A m e r i c a n

Transcription

A m e r i c a n

Dancer
A m e r i c a n
Baby It’s Cold Outside
Where to dance this Holiday Season
Ten by the Mediterranean Sea
Pasha & Daniella Adult-10 Dance Championships
Official Publication of USA Dance
National Ballroom Dance Week 20th Anniversary
www.usadance.org
November-December 2009
Issue 21
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On the Cover
16 Cover Story: National Ballroom
Dance Week 20th Anniversary
This year marked 20 years of National Ballroom
Dance Week. Here’s just a small peek at how America
celebrated.
8 Holiday Hot Spots
It’s getting cold outside, but we’ve got a list of some
of the hottest places to dance this season. Check it
out!
16
38 Ten by the Mediterranean Sea
“The ten dance competition is a marathon of dance. This
event proves that the artistry of the dancers needs to be
supported by the athletics in order to succeed.”
-Pasha Pashkov and Daniella Karagach
Region 3 Central Massachusetts Chapter Members at their
dinner dance celebrating National Ballroom Dance Week
Photo courtesy of Fran Needham
Inside the Cover
Line of Dance
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5
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7
President’s Report
Editorial Information & Contributors
Announcements
Year in Review
Dance Floor
13
14
21
22
23
24
Individual Spotlight: Howell Oakley
Chapter Highlight: Shenandoah Valley Chapter
Are Dance Mixers Necessary?
40
41
42
Competition Calendar
Why Come to LA in April?
New Scholarship
In Step
43
45
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47
Collegiate Competition Calendar
George Washington
AD Market Place
DanceMart
Just Singing in the Rain
National Chapter Conference
Building Olympians
On Beat
25
26
31
Eric & Rickie
Public Eye
We’ve Got It Made
DanceSport
32
34
36
National Sponsors
Senior I Latin Champions
World Report
www.USADANCE.ORG
36
David & Liva Wright Senior 1 Standard World competitors
Photo By Carson Zullinger
November - December 3
Presidents’
Report
We are having an Indian summer here in Florida, and it is very difficult to focus on articles
for the magazine when the temperature outside is in the high eighties. So, for once, this time the
magazine is being delayed by your President. Weeell – it’s my turn, and I have had some help
from Florida Power & Light with power hiccups every few minutes yesterday!
Earlier this month, the USA Dance Governing Council met for two days in Dallas to hammer
out a budget for 2010 and some major changes in our bylaws and organizational structure. My
first pleasant task at the meeting was to thank the GC members for their efforts during 2009. This
was no mere formality. I do not remember ever seeing a Council that worked so hard both as
individuals and as part of the entire team. Our members should be rightly proud, as am I, of these
volunteers who give massive amounts of time to the organization, and who bring the business and
professional experience gained over the years to bear on USA Dance problems. I also reminded the GC members of something
to which we should all pay attention. If we’re not having FUN doing this, then perhaps we should be doing something else!
Not every member made it to the meeting. Notably, Andrew Pueschel was unable to attend, and has tendered his
resignation as vice president of the YCN. I have accepted, and thanked Andrew for his efforts in recent years.
As I looked back on 2009, I noted that American Dancer, in spite of personnel problems, has improved its arrival times,
and has maintained a high quality of design. There is, I believe, a need to improve the content, but that is a problem for us, our
members and our friends. You can’t make bricks without straw! We need some more hands and minds.
Our DanceSport athletes have performed well around the world, and we bask in the reflected glory of three former
amateur champions – Eugene and Maria, now a top ranked world professional Latin couple, and Victor Fung who, with his
latest partner, is ranked second in the world professional standard rankings. USA Dance sponsored a very successful IDSF
Adjudicators Congress at the Embassy Ball in September. We have videos of the four lectures, which will be used to help
develop our own adjudicator training and certification procedures. I had considerable help from Wayne Crowder and Anya
Klimova-Preston, who also produced a report of the event.
The 2009 Nationals were again an outstanding success with record entries, and included a genuine celebrity for the first
time: Carrie Ann Inaba. Ken’s team, led by Daphna Locker, did a outstanding job, and Jean Krupa’s social events enabled us to
continue the process of engagement with our social dance members.
I had the pleasure of attending two outreach events this year, the Wounded Warriors Ball at Camp Lejeune, and the Special
Olympics event in Fort Wayne. Both of these events, which have helped build our case for foundation support, were “bottom
up” projects. Two individuals had ideas, and followed them doggedly through to completion. They serve as good examples to
all of us.
I have mentioned some of these changes in previous reports, but now we have made the decisions, and there will be a new
look to USA Dance in 2010. The six current regions were formed back in 1985. In those days we had only a small number of
chapters and very few social dancers. We were living in the pre-Internet, pre-Email and pre-Facebook era, and we needed
GC members on the ground in each area of the country. The world has changed, and we have reviewed our structure to take
this into account. Similar problems faced the DanceSport Council three years ago. Each region elected a delegate to both the
DanceSport and Governing Councils. Everyone was a generalist, and there were no “specialists” with detailed knowledge in
4 Line of Dance
particular areas. For the past two years the DanceSport Council has been operating with functional positions with specific
areas of responsibility – certification, competition sanctioning, rules, observers, and proficiency points. These changes have
transformed the DanceSport Council, and the GC feels that now is the appropriate time to make changes in the national
organization.
I am delighted to report that after much discussion the changes were approved unanimously, effective January 1, 2010,
subject only to further debate and discussions on the new four regions and their area coordinators.
We are not only looking at major changes in the internal structure of the organization, and in the Bylaws. We also need to
address issues relating to matters which affect our Chapters and their officers: inter-personal relationships on Chapter Boards;
national music rights licensing; and IRS Group Exemptions. I hope the reorganization will also include an individual who will
handle relationships with Central and South American DanceSport Federations, as we work to get DanceSport included in the
Pan-Am Games.
