THE FRIENDS ONLINE SURVEY RESULTS
Synthesized by Allison Bell

202 People started the survey; 173 people finished it. Thank you for the time and effort, for detailed responses and great feedback!

Most of the respondents have been dancing some form of traditional dance for more than 11 years. The vast majority of people found out about contra dance through friends. The mean number of respondents has been dancing at the Guiding Star Grange for between 3- 10 years, and attends dances either infrequently, or three-to-five times per month.

96% of our respondents find that the overall quality of the dances at the Grange is terrific. However, when asked what improvements might be made to that quality, there were many thoughtful responses. Most of the complaints about Grange dances focused on a lack of community, too much cliquishness, and a lack of receptivity to newcomers. Survey responders believe that if these issues could be resolved, there would be a dramatic improvement in the overall quality of dances. A number of responders mourned the dances of days gone by and expressed the concern that dances have become more chaotic and sloppy in recent years. In addition, there are requests for greater variety of callers, musicians and traditional musical styles. Finally, a lot of folks are asking for more workshops/teaching/dance education, whether to teach style, etiquette or just how to move (many thanks to the person who put in a plug for the workshops I ran last year!).

Most respondents feel that the dance abilities of both genders at the Grange are ‘good’. A number of people feel that ability in male dancers is less important than ‘lack of creepiness’ and poor hygiene. The main complaint about female dancers is that they don’t know how to hold their own weight.

Most dancers who responded to the survey feel good about their own ability as dancers. Respondents feel ‘good’ or ‘so-so’ about the quality of social interaction at the Grange dances. 61% of responders are concerned about getting injured at a dance. It’s been noted that safety concerns have been a major topic of conversation on the PVCD listserv, and these concerns continue to be echoed in the responses to our survey. Not only is the concern about injury due to lack of consciousness about space or “rough” dancing; many voiced sadness that the sheer pleasure of dancing has been curtailed by the sense of needing to dance defensively.

63.5% of respondents are comfortable with the general cost of dancing, at about $10. However, a number of people voiced concerns about the escalating prices, especially for the Extravadances and Big Bandemonium, stating that they are not getting more for their money when it comes to quality dance time.

People generally feel very good about the Grange facilities. Many are excited about the prospect of a new floor. The ventilation system is an ongoing source of complaint.

The majority of respondents keep in touch with the happenings at the Grange via email/listserv or the Grange website. 52% of respondents said that they would consider attending a pre-dance dinner downstairs if the price were fixed between $8-$10 for salad, main course, and dessert.

Respondents are most motivated to attend dances by either the band or the caller, or both. The vast majority of responders would continue to come to dances at the Grange if we brought in bands from outside of New England (75%).

88% of responders to our survey are interested in some form of continuing workshops, special dances, etc. sponsored by the Friends of the Guiding Star Grange. There are also a LOT of requests for other forms of dance at the Grange, such as more Waltz workshops, Tango and Zydeco.

People would like a ride-board if the Friends organized one, however, most feel that their attendance would not be affected by the presence or absence of such a board.

94% of respondents are not willing to commit time or talents to assist the Friends Board with its activities and work. This is partly because too many people live too far away from Greenfield to make it optimal. However, one person offered some fundraising expertise, and we might just be calling on YOU!! Most of our respondents recognize the importance of the work that the Friends do in sustaining dance at the Guiding Star Grange. THANK YOU!!