. The staff will do its best to provide you with an enjoyable and pleasant experience. UMDGC will:
At teacher’s discretion, students who are late may not be permitted to participate in class, but may observe the class. For safety reasons, participants must be properly warmed-up for class, especially at higher levels. If two or fewer dancers show for class, the class will be held for half of the scheduled time.
Participants not in proper attire will not be permitted to participate, but may watch class at the discretion of the instructor. For clothing, footwear, and additional restrictions, see each class description for details.
In order to ensure a safe, family-oriented, and productive environment, all individuals entering UMDGC must follow posted policies, and behave in an age-appropriate, thoughtful, and considerate manner. UMDGC reserves the right to reprimand or remove uncooperative participants and visitors.
Prices, scheduling, policies, instructors, and descriptions are subject to change without notice. Programs may be canceled due to low enrollment or if an instructor is not available. Check www.umdgc.com for the latest info.
Email is UMDGC’s primary and preferred method of communication. Make sure to keep your information, including email addresses, updated with the front desk. If you ever wish to be removed from our email or mailing lists, email us at umdgcllc@gmail.com.
Credits never expire, may be transferred to other participants, cannot be turned into refunds, and will be applied only when the staff is notified at the start of the transaction. They may take up to 2 business days to be issued.
UMDGC will consider closing if NWS Mount Holly issues a winter storm warning for either ice (.25”) or snow (4”+). Check our voicemail at 610-731-0022 no more than one hour before the start time of your programming in order to check its status. We will also attempt to:
Cancelled classes will be issued a UMDGC credit. Due to call volume, class status messages will not be returned. If you feel unsafe driving, see “Missed Classes” for info about submitting credit requests.
When participants are left unattended, supervision rates will be $5 per five minutes per carload. Payment is due before participating in additional UMDGC programming.
Because every person will learn new skills or combinations at different rates, UMDGC tracks each participant’s progress separately. When staffing permits, participants are grouped based upon skill level, age, and/or gender. Groups are reassigned each session; you are not guaranteed the same instructor each session even if you enroll in the same class. If requesting to be grouped with friends, requests must be submitted every session no less than 72-hours prior to the start of the session. If we are able to accommodate the request, higher level participants will be grouped with the lower level participants.
UMDGC follows the school guidelines set forth by the CDC (www.cdc.gov). Following is an excerpt:
Head lice can be a nuisance but they have not been shown to spread disease. Personal hygiene or cleanliness in the home or school has nothing to do with getting head lice. Students diagnosed with live head lice do not need to be sent home early from school; they can go home at the end of the day, be treated, and return to class after appropriate treatment has begun. Nits may persist after treatment, but successful treatment should kill crawling lice. Both the American Association of Pediatrics and the National Association of School Nurses advocate that "no-nit" policies should be discontinued.
- Many nits are more than ¼ inch from the scalp. Such nits are usually not viable and very unlikely to hatch to become crawling lice, or may in fact be empty shells, also known as 'casings'.
- Nits are cemented to hair shafts and are very unlikely to be transferred successfully to other people.
- The burden of unnecessary absenteeism to the students, families and communities far outweighs the risks associated with head lice.
- Misdiagnosis of nits is very common during nit checks conducted by nonmedical personnel.
Supplemental Measures:
Head lice do not survive long if they fall off a person and cannot feed. You don't need to spend a lot of time or money on housecleaning activities. Follow these steps to help avoid re–infestation by lice that have recently fallen off the hair or crawled onto clothing or furniture.
- Machine wash and dry clothing, bed linens, and other items that the infested person wore or used during the 2 days before treatment using the hot water (130°F) laundry cycle and the high heat drying cycle. Clothing and items that are not washable can be dry–cleaned OR sealed in a plastic bag and stored for 2 weeks.
- Soak combs and brushes in hot water (at least 130°F) for 5–10 minutes.
- Vacuum the floor and furniture, particularly where the infested person sat or lay. However, the risk of getting infested by a louse that has fallen onto a rug or carpet or furniture is very low. Head lice survive less than 1–2 days if they fall off a person and cannot feed; nits cannot hatch and usually die within a week if they are not kept at the same temperature as that found close to the human scalp. Spending much time and money on housecleaning activities is not necessary to avoid reinfestation by lice or nits that may have fallen off the head or crawled onto furniture or clothing.
