No Lindy Hop Events in the US Until the Vaccine... Period [UPDATED]
/We are saddened to report that people keep holding social dance events in the US, despite the appallingly high rates of COVID-19 infection and death. tony Azar shares on his page that a recent shag event “Shagging on Main” in South Carolina led to 70+ people being infected with the virus.
Shaggin’ on Main flyer
UPDATE 10/18
The Herald Sun of Durham reports that rates in the area have skyrocketed after event and 2 musicians who played at the event have died, although they can not confirm whether this event directly led to their deaths.
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident. We have heard of similar events happening in the blues dance, Detroit step, salsa, and other social dance communities around the US.
As a reminder, a social dance is a perfect storm for spreading the disease:
People in close physical contact with each other over extended periods of time
Vigorous physical activity and heavy breathing
Changing of dance partners as the norm
Popular with older folks
We get it, you miss dancing with your friends. But until there is widespread availability of a vaccine and the health authorities declare that social events like dances are safe again, we need to refrain from gatherings like this.
Itching to lindy hop? Here’s 20 alternative activities that we recommend.
If you absolutely need to partner dance with a real human, find a couple of friends and form a lindy hop pod together. Here’s some guidance on how to safely create a COVID pod or bubble:
We know this is hard. But your life, and the lives of those around you, depend on all of us taking these necessary precautions for the near future.
