Resolution of the Government of St. Petersburg No. 121 “On measures to prevent the spread in St. Petersburg of the new coronavirus infection (COVID-19)” of 13 March 2020 has established a ban on the holding of mass events with more than 1 000 participants.

In this regard, the organizational committee of Dance Open would like to inform you that all of the venues used for the festival—the Alexandrinsky Theatre (Main Stage), the Theatre of Musical Comedy, and the Yakobson Ballet Theatre—have fewer than 1 000 seats. The capacity of the exhibition space in Erarta Museum is also significantly less than the established limit. As of today, therefore, we have no intention of cancelling or postponing the festival, nor do we have any plans to alter or reduce our touring programme.

Should the measures taken by the Government to combat coronavirus be intensified and further limitations introduced, however, we are considering alternative performances as worthy substitutes. In that event, ticket holders will have the opportunity either to return their tickets and obtain a refund, or attend the substitute performance.

As of today, there is no proscription on events of our size and format, and all warnings are purely advisory. We will continue to monitor the development of the epidemiological situation, and should any decisions be taken that affect the festival programme, we will immediately publish information concerning them on our website, on social networks, and in the press. Right now, however, we continue to prepare for the festival and do everything we can to match the very high expectations of our audiences..