I have just started a simple initiative with new dancers to the Lenox
(MA) Contra Dance. It's very simple... I send them an email if
they've given it to us. About half of them reply, and I do a quick
reply to any of these. Some of the replies are asking for more
information... other places to dance, where to get certain kinds of
dance instruction, etc., and I tell them what I can. I can't know
for sure if all of these people will come back. We take their email
addresses when they enter, so if they leave unhappy for any reason,
they're not all that likely to reply to my welcome message. Data is
great for some aspects, but I think that the issue of new dancers has
to do mostly with each individual new dancer. People who go away
with a not-positive experience are not likely to be mollified by a
survey. I think the key is to make things as warm and attentive as
possible.
In addition to the email message, we're also trying to be attentive
to actually getting around and talking with the new dancers if
they're sitting out. Just chatting, more welcoming.
I'd be interested in any other kinds of follow-ups that folks do to
welcome new dancers and encourage their returning.
Stephen Moore
Lenox (MA) Contra Dance
Here's the text of the message I send out:
Thanks for coming to the Lenox Contra Dance. I think we've got a
really nice, warm, and welcoming community of dancers and friends, so
I hope you'll enjoy coming back and dancing with all of us often.
For new dancers, remember when you return for your second dance to
mention this, and we'll let you dance for free! (... and if you're
happy paying anyway, that's a help.)
I'd be very interested in knowing how you heard about the dance,
whether it was from someone you know or through a particular media
outlet. We have limited resources to put into publicity, so knowing
what works is a real help. If you'd be willing to take a moment and
reply to me, I'd really appreciate it.
We get occasional requests to use our email list to publicize other
dance events, but our policy is that we do not use our list for any
other purpose than communicating directly with our dancers. We send
out a monthly reminder for the upcoming dance, and occasionally
messages to keep folks informed about what goes on to put on the
dance. If you know of a dance event that could use some exposure
(however limited) we do offer to post an announcement on our website
(LenoxContraDance.org).
The dance is produced by a committee who thinks of themselves as just
the custodians of this dance. We have six members: Wendy Jensen, who
is our treasurer and handles our email messages; Bill Cawley, who
helps with getting us some grant money (which let us put on a free
dance for beginners in November!) and offers candid views on various
matters: Jon Greene, who does our performer bookings and a couple of
times a year calls our dances; Adam Goodman, who manages our
website; Janice Tassarini, who bakes the refreshments, handles our
relationship with the Lenox Community Center, and is often opening
the dance and greeting people at the cash box; and myself - I do the
publicity and try to keep things on track and moving forward. We all
take turns being there to open and close the dance as well. As you
can see, there's quite a bit that goes into putting this dance on.
I am attaching below a list of our upcoming dances that we have
booked for this year. You can also check www.LenoxContraDance.org
for listings as well. We also have links on our site to other area
dances that might interest you.
So, thanks again for coming. If you wouldn't mind sharing with me
how you heard about the dance, that would be great.
Hope to see you dancing soon,
Stephen Moore
Great Barrington, MA
Upcoming dances this year: (feel free to print and post our posters
as well to help get the word out.) (I attach a pdf flyer for our
scheduled dances coming up this year.)
