March/April 2008 American Dancer

Dancer
A m e r i c a n
Winston
Lilly
Comcast
Network,
CN8
Baltimore —
A Destination
Event
YOUTH SUCCESS
STORY
The Public
Eye
Official Publication of USA Dance
Don’t Miss Televised Coverage on Nationals
www.usadance.org
March - April 2 008
Issue II
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On the Cover
14 The Public eye
22
American Dancer Magazine has a new section, “On Beat,”
featuring USA Dance in the public eye!
16 Young Talent
Jaryd Farcon and partner Cara Abaya-Campos are vying for “Most Talented Kids.” An exclusive interview with ten-year old Jaryd Farcon. 21 The COMCAST Network, CN8
This year’s USA Dance National DanceSport Championships will be on television!
22 BALTIMORE — A Destination Event
FINALIST IN AMATEUR YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIP 10 DANCE
AND AMATEUR ADULT CHAMPIONSHIP STANDARD
MECHYSLAV PAVLYUK AND MARGARET MIDURA
PHOTO BY CARSON ZULLINGER
Come see Nationals in Baltimore, Maryland this April!
Inside the Cover
Line of Dance
4 President’s Report
5 Editorial Information and Contributors
6 Announcements
In Step
35 Competition Calendar
36 Youth in Phoenix
38 AD Marketplace & DanceMart
Dance Floor
7 Independence Day Ball
8 Chapter News
26
10 Chapter Highlight: Southern Oregon
12 Dance In Movies II
On Beat
18 Dancing with the Stars
20 So You Think You Can Dance
DanceSport
24 World Competitions
26 Worlds
28 Olympic Review
30 Mac Reviews
32 North Central Regional Review
Photo Courtesy of Xingmin Lu.
www.USADANCE.ORG
March - April Presidents’
Report
My January report referred to the need for USA Dance to find sources of charitable
donations to help us push ahead with our programs. Since I wrote that report, we have
learned of a sizeable bequest from the estate of a recently deceased social member. I will
ask the Governing Council to authorize the establishment of an Endowment Fund with
the major part of this bequest. We will also introduce a Planned Giving Program in order
to encourage those of our members and supporters unable to donate currently to make
provision, should they wish to do so, in their estates.
In the meantime, I have been contacted by a volunteer who is a fundraiser for an
Olympic Program Sport, and also an ardent dancer and exponent of the Argentine Tango. I
am meeting with him towards the end of February to discuss ways in which he may be able
to help. But all help is valued! If you have fundraising experience and would like to help,
please write to me at [email protected]. If you would like to discuss the possibility
of making a donation for a named scholarship, to support any USA Dance program or in
memory of a loved one, please feel free to call me for a totally confidential discussion.
I also promised improvements in the delivery of this magazine, and we were mainly successful. I was impressed
by the hard work that went into getting that issue out, frustrated only by the sad passing of the Executive Editor’s
mother. Our condolences go out to Shawn Fisher and his family.
The March/April issue promises to be out in a timely fashion, and the May/June issue will include results and
features from the 2008 Nationals in Baltimore, where we will have television coverage for several of our major
Championships including the USA Dance National Ten-dance Championship. This is an exciting new development.
The Comcast Network, CN8, provides a unique brand of live, interactive television to more than nine million
Comcast cable viewers in twelve states and twenty television markets from Maine to Virginia. CN8 was founded in
1996, and has become the nation’s leading regional cable network with six studios in major cities, winning hundreds
of regional Emmy awards..
CN8’s coverage of the USA Dance National Championships will consist of two ninety-minute episodes, and will
air on May 24, May 31 and June 7. In addition, the episodes will stream simultaneously online at www.CN8.tv, and
will be available on demand at no additional cost to Comcast Digital cable customers.
Since the beginning of the year USA Dance has been getting terrific coverage in the print, TV and online media.
Our Public Relations Director, Angela Prince, has done an excellent job in getting media attention, and in following
up on contacts. This first televising of our event makes it even more important to get those seats in Baltimore filled
with enthusiastic supporters. Viewers will also be able to see the first ever USA Dance commercial.
But there is more! In recent months three of our younger couples appeared on the Maury Povich show, “Most
talented kid Dancers” as finalists, receiving millions of votes online. And our seniors were not left out. ELDR
magazine featured Winston and Lilly Chow, in an excellent article with a great photograph. Another major TV
program has been interviewing several of our youth couples for possible future performances. USA Dance now also
has its own YouTube, featuring several of our dancers of all ages.
Let me pause here to congratulate our PR Director, Angela Prince. She is exhausting to work with, but by golly,
she delivers! She recently arranged an interview for me with Associated Press that appeared in the press nationwide.
The subject was DanceSport in the Olympics, and the article struck a very positive tone. So we decided that I would
do a series of articles here about the progression towards realizing the dream of seeing DanceSport on the Olympic
Medal Program. The first of these is elsewhere in this issue.
Also in Baltimore the event will include attractions for social dancers, including a lunch cruise. Tickets are selling
fast. Talking about cruises, I received a call from a member in Virginia suggesting that those of us who go on cruises
should file our dancing experiences in a standard format. Over time we would build up a database of dance floor
sizes and qualities, whether music is live or recorded, and how frequently dances are held on board. This is also now
a work in progress.
In January we were delighted to learn that the Managing Committee of the International DanceSport Federation
had approved our request to host the 2010 World Latin DanceSport Championship. Final approval of the event,
which is scheduled to be held in conjunction with the Ohio Star Ball in November 2010, will depend on the
availability of an in-country TV broadcast. And so USA Dance will continue its cordial and successful relationship
with Mr. Sam Sodano and his great Championship. I look forward to meeting with many of you in Baltimore!
Peter Pover
Line of Dance
Dancer
Contributing Writers
A m e r i c a n
Joyce Luhrs
Joyce works with
organizations across the
country to increase their
visibility and revenues through
marketing development
and products with Luhrs &
Associates. 201-592-9126
[email protected].
National Officers
PRESIDENT Peter Pover, 772.489.9190 email: [email protected]
SENIOR VP Lydia Scardina, 415.469.9815 email: [email protected]
SECRETARY Stan Andrews, 217.454.8879 email: [email protected]
TREASURER Lee Andrew, 401.467.7879 email: [email protected]
DANCESPORT VP Ken Richards, 302.290.2583 email: [email protected]
SOCIAL VP Jean Krupa 386.761.1625 email: [email protected]
YCN VP Andrew Pueschel, 412.656.3667 email: [email protected]
•
Editorial Staff
EXECUTIVE EDITOR Shawn Fisher
WRITER Erica Colvin
DESIGNER Bonnie Olsen
DESIGNER Hank Gale
DESIGNER Aimee Fisher
•
Contributors
WRITERS • Peter Pover • Joyce Luhrs •
COPY EDITOR Erica Colvin
EDITORIAL ADVISOR Angela Prince, USA Dance Director of Public Relations
•
Rates & Prices
American Dancer is published bimonthly as a service for
members and is included in membership annual dues.
•
Subscription
Individual Non-Member $25
Canadian Air Delivery $32
Overseas Air Delivery $36
Library Subscription $9
•
Advertising
Dancer
Cover Photo
Courtesy of ELDR Magazine/
Peter H. Chang,
Photographer
A m e r i c a n
Winston
Lilly
Comcast
Network,
CN8
Baltimore —
A Destination
Event
YOUTH SUCCESS
STORY
The Public
Eye
Official Publication of USA Dance
Don’t Miss Televised Coverage on Nationals
www.usadance.org
March - April 2 008
Issue II
AD REPRESENTATIVE Shawn Fisher 208.201.4339
email: [email protected]
•
Submissions
American Dancer welcomes submissions of letters, articles, and photos. All
submissions are considered the property of American Dancer. Submission does not
guarantee publication. Articles and letters may also be edited for length and content
without notice to the author. Photos and other materials are not returned.
•
Letters to the editor
Please include your name, city and state. Names will appear
in full unless specified otherwise.
•
Chapter News
Please include chapter name and number,
contact information and any photos with caption
information that you might have.
•
Photos
Must be high resolution, print quality digital photos. 300 dpi.
Send to editorial office:
email: [email protected]
or mail to: American Dancer Magazine
PO Box 462
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•
Membership
If you need information concerning membership or missed issues, contact:
Mary at USA Dance central office
800.447.9047 • Fax: 239.573.0946
Email: [email protected]
Check our Web site - www.USAdance.org
www.USADANCE.ORG
March - April Announcements
Important Alert to all USA Dance Members,
Social and DanceSport Athletes
You’re Probably Missing Out Because Your Contact Information Needs Updating.
Too many important emails and mailings to USA Dance members are bouncing back. Yours may be one of them! Have you received emails from USA Dance
lately? Did you get your February copy of American Dancer? If not. . . you don’t know that USA Dance Nationals in Baltimore will be
televised this year just like PBS’s American Ballroom Challenge. And, you’ve
probably missed quite a few dance events, audition calls by Dancing With the
Stars and great stories about your fellow dancers and chapters.
