October Update: All Hands In Virtual Contra

Dear Friend,

The leaves are turning, nights are cooling, and our dancing energy has been channeled into long walks, bike rides, and waltzes across the living room. As outdoor gatherings become trickier, it's all the more important to connect with friends wherever we can, be it by phone, writing, or virtual events. The Flurry Festival dipped its toes in the latter this summer, hosting several online events to pave the way for this winter's unprecedented full-weekend digital festival!

Though we're not yet dancing in person, the DanceFlurry community is still going strong. Read on for updates about what we've been up to and ways you can stay connected - both to your local community, and to dancing friends far and wide.

Wishing you a safe and healthy fall,

The DFO Board

"All Hands In" Virtual Contra Dance

The Toronto Contra Dance is joining forces with communities across North America to produce All Hands In, a second and fourth Saturday virtual contra dance event open to dancers world-wide. Anyone can participate, and the DFO contra community has been invited to create our own pre-dance breakout room for socializing. We're looking for folks interested in participating in the dance, as well as volunteers willing host a DFO community breakout room beforehand on a rotating basis. If interested, let Lorraine know. Next dance: Oct. 10!

Panel on COVID and Dance

In August, caller Claire Takemori interviewed a panel of experts on the present and future of dance in the COVID era. Click the image to view or share this presentation.

Seeking New Treasurer

Longtime DFO treasurer Rich Pisarri is ready to mentor a successor for the 2021 Board term beginning in June. If you're financially savvy, here's your chance to contribute to the organization that keeps all your favorite dances running - email finance@danceflurry.org for info. (Know of someone who isn't a musician or dancer, but good with numbers and interested in volunteering with a worthy non-profit? Please send them our way.)

First Virtual Dance

On September 12, the Flurry teamed up with Caffe Lena for the DFO's first foray into virtual programming: back-to-back family and community Zoom dances featuring local favorites Peter, Paul & George. Fans across the country danced lively steps together on screen, in a little taste of what this winter's Flurry Fest will bring.

Community Culture Dives In

In June, the Board issued a statement that: "Black Lives Matter and [we] are engaged in discussion internally to develop an action plan to combat racism and promote diversity within our organization." Our Community Culture committee got to work addressing issues around racial equity, diversity, and inclusion within the DFO. This work is an important expansion of existing efforts to create an inviting, comfortable, and safe atmosphere at our events. Ongoing committee projects include updating our culture of consent materials, trainings for our leadership, and educating the community about anti-racist work. Stay tuned for updates!

Mini-Megaband Plays Shaker Craft Fair

The wind may have blown the canvas off of their tent frame, but that hardly deterred a mini-version of the DFO Megaband, which played with George Wilson at the Shaker Heritage Society Fall Harvest Craft Fair on September 13th. The music was a very nice element of the all-outdoors event.