Over the last four weeks we ran a survey about what precautions people would like to see at BIDA, for COVID or other infectious disease. We were primarily interested in how our community viewed:

Our approach to masking (currently half of our dances require masks)
The possibility of using far UVC and/or glycol vapors to clean the air

We advertised the survey on our mailing list, website, facebook page, and at our 9/21, 9/28 (afternoon), and 10/5 dances. We received 208 responses, compared to 130 in our survey a year ago.

While views vary widely, our community seems to prefer less masking on the margin, but there's a lot of support for having some dances each with and without a mask requirement. On Far UVC and glycol vapors, support was much stronger for the former, but overall supportive on both.

The BIDA Board will be discussing whether we'll change our mask policy and/or roll these out, and we'll share our decisions before making changes.

Masking

Our community continues to have substantial contingents in favor of both more and less masking, though overall there are more who prefer less. This is visible in the attendance responses:

Both of these would be a decrease over the status quo of alternating, but there's a much larger decrease with always masking than always not masking.

For special events we can see that 53% would like to see these dances usually or always be mask-optional, while 21% would like to see them usually or always be mask-required:

Reviewing the the 150 free response answers (reproduced in full at the end of this post), and about 52 said something along the lines preferring less masking, while about 29 preferred more.

On the other hand, the situation is not symmetrical: while there are people with health reasons to prefer more or less masking, there are many more people who can only dance masked than can only dance unmasked.

Far UVC

The situation with far UVC is much more clear cut: the community is very strongly in favor of it, and only one person (0.5%) said this would decrease their attendance while 50 (25%) said it would increase:

The person who said their attendance would decrease didn't give a comment giving more detail.

The other comments were broadly supportive (~54) people, followed by neutral (~18 people), uncertain and wanting more information (~11 people), and skeptical that the lamps would actually reduce infections (~9 people).

Glycol Vapors

Respondents were more positive than negative on glycol vapors, but views were mixed: 29 (14%) said they would come more, while 17 (8%) said they'd come less.

Reviewing the free response answers, the most common response was generally positive about more ways to reduce infection (~37), followed by people who wanted more information (~19), people who didn't care (~17), people with more complex views (~10), and people who really didn't like the idea (~14%).

As with masking, this is a place where it's not fully symmetric: the people who left comments opposed to glycol vapors generally seemed to feel more strongly than the people commenting in favor.