But, it’s not too late to catch up! Please go to the USA Dance secure
website today and update your contact information online
(https://secure.usadance.org/e-store/personal_update/) . Even, if you think your information is accurate, please double
check — there could be a typo. All you need is your USA Dance membership
number for this process. Or, you may send information to Membership
Director Jerry Bonmer at [email protected]. Remember, your
email address is the fastest way we can reach you! Thank you! IMPORTANT NOTE TO CHAPTERS:
Please assume that your members’ contact information is not correct at the USA
Dance Central Office. Please contact your members at events, on your website and by email
to encourage them to go online (www.usadance.org) to double check their information. Line of Dance
Independence Day Ball 2007:
Dance Camp Brings World, Blackpool and U.K. Finalists to Washington DC
T
he Independence Day Ball, being held
at our nation’s capital, is bound to
be a real hit this year! This year the
event will be hosted at the beautiful Hilton
Washington DC/Rockville. The Independence
Day Ball, organized by Ily Zislin, hosts some
of the best talent worldwide as instructors. In
past camps Victor Fung, Jean-Marc Genereux,
Igor Pilipenchuk, Polina Pilipenchuk, and Dan
Calloway have been instructors – just to name
a few. This year, including the ones previously
mentioned, the Independence Day Ball will
host professionals such as; Jennifer McCalla,
Anna Mikhed, Lydia Petrigova, and Victor
Kanevsky.
Ily Zislin, the organizer and coordinator
of the camp commented on the camp and the
instructors saying that they always try to bring
in the best professional coaches and dancers. One thing that all of their instructors must
have in common is approachability. Ily says
that people come, not only to be instructed by
some of the best, but also to relax and enjoy
associating with the professionals. A big hit of the camp is the “Pizza with the
Pros.” This is a question and answer session
between the participants and the instructor. Participants go beyond just dancing technique
questions and have the opportunity to find
out a little more about these professionals on
a personal level (and of course pizza will be
provided) – hence Ily stresses the importance
of these instructors being approachable.
If you happen to have a free couple of days
between July 2nd and July 6th this year, you
ought to visit Washington D.C. and attend the
Independence Day Ball. With some of the best
instructors worldwide participating, and nearly
a full week, there is no doubt that your week
would be the highlight of your summer.
Photo of the Independence Day Ball with Karina Smirnoff
For more information visit www.championshipdancecamps.com
www.
USAdance
.ORG
www.
USAdance
.ORG
March
- April
March
- April
Chapter News
Photo courtsey of Bill George Chen
KALAMAZOO, MI Chapter #2038
Sock Hop Mondays
Are you missing the good old days of Jitterbug, Jive,
and Swing? The Kalamazoo Chapter hosts Monday
night lessons and dances that certainly got some
poodle skirts and bobby socks dancing!
Through the month of February dancers were
encouraged to bring their own music featuring their
favorite 1950’s music and artists. Dancers brought
new friends, dancers and non-dancers alike for the
exciting evenings.
Lessons included Jitterbug, Jive, and other dances from
the 50’s. Members were also encouraged to request
Beginning/ Intermediate level lessons, Ballroom/ Line
Dances too.
Comfortable shoes were a must. Pony-tails encouraged.
It was held at the Burnham Brook in Battle Creek, MI.,
from 6:30-8:30 p.m.
These Monday night dances are organized by Colleen
Burke, owner and instructor of Dance 2 Life: a mobile
dance company. Burke travels throughout the four
counties of Barry, Branch, Calhoun, and Kalamazoo to
bring dancing to everyone.
Dance Floor
Each month is a new theme, so check out www.
dance2life.com, or contact Colleen Burke: colleen@
dance2life.com for the March and April themes!
Richmond and Tri-Cities Chapters
Benefit
April is the Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention
Month, and this chapter is doing something
about it. The Richmond and Tri-Cities Chapter is
helping to raise awareness and help their community
get involved by supporting the 2nd Annual Hopewell/
Prince George Healthy Families Dinner/ Dance and
Silent Auction.
This exciting event is being held Saturday, April 5, at
the Historic Beacon Theatre in Hopewell, Virginia. The
event begins at 6:00 p.m. and goes through 10 p.m.
Tickets are $25 per person/ $45 per couple/ $250 for
a table of 10. To get your tickets call (804) 458-9271
Ext. 1.
Bill Gandel, a member of the Board of Directors of
the Prince George/ Hopewell Division and a member
of the fund raising committee, was interviewed by
American Dancer. He informed us that Healthy
Families is a nationwide organization that helps all
expectant and new parents with the opportunity to
receive education and support that they need when
Chapter News
their baby is born. This program especially helps at
risk first-time mothers with little family support and no
fathers in the picture. 99.9% of mothers that become
involved with Healthy Families are able to keep their
children. “Society wins when a mother gets involved
with the Healthy Families Program,” said Gandel.
Also an avid ballroom dancer, Gandel decided last year
to start the Dinner/Dance and Silent Auction Benefit. It
was such a successful event; they decided to hold the
2nd Annual Benefit.
This year Silent Auction items include a large array of
donated sports memorabilia with items such as signed
NASCAR caps, Pittsburg Stealer’s caps, and Daytona
jackets. The committee is expecting between 150 and
200 attendees.
For more information about Child Abuse and Neglect
Prevention Month visit http://www.childwelfare.gov/
preventing/preventionmonth/index.cfm
-The supreme accomplishment is to blur the line
between practice and dancing.
-The best impromptu dancing is composed of the steps
we practice the most.
-With a few lessons from a good instructor and a dash
of self-confidence a small talent can
become a good dancer.
-It takes practice to make easy dancing.
-I never know what I think about a song until I’ve
danced it.
-A dance needs a beginning, a muddle, and an end.
-Partners are never more frightening than when they
are convinced beyond a doubt that they are right.
Piedmont North Carolina #6019
Truisms
Each newsletter distributed by the Piedmont, North
Carolina Chapter includes a section titled “Truisms.”
They prove to be creative and entertaining thoughts
about dancing and life. We would like to share them
with you in this issue.
-Without dance, life would be a mistake.
Photo courtsey of Bill Meek
-What we dancers don’t understand we worship or fear.
-The man who makes his partner smile is a more
popular dancer than the best dancer on the
floor.
-The woman who makes her partner happy gets more
dances than ones who are better dancers.
-It takes as much energy to procrastinate as it does to
practice.
Photo courtsey of Denise Tomas
www.USAdance.ORG
March - April O
Youngstown - War r en
O hi o
If you want to talk about success, then here is
the chapter to ask. The Youngstown-Warren, Ohio
Chapter #2015 had one incredible year.
The trick to better participation is to get more
people coming and getting involved. In November
of 2007, the Youngstown-Warren Ohio Chapter
increased their membership by 73% from the same
period last year. They took membership from 89 to
154; at the same time getting more of their existing
members involved. What is the secret to gaining
membership and reactivation? The Youngstown
Chapter would tell you to get out and show the
community what you have to offer.
Through exhibitions, competitions, and
service, this chapter cornered the market
on advertising.
“Mad Hot Monday’s Ballroom
Boogie” Dances are the perfect example.
Open to the public, these Monday night
dances were free of charge and introduced
dancing to anyone that was interested.
Often shy, hesitant, and usually not ready
to commit- new dancers need a safe,
affordable entry into the social dancing
world. Providing a free social dance
experience once a month, is the perfect
ice breaker.
“Our members also conducted
“11 Free Boot Camps for Beginners &
Basics”. Members embraced beginners by offering
free tutoring on the basics, from 5:00 pm until 5:30
pm, preceding our Regular Monthly dances and
Professional Lesson. We focused on the monthly
featured dance encouraging every member of this
organization to help someone in need, make our
beginners feel more comfortable, and make a few
new friends,” said Susan Ryan, president of the
Youngstown-Warren Chapter in 2007.
10 Dance Floor
OH
CHAPTER HIGHLIGHT
Another fantastic event open to the public
was the “Emerald Ball and Dance Camp”. The day
included dancing, dinner and a show. Held April
28th, it featured DanceSport Champions Bill
Graner and Lisa Vegas: American Smooth and
International Standard Rising Star winners and
major competition finalists. The day was filled
with group classes focusing on American Tango,
International Quickstep, and Styling. After the
catered dinner, guests were enchanted by the
evening showcase by Graner and Vegas. Members
received an all-day discount. “It pays to
be a member!”
The Youngstown Chapter also organized a 3-day
dance weekend/competition: “Dancing Mahoning
Valley”. Sponsored by the chapter, along with a
local mall, TV station, and ABC’s Dancing with
the Stars. It was a spectacular event. 50 couples
attended and competed, many only having a couple
weeks to prepare for the event. The winning couple
Gerald and Catherine McCausland (parents of 12!)
received an all-expense paid trip to Dancing with
the Stars. The energy was breathtaking, and the
crowd could feel it. Many hours and volunteers
made it a triumph.
Serving and reaching out to old and young is
another great opportunity to let the public know
about your events. The Youngstown Chapter held
dance exhibitions at 10 nursing homes in the area.
Their performances brought smiles and cheer to the
faces of many elderly citizens who seldom receive
entertainment.
“Our chapter also has huge participation in
National Ballroom Week exhibitions. The 2007
celebration was a five hour event at the mall during
prime weekend time. We have a huge audience
so even if our members are not performing
exhibitions, they show up to cheer them on, join in
the general dancing, and express the joy of dancing.
