After more than a year of this difficult, unprecedented time, we take great pleasure in being able to share some happy news! Improving COVID-19 trends and increasing numbers of fully vaccinated people will allow us to make a gradual return to the Tuesday night dances hosted by the Southern Tier Swing Dance Society.
STSDS will resume dances on a monthly basis on the second Tuesday of the month beginning in June. We are unsure when weekly swing dances will resume, but we will keep you posted!
Tuesday, June 8
7 – 10
Rexer’s Karate Academy
105 Washington Ave., 2nd floor, Endicott
Mike Neil will be the DJ for this welcome back dance!
The cost will remain $5 and music will be primarily East and West Coast Swing with other dances (Cha Cha, Night-Club 2, Waltz and Country Two-Step) mixed in.
Although the future is looking brighter, we have not yet defeated the virus; therefore, we cannot yet return to the way dances were held pre-COVID. For the safety of the community, our friends and loved ones, the board has established a protocol that ALL dancers must follow to participate. Our decisions will always be grounded in science and we will follow the expert guidance of our local, state and national public health leaders. As circumstances change, we will adjust.
1. Masks are required. Regardless of your personal opinion, you MUST wear a mask fitted properly per CDC guidelines (it must cover your mouth and nose; bandanas are not allowed). If you don't want to dance in a mask, we understand, and we hope you join us once the masks are no longer required. We reserve the right to evict dancers who do not comply. Please note: The DJ will stop the music should a dancer remove his/her mask on the dance floor and will not continue until the mask is on.
2. You are permitted to remove your mask to drink water or take a break. You must leave the dance floor and stand at least 6 feet (or as much as possible) from others before you remove your mask.
3. You are not required to be vaccinated to participate. However, we recommend all dancers get vaccinated to protect yourself and the vulnerable. Asking someone if they’re vaccinated and expecting an honest answer is acceptable social dance etiquette.
4. We will not be limiting capacity since the room is spacious enough to accommodate our usual crowd.
5. We will ask dancers to provide contact info. Should a case of COVID be traced to a dance, we will notify you.
6. We will not be checking temperatures. We trust you will use common sense and stay home if you’re feeling ill.
7. We will provide hand sanitizer.
8. No food will be provided.
We thank you in advance for your continued support and willingness to comply with all rules. We’ve all missed dancing and being together and can’t wait to share the joy of dance once again.
Sincerely,
Board members of the Southern Tier Swing Dance Society