Free Response Answers

Masking

Less masks is less comfort
As the dances get bigger, goes into the winter season, is colder, I'm more likely to lean towards going to masked only dances.
I always mask and I never run into weird comments at BIDA, but I do at other dances. I attribute this at least in part to BIDA’s current COVID policies. It feels to me like people question me less when they too sometimes wear masks. So I really appreciate the alternating mask requirement for that reason. That said, I trust BIDA to continue to foster an environment where people know to respect my decision to mask, even if you change policies to not require masks.
I feel more comfortable dancing without a mask and appreciate when they are mask optional!
I prefer mask optional, especially now that we have other methods of reducing risk.
I'd feel less comfortable with fewer people masking. I get sick easily and am already having to ration attendance to social functions because so few people mask. I have appreciated and enjoyed being able to attend masked dances with fewer worries for my health!
I would continue to mask, and sadly some close friends would be unable to come if there were no more mask-required dances.
I love your policy of alternating mask optional with mask required. Sometimes I feel that I would not attend mask optional dances.
At this point, I am both more likely to attend and enjoy a maskless dance.
Like to see people smile
I feel safest at mask-required dances, although almost any dance that's mask-friendly is one I'm willing to go to
I prefer masks be optional.
By all metrics by reasonable scientists (so, not the current administration), the Covid-19 pandemic is no longer a pandemic. Dancing wearing a mask is not only uncomfortable, it makes the space untenable for someone like myself, with severe hearing loss, who relies on lip-reading to communicate. Making is worth it when public health requires it; when the next pandemic happens, I hope we can ramp back up on public health precautions.
I am neutral about masks in the winter, but in the hotter months on either side of the season I find dancing with a mask challenging due to dizziness and dehydration
Having no dances require masks would make the dance less enjoyable/feel less safe for me, especially since I prefer to attend mask required dances when there are COVID spikes.
I think the dance would be much more comfortable without masks. I don’t like to exercise in masks and therefore do not go to dances that require them.
Would not change
I prefer mask-optional dances. Making more dances mask required would feel frustrating to me.
wearing masks is mildly annoying but keeps me safer, so it balances out to a neutral experience for me
I do understand why there are masked events, but they do mean a great deal of discomfort for me, due to a health condition of mine; my eyes don’t produce tears and the masks make so that the residual air on my eyeballs is incredibly painful—I often don’t attend them because of that or have to only dance a few dances before I call it. My health issues obviously don’t take precedence over others, but personally would be able to attend more and and dance more at the dances I do attend with fewer mask required events
I would enjoy this event more if I could see peoples faces (who chose not to mask) and could breathe freely.
I would be very sad if you got rid of the mask required dances. The bida community is very important to me and I already feel fairly disconnected with only being able to go to roughly half the dances and very few of the special events.
I sometimes have trouble exercising and breathing through a mask
No
I would still attend as much as possible, but I would feel less comfortable overall.
I appreciate that you offer masked and unmasked dances! That seems to work well for making the most people feel comfortable and welcome.
Having both mask optional and mask required allows me to evaluate my own risk and adjust accordingly. It really helps me feel more in control of my safety. As for comfort - masks suck to wear but the for me the discomfort is worth it
I would be more comfortable without the masks. They are miserable for vigorous activity.
I like the masked dances more because they're less crowded, which is a bit of a Yogi Berra-ism. It does not affect whether I attend in any way.
It feels both safer and equalizing to be at mask-required dances. I cannot stop wearing a mask for safety reasons, but being the only person in a room wearing a mask does make me feel isolated and cut off from getting to interact with other people as fully as they are interacting with each other (making full-facial expressions, etc). Having masks-required dances not only keeps me and immunocompromised people safer, it also levels the "playing field" socially because it is a visible acknowledgment that we are all in this together. There are no other spaces I can go to that require masks, and I really, really appreciate getting to go to masked dances at BIDA, which feels like the only place still taking covid even a little bit seriously.
I’d be more comfortable attending BIDA events if masking were optional at all dances.
If BIDA went fully mask-optional, it would slightly reduce my comfort level during covid *waves*.
Masks are no fun to dance in!
I find I can't connect with fellow dancers as a community in an all- or mostly-masked environment. Connection is core to my experience of contra dance. I have many sources of joy in my life, so I tend not to go to mask-required contra dances unless there is a significant draw (excellent band opportunity, etc.)
Wouldn't affect my attendance as measured above but I'm more excited to go to mask-free dances and therefore slightly more likely to attend. It's more comfortable to dance without a mask and it's nice to see your partner's face.
This is the only venue where masks are required, I don't like to dance in a mask and would attend less if that policy continues.
I feel safest with masks but want to respect those who don’t want them, so alternating makes sense.
I would prefer mask optional. I’m not comfortable with mask required at this point, and find that the dates I can typically attend almost always our mask required dances.
I think it’s good to still have mask-required dances but I would come either way
I'm fine with the mask requirement being dropped - I may still mask, but I go to enough dances that are mask-optional that I won't ask BIDA to require masks.
Masks make the experience worse
I would enjoy BIDA substantially less masked. My hearing isn't perfect, and the social aspects would be greatly diminished by the increased difficulty of hearing masked people.
Mask optional all of the time would be most comfortable and enjoyable to me.
I think your current policy is very inclusive.
Dancing and being able to see other people’s faces makes it so much more enjoyable and easier to connect with others!
I am most comfortable at well ventilated dances when illness rates are low. Since BIDA dances are held in a poorly ventilated hall (relative to the Scout House, which is the other hall I dance in regularly), I skip dances when illness rates are high. Mask requirement does play a role in my decision to attend or skip a dance. I do attend mask-optional dances, but would not do so at a time when illness rates are high.
I think I would generally like it less, feel a little less good about it. I appreciate the alternating way. Seems good. It's good to keep illness awareness in everyone's mind, I think. I wear a mask when I dance either way
Wearing a mask doing contra is just not comfortable and there are other dances that I can go to that don't require it. I also believe that if I had a safety concern, perhaps temporary, that my own N95 mask will protect me pretty well.
I have a minor preference for dancing unmasked. I find it a mild discomfort, but that's it.
I’d prefer mask optional
I do not have the funds to buy high filtration masks.
I appreciate being able to dance without a mask
I understand the desire to protect folks, but I just don't have the aerobic capacity to dance while wearing a KN-95 or better. My schedule makes it hard to attend regularly anyway, so when every other dance is once I wouldn't be able to do, I wind up usually missing it entirely.
