July 16, 2023
Dear members, friends, and supporters of TADAMS;
TADAMS’ return to dancing remains a work in progress. As such, there are some things I want to bring to your attention. TADAMS’ Covid-19 policy is changing. Our dance calendar for 2023 is still erratic. Spring Forth Ball 2024 is going to happen! So, please take a moment to read these updates.
Covid-19
TADAMS will no longer be checking proof of vaccination at our dances. Wearing a mask will remain optional.
Our situation has changed since the pandemic swept across the globe in 2020. We now know the risks of severe disease. We now have tests to track infection levels in our community and vaccines that increase an individual’s immunity.
Covid has not disappeared, it is firmly part of our future and will be ever changing like influenza. So, we encourage you to practice basic disease prevention to help keep yourself and others safe. If you feel ill or know you have been recently exposed to an infectious illness, please stay home until the incubation period has passed. Wear a mask if you are able. Avoid touching your face. Wash your hands regularly, and if that is not a option use hand sanitizer.
The Board’s decision to no longer require vaccination at TADAMS events was based on several desires and supported by surveyed responses of attendees at our MAY 27th dance. We hope that this decision will reduce the initial negative interactions at dances as newcomers scramble to find their vaccination card, allowing them to join the workshop and get dancing sooner with less stress. We also hope this decision will free up organizers’ limited time and attention to engage in welcoming and growing our community.
2023 Dance Calendar
While our long-term goal is to re-establish a regular schedule, the erratic schedule that we have had this spring will continue through December. Time and day, weekdays, weekends, and locations will vary from dance to dance. So, please bear with us and check our website tadamsva.org to view our calendar.
We plan to have a more consistent schedule in 2024 with dances on 2nd and 4th weekends.
Springforth Ball 2024
Get ready for the return of our dance weekend event April 12-14 at Lewis Ginter Recreation Association. It will have been five years, believe it or not, since our last one. The band will be Drive Train (Ed Howe, Bennet Konesni, and Stuart Kenney) with calling by Gaye Fifer. Details are still being worked out. If you have not been to a Spring Forth Ball before here is the tentative schedule:
- Friday night opening Contra Dance.
- Saturday morning and afternoon workshops.
- Saturday evening Springforth Ball Contra Dance.
- Sunday morning brunch with freshly cooked waffles.
- Sunday afternoon closing contra dance.
We need some help from you the community to make Springforth ball the best it can. One big help is hosting band members for the weekend. Providing a bed to crash in 15 minutes from the dance hall gives you an opportunity to meet and talk with the artists that make contra dancing possible.
One part of SFB in the past was a Saturday night potluck dinner. With dishes provided by the local dance community. The dinner’s success depends on the support of you the local community. Please let us know if want us to do this in 2024 and if you would provide a dish.
Thank you, everyone for your support of contra dancing in Richmond. If there is something you would like to see or feel you can contribute, please contact a board member or email us at tadamsvacontra@gmail.com.
Robert Linkous
President, Traditional American Dance and Music Society