Looking ahead we have received an approach by a travel group working with Costa Cruises, a division of Carnival. The
proposal is for a series of cruises for USA Dance members. These would be organized with the assistance of USA Dance
leadership, which would be responsible for arranging the programs, professional instructors, dance hosts and top athletes
to present shows and assist in instruction. If we do go ahead, I would like all areas of USA Dance to be involved – including
possibly holding either the EC or GC meeting on board, together with projects for our elite athletes.
In April our Nationals return to Los Angeles for the first time in over twenty years. In 2010 we celebrate the 30th
Anniversary of our Championships. The venue promises to be magnificent, a brand new J.W. Marriott hotel, and the
geographical balance of competitors should change markedly. In addition to the various Championships, there will be a
number of events planned exclusively for social dancers. We will also be inducting former National President, Richard S.
Mason, as a Distinguished Life member. It is also the intention of the GC to announce at the event the creation of a Roll of
Honor for those leaders who have passed away during the forty five years of our existence.
Even more exciting, on November 13, 2010, USA Dance will present the 2010 IDSF World DanceSport Championship
Latin style! The organizers include DanceSport America and Mr. Sam Sodano. Ken Richards and I have visited the location
at the Meadowlands in New Jersey, and we have secured a
television production company to film the event for the IDSF
and, hopefully, for national distribution. Details will soon be
available on the Nationals web site, and on Facebook.
Photo by Bonita Brockert
I wish all of you a joyous Holiday Season, and look forward
to working with you and for you in 2010.
Peter Pover
Left to right: Michael Furnish, Stephen Hinkle, Vivian Hans,
Peter Pover, Tracey Miller at The Special Olympics event
www.USADANCE.ORG
Dancer
Contributing Writers
A m e r i c a n
Jean Krupa
National Officers
Jean Krupa currently serves as the Social
Vice President for USA Dance. She served
as Region VI Vice President in 1999 and also
currently serves as the Florida Coordinator for
Region VI. She is a founding member of the
Greater Daytona Chapter in 1990.
PRESIDENT Peter Pover, 772.489.9190 e-mail: [email protected]
SENIOR VP Lydia Scardina, 415.469.9815 e-mail: [email protected]
SECRETARY Stan Andrews, 217.454.8879 e-mail: [email protected]
TREASURER Esther Freeman, 541.899.1933 e-mail: [email protected]
DANCESPORT VP Ken Richards, 302.290.2583 e-mail: [email protected]
SOCIAL VP Jean Krupa, 386.761.1625 e-mail: [email protected]
YCN VP To Be Announced
•
Daphna Locker
Editorial Staff
Executive Director Shawn Fisher
MANAGING EDITOR Ivor Lee
COPY EDITORS Ivor Lee
WRITERS Ivor Lee • Erica Colvin • Angela Prince
ART & PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Becky Brunson
DESIGNERS Becky Brunson • Bonnie Olsen • Ivor Lee
OFFICE PHONE (704) 624 - 8462
•
Daphna is currently a member of the Greater
N.Y. Chapter of USA Dance #3004. Daphna
has been the Chair of the National Organizing
Committee for three Nationals and is
currently serving as the registrar for the
National Collegiate DanceSport Challenge.
Contributors
WRITERS • Jean Krupa • Daphna Locker
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.
•
Guest Writers
Individual Non-Member $25
Canadian Air Delivery $32
Overseas Air Delivery $36
Library Subscription $9
•
Judith Aquino
Jean Stoddard
Subscription
Cindy & William Stansbury
Arlene Yu
Advertising
AD REPRESENTATIVE Doug Montanus 502.836.7946
e-mail: [email protected]
•
Pasha Pashkov &
Daniella Karagach
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.
Submissions may be sent to [email protected]
•
Letters to the editor
Dancer
Cover Photo
Photo By Joseph Pasaoa
A m e r i c a n
Please include your name, city and state. Names will appear
in full unless specified otherwise.
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Chapter News
Please include chapter name and number, contact information and
any photos with caption information that you might have.
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Photos
Must be high resolution, print quality digital photos. 600 dpi.
Send to editorial office:
e-mail: [email protected]
or mail to: American Dancer magazine
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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
E-mail: [email protected]
Check our Web site - www.USAdance.org
6 Line of Dance
Baby It’s Cold Outside
Where to dance this Holiday Season
Pasha & Daniella Adult-10 Dance Championships
National Ballroom Dance Week 20th Anniversary
www.usadance.org
November-December 2009
Issue 21
(Left to right) Mary Helen
McSweeney-Feld, Bill
Davies, Sandra Cameron,
Greater New York Chapter
#3004 President Yang Chen
hold up congratulatory
proclamations from N.Y.
Senator Tom K. Duane.
Our Apology
In our last issue, we failed to properly attribute the
article “DJing a Dance” to Michael Johnson, and
photos for the articles “When the Kids Dance” and
“Great Gumbo of Ballroom in Lousiana” to Bogdan
Oporowski. We extend our humblest apologies for
these omissions.
Announcements
Book Your Hotels NOW!
Though the weather is getting colder, the heat
of LA and Nationals are fast approaching. If
you haven’t already booked your flights, start
planning ahead. If you have, be sure to take it
one step further and plan reserve where you
will be staying for the duration of the event.
Check out Jean’s article in this issue for more
information.
2010 World DanceSport
Latin Championships Comes
to the United States
On November 13, 2010 USA Dance will
host the 2010 IDSF World Latin DanceSport
Championship at the 61,000 square foot
Meadowlands Expo Center just outside of
New York City. Organized by DanceSport
America and Mr. Sam Sodano, this promises
to be a sensational event. Details will be
available soon. Stay tuned….