I won't be attending for a while due to having a newborn, but more masking would make me more comfortable attending once my son is old enough.
I find it uncomfortable to dance in a mask so I try to avoid doing it. If I felt sick or was worried about others being sick, I would very likely stay home rather than dance in a mask.
no problem
I'd prefer no masks
I love BIDA and would not stop coming if masking stops being required, but as somebody with multiple chronic health conditions, masking significantly increases my comfort, makes me feel less stressed at dances, and is much safer for me.
Not much of a bother, but like to see smiles
As someone who is covid cautious but also has asthma, masking and dancing is a tough combo for me. I would love to attend more but something like "test negative and then mask optional" would help me feel confident dancing again. (My choir uses this policy and it has been working well, combined with a culture of "don't come if you don't feel 100%")
I greatly prefer unmasked dancing. As noted above, I would still come if all dances were mask-required, but I'd be less happy about it.
If we stopped requiring masks at all I would be sad to not be able to dance with my friends who aren't comfortable attending a mask-optional dance. I would also be somewhat less likely to attend myself during upticks in COVID or flu season, etc.
N/a
I would feel less comfortable at the mask optional events and probably not attend them
"requiring high-filtration masks at more dances would make me feel more safe + comfortable BUT an alternating schedule still feels like I have a lot of opportunities to attend!
reducing the # of mask-required dances would feel like a loss to me, as the mask-required dances are a great way to socialize with other folks who are higher-risk in a public health/social context that has otherwise largely foregone any level of airborne virus mitigation/prevention. "
It’s friendlier and easier to get to know people without masks.
I’m at a higher risk of getting sick so would feel less comfortable dancing maskless
If masks stopped being required at dances I would likely not attend as frequently during the winter months when COVID spreads more easily indoors.
Maintaining a strong culture of mask-wearing at BIDA dances is very important to my comfort and enjoyment at events. I wear masks even at mask-optional events because that's what feels appropriate for my risk profile. I find it very helpful that I'm not the only person masked at mask-optional events, as it decreases implicit social pressure to unmask. I would feel disappointed in leadership if we stopped requiring masks at any events, because my friends and community members who need a fully masked dance for health reasons would no longer be able to attend.
I would only mask for a dance if I were desperate.
I enjoy dancing more without a mask.
I started dancing again in the spring. I am okay with mask optional.
I cannot wear a mask while dancing. That is a fact based on my own health as understood by me and my doctor.
Prefer mask-optional but mask policies don't affect whether I attend or not
I don't like wearing a mask while dancing, but would continue to attend if they were required.
Masks seriously negatively impact my enjoyment. They are uncomfortable to dance in and make it hard to breathe.
I have no desire to dance in a mask. I won't do it, full stop. There are many more enjoyable things to do.
I like dancing with all my friends and some won't attend if there are no precautions and some won't attend if masks are required.
Dancing in a mask undercuts my enjoyment enough that I will usually seek other options.
I think masks should be required during respiratory illeness waves
Wearing a mask is probably not less safe. I don't know how much more safe it is. I prefer to not wear a mask, but I understand that others prefer to wear a mask.
not concerned, but will wear a mask if so required.
Some of my friends only go to mask-required dances so I'm glad we still have those often enough.
I slightly prefer no masks, but if making makes the dance accessible to those who wouldn't otherwise attend, I'm all for them.
I avoid mask-required dances. I get all available COVID vaccinations, and I take a supplement that is known to be effective against COVID (research published in peer-reviewed journals) so I don't worry about COVID exposure, and I really want to see my partners' smiling faces. Travel time to BIDA is a factor for me, hence only attending some of the mask-optional dances.
I don't feel strongly. I slightly prefer mask-optional, but also appreciate that dancers who prefer mask-required have a dance option.
My safety, comfort, and enjoyment would all be impacted positively by requiring masks at more BIDA events
Masking slightly decreases comfort, so I'd be more likely to go to 3rd sunday if they were optional.
I am more comfortable at all-masked dances, and try to go out of my way to support them where I can (most notably the monthly Amherst dance, which is a bit closer to home than BIDA), but recognize that I am in the minority and that there are monetary implications to such restrictions. I have a supply of N99 masks that are only slightly less comfortable than my N95 masks for situations that seem extra risky.
I would be comfortable with either option, just would be less likely to come if masks were required as it would lessen the enjoyment for me.
I don't attend mask-required dances. I understand why they exist and I respect that. But I don't enjoy them. I think of contra as a very social activity and a room full of masks dampens the relational connection for me.
I'm fine wearing a mask and believe it is best with COVID rates now increasing. Also the real risk of COVID is long COVID and that remains a horrific issue for people who end up with it. I just don't think it's worth the risk for recreation like dance, to potentially give people illness. The main thing is that it's a very closed environment with the huge number of people.
I like that you have some dances masks required. I mask when dancing at all dances, and have accepted that most people don't and just keep masking in order to -- keep dancing. But I am surely more comfortable at masks required dances.
While I personally don't have issues with being at a masked or unmasked dance, I know some people can't safely participate in unmasked dances, and I would feel worse if they were unable to attend. I also know some people don't want to ever wear masks, but honestly? there are other dances that don't ever require masks, so they can go to those! I think it's important to keep a space for the immunocompromised
I would not be safe at mask-optional dances. I appreciate all the recent experiments with UVC and the like, but only masked dances are safe for me to attend.
I would be happier and feel more connected without mask requirements (obviously those who need could still do it!)
I'm heavy and out of shape. Exercising while masked is painful for me, and feels subjectively like an asthma attack. Further, there's ample evidence that current variants of COVID are no more dangerous, for either acute illness or extended post-viral syndrome, than other viruses like RSV or flu. I'd much prefer to see a policy that people with symptoms stay home rather than mandatory masking.
Won’t affect
I am aware of BIDA through COVID-aware spaces, and would only attend if there was a mask requirement.
I prefer dancing maskless, so mask-required dances are slightly less enjoyable/physically comfortable, but I appreciate that BIDA offers support for those who prefer mask-required dances
I'll no longer attend masked events. There are alternatives and I find it uncomfortable.
I really love contradancing, and BIDA is the best local dance. So it would increase my enjoyment a lot.
I feel mildly negative towards masking requirements at contra dances.
More comfortable without masks
I don't usually attend dances that require a mask
Somewhat more comfortable and enjoyable not wearing a mask. Presumably more likely to get covid that way also. :/
