July-Aug 2008 American Dancer
Transcription
July-Aug 2008 American Dancer
Dancer A m e r i c a n Opportunities to Share Dancing with the Stars Junior Competition Champions: Brandon Armstrong & Brittany Cherry Smile When You Dance That Louisiana Gumbo Official Publication of USA Dance Dancing Worlds: a Competitor’s Perspective www.usadance.org July - August 2008 Issue I3 DVDS VIDEOS MUSIC MANUALS FLOORING CERTIFICATION MASTERY CAMPS DVIDA SYLLABUS 9081 W. SAHARA AVE., SUITE 100 LAS VEGAS, NV USA 89117-4803 CALL FOR A FREE CATALOG 1-800-851-2813 EMAIL [email protected] WEBSITE DOWNLOAD THE LATEST CATALOG AT WWW.DANCEVISION.COM On the Cover 22 16 Smile When You Dance That Dancing is about the relationship. 21 Opportunities to Share A candid interview with Dancing with the Stars couple, Brandon Armstrong and Brittany Cherry. 33 Louisiana Gumbo The 2008 USA Dance South Central Regional Championships brought over 24 states together for a full weekend of fabulous competition. Participants of the Louisiana Gumbo Competition weekend. Photo Courtesy of Gumbo Chapter 5031 of South Louisiana Inside the Cover Line of Dance 4 5 6 In Step 34 36 38 39 President’s Report Editorial Information & Contributors Announcements & Letter to the Editor Dance Floor 8 10 12 14 15 18 Putting Ballroom on Your Resume Michael and Sasha AD Marketplace DanceMart Chapter News Chapter Highlight: Orange County Individual Spotlight: Vic Waki Chapter of the Year Volunteer of the Year The “Two-Step” Way to Better Health 20 On Beat 20 22 The Public Eye Your Mama Don’t Dance DanceSport 24 25 27 28 Competition Calendar Nationals Results Continued The DanceSport Vision Dancing Worlds Erick and Carol Uphoff Photo courtesy of Lifetime Telelvision www.USADANCE.ORG July - August 3 Presidents’ I Report n my last report I commented that all the chapter presidents I had spoken with seemed to have problems in finding volunteers. Since then I have visited with the Louisiana Gumbo Chapter at its Gumbo of Ballroom event in Baton Rouge. I saw no shortage of volunteers and spent three days with a great bunch of people. Thank you, Gumbo guys! Ida and I will spend Independence Day in the air. We’ll be on our way to Fort Wayne, Indiana, where the first-ever Special Olympic ballroom competition in the USA will be held. Some of our social dancers from the chapter have volunteered to work with and partner the Special Olympians, so we have some brave individuals crossing over into DanceSport. Thank you, Vivian Hans and the Fort Wayne Chapter. By now many of you will have seen the Comcast CN8 Channel coverage of some of the events at this year’s Nationals in Baltimore. The media reaction has produced some interesting articles, and we are currently working with CNN in New York on Olympic-related issues. This followed an article by 4 Line of Dance Barry Newman in the Wall Street Journal. Of course, this all takes a lot of time and hard work. I want to again commend Angela Prince for her efforts in these areas. Last month I was invited to attend a two-day seminar at the Olympic Training Center in Colorado Springs. The subject was Member Development, and the seminar was attended by representatives from several National Governing Bodies (NGBs), including Track & Field, Archery, Wrestling, Boxing, Swimming, Curling, Bowling, Gymnastics and more. The hectic and exhausting two days ended with a ceremony in which the participants lined up on a stairway outside the Visitor Center and passed an Olympic torch from hand to hand up to the top of the steps, where an Olympian climbed up to light the flame. Later I was able to meet with Jim Scherr, the CEO of the USOC, and with several other senior staffers. They very graciously gave me time they could probably ill-afford in an Olympic year. I came away impressed with the dedication and enthusiasm of our Olympic administrators. After 10 years of retirement, it took me a couple of hours to get into the tempo of working at the pace of these NGB staffers, but we had a great time, and I have several ideas inspired by some of the group tasks we undertook. In the fall, we will be conducting elections for about half of our national volunteer positions. I have not heard whether any of the positions are being contested, but we will know very soon. Last year, the total number of members voting was fewer than 300. Let’s go for at least 3,000 this year! Peter Pover Dancer Contributing Writers A m e r i c a n Andrew Calori, Jr. National Officers Andrew Calori, Jr., is a ballroom dance 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] • instructor at Showstoppers in Wickliffe, Ohio, and a member and former vice president of USA Dance, North Coast, Ohio Chapter #2063. Editorial Staff Andrew Pueschal EXECUTIVE EDITOR Shawn Fisher MANAGING EDITOR Erica Colvin COPY EDITOR Andrea Knight WRITER Rachel Snow WRITER Erica Colvin DESIGNER Bonnie Olsen DESIGNER Lindsey Hymas • Andrew Pueschal teaches as a professional instructor at Carnegie Mellon University and serves as the Assistant VP for Region 2, YCN Representative for Region 2, and Coordinator of USA Dance Pittsburgh Contributors DanceSport Championships. WRITERS • Andrew Calori, Jr. • Andrew Pueschal • Jack Lebo • • Jean Krupa • Harold & Meredith Sears • EDITORIAL ADVISOR Angela Prince, USA Dance Director of Public Relations • Jack Lebo Rates & Prices Jack has followed and written about the Big American Dancer is published bimonthly as a service for members and is included in membership annual dues. • Bands of America for years. His Big Band Report appears in every issue of American Subscription Dancer. Jack is retired and lives in Levittown, Individual Non-Member $25 Canadian Air Delivery $32 Overseas Air Delivery $36 Library Subscription $9 • Pa. with his wife. Jean Krupa Advertising AD REPRESENTATIVE Shawn Fisher 208.201.4339 email: [email protected] • Jean Krupa currently serves as the Social Vice President for USA Dance. In 1999 she served as the Regional Vice President for the Submissions Daytona Ballroom Dancers Club, which she 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. • helped organize in 1990. Letters to the editor Harold & Meredith Sears Please include your name, city and state. Names will appear in full unless specified otherwise. • Harold & Meredith are social dancers in Boulder, Colorado. They primarily enjoy Chapter News Round Dancing, a choreographed and cued Please include chapter name and number, contact information and any photos with caption information that you might have. • ballroom. [email protected], or www.rounddancing.net/dance 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 Rexburg, ID 83440-0462 • 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 Dancer A m e r i c a n Opportunities to Share Dancing with the Stars Junior Competition Champions: Brandon Armstrong & Brittany Cherry Smile When You Dance That Louisiana Gumbo Official Publication of USA Dance Dancing Worlds: a Competitor’s Perspective July - August 2008 Cover Photo © ABC/Kelsey McNeal Dancing With The Stars Junior Competition Champions: Brandon Armstrong and Brittany Cherry. July - August 5 Announcements USA Dance National Cabaret Championship to be held in Indy The USA Dance National Cabaret Championship is moving! The next USA Dance National Cabaret Championship will be held at the Heartland Classic in Indianapolis, the weekend of September 27and 28. The winners are invited to perform an exhibition number at the USA Dance National Championships in Baltimore in April, 2009. Their transportation will be paid by the Heartland Chapter, and the National Steering Committee will provide one night’s accommodation at the host hotel. You do not need to have competed in another qualifier before competing for this title. All cabaret rules from the 2008-2009 DanceSport Rulebook will apply. As with all of our other dance events, entries will be limited to one per person. For information about the Heartland Classic, go to www. IndyUsaDance.org. Any questions about this event can be directed to Rog Greenawalt at [email protected]. Letter to the Editor F irst, I want to thank you for the behind the scenes story about the 2008 National DanceSport Championships. It was an amazing event and I would like to acknowledge a couple of people who were missed in your story. First, let me say, that without all of the volunteers who gave hours of their time during the competition, the event would not have been as great a success and I thank them sincerely. However, a few people were missed, and I would like to acknowledge them. These were individuals who worked the entire 6 Line of Dance year behind the scenes to make sure that this event was the success it was. Without their tireless work, countless hours on the phone and many, many e-mails it would never have happened. So, to Angela Prince who got us the Mayor, Comcast and various other news and TV shows and who showed us all how publicity could be done, thank you. To Doug Montanus, who never took “no” for a final answer and who developed the skills of a great fundraiser, thank you. To Borbala Bunnett, who worked endlessly to accommodate the vendors and with whom I had numerous 2 AM chats and who spent most of the competition either being On-Deck Captain or giving workshops, thank you. To Ava Kaye who in addition to scrutineering the entire event, spent many nights before the event reassuring me that the dancers will come, and then spent hours upon hours making sure that all events were scheduled and everyone was entered in the proper event, thank you. And last but certainly not least, to Ken and Roseanna Richards for traveling back and forth to Baltimore, dealing with the hotel, making sure that the ballroom looked spectacular, and handling all the other myriad of miscellaneous tasks that arose before, during and after the event an enormous thank you. Yours, Daphna Locker, Chair 2008 National Organizing Committee Letter to the Editor www.USADANCE.ORG July - August 7 Chapter News Carolina Heartland Chapter #6092 Hailed at Bicentennial Ball By Trudy Atkins We quickly made her the chair of the event. She explained that a showcase was an opportunity to focus on one dance and learn it really well. Then we’d perform for family and fellow dance