The FAQ

It’s a party! Wear party clothes that you are comfortable in. Some people choose to bring an extra shirt for dancing. People who wear skirts often wear opaque tights, leggings, or shorts underneath.

The event will follow the latest guidelines from Ottawa Public Health and Algonquin College. At this time, masks are not required. If the policy changes, the event will be updated accordingly. Please be respectful of guests who choose to wear masks. Dancing will be indoors, and the ceremony and reception will be outdoors weather permitting.

Yes! We want to have a big party! We would love to have your friend(s) or partner(s) join in!

There will be snacks and desserts throughout the evening. Vegan and gluten free options will be available.

You’re welcome to bring a reusable water bottle for dancing. For other drinks, there will be a cash bar.

Stephen already bought a stand mixer! The nooks and crannies of our small apartment are full. Your well wishes are all we need. There will be a box for cards for those who wish to leave notes or cash gifts.

The college is 15 minutes west of downtown by car. For budget friendly options, we recommend https://thebusinessinn.com/ or the Algonquin College Residence https://www.algonquincollege.com/food-services/summer-accommodations

You can drive. There are taxis, Lyft and Uber. The college is on public bus routes. We recommend using google maps to find the best bus route for your trip. Fun fact: Your GTA presto card works in Ottawa!

We respectfully request that you arrange childcare for young children and babies. If this impacts your ability to attend, please reach out to Amanda.

We’re part of the swing dance community in Ottawa. There will be swing dance music and a beginner dance lesson. The main type of swing dance you’ll see at the wedding is Lindy Hop. The history of Lindy Hop is incredibly complex, nuanced, and not without controversy. Lindy Hop is a Black American dance that started in Harlem, NYC at the end of the 1920s. It happened in the context of the Harlem Renaissance: the cultural explosion of the Black diaspora after the mass migration of Black Americans from the South to the North. You can learn more about Lindy Hop history here: http://www.yehoodi.com/history

Yes! There will be a beginner dance lesson taught by Kofi and Tara at 8:00pm.

If you’re new to dancing, any clean indoor shoes will do; you don’t need special dance shoes. Please keep your indoor shoes indoors and your outdoor shoes outdoors.

Dancers, please bring sandals to wear outside to protect our floor and your dance shoes.

Lindy Hop is traditionally danced with a partner. There will be more about how that works at the beginner lesson.

Absolutely not! You are welcome to dance solo or just have a great time listening to the music or hanging out in the courtyard.

You can ask anyone to dance. Some people choose to indicate what role they’d like to dance. “I’m following. Would you like to lead?” Everyone can say no to a dance at any time. Ask for and respect consent always.

If you’re not sure, ask. Your dance partner may be comfortable doing a move with someone else, but not with you. Many of the dance partners you’ll see have practiced together. Always be attentive to your dance partner’s comfort, boundaries, and safety.

You can end a dance at any time! You may choose to give a reason, or you may simply ask to stop. If your partner ends a dance, respect their decision. It is kind to check how your partner is doing.

There is an AED and first aid kit at the college. Security is the only authorized first aid provider on campus. The college’s event staff can call security if you need them. You can also dial 5000 from any phone on campus.