In Rochester, NY, we have two dance series, in separate venues, so policies are slightly different between the two series. In addition, we conducted a
survey of our dancers in February about factors that affect their willingness to attend a dance.
For the weekly English country dance series, we must follow the policy of the venue since we dance in a space that is used by children in other parts of the week. The policy requires all dancers to show proof of vaccination with a booster. We only require this for the first dance they attend; for convenience, we record that they showed proof. Masking is required when the CDC Community Level is yellow or red. Masking is optional when the CDC Community Level is green (which happened just this past week).
For the weekly contra dance series, the venue has no policy on covid mitigation. In the survey, dancers were evenly divided between those wanting masking and those who don't. Support for vaccination was strong. Accordingly, we have this month instituted a test period, length TBD, where masks are required on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Thursdays of the month and masks are optional on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays. Proof of vaccination is still required. We are tracking attendance to see how it changes.
Early this year, we learned that another group started a contra series in Rochester where masks are forbidden. I hear rumors of other aspects of their policy but I prefer not to say more without confirmation.
Rich Dempsey
Webmaster, Country Dancers of Rochester, NY