before our monthly chapter dance. The thought of performing freaked most of us out, but we were told it would be a lot of fun, and, she assured us, “It will change your life.” That was 2007, and our first showcase was a huge success, with 15 performances and 100 people in attendance. Planning for the 2008 showcase required a leap of faith. We’d outgrown last year’s venue, but how much could we afford? Would we have the money to pay for the facility of choice? With the support of local business sponsors, we were able to rent the facility, just hoping we’d have enough spectators to cover the remaining costs. The Carolina Heartland Dancers of Chapter #6092. Photo courtesy of Steve Raeford. Twenty members of the Carolina Heartland Chapter in Greensboro, North Carolina, literally “Danced through the Decades” Apr. 11 at the Greensboro Bicentennial Ball in the Greensboro Coliseum. Greensboro has been observing its 200th anniversary with a month-long celebration culminating with the Bicentennial Ball. Our assignment was to dance whenever the band played, beginning with a 19th century waltz, played by a string quartet, and concluding with a Big Band version of a 21st century salsa. A highlight was a Charleston danced by Sherri Raeford who was later featured on the front page in Steve and Sherrie Raeford. the local newspaper in her red Photo courtesy of Bob Perry. fringed dress. (The Charleston lasted six minutes and Sherri danced gamely to the end.) Dancers worked hard developing and perfecting their routines. One of our members arranged for Sunday practices at a local elementary school. We all found places to practice, even if that only meant the kitchen floor. As the showcase date got closer, so did the stress on our bodies and emotions. Tension built up in both our sore muscles and in our partner relationships. There were grumblings of, “Dancing is supposed to be FUN,” “I’m never doing this again,” and, “Take more Ibuprofen.” Well, the day came, and it was even better than the first year. As each of us walked onto that dance floor and took our turn, we could feel the camaraderie and support of our fellow dancers. We understood the struggles each had endured and the fear he or she was now experiencing. It didn’t matter if a move was forgotten or the toe not pointed. Everyone went out there and gave it their all. We were all winners. We cheered, we laughed, we cried, we hugged. And, most importantly — we had fun! “What’s a Showcase?” Yakima, WA Chapter #1022 By Penny Park “What’s a Showcase?”— That was the response of our small (25-member) USA Dance Yakima, Wash., Chapter 1022 when Mary Egan first suggested the idea of a showcase two years ago. Mary had recently moved to our little city in eastern Washington from Omaha, Neb. A student of John Berry of Kansas City, (considered the top teacher in the country at the time), she had competed for seven years in Pro-Am competitions across the country, won several scholarship competitions, and danced in 30 showcases. Most importantly, Mary brought enthusiasm and the love of ballroom dance. 8 Dance Floor The Yakima, WA Chapter #1022. Photo courtesy of Penny Park. Our 2008 showcase had 46 participants, including 9 professionals (two who currently compete), two couples from out of town, and an Idahoan. Our dancers’ ages ranged from the 20s to the 80s, with most of us tipping the higher end of the scale. There were 31 performances showcasing 17 dances: foxtrot, lindy hop, waltz, triple time swing,rumba, polka, Texas two-step, Viennese waltz, hustle, night club two-step, cha cha, west coast swing, quickstep, samba, tango, 10-step and bolero. Chapter News The audience, at 200 attendees, more than doubled from last year. We followed the showcase with a social hour and a dinner dance, where we danced the night away. Yes, Mary was right — it changed our lives. Rhode Island Chapter #3010 By Josh Morgenstein As part of its continuing commitment to develop and support ballroom dancing at the collegiate level, the RI chapter of USA Dance recently organized a luncheon meeting between the ballroom clubs of many of our local colleges and universities. The meeting was attended by representatives from the ballroom clubs of Rhode Island College, Johnson and Wales University, Roger Williams University, Brown University, and the University of Rhode Island. This luncheon was intended to create a forum for the members of the various teams to meet and interact, with the specific goal of sharing knowledge regarding the development and promotion of a successful college ballroom club. The Rhode Island chapter of USA Dance is dedicated to serving as a clearinghouse for communication with, and among, our state’s collegiate ballroom organizations. It hopes to aid these clubs in organizing the scheduling of their events to avoid conflicts, as well as to help advertise and support these events, and to encourage the various clubs to work together and support each other whenever possible. The Youth Coordinator Network for our chapter of USA Dance will be co-chaired over the coming year by volunteers from two of our local college clubs: Samantha (Sam) Laustsen from Roger Williams University ([email protected]) and Andrew Maurey from Johnson & Wales University ([email protected]). We would like to offer our thanks to both our new co-chairs as well as all the students who attended our luncheon meeting. www.USAdance.ORG Greater NY Chapter Dance Parade By Yang Chen, President, Greater NY USA Dance The Second Annual New York Dance Parade took place on Saturday, May 17. Around noon, our dancers began to congregate around our red Jeep, donning our snappy, turquoise-blue NY USA Dance T-shirts, specially printed up for the Dance Parade. Our group headed east on 28th Street around 1 p.m., later ending at Tompkins Square Park about two hours later. We made our way down the parade route with ballroom music blasting from the speakers that hung from the back of our Jeep; we danced next to, behind and sometimes in front of the Jeep. Many New Yorkers were treated to all manner of dance styles and disciplines. Included in the parade, dancers performed ballroom, salsa, swing, hiphop, belly dancing, and modern. Other highlighs were the Knicks City Dancers and dancers on stilts. NY Chapter Participants at the Dance Parade. Photo courtesy of R. Pungin. The festivities continued in Tompkins Square Park with dance performances put on by various groups represented at the Dance Parade. Free dance lessons were also offered, and NY USA Dance contributed a lesson in rumba. Elena Weinstein and Michael Fenton taught a large crowd eager to learn some basic rumba steps. Thank you to our NY USA Dance members, the NYU Ballroom Team, and the Rutgers Ballroom Team who came out to represent ballroom and USA Dance at the Dance Parade. You were all terrific. Thanks also to Naomi Geller, Joey Pasaoa and Elena Weinstein, Stefany Coulter, and Ronnie Pruitt. And thanks to everyone who came out to the fundraiser social for the Dance Parade. www.YouTube.com: USA Dance at the 2nd Annual Dance Parade. July - August 9 Chapter Highlight By: Andrea Knight OrangeChapter County #4018 Always juicy, the Orange County Chapter Photos of Orange County Fair taken by Sheldon Liss puts the tang in tango, despite the array of obstacles blocking its development. “We, the Orange County Chapter, have been putting on social dances from the very beginning,” said O.C. Chapter board member Vic Waki. “It’s just a matter of time, volunteers and money that keeps us from reaching the full potential.” After 11 years with the Orange County Chapter Board, Waki is intimately acquainted with both the chapter’s strengths and its weaknesses. “One problem we run into is that, to the outside world, we are known as a ballroom group, but we need to reach out to other dancers to help make money and advertise,” Waki explained. To counter this difficulty, the O.C. Chapter has expanded its repertoire to include events that will appeal to more than just ballroom dancers. For example, the chapter has held themed events, such as costume contests and an Indy 500 night, not to mention the country/Hawaiian dance scheduled for the end of August. “This … dance party will reach out to the local 10 Dance Floor country dancers and to a local Asian singles group who do some partner dancing but are mostly freestyle dancers,” Waki said. Other mini-events held during the chapter’s dances have included dance performances, a magic act, and a talented display by a dancing dog. Chapter Vice President and Membership Chairman Aydin Aksoy explained that these acts are intended to entertain and unite dancers of all genres and even ages. “One of our biggest challenges is that the older and younger generations don’t like to dance in the same area,” Aksoy commented. In addition to attracting a wide range of dancers, this event diversity helps set the Orange County Chapter apart from the 15 other dance studios located nearby. “We have to differentiate ourselves from other ballrooms,” Aksoy said. “We are a very short distance from some very busy clubs, so we have to set ourselves apart.” Despite these hefty challenges, the O.C. Chapter has managed to grow 20 percent in recent months, increasing its membership by around 50 people, ac- National Ballroom Dance Week National The Soc ial Scene: Ballroom Photo of Club One Party taken by Bill Rose Dance week Dance www.USAdance.ORG For more ideas on the www.usadance.org and information see Or call 1-800-332-NBDW The tradition of celebrating and promoting USA Dance and ballroom dancing since 1989. The week-long extravaganza of social dancing, shows, exhibitions and lessons is an opportunity to do something special for your chapter. You could sponsor a raffle, free passes to future dances or free admission for anyone who brings a first-time guest. Or go “all out” to celebrate with a dance every night, often with each offering a different theme. Hold mall dances, advertise or arrange to have articles written in the activity ideas cording to Aksoy. Even better, the O.C. chapter has also made itself a force for good in the dancing community. Aksoy said that the O.C. Chapter makes a special effort to give local dance instructors some exposure to the dancing