Dancing returns in nightclubs as restrictions ease in B.C. — in pictures

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 health restrictions 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 anticipate there being like a bit of like a boom ... whether that lasts or not, I'm not certain of."

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.