Hello Thunder Bay !
Train. Sweat. Perform.
ARMY of SASS is a training and performance program for all levels, designed to build confidence and gain physical strength while developing sassy dance skills in heels.
There are 3 different 10-week sessions per year: Fall, Winter, and Spring. Every week you will train for 2 hours on drills and choreography. At the end of the session, you will showcase your new sassy moves in a themed performance with your fellow AOS dancers!
Your week just got a whole lot SASSIER!
This session, join 2000+ dancers across North America as we train together and perform together in an original show!
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
• Program dates & registration fees vary by location.
Join us and be part of this growing community and movement!
All Skill Levels
LEVEL 1 • PRIVATES
Absolute Beginners to Beginner-Trained Dancers
LEVEL 2 • CORPORALS
Intermediate to Advanced in Heels Dance
LEVEL 3 • LIEUTENANTS
Advanced to Professional in Jazz/Hip Hop/Heels Dance
• Classes •
• Rates •
Full year • 3 sessions
Available June 10 - October 17$900 +tax
• Unlimited drop-in classes across Canada & US (space permitting; please contact individual locations regarding availability)
• Reserved spot for 'Full session' registration
• Valid for 3 sessions: Fall, Winter & Spring
* Available only at select locations
Full session • Early bird
Available August 1 - June 30$Various +tax
• 2 hrs / week for 10 weeks
• 1 full cast rehearsal
• Performance
*Available at select locations
Full session • Regular
Available August 1 - June 30$Various +tax
• 2 hrs / week for 10 weeks
• 1 full cast rehearsal
• Performance
Drop-in
Contact us for current rates$15 to 30
• 1 hr class
• First come, first served
• Contact us for availability & payment options
• Shows •
Heartbreak Hotel
October 13th, 2o20
For those who have purchased a ticket for the performance of Heartbreak Hotel, in support of Army of Sass Thunder Bay, we want to assure you that this performance is still happening. The time and location for the performance will be announced pending Covid-19 restrictions being lifted to the point that we can accommodate a live audience. We remain hopeful that with Thunder Bay maintaining low cases up to this point, this will happen sooner than later.
AOS Thunder Bay and all dancers involved, have put in serious hard work, time and money into the production that we cannot get back, including pre-production costs that all shows incur in preparation for a public performance. We were 5 days away from performing, this show was ready to go, full steam ahead, but unfortunately things happened that were entirely out of our control.
To be clear, this show is not and never was cancelled, and we are doing everything we can to find the best date to reschedule in a way that works for all participants and ticket holders. There are many variables to take into account, but we are committed to this show and making it a reality.
If you are willing to work with us, the result will be an entertaining, high energy show that you have supported through your ticket purchase.
AOS has a no refund policy, however we understand that this pandemic has affected everyone in negative ways. If you are no longer interested in supporting this show, you have the option of selling your ticket anytime between now and the performance date. We will give 3 months notice on the selected performance date, which gives adequate time to resell your ticket. Those who purchased their tickets through Eventbrite will automatically be issued a new ticket once the date is set. If you wish to have your ticket(s) issued to another name, you are welcome to let us know at that time.
Those who purchased their ticket through a cast member can contact that dancer directly, as those tickets will be issued in their name. All cast members who sold tickets will be notified directly regarding a new performance date. We will be asking them to pass this information on to all of their ticket holders.
At this time we are aiming for show dates in the spring of 2021, and in the meantime we are exploring both indoor and outdoor options.
We personally welcome back any and all dancers that were planning to perform in March, with a place in the new performance.
We thank you all so much for supporting a small, local, and unique business and for being patient with all of us as we navigated this pandemic. Thanks to your understanding and patience, we are able to still perform this show, albeit slightly later than planned.
We will update the public through all our social media when we have a new show date.
Our most recent statement pinned to the top of our Army of Sass – Thunder Bay Facebook Page.
• Spotlight •
LATEST NEWS & UPDATES
December 1st, 2020
Happy December Everyone!
This is going to be the last official AOS Newsletter and update, before transitioning to our new adventures ahead in 2021!
Todays updates include DECEMBER CLASSES, FINAL SALUTE, 2021 & BEYOND, COVID SAFETY, COVID SHOW & COVID REIMBURSEMENTS.