- Do not use fumigant sprays; they can be toxic if inhaled or absorbed through the skin.
UMDGC's goal is to instill confidence and independence. To achieve this goal, as well as reduce distractions, all guests must observe classes from the studio window or gym observation areas, and are not permitted to enter the studios or gym areas unless invited by UMDGC staff. If children are timid/crying, parents can stay for the first few minutes of stretch time. If the child is still not comfortable after stretch, the student may sit in the observation areas with parents until ready to come in by themselves.
UMDGC is not responsible for damaged, stolen, lost, or misplaced property/money. Bring at your own risk. No personal toys, stuffed animals, games, etc. permitted in the studios and gym areas unless specified by instructors. Any food-, drink-, or clothing-related items will be thrown away at the end of each night unless UMDGC is notified. All other items will be held for 7 days before being donated to charity or thrown away.
This policy describes acceptable uses of mobile and electronic devices and social media, and emphasizes transparent communication. Effective communication concerning travel, training schedules and administrative issues among administrators, staff, athletes and their families is critical. However, the use of mobile devices, web-based applications, social media and other forms of electronic communications increases the possibility for improprieties and misunderstandings, and provides would-be offenders with unsupervised access to an athlete. The improper use of mobile and electronic communications can result in misconduct and adherence to a policy for mobile and electronic communication reduces these risks.
UMDGC/UMAS’s Social Media and Electronic Communications policy was based upon the USASF, USAG, and USOC’s Safesport Policies. This policy will be updated as required when the USASF, USAG, and/or USOC’s Safesport Policies are changed.
The following information applies to:
Social media connections that were initiated prior to turning 18 and prior to being employed by UMDGC/UMAS are exempt from these policies. Family members of the adult employee are also exempt from this policy
Regardless of the adult’s role in relationship to the athlete, it is the responsibility for the adult to maintain the following guiding principles when communicating electronically:
Athletes and coaches may use a umdgc.com email to communicate. The email will be archived by UMDGC/UMAS. A parent must be copied (bcc’ed or cc’ed) on the email or the email must be sent to the entire team/group.
All head coaches, directors, general managers, owners and other key staff that are identified by the owners will be provided a business email account to communicate with athletes and the public. Other adult employees may request an account from UMDGC.com if there is a belief that there will be a need to communicate with the public. If the adult employee is not a head instructor, head coach, director, general manager, owner, or key staff, there will be a monthly fee for the email address. General email accounts for each program may be available to communicate with the public for adult employees without an email address.
All usage of social media must conform with the General Principles of Communication listed above. The following are additional policies related to social media. For social media sites that are not addressed, please follow the example policy that most closely follows the procedures and methods of communication outlined below. If you have questions, please contact an owner or general manager.
An adult employee’s personal social media must be “private”. Minor participants may not be a member of the adult employee’s personal social media page. Similarly, adult employees may not be a member of a minor participant’s personal social media page. Social media connections that are impersonal are permitted between adult employees and minor participants.
Employees responsible for the editing and administration of groups are not permitted to block any member of the group as this may affect the ability of the member to see important information. “Unfriending” is permitted as long as this does not impair the other member’s ability to see information posted by the employee. Because the employee is unable to block a member, a supervisor should be notified immediately if a member is harassing, trolling, cyberbulling, making inappropriate posts, or performing other negative actions towards the employee. The member will be warned and/or disciplined based upon UMDGC/UMAS policy.
Communications must occur during reasonable and age-appropriate hours. All methods of communication must follow all the General Principles of Communication listed above.
The parents or guardians of a participant may request in writing that their child not be contacted by any form of electronic communication by a UMDGC/UMAS employee. The request is to be directed to the head coach or director of the program, who must be forwarded to the general managers and owners immediately.
Employees, regardless of age, are permitted to communicate electronically with another employee, regardless of age, about subbing without needing to copy parents or supervisors. However, communication about any other subject is strictly forbidden without following the procedures listed above. If the employee is a minor participant and is a participant at UMDGC/UMAS, the communications must be readily available and UMDGC/UMAS and the parents of the participant still reserve the right to request copies of all communications.