community. “It brings variety to our dances; some instructors even have their own consistent nights of teaching,” Aksoy added. The O.C. Chapter also provides its members with as much professional teaching as possible. “We try to, in a sense, offer to the members a crosssection of teachers that the other area ballrooms can’t provide,” Regional Vice President Bill Rose said. “Some teachers want $250 for an hour-long lesson. A ballroom won’t pay that, but we will — if it means giving our members time with some well-known teachers and specialists.” Additionally, this chapter has contributed several hundred dollars in scholarship money to youth and junior couples within the last couple of years alone, taking this opportunity at events such as the 2007 OnCueLA Dance Convention, the 2007 Senior Citizens Association Annual Luncheon, and the 2008 USA Dance Nationals. “We can’t give away hundreds of thousands of dollars, but I think we’ve been fairly generous with giving support to these young couples,” Rose said. See www.usadance-oc.org for more information on the Orange County Chapter. September 19-28, 2008 local paper about ballroom dancing. Offer free lessons, do demonstrations in nursing homes, schools, festivals and other public venues. We hope this is the best Ballroom Dance Week ever and we want to hear about it. Send pictures, press coverage, write-ups and stories to... [email protected]. July May - August - June 11 Individual Spotlight By: Andrea Knight Vic Waki Orange County Chapter #4018 A almost every trick.” ccording to his In addition to planning and preparing for events, region’s vice Waki is always available to make the evenings more president, Vic Waki pleasant for all involved. doesn’t crave any “Being a dedicated social dancer, he participates in recognition for his almost every dance, making the rounds of single ladies, work with the Orange providing a partner to many throughout the evening,” County Chapter. Too Rose said. bad. Waki is also known for his creative ideas for “Vic Waki is outreach projects. He is currently working on an event our chapter’s ‘Most that he hopes will bring the O.C. Chapter closer to other Valuable Player,’” said dancers in the area. Regional Vice President Bill Rose. One of “I’ve been looking at the [Richard the founding members of the Orange Nixon Library]; we’ll join forces County Chapter, Vic Waki has been with a Victorian Historical a member of the chapter’s board dance group and have a for 11 years and a dancer for 20. formal dance there,” Waki “Vic is the anchor of this said. chapter,” said Aydin Aksoy, Whether big or small, O.C. Chapter Vice President Waki’s projects are completed and Membership Chairman. “So with creativity and attention to many people are coming in and Regional Vice President, Bill detail, out — he’s lasted the longest and Rose not to mention a strong dose of done the most.” humility. Although currently in charge of “special “Vic demonstrates all the qualities of true giving,” projects,” Waki has contributed to the chapter in almost Rose said. “He is definitely our Volunteer of the Year!” every imaginable capacity, arriving early to and leaving late from every activity. “Patiently he sets and cleans the kitchen,” Aksoy commented. “He sets up the chairs, even does the books for the night. Nothing is too big or small. He knows “Vic demonstrates all the qualities of true giving. He is definitely our Volunteer of the Year!” - 12 Dance Floor 2007 National Chapter of the Year Youngstown-Warren Ohio Chapter # 2015, President: Susan Ryan From left to right: Jean Krupa- National Social Dance VP, Chuck Hurd -Current Youngstown OH Chapter President, Susan Ryan -2007 Youngstown OH Chapter President, Stephen Barba -Music and Outreach Coordinator Accomplishments 1. Membership: Increased chapter membership by 73% in November 2007 from SPLY (from 89 to 154) while reducing the delinquency rate from 12.36% to 3.25 % during the same period. 2. Chapter Events: a. Hosted 25 social dance events including two formal balls each attended by 250 dancers. The Emerald Ball exhibitions were performed by champions Bill Grainer and Lisa Vegas. b. 12 free monthly Mad Hot Monday’s Ballroom Boogie Dances, which are open to the public. 3. Chapter Outreach: a. Dance exhibitions at 10 nursing homes b. Exhibition at the YSU Festival of the Arts c. Sponsored a 3-day dance weekend/competition, Dancing Mahoning Valley, with a local mall, TV station and ABC Dancing with the Stars. Attended by 50 couples with the winning couple receiving an expense paid trip 14 Dance Floor to Dancing with the Stars TV show. d. The chapter supports the American Dancewheels Organization to build awareness of wheelchair ballroom dancing. Two chapter board members joined the organization and are learning to teach ballroom dance to the disabled. e. NBDW – Conducted 62 solo exhibitions plus 4 formations at the mall during 5 hour event. Over 150 people attended free September NBDW dance. 4. Youth College Network: a. Chapter volunteers teach ballroom dancing throughout year at local high school b. Kicked off and hosted the March Ballroom Madness, a weekly ballroom class with youth from 12 different high schools participating. c. Sponsors the YSU College Dance Club and the Youngstown State University ballroom Dance Competition team. YSU sent a 10 member team to the Arnold Youth Classic in 2007. 2007 National Volunteer of the Year Kerry Lovell President, LA Gumbo Chapter #5031 W Kerry Lovell, PHOTO COURTESTY OF BARBARA WALLY www.USAdance.ORG hen swing dancer Kerry Lovell joined USABDA, he saw a need for assistance with computer-related matters and quickly volunteered his expertise. A year later, owing to changes for other chapter leaders, he was “acting President” of his chapter, LA Gumbo (5031). If he’s still acting, he deserves an Oscar; even better than that, USA Dance named him Volunteer of the Year at the National Championship held in Baltimore in April. Lovell has guided his chapter through numerous challenges with grace and style, including Regional Competitions and the devastation brought by Hurricane Katrina. He also generously shares his talents and enthusiasm for dance with the community. I first met Lovell just over two years ago, when he contacted me about YCN activities and support for his efforts in working with the young people of Louisiana, especially the Mandeville High School Swing Dance Club. At the time, I was looking for someone to oversee YCN for Region 5. However, before I could enlist Lovell as a Regional YCN representative, he had become the President of LA Gumbo. His dedication to young dancers continues. Under his guidance, the chapter has provided dance instruction to Hope Haven, a facility for teens at risk, and earned high praise from their professional staff. Lovell serves as a liaison with other chapters in the area. He enlisted chapter volunteers to teach at a summer program for young people. As for the future, the sky’s the limit for Lovell, whose quiet demeanor belies his boundless energy and the enthusiasm for dance that he brings to everything he does. He’s already working on a plan to have elected officials present a Dancing With the Stars showcase to benefit a local high school. July - August 15 Photo Courtesy of istockphoto.com Smile When you dance that ~ Dancing is About the Relationship ~ W hen we first learn a new figure, a new amalgamation, a new dance, it is natural to focus on the steps and the technique. But if we want to feel good and look good, we have to go beyond technical accuracy and create an evocative human relationship with our partner. Without a relationship, the dance is just steps, just exercise, just earnest, unsmiling locomotion. But if the dance contains emotion, communication, and motivation then we have something more. If we can show that we really enjoy our partner, if we can play off our partner and respond emotionally to the music and to the movements of the dance, then we can achieve a richness that goes well beyond the dance routine. Fred and Ginger Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers are the perfect example. They made 10 movies in all. Of course, Fred and Ginger danced beautifully, and the beauty still emerges in their films because those dances are more than their steps. Many are wonderfully fun. Some are serious and dramatic, and some are even tragic. Their dances are physically and emotionally rich. 16 Dance Floor One of the most fun is I’m Putting All My Eggs In One Basket, a goofy, clowning, clumsy, silly dance. They are having fun, and they show it. They smile at the pleasure of their own movements and at their smooth responses to the music. They make eye contact in satisfied recognition that they are together, and they show concern, sometimes surprise, when they are not together. He actually throws her to the floor during a wrap and unwrap. Somehow he doesn’t pay attention to her plight as he gets caught up in his own complex routine, but she is disgusted, sitting on the floor. There is true life, relationship, and emotion in every move. In Pick Yourself Up, he pretends to be a clumsy non-dancer. Then, to save her job as a dance instructor, he must show that she has taught him well. He tosses off a machine-gun tap riff, and her expression is one of delighted amazement. The tune is joyful, and she dances with gaiety and wonder. Night and Day is a little more serious — it is three full minutes of dramatic seduction, and Ginger certainly succumbs. At the start, he approaches, and she retreats, dodges and shies. He follows and cuts her off. He takes her hand and she turns to him. He dances a flourish, and she is intrigued but turns away. He draws her to him again. They look deep into each other’s eyes, she reluctantly, he intensely. They dance. The music intensifies, and they are wrapped up in both the music and their own movement. Finally, slowing together, pivot 1, 2, 3, and he gently lowers her to a seat. She is motionless, stunned, smitten, eyes wide in wordless amazement and awe. Gazing up, aglow, she has been courted and won. They smile, perhaps a bit shyly. He offers her a cigarette. Finally, Never Gonna Dance is a dance of parting. He cannot dance with her, so he feels that he will never dance