[Organizers] Bringing in more English dancers
Emily Addison via Organizers
organizers at lists.sharedweight.net
Tue May 12 18:03:52 PDT 2015
Hi David and others,
Quick but interested response...I have a sleeping baby I'm anticipating
will wake up any moment!
We did a survey of our dancers last year (ottawacontra.ca).
Some of our questions were targeted at those who come our
rarely/infrequently. All questions are below (minus options if there were
boxes to click).
We know that while we wouldn't be hitting all of our infrequent or past
(but not dancing now) folks but we do have 700 people on our email list and
do know that many of those are infrequent dancers.
Of 65 respondents, 25 people said they came less than 6X in that year (we
have about 20 dances a year). So the infrequent crowd.
I can't type too many reflections at this time but I've included our rough
notes on two questions. I think these might be helpful.
Emily
Q4: What impacts your decision when choosing to come to contra dance or do
something else on a Saturday night?
*EM's SUMMARY/WHAT LEARNED:*
· Some people are busy and have other commitments (family, other
hobbies, etc) while others will make contra a priority over everything else.
o *CONSIDER:* Is there a way to encourage contra being a 'habit' for
more people? (Rather than a choice thing on the night, they are just in the
habit)
· Weather is an issue, both winter travel as well as it being too
hot
o *CONSIDER::* Is there a way to make the hall cooler for all dances?
Some people feel it's too hot sometimes so will decide not to come. (Comes
up in other questions)
· Some people have no one to come with (both carpooling but ALSO
*getting out the door*
o *CONSIDER:* How could we have a buddy system or something to help some
people get out of their house and to the dance hall?
· Other people are travelling out of town, are tired after a long
day, or have health issues
· *OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER:*
o Keep evening prices as is or even alt options for people who
can't/don't want to pay that much
o Double events draw people from out of town, keep
o Clarify if price to get in changes throughout the evening (someone
quoting me (Emily) and I have no recollection)
o Maintain community, fun, family, smiling faces atmosphere
o Continue careful effort in programming of callers/bands. (multiple
comments on bands rather than callers!)
Q5: If you don't come that often, what would need to change for you to
attend more regularly?
*EM's SUMMARY/WHAT LEARNED:*
· Majority of respondents said that they would have to prioritize
dancing over other commitments if they were to come more.
o *CONSIDER:* How to encourage that prioritize dance above?
o *CONSIDER:* Make more family-friendly so don't have to priority family
over dance or vs.
· Some of our dancers are getting older the point where hard to
dance (e.g., hip replacements etc)
· For beginners
o *CONSIDER:* " practice sessions (with music) for beginners because its
really embarrassing when you mess up the whole line and have difficulty
catching up. Although the ambiance is welcoming and friendly, some people
are very impatient with beginners. The 30 min prior to the evening dance is
not sufficient and not representative of the actual dance moves with music
playing."
· *OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER:*
o Keep evening prices as is or even alt options for people who
can't/don't want to pay that much AND/OR volunteering options in lieu for
getting in. (One dancer compairing to other styles of dance and how this
more expensive… maybe we could communicate why better????)
o Carpooling options (we've tried in the past, maybe a better way to set
this up?)
o Venue could use a bit of work
o Make sure we sent out reminders
o Find ways to support people in having a social circle to go out to the
dance with (e.g. buddy system)
o Again, ensuring that the hall is always cooler (it being a reason some
dancers stay away sometimes… … maybe also a reason why some new people
don't come back?)