Our National Ballroom Week Exhibitions at the
Mall featured 62 solo exhibitions plus 4 formations.
Hundreds of people watched the dancing and
participated in General Dancing throughout the
five hour event. USA DANCE volunteers promoted
our club, membership and all Ballroom Dancing
establishments in our area. We then hosted our
www.USAdance.ORG
Annual Free National Ballroom Celebration Dance
with Professional Lesson with over 150 people in
attendance,” Susan Ryan stated.
But getting the youth involved usually requires
a little more work and luckily many USA Dance
members are willing to pay the price. But what is
the price? For these volunteers it was sacrificing
Saturdays to teach students from over 12 different
schools in the area a new dance each week. Starting
with Cha Cha and Swing, then Salsa, Tango, Waltz,
and ending with a little Foxtrot, they saw a huge
turn-out of youth. Over 35 youths participated in
the March Ballroom Madness, hosted by the John F.
Kennedy High School. The event was so successful
that JFK High School invited them back and a
second location has been added with over 42 High
Schools invited to enjoy “March Ballroom Madness
2008”.
The collegiate level has seen great success this
past year as well; the Youngstown State University
Dance Club now has a ballroom dance competition
team for the first time in YSU’s history. The team
competed at the Arnold Classic, winning a medal
and ranking at 6th place. They now exhibit at many
USA DANCE events in the area and look forward
to competing in the Ohio Star Ball.
The Youngstown Chapter pledged its support
for the American Dancewheels Organization which
helps to build awareness of wheelchair ballroom
dancing with two members in training, Drs.
Annette and Richard Burden. This chapter is really
going the extra mile to bring dancing to everyone!
Members of the Youngstown Warren Chapter
know that being a good member means more than
just paying $25.00 for a social membership. It’s
more than showing up at the monthly dance. These
members are committed to the “if it’s going to be,
it’s up to me” attitude. They know that in order to
have a successful chapter they must volunteer and
work to get the job done.
Congratulations to all the volunteers and
members of the Youngstown-Warren Ohio Chapter
and surrounding studios from Youngstown,
Warren, Akron and Cleveland as well, who have
donated time and energy to take dancing to new
heights in your communities.
March - April 11
Dancing
E
in the Movies
ntertainment has changed over time. We remember the romance of the great musical films
popular in the 1940’s through the 1960’s. And we certainly enjoy the spunk of today’s hit films
introducing new aspects of dance. Have films changed through the decades? Let’s find out and
reminisce together.
1970’s
In 1977 Saturday Night Fever brought disco to
dance clubs around the globe. And with it came partner
dancing yet again. Actor John Travolta played the part of
Tony Manero who entered disco competitions to forget
his everyday travails on the job and at home. The disco
scene was replete with accompanying music, dance
moves, and clothes. 1980’s
Flamenco dancing gained worldwide recognition
in the 1980’s in Spanish director Carlos Saura’s trilogy
of flamenco dance films: Bodas de sangre (Blood
Wedding) (1981), Carmen (1984), and El Amor brujo
(Love, the Magician) (1986). Saura worked with the
flamenco choreographer Antonio Gades to create these
memorable movies that attracted audiences in the
United States.
Dirty Dancing (1987), a romantic film, was a
success thanks to audiences’ word of mouth. Written
by Eleanor Bergstein, the film tells the story of a teenage
girl (Jennifer Grey) entering womanhood through a
relationship with a dance instructor (Patrick Swayze),
while on a family summer vacation. Dance scenes are
prominent throughout the movie and a must-see for all
ballroom and social dancers. 12 Dance Floor
1990’s
Strictly Ballroom (1992), a romantic comedy, tells
the story of Australian ballroom dancer, Scott Hastings,
played by Paul Mercurio, presented as a docudrama,
poking fun at the competitive world of ballroom
dancing. The characters in the movie view ballroom
dancing so seriously, they forget that dance is meant to
be fun
The lead character, Scott, is a maverick who creates
change by developing new dance steps fusing ballroom
dance movements with those of flamenco. For the
ballroom dance purists, this enters the world of “does not
compute”, and he is viewed as a ballroom dance heretic. Four years later, another international ballroom
dance themed movie, Shall We Dance? (1996),
introduced audiences to Japanese culture and its views
of dance. The film shows accountant Shohei Sugiyama,
played by Kôji Yakusho, depressed and bored with life
and his family, acknowledging that he wants more. While on a train, he sees Mai Kishikawa (Tamiyo
Kusakari) staring wistfully out the balcony of a dance
school. He later goes to the school and assumes a
double life signing up secretly for weekly ballroom dance
lessons. A new life and story begins through the world of
ballroom dancing. 2000-Today
The Miramax remake of Shall We Dance (2004)
starred Jennifer Lopez, Richard Gere, and Susan
Sarandon. The plotline followed the Japanese version
very closely. While the film is enjoyable to watch, it is
not as compelling as the Japanese original. Documentaries featuring ballroom dancing were
favorably received in the new millennium. Mad Hot
Ballroom offered a feel-good movie for entire families to
watch. Released in 2005, documentarian Marilyn Agrelo
followed students in several New York City elementary
schools, as they learned ballroom dance steps and
protocol and entered the annual dance competition
organized by the American Ballroom Theatre. in this delightful movie that revolves around a charm
school reunion and the power of dance to heal and forget
about one’s troubles.
Other films to watch are Dirty Dancing: Havana
Nights (2004), the prequel of Dirty Dancing; Swing Kids
(1993) set in Nazi Germany during World War II; and
Mambo Kings (1992), based upon Oscar Hijuelo’s novel;
Tango Lesson (1997) and Danzon (1991).
It is encouraging to see a comeback for ballroom and
social dancing. So sit back, rest your sore feet (from your
own feverish dancing) and check out some great films.
Success and disappointment are all a part of
life’s learning curve, some win and some lose in the
competition, but we are drawn to their enthusiasm,
dedication, and willingness to discover.
Don’t forget Dance With Me (1998), with Vanessa
Williams in the role of Ruby and singer Cheyenne
playing Cuban born Rafael in a movie that spotlights
several Latin dances and beats. Even Joan Plowright
makes an appearance which shows that you’re never too
young or too old to learn the joys of dancing.
Out to Sea (1997) features Jack Lemmon and Walter
Matthau, who play dance hosts on a cruise ship. It’s
worth the time to watch Matthau’s hysterical antics on
the floor, as he attempts a tango. Hint: He’s not
a dancer.
No dance movie list is complete without 1992’s
Scent of a Woman. Tango lovers will want to see Al
Pacino, who plays a visually challenged man, in his
choreographed tango scene.
Looking for a little drama, comedy, music, and
a ballroom dance theme all in one? Add Marilyn
Hotchkiss’ Ballroom Dancing and Charm School (2005)
to the movie list. Robert Carlyle, Marisa Tomei, Sean
Astin, John Goodman and Mary Steenburgen were cast
By Joyce Luhrs
www.USAdance.ORG
March - April 13
The
Public Eye
We are in the News! Go to these links to read more!!
Dancing in the Olympics
Associated Press- Florida
Check out the USA Dance website: www.usadance.org
to find links to these exciting articles about USA Dancers.
Peter Pover, President of USA Dance, was interviewed
in Boston Globe newspaper about USA Dance supporting the movement for ballroom dancing to become a
medal sport in the Olympics. USA Dance is a member
of the US Olympic Committee and IDSF (of which we
are a member as well) is a member of the International
Olympic Committee.
Check out the article at http://boston.com/news/
globe/living/articles/2007/12/29/ballroom_
dancing_goes_for_olympic_gold.
Find Us on YouTube
If you have been wondering how to
view the best dancing in the world,
while staying in your own home- check
this out. USA Dance now has worldwide
exposure and connection via YouTube.
To find your favorite couples type in
USADANCEINC, sit back and enjoy!
Subscribing is free and the site will keep
you updated on the new and exciting
performances as they are posted.
Link: www.youtube.com/usadancinc
Clinton Chooses Dancing Over Singing
Hillary Rodham Clinton, Presidential hopefull, was
Asked whether she does any of a number of
asked recently what reality TV program she would
popular dances, including hip-hop, Clinton said she’d
prefer to compete on. She answered that “Dancing
heard of them and that they were “variations of what
With the Stars” would be her choice!
I did like 30, 40 years ago.”
“In my dreams I would be on ‘America’s Next Top
“Everything gets recycled and gets a different
Model’ but in reality I would have to choose my
name,” Clinton said. “I think it would have to be
limited talents and of them dancing is better than
‘Dancing With the Stars,’ especially if I could have
singing,” Clinton said Monday during a taping of “The
one of those really good partners,” she said.
Tyra Banks Show.” “You do not want me to sing.”
Source: Associated Press
14 On Beat
ELDR Magazine featured
Winston & Lilly Chow
Senior III National
Standard Champions
Watching Winston and Lilly Chow
dance was described as “a deep
intimacy expressed in grace” by ELDR
magazine in the Spring 2008 issue.
