Question to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, if his Department will publish guidance on the safe re-opening of dance studios; and whether those studios will be allowed to reopen before the end of June 2020.

The ambition is to reopen the arts sector as part of Step 3 of the government’s roadmap, no earlier than the 4th July, subject to the scientific and medical advice at the time.

In order to ensure appropriate support and guidance is given to the cultural sector, DCMS has established the Cultural Renewal Taskforce and the Entertainment and Events working group which include extensive membership from artists and performers. These groups specifically include representatives for the dance sector, such as One Dance UK. Full details of the Taskforce can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/news/culture-secretary-announces-cultural-renewal-taskforce, and the Entertainment and Events Working Group can be found at https://www.gov.uk/government/groups/cultural-renewal-taskforce-and-supporting-working-groups#entertainment-and-events-members.

DCMS officials and ministers have also held regular calls with representatives from across the arts and cultural sector and these have included a number of dance organisations and representatives including Sadler’s Wells and Northern Ballet.

The Taskforce and Working Groups will be focusing on ensuring that COVID-19 secure guidelines are developed in line with the phasing ambitions and public health directions, building on the existing guidance and providing intelligence and sector-specific expert input.