Happy Holidays!
It’s been a great year for all of us at American
Dancer magazine. It’s been our pleasure to
cover what USA Dance has done for ballroom
dancing and dancesport in America this
year. Thank you for all your support and
understanding that as staff (and students at
BYU-I), we made it happen! We’d like to wish
you all a happy (and safe) holidays from the
bottom of our hearts to you and yours. May
the season bring you many happy memories
and a prosperous new year!
Fly Me to LA
For everyone planning on flying to Nationals
and into any of the airports in the area,
remember to fly JetBlue! USA Dance and the
National Organizing Committee has brokered
a deal with JetBlue Airlines to offer all our
competitors and attendees a 5% discount off
their lowest fare on flights to Los Angeles
(LAX), Long Beach (LGB), or Burbank (BUR),
leaving for L.A. any day from April 6-10th, and
returning any day from April 10-14th.
Just enter in code USADANCE2010 when you
book your tickets! Act quickly, because when
tickets are gone, they’re gone....
www.USADANCE.ORG
Compiled by:
Ivor Lee
Holiday
hot spots 2009
I
t’s the holiday season, and with all the friends
and family around, what better way to
celebrate than by dancing the nights away?
In this issue of American Dancer, we’re proud to
publish this (not in any way comprehensive) list
of some dance venues and parties in each of the
different regions. Take some time and plan your
holidays because you don’t want to be caught
without plans on New Year’s. Many thanks to each
region for their contributions.
Situated near the beautiful Budd inlet, the
Olympia Center will be the site of Olympia,
Washington Chapter#1034 New Year’s Eve Ball.
The 3750 square foot ballroom is the largest
ballroom in the Olympia area. Music for the
evening will be provided by The Johnny Lewis
Band, a longtime local favorite that plays at the
Washington State Governor’s Ball. There are
only 152 tickets to ensure dancing room. Tickets
are $25 for USA Dance members, $30 for guests
and go on sale November 1st. Tickets can be
purchased by sending a check made out to USA
Dance to:
PO Box 14174, Tumwater, WA 98511
For more information call: (360)561-4872
or email [email protected]
8 Line of Dance
Photo courtesy of Karen Harris
Region 1
Harrison Hot Springs Resort album page from Region 1
Washington-Bellingham Chapter# 1013
Region 2
If you’re in the North West Washington area for
the holidays, hop 45 minutes over the Canadian
border to Harrison Hot Springs Resort, home of
the only remaining house band in North America,
the Jones Boys.
Southern Illinois Chapter #2089
This band has been catering to ballroom dancers
for over 25 years, with the newest member having
joined 17 years ago. Because there is a dress code
in the dining room and it is an elegant resort,
visitors can be assured of an evening of fine food,
excellent dancing and entertainment. Spend
the day soaking in one of the resort’s 5 mineral
springs and then dressing for dinner in a room
decorated to the nines. The resort management
has supported USA Dance by donating overnight
accommodation packages for our auctions and
fundraisers.
In addition to Christmas Eve and Christmas
Day dances, the resort will be hosting a New
Year’s Eve dinner and dancing in two venues—the
more casual Lakeside Café and the elegant Copper
room.
http://harrisonresort.com/default.aspx
South Coast, Oregon Chapter #1028
South Coast Ballroom Dancers will host their
holiday party at the Bandon Dunes Golf Resort—
one of the top destination golf resorts in the world.
The MacKenzie room boasts a beautiful oak floor
and festive holiday trimmings.
The Dunes is not only known for their three
Scottish links golf courses, but the mastery of their
chefs. Members make their plated gourmet dinner
selections in advance. Because of the hard work
of the board, ticket prices are affordably low. The
Dunes provides a full bar and offers our members a
special room rate for the weekend.
http://www.bandondunesgolf.com/
www.USADANCE.ORG
Whittington, Illinois is home to the Corner,
an oddly country-centric dance hall that is the
best place for ballroom in the area. The Corner
is loved for many reasons, but most importantly
the friendly, welcoming atmosphere projected by
goers, owners, and the like. People are immediately
made to feel welcome, love the fun, relaxed
no-pressure dance environment. More often than
not, those shy, nervous wallflowers who come “just
to watch” are up swinging in no time! The floor
is large and spacious, parking is ample, seating
is abundant, and it’s just darned difficult *not* to
feel like you’re with family (the ones you *choose*
versus the ones you’re stuck with during the
holidays *ahem*).
http://www.cornerdancehall.com
200 Franklin Street
Whittington, IL 62897
Sioux Falls, South Dakota Chapter #2090
One of the best holiday dance events in the
Sioux Falls area is the New Year’s Eve Dance at
the El Riad Shrine Ballroom. The historic space
was formerly the Arkota Ballroom which hosted
all the big musical acts from the 30s to 60s. The
evening features live Big Band music and dancing
on a beautifully refinished dance floor surrounded
by velvet curtains and terraced seating. Doors
open at 6:00 pm and the evening ends with a
midnight breakfast buffet & champagne! The
El Riad is located at 14th & Phillips in historic
downtown Sioux Falls, South Dakota. For tickets
and info: (605) 336-1117.
Cincinnati Chapter #2006
On December 5th , the magnificent Music
Hall Ballroom will host the Cincinnati Winter
Ball—the best dance for ballroom dancers in the
tri-state area. 250-325 people attend this semiformal ball each year. The ballroom has a beautiful
wood floor and the ballroom encompasses almost
Region 3
Photo courtesy of Priscilla Messinger
Dancers of Central Massachusetts #3039
Holiday Ball Flyer for Region 3
20,000 square feet. After it is decorated with a
winter theme, the effect is stunning. The building
itself was built in 1878 and was recognized as a
National Historic Land mark in 1975.
