We make every effort to remain open whenever it is safe to do so, but the safety of our students, instructors, and staff comes first. Because our students travel from throughout the area, we consider not only conditions at the studio, but also regional road conditions and public safety recommendations.

Extreme Heat

Classes will generally proceed as scheduled until temperatures become unsafe for indoor physical activity.

  • Below 85°F: Studio operates normally. Additional water breaks may be encouraged.
  • 85–99°F: Classes may be modified to reduce intensity. Fans, hydration breaks, and lighter training will be emphasized.
  • 100°F or higher (forecast or actual): The studio will close for all classes and private lessons for the day.

Wildfire Smoke& Air Quality

We monitor the EPA Air Quality Index (AQI) and local air quality reports during wildfire season.

  • AQI 0–100 (Good to Moderate): Normal operations.
  • AQI 101–150 (Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups): Classes continue. Students with asthma, heart or lung conditions, smoke sensitivity, or other respiratory concerns should use their own judgment about attending. If you choose to attend, please consider letting your instructor know you may need to modify your activity level, take additional breaks, or leave class early if symptoms develop.
  • AQI 151–200 (Unhealthy): Indoor classes may continue if indoor air quality remains acceptable through filtration and ventilation. Students with asthma, cardiovascular or respiratory conditions, smoke sensitivity, or other respiratory concerns are strongly encouraged to consider staying home. If you choose to attend, please consider letting your instructor know you may need to modify your activity level, take additional breaks, or leave class early if symptoms develop. Outdoor activities, including archery, will be canceled. (US EPA)
  • AQI above 200 (Very Unhealthy): The studio will close until air quality improves.(US EPA)

Whenever possible, we will operate portable HEPA air purifiers during smoke events.

Snow & Ice

The Pacific Northwest rarely experiences severe winter weather, but ice and steep neighborhood roads can make travel hazardous.

The studio may close when any of the following occur:

  • National Weather Service issues an Ice Storm Warning or Winter Storm Warning affecting our area.
  • Significant snowfall creates hazardous driving conditions.
  • Icy roads are reported in Redmond, Bellevue, Kirkland, Sammamish, or surrounding communities.
  • Our parking lot or walkways become icy and cannot be made reasonably safe.
  • Lake Washington School District or major Eastside school districts close due to snow (this is considered but does not automatically determine our decision).
  • Local authorities advise against non-essential travel.

High Wind & Power Outages

The studio may close if:

  • A power outage prevents safe operation.
  • Strong winds create hazards around the building or parking area.
  • Emergency officials advise limiting travel.

Notification of Closures

Whenever possible, weather-related closures will be announced:

  • At least 2 hours before morning classes
  • By 2:00 PM for evening classes

Announcements will be posted on:

  • Studio website
  • Social media
  • Email

Conditions can change quickly, and additional cancellations may occur if weather deteriorates unexpectedly.

Personal Safety & Individual Decisions

While we strive to make timely and informed decisions regarding weather and environmental conditions, no policy can account for every neighborhood or travel route. Our students and families come from throughout the Eastside and beyond, and conditions may vary significantly from one area to another.

Even if the studio remains open, we encourage every student and family to use their own best judgment. If weather, road conditions, air quality, personal health, or any other circumstance makes traveling or participating feel potentially unsafe, please stay home. Your safety and well-being are always more important than attending class.

We appreciate your understanding and will do our best to communicate closures or schedule changes as early as possible.

Posted in Newsletters