Even though dancing for all of us will continuously be changing, we hope you will all learn to adapt to us and with us, as we continue to navigate whatever we get handed next.
I had promised you an unforgettable sass filled session, and ladies that I feel it really has been! A big thank you again to everyone who came out this fall to our drop-ins at the studio, online and to our end-of-term event! I truly appreciate your kindness, love and the support you have showen for me, AOS as a brand and the care you have towards the survival of this small local business.
I would absolutely love to hear any thoughts, feels, memories or reflections you may have from this session, or any that came before, so share your sassy stories with me by email.
As for anyone who feels that the current position, pace, and process my team and I have chosen does not work for them, and/or you have an unresolved issue, concern or question on anything closure or COVID related, please reply to email me at THUNDERBAY@ARMYOFSASS.COM. This will be active until December 31st of this year.
Once you have had a chance to read below about everything we have going on, let me know if and what you want to join in on as we finish of the year!
Thank you!
Stephanie DePiero
Owner/ Master Instructor
DECEMBER CLASSES
We have made the decision to have all our remaining AOS classes online through ZOOM!
HAIR WHIP WEDNESDAYS FROM 7-7:30 PM ON DECEMBER 9TH, 16TH & 23RD. The class will focus on upper body warmup, stretches, strengthening, technique, and control, while also working on our footwork and bevels.
SUNRISE STRETCH WITH STEPH FROM 7:45 AM -8:45 AM EVERY MONDAY, WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY starting December 7th. This will be more of a slow-flow grounding, balance, breathing focused style class.
Cost is $10 per class / 3 for $27 which is payable by cash, cheque or e-Transfer to THUNDERBAY@ARMYOFSASS.COM / password ‘SassyDance’.
PRIVATE ONLINE LESSONS are also available.
THE FINAL SALUTE
The official nationwide “Final Salute” event will be available to all online, and hosted by HQ themselves! All are welcome to register directly with Carla and AOS Head Quarters.
2021 & BEYOND
Those who have expressed interest in future classes and programming for the new year, will be receiving exciting information soon!! If you have not yet filled out our Future Planning Survey and still wish to do so, you can! Please let me know if you need me to resend the link to you.
COVID SAFETY PROCEDURES
Pending re-opening in the new year, anyone who registers for any classes, will receive an updated copy of our safety and protocol, prior to any in-studio start up .
COVID SHOW UPDATE
As we continue to monitor all that is happening in the region, province and nation, we will also continue to update and announce our plans as we try to keep up to the changing guidelines, and rules as to when and where we will be allowed to perform.
Postponing our Heartbreak Hotel performance was out of our hands and was something we were forced to do due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This performance has not been cancelled, nor do we have any intention of ever doing so. Regardless of any speculation, defective or lamebrained comments, opinions or criticisms shared by individuals who no longer wish to support the performance and/or have made the choice to no longer be involved as a dancer in the show, we still have every intention in getting this fabulous show in front of a live audience as soon as it is possible.
Serious hard work, time and money has gone into the production that we cannot get back, including pre-production costs that all shows incur in preparation for a public performance. We were 5 days away from performing, this show was ready to go, full steam ahead, but unfortunately things happened that were entirely out of our control. Both myself, the cast of dancers and choreographers who remain involved and dedicate to this special show, are continuing to train in the heels dance style. We will be ready to go once we have been given the green light and the go ahead to do so, and it will be hype!
All previous public updates can be found on our Army of Sass – Thunder Bay Facebook Page, or a direct copy can be made available upon request.
COVID REIMBURSEMENTS
AOS Thunder Bay’s policy that has been in place since day one, is that we have never given refunds as a rule, with only the most extreme cases receiving them, and only for the most dire emergencies. Our set policy has always been a credit balance toward a future session. AOS headquarters has given the freedom and support to each location as to how they want to handle refunds and this is how our location and many others have chosen to process such requests.
When the pandemic hit and several refund requests came in all at once, I made the choice to offer refunds, as I felt it was the most humane and compassionate way to approach the issue. All I asked for in return was for understanding, compassion, and your patience as we maneuvered and navigated making this happen.