I certainly prefer when people mask, but I will attend dances either way! I personally always mask no matter what.
I would be more comfortable and feel safer at mask required dances, but have decided for myself that the benefits of dancing outweigh the risks of dancing with unmasked dancers as long as I'm masked and taking additional precautions.
I would be very disappointed if masks were required more frequently than they are now.
I like the mix of mask optional and required. I personally slightly prefer not wearing a mask and often don't wear one at optional dances, but I do worry about illness risk and, when it is required, I don't really mind wearing a mask and I like feeling less worried about getting sick after.
I am not comfortable dancing while wearing a mask.
Much more comfortable with masks optional
I don't mind masks, but social connection is richer without.
Not really.
Masking is critical to my willingness to attend, and I would not feel safe and comfortable at an unmasked dance
I really like that Bida has some mask and some non-mask options. Masking isn't important to me right now, but it has been in the past and might be in the future again.
it would affect comfort and enjoyment. I struggle with the masks when working out, which dancing is. It's also just annoying since at this point, masking only at one contra dance (when masking isn't happening anywhere else at all) is not helping anyone.
I would love more masking! Maybe if masks were strongly encouraged during periods of higher transmission, or even required then, it might keep folks safer. I have to be careful for my health and that of my friends and community. If we got rid of mask requirements, I would be less comfortable at dances.
My comfort/enjoyment would increase a lot if masks were never required. If masks were always required, I would be pretty sad/frustrated. (In short: wearing masks is a big pain for me!)
I would enjoy the dances more and be more physically comfortable at them if they were all mask optional
I would have a great time and be comfortable either way
No
I would continue to mask regardless, and that feels safe enough for me.
I prefer no mask requirements, but I understand that some people (e.g. people who are immunocompromised or have certain conditions) feel safer when masks are required. Even without mask requirements, I think it is healthy to have social norms that anyone can wear a mask at any time and not be questioned about it or shamed for it. In addition, anyone who has a cold, allergies, and/or symptoms of COVID/flu and other illnesses should test before attending and wear a mask for the duration of the event. When masks are removed for eating/drinking water/etc., the wearer of the mask should attempt to remove their mask away from other people, i.e. by going outside, into another room, or otherwise out of the way.
I like having extra vent and perahps some of the trial air quality controls, but dancing in a mask is too hot
I prefer not to dance with a mask on, so I simply don't attend when masks are required. I worry that if you stopped having mask-required dances, then people who are immunocompromised/ don't feel comfortable dancing without everyone masked wouldn't gave a space to dance. It's ok if I have to miss out sometimes if everyone gets to dance.
I'm vulnerable to long-term effects from Covid and that's not going to change. Dancing with folks who aren't wearing masks is too much of a gamble with my future, and much as I love contra, it's not a gamble that's worth it.
I'd definitely have more fun!
"I am much more comfortable with masks optional (or better yet, discouraged, but I know that's not happening). Masks are incredibly uncomfortable to wear and make it very difficult to breathe - particularly in a relatively active activity like contra - and I strongly prefer being around people whose faces I can see. I do not attend mask-required events and will not attend mask-required events, probably ever. Making masks required would filter me out of these events entirely, especially given how far I have to travel.
The amount I can make it to the BIDA dance probably wouldn't change much if they all went mask-optional - I've got a full enough schedule that roughly monthly is about as much as I can fit in - but it would make it more convenient for scheduling (and might mean I make it to 1-2 times per month instead of 0-1 times per month, out of 3, which would still be ""roughly monthly"")."
I don’t usually wear a mask if it is not required, and the requirements of them do not personally make a difference in my attendance. That said, I think that having mask required dances is a valuable thing and I would be saddened if they were removed entirely.
At least one friend would probably stop coming if you stopped requiring masks at any dances, which would make me sad
The pandemic is over, and I am done with wearing masks
I don't think it would change. I don't feel masks are needed anymore, but it doesn't bother me if others do.
I am COVID cautious and mask everywhere in my life, and I feel very supported and in solidarity with BIDA, that there are some masked dances. It makes me feel safer and more a part of the community. I would feel really disappointed and not as much a part of the community if all dances were mask optional.
I started contra dancing again a year and a half ago because I could go to the masked dances. At that point I wasn't comfortable going to the mask optional dances.
This allows disabled, COVID cautious people to have an accessible social event. It's so so so so so important to me!!!"
If all dances were masked required, I would feel comfortable attending. I don't currently attend to the non masked ones because of the high risk.
Although I would continue to attend if masked dances happened less or not at all, I would be disappointed that BIDA was less accessible to disabled and covid cautious dancers.
Information on air exchange and having filters would be helpful. Also, for a mask required event, no one should be taking off their mask to eat or drink indoors, but do so outdoors.
i would be upset to learn that another covid-cautious space had stopped being covid-cautious if you stopped! it keeps happening to us, and it sucks! If you doubled down on covid precautions, i'd be happy to hear that and might make the trek sometimes! I'd feel safe and cared for in a space like that, and I'd be able to relax a little more.
I've had to leave some conventions I was a part of because I became the only one doing any precautions
As someone immune compromised with long covid it would create more people with long covid to become disabled and left out of society
I wouldn’t be scared and my partner and I would agree on it
I want to avoid getting sick. Masks, ventilation via open windows and air filters all help.
Feel much safer in a mask-required community
Being safe from getting covid again is critical for my health and my life.
I still mask at all dances, and with respiratory illness going up as we approach fall/winter, i would feel safer with more masking. My schedule won’t allow me to attend more than about once a month, but I would prioritize it more with more masked dances
Wearing respirators is the most effective way to stop the spread of airborne illness, including COVID-19, which is a vascular disease that affects many systems within the body. With only 5 years of data, it is difficult to determine what the long term, population based impacts of 9+ waves of COVID infections will be, but the data we do have is very clear. Most people who get COVID multiple times will experience symptoms associated with long COVID, many of which prevent people from participating in physical activity, like contra! If we want to continue having a lively and well attended contra scene into the future, we need to be taking appropriate measures to ensure the safety of the contra dancers.
I enjoy the unmasked dances more - for comfort and for seeing the joy in people's faces more openly
I would feel far more comfortable attending and participating.
Yes
I would still attend every time but I will like continue to wear a mask.

