ABSTRACT
This article examines the transmission of SARS-CoV-2 during a multi-day Lindy Hop dance camp held in Asheville, North Carolina, from December 26, 2021, to January 1, 2022. Approximately 370 dancers attended the event, and the data presented are based on an anonymous survey conducted 10 days post-event. While some COVID-19 transmission did occur during the camp, evidence suggests that most infections resulted from individual interactions and activities outside the organized dance sessions, rather than from airborne viral accumulation within the event spaces. These findings emphasize the importance of comprehensive risk mitigation strategies extending beyond formal event settings, allowing us to confidently say, we can dance if we want to, provided we prioritize safety and awareness.
KEYWORDS: COVID-19, SARS-CoV-2, Lindy Hop, social dance, public health, social gatherings, viral transmission, risk mitigation, mask effectiveness
EDITORIAL
Lindy Focus XIX, a six-day event centered around Lindy Hop partner dancing, took place in Asheville, North Carolina, during a critical period – December 26, 2021, to January 1, 2022. This was a time when the Omicron variant, known for its high transmissibility and some vaccine resistance, was rapidly spreading across the United States. Event organizers implemented safety protocols, including mandatory proof of vaccination and mask use in all dances, classes, and practice sessions, with mask exceptions only for performers. Around 370 individuals, including registered participants, volunteers, and performers, attended the event over the week, with daily attendance varying. Most attendees were accommodated at the event’s associated hotel.
The data presented here comes from a self-reported anonymous survey distributed to all attendees 10 days after the event concluded. Two hundred and six individuals responded to the survey. Observations and self-reports indicated high mask compliance during organized dances, classes, and practice sessions. Although booster vaccines were not mandatory, a significant 81.5% of survey respondents reported receiving a booster shot before the event (75% in the COVID-positive group and 81% in the COVID-negative group). Furthermore, 71.8% of respondents reported taking COVID tests, regardless of symptoms; 25.7% reported no symptoms and did not test. While some asymptomatic transmission might have gone undetected, this level of testing likely captured a higher proportion of cases than general public reports (1; and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/burden.html).
Twenty respondents (9.7%) reported a positive COVID test between December 26, 2021, and January 10, 2022. Excluding two individuals who tested positive 7-10 days post-event and believed they were exposed afterwards, and two others whose positive tests during the event were linked to pre-event exposure, the estimated event-related transmission rate is 8.7% (18 individuals).
Several factors help us understand the transmission dynamics and whether infections were more likely during dance activities or external interactions. The survey explored potential risk behaviors both within and outside the organized event. Notably, 61% of all respondents reported spending time indoors without masks in public areas like hotel bars and restaurants. This percentage was similar for both COVID-positive and COVID-negative groups. Half of the COVID-positive individuals reported at least one close contact (unmasked interaction) who was also infected. Importantly, all individuals who tested positive identified at least one risk factor beyond the official Lindy Focus activities.
A key piece of evidence suggesting that transmission was more likely due to individual interactions rather than airborne viral buildup comes from performer data. Performers, including musicians unmasked for extended periods during main dances and dancers unmasked for shorter sets, were identified. Sixteen performers reported unmasked performance; excluding one who performed at a masked-optional snack event, 15 remained. Of these 15, only one tested positive for COVID (6.6%), and this individual also reported additional risk factors. If airborne viral buildup in dance spaces were the primary transmission mode, we would expect a higher infection rate among unmasked performers compared to masked attendees.
Mask type may have influenced transmission within the organized event. Cloth masks are known to offer less protection than N95, KN95, and KF94 masks (2, 3), and surgical masks are less effective without a close facial fit (4; and CDC guidance, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/types-of-masks.html). The survey revealed higher use of cloth masks (40% vs. 28%) and surgical masks (20% vs. 15%) in the infected group compared to the non-infected group.
Based on these findings, practical recommendations can be made for organizers and individuals to minimize SARS-CoV-2 transmission risks at social dances and multi-day events.
Event organizers should: (i) Mandate high-quality, well-fitting masks like N95, KN95, or KF94. Surgical mask fit should be improved using methods like knotting and tucking or layering with a tight cloth mask. Cloth masks and valved masks should be prohibited. (ii) Avoid planning activities where masks are removed indoors. If indoor food service is provided, the event cannot be considered fully masked.
Individuals should recognize the inherent limitations of event-level control, regardless of implemented rules. Attendees can further reduce their risk by: (i) Wearing the most protective mask possible. (ii) Choosing dance partners who also wear high-quality, well-fitted masks. (iii) Keeping masks on indoors, taking snacks and drinks outdoors. (iv) For multi-day events, limiting unmasked close contacts and avoiding unmasked indoor public spaces. (v) Developing a post-event transmission reduction plan, including consistent indoor masking, postponing visits with vulnerable individuals, and scheduling a PCR test 3-5 days post-event.
Social dance is a vital form of social interaction and exercise, and its absence can negatively impact mental and physical well-being. Media reports have highlighted social events with high SARS-CoV-2 transmission rates (5, 6; and Norwegian Institute of Public Health report, https://www.fhi.no/en/news/2021/preliminary-findings-from-outbreak-investigation-after-christmas-party-in-o/). However, these events often lacked vaccination and consistent masking requirements. This survey’s findings offer valuable data for dancers and organizers to assess risks and implement effective mitigation strategies. Ultimately, understanding transmission dynamics empowers us to make informed choices, so we can dance if we want to, while prioritizing community health and safety.
FIG 1.
Lindy Hop dancers at Lindy Focus XIX in Asheville, NC
Lindy Hop dancers enjoying Lindy Focus XIX, December 28, 2021, Asheville, NC. Photograph courtesy of Kimberly Meers, capturing the energy of the event.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The author thanks Russell Nasrallah for providing event attendance data and for his valuable feedback and assistance in survey distribution.
This work was partially supported by the National Science Foundation under award 2037967 to S.C. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
The phrase “We can dance if we want to” is taken from the 1982 song “Safety Dance” by Men Without Hats, reflecting the spirit of cautious freedom.
Sue Carson, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology at North Carolina State University and Director of TH!NK, a faculty development program focused on cultivating critical and creative thinking. She is currently serving as a Program Director at the National Science Foundation in the Division of Undergraduate Education.
The views expressed in this article do not necessarily represent the views of the journal or of ASM.
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[B4] Samet, J. M., et al. (2021). Facial Masking for Community Protection During the COVID-19 Pandemic. JAMA, 325(15), 1523–1525.
[B5] Mallapaty, S. (2021). Superspreading events drive most COVID-19 transmission. Nature, 592(7854), 329–330.
[B6] Woolf, N. (2020). Choir practice, funerals, bars: the superspreading events that drive the pandemic. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/nov/24/choir-practice-funerals-bars-the-superspreading-events-that-drive-the-pandemic
