In January/February the CSRDS PR Committee initiated a survey of non-dancers across Canada.  This was carried out by Clubs as part of demonstrations and promotion activities and the marketing for new dancers.  The results may be of value and assistance to clubs in designing their marketing and recruitment programs. The project was under the direction of Jim & Line M-Little of New Brunswick.

Survey Results:

Overall 32% of the survey forms were completed.  This figure is about 7% higher than expected.  The following is a summary of percentages for each Province as well as the percentages nation wide.  The question asked is shown prior to the results with analysis after each question.  Note not enough of a sampling was received from Ontario to compile their statistics.  Quebec and PEI did not return forms.

Question 1.  Do you know of SD in your community?
Response    Can       NF       NS       NB       Man     Sask     AB      BC      YUKON
   Yes            74%      38%     83%     81%     70%      78%     60%    79%    93%

This question was asked to determine our success in promoting our activity.  With the national average being 74%, most provinces are either at that level or higher with the Yukon seeing results of promotion and awareness.  NF, to a large extent, and Alberta appear to need to promote more awareness of our activity.  In all provinces the 30-40 age group is the least aware.

Question 2.  Have you ever tried Square or Round Dancing?
Response      Can      NF      NS      NB     Man     Sask    AB      BC     Yukon
   Yes              38%       8%    30%   47%    34%     39%     40%    28%    76%

Question asked was to obtain figures of how many actually tried Sq & Rnds at anytime.  With the national average being 38%, most Provinces are at that level with NF lowest at 8% and Yukon the highest at 76%.  Percentages indicate we may aim at the previous dancers to have them return to the activity.

Question 3.  Do you like country music??
Response      Can      NF      NS      NB      Man     Sask      AB      BC     Yukon
   Yes              84%     89%    77%    78%    88%     86%       83%    79%    95%

One of the surprise results of the survey.  When asked, it was expected that our music was a drawback but the survey clearly indicates our music or Country Music is not the problem we may have thought.  Of the small number who disliked our music, a majority of them were in the 20-30 age group (as expected).  With the upswing in the popularity of Country Music, possibly it would be time to promote our music again.

Question 4.  Did you know that SD is a healthy recreation?
Response      Can      NF      NS      NB       Man      Sask      AB      BC      Yukon
   Yes              89%     92%    92%    91%     93%      88%       90%     84%    88%

Appears all Provinces have been successful in promoting our activity as a healthy recreation.

Question 5.  Would you take lessons/training before joining a recreational hobby?
Response      Can      NF      NS      NB      Man     Sask      AB      BC      Yukon
   Yes              58%     49%    55%    81%    57%     55%       78%     52%    54%

Question was asked to see reaction to taking instruction.  Overall results suprisingly low.  Survey indicates non dancers would rather just begin an activity rather than go through instruction period.  Overall the 30-40 age group disliked training more.

Question 6.  What are some of the obstacles keeping you from participating?
Province            Work      Partner  No Interest    Children
Canada              27%        37%          10%           10%
NF                     62%        41%          14%            8%
NS                     11%        36%          17%            9%
NB                     34%        34%          19%            8%
Man                   43%        38%          10%             5%
Sask                  41%        30%           8%            13%
AB                     22%        40%           6%              4%
BC                     25%        47%          11%             4%
Yukon                17%        34%          12%            17%

Should be noted that a majority of the surveys has 2-3 items marked as reasons, each item was tabulated.  As can be seen, "Partners not willing" , in most cases, was the first reason. In 87% of the cases, this was the response of married females in the 30-40 age group.  Basically confirms getting the male dancing is a very difficult project.  Health was a major answer for the 60 and over age group.  Work was predominent in NF and in the 20-30 age group in most Provinces.  Suprisingly, children were not a major item except for the Yukon and Sask, with the 20-30 age group being most concerned in these two provinces.

Question 7.  How would you rate activities (1 being lowest and 5 highest)?  Ten choices were given for ratings.
Response       Can      NF      NS      NB      MAN     Sask      AB      BC      Yukon
0-2                   69%      92%   66%    59%    75%       83%       45%     62%    90%

Question was asked to determine how our activity stacks up against the competition.  Results indicate we are lagging far behind other activities by a wide margin.  Enhancing our activity as a viable option to the others is required.

Question 8.  How do you feel about Square Dance attire?   Note: Like and acceptable were used as positive answers.
Response       Can      NF      NS      NB      MAN     Sask      AB      BC      Yukon
like                   59%     43%    47%   53%    64%        67%      47%     60%    56%

The second surprise of the survey.  Figures indicate dress is not a major problem as was once thought.  NF, NS and AB are below the national average in this regard.  The age grouping was also a surprise.  Those who do not like our dress came for the most part from the 30-40 age group.  While the 20-30 age group found the dress acceptable.

Question 9.  Did you know that all ladies DO NOT wear traditional dresses but long prairie skirts?
Response       Can      NF      NS      NB      MAN     Sask      AB      BC      Yukon
NO                   69%     95%    58%   47%     71%       71%      78%     64%    68%

Based on the results on the feelings about our attire, results were not surprising. Of those who do not like our attire, 89% also did not know of the prairie dress option.  May indicate a need to promote both dresses.  Survey indicates lack of awareness in the option in all Provinces except NB

Question 10.  Are you aware the SD Community includes clogging, contra, line and round dancing?
Response       Can      NF      NS      NB      MAN     Sask      AB      BC      Yukon
   Yes               39%     62%    45%    38%    34%       30%       22%    36%    22%

Survey indicates we are lacking in promoting all aspects of our activity with only 39% (overall) knowing of all branches of our activity.  Maybe time to join forces to promote.

June 15, 1998