These guidelines are thorough, but they are not meant to be punishing. We acknowledge that social partner dancing carries an inherent risk during a pandemic, and we want to create as safe a space as we can. Part of that is ensuring that all participants are able to make informed choices about their participation, which means having as much information available prior to events as possible. Please also check back frequently, as these Guidelines change as the overall COVID situation does.

It should go without saying that any dancer who is sick, even if it’s not Covid, should remain at home and not attend a Windy City Fusion event during their illness.

Masks: Please wear a cloth, surgical, or N95 mask without a respirator that covers both the mouth and nose. The CDC has some helpful guidance on effective masks.

While masks are recommended, they are not required.

  • As always, dancers are welcome to step outside during the event for some fresh air. Just show your wristband on the way back in.

Vaccinations: For the remainder of the pandemic, we will be using paper wristbands to track attendance rather than stamping hands.

  • Vaccinated dancers should have, at minimum, two doses of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or one shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. A booster, for those who are eligible, is strongly recommended.
    • To prove vaccination, dancers must show a vaccination card and a valid government issued photo ID. Alternative to a vaccination card, dancers may show their vaccination records via a website/app such as IDPH Vax Verify, MyChart, the CLEAR app, or Apple Wallet along with a photo ID, or a photo of their vaccination card along with a photo ID. Documents must be clearly legible and names must match.
      • We will not be keeping a record of those who prove their vaccinated status; these documents must be provided at each event. No exceptions.
    • At this time, vaccinated dancers are not required to also provide a negative test. HOWEVER, it is HIGHLY encouraged that they take one prior to an event.
    • Providing false vaccination or testing documents will result in a minimum three month ban from all Windy City Fusion events.
    • Anyone who attends a Windy City Fusion event and tests positive for Covid within 72 hours after that event with either a PCR or rapid antigen test should notify the organizers, Janea and/or Kent. The easiest way to do so is to message Windy City Fusion via the Facebook Page or to email windycityfusiondance@gmail. A post about the exposure will be placed on Facebook and on the website without any identifying information.
  • Non-vaccinated dancers are unable to attend.

Infection Rates: We regularly track the infection rates of Cook, DuPage, and Lake Counties, where the majority of our dancers reside, and adjust our guidelines according to the current situation.

  • If you know you have been exposed to Covid, it is HIGHLY recommended that you only attend after obtaining a negative test, even if you are vaccinated.
  • If you are unable to test after an exposure, please do not attend during the 14 day incubation period, even if you are feeling well.
  • We highly encourage dancers who live in other counties to keep track of their county’s cases per capita and to stay home if they are in a surge, or to attend only once they obtain a negative Covid test.
  • Additional information such as local and state guidelines and local ICU bed availability may also be taken into consideration when cancelling events. Dancers are encouraged to check our website and Facebook Page within 24 hours of an event to ensure that it has not been cancelled or Covid guidelines updated.

Consent: It has always been Windy City Fusion’s policy that dancers may refuse to dance with other dancers for any reason. HOWEVER:

  • Dancers are not required to give a reason for declining a dance. They are not required to sit out a song they have already declined a dance for.
  • Dancers may not shame, ridicule, or belittle another dancer for any reason. This violates our Community Expectations. Such behavior should be reported to Janea and/or Kent, and it will be dealt with according to the Community Expectations.

Venue: Dance Center Chicago has a large 3,000 sq. foot main ballroom. This ballroom has high ceilings with multiple ceiling fans as well as effective climate control which will be running during events. This ballroom does not have windows. The bathrooms are small and windowless, but there is an additional sink where you can wash your hands in the kitchen on the same hallway as the bathrooms. There will also be hand sanitizer in several locations.