Let's Dance! - Ballroom Dance Dayton

First let us begin by saying thank you, thank you, thank you
for the overwhelming response we had to the questionnaire.
We received 216 surveys - about a 60% response
rate!! It clearly indicates the interest you all have in helping
to keep ballroom dancing alive and well in Dayton.
The results of the survey are being taken by each club
president back to their board. From there, each board will
decide what action, if any, they wish to take. However, we
felt that it was important to give everyone feedback as soon
as possible. Therefore, the following is a brief summary of
the comments as well as the statistical information from
each question. As you would expect, there were comments
on both sides of most issues. This summary is simply
information compiled from the surveys and does not
contain any recommendations from the committee. It is the
responsibility of the 3 dance club boards to recommend to
their membership any changes they wish to pursue; some
action may require agreement by all 3 boards and their
club members.
Summary: Based on the surveys returned, the dance
community's target audience ranges in age from 40 - 79 of
which about 30% attend the dance as a single and 70% as
couples. Only 28% of dancers attend 3 dances a month.
Many responders commented that there are lots of opportunities
(maybe too many) each month to dance and the
1. What is your age group
Under 30 - 1
31 - 39 - 2
40 - 49 - 17
50 - 59 - 50
60 - 69 - 87
70 - 79 - 26
80 - 89 - 10
2. I attend dances as an/a
Unaccompanied single male - 25
Unaccompanied single female - 33
Couple married or unmarried - 138
3. How often do you attend Arbor Hall dances
1x month - 49
2x month - 50
3x month - 53
Less than 6x year - 36
Dance Clubs’ Survey Committee Results
Survey Results by Question
clubs should consider reducing the number of monthly
dances. It was apparent that people see little or no difference
in the 3 clubs and the majority don't care which club
hosts the dance they attend, but some variety in the
dances might be nice. Since general advertising has not
been very effective, many suggested that we use incentives
(for members and dance teachers) to get new people
in the door. Word of mouth and dance instructors are the
most valuable form of advertising. Once at the dance, people
felt the board members needed to be more involved
and friendlier in greeting people and mingling. It was also
suggested that occasionally a short lesson before or during
the break and mixer dances would be fun. There were
quite a few comments concerning the lack of dance floor
etiquette and courtesy, as well as the need to create a nonintimidating
environment for new dancers. As far as entertainment,
it is a "nice to have sometimes", but definitely not
needed on a regular basis. The major things which the
clubs can control that dictate attendance are day of the
dance (most prefer Saturday) and the DJ. There were
other things which ranked high as reasons for attendance/
non-attendance which are outside the control of the dance
clubs, i.e.; weather, schedule conflicts and health. With
that brief summary of the comments, the following is a
breakdown of the statistical answers to each question.
Again, the committee wishes to express their appreciation
for your participation.
6. How did you first learn about the dances at Arbor Hall
A non-dancing friend or relative - 1
A dancing friend or relative - 99
A fellow student in your class - 22
The dance newsletter - 22
A dance instructor - 39
Advertisement in local publication - 2
Other - 47 (Long time club member, floor contributor)
N/A - 2
7. Please circle reasons you continue to attend dances at Arbor
Hall
Style & type of music - 125
Friends/socialization - 149
Location - 65
Cleanliness/decorations - 70
Entertainment - 51
To dance - 176
N/A & other - 17
4. Are you a member of one or more of the following dance
clubs Circle all that apply.
76 Dance Club - 104
Dance(tonians) Dance Club - 83
Swing n Sway Dance Club - 78
N/A - 38
5. What makes you want to be a member of one club over another
club
N/A - 106
Other comments: Don't see need for 3 separate clubs...no difference
in them. No particular reason for belonging to one over another. Most
joined where their friends were or one they heard about first.
8. What would discourage you from attending dances at Arbor
Hall
Style & type of music - 67
Availability of a dance partner - 48
Price - 36
Individual club hosting the dance - 2
Too crowded - 53
Other - 51 (Too cold, too hot, DJ, patrons attitude, weather, health,
lack of etiquette, lack of younger dancers, intimidated by advanced
dancers)
N/A - 19
(Continued on Page 4)
Volume 9, Issue 5, Page 3 May 2005