again. Their expressions are tragic, eyes cast down, movements slow. There is wistful yearning. They sway like grasses in a soft breeze. She turns and walks away, head down. The tempo picks up a little and he snatches her arm and turns her. They gaze at each other intently. There is a rock-4 with great pleading, a mirrored challenge and reply, and then explosive but bittersweet exuberance, and they part. These Poster images qualify as the fair use under the United States copyright law. Fred danced with many partners in a dancing career that spanned more than 60 years, but no one was better than Ginger. She wasn’t the most highly trained, technically proficient, agile, or athletic, but she was the most human, charming and responsive. Ginger’s dancing was about the relationship. They responded to each other, and those relationships make their dances thrilling. In the ’30s, they were top box office draws, and then and long after, thousands wanted to dance like they did. Why? Not because they were skilled. Not because the dances were complex and the steps tricky. Not even www.USAdance.ORG because the music was beautiful. We love their dancing because they love their dancing. We can do it too. We can work to get the steps right, but we can also think about developing emotional responses that are complementary to both the music and the dance. We can think about communicating those emotions. We can create relationships with our partners. We can at least smile. by: Harold & Meredith Sears Social dancers in Boulder, Colorado July - August 17 Ballroom and Latin Dancing: The “Two Step” Way B allroom and Latin dancing are changing the way people feel about themselves and how they exercise. With physical, emotional and mental effects, dancing can provide countless benefits to millions of people. This favored recreation is one of the best overall forms of lowand high-impact aerobic workouts. It is fun, it can be free and, best of all, it is always done with someone else! 1 Physical Benefits Cardiovascular: Ballroom and Latin dancing can raise the heart rate from 80 to 120 beats per minute. This is equivalent to any strength training or aerobic program. Sustained in two-minute bursts over a 45-minute period, dancing helps build the heart’s strength and endurance. Muscle Tone: When danced at an intermediate to advanced level of technique, Ballroom and Latin dancing uses isometric and isotonic resistance, the two key ingredients to building and toning muscle. The blend of the two types of resistance builds beautiful muscle tone without building a lot of muscle mass. Joints: According to the American Journal of Medicine, the best way to avoid arthritis and to remedy current joint discomfort is to continue to use the joints in a controlled manner. The rise and fall of waltz, among other dances, provides precisely this type of exercise. Spinal Column: The frame or posture maintained during dancing puts the spine in the correct, natural position, which happens to be better than standing or sitting. Plus, dancing posture puts the organs in alignment, which is thought by many doctors and chiropractors to fight sickness, disease, fatigue and more. Better posture can also result in a much more attractive (and youthful) appearance. Improved posture improves balance as well which helps with more graceful movement. 18 Dance Floor Conrad and Betty McClintock, of the Carolina Heartland Dancers Chapter #6092, have enjoyed the benefits of social dancing for over 70 years now. They are active in their chapter as Outreach Chairs and say that “life is wonderful and so is dancing!” Respiratory: Strong lungs allow the body to receive plenty of oxygen, which makes the work of the heart easier and, in turn, allows a person to dance (and have fun) longer. To increase lung strength, runners use “wind” bursts, brief sprints to quickly increase heart and respiratory rates, followed by slower running to allow them to come down. This can be similar to dancing at a party, club or ballroom. to Better Health by: 2 Andrew Calori, Jr. Photo courtesy of Steve Raeford Facial Lines: Most ballroom and Latin dancers are so busy smiling all the time that they tend to not develop those nasty worry lines. and pressures of the world. For a few hours a week it offers freedom from normal responsibilities and gives enjoyment and invigoration for pursuing life’s demands. Mental & Emotional Benefits Emotional Lifeline: Ballroom and Latin dancing offer a positive and lively activity that can fill emptiness, loneliness or a void that may be felt in life. Hug Theory: The dance position used in Ballroom and Latin dancing is very similar to a hug. It is believed, in fact, that this is part of the attraction of Ballroom and Latin dancing. A person who is dancing receives the security of a hug without the need for intimacy — and hugs truly are therapeutic. Self-esteem: Many people who do Ballroom and Latin dancing have reportedly found deeper self-worth, assigning greater value to themselves. Confidence: Many Ballroom and Latin dancers have experienced the thrill of dancing in front of other people. Overcoming the fear of performing increases confidence in dance, in one’s self and in life. Social Ease: All individuals need to experience comfort and ease in social situations. Weekly exposure to others in dance class leads to more ease with classmates, which can carry over into other social situations. From dance experiences, people can learn proper social etiquette and to engage in conversation, and conquer the fear of asking someone to dance. Social dancing even helps people deal with crowds. Grace and Poise: Through improved balance and self-esteem, a dancer tends to stand and move in a much more polished and pleasant manner. Clumsiness is replaced with grace and poise, which also increases confidence and social ease. Psychological Escape: No matter what people do in life, they all need to take a break sometimes. Ballroom and Latin dancing provide a temporary escape from the cares www.USAdance.ORG Do not worry if you have never tried Ballroom or Latin dancing before. Find a school of dance and try a beginner’s class — everyone has to start somewhere. As you make new friends and enjoy the new challenge, you will forget your first class jitters. Even if you think you have two left feet, it may not be long before you are waltzing, fox-trotting or samba-ing your way to better health in body, mind and spirit. Andrew Calori, Jr., is a ballroom dance instructor at Showstoppers in Wickliffe, Ohio, and a member and former vice president of USA Dance, North Coast, Ohio Chapter #2063. Mr. Calori is a lifelong caterer as well as a ballroom enthusiast. When he conducted a survey to learn more about the “inside” benefits of ballroom dancing, he included many professional doctors, nurses, social workers, and nutritionists. He has also recently been published in the January/February 2008 edition of Balanced Living Magazine. He can be contacted at [email protected]. July - August 19 The Public Eye We are in the News! Go to these links to read more!! The Olympics? The Wall Street Journal An article in The Wall Street Journal recently Macho Men American Profile Ballroom dancing also got addressed ballroom dancing’s dreams of inclusion in the spotlighted in a recent issue of Olympic Games, asking the question, “Is ballroom danc- American Profile magazine. Esther ing really a sport?” The article included these responses Freeman, USA Dance Director from several members of USA Dance: of Finance & Budget, contrib- “It’s competitive,” Eugene Katsevman said. “But it’s uted to the article’s discussion artistic.” of ballroom’s recent popularity: “And creative. But accidents happen. You crash “It’s back in a big way,” Freeman into other couples,” Katsevman’s dance partner, Maria explained. “Dancing With the Manusova, said. Stars made it OK for macho men “I guess we’re dancers,” said Katsevman. to dance. (NFL great) Jerry Rice “Or athletes,” said Manusova. dancing with his wife in the kitchen USA Dance National President Peter Pover (in one episode) — that was very explained the term Dancesport, responding to the asser- romantic for a lot of women. And tion that dancing is not a legitimate sport: “What did we men looked at it and said, ‘Well, if have to do to convince these Olympic people that we Jerry Rice can do it, I can.’” were a sport?” he said. “Well, the first thing was to call ourselves a sport.” as “a heartfelt reminder of what’s good about who we are and the The WSJ article also mentioned the Olympic American Profile serves emphasis on media attention, suggesting that recent places many of us still call home,” media coverage may have improved ballroom danc- according to the magazine’s Web ing’s chances of serious Olympic consideration. As Peter site. To read Nancy Henderson’s Pover put it, “Ten years ago, the only people who would full article, see http://www.ameri- watch ballroom dancing were ladies over the age of 50. canprofile.com/article/26253.html. It’s all been transformed by Dancing With the Stars.” *Article written by Andrea Knight. To read Barry Newman’s full The Wall Street Journal article, see http://www.wsj.com/article/ SB121279417265153475.html?mod=psp_free_today. * Article written by: Andrea Knight. 