o Better directions + info on parking
o Make sure atmosphere is welcoming
=====ALL QUESTIONS==============
Contents
2014 Ottawa Contra Dance Survey. 1
<file:///C:/Users/emily/Documents/emily/CONTRA%20-OTTAWA/publicity%20&%20outreach/surveys/2014%20contra%20survey/summaries/ottawa%20contra%20survey%20-%20long%20summary%2015aug2014.docx#_Toc397276449>
INTRODUCTION.. 2
<file:///C:/Users/emily/Documents/emily/CONTRA%20-OTTAWA/publicity%20&%20outreach/surveys/2014%20contra%20survey/summaries/ottawa%20contra%20survey%20-%20long%20summary%2015aug2014.docx#_Toc397276450>
Q1: How long have you been contra dancing?. 2
<file:///C:/Users/emily/Documents/emily/CONTRA%20-OTTAWA/publicity%20&%20outreach/surveys/2014%20contra%20survey/summaries/ottawa%20contra%20survey%20-%20long%20summary%2015aug2014.docx#_Toc397276451>
SECTION 1: Saturday Night Dances. 3
<file:///C:/Users/emily/Documents/emily/CONTRA%20-OTTAWA/publicity%20&%20outreach/surveys/2014%20contra%20survey/summaries/ottawa%20contra%20survey%20-%20long%20summary%2015aug2014.docx#_Toc397276452>
Summary. 3
<file:///C:/Users/emily/Documents/emily/CONTRA%20-OTTAWA/publicity%20&%20outreach/surveys/2014%20contra%20survey/summaries/ottawa%20contra%20survey%20-%20long%20summary%2015aug2014.docx#_Toc397276453>
Q2: How many Saturday dances did you attend this season?. 3
<file:///C:/Users/emily/Documents/emily/CONTRA%20-OTTAWA/publicity%20&%20outreach/surveys/2014%20contra%20survey/summaries/ottawa%20contra%20survey%20-%20long%20summary%2015aug2014.docx#_Toc397276454>
Q3: What do you like best about the Saturday night dances?. 3
<file:///C:/Users/emily/Documents/emily/CONTRA%20-OTTAWA/publicity%20&%20outreach/surveys/2014%20contra%20survey/summaries/ottawa%20contra%20survey%20-%20long%20summary%2015aug2014.docx#_Toc397276455>
Q4: What impacts your decision when choosing to come to contra dance or do
something else on a Saturday night?. 4
<file:///C:/Users/emily/Documents/emily/CONTRA%20-OTTAWA/publicity%20&%20outreach/surveys/2014%20contra%20survey/summaries/ottawa%20contra%20survey%20-%20long%20summary%2015aug2014.docx#_Toc397276456>
Q5: If you don't come that often, what would need to change for you to
attend more regularly?. 5
<file:///C:/Users/emily/Documents/emily/CONTRA%20-OTTAWA/publicity%20&%20outreach/surveys/2014%20contra%20survey/summaries/ottawa%20contra%20survey%20-%20long%20summary%2015aug2014.docx#_Toc397276457>
SECTION 2: Tuesday Night Dances. 7
<file:///C:/Users/emily/Documents/emily/CONTRA%20-OTTAWA/publicity%20&%20outreach/surveys/2014%20contra%20survey/summaries/ottawa%20contra%20survey%20-%20long%20summary%2015aug2014.docx#_Toc397276458>
Q6: Are your familiar with our Tuesday night dances?. 7
<file:///C:/Users/emily/Documents/emily/CONTRA%20-OTTAWA/publicity%20&%20outreach/surveys/2014%20contra%20survey/summaries/ottawa%20contra%20survey%20-%20long%20summary%2015aug2014.docx#_Toc397276459>
Q7: How many Tuesday contra dances did you attend this year?. 7
<file:///C:/Users/emily/Documents/emily/CONTRA%20-OTTAWA/publicity%20&%20outreach/surveys/2014%20contra%20survey/summaries/ottawa%20contra%20survey%20-%20long%20summary%2015aug2014.docx#_Toc397276460>
Q8: If you have never been to a Tuesday night dance, why is that?. 7
<file:///C:/Users/emily/Documents/emily/CONTRA%20-OTTAWA/publicity%20&%20outreach/surveys/2014%20contra%20survey/summaries/ottawa%20contra%20survey%20-%20long%20summary%2015aug2014.docx#_Toc397276461>
Q9: If you have been to a Tuesday night dance but don't come regularly, why
is that?. 8
<file:///C:/Users/emily/Documents/emily/CONTRA%20-OTTAWA/publicity%20&%20outreach/surveys/2014%20contra%20survey/summaries/ottawa%20contra%20survey%20-%20long%20summary%2015aug2014.docx#_Toc397276462>
SECTION 3: Workshops and Special Events. 8
<file:///C:/Users/emily/Documents/emily/CONTRA%20-OTTAWA/publicity%20&%20outreach/surveys/2014%20contra%20survey/summaries/ottawa%20contra%20survey%20-%20long%20summary%2015aug2014.docx#_Toc397276463>
Q10: Which Saturday workshops did you attend this year?. 8