Far UVC

Not at all
I'd feel safer; any measures that increase safety without requiring masks are very much appreciated
N/a
I'm happy to see far UVC being integrated, but because contra requires being face to face in close proximity to so many individuals through a dance, I have my doubts that it's as effective as masking. It sounds great as harm reduction.
Don't care either way.
UVC lights might make me feel more comfortable in situations where you have a mask-optional/unmasked event followed by a mask-required dance. But since contra-dancing involves being face-to-face with a lot of people, I'm not sure UVC lights would help with that very immediate transmission opportunity
Again, I'd feel even more comfortable attending and participating.
I'm attending most of the regular dances anyway, so Far UVC Lights wouldn't increase that. But their use would make me happy that more precautions were being taken.
I have read both the BIDA COVID policy and the Aug 14th Safety Measures blog post. I do not think Far UVC lights would impact my attendance, comfort, or enjoyment. They may positively affect my safety, but this would not be a large factor in my attendance.
I don’t know much about it
I would feel safer. Thank you for adding them.
It would not impact my attendance. I appreciate that it might reduce spread overall, but it would not change my concern about the partners and neighbors who are inches from my face.
I would be more comfortable and feel safer.
no idea, I have never seen them.
I don’t care, but I think it is pointless
UL certified Far UVC light 222nm filtered if enough of it is implemented the way it is at Club Cafe in Boston covering the entire square footage to clean the indoor air quality absolutely makes a huge difference in actually stopping transmission of all viral infections as well as mold & mildew prevention
I think this would keep people safer and make me more comfortable, and thus I would enjoy dances more. I would like to know when/that these lights are in use.
Any extra precautions we could take that would make others feel safe to participate would be greatly appreciated!
Far UVC is one layer of protection and harm reduction for airborne illnesses like COVID! I think introducing this is a wonderful way to practice harm reduction, and it makes me feel more safe and comfortable in group spaces, which in turn allows me to be fully present in the space.
I'd enjoy that
...would I have to wear sunscreen every time I go to a dance? Ultraviolet light is not especially healthy for a person... I probably wouldn't notice but I'd rather you didn't.
Increase safety comfort and enjoyment so so so much!!!
I love the idea of far UVC lights. Added safety with no direct impact on me.
I don't think it would affect any.
I would hope that the UVC is safe. I don't fully trust Jeff and the BIDA board to do it 100% safely and effectively, because they're amateurs, but close enough.
I think I would feel safer, and therefore be free to enjoy a dance more
Id feel great about Far UVC lights, less covid risk, and I can still breath freely
I’d feel better about attending in winter when there is less air exchange with outside
Same as above, I'd feel safe and cared for in a space like that, and I'd be able to relax a little more.
If it meant that there would be more mask optional events, would greatly increase enjoyment and attendance. Also would help assuage own safety concerns a bit
I wasn't there on Sept 7 so don't know if they would affect my enjoyment. I doubt they would affect that though, and that might make me feel safer dancing unmasked if they're effective at preventing the spread of COVID and other diseases.
It sounds like a good idea!
I'm not sure, not having seen them before. But I love the idea! I do have some light sensitivities, so if they flash or flicker that would be a deterrent for me.
My issue is timing, not safety. So, it would be nice, but wouldn't change my attendance.
It wouldn't
I would feel more comfortable to have more precautions like this in place.
It wouldn't change for me
Adds peace of mind
This would be AWESOME!! We love harm reduction!! I would feel a lot more comfortable with Far Uvc Lights
I am not sure.
Won’t affect
I would feel more comfortable.
no affect.
Although I appreciate the lights, it still does not feel safe enough if folks aren't masking.
Enhance
Gadgets are great and we should do it.
UVC lights sound like a good idea.
no idea what this is
think it's worth trying
None, I’m vaxxed up
That sounds cool and would make me feel safer!
I would appreciate it showing that BIDA takes safety seriously while not considering it as a sole factor, balancing it against the experience itself
seems cool
I like the science, but I don't think it affects me. I need more data :)
I doubt I'd notice one way or the other.
These are great!!
That's fine and seems like a good effort
Strongly in favor. Safe, effective, unobtrusive.
would feel safer and more comfortable, would enjoy dances more
I don’t know about this technology but it wouldn’t impact me as long as there aren’t harmful side effects of they change the ambiance of the room.
I don't know enough
Probably wouldn't change. While far-UV is great for lingering-in-room illness, contra is people breathing in each other's faces, so it doesn't really mitigate that risk.
Yes
Won't affect my attendance, but it's a good idea if it will encourage more people to attend.
No idea
I would feel more safe and more comfortable!
This would make me happy if people felt more safe because of it.
This would make me feel more comfortable. I really appreciate you researching novel techniques.
Better than masks
I’d feel more comfortable attending events if you added Far UVC Lights.
sure, sounds great!
far UVC + masks required = more likely to increase attendance! far UVC is very cool
far UVC + masks optional = i would not attend because the risk w/ no masks would still feel too high for my personal needs (but i'd be glad it would be reduced in general!)
I would feel more safe
I do like not getting sick. So if it is helpful, free of side effects, and cost-effective - wonderful! But I don't think I would tip my decision to attend or not.
The light didn't bother me; I don't think it will change what I do.
It might help a little
I might feel a little better about sharing so much air space with the general public, but it would not be essential for me in order for me to attend.
I love this idea!
none
It says organizers care about keeping us safe and healthy
I applaud seeking additional safety measures, especially ones not relying on individual behavior, though it's hard to say how much more safe I would *feel*.
I think it's a great idea and I'd feel much safer dancing without a mask
This seems like it would increase safety with mininal negaive ipmact on comfort. I like it a LOT!
I like the idea of added safety precautions, but with the fact that contra requires a certain level of closeness to many people in the course of a dance, I don't know how much it would affect my choices to have the lights added.
Hooray for more safety measures!
I know that additional safety measures would make BIDA more accessible to covid-cautious and disabled dancers, and I would love this for our community
Assuming they do not pose other health issues this would increase my safety and feeling of comfort. Given the current % of folks masking I would not change my other practices
Will not affect my comfort, but sounds like a good idea
I feel positive about trying Far UVC!
I'm not sure, probably okay with me
It would GREATLY improve my safety, comfort, and enjoyment!!! I hope other dances can also take these same precautions! Thank you for doing this work.
I'm in favor, even if it wouldn't allow me to come more often!
No effect
It would be appreciated.
Maybe very marginal increase in attendance due to this being cool, I'd be excited to be at a contra that uses this.
I would still want other precautions in place, it's possible to get COVID through eyeballs, so if someone was contagious and I was dancing with them unmasked, it's a danger to me.

