Yesterday, conversations on the coronavirus had me pause for a moment. Just pause.
Not that I haven’t seen the news or read many posts on Facebook for weeks already, but between 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. yesterday, I had at least five different conversations about the coronavirus. Some business colleagues have canceled trips to conferences, my tourism board clients are heads down in crisis planning and communications, some of my friends that are Moms or Dads have pulled children out of daycare and school, some even said they’re staying out of church for now, and my girlfriends are canceling the girls trip to the Bahamas. I am two days out from getting on a plane and all this conversation gave me pause. This is very serious. Should I still get on the plane? Yes, I am still going to Chicago.
Are Steppers Continuing to Dance?
While everyone is reacting in some way, how are steppers planning to continue to dance responsibly with the risk of the coronavirus? My message today is not to scare anybody or cause an alarm, but to ask that we pay attention and look out for each other and ourselves where we can. We are now a large nationwide dance community of people that step. We are susceptible to getting sick during the flu season and to the coronavirus and other health matters because we are social and share personal space with each other for at least three minutes on any given song. On the dance floor, at the set, we touch each other and hold hands. We are within six feet of many other people from many places and come together from many cities and states, and of course, I for one am all game for a chance in the dance when a “man holds a woman” to use Professor Reggie Miles’ words. Does the coronavirus stop us from steppin’? The answer is probably no for a lot of steppers.
Staying informed about the Coronavirus
As new instances of the coronavirus popping up, my personal responsibility is to stay informed and not make drastic conclusions. Moreover, I must act responsibly. When business conferences planned for months are being canceled, I think about some large weekend steppers events coming up soon. Black & Bling and I Love Steppin’ to name a few. Yes, these events are in April almost a month away. Steppers traveling by plane have already booked or are planning their trips now. Weekend events like these bring hundreds of steppers together from many other cities. Flight travelers start to think twice about their next flight destination and when next to get on a plane. Devin Smith of Dem Texas Boyz told me today, “Know the facts” and I agree.
Are event hosts taking precautionary measures?
Jeff Clark mentioned planning for provisions of sanitary wipes and hand sanitizers at I Love Steppin’. Is that enough? I don’t know. This is not something event promoters normally have to plan for. Both promoters are open to suggestions to hear what their guests may expect. Steppers, please comment with any ideas or thoughts or contact them directly.
Are traveling steppers taking any additional measures during travel or on the set?
It seems unlikely we will see steppers dancing in masks and gloves. At the Heritage Ball just a couple of weeks ago I didn’t see anything like that.
I can tell you how I’ll act. If I don’t feel well, I will go to the doctor and not self-diagnose. If I am coughing, sneezing, and not feeling right, you won’t see me on the set. I am going to continue trying not to touch my face. To be sure, I won’t touch your face and I ask that you please don’t touch mine. For me, I take no resolve or comfort that any state is coronavirus-free. I think as time passes every state will have a reported occurrence. It is my responsibility to monitor and watch the news. I have to rely on resources like the Center for Disease Control and Prevention to stay informed. Still, I won’t wear gloves or a mask at the set. I will keep my hand sanitizer on me for sure.