The Dancers of Central Massachusetts is proud
to present the annual DOCMA Winter Ball
on Sunday, December 13, 2009 at Lake Pearl
Luciano’s. Set on 25 acres overlooking Lake Pearl
in Wretham, Massachussets, this is a beautiful
venue to dance in. With music provided by Kathy
and Randy of Dancin’ Feelin’ Studio, the winter
ball promises to be an exciting and entertaining
event. Attendees are also encouraged to bring a toy
to donate to Toys for Tots, a local charity group.
For more information, contact Paula McRell,
[email protected] (508)865-1143.
Region 4
Los Angeles Chapter #4031
Come celebrate the holiday’s at USA Dance Los
Angeles Chapter #4031’s annual Holiday Ball,
this year being held on Sunday, December 6 at
Veteran’s Memorial Auditorium. This dance is
free – yes FREE! – to all USA Dance members
with valid membership card, or join Los Angeles
Chapter 4031 that night or before the event
and you’ll also get in free. Accommodating up
to 400 dancers, Veteran’s Memorial offers and
auditorium-sized dance floor, free parking, and
plenty of tables for socializing or just taking a
quick break.
The parking garage is on Central Parkway in the
rear of the building.
Tickets are on sale now by mail or through our
website.
Photo By Loren Brown
If you would like information please go to
www.dancecincinnati.org or email president@
dancecincinnati.org
The Music Hallwebsite is:
www.cincinnatiarts.org/musichall
Music HallBallroom
1241Elm Street, Cincinnati, Ohio
Veterans Memorial Building from Region 4
10 Line of Dance
Region 6
Photo By Loren Brown
The New Year’s Day Ball Dance Camp and
New Year’s Eve Gala
Veterans Memorial Building from Region 4
Dancers will enjoy an evening of elegant
ballroom dancing, including smooth, Latin, hustle,
and west coast swing numbers spun by DJ James
Woo. The dance also features a complimentary
lesson from professional instructor, dance mixers,
hors d’ouvres, and dance hosts for ladies. Doors
open at 6:15 p.m. with the lesson starting at
6:30. Open dancing from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Admission for non-members is $18.
4117 Overland Ave.
Culver City
CA 90230
For more information visit the L.A. Chapter
website at http://www.usadance-la.org.
Region 5
There is a strong consensus among Denver
dancers that the Denver Turnverein is by far
the best venue for partner dancing in the area.
Not only is it a historic location, but the Board
of Directors and the staff of the Turnverein have
been tremendously supportive of USA Dance
and all dancing in the city, even going so far as
to donate the use of their dance hall for our two
competitions this year.
They have three holiday dance events:
November 28th (Thanksgiving potluck),
December 19th (Christmas Dance Bash),
New Year’s Eve 2009/2010.
www.USADANCE.ORG
A five day dance camp event in Orlando
open to ALL members of USA Dance, this is a
major opportunity for dancers to take multiple
workshops each day from world-class instructors,
in both Int’l Style and American Style. All
instructors are past or current US, UK, World and
Blackpool finalists and champions.
Not only that, a gala New Years Eve Party/dance,
a DanceSport competition, and a fabulous pro
show by two-time world professional 10 dance
champions, Gherman Mustuc and Iveta Lukosiute
will be held as well. Definitely an event not to be
missed.
www.championshipdancecamps.com
Royal Palm Chapter #6016
Goldcoast Ballroom in Coconut Creek, FL. is
a tradition for many to bring in the New Year. An
awesomely decorated and magnificent ballroom
accomodating 400-500 people, this year they are
having a Christmas Showcase open to all amateurs
and pro-ams. A fantastic venue with the best DJ,
large dance floor and delightful ambiance, this is
definitely an affair not to be missed!
Goldcoast Ballroom (954)979-0770
www.goldcoastballroom.com
Carolina Heartland Chapter #6092
The Tempo Club, a private club more than
half of whom are Carolina Heartland members,
will sponsor its annual New Year’s Eve Party
at the High Point Elks Club as it has for the
past ten years. The decorations, chiefly prepared
by Heartland members Carolyn and Rodney
Williams, will feature black, silver, and pink.
Piedmont NC Chapter #6019
Piedmont NC USA Dancers will enjoy two
holiday dances bracketing the season in a
wonderful venue—built with a bamboo floor.
Both will be held at the West Forsyth YMCA,
1150 S. Peacehaven Road in Clemmons. The
first is a Holiday Premier Promenade on
November 29. The second is an early New
Year’s Party on December 27. Both begin at 4
PM and end at 6:30 PM. Attire is dressy to semiformal. Additional information: 336-712-8183 or
[email protected].
Tidewater VA Chapter #6008
Tidewater’s New Year’s Eve Extravaganza
this year will be held from Dec 30th to Jan 2nd
featuring 60 workshops of all levels and styles.
The Sheraton Norfolk Waterside features four
beautiful ballrooms and a multiple nightly social
dances. Come see what all the craze is about.
South West Florida Chapter #6049
The 2009 chapter of the year will be celebrating
the holidays with sponsoring studios in Ft. Myers
and Cape Coral, Florida and also welcomes
another fabulous holiday party–Elegant Rumba
Co. –a December 4th Christmas party. This is an
event you don’t want to miss. While on vacation in
the area, email [email protected] for a complete
list of studios and dance events. We will welcome
you with ‘open arms’.
