Revised Plan for Reopening DanceHouse

Reopening the workplace for dance – a coordinated approach

Updated: 16th June 2020

This plan is revised in accordance with the Government revision of the “Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business” June 4th, 2020 (No phase 5). This replaces the previous plan published May 14th, 2020 (see here) 

In response to the Government’s “Roadmap for Reopening Society & Business” (Revised June 4th, 2020), Dance Ireland is continuing a coordinated approach to re-opening workplaces for professional dance artists and workers. This involves a phased re-opening of our studios in DanceHouse to professional practice that aligns with Government guidance and complies with the National “Return to Work Safely Protocol” (May 2020).

Given the nature of work undertaken by professional dance artists/workers, some of the actions that this plan involves are addressed by government guidance through “Economic Activity (Work)” guidance and some through “Cultural & Social Measures”. We hope that by outlining this plan, it will provide some clarity for the sector.

Dance Ireland is pleased to continue to coordinate with Firkin Crane, Cork and Dance Limerick as professional workplaces for dance in the implementation of this approach, and are grateful for the support of our colleagues and the wider dance community at this time.

This process will see a gradual re-opening of access to DanceHouse from Phase 3 of the Government’s Roadmap, for staff and all users of the space, with a focus on Health & Safety, social distancing requirements and increased hygiene protocols; and a particular consideration given to the safeguarding of young people.

All elements of this plan, of course, are subject to change and dependent on whether the government enacts all relevant elements of each phase. It is noted that on June 4th it was announced that all elements in Phase 5 are to be moved into Phase 4. This is still a live plan that will respond and evolve as necessary.

Dance Ireland will be open for new bookings for rehearsals, in keeping with our outlined capacities and protocols, from 17 June. We are very much looking forward to welcoming our community back into DanceHouse, however it is our intention to do so with caution and consideration for the health and wellbeing of all who use our spaces. For enquiries contact us: Info@danceireland.ie

A brief overview of this plan follows:

Phase 3:

· DanceHouse will open for staff access, to prepare the building for reopening

· From Week 3 we will allow access for some existing studio bookings on a very limited basis as test cases for our protocols, on the understanding that it could be shut down at any time if it is not working.

· This would be enacted under the “low level of daily interaction” in Economic Activity Measures, and “sport behind closed door” guidance.

Phase 4:

20 July:

· Dependent on outcomes of testing, we will commence reopening of DanceHouse to professional practice activities that pass our risk assessment, allowing ensemble rehearsals in keeping with pre-agreed limitations, with a maximum of 6 in a large studio.

· This will involve staggered access and strict Health & Safety, social distancing, and hygiene protocols.

· All bookings will be required to complete a pre- booking checklist to ensure compliance with our Protocols, and an agreed approach to social distancing.

August:

· Increase of studio capacities with a maximum of 12 in a large studio.

· Access for limited training initiatives that pass our risk assessment. Activity for pre-professional / vocational training will be limited by age to 12+

September:

· Prepare for commencement of public access for classes etc., limited by social distancing with a maximum of 20 in a large studio.

· Access for children under 12 attending training activities will be allowed under strict supervision and adherence to our health & safety protocols.

The safety and wellbeing of our staff, members, and stakeholders of DanceHouse is at the forefront of this planning process. This plan is supported by a comprehensive review of our policies and procedures, and analysis of building access, capacity and Health & Safety protocols, and a risk assessment and mitigation check list that will be applied for each studio booking, class or activity until further notice.

With bookings open, the Dance Ireland team will be available to support you through the process which will require more time and detail in order to comply with HSA protocols. We appreciate your understanding and patience in this respect.

Sheila Creevey, CEO, Dance Ireland

NOTE: The social distancing guideline at the time of writing is to keep 2m apart.