The various programs within UMDGC/UMAS may request specific and limited exemptions of these policies on an annual basis. If approved by the owners, a waiver form will be placed on www.umdgc.com which a parent may sign annually to provide the exemptions. The waiver may be withdrawn at any time by the parent through written notification to the front desk or program director. These exemptions may be permanently withdrawn if the national governing body of the activity requires more stringent requirements.
The following policies are based upon the U.S. Olympic Committee’s SafeSports. This policy will be updated or modified as required by the U.S. Olympic Committee’s SafeSport program.
Gift-giving or providing special favors or privileges to individual UMDGC/UMAS participants is prohibited. Rewards for motivational reasons are permitted if they are based upon the performance of skills and if the presentation of the gift is public and/or given to a group of participants.
Physical contact that is reasonably intended to coach, teach, or demonstrate a skill or to prevent or lessen injury (e.g., spotting, catching) is permissible. Infrequent, non-intentional physical contact, particularly contact that arises out of an error or a misjudgment on the part of the participant or employee, does not violate this policy.
Ages and levels may be combined in some sessions.
Attire for all males in dance programming is non-restrictive, athletic clothing. For shoe and female attire requirements, see each class description.
Students enrolled in eligible classes are invited, but not required, to perform in the annual dance recital in June. Students who do not wish to participate in the recital or commit for the entire Spring session should choose the monthly tuition option; let UMDGC know and/or note on the registration form when your dancer plans to finish classes. Recital dancers must be 4 years old by the first day of the Spring dance class.
All dancers must have proper shoes for each class. See class descriptions for specific details as each type of dance has a special shoe that provides the proper support and grip on the floor. Extra shoes are not available to borrow. Dance shoes should never be worn outside. Shoes are available for purchase from:
<Download Dance Birthday Flyer>
At this time, only dance parties are offered. To schedule a birthday party, contact Michelle (umdgcmichelle@gmail.com).
Girls ages 5-7. Birthday party guests will enjoy learning basic ballet steps and a dance to princess music of the birthday child’s choice. Guests will also practice dance steps across the floor, and jumping over Gypsy, the princess bear. Party games such as Freeze Dance & Kiss The Frog (a modern pin the tail on the donkey game) are also included. Guests may dress up in princess attire if desired. Bare feet or dance shoes only please. Magic wands may be used in the dance.
Boys and girls ages 6-14. A fun and hip party for all! Guests will enjoy age appropriate party games, followed by a light stretch and warm-up before learning a dance routine to the music of the birthday child’s choice. Party guests will enjoy freeze dance, four corners, and additional dance and party games. Comfortable clothing and clean, dry sneakers must be worn.
This is a great way to raise money for your group and have them practicing gymnastics or tumbling at open workout. UMDGC will donate a portion of each open workout pass that the group sells.
Set up a single or multiple private workouts for your group with members of the UMDGC coaching staff. If you wish to schedule classes for a session at a time, please contact Mr. Dave no later than the foll0wing dates so that a time slot can be reserved for you: Jun 10 for a class between Sep and Jan; Nov 1 for a class between Jan and Jun. Past groups reserving special class times include cheerleading squads from: St. Joseph's University, Eastern University Cheerleading, Methacton High School, Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School, Kennedy-Kenrick Catholic High School, Carrol Catholic High School, St. Teresa's Catholic School, MDP Catholic School, PW Spartans, and the Conshohocken Golden Bears.
If a participant is interested in working specific skills, elements, and/or combinations, privates and semi-privates may be the solution. Reach out to a favorite coach directly or contact the front desk for a list of individuals that offer private lessons. Following are the rules and policies related to private lessons.
UMDGC permits groups (e.g. cheerleading squads, scout groups) to rent the studio or gym for tryouts or extra practices.
To ensure a safe, consistent, and productive workout environment, nearly all classes are split into levels and/or age groups. Do not register for an inappropriate class because of convenience or friends. Those registered for the wrong class will be moved to the correct class, or receive a credit for the class; no refunds will be issued for incorrect age or level as free evaluations and trial classes are permitted. Age is determined on the first day of the class session or week of camp; or on the day of registration for pay-as-you-go classes and open workouts.