1st Danz 6340 Techster Rd. Ft. Myers, Fl 33966
phone 239-931-3269. www.elegantrumba.com
For advertising information email
Dancer
Dancer
[email protected]
A m e r i c a n
A m e r i c a n
AD Exclusive
Derek Hough
Annual Associations
New Pro: Anna Demidova
2009 Goals, Quick Contact List, & more!
A new star in the sky
Nationals are Almost Here
Special Olympics
Updates for Social Dancers & Competitors
Fort Wayne’s Special Olympics
a night to remember
Cover Story: Dancing With the Stars Kids
Wounded Warriors Ball
www.usadance.org
www.usadance.org
September-October 2009
Issue 20
12 Line of Dance
January - February 2009
Issue I6
Howell Oakley
Saying Thanks Through Dance:
Individual
Spotlight
Photo Courtesy of Mauricio Campino
VP, Azalea Coast Chapter #6031
Howell Oakley & Colleen Parker present a check to
Peggy Rochon of the Hope for The Wounded Warrior
by:
Jean Stoddard
A 16-piece big band plays through the pavilion
as a young Corporal sways across the hardwood to
a fox trot rhythm. Slow, slow, quick, quick. Howell
Oakley watches in the same ballroom as professional
ballroom champions lead their partners to the dance
floor. He sees a daughter, with a tear on her cheek,
dance with her father who lost his leg in Iraq.
Howell Oakley invented the idea for the Wounded
Warriors Appreciation Ball after work one Friday. His
experience working with marines as an Instructional
Developer gave him an awareness of the needs of
wounded military. He said, “If you can make people
aware of their needs, good things can happen.”
The ball brought the civilian and military
communities together with the purpose of raising
money and honoring the wounded military. Oakley
saw it as a way to promote ballroom dance and at
the same time “bring more understanding about the
military.”
www.USAdance
13 Dance
Floor .ORG
When Oakley was young, his heroes were Mickey
Mantle, Roger Maris, and...Fred Astaire. He always
wanted to dance, but it wasn’t until later in life when
he moved to Jacksonville, North Carolina, that he
went to his first class at Rivertowne Ballroom. At
first he did it to meet people. Then he became more
heavily involved.
“When you dance it’s like surfing the music, and I
enjoy that.”
Oakley loves interpreting the music. He loves
the connection you get when you move with your
partner. He loves that dance can bring people of all
different backgrounds together.
To him, dancers are blessed because they are
healthy and have the ability to exercise freedom
of expression through dance. “Thank you to those
who risk their health so we can enjoy our health
and safety, and so that we can fully enjoy our love of
expression for dance,” he said.
Oakley started the Wounded Warriors
Appreciation Ball as a way for the dance community
to show gratitude for the military because they have
risked so much for this country’s freedoms. He is
passionate about this cause. “They never get paid
back for what they’ve done. They deserve thanks.”
“What a wonderful idea he had to honor the
wounded warriors,” said Jean Krupa, the National
Social Dance Vice President for USA Dance. “The
event itself was well thought out and I hope that
more people will plan on attending it in the future.”
“
Chapter
Highlight
Give It a
”
Whirl
Shenandoah Valley Chapter #6022
by:
Ivor Lee
As couples hustled to ABBA’s “Dancing Queen”
as part of National Ballroom Dance Week activities
sponsored by Shenandoah Valley chapter (#6022)
at the Valley Mall in Harrisonburg, VA, a small
eight year old boy broke away from his mother
to join the dancers. Running into the group of
dancers, he found Ruth Barstow, chapter member,
looking for a partner. Though he wasn’t really into
dancing the hustle, he was caught up in the spirit
of the event and the other dancers around them
cleared the floor to watch the adorable sight.
Photo by ed Dingman
This was how things happened during NBDW in
Harrisonburg.
USA Dance board member Ruth Barstow dances
with an enthusiastic spectator
14 Dance Floor
For many shoppers, the dancing caught them by
surprise. Some minded their own business, and
in less than 30 seconds, they were line dancing to
samba music. Music and dancing spread through
shoppers as they passed by, but it wasn’t contained
to just the shoppers. Inside the nearby LensCrafters
store a lone salesclerk tried out the steps of the line
dance.
With NBDW looming around the corner, the
Shenandoah Valley Chapter looked for ways
to create awareness of their small but thriving
ballroom community, and a place to reach people
that aren’t often exposed to ballroom. When they
came up with the idea of doing four, two-hour
weekend dance sessions in the mall, they didn’t
expect that it to be such a hit.
“The mall events were even more successful
than we anticipated,” said Steve Bailey, chapter
president. “Many people became aware of our
thriving ballroom community for the first time.
Mall management has already asked us to come
back. I think there’s a great chance that we will.”
for lessons and admissions to upcoming chapter
dances. A TV showed footage of previous USA
Dance competitions. According to David Taylor,
co-secretary, more than 50 names were added to
the chapter’s email list and seven first time dancers
attended the chapter’s Sept. 26 dance.
Exposure often creates opportunities for the
future. It’s the hard work and public performances
that leaves an impression on the members of the
community like the husband thinking about a gift
for a wife, or the couple looking to add more spice
to their lives.
What really made the mall dance was the
fact that the Shenandoah Valley Chapter isn’t
terribly big with 42 members, but everyone that
could help, helped out. “It wasn’t just two or
three members that did everything. It wouldn’t
have worked. 50 percent of the membership,
every officer and board member was involved,”
said Taylor. “The big secret was everyone was
involved.”
Chapter members set up benches near their
promotion area and danced to traditional ballroom
music, Latin and Swing. While salsa and bachata
music played, shoppers sat down on the benches
and members asked them to dance and offered to
teach. Other members distributed flyers, copies
of American Dancer magazine and member
applications and registered potential members
photo courtesy of David Taylor
Shenandoah Valley chapter members and Valley Mall shoppers learn a Samba
line dance during National Ballroom Dance Week in Harrisonburg, Va
www.USAdance.ORG
National Ballroom
Dance Week
Celebrates
it’s 20th Anniversary
By Judith Aquino
T
he untouched desserts were the first hint
that dancing was a priority at this gala.
