Assuming that we are able to legally re-open, our first task is to minimize the risk to ourselves, our employees, and most importantly our clients. While the behavior of the Covid virus is still unknown, the actions that we take now will help us avoid a repeat, whether it is a Covid second wave, a typical flu season, or the next unknown biologic. I described the four facets we would have to deal with as Mechanical, Virtual, Physical and Psychological. 

The  first one- mechanical is not cheap. Air filtration systems come from slightly more expensive filters that you can buy at Home Depot, to small space air ionizers, to ballroom size room air circulators which can cost tens of thousands. But I must warn you that snake oil salesmen at every county fair will be selling these devices guaranteed to end flu as we know it. The biggest problem is that every studio will have different problems. Dry hot studios in the Southwest will have completely different needs than the humid studios of the South. Studios near the beach that can open windows will be totally different than ones in a shopping mall, high rise, or the midwest with snow and rain throughout the winter. 

So the best thing that we can do immediately is to minimize the contact exchanges from the areas that are the hubs of activity- the reception area, the bathrooms, and doors. In reverse order, doors that do not require hand contact such as doorknobs can be replaced with fire escape push bars that you can open with an elbow or even a hip bump. If you find those too expensive propping a door open with a stopper is a cheap workaround. Look for options already on the market. The second area the bathrooms can be refitted with faucets that are automatic or a cheaper method, handles that can be hit with your elbow. Self dispensing paper towels minimize one exchange point but the trash has to be scrupulously maintained so that it doesn’t become an exchange point. An absolute will be a hand sanitizer station before you re-enter the ballroom. The third will be the reception area. First get rid of the ones we thoughtlessly use- a bucket of pens, clipboards, help yourself flyer racks. Make sure that all must pass a sanitizing station and possibly be forehead temperature scanned before entering the studio. Replacing  a sign in sheet with plastic fobs that have bar codes, or having students pre register over the phone, internet, or Apple Pay type exchanges. Placing footprints ala Arthur Murray is a reminder to keep distancing til we are totally safe.

The Virtual changes though will end up saving you thousands in payroll over time. Most importantly is that these methods don’t create a barrier to your clients or create a coldness that gives the opposite of the welcoming that you want to project. First a checklist that says OK we have four items that we need- your basic info, health declaration, legal waiver and method of payment.  Don’t make it like filling out a bank loan. Keep it simple, a minimum of required fields, name address, phone, e-mail. Also an explanation of why you need these fields and a promise that you won’t be bombarding them with junk mail. People prefer optional choice that they can toggle on or off. Most importantly have a phone number prominently listed for instant help in signing up. For your ongoing students, pre signing up for classes will help create a limited quantity and increase value. A 7 day window in advance will do this nicely. A self help check-in iPad station can take care of walk-ins at busy times, but make sure you have a sanitizing protocol available. 

The Physical Spacing will totally depend on what you are teaching. Dances like Country are pretty simple. Spot dances like Salsa, West Coast Swing can have taped off slots and have them as first come first served. Ballroom will be trickier but good teachers can create spacing with a little ingenuity. We’ve done it for years. For that reason eliminating chairs and tables will give you more space allowing for more dancers, but don’t forget that they still need to change shoes and sometimes place objects such as coats . Remember transmission is about face to face so placing wire rack storage units to hold shoes or purses, small dance bags should not be a problem. 

The Psychological aspect I have included will be critical to get the maximum number of students back. There are two approaches I think we can use. First, let’s look at 10 students, number them 1-10, with 1 being terrified of catching Covid and 10- the ones that never wore a mask or social distanced. Straight a way the 8, 9, and 10s will be back,probably waiting outside your studio, wondering why you closed at all. The 5, 6 and 7s will hesitate waiting to see who is coming back, but as I said creating the feeling that they are missing out will push them over the hump. The 1 and 2s will probably never leave their house again so don’t waste your time. Your real focus has to be on the 3 and 4s because they will need the most reassurance without feeling pressured. The second method will be to create a feeling that they are missing out on something. For dances that could be to offer once in a lifetime shows. Maybe the retired owner, teachers exchanging partners for a special dance-off. For classes, bringing in a well known Master will really help students break through that fear barrier. Offering a once a month class with limited numbers and countdown clock to opening registration is a really cool trick to filling classes. But whatever you do in this politically polarized climate, shaming someone into your point of view will really not serve you. Better to have a hard line rule of studio REQUIREMENTS with no flexibility. If you say masks then there are no exceptions. If you choose to make them optional fine. If you promise no rotation, teachers must abide by that rule. Whatever the rules they must be followed absolutely and distributed in advance with the warning that while you personally might not agree, the safety of your students and everyone’s peace of mind is more important. Alternatively offer classes on different days for the skeptics. Finally, under no circumstances cover up someone who has been taking classes that becomes sick. Better to be proactive than end up on the national news with a studio wide breakout and several deaths. You will lose your studio.