A big crowd of Montrealers held a big dance get together on Mount Royal on Saturday to induce the Quebec authorities to reverse its ban on dancing in bars and golf equipment.
A DJ blasted music over a loudspeaker as protesters donned wigs, onesies and sparkly costumes as they swayed to the music and waved indicators studying “dance for the fitting to bounce.”
Alex Stojda, who confirmed up with pals, mentioned Montreal is among the final main cities within the Western world the place dancing isn’t allowed, regardless of having one of many highest vaccination charges.
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Folks participate in a protest in help of a return to dancing in venues in Montreal, Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021. Quebec and British Columbia are the one two provinces that proceed to ban dancing in bars and nightclubs as a part of their COVID-19 rules.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
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Folks participate in a protest in help of a return to dancing in venues in Montreal, Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021. Quebec and British Columbia are the one two provinces that proceed to ban dancing in bars and nightclubs as a part of their COVID-19 rules.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Graham Hughes
“We’re prepared, we’re accountable folks, we’re all vaccinated and we simply need to have the ability to attempt to get again to regular somewhat bit and have some enjoyable,” he mentioned.
Stojda mentioned he understands the general public well being considerations about dancing, however says there have been sufficient massive indoor occasions in latest months to show that it’s doable to do issues safely if precautions are adopted.
A number of within the crowd mentioned it’s unfair the federal government is permitting massive venues such because the Bell Centre to reopen at full capability for concert events and hockey video games, however golf equipment and bars can’t open their dance flooring to a lot smaller crowds.
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Melanie Leeson mentioned that after seeing some 20,000 folks within the stands on the Bell Centre for a latest Montreal Canadiens sport, she feels the federal government ban is discriminating in opposition to those that love the nightlife.
“I really feel like if we’re at some extent the place we might be in a crowd that enormous indoors, I don’t see why nightlife can’t be allowed if folks observe well being measures,” she mentioned.
Quebec and British Columbia are the one two provinces that proceed to ban dancing in bars and nightclubs as a part of their COVID-19 rules.
Quebec has mentioned it’s taking a gradual strategy to lifting pandemic-related restrictions, and specialists have mentioned dancing might be harmful due to a scarcity of distancing and different components.
However these on the protest mentioned the ban has gone on lengthy sufficient, and it’s time to let folks chill out and have enjoyable — with precautions in place corresponding to proof of vaccination.
A number of talked about that dancing, for them, is greater than a frivolous exercise: it’s additionally about being a part of a neighborhood and doing one thing that brings them pleasure after nearly two years of a pandemic.
“It’s time for pleasure and pleasure, and that’s what dance is,” mentioned Sophie Trolliet, who stood on the Mount Royal lookout holding an indication.
Leeson, for her half, mentioned she missed being with the dance neighborhood, who she described as “heat, welcoming and non-judgmental.”
“I miss the sensation of that neighborhood, of being free on the dance ground, as a result of that’s actually why folks go: to flee how tough the world is,” she mentioned. “And I actually miss that.”
© 2021 The Canadian Press