Another hint was the packed dance floor. Instead
of chatting over coffee and sweets, nearly every
guest waltzed around the polished floor in Little
Italy, New York. When the tempo switched to a
lively hustle, couples expertly changed their hold,
extended their arms and began twirling. From
couples in their twenties to those with silver
hair, everyone danced in celebration of National
Ballroom Dance Week.
Twenty years ago, when USABDA members
Dr. Mary Helen McSweeney-Feld and CJ
Cummings organized the first Ballroom Week,
they knew it would be a lot of work – but also a
great opportunity to promote the joy of dancing.
“We thought it would be a fun idea to have a
week where studios would come together and
have a special group of activities,” explained
Dr. McSweeney-Feld. “Remember that in those
days (early 80s), there was no internet, websites,
email, or social networking, etc., so a week
of activities was one of the few ways that the
performing arts could get their name out at
relatively low cost.”
From April 21st to the 28th in 1989, with
an official proclamation from then-Mayor
Edward I. Koch, more than 40 events were held
in studios and public spaces in New York City
commemorating ballroom dancing.
The event was such a success that in the
following year the editors of several major dance
16 Dance Floor
publications proposed expanding Ballroom
Week into a National Ballroom Dance Week.
Dance students, instructors, studio owners, and
vendors promoted ballroom dancing events
nationwide.
Fast forward to September 26, 2009 when
Mary Helen McSweeney-Feld, Sandra Cameron
and Bill Davies received recognition for their
extensive contributions to ballroom dancing
at the Greater New York Chapter’s inaugural
NBDW Gala. Dr. McSweeney-Feld was honored
for her role in starting NBDW and three-time
United States Ballroom Champions Sandra
Cameron and Bill Davies have supported
generations of dancers as teachers and studio
owners. All three honorees were presented
with proclamations signed by New York State
Senator Tom K. Duane commemorating their
accomplishments in the ballroom community.
Preserving the tradition of ending the week’s
festivities with a grand closing, the gala was
a black-tie event that included performances
by current professional World Ten-Dance
champions, Gherman Mustuc and Iveta
Lukosiute, as well as You Should Be Dancing
studio instructor Natalia Sosnina and her
performance partner, Manuel Rojas.
As for next year’s gala, Yang Chen, president
of the Greater NY Chapter #3004, says it’s still
under wraps. “It’s a mark of the event’s success
that people approached us after the event and
suggested honorees for next year…Speaking
for myself, I would like to see it happen . . . stay
tuned.”
Photos By Maria Bankston
Compiled by Ivor Lee
I
n regions all across USA Dance, chapters
celebrated National Ballroom Dance Week
from September 18-27. Here’s a brief look at our
coast to coast activities.
Region 1
S
eptember 26, 2009 was a beautiful day both
inside and out for the Tacoma, Washington
#1023 chapter. Inside the Lakewood Elks in
Lakewood, WA, a NBDW event coordinated
and emceed by Diane Gisselberg, USA Dance
of Tacoma publicity board member, and DJ’d by
Steve Forbes, USA Dance Secretary swayed the
crowd. More than 30 people took free lessons
in the new Rolling Count WSC, Flowing Waltz,
Hot Salsa, and Romantic Rumba. While some
members had dinner at the Elks, others joined in
the dance for a great evening on the dance floor.
Photos Below By Diane Gisselberg from Region 1
Showcase by teen students Lexi & Gracie Gankston
from Region 2
Region 2
O
ver in Chattanooga, Tennesee, the ChooChoo #2009 chapter kicked off NBDW on
September 18 with two high energy showcases
by teen students from The Dance Floor. Studio
co-owners Linda Hong and Tammy Wilson also
taught a mambo lesson before a packed house in
the beautiful 6000 square foot Allemande hall.
The Choo-Choo chapter is the second fastestgrowing chapter among 39 in a 14 state region.
The Greater Louisville Chapter #2021 took
NBDW by the horns as they brought it to a
local nursing home, performing and dancing
with residents and audience members alike. To
further bring ballroom to the community, they
also contracted with a local dance instructor to
teach ballroom once a week for six weeks in a
school that will replace one physical education
class. Top: Jackie teaching Cha-Cha evening lesson
Bottom: Doug Henry, Instructor, teaching the Rumba Class
www.USAdance.ORG
Photo courtesy of Fran Needham
Region 4
T
Region 3 Central Massachusetts Chapter Members
dancing at the dinner dance
Region 3
F
he north central chapter of USA Dance
#4040 celebrated NBDW with a progressive
dinner dance, reaffirming their love of dance.
Being true to the spirit of dance, they danced in
members homes around appetizers, on the green
of lawns, before and after dinner, and finally
finished by dancing the night away at Canyon
dance academy.
Photo’s courtesy of Gary Barsness from Region 4
or the first time in four years, Cape Cod
Ballroom Dancers returned to the Cape Cod
Mall in Hyannis for their annual Celebration
of Dance hosted by Stephen and Deirdre
Burke of “Shall We Dance?” to open NBDW.
The mall venue afforded excellent exposure
and a sparkling carousel as a backdrop to
their performances. This year, young dancers
Peter Gelzhinsky, Ariella Esterkin and Mila
Burdan showcased Latin dances and Jive while
instructors Casey Baird and Forrest BurkeMoran of Plymouth’s Fred Astaire Studio
performed a Waltz and Foxtrot. Students
presented a Deborah Israel choreographed
samba formation and in between performances,
Trilogy provided music for general dancing.
Dancers of Central Massachusetts Chapter
#3031 celebrated NBDW with a dinner dance
and a mini dance camp held at Maironis Park in
Shrewsbury, MA. With all kinds of lessons being
offered, and a dance featuring waltz and foxtrot
mixers, dance hosts and lots of dancing, it was
an event to be remembered for a while.
