Dancing returns in nightclubs as restrictions ease in B.C. in pictures - Action News
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Dancing returns in nightclubs as restrictions ease in B.C. in pictures

Friday night saw a return to dancing at nightclubs and dance studios, as public health restrictions were lifted.

Friday night saw clubs and dance studios filled with people for the first time in nearly 2 years

People dancing at the Fox Cabaret in Vancouver on Friday. After nearly two years of being prohibited, patrons at nightclubs and bars are allowed to dance in nightclubs again. (Ben Nelms/CBC)

After nearly two years of being prohibited, dancing in B.C. nightclubs is once again permitted, and Friday night saw a return to nightclubs and dance studios as COVID-19 public healthrestrictions were lifted.

Public health officials announced on Feb. 16 that capacity restrictions would be lifted, meaning nightclubs and dance studios could reopen and dancing with strangers would be permitted.

The announcement was a relief for everyone working in the nightlife industry, according to Daphne Doll, an exotic dancer who performed on Friday night at the Penthouse Night Club in Vancouver.

"I'm kind of thinking that there might be a resurgence of nightlife because people were like lonely and bored for so long," she told CBC News.

"I can kind of anticipatethere being like a bit of like a boom ... whether that lasts or not, I'm not certain of."

Dancer Daphne Doll gets ready for work in the dressing room of the Penthouse Night Club during the first weekend of the club's reopening in Vancouver, British Columbia on Friday. (Ben Nelms/CBC)

According to the updated provincial health order, people must still wear masks when they're not seated at a table, including when they are dancing, and proof of vaccination upon entry is required.

Many people were seen dancing without masks on Friday.

The province says it's up to staff at nightclubs to make sure their guests are wearing masks on the dance floor, and environmental health officers are responsible for making sure the clubs are enforcing the rules.

Dancing in public, and mingling with people, is now allowed again in B.C. Masks are required when not seated, although not everyone dancing on Friday night was seen wearing one. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
Maria Beletsky and Joshua Pablo dance a waltz at the UBC Dance Club's social night at the University of British Columbia. In addition to nightclubs, dance studios have also reopened since public health guidelines were relaxed. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
A sign is pictured behind the bar at the Fox Cabaret. It reads, 'After two long years, it's time to dance!!' (Ben Nelms/CBC)
Dozens of people are pictured dancing at a Latin music event at Mangos Kitchen Bar in Vancouver. Public health now permits nightclubs and dance studios to reopen and dancing with strangers is permitted again, but masks are required when not seated. Not everyone followed that rule on Friday night. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
Groups of people line up outside of Celebrities Night Club in Vancouver on Friday. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
People order drinks at the bar while patrons dance at Calabash Bistro in Vancouver on Friday. Anyone not seated is required to wear a mask, although not all were seen following that rule. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
It's not just nightclubs celebrating the return of dance the UBC Dance Club hosted a social night on Friday. (Ben Nelms/CBC)
Dozens of people are pictured dancing at a Latin music event at Mangos Kitchen Bar in Vancouver. (Ben Nelms/CBC)

With files from Ben Nelms