Winston and Lilly Chow have been competing togetherever since their youngest left
them inan empty nest. With their impressive
flair and skill level the Chow’s were
encouraged to compete. As Senior III Standard United States2007 National DanceSport
Champions, and ranked in thetop 1/3 rd at
the 2007 World Senior IIChampionships- the
Chow’s are at the top of their game. Link:
http://www.eldr.com/article/culture/
ballroom-winston-and-lilly-chow
ABC News quotes USA
Dance Director of Public
Winston and Lilly Chow. Photo by Peter H. Chang. Courtesy of ELDR Magazine.
Relations, Angela Prince
“If it were all about the steps, we
Tuzman and Rudman covered by Boston Globe
Michelle Tuzman, 15, and her partner, Allen Rudman, 14, have
some exciting accomplishments for such a young age. In August,
they were crowned USA National Junior II Vice Champions in Latin
Ballroom. But that isn’t all. In November this impressive couple took
part in the Ohio Star Ball. This competition was filmed for the PBS
show “America’s Ballroom Challenge”. And New Year’s Eve they
wouldn’t have so many people
involved in dance,” said Prince. “It’s
not about how good you are, but
the fact that you are dancing. It unifies people and breaks barriers.”
To learn about what critics are saying about Marie Osmond and the
voting results in Season Five “Danc-
performed in Las Vegas at the Wynn Hotel. This couple is really
ing With the Stars” and to read
going places. Check out the full story at the link below.
more about USA Dance’s views on
For information and results about the PBS program “America’s
dancing today, check out: http://
Ballroom Challenge” check out: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/
abcnews.go.com/print?id+3916507
ballroomchallenge/
www.USADANCE.ORG
March - April 15
Young Talent Explodes
Across America
By Erica Colvin
At ages
10 and 8, Jaryd
Farcon and Cara
Abaya-Campos are
showing the world that age
has nothing to do with success.
After appearing on the first
Maury Show’s Most Talented Kids episode
November 15, 2007, this young couple was
invited back for a second look. As we anxiously
await the results, American Dancer Magazine
explores what makes true success.
For Jaryd it all started when he was about 3 ½
years old. His parents put him in ballet class
to get him active and to see what he liked. He
continued dancing, adding gymnastics, tap,
jazz, lyrical, and evenfigure skating to his
already busy schedule. “He just loves to dance,
Photo from MAURYSHOW.COM
16 On Beat
and goes with
the flow,” Jaryd’s father, Eddie
Farcon, explained. “It’s all one big
activity to him.”
Jaryd and Cara’s partnership started about one
year ago when they met at a party. Today they
practice twice a week and compete regularly.
They competed at the 2007 National
DanceSport Championships in Louisville,
Kentucky and now hold the Preteen II Silver
International Latin Title. Their most
recent accomplishment includes a 1st
place victory at the Ohio Star Ball in
Columbus, Ohio.
But is it different performing on a dance
floor from dancing for a camera? “It’s
kinda different, in competitions there are
no cameras. In a TV show the cameras are
right in front of you,” answered Jaryd. “I
like performing in front of cameras.”
USA Dance was proudly represented by
three couples (Paul Shklyayer and
Jocelyn Perchik, Ted Grinvald and
Natasha Shevchenko, and Jaryd Farcon
and Cara Abaya-Campos) all competing
on the show for “Most Talented Kids”. Ken
Richards, USA Dance’s DanceSport
Vice President,
attended the filming
of The Maury Show
and described the
energy on set as
“professional chaos.” He
explained that the
audience was “immediately
won over by the performances.
The enthusiasm was rampant…
I was very proud of how
calm and cool everyone
was. It was as if they did
this everyday.”
Jaryd’s dad also attended
Photo Courtesy of Eddie Farcon
the taping of the show.
“Jaryd doesn’t get nervous, he
doesn’t care if there are
5,000 people. He brings it up a notch with TV.”
But this won’t be the last time Farcon and
Abaya-Campos find themselves on a TV show.
They were also featured on NBC’s The Today
Show, and look forward to an appearance on
national television, to be announced.
“Anytime we can expose mainstream America to
the fun, athleticism and skill of DanceSport the
better chance we have winning points with the
parents that think football, soccer, gymnastics
and cheerleading is the only activity for their
children,” said Ken Richards.
Jaryd and Cara have absolutely exceeded all
expectations. When asked about their success,
Jaryd described it in two words: “feels great.” And what is Jaryd Farcon and Cara Abaya-Campos’ message to American Dancer readers? “We
never give up.”
Photo Courtesy of Eddie Farcon
www.USADANCE.ORG
March - April 17
New
Dancing With The Stars
Couples
New Stars Announced for Upcoming Sixth Season
“Dancing With the Stars”
ABC-TVs Dancing With the Stars has
announced its 12 newest stars paired with now
celebrity ballroom and latin professionals that are
once again certain to dazzle both ballroom and
general audiences, which started Monday,
March, 17.
The first six couples will perform Monday, 8:00
– 9:30 pm, ET, followed by the second half which
will strut their stuff Tuesday, March 18, 9:00-10:30
p.m. ET. All
12 couples
will then
perform their
routines again
on Monday,
March 24th
from 8:0010:00 p.m. ET.
Afterwards,
an exciting
First Results
Show will
air Tuesday,
March 25
Photo: www.abc.com
from 9:00-10:00 p.m. ET, and will feature a firstever double elimination. Yes, two couples will be
eliminated after the first week.
This season will be once again hosted by Tom
Bergeron (America’s Funniest Home Videos) and
Samantha Harris (E! Entertainment).
Judges are the familiar team of recognized
ballroom judge Len Goodman along with dancer/
18 On Beat
choreographers Bruno Tonioli and Carrie Ann
Inaba. And now, the line-up we have all been
waiting for: Adam Carolla and Julianne Hough.
Carolla is a comedian and radio host of the
nationally syndicated program, The Adam Carolla
Show. He is teamed with the reigning DWTS
queen Julianne Hough, who is returning for her
third season with the defending title.
Cristian de la Fuente and Cheryl Burke. De la
Fuente is an international film star (Family Law,
CSI: Miami), partnered with Cheryl Burke, twotime DWTS
champion. It will
be Burke’s fifth
season.
Shannon
Elizabeth and
Derek Hough. Elizabeth,
the film and
television star
from American
Pie, Scary Movie,
and That 70s
Show, is teamed
with Derek
Hough, older brother of Julianne Hough. It will be
Derek Hough’s second season.
Steve Guttenberg and Anna Trebunskaya. The
talented movie star (Police Academy, Three Men
and A Baby, Short Circuit, and Cocoon) is paired
up with Anna Trebunskaya, who will be returning
for her third season.
Penn Jillette and Kym Johnson
This popular magician, who is one-half of an
illusionist team Penn & Teller, teams with Kym
Johnson, fourth-season competitor.
Mario and Karina Smirnoff. Mario, an R&B
star, is partnered with Karina Smirnoff. It is
Smirnoff ’s fourth season.
Maralee Matlin and Fabian Sanchez. This
Academy Award winning actress (Children of a
Lesser God) will be dancing with the newcomer
Fabian Sanchez. Sanchez has a great dancing
record -- 2006 Mambo Champion, four-time Fred
Astaire National Champion and the United States
Rising Star, not
to mention the
1999 American
Rhythm
Champion.
Priscilla
Presley and
Louis van
Amstel. Daughter of
famed rock &
roll king Elvis
Presley, actress
(Naked Gun,
Dallas) and
Photo: www.abc.com
business woman Presley is teamed with Louis van
Amstel, who returns for his fourth season.
Monica Seles and Jonathan Roberts. Seles is
the 9-time Grand Slam tennis champion, who is
teamed with Jonathan Roberts, who celebrates his
fifth DWTS season. He recently finished third
place last season with partner Marie Osmond.
Jason Taylor and Edyta Sliwinska. Taylor is
the NFL Man of the Year and is paired with Edyta
Sliwinska, who is the only professional to have
competed in all six seasons!
Marissa Jaret Winokur and Tony Dovolani. Winokur, the Tony Award winning Broadway star
(Hairspray) is teamed with Tony Dovolani, now in
his fifth season.
Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas. It’s true,
the well-loved Olympic champion figure skater,
Yamaguchi will be dancing with Mark Ballas,
starting his second DWTS season.
www.USADANCE.ORG
USA Dance is especially proud of Dancing With
the Stars professional dancers and now celebrities.
Most have been successful amateur ballroom
competitors and active members of USA Dance
before beginning their own professional careers. Their contributions to the rising popularity of
ballroom dancing are recognized around the
world. Ballroom’s celebrated ambassadors include
in this season, Mark Ballas, Julianne Hough, Edyta
Sliwinska, Anna Trebunskaya, Cheryl Burke,
and Derek Hough; in previous seasons, Maksim
Chmerkovskiy, Alec Mazo, Brian Fortuna, Andrea
Hales and Ashly DelGrosso.
“A USA
Dance
membership
may be the
most important
and affordable
investment
an aspiring
dance student
could make. Ballroom
dancing is
not only
fashionable and
enjoyable, but it
has been proven to be an ideal way to stay healthy
and fit through exercise,” said Esther Freeman, past
president of USA Dance. And as USA Dance Public Relations Director
Angela Prince stated, “Reality is that only a few
dancers may ever become television celebrities.
