In the last edition, two-thirds of you answered “Yes” to our survey poll, ‘You do find our events appealing and worthwhile to attend’. However, I wonder when it comes to organizing dances, if we, the G.O.A should really try and cater to all three generations split between the Senior-Adults, Young-Adults, and the ‘Younger’ generations.

We, the Younger-Adults, aged from the mid-Twenties to mid-Thirties, want to be able to dance and hear the music that we want and were accustomed to. ‘Real’ music before it went commercial filled with fluffy material. We now desire a different atmosphere, similar to the lounge scene along King West than in comparison to the Eighteen to low-Twenties age group, who attend the night clubs, corralled along Richmond St. And although both groups want something different, still Younger-Adults seem to appreciate the elegance and eloquence of dinner/dance that typically G.O.A hosts.

So, I can only reckon it’s the younger folks who represent the one-third who don’t enjoy our dances? In previous attempts trying to cater to the Teenage to low-Twenties group, such as the boat cruise or New Year’s Dances; there have been issues of either violence, intoxication, or simply not enough in attendance. Although it is just a handful that are concerning, and the vast majority do attend and try and have a great time; still with such an unpredictability of how these dances will turn out, again I question, should the G.O.A assume such risk, and continue to try to reach and cater out to these teens?

The G.O.A with their usual style of running dances can confidently boast that we usually profit or break-even, and on average sell enough tickets to happy attendees. Our strategy of using a Band, a DJ, and an MC; along with catering and a few prizes is typically what each dance comprises of. This of course is the formula that we having practiced and it is a successful one.  Most of our dances are profiting; for example, our last St Francis of Xavier and New Year’s dances were sold out.  So from a numbers perspective, the GOA can only concentrate on selling to the Senior and Younger Adults group.

On the other hand, we, the GOA, have an obligation to our members to show that we are doing our best in continuing to promote Goan culture and togetherness, and to ensure we are inclusive to all age groups in a safe and profitable way.

So what is the right balance in running our future events? Continue to have dances catered specifically for the each generation? Or simply to focus on the demographics that is less risky, and makes our efforts and time seem worthwhile. If you feel we should continue to include all three generations, what would be a healthy mix be? And how could the GOA organizing dance committees achieve this?

Share your thoughts and comments by replying to myself, and I will share a few of them on the next edition.

Anthony Fernandes
Communications
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