Glycol Vapors

Not at all
I'd feel safer; any measures that increase safety without requiring masks are very much appreciated
N/a
I don't like the idea of these vapors.
As above: glycol vapors might make me feel more comfortable in situations where you have a mask-optional/unmasked event followed by a mask-required dance. But since contra-dancing involves being face-to-face with a lot of people, I'm not sure UVC lights would help with that very immediate transmission opportunity
I don't know much about them, but the CDC says they can irritate eyes and lungs
I'm entirely uneducated on glycol vapors, but as soon as I'm done this survey, I'm off to do research!
Same as for Far UVC Lights, I'm attending most of the regular dances anyway, so Glycol Vapors wouldn't increase that. But their use would make me happy that more precautions were being taken.
I have read both the BIDA COVID policy and the Aug 14th Safety Measures blog post. I do not think Glycol Vapors would impact my attendance, comfort, or enjoyment. They may positively affect my safety, but this would not be a large factor in my attendance.
I don’t know much about it
I would feel safer. Thank you for adding them.
It would not change my attendance.
I would be more comfortable and feel safer, to the point where I might be okay with dancing unmasked.
this sounds like something that would make it less likely that I would come, or enjoy myself.
I absolutely would not attend any event that had this in the air.
I need to read more about this but J don’t think it has the same effect has UL certified Far UVC Light 222nm for clean IAQ
I'm not sure
Same! I would love to increase the safety, comfort, and attendance of friends who cannot attend mask-optional dances and who must go outside to take water/snack breaks as a health precaution.
It is wonderful to read that you all are considering and testing multiple ways to reduce the amount of viral load in the space! I am in favor of this method to reduce viral load. I have asthma, and I doubt this will negatively impact me, and it will certainly not be worse than getting COVID again for my health.
Seems like witchcraft, but I'll study your FB page
I probably wouldn't notice... Fog machines seem cool for some of the more high-energy dances, but you aren't doing that... I mean you say it's safe, idk if it actually is though - there's a lot of things that the health issues don't crop up until decades later. But idk
Increase safety comfort and enjoyment so so so much!!!
I'm sorry, but no matter what you tell me about safety, I don't like the idea of inhaling added vapors with the air that I breathe.
I don't think it would affect any.
I would hope that the Glycol is safe. I don't fully trust Jeff and the BIDA board to do it 100% safely and effectively, because they're amateurs, but close enough.
I have a sensitive nose and an aversion, sometimes reaction, to strong scents, especially chemical ones. I am deeply grateful for the fragrance free policy and am worried that this may adversely affect my experience and ability to attend and that of those similarly situated.
This is one I don't know much about, but I'm inclined to favor anything that increases covid safety
I'd feel neutrally. Improved covid safety sounds good, but I imagine people will be scared of the notion of breathing glycol.
I’d feel better about going during the
i really don't know anything about this, but i'd be interested to learn if you shared your info online somewhere!
I wasn't there on Sept 7 so don't know if they would affect my enjoyment. I doubt they would affect that though, and that might make me feel safer dancing unmasked if they're effective at preventing the spread of COVID and other diseases.
It sounds like a good idea!
Wish I had the option to answer "not sure" here, but with asthma and some scent sensitivities, I think I'd have to test it to see if glycol vapors negatively impacted my breathing/ dance experience. Again, love the idea and that it's being tested.
See above.
It wouldn't
I would feel more comfortable to have more precautions like this in place.
It wouldn't change for me
Adds peace of mind
I would feel a lot more comfortable with Glycol Vapors as well.
I am not sure.
Won’t affect
I need to learn more about how this works before I decide how I feel about it.
Highly skeptical of Jeff's "expertise" on this one.
No affect.
I appreciate the effort, but it does not make it safe enough if folks aren't masking
Not sure about inhaling it - need to research for myself
Gadgets are great and we should do it.
What do they smell like?
I am less certain about Glycol Vapor as I would need to do more reading about them -- particularly, what impact would Glycol have on human health if inhaled. So I am not certain if the introduction of Glycol Vapor would increase or decrease my attendance.
no idea what this is either
think it's worth trying
None, I’m vaxxed up
I'm not comfortable with chemicals being deliberately pumped into the air by a DIY project. If there is a commercial system on the market using this technology, that would change my opinion.
Answered decrease guessing, but it would probably make me less likely to stand in my favorite line, the fan line, because fog machines give me headaches.
I'd want to learn more but that sounds cool!
Ditto: I would appreciate it showing that BIDA takes safety seriously while not considering it as a sole factor, balancing it against the experience itself
seems cool
I like the science, but I don't think it affects me. I need more data :)
I don't think it would make much difference.
I am concerned about the safety profile of breathing this in
That's fine and seems like a really good effort
Also strongly in favor, for the same reasons. Let's do both!
would feel safer and more comfortable, would enjoy dances more
I don't know enough
Same as rationale for UV - our dance form is faces right in front of each other. Nothing is slowing down viruses from traveling between us except masks. While UV may help with lingering particles, it's not a panacea.
Won't affect my attendance, but it's a good idea if it will encourage more people to attend.
No idea. Sounds a bit far fetched. But I haven't read about it
I would feel more safe and more comfortable!
I would love for people to feel safe without needing everyone in masks
heavy fog is irritating to my respiration and wouldn't be my favorite for dancing. I read that you're only planning on low levels, so that should be fine. Did you read the studies and are you matching the particle size / distribution method to what has been show effective?
Same comment as FAR UVC. I don't know enough to distinguish them.
Better than masks
I have no opinion on Glycol Vapors.
sure, sounds great! Any additional safety measures are awesome, Thanks for thinking about this
honestly i am less familiar with glycol vapors than with far UVC! they wouldn't dissuade me from attending. they skew neutral-to-positive for me, & seem cool! i am excited to dig in more!!
I would feel more safe
Same comment as above!
The vapors didn't bother me; I don't think it will change what I do.
Also might help a little
Ditto what I said above.
It would make me feel safer
no effect
This is less useful than far uv or air filters or ventilation
I have a slight concern about the possibility of irritation from triethylene glycol vapor, though when balanced with the potential benefits it seems worth a try.
I think it's a great idea and I'd feel safer
I wonder if people who are sensitive to substances in the air might be negatively affected?
See above answer
I don't think it would affect anything, more safety efforts is better.
I know that additional safety measures would make BIDA more accessible to covid-cautious and disabled dancers, and I would love this for our community
Yes, I appreciate your commitment to making things safer on the pathogen/airborne illness front!
Will not affect my comfort, but sounds like a good idea
I feel mildly positive about Glycol Vapors? I haven't looked into the literature and don't have a clear sense of effectiveness. I generally trust Jeff & BIDA board's judgment on this.
I'm not sure, probably okay with me
It would GREATLY improve my safety, comfort, and enjoyment!!! I hope other dances can also take these same precautions! Thank you for doing this work. (I LOVE SCIENCE when it's used for good. Thank you for this work!)
Same as with far UVC.
I didn’t do any research about it as far as I know it won’t make a change to me
It would be appreciated.
Maybe very marginal increase in attendance due to this being cool, I'd be excited to be at a contra that uses this. Very slight concern that having something in the air sounds at first like it might impact dancing, but if it's hardly noticeable / not noticeable at all then 100% on board.
I am unknowledgeable about how this works, I admit