Several other AOS locations did not provide refunds at all, choosing to stick to their own policies of offering credit only. Unfortunately, in my desire to help people out, my fear of backlash, along with my sincere care for the well-being of my clients, I offered the refund option against my own standards. I did NOT make this choice based on a practical financial decision for the business, as we are also suffering through the losses this pandemic has caused.
Like other AOS locations, realistically we cannot afford to give refunds. I will take full responsibility and ownership of my business error, apologize for my overzealousness in putting this option forward, and acknowledge my mistake fully.
Moving forward, and as previously communicated, refunds are still something I want to do, with or without your patience or support. At this time I would like to ask anyone willing, to reconsider a credit towards heel dance classes, programming, workshops, and more. Aside from the classes that I teach personally, we offer many opportunities where your credit can go towards supporting other instructors, guest teachers, etc. This credit will be forever/no expiry.
If this is still not an option you are willing to pursue, then I am committed to reimbursement, however, I can not provide a date that it will happen. As previously communicated, I am following up now letting you know that I am continuing to work towards all requests being fully resolved by April 2021. This timeline will mark only a year from when the session was interrupted due to the global pandemic that was out of our control.
I am committed to following through, however, I do not want to promise a specific date to anyone, as I have no control over future ramifications from COVID-19. I don’t think anyone wants to see a small, locally owned business struggle, and all I ask is for more patience and support.
I will follow up by email again, at the beginning of the new year, with another status update of a disbursement timeline. Hopefully, this will settle any thoughts that your request may not be important to me. If you feel that further communication from my bank regarding my current financial position, is something that can help towards your understanding and comprehension of reimbursement timeline, please let me know what information you are looking to have provided to you at this time.
For those that are in a unique position, we ask that you contact us directly, as AOS headquarters does not determine when or if your refund will be distributed, so communicating with them will not resolve this any faster.
We hope that you will work with us, as we hear you, we empathize with you, and we hope you to can meet us with love, understanding and kindness in however you wish to move forward.
All previous public updates can be found on our Army of Sass – Thunder Bay Facebook Page, or a direct copy can be made available upon request.
• AOS Thunder Bay Team •
Carla Catherwood
Commander-in-chief (CEO & Founder)
ARMY of SASS™
Carla knows what it’s like to start from the bottom and work your way up.
Dedicated, focused and driven to detail best describe her work habits. With over 20 years professionally in the dance industry and over 10 years experience as a self-made entrepreneur, she has worked not only as a professional dancer, choreographer, and producer, but most importantly as an entrepreneur, teacher, and mentor to many developing up-and-comers.
Her mentoring and teaching style consists of clarifying and developing the direct abilities that are needed to become a successful performer, teacher, and AOS Licensee by educating them on function, technique, and leadership skills. She has a special talent in bringing out what is natural within each individual by pushing them into what she calls “The Pocket” of each movement, teaching method, or leadership goal.
Carla’s story: how it all started
It started with a twist of fate…
About 11 years ago I was out with some dance friends and a fellow teacher from LA in Vancouver. We were having a good time dancing the night away. Next thing you know… a shootout between two gangs erupted and there were some innocent victims caught in the crossfire. Luckily I was pushed out of the way and only grazed with a bullet (but don’t worry I’m ok! I was blessed enough that all I needed was a band aid on my wrist!) Unfortunately there were a few innocent victims… one of them being my friend from LA. I was blessed to have walked away pretty much unharmed considering what had happened. At that point I knew I needed to do something to help my friend.
Fast forward to one year after the incident, I joined forces with the pretty much the entire entertainment community of Vancouver to put together a fundraiser in honour our friend to help with his recovery process and costs. PS. he’s doing great now!
With it being the first show I had ever produced… and as a dancer and choreographer I naturally wanted to put together a piece of choreography for the show… but it needed to be DIFFERENT! Later that week I saw a cabaret burlesque-style dance troupe on TV and I said “YESSSSSS I’m going to do something like that!” I gathered 10 of my girls and we did a burlesque inspired piece for the fundraiser. Vancouver HAD NEVER SEEN ANYTHING LIKE IT! People went crazy! So I decided to keep doing it!
