Suggested Ballroom Guidelines for Commencing or Continuing Studio Operations During the Pandemic
The viral pandemic, COVID-19/SARS-COV-2, has had a widespread impact on all aspects of daily life. It has significantly hit the ballroom community. Given the particularity of ballroom dancing, social distancing is difficult to implement. Many studio owners have either ceased routine operation or started Zoom classes in response to the pandemic. However, distance learning, training, and practicing cannot meet the requirement of coordination between partners. Both professional and amateur dancers can only maintain their fitness and flexibility at home. Most of the studios only receive minuscule amounts of financial aid from the government because their businesses are too small to have payrolls. The main concern is how to get everybody back to the floor.
Group lessons should be ceased without any doubt because to keep social distancing is not feasible in ballroom studio. Obviously, group lessons would inevitably increase the risk of spreading. However, are private lessons still feasible during the pandemic? Asymptomatic carriers are the most dangerous in the operation of ballroom studio. Some experts believe that although their viral load may be equivalent to patients of the confirmed cases, they don’t have symptoms such as coughing and sneezing. Therefore, the chance of transmission is relatively less than that of confirmed cases, especially under PPE protection. Although a dancer cannot keep 6 feet away from another person, “double masking” could help prevent the spread.
What is “double masking”? Both coach and student should wear masks. After studying on CDC and FL state guidelines, some research papers on COVID-19 and the characteristics of the ballroom dancing, I have developed a suggested standard that conforms to the studio as the reference for people in ballroom community.
How I've been Dealing with COVID-19
Personally, I've been going back to the studio to practice. However, I've taken many precautions to ensure my own safety and the safety of others. As can be seen in this photo, I am wearing a mask while warming up and dancing. I also make sure to use hand sanitizer before and after the lesson. Preferably, the teachers should follow a similar protocol. The button below will bring you to a Guideline for studio safety.
Below are the Guidelines that the Ballroom Community should Keep in Mind
Drafted by Ylliah Jin on May 26th 2020
All group lessons should be ceased until a vaccine is available.
Social distancing is not applicable in ballroom dancing. However, group lessons would dramatically increase the risk of spreading.
If private lessons are allowed by the local and state regulation, the following suggestions and strategies may help:
For both teachers and students:
Try to wear a mask when possible.
Wash hands before and after the class.
Do self-assessment before coming to the studio. If you feel unwell, cancel the class immediately and stay at home.
For the teachers and studio owners:
Prepare hand sanitizer, mask and gloves for personal protection, and even Clorox wipes and UV lights to disinfect the surfaces and air in the studio at least once a day.
Lessons should be scheduled in a manner that limit the number of students in the studio at any one time. In other words, please minimize the overlap of the lessons, to reduce the risk of cross-contamination should a student become infected.
Wear masks all the time during the lesson. Goggles should also be worn if a student cannot wear a mask for any reason. COVID-19 infection through droplets contacting the conjunctiva is common.
Adjust the power and rhythm of the training if the student is wearing mask. The mask inevitably slows down the air circulation. Take breaks more frequently so both the teacher and the student may keep a comfortable oxygen level. Therefore, watch closely on the student’s vital sign, e.g. breathing pattern and complexion.
An open circulation throughout the studio is highly recommended.
If resources allow, teachers should periodically be SARS-COV-2 tested.
For students:
Student should always be encouraged to wear masks or other face-coverings while in the studio, except those with cardiovascular, respiratory and/or other severe diseases.
During masking, report any discomfort to the teacher immediately.
The author is not legally responsible for any injuries and consequences caused by these suggestions.
