Piloting 2 policy changes starting with our May dance (April 17, 2026)

Thank you to everyone who filled out the Amherst Contra survey earlier this year, giving feedback on our masking requirement at the Downtown Amherst Contra Dance!

Considering both the community's feedback as well as our financial situation, your DACD committee has unanimously decided to pilot two changes to our dance policies:

1. We are piloting a policy of "masks encouraged" at our dances, rather than "mask required."
   - We will continue to look for other ways to mitigate disease risk at our dances, including good hall ventilation whenever possible.
   - Rest assured we did not make this difficult decision lightly -- we appreciate and respect the variety of thoughts that have been expressed. We've made our decision taking these thoughts into account, along with the science and other factors of our dance series.
   - As we have done for the past six years, we commit to continuing to monitor and evaluate the disease risk -- as well as continuing to monitor our community's sentiments.
   

2. First-time dancers attending our lesson will receive "Come back free" coupons, instead of free admission to their first dance.
   - Many other dance series have found this incentive structure to work well. 
   - As always, any dancer has the option to use our Dancing For All Fund to cover or supplement their admission.

We will be piloting both of these changes beginning with our next dance on May 20, 2026.

Our website and advertising will be updated with these changes soon, but please help us get the word out!

With love,
Your Downtown Amherst Contra Dance committee
(Robbin D, Moe I, Liz N, Len B, Julian B, Hannah J, Gumby F)