<file:///C:/Users/emily/Documents/emily/CONTRA%20-OTTAWA/publicity%20&%20outreach/surveys/2014%20contra%20survey/summaries/ottawa%20contra%20survey%20-%20long%20summary%2015aug2014.docx#_Toc397276464>
Q11: Is there anything we could improve about the workshops?. 9
<file:///C:/Users/emily/Documents/emily/CONTRA%20-OTTAWA/publicity%20&%20outreach/surveys/2014%20contra%20survey/summaries/ottawa%20contra%20survey%20-%20long%20summary%2015aug2014.docx#_Toc397276465>
Q12: What topics for workshops would you like to see next year?. 10
<file:///C:/Users/emily/Documents/emily/CONTRA%20-OTTAWA/publicity%20&%20outreach/surveys/2014%20contra%20survey/summaries/ottawa%20contra%20survey%20-%20long%20summary%2015aug2014.docx#_Toc397276466>
Q13: Any suggestions for other special events next year?. 11
<file:///C:/Users/emily/Documents/emily/CONTRA%20-OTTAWA/publicity%20&%20outreach/surveys/2014%20contra%20survey/summaries/ottawa%20contra%20survey%20-%20long%20summary%2015aug2014.docx#_Toc397276467>
SECTION 4: Dance Community. 13
<file:///C:/Users/emily/Documents/emily/CONTRA%20-OTTAWA/publicity%20&%20outreach/surveys/2014%20contra%20survey/summaries/ottawa%20contra%20survey%20-%20long%20summary%2015aug2014.docx#_Toc397276468>
Summary. 13
<file:///C:/Users/emily/Documents/emily/CONTRA%20-OTTAWA/publicity%20&%20outreach/surveys/2014%20contra%20survey/summaries/ottawa%20contra%20survey%20-%20long%20summary%2015aug2014.docx#_Toc397276469>
Q14: How important is it to you to feel that you are part of the dance
community?. 13
<file:///C:/Users/emily/Documents/emily/CONTRA%20-OTTAWA/publicity%20&%20outreach/surveys/2014%20contra%20survey/summaries/ottawa%20contra%20survey%20-%20long%20summary%2015aug2014.docx#_Toc397276470>
Q15: Were you a member of Ottawa Contra/The Old Sod Society this year?. 13
<file:///C:/Users/emily/Documents/emily/CONTRA%20-OTTAWA/publicity%20&%20outreach/surveys/2014%20contra%20survey/summaries/ottawa%20contra%20survey%20-%20long%20summary%2015aug2014.docx#_Toc397276471>
Q16: How often did you volunteer?. 13
<file:///C:/Users/emily/Documents/emily/CONTRA%20-OTTAWA/publicity%20&%20outreach/surveys/2014%20contra%20survey/summaries/ottawa%20contra%20survey%20-%20long%20summary%2015aug2014.docx#_Toc397276472>
Q17: What would make you feel more included in the dance community?. 14
<file:///C:/Users/emily/Documents/emily/CONTRA%20-OTTAWA/publicity%20&%20outreach/surveys/2014%20contra%20survey/summaries/ottawa%20contra%20survey%20-%20long%20summary%2015aug2014.docx#_Toc397276473>
Q18: What would make it easier/more likely for you to volunteer?. 14
<file:///C:/Users/emily/Documents/emily/CONTRA%20-OTTAWA/publicity%20&%20outreach/surveys/2014%20contra%20survey/summaries/ottawa%20contra%20survey%20-%20long%20summary%2015aug2014.docx#_Toc397276474>
SECTION 5: New Dancers and Dance Numbers. 16
<file:///C:/Users/emily/Documents/emily/CONTRA%20-OTTAWA/publicity%20&%20outreach/surveys/2014%20contra%20survey/summaries/ottawa%20contra%20survey%20-%20long%20summary%2015aug2014.docx#_Toc397276475>
Q19: How welcoming is our dance community to newcomers?. 16
<file:///C:/Users/emily/Documents/emily/CONTRA%20-OTTAWA/publicity%20&%20outreach/surveys/2014%20contra%20survey/summaries/ottawa%20contra%20survey%20-%20long%20summary%2015aug2014.docx#_Toc397276476>
Q20: Have your heard or seen anything that might deter newcomers from
returning?. 16
<file:///C:/Users/emily/Documents/emily/CONTRA%20-OTTAWA/publicity%20&%20outreach/surveys/2014%20contra%20survey/summaries/ottawa%20contra%20survey%20-%20long%20summary%2015aug2014.docx#_Toc397276477>
Q21: What we can do better to welcome newcomers and encourage them to come
back as regulars?. 19
<file:///C:/Users/emily/Documents/emily/CONTRA%20-OTTAWA/publicity%20&%20outreach/surveys/2014%20contra%20survey/summaries/ottawa%20contra%20survey%20-%20long%20summary%2015aug2014.docx#_Toc397276478>
Q22: Please provide specific suggestions regarding community groups/email
lists/facebook groups/newspapers where we can reach out to find new dancers.
