Ontario Square and Round Dance Federation
Newsletter – December 2020
Greetings to all as we head into the holiday season! Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah or a secular celebration, this will be a challenge in these Covid-19 times, due to the stay at home recommendations from the health authorities. Our club end of year parties are not happening but that does not mean that you cannot reach out to your dance friends and send your greetings. With renewed lock-downs and restrictions on gatherings, this will be particularly well received. Remember your callers and cuers; they too would like to hear from you.
Our hope for 2021 is that a vaccine will be available so that our clubs can re-open safely, probably not until the Fall of 2021. At the recent Canadian Square and Round Dance Society AGM there was some discussion about initiatives clubs could take to get our dancers back dancing. It was suggested that clubs hold some fun dances and avoid going back into teaching mode. People need to have fun and dance even if it means a reduced number of calls.
The Society is also looking into a possible national publicity campaign, probably through social media. If you have any good ideas for publicity, get in touch with me at hjlander@gmail.com and they will be passed along.
It was also suggested that clubs make contact with their venues so they are aware that you do want your space back once it is safe to dance.
At the AGM the National Convention re-scheduled for July 8-10 2021 in Surrey, BC was discussed. A decision will be made in January as to whether this can go ahead. So watch this website: https://squaredance.bc.ca/festival-2021/. On a positive note we feel sure the 2022 National Square and Round Dance Convention will take place in Fredericton, NB, on July 20-23, 2022. See: http://squaredancenb.ca/convention-2022/. For the first 222 dancers registered there are quite a few “freebies” , including a no penalty refund up to 20 July 2022. So show your support and register now. It will certainly be a celebration for all to get back to a national event!!
Check in to our Federation webpage for all the virtual dancing. See: https://squaredance.on.ca/events-3/. This is a great way to keep up your dancing, say hello to your friends and have fun. If you can get a foursome together it is easier as the calls have been adapted for four dancers. A great thing about virtual dancing is getting to dance to other callers, something we don’t get a chance to do very often.
On behalf of our Federation Board, we extend to you and your families a safe, happy holiday season and all good things for 2021.
Submitted by Howard and Jean Lander