20 On Beat Opportunities by: Erica Colvin to Share An interview with the Dancing With the Stars Junior Competition Champions: Brandon Armstrong and Brittany Cherry. What was your favorite thing about participating on What were your feelings during the get to dance on national television and to get to meet all the behind the scenes and see how it all works. There is so much talented professionals going on and everything is scheduled. There isn’t time to sit and all of the stars. and get nervous, you just do it. greatest experiences I have had so far in my life. First off the for Dancing with the Stars I was really excited, then, as it got Brittany: My favorite part was just the opportunity to Dancing With the Stars? Brandon: Being on Dancing with the Stars was one of the people at Dancing with the Stars are the nicest people; they were always so helpful and kind. This made the experience of Brittany: I was so excited, it was really fun to watch competition? Brandon: Once we got the call that we had been chosen closer to the show, I started getting pretty nervous. Then when it came time to be introduced onto the floor, I was pretty being on a studio set and on TV so much better. nervous until I stepped onto the floor. Then I felt calm and was Who were you able to meet while you were on set and best. [It’s] something I will never ever forget and I will always competing? Brittany: I got to meet all of the professional dancers, be so thankful for the opportunity to learn so much. though I knew several of them from shows and competitions. experience of my life so far and I look forward to many more It was really nice to get to know the other kids that were part of the competition, they are nice kids and we had a lot of fun. excited. The experience at Dancing with the Stars has been the Brittany: Dancing With the Stars has been the best opportunities to share my love for dance with the world. Brandon: Of course my favorite dancer on the show has to be Edyta. She is so beautiful and she was so nice, especially is a winner. We are happy that each of the six couples were so time of day. Brittany: The first dance that we did on the show was the Did you select your music and dance or was it chosen for you? Cha Cha to “Magic Carpet Ride.” The producers chose which Brandon: We were able to choose our second dance. We, dance each of the couples did and what song they danced to. as you know, chose the Paso Doble. Brittany: We told them that we like songs that have a theme and are intense. We were so excited when they sent us the music and it was “Phantom of the Opera.” I love that music. www.USADANCE.ORG Dancing With the Stars Junior Competition. Each competitor enthusiastically supported by their hometowns and their USA Dance chapters. ABC.com received hundreds of emails from around the nation commenting on the inspiring performances of these young dancers. We are proud of our members that represent USA Dance youth from across America. To view their performances, visit www. youtube.com/usadanceinc, our playlist Dancing With the Stars. PHOTOS © ABC/Kelsey McNeal since I am 13 years old, she didn’t really have to give me the USA Dance congratulates all participants in this season’s JULY July- -AUGUST August 21 Your Mama don’t dance ...or does she? USA Dance Mom makes it to the final show competing with her son on the Lifetime television program “Your Mama Don’t Dance.” C by: Erica Colvin arol Uphoff of Chapel Hill, North Carolina got the surprise of her life when the Lifetime network let her in on a secret. Her son, Erick, had been auditioning for a spot on a reality dance show; the only thing he didn’t know was that his dance partner would be his own mother. Experience Erick (21) started dancing at the early age of nine. He attended the ballet “The Nutcracker” and saw that many of the gentlemen’s roles were played by girls. He said, “I can do that.” By the next December, Erick played the role of The Nutcracker. Erick’s career progressed through high school as he continuing working his way up the ladder of success. After graduation he moved to L.A. to continue dancing. Carol (45), a member of USA Dance NC-Triangle Chapter #6030, had limited dance experience. She explains that she and her husband, Kurt, were cast as the parents in “The Nutcracker” and were able to dance on the same stage as Erick. “It gave me good performance experience,” said Carol. She also enjoys dancing socially with her local chapter. 22 On Beat The Twist But this dance experience was nothing compared to what was coming. November of 2007 the Lifetime network called Carol and Kurt, and announced that Erick was a finalist in the auditions. They wanted some background material for the show including a videotape of Carol and husband, Kurt. “It was my casting video and I didn’t know it,” said Carol. Carol soon discovered that Erick’s audition was her audition too. Erick’s mystery partner was going to be none other than his own mother.. “Your Mama Don’t Dance” consisted of five female competitors dancing with their fathers and five male competitors dancing with their mothers, with a grand prize of $100,000. Hosted by Ian Ziering, the show premiered Feb. 29 and took place each Friday at 9 p.m. et/pt. The Big Moment “Erick found out on Dec. 12 that he would be on the show. He thought he would be set up against his peers. We acted surprised. I was most worried that our reactions wouldn’t be as Photos Courtesy of LIfetime Television enthusiastic as they should be because he was telling us stuff we already knew,” Carol shared. “It was so hard to keep the secret.” In the first show, the kids were brought on stage one by one to meet the judges. At that moment the curtain was raised to reveal the contestant’s parent. “I was shocked. I thought they were playing a big joke on me. I had no idea. They kept it such a secret,” said Erick. Rehearsals “We started right off the bat,” said Carol. The show selected the genre and the songs for each week. The contestants would pull a CD out of a hat to decide who would compete which style. Erick and Carol would spend hours learning from a choreographer, and then left to themselves to practice together. in ways I couldn’t have had any other way… We could just celebrate the experience and our relationship with each other, going after a common goal,” said Carol. The Show The first episode consisted of the dads and daughters, alternating with the next week’s competition featuring the moms and sons. The fifth episode through the eighth episode included everyone that remained on the show. Each week, after the judging, two couples were placed in the bottom of the bracket. It then became America’s job to save their favorite couple. “I was feeling pretty confident; [my mom] is in great shape… I was excited to see what she could. She ended up blowing me way.” Erick and Carol found themselves as a bottom couple in Week 7; with stunning performances and great scores from the judges keeping them at the top of the game, until now. After a hard week of rehearsals, Erick and Carol awaited the voter’s decision. Much to their excitement, America saved them for the final episode and their last competitive dance together! “The great thing was to see him as an adult in his world: seeing him teach and how he worked with choreographer to learn his steps,” said Carol. “We had common goals that we were working on together and achieving. It made it a really enjoyable experience.” At the end of the final episode, Dad and daughter duo Noelle and Doug, were announced as the winners with just a 20 minute window for America to vote for their favorites. “We were very pleased to have made it so far,” said Carol. “It was an amazing experience I think it challenged both of us, physically, spiritually, it was hard at times but we faced them together... He encouraged me to do the hard stuff, he had confidence in me, it pushed me “Being on stage was the most surreal moment. It’s tough to even explain…I couldn’t be anything but honored to be there sharing that experience with her,” said Erick. www.USADANCE.ORG To view clips from the series, visit www.lifetimetv.com. July - August 23 COMPETITION january 16-18, 2009 CALENDAR Manhattan Amateur Classic- NQE Greater New York Chapter #1004. New York, NY july 26, 2008 january 30-31, 2009 Quest for the Best 2008 Seattle Chapter #1004. Seattle, WA Smoky Mountain DanceSport Championships- NQE Greater Knoxville Chapter #2060. Knoxville, TN august 29-30, 2008 february 7, 2009 IDSF Grand Slam Latin/Standard Championships Open to USA Dance competitors and other IDSF members. Embassy Ball, Irvine, CA Southwest DanceSport Championships- NQE NorCal Chapter #4004. San Jose, CA september 27-28, 2008 Heartland Classic- NQE USA Dance National Cabaret Championship Heartland Chapter #2022. Indianapolis, IN october 25-26, 2008 NorthWest DanceSport Championships- NQE Seattle Chapter #1004. Seattle, WA february 21, 2009 Chicago DanceSport Challenge Championships Chicagoland Chapter #2001. Chicago, IL february 28-march 1, 2009 Southeastern DanceSport Championships- NQE Mid-Eastern Chapter #6001. Bethesda, MD november 8, 2008 California State DanceSport Championship- NQE NorCal Chapter #4004. Oakland, CA april 3-5, 2009 USA Dance National DanceSport Championships Baltimore, MD 24 DanceSport More Results from the USA Dance 2008 National DanceSport Championships Senior I Championship Smooth (WTFV) Senior III Championship Rhythm (CRSBM) 1) 389 Curtis Prevost & Olga Curd - TX 2) 143 Andy W. Nordberg & Janie K. Nordberg - MN 3) 217 Damian Pataluna & Jessica Bryant - KY 4) 482 Kurt Lemmer & Mary Lemmer - CT 5) 269 Daryl Schmidt & Michele L. Boyer - WA 6) 551 Roger Greenawalt & Amy L. Greenawalt - IN 1) 200 Bill L. Underwood & Patti A. Underwood - PA 2) 254 Dexter Wang & Julia H. Wang - MA 3) 560 Meneleo L. Macagba & Elizabeth A. Macagba - OR Senior II Championship Smooth (WTFV) 1) 268 Albert B. Carballosa & Patricia A. Rhodes-Bajaj - FL 2) 140 Dennis Decamp & Joyce DeCamp - CO 3) 131 Gordon D. Davis & Linda K. Davis - MN 4) 269 Daryl Schmidt & Michele L. Boyer - WA 5) 551 Roger Greenawalt & Amy L. Greenawalt - IN 6) 200 Bill L. Underwood & Patti A. Underwood - PA Senior III Championship Smooth (WTFV) 1) 131 Gordon D. Davis & Linda K. Davis - MN 2) 140 Dennis Decamp & Joyce DeCamp - CO 3) 254 Dexter Wang & Julia H. Wang - MA 4) 200 Bill L. Underwood & Patti A. Underwood - PA 5) 481 Peter S. Quintero & Marilyn R. Stechert - CO 6) 560 Meneleo L. Macagba & Elizabeth A. Macagba - OR Senior II Championship Latin (CSRPJ) 1) 308 Jorge Arness Guzman & Arlene Yu - NY 2) 282 Robert A. Blank & Martha Estevez - CT 3) 306 Richard Y. Chiang & Iris T. Chiang - CA 4) 379 Paul Giuliano & Louise Giuliano - NY 5) 406 Edward Huang & Corrina Huang - TX 6) 577 Ricardo A. Kisner & Alicia J. Kisner - FL Senior III Championship Latin (CSRPJ) 1) 379 Paul Giuliano & Louise Giuliano - NY 2) 406 Edward Huang & Corrina Huang - TX 3) 579 Gary G. Reber & Haru K. Wladyka - VA 4) 566 Ken W. McCleary & Pamela A. Weaver - VA 5) 514 Luis F. Mijangos & Lynne B. Mijangos - NY Youth Championship Smooth (WTFV) 1) 469 Bryan Reznik & Catherine Huh - CA Senior I Championship Rhythm (CRSBM) 1) 216 Junio E. De Paz & Paula Vergas - AZ 2) 299 Joe G. Medina & Sue E. Putzier - AZ 3) 269 Daryl Schmidt & Michele L. Boyer - WA 4) 551 Roger Greenawalt & Amy L. Greenawalt - IN 5) 424 Jeff Knickerbocker & Bridget Knickerbocker - MN 6) 179 Dennis P. Kania & Lori Urani Kania - PA 7) 596 John Lepera & Marianne Unger - PA Senior II Championship Rhythm (CRSBM) 1) 251 Edward Rogers & Trisha Rogers - CA 2) 551 Roger Greenawalt & Amy L. Greenawalt - IN 3) 269 Daryl Schmidt & Michele L. Boyer - WA 4) 321 James E. Herbert & Sharon Jones - OH 5) 424 Jeff Knickerbocker & Bridget Knickerbocker - MN 6) 200 Bill L. Underwood & Patti A. Underwood - PA 7) 560 Meneleo L. Macagba & Elizabeth A. Macagba - OR 8) 596 John Lepera & Marianne Unger - PA www.USAdance.ORG July - August 25 National DanceSport Sponsors I found my partner at… Thank you for your support! 