I created a dance crew called Burlesque Beauties with a few of my girls and had a ton of fun! We did everything from lounge gigs, to corporate events over the years and even performed at the infamous Playboy Mansion! As time went on I wanted to perform less and teach more so I coined the style “Nuvo-Burlesque” and started to teach the heel’s style to dancers of all levels.
The day before I moved from Vancouver to Toronto in 2010 I was in a car accident and my injury made performing a challenge so at the age of 29 rolling on 30 I knew it was time to throw in the ‘performing towel’ and go full speed ahead with producing, choreography, and teaching.
So there I was… alone in a new city and not sure where to start. I got a call from my mom and she reminded me I was doing cabaret and shows, she said “why don’t you put together a program for your students and have them be part of your show”. So, “DING”, a light went off! Great idea mom! I’ll do that!!! So there it all began!
- It started with 12 girls in Toronto under the “Nuvo-Burlesque Performance & Training Group”
- After a year I created the first satellite program in Vancouver
- I was building something and it was time to come up with a better name!
- So while in class with 25 plus women strutting towards me… “DING” again! They just looked like an ARMY OF SASS!
- And that was it; yep that’s the name! The ARMY of SASS was born and there was no turning back!
As of the beginning of 2015, just over 10 years from when I began all of this, we have over 275 registered students across the country with over 100 in Toronto and the rest in our satellite cities Vancouver, Abbotsford, Penticton, Kelowna and Calgary! I am so HAPPY to be able to share my wealth of knowledge about not only running a sustainable and profitable business but also sharing the personal lessons I’ve learned along the way…
For all of my dancers out there wanting to build something of your own but don’t know the steps to get there… I hear you and I feel you! I’ve been there… Please understand that: I know what it’s like to have a dream and not have the funds to do it, to be broke, to be on your own, to grow up in a small town and want more. I’ve lived through tragedy and setbacks, but most importantly I’ve learned to overcome all of them to get to where I am today and that is why I am doing this licensing program with a free education portion. It was built so my AOS team and me can help eliminate the struggle for you to build and achieve your dreams!
If your dream is to run your own AOS program, we look forward to helping you do that!
I’m here to EDUCATE, CREATE and PAY IT FORWARD to my dance community. It doesn’t matter if 5 or 500 people license this program, what matters to me is to be able to provide a FREE and strong education program to help those that wish to do what I do without the personal, physical, financial, and educational struggle I had endured.
If I can leave you with any form of advise it’s simply this… “There’s a solution to every problem and if there’s a solution… there’s no problem!”
Jennifer Long
General Manager (AOS International)
ARMY of SASS™
Jennifer Long proudly brings over 15 years of diverse management and marketing experience to every project she tackles.
Hailing from the lush hills of Prince Edward Island, Jennifer is pleased to now call Vancouver home. A graduate of the Canadian College of Performing Arts, Jennifer has been an entertainer since the age of three! Her first job at age 13 was definitely unusual; at a family friend’s suggestion, she auditioned for (and was subsequently hired to play) the leading character at Canadian World Theme Park in Japan. After pursuing a decade-long professional career in the arts, she decided to focus her talents on the behind-the-scenes world of arts management, including contracts with Canadian Idol, Canada Games, Vancouver Circus School, and Army of Sass Canada.
A self-professed “life long learner”, Jennifer holds a variety of post-secondary and continuing studies certifications including Event Management (Holland College), Professional Bookkeeper (Langara College), and is currently working towards her CPA designation in British Columbia.
Stephanie DePiero
General (AOS Location Licensee)
For Stephanie DePiero, as soon as she could walk she could dance! As a teenager, Stephanie trained in jazz, tap, ballet, and hip-hop. After graduating high school she continued her training through intensives and workshops in Toronto, New York, and Los Angeles. Soon landing herself a new home in Toronto, where she performed with a variety of production entertainment companies and live music festivals. She worked with for several seasons with MLB’s Toronto Blue Jays Baseball Club as an in-house performer during all at home games. Stephanie also worked as a dance instructor at various private high schools around the GTA and City Dance Corps.
Stephanie believes in the potential of the thriving entertainment scene in Thunder Bay, Ontario. She now lives back home and loves working full time as a dancer and choreographer. Her own experiences have fueled her to be a leader with Army of Sass Thunder Bay team (a North American heels dance program that is currently taking many cities by storm)! This outlet of dance speaks to Stephanie’s passion and values, providing an outlet for all genders to come together, gain confidence and be a part of a community of dancers whos goal is to inspire others!
