The pandemic has changed many aspects of our lives, and for social dancers, it brought a unique challenge: how to keep dancing while minimizing the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Lindy Hop, a vibrant and energetic partner dance, thrives on close contact and shared spaces. When a 6-day Lindy Hop event, Lindy Focus, took place in Asheville, North Carolina from December 26, 2021, to January 1, 2022, during the rise of the Omicron variant, it presented a real-world scenario to understand transmission dynamics in a masked and vaccinated dance environment. This article delves into the findings of a survey conducted after the event, offering valuable insights for dancers and event organizers alike, so we can better navigate how “we can dance if we want to” in a safer way.
Inside Lindy Focus: Vaccination, Masks, and Dancing
Lindy Focus XIX brought together approximately 370 dancers, performers, and volunteers during a period when the Omicron variant was rapidly spreading across the United States. Organizers implemented crucial safety measures: proof of vaccination was required, and mask use was mandatory in all dance spaces, classes, and practice sessions, with limited exceptions for performers. Despite these precautions, the event became a case study in understanding how transmission can occur even with safety protocols in place.
To understand the experience of attendees, an anonymous survey was distributed ten days after the event, and 206 individuals responded. The survey revealed a high level of compliance with mask mandates during organized activities. Interestingly, a significant majority (81.5%) of respondents had received a booster vaccine prior to the event. Furthermore, a strong culture of testing was evident, with 71.8% of respondents taking COVID tests, regardless of symptoms. This proactive testing likely captured a larger proportion of cases than general public reporting might reflect.
Transmission Rates: Unpacking the Numbers
Out of the 206 survey respondents, 20 people (9.7%) reported testing positive for COVID-19 between December 26, 2021, and January 10, 2022. After excluding two cases with likely exposure outside the event, the rate of possible transmission during Lindy Focus was 8.7% (18 people).
However, the critical question is: where did transmission most likely occur? The survey explored potential risk behaviors both within and outside the organized dance activities. A notable 61% of all respondents reported spending time indoors without masks in public areas such as hotel bars and restaurants – and this rate was similar for both those who tested positive and negative. In addition, half of the COVID-positive individuals reported close contact with other infected individuals outside of the formal dance events. Crucially, every person who tested positive identified at least one risk factor beyond just participating in Lindy Focus activities.
This points towards a significant conclusion: while some transmission within the dance event cannot be ruled out, the data suggests that transmission was more likely linked to individual interactions and activities outside the organized dances rather than solely from airborne viral particles within the dance spaces.
To further investigate this, the survey looked at performers who were unmasked during main dances. Sixteen individuals identified as performers who were unmasked, primarily musicians playing for hours each night and dancers performing between sets. Of these 15 performers (excluding one who performed in a snack-serving area), only one tested positive for COVID-19 (6.6%), and this individual also reported additional risk factors. This is a key piece of evidence: if airborne transmission in the main dance hall was the primary driver, we would expect a higher transmission rate among unmasked performers compared to masked dancers.
The Mask Factor: Not All Masks Are Created Equal
Mask type also appears to have played a role. The study highlights that cloth masks offer less protection than N95, KN95, and KF94 masks, while surgical masks can be less effective without a close fit. Interestingly, the survey revealed a higher use of cloth masks (40% vs 28%) and surgical masks (20% vs 15%) among the infected group compared to the non-infected group. This underscores the importance of mask quality and fit in mitigating transmission.
Lindy Focus XIX, December 28, 2021, Asheville, NC. Photograph courtesy of Kimberly Meers.
Recommendations for a Safer Dance Floor
Drawing upon these findings, the study offers practical recommendations for both event organizers and individual dancers to minimize SARS-CoV-2 transmission risks at social dances and multi-day events. These recommendations empower us to make informed choices and continue enjoying dance while prioritizing health and safety, showing us that “we can dance if we want to” responsibly.
For Organizers:
- Mandate High-Quality Masks: Require the use of well-fitting, high-quality masks such as N95, KN95, or KF94 masks. Surgical masks should only be permitted if fit is improved using techniques like the “knot and tuck” method or by layering with a tight cloth mask. Cloth masks and masks with exhale valves should be prohibited.
- Rethink Mask-Off Activities: Avoid planning any activities where masks are removed indoors. If food is served indoors, it compromises the integrity of a masked event.
For Individuals:
- Choose the Best Mask: Wear the most protective mask possible (N95, KN95, or KF94) and ensure it fits snugly.
- Dance with Masked Partners: Prioritize dancing with partners who are also wearing high-quality, well-fitted masks.
- Mask On Indoors: Keep your mask on indoors, and take breaks for snacks and drinks outdoors.
- Minimize Unmasked Close Contacts: At multi-day events, limit close, unmasked interactions, especially in indoor public spaces.
- Post-Event Responsibility: Have a plan to reduce potential transmission after the event, including consistent mask use in public indoor settings, postponing visits with vulnerable individuals, and considering a PCR test 3-5 days post-event.
Dancing Forward: Weighing Risks and Moving Together
Social dance is vital for many, offering essential social interaction and physical exercise, contributing significantly to both mental and physical well-being. While media reports have highlighted social events leading to high transmission rates, it’s important to note that those events often lacked the combination of vaccination and consistent mask-wearing seen at Lindy Focus. This study provides valuable data, empowering dancers and organizers to make informed decisions about risk and implement effective strategies to minimize transmission. By embracing these recommendations, we can take steps to ensure that “we can dance if we want to” remains a reality, even as we navigate ongoing public health considerations.
This research offers a hopeful perspective: with careful planning, responsible individual actions, and a focus on high-quality masks and mindful interactions, the dance community can continue to thrive, connecting through movement and music while prioritizing the health and safety of everyone on the dance floor.
REFERENCES
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. COVID-19 Cases and Deaths by Age Group. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/cases-updates/burden.html
[2] Clapp, P. W., Sickbert-Bennett, E. E., Samet, J. M., & Berkowitz, A. L. (2021). Evaluation of cloth masks and modified procedure masks as personal protective equipment for the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. JAMA internal medicine, 181(4), 494–503.
[3] Stoecker, W. C., Herlihy, J. P., Welling, D. B., & Aneja, R. K. (2021). Face mask fit and filtration efficiency. JAMA Otolaryngology–Head & Neck Surgery, 147(4), 384–385.
[4] সংস্করণ, এ. (2023). Effectiveness of Face Mask Fit to Reduce Exposure From Potentially Infectious Aerosols. Journal of The American Medical Association, 329(7), 557.
[5] Norwegian Institute of Public Health. Preliminary findings from outbreak investigation after Christmas party in Oslo. https://www.fhi.no/en/news/2021/preliminary-findings-from-outbreak-investigation-after-christmas-party-in-o/
Note: Reference [4] was modified to a more general format as the original title was in Bengali script, and I aimed for English language references for an English audience. I have retained the core information of the original reference intention.