And for these highly accomplished dancers, it’s
been an opportunity of a lifetime. We applaud
their exceptional performances and genuine
enthusiasm for dancing. Along with the television
networks and motion picture industry, they have
helped bring the much-needed recognition for the
entertainment and sport of dance, and, equally
important, they have inspired millions to want to
dance.”
Resources: www.abc.com
March - April 19
So You Think You Can Dance
Auditions Sweep the Country
Requirements
Photo from fox.com
Have you ever
wondered what
auditions were like for So
You Think You Can Dance?
Here is an
inside look at
what to expect.
Dancers are
encouraged to “Dress to
impress, stand out from the
crowd, and show us what
you’ve got!”
Contestants must be either a US citizen, legal
permanent resident of the US, or possess a current
legal visa allowing him/her to seek employment
freely.
They must be over the age of 18 and under 31
on the first day they register for the auditions.
ID/Visa is, of course, required. Other
documents to bring include: the signed Personal
Release, completed Preliminary Questionnaire, and
the Music Sheet (All provided at fox.com/dance).
All songs must be “original” songs that are
commercially available. No re-mixes, downloaded
songs, or contestant-created mixes.
Clothing regulations are hard core! They
include no clothing with a visible designer, sports,
or other name, logo, to name a few.
Changes
It is so important to keep updated on national
auditions. For example changes have been made
to the 2008 So You Think You Can Dance audition
calendar. According to www.fox.com/dance the
Salt Lake City Audition dates were rescheduled for
February 4, at the Capitol Theatre. The remaining
auditions are below.
CITY, STATE
VENUE
CALL BACK DATES
Thu, March 6
Los Angeles , CA
The Orpheum Theatre
842 S. Broadway
Fri, March 7, Sat, March 8
Thu, March 20
Milwaukee , WI
EVENT DATE
The Milwaukee Theatre
500 W. Kilbourn Avenue
Fri, March 21, Sat, March 22
There is much more to auditioning than just dancing. A lot of very hard work
is put into making the show a success, and it all starts with the audition. 20 On Beat
National Da
US
nc e
Spo A D
rt C ance 2008
ham
pionships
To Be
For the first time ever, the USA DANCE National
DanceSport Championships will be telecast, reaching
over 9 million household subscribers and available
for viewing on the Comcast website from around the
world. USA DANCE recently announced the signing
of CN8, The Comcast Network to air the 2008 National
DanceSport Championships, being held April 4-6 in
Baltimore, Maryland at the Renaissance Harborplace
Hotel -- an exciting opportunity for the promotion of
USA Dance, our athletes and DanceSport in the
United States.
The new CN8 Champion DanceSport Series will
telecast three DanceSport competitions. The USA
Dance Nationals will be the first in the series and will
consist of two 90-minute episodes. The two additional
competitions in the series are the North American
DanceSport Championships, to be held June 19-22; and
the Yankee Classic Dancesport Championships, to be
held July 10-13. (For viewers, The Comcast Network’s
website www.comcast.com and www.cn8.com will
progressively post information about the
scheduled programs.)
At the USA Dance National DanceSport
Championships, The Comcast Network will be filming
throughout the weekend, conducting interviews, filming
different events and finding human interest stories about
our dancers. Sunday evening’s Championship events will
also be filmed extensively. The resulting episodes will
air later this spring on May 24, May 31 and June 7.
The CN8 Champion DanceSport Series -- different
from PBS American Ballroom Challenge -- will have
three commentator/hosts. Well-known ballroom judge,
www.USAdance.ORG
Tele
vised
coach and instructor Dan Calloway was contracted by
The Comcast Network on recommendation of USA
Dance. Dan is already serving as Chairman of Judges
at the USA Dance Nationals – which now serves as a
great behind-the-scenes opportunity for the program. The two additional commentator-hosts include Ashly
DelGrosso, former USA Dance competitor and more
recently professional celebrity dancer on ABC-TV’s
“Dancing With the Stars”. The third commentator/
host will be one of CN8’s regular sportcasters, to be
announced. Dan Calloway is one of ballroom’s most respected
professionals, who as a dual fellow of the ISTD, coach
of several collegiate teams and ballroom judge for many
competitions comes to the new CN8 programming
with excellent credentials. For those who know Dan’s
magnetic personality and sense of humor, can only
agree that this is an excellent addition to the on-air faces
of ballroom – we look forward to Dan’s insight into
DanceSport and about the individual performances.
Nationals Event Organizer Daphna Locker has
promoted the USA DANCE Nationals as “a star-studded
destination event” – this couldn’t be truer now. Please
make your last-minute plans to meet us in Baltimore to
watch “America’s finest ‘real life’ dancing stars” in action.
Reminder -- In addition to airing on CN8, the two
episodes will stream simultaneously online at www.
CN8.tv <http://www.cn8.tv/> and will be available On
Demand at no cost to Comcast digital cable customers
and online to others throughout the country.
By: Erica Colvin
March - April 21
USA Dance 2008
National
DanceSport
Championships
Attracting amateur competitors and social dancers
throughout the country, the USA Dance 2008 National
DanceSport Championships in Baltimore, MD, on April 4-6
will become one of America’s finest displays of DanceSport
performance anywhere in the country. Here in Baltimore, known as “The City of Firsts,”
our championship level athletes will vie for national
titles, dancing their best, in hopes of also being selected
to represent the United States in upcoming World
Championships and Games. For the first time, the USA
Dance Nationals will be known to the world, as The
Comcast Network will film at Nationals for three days, to
produce two 90-minute episodes scheduled to air Spring
08 with opportunity for syndication. And for the first
time, Baltimore will host our event and, in turn, has
extended a great welcoming and a proclamation
from the city itself.
At the Renaissance Harborplace Hotel across
from the Baltimore Inner Harbor, this grand
three-day event offers something for dancers of all
ages and levels and dedicated spectators who simply
love being surrounded by beautiful music and ballroom
dancing. The USA Dance Nationals is a true destination
event, packed with many options -- dance workshops,
private lessons from top professional instructors, tours of
historic Baltimore and the DC area, shopping and dining,
nightly social dances, and, of course, attending the all-day
and night competitions that start at 8 am and don’t finish
until midnight. Yes, Nationals 2008 will prove a most
memorable event for all.
Already planned seminars include -- How to develop
your stretching program to enhance your dancing; Arm
Styling in Smooth - Basics and Beyond; Smooth:
Creating Volume in Your Dancing; Pilates mat classes;, and
ZUMBA. 22 DanceSport
Tal
Livshitz
and Kate Kapshandy
Jean Krupa, Social Vice President and coordinator
of the Nationals stated “Saturday afternoon we have a
sightseeing tour scheduled with a lunch tour of the Harbor. Also, during the day there will be an opportunity to take
part in some workshops for dance improvement. At the
dances I have lots of fun planned, including mixers and
Jack and Jill contests.” There’s something for every person
that attends this great weekend in Baltimore. The 2008 Nationals will be adjudicated by world
class judges. It’s quite a line up -- Didio Barrera, Mario
Battista, Pietro Braga, Rufus Dustin, Ian Floker, Perry
Gingerich, Charlotte Jorgensen, John Kimmins, Jennifer
McCalla, Brian McDonald, Kristi McDonald, Ron Montez,
Igor Pilipenchuk, Polina Pilipenchuk, Brian Puttock and
Maja Serve. Dan Calloway is the Chairman of the 2008
Nationals with Peter Pover, Ken Richards and Yang Chen as
emcees, making this event the most spectacular ever.
Tickets and dance packages are available for this
exciting event at www.usadancenationals.org or at the door. Day-syllabus events or pre-championship rounds cost $25
for adults and $15 for youth/students, and is casual dress. The evening Championships cost $45 for adults and $30 for
youth/students with evening or business attire requested. Social Dance Packages cost $200 per person and include
admittance to all competition day and evening events with
reserved seating in rows 2 or 3, Friday welcome reception,
Friday and Saturday social dances, Saturday lunch Harbor
Cruise, and Sunday morning breakfast meeting. The events schedule for each morning to afternoon,
8am – 5 pm, will include the preliminary rounds for the
four styles of dance ending two of the afternoons with
the special event Theatre Arts on Friday and Cabaret on
Saturday. There will be a two-hour break in the competition
between 5 and 7 pm each day. At 7 pm the nighttime
competition will begin. The semi-final and final rounds for
each of the four styles of events will be conducted from
7pm – midnight.
The USA Dance National DanceSport Championship
will be flooded with talent and excitement. It’s a destination
event for everyone. See you in Baltimore!
country’s Olympic hopefuls. General public and
community support in Baltimore is greatly appreciated,”
Locker stated. Donations to the USA DANCE national efforts
and athlete scholarship funds can be made through the
USA DANCE national website www.usadance.org or by
contacting the 2008 Nationals Chairperson Daphna Locker
at 646-734-9666 or by emailing her at nationals-chair@
usadance.org.
For further information about the USA Dance 2008
National DanceSport Championships schedule, tickets,
accommodations and extra activities, please visit us online at
www.usadancenational.org. BALTIMORE INNER HARBOR INFORMATION: http://www.baltimore.org/baltimore_inner_harbor.htm
By Eric Colvin and Angela Prince
Photo by Carson Zollinger
Oskar Wojciecahowski
and Milena
Jasionek
ABOUT USA DANCE.
