Greetings from President Tay 21/04/2020

I hope that all of you, and your loved ones, are safe and well. In the past weeks, I’ve received messages from a number of you. We are all anxious to know when this pandemic will end. I am thus writing to you, in hope that this message will shed a little light on the plans of our federation, and the possible steps that can be taken right now.

Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the magnitude of the disruption to our lives that the coronavirus pandemic has wrought. As DanceSport athletes, our lives are built on close physical contact with our partners, groups, and the dance community, and of course, international travel. Many, if not all of you, are unable to practice, teach, and compete like before. I empathize and feel the frustration and anxiety that many of you are experiencing.

I have been asked by many athletes and coaches when WDSF is likely to start our competition events again. I would like to assure you that we are all making preparations and plans to assist our members and organizers to kickstart WDSF events as soon as the situation allows for it.  

In addition, I have noticed that many of you have been taking steps to stay motivated. For example, watching and sharing dance videos, live streaming, and finding new ways and venues to continue your practice. I am very appreciative of the vigor and resilience that many of you have shown. 

There is one main message I would like to share with you today. And that revolves around the theme of adaptation. Before the pandemic, I received feedback that because there were many competition events, many athletes were not able to find the time to really work on their dancing. Dance weaknesses were given a “quick fix”, and routines remained unchanged, simply because of how fast-paced and busy an athlete’s lifestyle is. 

The world is dramatically changing, and I believe that this is a good time for many of you to look closely at the areas of your own dancing. For those of you who are seasoned with a present routine, you could even take this time to tap into your creativity and innovate. For example, you can consider having a second routine or variations, which would make your performance even more exciting for your supporters and fans, particularly when competition events are broadcasted on television in future. In times of uncertainty, research has shown that keeping a daily routine can really help. Though spaces at home are limited, if possible, find ways to do things at certain times of the day, even simple things, that can help you progress in your dancing. 

Perhaps every one of you can use this period of restricted travel to think of ways to make positive change in your lives. What can you do to keep yourself motivated and well? What can you do to take care of the people around you, and spread positive energy? 

In closing, I wish all of you safety and good health. Take extra precautions to protect yourselves and your loved ones. On our part, we will do whatever we can to launch events as soon as the circumstances permit. This is undoubtedly a challenging time for all, but time can be used in a constructive way. Don’t count the days, but make every day count.

I look forward to seeing all of you better and stronger on the dance floor. 

Warmest Regards,

Shawn Tay