Steph is also the creator and director of The Dance Room, which offers studio rentals for private training, special workshops, and industry coaching from dance professionals who are invested in the growth and development of dancers.
Nicole Avella
Sergeant (AOS Teacher)
At the age of 8, Nicole entered the dance world. She took classes both recreational and competitive at local dance studios Spirit of Dance as well as International Dance Academy. Nicole developed a love for hip-hop, jazz, and musical theatre.
Over the years, Nicole had the opportunity to perform and compete both locally and out of town. Nicole’s love of music also translates into a passion for singing and vocal training. Seeking an outlet that combined her love of dance with her vocal talent, Nicole joined BOUNCE Productions. She took part in many classes and local productions with BOUNCE including BOUNCE Senior Year: The Concert.
Through her training in dance and singing Nicole was able to develop her technique as well as her confidence on stage! Nicole is incredibly excited to be a part of Army of Sass Thunder Bay! She looks forward to continuing her training in the heels style. Nicole can’t wait to help empower and encourage other women to pursue their passion for dance!
Emma Dubinsky
Sergeant (AOS Teacher)
Emma Dubinsky started dancing with Dance Dynamics Studio in Thunder Bay, Ontario. She is currently a performing artist and pursuing her dreams of being a professional dancer.
Emma has completed up to the pre-advanced jazz in her ADAPT examinations, and 9levels in tap and ballet, as well as the ADAPT teachers-revision course in Ottawa. After one year of post-secondary education at York University studying Psychology, Emma continued attending many master dance classes in Toronto, and soon after was accepted into the Commercial Dance Studies program at George Brown College. At George Brown, she trained in jazz, hip hop, ballet, modern, musical theatre, vocal, and acting. Emma trained for years with a heels company called Sensual Heeling under Kaela Faloon.
She has many stage performance experiences performing with companies such as such as the Ballet Jörgen in the Nutcracker, Hairspray with St. Ignatius High School, Jesus Christ Superstar, Pan America Games Opening Ceremony with Cirque Du Soleil, the 6th Annual HUM Awards, the Canadian Dance Awards launch, Creativiva, The MAS Fest, Makeup Forever, performing backup for vocalists and DJs at music festivals, Army of Sass Toronto, Nuit Blanche, Seneca Pulse Casino Grand Opening in New York and more.
Emma also enjoys teaching dance and choreographing. Emma taught heels classes for Army of Sass Etobicoke, Army of Sass Peel, her own hip hop classes at The Pink Studio Toronto and other drop in classes in Toronto. As well, she choreographed a music video for an up and coming Toronto artist. Emma is the creator of Here & Now, a local showcase in Thunder Bay that is a charity fundraiser featuring all local performers including dancers, singers, musicians and actors. She is also the co-creator of Next LevelWorkshop which inspires young dancers and gives them insight into being a professional. She has taught in studios and choreographed for numerous competition numbers in jazz, contemporary, hip hop, ballet, musical theatre and acro.
Maddy Bou
Sergeant (AOS Teacher)
Starting at a young age Maddy Bou has always had a lover for the stage and performing. First starting out at the age of 7 years old performing with Cambrian Players. And their One act play festival in the city of Thunder Bay, Ontario. From there, a few movie roles with the local college film and broadcasting program as an extra.
Maddy has done numerous productions with Frankly Scarlett Productions. On stage, and backstage as well stage managing.
Maddys love of dancing begin at the age of 17 with Burlesque classes. At the age of 18 she joined a local burlesque troupe; Les Coquette Rouge. She has been an on going member for 5+ years.
This is Maddy’s fourth year with Army of sass Thunder Bay. Having completed teachers training in the summer of 2019, she extremely excited to bring all of her knowledge to the Thunder Bay Army of Sass team.
Victoria Inacio
Sergeant (AOS Teacher)
Sergeant Victoria was first thrown into a ballet class at the age of three. As an energetic child, her mom hoped it would give her a place to let her energy out! She has trained and danced competitively in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical, contemporary and Hip Hop until the age of 11. She continued to dance through high school, mainly focusing on contemporary, modern, jazz, and hip hop. She began choreographing contemporary and hip hop pieces at the age of 15.
