This is your monthly update from your Executive regarding the business and plans of the Regina Ballroom Dancing Club.

The RBDC Executive, and the Chief Instructor Group met virtually on Sunday, May 24th. While a number of items were discussed – and will be shared within this message – the biggest topic of discussion was our desire to provide services to our members safely and prudently within the guidelines laid out by our Provincial and Federal Governments. With the announcement by the Saskatchewan Government of plans to move to Phase Three of Reopen Saskatchewan, we examined the impacts of that decision on the Club. With you in mind, we believe in reducing the risks to health and wellbeing, and have determined that:

1.       Based on continued social distancing requirements throughout the Reopen Saskatchewan Plan, it would be irresponsible for the Club to plan for a full schedule of classes this September. Reasons include:

a.       Maintaining a social distance requirement of 6 feet between participants/participating couples while dancing would be extremely difficult to facilitate.

b.       We could not, in good conscience, request members to take on a volunteer partner role.

c.       We expect that some members will simply be uncomfortable returning to a dance class environment – and we respect that.

2.       We will plan to provide member services – which may include group events – as it is safe to do so.

a.       We anticipate there may be the possibility to hold Social Dance(s) during the fall semester (September to December, 2020), and we will take advantage of that as soon as we can do so with minimal risk to members. You will be informed through various means when we decide to go ahead.

b.       We are cautiously hopeful that we can provide a few lessons to members in lieu of the classes that had to be cancelled at the end of the Winter Semester, March, 2020. Information will be provided to you as plans come together; but we want to offer a fun, and healthy way to ease back into learning dance in a safe space.

c.       Are you practicing in your own home? Do you and your partner take advantage of the space in your home to dance a bit? Miss some of the songs in the RBDC playlists? We’re in the process of finding a fun way (or maybe 2…) to share some danceable music with you to support your practice!

3.       Because there will be no full schedule of classes for the Fall Semester, and it is hard to determine what the next several months will bring, the 2020 Silver Bells Ball has been canceled.

4.       We are planning to have a full schedule of classes and full registration for the Winter Semester, January to April, 2021. Stay tuned for more information as it comes available.

In other news:

There are presently two vacancies on the RBDC Executive. Most recently, the Member at Large – Membership has become vacant. If you are organized and enjoy planning, assisting people, and collaborating, this role may be for you! The job description for this role can be found at: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/573b44b7d210b81604bd026e/t/5ca2780da4222f18742742a9/1554151437679/JobDescrMembershipMAL.pdf

The other role remaining vacant is the Member at Large – Communications. As the President, I have been filling this role as well to keep members informed and keeping our website and Facebook page current is extremely important. If you enjoy social media and crafting messages and digital advertising, check out this job description:  https://static1.squarespace.com/static/573b44b7d210b81604bd026e/t/5ca277f90022910001479740/1554151418346/JobDescrCommunications+MAL.pdf

the RBDC’s fiscal year end if June, 2020. The AGM of our club must happen within 4 months of that date and after the auditor provides full audited statements to the club. Tentative plans are to hold the AGM at the end of September. We anticipate that this meeting will be held via an online venue to allow the most possible participation from members interested in attending. We look forward to that meeting with you!

Last month, I had indicated we would be sending out a survey, which didn’t happen.  At the time of that message it was still somewhat unclear how long the current situation would last, and I guess we expected that fall classes could proceed. Once we have some firm plans, we’ll have some questions for you! We did find that members replied to the last two President’s Message emails and we thank you for that. We encourage you to reply to this one as well! It’s so good to hear from you.

Thank you for your continued support and interest.

Your President,

This content was originally published here.

Author: dancesteps