22
<file:///C:/Users/emily/Documents/emily/CONTRA%20-OTTAWA/publicity%20&%20outreach/surveys/2014%20contra%20survey/summaries/ottawa%20contra%20survey%20-%20long%20summary%2015aug2014.docx#_Toc397276479>
Q23: We use the following social media tools. Which do you find useful in
the context of Ottawa Contra?. 23
<file:///C:/Users/emily/Documents/emily/CONTRA%20-OTTAWA/publicity%20&%20outreach/surveys/2014%20contra%20survey/summaries/ottawa%20contra%20survey%20-%20long%20summary%2015aug2014.docx#_Toc397276480>
Q24: Comments about the social media tools listed above? Then them here: 24
<file:///C:/Users/emily/Documents/emily/CONTRA%20-OTTAWA/publicity%20&%20outreach/surveys/2014%20contra%20survey/summaries/ottawa%20contra%20survey%20-%20long%20summary%2015aug2014.docx#_Toc397276481>
Section 6: Last Questions. 25
<file:///C:/Users/emily/Documents/emily/CONTRA%20-OTTAWA/publicity%20&%20outreach/surveys/2014%20contra%20survey/summaries/ottawa%20contra%20survey%20-%20long%20summary%2015aug2014.docx#_Toc397276482>
Summary. 25
<file:///C:/Users/emily/Documents/emily/CONTRA%20-OTTAWA/publicity%20&%20outreach/surveys/2014%20contra%20survey/summaries/ottawa%20contra%20survey%20-%20long%20summary%2015aug2014.docx#_Toc397276483>
Q25: What is your age?. 25
<file:///C:/Users/emily/Documents/emily/CONTRA%20-OTTAWA/publicity%20&%20outreach/surveys/2014%20contra%20survey/summaries/ottawa%20contra%20survey%20-%20long%20summary%2015aug2014.docx#_Toc397276484>
Q26: What is your gender?. 25
<file:///C:/Users/emily/Documents/emily/CONTRA%20-OTTAWA/publicity%20&%20outreach/surveys/2014%20contra%20survey/summaries/ottawa%20contra%20survey%20-%20long%20summary%2015aug2014.docx#_Toc397276485>
Q27: In what neighbourhood/town do you live (e.g. Sandy Hill; Westboro;
Kanata; Perth)?. 25
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Q28: Any other comments?. 26
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On Thu, May 7, 2015 at 9:09 PM, David Chandler via Organizers <
organizers at lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
> Good questions, Merry. We ask first-time dancers for their emails as part
> of getting a pass to get in free the second time. We could either survey
> all of them, or only the ones who didn't use their free pass. For people
> who used to come regularly, I assume some people know their names and if
> they are members we have contact information. Can't get everyone. Other
> ideas? Carol's suggestion is a good one, since a number of English dancers
> started as contra dancers in NYC.
> Thanks.
>
> David
>
> On Thu, May 7, 2015 at 8:33 PM, Merry <merrykays at yahoo.com> wrote:
>
>> How do you survey people who have come only once, or who used to dance
>> frequently and now do not? How do you identify them? How do you contact
>> them. And finally, if they don,t come to your dance, how do you motivate
>> them to respond to your survey?
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> On May 7, 2015, at 7:49 PM, David Chandler via Organizers <
>> organizers at lists.sharedweight.net> wrote:
>>
>> This has been a difficult year for English dancing in NYC, with lots of
>> people not dancing because of disability, weather, etc. We are looking for
>> ways to get more dancers to come and join our community on a continuing
>> basis, and want to survey dancers (those who came only once, those who came
>> for a while and dropped out, and long-timers) about what might make dancing
>> more attractive. Rather than reinvent the wheel we wondered if any other
>> communities have done such surveys, and/or found good ways to expand their
>> English dancing community. Thanks for your help!
>>
>> I'll post this separately on ECD.
>>
>> David Chandler
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Organizers mailing list
>> Organizers at lists.sharedweight.net
>> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/organizers-sharedweight.net
>>
>>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Organizers mailing list
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> http://lists.sharedweight.net/listinfo.cgi/organizers-sharedweight.net
>
>
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