When Victoria moved to Thunder Bay for University, she found Army of Sass while searching for dance classes online. After attending her first class, she was hooked and knew she wanted to be a part of the Army of Sass Family. She attended teacher training to become a Sergeant in June 2019, and has not looked back since.
Victoria prefers to teach high energy booty focused classes, that will get her students sweating and moving! She loves seeing the beginner students progress and become more confident in themselves in classes! She is excited to teach, and get her students in touch with their bootylicious selves.
Jane Creamer
Sergeant (AOS Teacher)
Shannon Gagne
Office Admin / Assistant
Shannon was born and raised in Thunder Bay and lives with her husband and dog Finn. She joined AOS in the winter of 2017 at the age of 36, having never danced before in her life, proving you are never to old to follow your dreams!
Shortly after joining, she took on the role of Fundraising and Event coordinator. In this role, she books events on behalf of AOS Thunder Bay, organizes community outreach and volunteer opportunities, and manages the fundraising aspect of our stage shows.
Shannon is very passionate about giving back to the community and is proud to be able to carry that enthusiasm over from her professional life to her involvement with AOS.
• FAQ •
Check out these frequently asked questions, or contact us using the form below.
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Do I need dance experience to join the ARMY of SASS?
NOT AT ALL! We have classes in 3 different levels:
• Beginner (and yes we mean absolute, never been in a dance class kind of beginner)
• Intermediate
• Advanced & professional -
What do I wear?
• For training: stretchy, comfortable and SASSY clothes that you feel fabulous in!
• For performance: costumes will depend on the production theme for that term. -
What kind of shoes do I wear?
Comfortable, CLEAN, and thick heeled indoor shoes! Doesn’t matter what height of heel, just as long as you are comfortable! Be mindful of stilettos… they may look fabulous for a night out, but wearing them while trying to execute the AOS moves for two hours can be difficult. If you’re first starting out we suggest a good pair of kitten heels or sneaker wedges!
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How much is the ARMY of SASS program?
The program is currently $285.00 plus taxes and fees for each 10-week program where you receive 2 hours/week of training, an all-cast rehearsal, and a session end performance.
That comes out to $13.75/class! Normally in the dance/fitness industry, drop-in classes are $20.00. That is a savings of $6.25/class!
Please note: registration fees are non-refundable. -
How much are the drop-in Sass classes?
Drop-in pricing will vary by location; generally classes are $15-$30. Please contact the location leader for pricing information.
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Can I try my first class for FREE?
YES! Contact us using the contact form below to get your FREE pass to a Sass class in your area!
NOTE: this promotion is for first-time students only.
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How can I pay for the program or drop-in?
Drop-ins are generally cash only, payable when you arrive at the drop-in class; first-come, first-served. Contact a location near you for info!
Program payments are generally accepted via Paypal, Visa, and Mastercard, cash, and cheque. Payment types may vary by location; click “Register now” for full details.
Please take note that some AOS locations do charge taxes, where applicable. -
Do we have class cards for drop-in Sass classes?
Some locations do, but not all. Please reach out to a location near you for info; you can use the online contact form below to do so.
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Are there any other costs incurred by the AOS Program?
YES! Just one. It is for the costume that you will be performing in. NOTE: We often use many of the same pieces over and over again, and just layer them with different affordable accessories or pieces so you don’t have to spend too much money. If it is your first time we would safely say you will end up spending roughly $80.00-$100.00 on the base pieces costume (getting your staple pieces: fishnets, thigh high socks, and bodysuit or dress). Each session may have different costume requirements; check with your location licensee on the exact costs for each show.
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Are there financing/payment plans available for the program?
Payment plans may vary by location. Please use the online contact form below to speak with a location near you!
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Can anyone take a class?
EVERYONE who is willing to dance and be fabulous in heels is welcome in our classes! Army of Sass is open to anyone of legal age in their province/state, all abilities, and all genders.
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Can people watch?
Not the whole class. If someone is picking one of you up after class and the door is open or there is a viewing mirror in the studio, yes they can watch at the end.
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Questions or comments ? Contact us here !