18 Dance Floor
Top: Appetizers & Dancing at Gary & Elaines’
Bottom: Dinner at Claudias’
Photo’s courtesy of Becky Capolungo FROM REGION 5
Region 6
T
he Upstate South Carolina Chapter
#6078 tried something different this
year by putting together a West Coast Swing
Workshop and dance in downtown Greenville’s
new ballroom venue. Dancers from not only
Greenville, but also Asheville, Charlotte,
Columbia and all surrounding areas came to
work on a swing shift mixer, West Coast Swing,
and to enjoy southern cooking before returning
to dance the night away. A definite hit, and a
definite repeat for years to come.
TOP: Ford Tackett & Sara McAndrews
BOTTOM: McClure & Becky Capolungo
Region 5
S
ixty dancers from youth to Senior III of
all levels competed on September 19th in
the Rocky Mountain Chapter’s Annual Fall
competition to celebrate NBDW. Among the
competitors were Senior I American Smooth
National Champions Jim Brown (Chapter #5006
president) and his partner Julie Lewis. Held
in the historic Denver Turnverein of Denver,
Colorado, the event was the result of the
collaboration of local dance studios and donated
resources. Dancers from all over the Denver
Metro and Colorado Springs areas came to
showcase their talents at this community event.
With something old (a third showcase), and
something new (waltz and swing lessons for
beginners), was the way the Carolina Heartland
Chapter #6092 observed NBDW. Nearly 200
dancers and friends filled Greensboro’s Oriental
Shrine Club ballroom Sunday, September 27, to
watch and applaud a dozen couples performing
14 dances from tango and samba to jive and the
lindy hop. Between performances, dancers and
guests enjoyed social dancing and visits to the
buffet of “best dishes” contributed by Heartland
members.
Photo’s courtesy of Susan Johnson FROM REGION 6
UPSTATE SOUTH CAROLINA CHAPTER EVENT CROWD
www.USAdance.ORG
20 Dance Floor
10 Reasons To Have A Mixer
I
n planning any chapter dance, several ingredients are necessary: music,
sound system, venue, instructor, refreshments, and, of course, dancers. A
friendly and relaxed atmosphere is a “must” to mark it as a successful dance
where guests and members mingle and participate in the dances.
Changing partners improves your dancing. Dance mixers give you that
opportunity. In other words, you have to work to fit in. Take the initiative and
dance with more advanced dancers. Take some classes or workshops or who
knows you may just find a partner who wants to practice and become a “more
advanced” dancer.
One of the more popular dance mixers is the ‘Snowball’ which can highlight a
guest or guests of honor by having them first take the floor, then stopping the
music for both parties to find new partners from the crowd, continuing until the
floor is full of dancers.
In the ‘Chair’ dance mixer to a Foxtrot or Waltz, the women line up on one side
of the floor and the men take the women at the front of the line around the room
once, dropping her off at the back of the line and proceeding to the front for a new
partner. This can also be done reversing the roles (think Sadie Hawkins dance)
with the men lining up. A word of caution: it is considered rude to avoid taking
the next partner in line, although, if you have just danced with one another or the
person is your regular partner you may offer to skip your turn and defer to the
next person in line.
The chair dance also encourages people to meet and mingle. Whether with your
dance partner or while waiting in line, you have the chance to chat and introduce
yourself, overcoming the tendency to never get to know ‘new’ friends.
It is best to have your mixer within the first half hour of the dance, this way
you can meet people you might want to ask again later and visitors are made to
feel welcome. If you have a large number of unescorted ladies, you may want
to consider having two to three short mixers—no longer than fifteen minutes—
during the evening.
Ladies, you will become a better follower by learning to adjust reaction time as
a “follower” and make you a more desirable dance partner. For the men, learning
how to lead well doesn’t mean a “tug of war” -- there is an art to leading. Some of
the best male dancers have a lead that is precise and feels “like butter”.
Sometimes it may take a while to correctly read your partner’s lead or see how
quickly the follower responds. Don’t dance over the lady’s ability. Remember, the
lady is the spotlight. You won’t win brownie points by showing off.
Vivian Hans has put together a Dance Mixer booklet with mixers sent in from
several chapters around the country and can be found in the document library at
www.usadance.org. It’s all up to you -- it’s your choice whether to take action or
just stand around.
By Jean Krupa
Ten reason to be in Mixers:
1. Dancing is Fun.
2. Improves your Coordination.
3. Keeps you Fit.
4. Builds Self Confidence.
5. Increases Self Esteem.
6. Improves your Posture.
7. Get to Meet New People.
8. Improves your Social skills.
9. Become a Better Leader.
10. Become a Better Follower.
Get a partner, change a partner, and know more friends.
www.USAdance.ORG
Just Singing
in the Rain
William and Jenny have been dancing
together for five years, since they had just
turned eight and six. In March they won first
place at the Junior 1 Championship of US
Dance Nationals. In addition to competing,
they both enjoy learning and presenting show
dances. In 2007, they paired with Nathaniel
Tspierfal and Alisa Milman for a top solo
performance to music from the movie Grease.
This year’s winning solo began on a rainy
day when the couple practiced for the final
competition of local talent show Saratoga Idol.
When they heard that it would rain the day
of the outdoor event, they began discussing
other options. “My mother joked, ‘What dance
would you dance ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ to?’”
said William, “That’s how it started. We began
to choreograph a smooth foxtrot routine.”
They found the music on iTunes and a black
umbrella in the closet, and in less than two
hours, half the dance was choreographed.
22 Dance Floor
After the local talent show, William and
Jenny decided to enter it as a solo at the IGB
held in San Francisco. With the help of David
Weise, an American Smooth teacher, they
added structure and polish to the dance,
but it still lacked something. “One day while
watching ‘So You Think You Can Dance?’ I
came across a lift in Kayla and Evan’s Viennese
Waltz. The next day at practice I told Jenny
about it who was dubious to say the least.