Discounts are available only through online and in-person registration done driectly with UMDGC/UMAS. Customer must notify the staff member prior to starting the transaction of the discounts they believe they are eligible for. Percent discounts are taken after all dollar amount discounts and prorating have been applied. Discounts apply only at the time of registration; previous registrations are not eligible. Non-paid registrations (e.g. alternates on UMAS) and pay-as-you go programs do not count towards nor are they eligible for discounts.
Limited financial assistance may be available. Documentation must be submitted to the UMDGC owners.
Select programs offer the option to make installment payments. A card must be on file in order to be eligible to make installment payments. If you wish to make payment by a different method, the payment must be received by UMDGC no later than the due date or the card on file will automatically be charged. If the installment payment is not paid by the due date, the participant is not permitted to attend UMDGC programming until paid in full or other payment arrangements are made. Reminders are not sent.
UMDGC will accept late registrations if the class is not full and a new participant will not interfere with instruction. Fees will be prorated $20 per class for gymnastics and $15 for dance.
For selected programs, participants may pay cash, use UMDGC credit, or use a pass. Treat passes as cash; they are non-refundable and non-replaceable. Pay-as-you-go classes and passes are not eligible for discounts.
Most programming is strictly limited in size to guarantee a safe, educational, and productive workout. All spaces are filled first-come-first-served and will only be reserved with receipt of full payment. UMDGC never offers priority registration periods or reserves a space for future sessions. UMDGC will email or call to confirm if you are registering by any method other than in person. If you do not receive a confirmation by the next business day, make certain to contact UMDGC immediately.
Submit all requests and description of all special needs in writing on the registration form or via email no less than 72-hours prior to the start of the program. While we will try to accommodate the request and/or special need, we cannot guarantee it. Groups are reassigned each session; you are not guaranteed the same instructor each session even if you enroll in the same class. If requesting to be grouped with friends, requests must be submitted every session no less than 72-hours prior to the start of the session. If we are able to accommodate the request, higher level participant will be moved to lower level groups and instruction may not be as productive.
UMDGC offers FREE trial classes or evaluations. Evaluations and trials are not permitted during the first week of sessions and must be scheduled 24-72 hours in advance. Trial classes are for those that are trying out gymnastics or dance for the first time to see if the participant is interested in enrolling. Complete payment must be received at the completion of the trial class to guarantee your spot in the class. Evaluations are for experienced gymnasts or dancers looking to determine the correct level in which to enroll at UMDGC. Evaluations last approximately 15-30 minutes and are done one-on-one or in small groups with UMDGC staff. Participants who register for the incorrect class who were not evaluated or did not participate in a trial class are not eligible for refunds.
UMDGC does not offer refunds or make-up classes. Many of our classes fill, and therefore, having make-up classes would adversely affect the safety and productivity of the class. Instead, UMDGC offers credits towards future registrations or purchases. The amount of the credit will be adjusted for any discounts that were received at the time of registration.
Requests for missed class credits must be received no later than midnight of the day the class was missed. Requests received after the end of the missed day will not be granted. The request must be submitted digitally via email to umdgcllc@gmail.com or using the “UMDGC Missed Class Credit Request Form” found at the top left of www.umdgc.com. Customers can use the computer near the front desk to submit the form while at UMDGC. After completing the digital form, make certain to confirm the request by checking your email. Credits will be issued within two business days of receiving the request.
All withdrawal requests must be submitted on the “Withdrawal Request Form” which is found on the top left of www.umdgc.com. Customers can use the computer near the front desk to submit the form while at UMDGC. After completing the digital form, make certain to confirm the request by checking your email. Credits will be issued within two business days; refunds will take 30 days to process. If any information on the form is unclear, incomplete, or incorrect, the request will be returned and will need to be resubmitted or corrected.
What happens if I miss a class? Can I make it up or get a refund? Because most of our classes fill and we do not have the capacity to guarantee a space to everyone needing a make-up class, UMDGC only offers credits to those that miss class. In order to be eligible for the UMDGC credit, you must send an email to umdgcllc@gmail.com or complete the “Missed Class Credit Form” on www.umdgc.com no later than midnight of the class you miss. The credit can be used towards any future registration or purchase and does not expire. The number of credits is limited, and not all classes are eligible for credits (e.g. Parkour, cheerleading).