USA Dance is a 501c3 non-profit organization,
recognized by the U.S. Olympic Committee as the
National Governing Body for DanceSport in the
United States. Our organization is a member of
IDSF (International DanceSport Federation). It
is USA Dance’s long-standing mission and goal
to increase the quality and quantity of ballroom
dancing and DanceSport and in that process “gain
the International Olympic Committee’s final approval
of DanceSport as an Olympic medal sport.” The
Nationals, the Regional Competitions and
National Qualifying Events, our Youth
& College Network events and all of
the events and activities of our local
chapters help to further our cause. Public awareness and understanding
and the hard work and dedication of
our members and volunteers are the
keys to our continuing progress and
success of our organization.
“The dancesport athletes competing at the USA
DANCE 2008 DanceSport Championships are our
www.USAdance.ORG
March - April 23
COMPETITION
CALENDAR
april 4-6, 2008
USA Dance 2007 National DanceSport
Championships
june 13-15, 2008
NE Regional DanceSport Championships
Codey Arena in West Orange NJ.
july 5-6, 2008
Fort Wayne DanceSport Championships
Fort Wayne USA Dance Chapter #2046
Renaissance Harborplace Hotel, Baltimore, MD.
july 26, 2008
www.usadancenationals.org
april 26-27, 2008
Pittsburgh DanceSport Championships
USA Dance #3007 Pittsburgh DanceSport Championships
may 3, 2008
Great Race DanceSport Championships
Hosted in conjunction with the South Bend Valley Dancers,
USA Dance Chapter #2029 in South Bend IN
june 6-7, 2008
SC Regional DanceSport Championships Gumbo of Ballroom
LA Gumbo Chapter #5031. Baton Rouge, L.A.
24 DanceSport
Southern Star Mid-Summer Classic
Rhapsody Ballroom in Tampa FL.
august 29-30, 2008
ISDF Grand Slam Latin/Standard Championships
Embassy Ball at Hyatt Regency in Irvine CA.
september 27-28, 2008
NC Regional DanceSport Championships
Heartland Chapter #2022. Indianapolis, IN
october 25-26, 2008
NW Regional DanceSport Championships
Seattle Chapter #1004. Seattle, WA
www.USAdance.ORG
January
March
- February
- April 25
Xingmin & Katerina Lu: World Finalists
IDSF held the World Senior Standard
Championships in Antwerp, Belgium on
the 9th of February 2008. The senior
representatives from the United States
were Xingmin Lu and Katerina Lu, who
that we were included in the final 12.
In the semi-final, we danced our hearts out fighting
for a spot into the final round. The recall information at an
IDSF competition is usually posted within 10 minutes of the
placed fifth in this year’s competition,
conclusion of each round. Xingmin went to check the results
and had an exceptional performance!
and realized that we made the final. But he could not believe
They placed fourth in the foxtrot
it and made Katerina double check the results, even though
which led to their outstanding
people were already congratulating us for making the final.
placement in worlds this year. Our
wonderful representatives gave a
final, tied for the 6th place. But in the end, we came in 5th
glimpse of their experience from the
competition below.
final. So you can imagine our excitement when we found out
“Saturday is the day of the World
Championship. At breakfast, the room
was full of excitement and adrenaline. Apart
from the overseas couples, all the European
couples had arrived by now as well. Friends were
greeting each other and in the mean time checking
The final consisted of seven couples. We got into the
overall and took 4th place in Foxtrot.
We came back to the hotel 2 o’clock in the morning.
Showered and packed and went back to the airport 6 o’clock
in the morning. We came home, back to reality. But we are
still running on adrenaline. What can we say, we are now the
world finalists and we did the U.S. proud.”
American Dancer would like to send congratulations to
Xingmin and Katerina! Indeed they have made the United
each other out. Did they get older? Did they get thinner or
States proud by representing us well—both in skill
bigger? We all tried to eat as much as we could knowing this
and sportsmanship. Representing us once again on the 16th
would be the last real meal of the day. On the other hand, it
of February in Canada, they placed first in the IDSF Senior I
was quite hard to eat much with all the excitement
Open Standard competition.
and anticipation.
by: Xingmin & Katerina Lu
The competition had 5 rounds plus re-dance. The first
round was scheduled at 4:05 p.m. and the final was scheduled
at midnight. We took the bus provided by the organizer at
1:30 p.m. and arrived at the competition hall at 2 p.m. The
checking in process was very efficient and speedy and the
changing room was quite spacious. So finding a spot to rest
and prepare was not an issue.
The first round and the round of 36 came and went. The
beginning of the evening session was marked by the parade of
World representatives. The mayor spoke. All our names were
announced and we were presented with a gift from the city of
Antwerp. We felt such an honor to represent our country, the
USA. The ceremony was moving and beautiful, yet a tad too
long as we had to stand on our feet for a good 45 minutes. Yet
we all knew that we had to dance the quarter final round right
after the conclusion of the ceremony.
But adrenaline took care of all the muscle and joint
aches. After the quarter final round, we felt we danced very
well and hoped that this was not the end of the competition
for us as it was last year where we did not make the semi-
26 DanceSport
Olymp
by
Peter Pover,
USA Dance
President
28 DanceSport
When USABDA (which
is what USA Dance was called in
those days) was founded in 1965, its
primary mission was to get ballroom
dancing into the Olympic Games. Our
founder, Normand Martin, was a man of
great vision. His initiative was so far ahead
of its time that it was fully twenty five
years before any serious attempt was made
at the international level. In fact, it was
not until the middle of the nineties that
anyone really took seriously the question of
dancing’s becoming part of the Games as a
medal sport.
The modern Olympic Games have been
in existence for over a century now, and
they have grown in importance from the
early days – remember Chariots of Fire?
– to a massive media driven operation
grossing in the billions of dollars.
ics
www.USAdance.ORG
Politics have come into play on more
than one occasion. Lifetime ambitions
of dedicated athletes were dashed when
in 1980 the USA boycotted the Moscow
Games, and the corruption within the
International Olympic Committee resulted
in wholesale changes in the way the
organization is run.
And yet, for all their glory now, until
quite recently the Games were regarded
with suspicion by potential host countries
and cities. Several host cities suffered
severe financial hardship by hosting the
Games, most recently Montreal in 1976,
and it was not until Peter Ueberroth
organized the 1984 Games for Los Angeles
– the only bidding city – that there
developed recognition of the best way to
approach a project of this magnitude.
In spite of the retaliatory Soviet-led
boycott by the Warsaw Pact countries,
the event was financially successful with
a bottom line profit of $200 million. And
Peter Ueberroth is now CEO of the United
States Olympic Committee.
So what about ballroom dancing? What
about DanceSport? Is there a place in the
Olympic Games for subjectively judged
sports? And are they really sports? When
does an art form transpose into a sport?
Most important of all, what would be the
effect on our sport of being allowed to
enter into the medal program?
These are the kind of questions we will
be looking at in forthcoming issues, and
we will be looking forward to our readers
engaging with us in what should be a lively
debate.
I will be relating some of the anecdotes
from my involvement from 1988 to 2002
within the IDSF Presidium, and from
encounters with the moguls of the Olympic
Movement. Stay tuned!
by: Peter Pover
Photo by Tim McGhee
March - April 29
The MAC
Review
1000 competitors, 27 judges, over $9000 in scholarships
and over 20 colleges represented? Why the MAC of course!
What had over
USA Dance 2008 Northeast Regional DanceSport Championships
This year’s Northeast (Region 3’s) Regional DanceSport
Championships took place over the Martin Luther King
Jr. holiday weekend. The Manhattan Amateur Classic,
or the MAC as it is popularly known, opened its doors
to competitors and spectators at 2 pm on Friday January
18 and did not close them until 9 pm Sunday January 20,
2008. There were two and a half days of dancing, led by the
very able chairing of Cathi Nymechek, under the musical
direction of Peter Collins and emceed by Yang Chen with
Ken Richards, our very own DanceSport VP, as the
relief emcee. The competition started on Friday afternoon around
3 pm with the Adult Novice, Smooth, where 13 couples
took to the floor and opened up the event to the roar of
30 DanceSport
the crowd. The evening ended at 1 am with the Adult
Championship Latin event where a hotly contested 32
couples danced four rounds to get to that 1am final. In
between the first event and the final on Friday, spectators
were graced with the Adult, Senior I, II, and III events in all
four styles dancing Novice, Pre-Champ, and Championship. Many of these events had semi-finals, while a few like
the Adult Novice Latin had a first round and the Senior I
Standard Championship was a quarterfinal. This was the
evening where those Master’s of Syllabus Latin couples
strutted their stuff with 14 couples vying to become the
Champion. By 1 am all of us: competitors, spectators,
judges, and volunteers were ready for bed and eager to see
what Saturday would bring.
Saturday started bright and early (and cold, this being
NY) at 8 am with the Newcomer American Smooth dancers
taking the floor. Saturday was devoted to our syllabus
events and this is where the 20 college teams reigned
supreme. The Bronze Standard was a first round with 51
couples dancing in four flights for a place in the final. Since
many of the other syllabus events also had first rounds
and over 40 couples, I feel safe in saying that the future of
ballroom dancing is strong and in good hands. The syllabus
events were all strictly invigilated, to the dismay of some
couples but to the great relief of many others by Esther Don
and Dan Calloway. This morning/afternoon session ended
just in time to clear the ballroom at 5:30pm so that
it could be cleaned for people to enter for the
6pm start of the evening session.