26 DanceSport The DanceSport Vision W e love dancing. In fact, we may love dancing more than sleep, money, and even our precious time. But the popularity of dancing, especially ballroom dancing is a recent development. When we were growing up, sports were the activity of choice. Do you remember cheering in the stands with your friends and family? Those baseball, basketball, and football athletes were the heroes of every small town. Today the idea of athletes is changing. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of so many people in the USA Dance organization and others, ballroom dancing is rising to the top of athletic interest. But the most recent victory for each of us came through the television program CN8 Champion DanceSport, recently airing on the Comcast CN8 network May 2008. As the National Governing Body for DanceSport and a member organization of the U.S. Olympic Committee, USA Dance joins with dancers and sponsors around the world to bring ballroom dancing to the Olympics. It’s a matter of timing, and for DanceSport the timing is now. To view the commercial, check out www.youtube.com/ usadanceinc. It is our hope that when people think of athletes they will think not only of baseball and football stars but DanceSport athletes representing their country across the world. by: Erica Colvin An interview with Kris Schrader, the Comcast Network Manager of Programming Development, revealed some exciting results. “The ratings rivaled what was on network programming. It shows that there is a significant audience for competitive dance on TV,” Schrader said. “The numbers were similar to a high school or college sport game on the network. With the upcoming prospect of DanceSport becoming an Olympic sport, these results are helping us get there. The CN8 Champion DanceSport program also proved a milestone for USA Dance in another arena. USA Dance aired its first commercial during the program, showing viewers what our organization has to offer competitive and social dancers, and sharing our Olympic dream: In pursuit of the Olympic Dream, more than 40 years ago, USA Dance was organized to represent amateur ballroom dancers throughout the United States. Today, its mission is America’s beacon of light, supporting DanceSport athletes’ journeys to excellence and bringing to all Americans, the highest quality level of ballroom dancing… www.USAdance.ORG Jorge Arness Guzman & Arlene Yu Photo by: Marvin Moore July - August 27 Experiences Lifetime of a E Dancing Worlds: A competitor’s Perspective ach dancer began their voyage toward today in an unmatched situation. Whether starting as a social dancer or beginning on a competitive level, we know that the USA Dance competitors that truly excel represent our country across the globe. With that initial decision to pursue the dancing dream, each person comes with a perspective and view that no one else can claim. When we see an exceptional dancer, there is more than outstanding technique and style; there is a person with a story. Let’s discover those stories from the couples that represented the USA earlier this year. With competitions ranging from Spain to Tokyo, there is a whole world of experiences that our USA Dance representatives are entering on a regular basis. Photo by Carson Zullinger Dmitry & Gabriella “Even though this was our very first competition of such a [high] level, I felt very prepared. My partner and I worked very hard to get ready for Worlds and to perform our best,” said Dmitry. Preparing for Worlds is stressful, but getting to the competition can be a struggle too. “Gabriella’s luggage was lost by the airlines and she had a hectic time getting ready for the competition. (You can imagine what it was like for a lady not to have her makeup).” Once settled Dmitry and Gabriella were able to enjoy the country of Ukraine. “The country was great especially because I was born there, and I got to see it again after six years,” shared Dmitry. “The people were kind and my family that lives in Ukraine came to watch us dance. They welcomed and supported us wonderfully.” The trials along the way certainly proved the standard of this young couple. Dmitry and Gabriella placed 5th in the competition, becoming one of the highest scoring couples to ever represent the USA and USA Dance. Photo by Carson Zullinger Austin & Liza For Dmitry Ivashchenko and Gabriella Sabler, Junior II Latin competitors from New York, representing the USA in Kyiv, Ukraine was an exciting experience. It was the couple’s first competition on such an outstanding level. Competing internationally requires hours of practice and hard work. 28 DanceSport Austin Joson and Liza Lakovitsky also represented the USA in Kiev, Ukraine in March of 2008 placing 39th. For this outstanding couple, preparation was everything. “My partner and I practiced every day for several hours,” said Austin. “It was a really incredible experience, and one which I hope to have again.” Daniel & Katya Photo by Carson Zullinger Photo by Carson Zullinger Taras & Liya The next young couple that has taken their dancing to the international level is Taras Savitskyy and Liya Podokshik. Salou, Spain was their exotic destination. This Junior II Standard couple discovered just how different it can be competing in a new and foreign country. “New judges, a whole different competition, [very] different than America,” said Taras. “It was exciting, a lot of fun – meeting new friends and people,” he added. Taras and Liya felt very prepared for the competition as they put in four to five hours nearly every day to gear up. But representing the USA is no small venture. American Dancer asked Taras and Liya how it felt dancing for our country: “It felt like we were special and just was exciting.” Taras and Liya placed 37th in the Standard competition. Daniel Shapiro and Katya Kovalyova from New York also competed and placed 26th. Another exciting element of the Worlds competition is that all ages compete and excel. The excitement of travel is certainly a highlight for the younger competitors. But as a partnership finds itself advancing, experience starts to show. www.USAdance.ORG Photo by Carson Zullinger Kiki & Nesya Kiki Nyemchek and Nesya Serebro, a Youth Latin couple from New Jersey competed in their Worlds category in Marseille, France in March. This couple understands how to prepare for such an undertaking. “We worked for about two months with intense training, practicing every day,” shared Kiki. “Make-up had to be extra clean and much more prepared.” July - August 29 Photo by Carson Zullinger Also competing in France in the Youth Latin category was Armen Petrosyan and Nicole Pyatetskya. Both couples fared well in the competition. Armen and Nicole placing 26th and Kiki and Nesya placed 54th. Photo by Marvin Moore Webert & Connie Returning to Spain, we meet Webert Benoit and Connie Del Guidice who compete in the Senior I Latin category. Also competing in Sant Cugat, Spain were Luca Daniel and Efrosyni Losiphidis. Both couples have years of experience, yet preparing for Worlds is still hard work. “I tried to eat pretty good a couple weeks before. I worked out more, practiced about three to four times a week for an hour and a half to two hours,” said Connie. With each trip the competitors get to spend some time as tourists. Connie shared that the beautiful and mountainous terrain of Spain was one of the nicest destinations she had attended. 30 DanceSport “The people were really nice; many went out of their way to speak English. The hotel was very nice,” Connie said. But our USA Dance competitors are so much more than tourists. These dancers represent their country with dignity and professionalism. It can also be a great learning experience to see dancers from all over the world. “It felt really good to represent the USA. It’s just a good feeling to have people from every country competing around you,” shared Connie. Webert and Connie placed 34th with Luca Daniel and Efrosyni Iosiphidis placing 35th. Luca & Efrosyni Photo by Marvin Moore Armen & Nicole E ach story from each couple is full of excitement and gives us a fresh view of the competitions around the world. It proves that USA Dance is prepared to send its athletes across the globe. No matter where we compete, we will constantly improve and develop as dancers and winners. UPCOMING IN THE NEXT ISSUE -- Continuing World Report from our DanceSport Couple: Mechyslav Pavlyuk & Margaret Midura World Youth Ten Dance in Aarhus, Denmark Andreas Meijer & Jody B Frease World Senior Standard in Antwerp, Belgium by: Erica Colvin DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport D DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport Qualifying Events forDanceSport Dan DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport D USADanceSport Dance 2009 National DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport Danc DanceSport Championships DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport Da 006 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championships 2006 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championships 06 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championships 2006 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Champions 2006 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championships 2006 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championsh 2006 