Programming & Health Updates at Dance Exchange
Dance Exchange is closely monitoring the news regarding Coronavirus (COVID-19). We are following the recommendations of the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County. Please check this page for the latest regarding any changes in programming or building policies. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Corina Dalzell (corinad@danceexchange.org) or Silvia Roberts (silviar@danceexchange.org).
Update: March 16, 2020
Hello DX Renters,
I hope you are staying well, connected, and grounded in these troubling times.
With heavy hearts, we have made the difficult but necessary decision to close the Dance Exchange building starting at 5:00p on Monday, March 16th. The decision comes after the announcement from the Maryland Governor. We will re-open as soon as multipurpose spaces, like Dance Exchange, are permitted to do so. An end date has not yet been determined, and we will update you as we know more.
The health and wellness of our community is at the heart of who we are. We know that your classes, programming, rehearsals, and gathering are an enormous part of your well-being. We wanted to stay open for our community during this crisis, but after carefully monitoring the spread of COVID-19 and the related guidance from local and state officials, temporary closure is necessary.
We will not be charging for any rentals already booked that were cancelled because of COVID-19. If you had to cancel a rental over the weekend of March 13-15 and can not pay your rental fee please reach out.
We want to encourage you to take care of yourself and others in the midst of these challenging moments. If you are able, look out those around you who may be at a heightened health risk such as older adults, people with existing medical conditions, and caregivers as well as those at financial risk such as artists and freelancers. You can find resources to support your own mental health or the mental health of others with the National Associate of Mental Illness and for older adults, Senior Guide to Mental Health During Coronavirus (COVID-19). Continue to support other local businesses if you can; we know many feel the impact. Take time to express love, gratitude, and words of affirmation to those around you. And for all of us, the latest CDC guidelines provide important information and resources.
Update: March 13, 2020
Given the cancelation of Maryland schools starting Monday, and the need to protect the health of our communities, we are canceling classes and programming at Dance Exchange for the next two weeks. We will continue to watch the situation closely and follow the guidance of local and state officials to determine when our classes and programs will resume.
For our DX community: we are exploring opportunities to provide a Creative Aging class online as a way to support health and connection during what may be a stressful or isolating time. If you or someone you know would be interested, please fill out the form below. If you might be interested in virtual movement experiences beyond Creative Aging classes, please let us know by filling out the form and selecting “I'm interested in other DX online programming if it becomes available” on the third question.
Virtual DX Movement Interest Form
For other artists and peer organizations: There are many crowdsourced resources being developed to provide information and support during this period of disrupted programming and work. There are guides for moving dance pedagogy online, resources for artists and freelancers, and more. We hope you find these useful.
Update: March 11, 2020
Dear Dance Exchange Creative and Community Hub,
As an intergenerational community space, we are monitoring our community’s health concerns regarding coronavirus (COVID-19). Our studios are remaining open and our programming is continuing, with one exception detailed below. We will continue to follow guidance provided by the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County, and we will update our community as necessary.
Programming Updates:
With consideration for those at risk during this time, we are suspending our Creative Aging at Dance Exchange class Thursdays from 11am-12pm. We are continuing to offer our other regular programming. Should cancellations prove necessary, we will follow any guidelines published by the Arts and Humanities Council of Montgomery County as they receive information from the state and county for closure recommendations.
Prevention Strategies:
We appreciate your help in prevention of this respiratory disease as the best way to keep our community healthy. Please join us in practicing the following for prevention:
Regularly wash your hands for at least 20 seconds. Please do so before and after programming. Here are some great tips from the CDC https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d914EnpU4Fo&feature=emb_title.
Coronavirus is primarily spread from person to person due to close contact and respiratory droplets produced when an infected person coughs or sneezes. If you cough or sneeze, do your best to do so into a tissue and then throw the tissue away. Clothing fabric can remain contaminated for days but is safe after washing.
Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth as these sites start infection.
Greet others with sensitivity to their feelings around touch. Many prefer to avoid contact during this time.
If you are sick, please stay home. Flu-like symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19) are fever, cough and shortness of breath.
This information is not all-inclusive or provided as personal medical advice. Please seek advice from a professional healthcare service provider. For more information please visit the following:
Basics about the virus: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/index.html
Get your household ready: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/community/get-your-household-ready-for-COVID-19.html
Thanks again for your help in keeping our moving community healthy. If you have any questions or concerns during this time, please don’t hesitate to contact Corina Dalzell, Operations and Facilities Assistant, at corinad@danceexchange.org or Silvia Roberts, Director of Operations and Finance, at silviar@danceexchange.org.
Sincerely,
Dance Exchange