Will I always have the same instructor? How do I ensure I always get the same instructor? Because we permit the same flexibility to our instructors as we do with our participants, we cannot guarantee the same instructors will be available every session. Approximately one week before each session starts, the list of instructors will be posted to the schedules on www.umdgc.com. If your favorite instructor isn’t listed, you can contact the front desk to see about switching to a class the teacher is working, assuming there is room. If your favorite instructor is working, then make sure to email the front desk at umdgcllc@gmail.com no less than 72 hours before the start of each session letting them know your preferred teacher. They will do their best to honor the request, but we cannot guarantee it. At times, the instructors will change.
Why can’t my 5 year old go into an Ages 6+ Class? Children of different ages learn differently and have different physical attributes and abilities. For liability reasons and to make the programs as safe and productive as possible, participants are not permitted in classes of the incorrect age. The only exception to this rule is that a 5 year old gymnast who is UMDGC level 1 is permitted to join the Ages 6-12 Introductory Gymnastics class. Because the gymnast is probably more physically developed than others of a similar age, and because they are familiar with the gym, rules, and procedures, we feel they will not slow down the learning of the older gymnasts.
If we take time off, will my child return at the same level as when he/she left, or will they need to start from the beginning? All of the participant’s information, including level, is tracked in our database. For gymnasts and tumblers, this includes any skills that they learned at the current level. When the participant returns, they will be able to re-enter to the same level as when they left. However, it will take time (weeks or even months depending on the length of time missed), to get back into their previous skill level. Additionally, for the highest level classes and/or those having been out at least a year, it is usually best to register for a class one level lower to slowly and safely work back into the skills. The only exceptions to this rule is that Intermediate and Advanced tumblers must meet the level requirements or they must enter at a lower level.
Where do I get leotards and tights? UMDGC sells leotards, tights, and other apparel. Tights of various colors can be found at any dance shop as well as Target, Wal-Mart, JCPenny, and other stores. Check the dance class descriptions for complete details of the attire requirements.
Why do I need hip-hop sneakers? Why can’t I use my sneakers? Due to outside sneakers bringing in unwanted debris, and for better grip on the dance floor, UMDGC requires all hip-hop students to wear black dance sneakers. Dance sneakers should ONLY be worn inside the studio. Dance sneakers can be purchased from UMDGC or Dance Line in Paoli, as well as online.
Does my child have to perform in the recital? No, performance in the annual recital is recommended but not required.
Are there classes that only run in shorter sessions that don’t perform in the recital? UMDGC will offer non-recital classes starting in January for select styles and ages. Each session will last approximately 6-8 weeks.
Why Dance? Discipline, determination, dedication, and desire. Dance promotes coordination, memory, flexibility, strength, grace, and stamina. Performance builds positive self-esteem and confidence! Dance improves body awareness, social interaction, and cooperation. Best of all, it’s just great fun!
Can I register after the first class? Yes, if space in the desired class is available. Fees will be prorated if the participant joins after the first class. In the Fall, students can join at any time. In order to be eligible for the recital, students must register by the third week of class of the Spring session.
how many kids are allowed in each class? Unlike other gymnastics centers, UMDGC limits the size of the class based upon the number of instructors available to coach. While this means that the actual size of classes may fluctuate slightly between sessions, it guarantees a small group for your tumbler, cheerleader, or gymnast.
How do you split up the groups in each class? We split large classes up into groups based upon skill level, age, and gender. Because of this, we cannot guarantee that you will be with your friend; however, we will guarantee that you will be safe and working on appropriate skills.
Why isn't my child with his/her friends? When a class has multiple groups, the participants are split based upon the following criteria: level, gender, and age. To make it more probable that the friends are together, be certain to do the following three things:
What’s the difference between a Tumbling and Introductory Gymnastics class? A tumbling class is tailored to those that only want to work on floor skills, be it for cheerleading or “showing off in the back yard.” A tumbler will work on the floor, trampolines, tumbltrak, and airtrak in an attempt to master handstands, cartwheels, roundoffs, and back handsprings. A gymnastics class introduces the gymnast to all of the equipment you see in the Olympics, plus the training apparatus for those events: floor, vault, beam, bars, rings, tramps, and mushroom. Because there are more events to cover in a gymnastics class, floor skills will be learned at a faster pace in tumbling classes.