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championships 2006 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championship 2006 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championships 2006 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championship 006 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championships 2006 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Champions DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport Da 2006 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championsh DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport Dan DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport D DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport Danc Heartland Classic USA Dance National Cabaret Championship Indianapolis, IN September 27-28, 2008 Manhattan Amateur Classic New York, NY January 16-18, 2009 Smoky Mountain DanceSport Championships NorthWest DanceSport Championships Seattle, WA October 25-26, 2008 California State DanceSport Championships Oakland, CA November 8, 2008 Knoxville, TN January 30-31, 2009 Southwest DanceSport Championships San Jose, CA February 7, 2009 Southeastern DanceSport Championships Bethesda, MD February 28 - March 1, 2009 www.USAdance.ORG For more information go to www.usadance.org Gordon & Linda Davis / Photo by: Marvin Moore July - August 31 32 DanceSport Louisiana Gumbo by: Barbara Wally Photo Courtesy of Barbara Wally What is A Gumbo of Ballroom? Like the signature Louisiana dish, Gumbo of Ballroom is a rich fusion of dance styles, skills and ages. N a former president of USA Dance Chapter 5031 and the current president and competition organizer of Louisiana Dancesport. While Durocher-Steven is quick to point out that the weekend is a team effort, the team cites her leadership as the reason for its success. Support, she says, comes from the business community and from dancers who donate heavily to the scholarship fund. In fact, when Ann married Jim Steven in 2005, the couple requested donations to the scholarship fund in lieu of gifts. First-time participants quickly become friends, and many competitors, adjudicators, spectators, and vendors return year after year, drawn by the warm, inviting atmosphere nurtured by Durocher-Steven and her staff. Although gumbo isn’t necessarily on the menu, this Gumbo serves up a generous portion of dance action infused with gracious hospitality. Plans are already underway for June 26-27, 2009, in Baton Rouge, when the USA Dance South Central Regional Championship will change its name to Gumbo DanceSport Championships, an NQE for 2010. Cecil and Neila Phillips of Baton Rouge share their love of dance. Phillips is a Director of Louisiana DanceSport, and teaches at Baton Rouge Magnet High School Ballroom Dance Club. ow in its ninth year, this competition brought competitors from 24 states plus Germany to Baton Rouge for the weekend-long event, which encompassed the 2008 USA Dance South Central Regional Championship as well as the Louisiana Challenge, a pro-am competition. In addition to the competitions, athletes and spectators alike enjoyed the Welcome Dance on Friday night and the banquet and exhibitions on Saturday evening. USA Dance Chapter 5031 began holding chapter competitions in 2000 as part of the Louisiana State Games. In partnership with Chapter 5031 and local group Saturday Night Ballroom, Louisiana DanceSport, Inc. — formed in 2003 as a non-profit corporation — now serves as the organizer for the two competitions that comprise the Gumbo of Ballroom weekend. The amateur portion of the event, sponsored by the Louisiana Gumbo Chapter (5031), received sanctioning from USA Dance in 2004, and then became the South Central Regional Championship in 2005. At the heart of the event is Ann Durocher-Steven, www. www.USAdance USAdance.ORG .ORG July July -- August August 33 33 Put Ballroom Dancing ... Andrew Pueschel, VP of Youth and Collegiate Network by: “Dancing with the Stars” shows us that it’s now “hip to be healthy!” It is no secret that the benefits of overall wellness should be enough reason for anyone to take up the hobby and/or sport of ballroom dancing. From memory gain and weight loss to lower blood pressure and increased stamina, the amount of positive health gauges attributed to the sport has helped to increase the number of adult dancers throughout the country, but what about those that are under 18 or in college? Are the health benefits of dancing wasted upon those who are in youth and collegiate divisions? Absolutely not. Today’s dancers are pushing the boundaries of arts and athleticism. They are not only taking advantage of the wellness partnered with the sport but have also found ways to take the “soft skills” and professionalism of their own personal development to give them an edge in the work place. What are the positive “professional developments” of ballroom dancing for youth and collegiate dancers? isto ck p hot o.c om Goal Setting: 34 InStep Whether it’s a competition, a skill level, or a certain step to master, it’s important that all dancers have goals set with deadlines to meet them. Managers and workers alike are constantly under deadlines and the ability to meet a deadline while exceeding your own expectations is imperative to today’s workforce. ...on Your Resume! Work Ethic and Dedication: On-site Problem Solving and Creativity: If you want to be successful in the workforce, you have to be dedicated to your craft. We know that the youth dancers begin at an early age, but even if you start dancing at the collegiate level, your work ethic has to match the goal you are setting or you will never achieve the success you desire. Do you want to be the best social dancer you can be, do you want to be an amateur champion, do you want to be a world champion? – the sky is the limit but you have to work for it. Any type of promotion is only possible through hard work and dedication to your craft. Leadership and Team Building: We all know that ballroom dancing partnerships are a TEAM of two (and if you are in formation team – the number can be much higher) and being able to work successfully in a team atmosphere is what all companies are looking for today. Being able to lead (or back lead) and follow will develop future managers and CEOs in deciding when to take control of a situation and when to take a “step” back and allow another to lead. Following Directions and Taking Constructive Criticism: Everyone has differences of opinion. Whether it’s a routine you have mastered or a proposal you are taking to your manager, your vision is not always what the one reviewing your work is looking for. Social dance partners might need more lead or follow and coaches often see past our current knowledge and can view our true potential - but we often take criticism as negative or cold-hearted. It’s important that today’s dancers realize that their best can only be achieved through trial and error. There will always be different ways to look at something, especially in such a subjective sport as ballroom dancing. www.USAdance.ORG What do you do in a crisis and how do make sure that the problem is solved - without the public knowing that there was ever a problem at all? Whether you miss a connection or “draw a blank” in the middle of a routine, it’s not the fact that the problem happened that is a measure of your skill but how well you fixed the problem! Picking up the pieces with creativity and confidence can improve almost any situation. Performance Ability: Do you know when to “turn it on” and how to “sell it?” Young dancers today must be confident in their skill, image, knowledge and must be able to present it to an audience – all while adding multiple levels of emotion throughout their performance. They must act and look as professional as possible at all times, as even being off the floor they are judged on their actions and composure. Excelling in presentations and setting the standard for office protocol should not be a problem for today’s youth dancers. As a collegiate and/or youth dancer, they have the amazing opportunity to build a network of peers through competitions, social dances, and club organizations. This is an invaluable chance to create a nationwide support group for friends, internships, jobs, social connections, and of course possible dance partners! To all those collegiate and youth dancers – think about how you are developing yourselves through your dancing. Are you the same person today as when you began to dance? Think about the items mentioned above and find ways to start “dancing toward your future success!” To all of you who are employers or managers, wouldn’t you want to hire someone with the above attributes? Maybe next time you review an application, check first to see if they are a member of USA Dance! July - August 35 Big St by: Andrea Knight Only three years in the making, the fan base of 14-year-old Michael Shaponick of Scituate, Mass., already spans decades and city limits. Michael’s career began when his short-lived football days came to an abrupt end. He was 11 years old when he sustained a concussion and had to quit the sport. “It changed his hearing, so we had to not allow him to play that sport,” said Michael’s mother, Deirdre Hoffman. “It was when Dancing with the Stars came out, and ‘Sam’ on General Hospital was dancing, and Michael said, ‘Mom, how do I get to dance with girls like that?’” Michael spent two years dancing with his 19-year-old dancing instructor before he and his mother decided he needed to find a dance partner his own age to compete with. “We were lucky enough to meet this beautiful girl,” said Hoffman, speaking of Michael’s current ballroom dance partner, 15-year-old Alexandra “Sasha” Deych of Sharon, Mass. “They’re beautiful together.” The pair was soon on fire, dancing together five times a week to prepare for competition. Their hard work paid off; they won first place in their division at last year’s national competition in Kentucky. Although he no longer runs the football field with them, Michael still finds ways to connect with other kids around his age, including 100 sixth Photo by: Marvin Moore 36 InStep eps for Small Feet graders from Jenkins Elementary School, his own alma mater. Michael said that