Similar to Lou, here is a quick glimpse at what my local dance at the John C. Campbell Folk School (Brasstown, North Carolina) is doing.
First, here is the Health and Safety Statement from the School:
"The Folk School is committed to providing everyone with a positive experience of learning and sharing in a safe environment. Since our reopening in May 2021, we have fulfilled our mission in a manner that makes the safety and well-being of students, instructors, guests, visitors, and staff our highest priority. In developing our safety protocols and procedures, we are considering the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local health authorities. We are also considering the Folk School’s unique environment of many people coming together to learn in our studios and live on campus."
Based on the guidelines, you will find that as of November 20, 2022 vaccines are no longer mandatory. While there was an exception for the 2022 Winter Dance Week, the weekly dances no longer require proof of vaccination. Masks are optional, but recommended. In the instance a student at the Folk School experiences Covid-19 symptoms or tests positive, there are procedures in order including contact tracing; however, I do not believe we actively have contact tracing in place for our dances since they are open to students and community members alike (without any formal checking in process).
We maintain excellent attendance, especially from the community members outside of those taking weekly and/or weekend classes. In some instances, our attendance has actually grown. For example, our monthly ECD numbers went from roughly 14-20 dancers to 45+ dancers. While I will not say this is directly related to our guidelines, I will say there is a strong desire to dance permeating throughout our community right now - people are very eager to get back on the dance floor.
Please note, the Folk School indicates that the guidelines can be amended at any time. There are no further updates as of today.
If you have any questions you would like to ask me off this thread, please do not hesitate to reach out!
Happy dancing,
Olivia