Other comments

Thanks for thinking about all this stuff so we don't have to (as much)
Please remind Larks that we older Robins would be happy to be asked to dance. I am always the one to ask, or I sit on the sidelines. Thanks.
Mask-required BIDA dances have been such a gift these last few years. It's a chance for me to do something I love, in community, with precautions that work and, therefore, where I can feel safe. Dancing is a joy and I'm grateful for the opportunity. Thank you for keeping it up so long!
I so appreciate your willingness to listen to those of us who don't have much access to secondary spaces due to our taking precautions. Thanks!
I appreciate the very clear communication in the blog post around the far UV and glycol vapors
I give permission to include my long-answer responses included in public survey results.
Hepa air filtration and molecular testing pre event could help
I appreciate the Board's thoughtful and democratic approach.
I so deeply appreciate that you offer mask-required dances. Contra dancing is my entire life, and it has been heartbreaking to see NYC-area dances drop precautions and make themselves inaccessible to me. I will continue to travel to BIDA and attend masked dances whenever I can. Thank you for all that you’re doing.
I very much appreciate the effort you put into making dances safer and I'm impressed with the level of innovation you achieve.
most people who do dance with me say that I still dance like someone who is about 30+ years younger than my age of nearly 59. I certainly still feel that way when I'm dancing! I can twirl many times, I can swing fast, and I have a great time.
The main problem with this is that sometimes people take a look at me and only see someone the age of their mom or grandmother. they either don't dance with me, or they dance with me in a slow, less interesting way than they do with their younger neighbors or partners. To be honest, it's both frustrating and, and a bit insulting.
BIDA overall does a great job with being inclusive. But in recent years, it has lost some of its "intergenerational" roots. It would be great if the dances could remind younger dancers that some of us older fogies are fun dancers as well. I'm not looking for a 20 year old SO -- just a fun 8-12 minute long dance floor relationship. :)
This is a bit much
I appreciate how thoughtfully you are approaching this question!
Read Dr. David Brenner’s work from Columbia University @ online Wiley Library re Far UVC Light 222nm & follow Dr. Nicola Boyd on Twitter regarding this and advocate for clean IAQ mandates in all public indoor spaces. The US government has had UL certified Far UVC Light 222nm for years
Masking is an important tool in promoting and safeguarding public health, and I hope it will remain a requirement for at least some BIDA dances. Mask requirements generally make dances more accessible for disabled, chronically ill, and immunocompromised people, who are an important part of the dance community and of any other community they may be a part of.
Thank you for being so considerate and making this space more accessible!!!
Interested in dances with more unusual music. Lisa Greenleaf has done fundraiser dances with popular, alternative or modified pre-recorded music. This would be a nice addition.
Thank you for trialing ways that you as an org can make the space safer in addition to having mask required dances. If every institution/org/building did this we would be in a completely different world!
The contra and fusion dance crowds are weirdly in the dark ages about returning to normalcy compared to, well, literally anywhere else, including other dance styles (Latin, zouk, WCS, Lindy Hop, ballroom, ECD...), which is doubly weird considering how much more energy it takes to do contra compared to other dance styles.
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DONT GET RID OF MASKED DANCES!!!!
I tend to take the position that wearing masks is a pain (detracts from breathing, connection, comfort), and COVID is to the point where it seems similar to other illnesses that we consider endemic, and those who need to take extra precautions can wear masks. (Essentially the question to me is whether the risk due to covid is significantly greater now than the risk due to disease in general was before COVID. I guess I don't have numbers on that.)
All this said, I trust you all to make the choice that makes most sense for the whole community, because of course you're seeing a much larger picture than I am! And probably have actually read research on the subject...
You folks are fantastic. Thank you for being the best contra dance organizers anywhere. It's a long drive for me, and difficult drive on the Cambridge city streets for me, so I don't attend often, but you folks are fantastic.
Thank you for putting on these dances.
I respect that some people want to wear masks because either they are immunocompromised, or live with friends or relatives who are, or they're just neurotic. I don't love wearing a mask, but I don't think it's a big deal either.
Thank you for continuing to have this conversation and all the work you do!
Thanks for asking! Most people don't, and just quietly do away with masking. Also, it'd be really silly if lots of people feel strongly they'd prefer no masks. Do they understand it makes the difference for a lot of people? It's not just for kicks, it really lowers risk for higher risk people, and makes it so they can attend.
Thanks again!
Personally, I like the GFSCD policy, where the policy is gated on currently wastewater levels -- masks are required if current levels are > 500. The exact number is a bit arbitrary, but it's at least a concrete measure of current risk.
I'm glad leadership is investigating ways to add more layers of protection at BIDA! It's encouraging, especially given the naturally high risk profile of the activity if we used no precautions.
Thanks for the chance to give input :)
I personally, don't enjoy dancing with a mask on, but I respect that others need that protection. I like having the option to come or not and I like knowing that others can have the option to dance when they want as well. If there were an event I felt strongly about attending, I would come even if it were mask required. My issue is not having enough time to go out dancing and a child at home. Thank you for the afternoon dances!
This is an online survey--how will you address those not on facebook? Older people are most at risk, and it seems like your survey sample will skew younger. Consider 1) adding the link to the website and a QR code to the safety poster and announcements at events for a month or two to increase sample size, and 2) collecting risk-related information like age range and immunization status so you can analyze responses between groups of varying health risk.
If BIDA ever changed the policy towards not requiring masks, I would like there to be a line at the dance that requires masks.
Ty for all you do :)
Love you guys & all the work you do!!
As a performer, I am less excited to perform at mask-required dances.
Thank you for thinking about this. I always enjoy the BIDA dances I attend.
I miss dancing at bida. I don't like dancing with a mask on, I miss seeing people's faces, and I find it harder to give non verbal feedback.
Before COVID I attended BIDA much more frequently. In the last few years I have not come that often but it is mostly not about COVID policies even though I am obviously not willing to wear masks at contra dances anymore. Mostly it is that BIDA is one of the few places that I feel old even though I am not actually that old and can dance with the vigor of any younger person. I rarely have someone ask me to dance even if I am sitting or standing on the sideline. On one level I get it. I used to be young and the dance is quite predominantly much younger folks. It is not a total loss for me since I can dance every week in Concord and I am not sure what, if anything, could be done to change it. Or if anyone even cares which would not be that terrible in the grand scheme of things. I know there are other dancers who feel the same way. And I would be more likely to come more often if I felt less othered.
More fans / cooling down spots would always be appreciated. Thanks for all you do!
I will wear a mask if required.
We need more space accessible to disabled folks, and I'm really happy that you are considering making this space one!
This is the only community I’m part of or event I attend that takes health into account. Thank you so much for all that you’re doing here. It means more than I can express that myself and other with invisible health conditions are valued at BIDA. I think the new safety measures are innovative and a great idea.
having one event in cambridge and possibly all of boston outside of a hosptial requiring masking is not saving anyone's life. If these were masking times, I would understand. But requiring it when the rest of the world isn't doesn't help. Individuals who feel at risk of course should feel welcome to mask, but for everyone else this is just performative.