although he and Sasha went to the school to teach the basics of the cha-cha, the real reason for the lesson was to teach the boys the right way to ask a girl to dance. Sasha explained that the boys were lukewarm about embracing — literally — this particular lesson. “The boys are like, ‘Ew,’” Sasha said. “They’re a little younger, so they still have some insecure areas. Some boys are wise guys, but otherwise, I think they’ve been pretty good — a pretty good bunch.” Michael and Sasha’s community involvement has also taken the pair to the other end of the age spectrum. “They believe in doing things for young and old,” Hoffman said. For example, they performed for 110 seniors at a senior center in Cape Cod, telling their audience, “Never give up — never lose hope. If you can walk, you can dance.” Michael and Sasha’s community performances also include two shows for 300 people at a Russian restaurant and one for 110 Alzheimer’s victims. Hoffman said that Michael loves the public involvement, then confessed, “Mostly we do it to keep his shoulders back and so he can dance with me and the grandmother.” After one performance, Michael did a tango with his grandmother — Annie O’Brien, 78-year-old member of Cape Cod Ballroom Dancers — to the delight of their entire audience. “He grabbed her on the floor, and 110 older people that have known Michael since he was a little peanut were just like, “Wow!” Hoffman said. “Win for me, brother.” www.USAdance.ORG “Wows” also came from two other recently acquired fans of Michael and Sasha’s. Hoffman said that, after seeing a recording of the duo’s cha-cha performance, Erik Bedard and Mike Morse of the Seattle Mariners seemed very impressed. “Mike Morse said to Michael, ‘I wish I could dance like that and get hot girls,’” Hoffman laughed. Although Michael has enjoyed his time with his friends in the community, nothing has impacted his dancing more than its effect on his family life. Michael’s 10-year-old step-brother, Ricky Hoffman, was diagnosed with brain cancer last May. Ricky’s doctors initially predicted that he would have two to five years to live, but they recently lowered that prognosis to between two and eight months. “I was just about to leave, and Ricky yelled out, ‘Win for me, brother,” Michael said. “He’s autistic, so he’s not usually aware of that kind of thing. It was really special.” His brother’s illness has added to Michael’s desire for dancing success. “All his brother wanted was for Michael to win for him. So last year, Michael brought him a gold medal,” Hoffman said. And the medals continue to stack up. Despite having only three months to practice after Michael recovered from a broken ankle, Michael and Sasha danced their way to another first-place win in the Novice Junior 2 Latin category in the 2008 USA Dance National DanceSport Championships on April 5, out-dancing 17 couples. The pair plans to continue expanding their dance efforts for themselves and for their community. “It’s a great sport,” Sasha said. “It’s my life right now. [Michael and I] are doing the best we can to improve it and make it better than it was yesterday.” July - August 37 AD Marketplace SHOES AND ACCESSORIES The Dance Dresser Inc. Nina Sharon 419 W. Citrus St. Altamonte Spring FL 32714 Phone: 407-774-1106 Email: [email protected] www.dancedresser.net Ballroom Gifts Louise Giuliano 48 Huron St., Albany NY 12203 Phone: 518-482-6603 Coco’s Ballroom Boutique 5510 Lake Howell Rd. Winter Park FL 32792 Email: [email protected] Dance Shoes of Atlanta Joyce & Jim Taylor 718 Ketchem Dr. Marietta GA 30066 Phone: 770-428-9439 Email: danceshoresofatlanta.com The Dance Store Joseph H. Baker Jr. 1613 Westbury Knoll. Lane Midlothian VA 23114 Email: [email protected] Satin Stitches Ltd. Deborah Nelson 11894 Round Lake Blvd. NW Minneapolis MN 55433 Phone: 763-323-9507 Email: customerservice@satinstitches. com Toe to Toe Dance Wear Inc. Carol Fournier 1159 W. Hill Rd. #C Flint MI 48507 Phone: 877-348-4362 Email: [email protected] COSTUMES AND GOWNS Zhanna Kens, Moda Productions Inc. Ballroom dresses, dance costumes & dress designer - Moda Productions Inc. - Leading designer of ballroom dresses, dance costumes and dresses - Zhanna Kens Phone:727-596-5422 Email: [email protected] zhannakens.com ACCESSORIES & MISC. DANCE ITEMS 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, 38 InStep 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 Email: [email protected] www.timports.us Show Off Straps www.showoffstraps.com. Customized bra straps worth showing off. Contact Susan Ratcliff. Phone: 1-888-578-7277. Email: customerservice@showoffstraps. com. Carson Zullinger Photography 62 Rockford Rd. Wilmington, DE 19806 Phone: 1-877-228-0872 www.carsonzullinger.com Marvin Moore Photography 33530 1st Way S, Suite 102 Federal Way, WA 98003 Phone: 253.737.8835 Email: [email protected] http://www.marvinmoorephoto.com 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. 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) EZ Play DJ Dance Studio Software for the Ultimate Touchscreen-Based Dance Studio Music System. Used by dance studios, mobile DJs, and competitive dancers. For about a dollar a day you can use the EZ Play DJ, get all upgrades, and receive support. Visit www.ezplaydj.com for more details. PHOTOGRAPHY Tim McGhee Photography PO Box 6206 Knoxville, Tenn. 37914-0206 Phone: 865.386.7843 AD MARKETPLACE 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 issues, look for a new, enhanced design of this section Dance Mart DANCEMART Dancemart continues to serve 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] SMOOTH GOWNS Two quality gowns by well-known designer both in EXCELLENT condition. Ideal for lady who is 5’7” - 5’9” (size 8 - 10). One gown is teal with floats; the other gown is black (heavily rhinestoned). $2,000 or both for $3,500. Pictures available. Contact DancingLady11@ aol.com or 708-227-4288. [1] Size 2-6: White Ballgown: Current style gown showing open back. Slimming design with cutouts to thin the waist. Multi-sized stoning pattern through bodice and extending down skirt. Airbrushed background for added pizzazz. Bracelets, too! Pics available, price reduced. $1400. Contact Theresa at 651-773-3511 or email at theresakimler@ yahoo.com [1] and the other is Nude Satin with Rhinestone Buckles (adjustable for easy fit) and wrap around ankle strap w/Rhinestones. Asking $100 for both or $60 each. Photos available upon request. Please call 401-263-8400 . [2] PARTNERS WANTED Female, 47 relearning Ballroom steps known in their 20’s, 30s, that really wants to dance to their fullest potential. Searching for dance partner from beginner of 1 year up, to embellish skills. Lets see how good we can get. Louisville, KY. Contact: Melva 502-254-3493 [email protected] [2] Lady’s smooth shoes, size 36 (american 7). Tan satin, closed toe, strap at ankle. 2.5” heel. 2 pair available. One pair is new, other was worn for 1 practice session. I waited too long to return them. Both are in original boxes. See the shoe style at www.dance-america. com. Dancefeel brand, model F30. Paid $119. Will sell for $60 a pair. Contact Theresa at 651-773-3511 or email at theresakimler@ yahoo.com. [1] Lady’s smooth shoes, size 7 to 7.5 american. Tan satin with crossover strap at ankle. Slightly smaller than 2.5” heel. Will fit a 7.5 medium width and 7 wide width. DSOL brand. View this shoe at www.danceshoesonline.com under Ladies Pumps, model 682103. Paid $75. Will sell for $35. Contact Theresa at 651-773-3511 or email at [email protected] Athletic male dancer competes in international standard in a senior category, looking for a female partner to take lessons, practice and compete at the open gold and pre-champion level. Call Alex: 416-484-0504@Home or 416-635-8200@Office or 954-935-2664@ Florida [2] Female dancer, 38, looking for a partner to compete in either Smooth, rhythm, or latin. Looking for a male partner to take lessons, practice, and compete at open gold and pre-champion level. Located in Orlando, FL. Please contact Sara @ xanthdancer@netscape. net or 321-947-1997. [1] Ballroom on the Celebrity Solstice. STANDARD GOWNS Size 2-6 Chrisanne Gown. Black dress with white, stoned appliqué design throughout. Amazing flowing skirt. Floats of silk that fade from black to gray to white. Slimming back line and slim through hips. All the glamour and details you expect in a top 6 lady’s gown. Pics available. $3000. Contact Theresa at 51-773-3511 or email at theresakimler@yahoo. com [1] Size 2-6 Chocolate Brown Ballgown. Detachable float makes this dress ideal functional for both smooth and standard. Rich, elegant, fitted look…rich fabric. Long-sleeves, high neck, tobac color stoning through neck, bodice, and waist, zip up back. Effortless wear! Pics available. Price reduced. $1400. Contact Theresa at 651-773-3511 or email at [email protected] [1] MEN AND WOMEN SHOES Brand new Ladies Latin Dance Shoes. Never worn!! Both pairs are size 8 1⁄2 M – 2 1⁄2 inch heel. One pair is Silver leather w/silver glitter www.USAdance.ORG CelebritySolstice SM March 29, 2009 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise /24Ŵ5#$2#,$ğŴ,/2)#ŴĦŴ.Ŵ 5.ğŴ5$24/Ŵ)"/ŴĦŴ(),)03!52&ğŴ4ĞŴ24$. /24/,ğŴ2)4)3(Ŵ)2&).Ŵ3,.#3ŴĦŴ!#$$ğŴ)4)ŴĦŴ/24Ŵ5#$2#,$ğŴ,/2)# 1,262* $ 44$2//-Ŵ%2/-ġŴ For N. American reservations, a fuel supplement of $8 per person, per day for the first 2 guests in a stateroom (subject to a max. of $112 per person) applies; each additional guest in the stateroom will be charged $3 per person, per day (subject to a max. of $42 per person). Gabriella Gallina ĒĈĉĊũ(+(318ũ1(+Ĕũ4(3#ũĈĈćũěũ+,ũ#!'ũ1"#-2ĔũũĊĊČĈć ĎďĈēďĒČēĒćĒćũ#73ēũĉĎĉũũěũũ%%++(-ľ2.43'ē!., *Prices are per person, double occupancy, cruise only on select sail dates. Prices are in U.S. dollars. All itineraries and prices are current at the time of printing and subject to change without notice. Government taxes and fees, fuel surcharge, and gratuities are included. Certain restrictions apply. ©2008 Celebrity Cruises, Inc. '(/2Ħũ1#%(2318Ėũ'#ũ',2ēũćđćĈĈĎđĒũěũĎĵĉććđ July - August 39 National USA Dance 2009 DanceSport Championships Return to Baltimore April 3, 4, 5 Renaissance Harborplace Hotel please visit: www.usadance.org Mark your Calendars! Details to be announced soon.