Does my child have to wear a leotard? Gymnasts, tumblers, and cheerleaders do not need to wear a leotard for lower and introductory levels. Shorts without pockets, sweat pants, and a t-shirt is perfectly fine for these lower level classes. However, when moving up levels, special attire may be required for the safety of the participant and staff. For details, see the class description. If you are interested in purchasing leotards, UMDGC sells them at the front desk area, and they are usually available at Wal-Mart, Target, and JCPenney.
Why is my boy doing balance beam? or Why is my girl doing pommel horse and rings? UMDGC believes that a person can learn by doing “what they’re not supposed to.” Boys, who typically have difficulty with balance or body awareness, gain control by practice on the balance beam. Similarly, girls build up much needed strength by working on the rings, pommel horse, and parallel bars. These basic skills, regardless of the event, are the foundation of more advanced skills in gymnastics and the basis of all sport activities.
How many more skills before my child moves up a level? At the end of each session, we will give the participants a copy of the skills they have mastered and still need to master. Also, feel free to ask the coach or the front desk; they will be happy to show you a copy of the sheet. Or you can just ask your child; they probably know exactly how many tricks they need.
How do you read the skill sheet? Each class instructor carries around a clipboard with the skill sheets for all of their participants. This ensures that all coaches are working on the skills that each participant needs. When the participant is able to do the skill correctly, the coach will write the date on the skill sheet. The following day, the office staff will enter the skills into the database so that when a skill sheet is printed in the future, it will have the most up-to-date information. The office staff member will then highlight the skill so that they know it has already been entered. The skills that do not have a date next to them are the skills that the participant needs to work on in order to pass the level.
Can you lose skills? Yes. The instructor is able to take away a skill if the gymnast, tumbler, or cheerleader is unable to perform it consistently. Having a skill marked means that the participant is able to perform the skill safely, consistently, and without assistance. For the safety of the participant, the skill must be unchecked if any of these three requirements are not met. Additionally, it ensures that the child is more likely to have a positive outcome when attempting the skill test.
What happens if my kid fails the skills test? Nothing. They go back to their group, work on the skills they did not complete successfully during the test, and, after mastering those skills again, may be retested as many times as they want.
Why isn’t my child getting any skills or learning anything new? There are three major reasons why your child isn’t progressing or earning skills:
How long does it take to move up gymnastics levels? When will my gymnast be able to join the team? Assuming the participant has typical strength, flexibility, and agility, the general guideline is 8 months per beginner level (0-1) and at least 12 months per the upper levels (2-3). This assumes that they are attending class regularly throughout the year (40+ weeks per year), are not fearful of a skill, are not timid or overly shy, and possess the necessary physical attributes to perform the skills. So if your goal is to join a team, it normally takes a minimum of 3 years to move up to the first competitive level of gymnastics.
Why is my child having problems with a specific skill? Most tumblers and gymnasts will earn skills in 3 sections. The first 25% of skills will be mastered within 5 weeks of moving to the new level, while another 50-60% will be mastered within the next 20 classes. The final group of skills are the “culminating” tricks for each level. These culminating skills require that the participant be able to do all of the previously learned skills with consistency and correct technique. The skills that most participants have difficulty with are:
How long will it take to learn a back handspring? Back handsprings (BHS) are one of the signature and most essential skills in gymnastics and the goal of nearly every beginner cheerleader. While it is considered a basic skill, a BHS takes longer than any other gymnastics skill to learn (kips are a distant second). Assuming the tumbler has sufficient strength, flexibility, coordination, and body awareness; does not develop a fear of the skill; and attends classes on a consistent basis, the general guideline is that they will start doing a standing back handspring on trampoline in about 70 hours of classes, standing back handspring on floor in about 90 hours, and a round-off back handspring in about 120 hours of classes. While we try to spend 25% of each class working the actual BHS, it is the basic skills that the tumblers are learning during the other 75% of the class that are the key to progressing quickly, inspiring confidence, and learning the correct technique.