Thank you for continuing to check in with the community about safety, and for researching additional options like the UV lights and glycol vapors, with links to studies! I really appreciate that BIDA still has masks-required dances.
With current airborne risks, I will happily mask as the community finds appropriate. With a large risk increase, I will be more interested in mask-mandatory dances.
Safe enough at this point to let those who prefer to wear mask to do so without requiring others to
As an organizer, I'd be very hesitant to implement DIY systems of the kind Jeff has been experimenting with due to the potential liability.
I personally value BIDA’s current covid policies, especially the mask-required dances, both for their explicit purpose but also because to me, it signals a level of community care and intention that is meaningful and also becoming increasingly rare—demonstrating that we take care of each other in a multitude of ways, including protecting each others’ health and being welcoming to people who might have particular health issues/concerns.
I have seen people say things like "I'm disappointed that my community is prioritizing their enjoyment over my safety". These are my thoughts on that:
The whole point of contra dance is enjoyment! If someone is prioritizing safety fully over enjoyment, they would stay home! I recognize that for some people's situations or in their judgment, the safety of a mask-required dance is significantly more than a mask-optional one, and the enjoyment of a mask-optional dance is not that much more compared to a mask-required one. For me, how I value these two things against each other is much different. For me, the enjoyment of a mask-required dance is so far below that of a mask-optional dance that it doesn't seem worthwhile for me to do on a regular basis, and the extra safety of a mask-required dance does not nearly offset that.
To be clear, I am not immunocompromised and have other sources of joy; not everyone is in the same situation, and we will weigh things differently. It's right for the organizers to consider variety of needs and preferences. But it's unfair and unnecessarily hostile to accuse people like me of not caring about safety, or not caring about the community. I do care about the community, including connection and the possibility of friendship, and for me it would be greatly diminished if masks were always required.
To sum up: because the whole point of contra dance is enjoyment, enjoyment must be a factor, and I do not think it is fair to portray people who include enjoyment as a factor as not caring about others' safety.
my personal feelings about covid are complicated because i have ocd, but i think for other people with certain needs, it's really cool that there's a space where they can social dance with masks on. like in 2025 it is rare to be able to do a big group social thing where everyone is masked, and i commend bida for having a space like that. but im also not a big supporter of having masks at every dance because a lot of people dislike the experience and it doesnt feel necessary to do every time imo
Really appreciate you for checking in with the community!!
Thank you for considering airborne precautions
I really appreciate that you're doing this survey. People tend to think COVID is over but it is absolutely not. Some of the attendees are older or have health conditions and being sensitive to this is important. Thanks for all that you do! You run a wonderful event.
thanks for checking again!
I like the current practice of alternating mask optional and required dances.
Not about COVID, but it would be good if you reminded dancers at every dance of the Intergenerational part of your name - some younger dancers are avoiding dancing with older dancers.
I know vaccination against Covid in particular has gotten difficult but I think it would be nice if BIDA encouraged vaccination
Thank you
I appreciate the efforts for air flow in the hall and think they are very important for risk, but especially during the winter it is often WAY to cold so much so that it becomes uncomfortable to dance or sit out, maybe there is a way to balance these concerns.
Thanks for sending the survey
Thank you, organizers <3
i LOVE how much the organizers of this dance are willing to experiment with different mitigation strategies to maximize enjoyment + safety for as many people as possible. i attend the mask-required dances exclusively, & it's been such a great outlet for me (an extrovert who is also high-risk for various things + in community with other high-risk folks).
one thing i would love about far UVC + the glycol vapors is knowing they are running during the break, since i know folks unmask for snacks/drinks.
I wear a mask myself even when it's a mask optional dance, but I appreciate the extra level of safety that comes from everyone wearing a mask. Even though being sick isn't a huge health risk for me, my job is such that I can't work when I'm sick, so I try to reduce the chances of that when I can. Also, I appreciate the rapid test requirement for Beantown Stomp - could we require it on Sunday morning as well as Sat evening?
I have noticed that bigger bands and special events tend to be mask optional rather than required which seems to drive attendance skewed towards mask optional. With less and less people masking at events, it makes me less likely to attend.
I'm fine with the mask requirement being dropped - I may still mask, but I go to enough dances that are mask-optional that I won't ask BIDA to require masks.
I would like to see a testing requirement for Beantown Stomp.
I appreciate that you are looking out for the comfort and safety of all in the community! The family dance and potluck are what we usually attend, so having masks doesn't feel too relevant since everyone is eating together anyway. Dancing seems like a somewhat high-risk event for those who are Covid-cautious, so mitigation may be helpful but ultimately may still not sway the truly cautious, since Covid is so incredibly contagious.
I’m not a super regular attendee you should do what your community wants. This is just my personal preference.
Try to change the policy of not opening the windows, this is Cambridge, a city where late noise producing events always happen.
Multiple health efforts are great. Please use them.
I am impressed and appreciative of your efforts on this
Thank you for offering a safer space for dance!
While I prefer mask optional, I already attend every BIDA I can make it to
I love and cherish bida as my home dance and have felt that the choice to keep at least some of the dances mask required shows a commitment to all of the dancers in the area, especially those of us who are being left behind by other dances getting rid of their mask policies.
Requiring masks in 2025 would be really weird.
It feels really important to me to retain masked dances. There are fewer and fewer places that offer masked activities, and many members of our community that I know feel more comfortable at the masked dances. It feels important for contra to be accessible to as many people as possible, and offering masked dances offers a good balance for people who are more cautious and people who are not. Personally, I have not heard anyone complain about masking at the mask-required dances, even those who do not typically mask.
Thank you for your work with making this dance safer for all our community!!
I appreciate the effort BIDA is putting into making sure the air we breathe at dances is as clean as possible; however, given the nature of contradancing and the amount of time we spend exhaling more-or-less directly into each other's faces (with minimal time for the air to be cleaned before we breathe it), I still feel most comfortable with masks as a primary solution.
I love BIDA dances and would come more if I lived closer.
I haven't experienced either the glycol vapors or far UVC so if there's any side effect that affects my comfort at the dance, I don't know about it.
I answered the question ab out special events with my personal preference (always mask optional), but if there are people who want/need mask-required events, then I support having some events require masks so those folks have an opportunity to attend
My risk tolerance has increased. Also cautious for resurgence of Covid or other pathogens. Appreciate the continued awareness, and the consideration for those still needing caution.
Thank you for continuing to research ways to make our dances and community safe!
Thank you for asking these questions, and I hope your members have a wonderful safe time. I'm jealous I don't live closer to such a caring community that goes through this effort. I know CC people are exhausted from having to advocate for themselves, and accepting this as the new normal is hard to guide non-CC through. There is no going back to pre-pandemic options, unfortunately. So thanks again for keeping your people safe, it's inspiring.

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