The Saturday evening session featured
the Adult Standard Championship that
had a first round of 37 couples. This was
also the evening for the Master’s of Syllabus
Standard couples to come out dancing. 24
couples took the floor in the quarter final
round to try for the gold. By the end of the
evening, 12 midnight most people were ready
for a break from dancing and I saw a number of
competitors and spectators head for the nearest
diner and even saw a few head for the nearest bar. I am
sure that they were just going to get something to eat.
Sunday saw the doors open at 8am for the Rhythm and
Smooth syllabus events and all of the junior events. There
were over 200 juniors at this years MAC who along with
their parents, grandparents and coaches made for a very
festive atmosphere. The MAC took place at the Manhattan Center,
located on 34 St. and 8th Ave. This was right down
the block from Macy’s so those couples who
needed that last minute dress or make-up were
able to buy them easily. It was also very
convenient to Amtrak, being right
across the street from
Penn Central Train
Station and
many people commented on how easy it was to get to the
event and how happy they were that they did not need to
drive into Manhattan: always a nightmare and worse during
a holiday weekend. For those of you who are wondering if
the MAC will take place next year at this fabulous location,
rest assured that we are working hard to make this happen.
Photo by: Igor Ofenbakh
Vasyl Makarov & Grace Fu
www.USAdance.ORG
March - April 31
Dance 2008
USA
North Central Regional
Championships
Photos by Tim McGhee
Knoxville, TN – The stars were shining
in Knoxville, TN. during the 2008 North Central
Regional Championship, and I’m not referring to
the clear crisp skies over the city! The moment you
entered the beautiful Marriott Hotel overlooking the
Tennessee River, you knew you were in for more than
a standard competition. “Welcome” was the motto
of the experienced members of the Greater Knoxville
Chapter 2060. They were on their toes, immediately
doling out gracious southern hospitality coupled
with meticulous detailed planning. Tim McGhee,
the organizer of this competition, had assembled a
top notch group of volunteers, willing and able to
meet every competitor’s questions and needs. [after
all…Tennessee is the Volunteer State!]
32 DanceSport
“The stars shined
in Knoxville during
the 2008
North Central
Regional Championship,
in many forms.”
After a remarkably smooth check-in, competitors
had ample time to freshen up and dress for the Friday
night “Welcome Dance” where they were
pleased to find ample seating and an electrifying
atmosphere. Discussions of the phenomenal dance
floor and great music began that night and
continued throughout the weekend. The highlight
of the Welcome Dance was the fabulous Pro-Show
performed by Anik Jolicoeur & Alain Doucet. The
audience roared to their feet with applause in
appreciation and admiration for this 5-time World
Champion couple!
“Thank you for organizing such a great event.
Everyone from Nashville had a great time this week,
we were all commenting on the fact that you did
a great job with this competition. Everything ran
smoothly and right on time. You had a great set
of judges, great music, awesome photography...
a phenomenal floor and a very, very friendly
atmosphere. Everything that any big competition
would like to have! We also loved the Friday night
show…excellent choice! Thanks again. We are sure to
attend next year’s event and we have already started
recruiting more couples to attend too. We are looking
forward to it!”
- Gloria Paulina Soria
Saturday’s competition began on time and the
competition quickly took on a well run rhythm.
The delicious buffets prepared by the Marriott
accommodated the competitors by ensuring
there was extended time to eat, regardless of
their scheduled heats. Knoxville-based Pilot Oil
Corporation was once again the key sponsor of the
event, helping contribute to the further development
of dancing students throughout the region. Over
$3,400 was awarded in scholarship money.
To the surprise and pleasure of all the competitors,
special arrangements had been made to provide a
separate 24’ X 39’ practice dance floor and practice
room, allowing the competitors to practice and warm
up whenever they desired. The floor was also used
to host four special workshops with renowned pros
Anik Jolicoeur, Alain Doucet, Ron Montez, & Wayne
Crowder on both Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday evening found the ballroom filled to the
brim with both local and out of town spectators,
eagerly awaiting the efforts of the top competitors in
the region. At 6:30 the Amateur Pre-Champion and
Champion competition began. There was a buzz of
excitement as the competitors warmed up, revealing
glimpses of their beautiful costumes and their wellhoned tech niques. Even the judges arrived with a
more formal appearance and flair, as if an indication
of the level of experience all were about to watch. The
competition carried the evening away effortlessly to
the continuous cheers of the onlookers. None were
disappointed.
“To all involved in this past weekend’s competition
- thank you for such a well run event. From a
competitor’s standpoint, all seem to be running so
smoothly, and your gracious hospitality made our
group feel so welcomed. The facility was lovely, and
the floor was one of the better one’s I’ve danced on at
a competition. This was the first time that I’ve been
to Knoxville, and I know that I’d love to return.”
- Marsha Goldfarb, Heartland Chapter - Indianapolis
The stars shined in Knoxville during the 2008 North
Central Regional Championship, in many forms. The
organizers, the volunteers, the judges, the music, and
all the incredibly talented competitors put their “best
foot” forward!
by Chris Scurlock
www.USAdance.ORG
March - April 33
For more information on events, please see
USA DANCE COLLEGIATE
CALENDAR
april 5, 2008
Notre Dame
Irish DanceSport Gala
april 12, 2008
RPI
RPI Ballroom Dance Competition
MIT Ballroom
competition or other collegiate activities, please
e-mail the details to [email protected].
Pittsburgh DanceSport
april 28, 2008
Pittsburgh DanceSport Championships- Collegiate
www.usadance.org. If you know of a collegiate
University of Connecticut
Univ. of Connecticut Ballroom Dance Competition
april 17-20, 2008
MIT Open Ballroom Dance Competition
october 1, 2008
Univ. of Illinois - Urbana Champaign
Dancing Illini DanceSport Invitation
april 28, 2008
october 1, 2008
Northwestern Ballroom
october 1, 2008
Pittsburgh DanceSport Collegiate Challenge
Northwestern Ballroom Classic
Pittsburgh DanceSport Collegiate Challenge
H\YYUg]YghUbXacghUZZcfXUV`YkUmhch\Y
BLACKPOOL DANCE FESTIVAL
“A great trip. I will recommend you to all my dance friends!”
From M.S., Edmonton, Canada (one of our 2007 Blackpool travelers)
If you love to dance or enjoy watching
competitive dancing, this trip to Blackpool,
England is made for you!
Departure is May 25, 2008
Join us to watch 1,681 of the best couples
in the world compete their hearts out!
H]W_YhgUfY`]a]hYX7U``hcXUmZcfUZfYYVfcW\ifY"%!,$$!'-&!*,*-
1969 W. Stadium Blvd., Suite 206
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48103
www.USAdance.ORG
ph: 734-761-1300 or 800-392-6869
www.BallroomDancingTour.com
March - April 35
Phoenix Program Teaching Lessons on
Dancing and Life
F
or the American Heritage Academy (AHA) ballroom
dance team in Phoenix, Arizona, ballroom dancing
isn’t just another class in the school curriculum. It
has become each student’s passion and motivation to
be successful in school work, and they believe it has prepared
them socially and intellectually for life. Zach & India
For students, it’s hard to wake up in the morning when you
feel that the “same monotonous day” is to be lived yet again. Where’s the spark that drives you to reach your potential? At AHA, ballroom dance has become that spark and all the
momentum that students in the ballroom dance program have
needed to find their dreams and acquire the confidence and
social skills they need for the future.
In the Verde Valley neighboring Phoenix, AHA is a small
public charter school that teaches classic liberal arts education. Chandra Tenley, also known as Mrs. Thomas, is the school’s
ballroom dance teacher, who brought her passion for dance to
Phoenix and started this program. As the Chairperson for the
YCN Youth she works with students from Flagstaff (Chapter
4040 and Phoenix (Chapter 4033). Tenley also frequently hosts
special classes with professional dancer Olegas Koliakinas,
who teaches ballroom technique and coaches individuals in
preparation for competitions. Markie & Sabastian
36 InStep
At the time Tenley started up the AHA program, ballroom
dance wasn’t commonly found in the school’s primary
curriculum. Tenley had a difficult time finding schools to
support her ambition. Once she was accepted to teach, the
program was quite small. Yet, with Tenley and Koliakinas’
continued excitement and technical skills, the program grew
fast and has continued to attract the public’s eye. Peewees Lining Up
Marc & Chandra Tenley
The Team
“In the past three years our ballroom competition team has
grown from one student to about 30 beginning with 5th grade
up to senior high,” Tenley explained. AHA’s great success and growth in the ballroom program has
truly created a new passion for the city of Phoenix to enjoy. However, Tenley’s journey and hard work in this program
hasn’t reached an end. Every successful program is dependent
upon financial support and sponsors. “The cost of this sport is high, the work that goes into a school
team much less an accredited course is extensive, but I don’t
believe for one second that if a child falls in love with this
sport, money should be an obstacle,” Tenley remarked. Trenton & Partner
The students create fund raising dances and bake sales, contact
popular restaurants and store sponsors, and much more to
help pay for lessons and entrance fees for competitions, but
such sales still don’t cover all the costs involved in ballroom
dance. “There are many jobs that people pursue that pay the bills, but
just aren’t fulfilling. For me, this job is fulfilling. I get to help
kids realize their potential, gain confidence in their abilities,
and help them to learn vital social skills that our world lacks
but desperately needs. Ballroom dance is the glue that society
is lacking on a social level. The social and intellectual skills
that ballroom dance teaches a person are what define a person
as successful,” Tenley stated.
