Hello, dancers!
It's been on all of our minds: when, oh when, will Portland Intown Contra Dance open again?! Our goal is clear: we plan to reopen when it's safe for everyone to return to dancing — with masking optional and no clear need to require vaccine proof at the door. Though we're getting closer and closer to that possibility, the epidemiological consensus is that we're not there yet.
We'll continue to hibernate through this winter, paying close attention to impacts of COVID-19, the flu, and other viruses over their busy season. You'll hear from us here just as soon as we begin hosting live events again. If you want to stay in the loop, sign up for our email newsletter on our homepage.
Is PICD Hosting the Temple Beth El Dance?
While we're waiting for the COVID-19 death rate to fall in line with the flu, a different group of organizers in Portland, Common Floor Contra, are hosting dances now. To mitigate coronavirus spread, they require proof of COVID-19 vaccination, high quality masks, and, starting in January 2023, proof of the latest available COVID-19 booster shots. Folks who feel it's safe to contra dance under those conditions are gathering monthly.
Why Isn't PICD Dancing If Others Are?
In North America, fewer than a quarter of all dance series that were operating prior to the pandemic have resumed dancing.
No two contra series are alike! Every contra dance is independently organized by volunteers and, as a result, each organizing team makes their own decisions: weighing risk, determining what policies work best for their community, and plotting the direction they'll take. Decision-making around safety is complex and we're all doing our best.
We'll Keep In Touch!
We're wishing you and your families a joyful, cozy, and healthy season. ❄️ Expect an update on contra hosted by PICD in the new year!
We miss you,
Portland Intown Contra Dance