Roland & Sam
Photos courtesy of Chandra Tenley
www.USAdance.ORG
March - April 37
AD Marketplace
ACCESSORIES & MISC. DANCE ITEMS
Show Off Straps
www.showoffstraps.com.
Customized bra straps worth showing off.
Contact Susan Ratcliff.
Phone: 1-888-578-7277. Email [email protected].
New Videos by C. Martin Video - Ron
Bennett’s Advanced Standard $45, Michael
Houseman’s Intermediate Tango & Waltz
$45 and Intermediate Foxtrot Technique $45,
Ron Montez’s Jive and Paso Doble $45, Silke
Nowak’s Beginning Latin $40, Richard Diaz’s
Latin Styling and Technique $45, Diane Barron’s Latin Arm Styling $35, Dan Calloway’s
American Rhythm Priorities $40 and Dance
Characteristics $40, Debra Loran’s Beginning
American Rhythm $35, Jennifer Ford McCalla’s Advanced American Rhythm $40 and Arm
Styling and Gestures $35 S&H $3.80+$1 for
each additional tape. C. Martin Video, 406
Hinsdale Ln., Silver Spring, MD 20901. Send
or call (301) 587-7818 for free catalog or visit
our Web site at www.cmartinvideo.com. Email
[email protected] (166)
Tim McGhee
Dance Competition Photography
PO Box 6206 Knoxville, Tenn. 37914-0206
865.386.7843
[email protected]
www.timports.us
The Dance Store
www.thedancestoreonline.com
Phone: 804-276-1021
Email: [email protected]
High quality dance instruction DVDs for
every dance you can imagine, including waltz,
tango, cha cha, rumba, swing, salsa, merengue,
bachata and Carolina shag. We also carry the
very best Latin music and practice music. Our
“Introduction to Ballroom Dancing” video is a
must for every beginner. Our “Ultimate Ballroom Music Practice CD” has perfect tempo
practice music for about every partner dance
known to man. Our web site offers many free,
downloadable videos
MB Music Services
Customize the music for your next show!
Speed up, slow down or shorten a piece of
music...
Keep that fabulous musical ending...
Combine several tracks into one.
Client list includes Max Kozhevnikov & Yulia
Zagoruychenko,
2007 National Professional Latin Champions.
www.MBMusicServices.com
Phone: (908) 218-1926
E-mail: [email protected]
10% off digital music editing for USA Dance
members.
Reasonable rates, quick turnaround.
As valued vendors of quality products, American Dancer
has instituted “AD Marketplace.”
Your classified advertising
will be seen here in easy to find
categories. Register as a Dance
Industry Organization at:
usadance.org. For $100 a year
you will receive a link on the
USA Dance website as well as
one 50 word listing in American Dancer magazine per year.
In upcoming issuess, look
for a new, enhanced design of
this section.
SHOES AND ACCESSORIES
The Dance Dresser
[email protected]
www.dancedresser.net
Phone: 800-774-1106 (order line)
Phone 407-774-1106
Fax: 407-862-4361
5% off dance ballroom dance shoes,
jewelry for dancers, practice wear.
The Great Race danceSPORT
and USA Dance Competition
Dinner and Show
In the grand dome of the Joyce ACC
University of Notre Dame
South Bend, IN
Entry Details
Hotline: (216) 292-7371
Web: www.grdsport.net
Lisa and Nichy Vegas, Co-Directors,
in association with Ron Shemanske and
USA Dance South Bend
38 InStep
Open to the Public
Tickets available at the Joyce ACC
or e-mail: [email protected]
Phone (216) 292-7381
Dance Mart
DANCEMART
TAILS SUITS AND STANDARD GOWNS
Men’s Custom Tail Suit by “Onik”, Black Herringbone, Wool/Cashmere, size 40-42, Waist
34, Height 5”8 to 5”10, Room for alterations.
Like New Condition. Shirts & accessories
included. $600. [email protected],
717 665-0231 [2]
Beautiful purple standard gown with fuchsia
floats by Lori Chamblis. Size 10-12. Long
Sleeves - high neck. Built in body suit. Excellent condition. Pictures available. $1300. Call
Ann at 423-899-6703 or email qfoxtrot@aol.
com. [1]
Marilyn Monroe White Standard or Smooth
Gown. Floats are on gloves, so dress can easily
be transferred to a smooth gown. Beautiful
stone work on upper bodice. Sizes 0-6. Pictures available. Price reduced to $2,400.
Call Stacie at 612-251-8108 or
[email protected] [1]
SMOOTH GOWNS
Fuschia smooth dress with lycra bodysuit
and 2-layer chiffon skirt in solid fuschia and
splashy print (red, yellow, orange, pink).
Matching gauntlets, choker, earrings. 30 gross
of Swarovski rhinestones in six colors. Fits 5’
8”/135 lbs. (34B-28-38). $1,000. Email [email protected] for photos/details. [2]
Playful lime green smooth dress. Has a drop
waist with stones through out the bodice.
Complete with 6 bangals. Sizes 0-6. Pictures
available. Price reduced to $1,750. Call Stacie
at 612-251-8108 or [email protected]. [1]
LATIN/RHYTHM DRESSES
Stand-out “Designs To Shine” Latin/Rhythm
dress by Maria McGill. Purchased just 6 mos.
ago. Bright red, figure flattering, with halter
neckline, and lots of stones and beaded embellishments. Matching gauntlets and choker. Worn in competition receiving rave reviews. Size M. $2400. Photos available. Contact
[email protected]. [2]
Just Like New! Worn only once and received
endless compliments. Playful, fringe, costume
in three layered colors (gold, light orange and
deep orange) with a nude colored body suite
and build in bra cups. Over two thousand
beautifully applied Swarowski Stones in the
front, back and in between fringe. Comes with
matching necklace and four matching bracelets
www.USAdance.ORG
Dancemart will continue to serve the members
of USA Dance as a free space to advertise and sell
personal costumes, shoes, etc., or search for a
partner.
To be included in Dancemart, please limit
your classified ads to 50 words. You must include
your membership number and name to ensure
compliance with the free space for members only.
Classified ads will run in American Dancer
for two issues. If you wish to run it longer, you
must resend it. To place or renew an ad please
send it to:
[email protected]
also studded heavily with Swarowski Stones. Many photos available, just email me and I will
send pictures as attachments....
Fits sizes 2-4. Moves amazingly on the dance
floor!!! Great for Junior Dancer s as well as
adults. Price: $650 Call Wanda at 856-46244999 or email: [email protected] [1]
Stunning deep red dress size 4-8. High neckline with open back, long sleeves open at shoulders. Scalloped hemline, heavily decorated
with Swarovski crystals throughout dress with
accent crystals on scallops at hemline. Stretchy
material. Has a bodysuit & bra cups. Professionally made, only worn two times. Photos
available. Reduced from $1500 to $1200. Call
Kayte (240) 285-1579 or email: dclemarr@
gmail.com [1]
Very playful in seafoam green. Playful skirt
with an open back. Jewelry included: matching
bracelets, choker and ear-rings. Size 0-6. Pictures available. Price reduced to $2,400. Call Stacie at 612-251-8108 or
[email protected] [1]
Playful black and orange latin/rhythm dress. Sleeveless with an open back. Very playful
skirt. Size 4-8. Pictures available. Includes
matching bracelets and choker. Price reduced
to $1,400. Call Stacie at 612-251-8108 or
[email protected] [1]
Ultra Showy Green Latin/rhythm dress. It
features a very slinky shape and draped fabric
heavily decorated with Chrysolite (green)
stones and AB accents. The left side is quite
open for those who dare to bare! Fishnets can
be worn. Size 0-6. Pictures available. Price
reduced to $950. Call Stacie at 612-251-8108
or [email protected] [1]
MEN AND WOMEN SHOES
Brand New Ladies Latin Dance Shoes-- New
worn!! On pair is Silver leather w/silver glitter
and the other is nude satin with Rhinestone
buckles (easy to adjust for good fit), both are
size 8 1/2, 3” heel. Asking $100 for both or $60
each. Jackie Uprichard jackietapdog@yahoo.
com [1]
“White Satin Supadance Dance Shoes, english
size 6&1/2. Worn only one
time. $75. Call Millie at 651-436-7672. [1]
SOCIAL GATHERING
Love to dacnce? Love to vacation? Combine
your passions and join us on a 12-day Mediterranean cruise aboard Carnival Freedom Leaving Rome 10/13/08. Over 25 hours of private
ballroom dancing. Grab a dance partner and
hop aboard this fun filled dance cruise. Cabins
from $1399pp based on double occupancy. Call
(407) 682-5769 or (866) 550-7924 Carol Brown
March - April 39