However after successfully completing the lift,
she immediately exclaimed ‘Whoa! That was
fun!’” said William.
With help from Dale Larson, a friend,
and Robin Horne, a dance teacher at Dance
Spectrum, the lift and the rest of the routine
was ready for the IGB and they performed
perfectly in front of the judges. Umbrella in
hand, they danced with smiles on their faces
to the “glorious feeling” of “the sun in [their]
hearts” and just “singin’, singin’ in the rain.”
William Stansbury & Jenny Sokolsky
W
hen William Stansbury and Jenny
Sokolsky walked back out onto
the dance floor to perform their
solo at the International Grand Ball, they
thought they were still competing—that is
until the emcee announced “Please welcome
the top solo of the weekend!” As applause filled
the room, William and Jenny tried to hide the
shock on their faces.
Cindy Stansbury & William Stansbury
Edited by: Ivor Lee
Photo courtesy of cindy stansbury
by:
A n n o u n c i n g
t h e
NATIONAL
CHAPTER
CONFERENCE
2009 Conference Attendees at an Evening Dance
Having Fun Doing the Foxtrot Mixer
DATE
March 11-13, 2010
LOCATION
Tropicana Hampton Inn
Las Vegas, Nevada
SCHOLARSHIPS:
Scholarships will be available to help
with travel costs. For information on
this option, contact Esther Freeman,
Corporate Treasurer - email:
[email protected]
WHAT TO BRING:
A sweater or jacket (it can get chilly
inside the classrooms); a nice outfit
for the evening dances; dance shoes;
notebook, paper and pens; and
business cards.
Go to our website at
www.usadance.org
for the registration form.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
Chapters! Invest in your current and incoming president, vice
president, officers and board members, and any member interested
in helping the chapter grow by sending them to the National Chapter
Conference.
The conference provides opportunities to network, share ideas and
learn from other chapter Presidents and members in attendance.
Note- To help network chapter leadership, chapters are encouraged
to budget funds to reimburse the president for travel and lodging and
to fund their attendance at this event.
PLAN AHEAD:
Time is limited, so prioritize your tasks. Familiarize yourself with your
surroundings the day you arrive. Walk around and note the locations
of seminar rooms, bathrooms and anything else you plan to visit.
SEMINAR TIPS
The seminars make the conference, and each offers important
information to make your chapter stronger. Taking notes about your
experiences will help you track whether you would like to attend
another topic with the same presenter. Some questions to consider:
Does their teaching style work for me? Was the presentation clear
and organized? Were the handouts helpful? Do they understand the
challenges I’m facing with my chapter?
Join us as we cover a tremendous amount of information: Groom your
next President; Motivate, Recruit and Retain Volunteers; Dancing
Classrooms; Build a chapter website; Budgets, Finances and Treasurer
reports; Marketing and Public Relations; guidance on having a more
effective chapter and more.
Come learn and have fun! I am looking forward to seeing you.
-Jean Krupa, Vice President of Social Dance
www.USAdance.ORG
BY:
Ivor Lee
W
hen the Fort Wayne USA Dance
chapter hosted the first ever
Special Olympics DanceSport
competition in 2007, they didn’t expect it
to become a movement that is catching fire
across Indiana and other states.
For example, in early 2009 Indianapolis
became home to a Special Olympics Ballroom
program that is teaching ballroom dancing
to Special Olympics athletes, enriching lives
of not just the athletes but also the lives
the dance club members that serve as their
partners.
On Sept. 18 the Indy Special Olympics
program benefited from the Big Ballroom
Bash, a fundraiser dance that has been part
of the region for the past 14 years. A sellout
crowd of 320 people gathered for an evening
of exhibitions and general dancing, raising
$2,300 to support the thriving program. After
raising funds in 2007 and 2008 to support the
Fort Wayne event, organizers (and Heartland
Chapter members) Rog Greenawalt and Bill
Woodward were glad
to see the program
spread to Indianapolis.
Vivian Hans, the
chairperson of the
2008 and 2009 Fort
Wayne DanceSport
Championships,
indicated:
“Throughout Indiana
Special Olympic Athletes
demonstrating a foxtrot
there are several
ballroom dance organizations that are holding
fundraisers and providing an opportunity
to financially support the Special Olympics.
This is wonderful because it not only allows
members of the community to give money but
it also encourages [the athletes] and gives them
a chance to show what they are learning.”
The Big Ballroom Bash and other similar
fundraisers also provides an opportunity
for Special Olympics athletes to show their
appreciation to the community that supports
them. Events like these also bring out the
entire ballroom dance community and
re-inspire dancers to keep working at their
own art.
“We hope that other dance groups will
follow the Big Ballroom Bash’s example and
help their Special Olympics athletes as well,”
said Hans.
Special Olympic Athletes receiving awards
commemorating their|performance
24 Dance Floor
Photos BY: mark Campbell
Erik & Rickie
Life on America’s Got Talent
by:
Ivor Lee
Paso Doble
Photo Courtesy of Lars Linder ©NBC
N
ine-year olds and two time USA
Dance national champions Erik Linder
and Rickie Taylor from Everett, WA
recently danced on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.”
Here’s what they had to say about it.
AD: What was your favorite part of AGT?
Erik: You get to meet a bunch of people because
when you’re there you’re in the waiting room for a
long time. We met a lot of the other contestants.
Rickie: My favorite part was performing in
front of the judges. Dancing in front of the judges,
you’re not focusing on what you’re doing. You
know what you’re doing; you’re not focused on it.
You’re just doing it. You just feel alive on the stage.
AD: Were you nervous ever?
Erik: First time no, second time no, third kind
of, fourth a lot. It’s like you keep doing it and after
a while you think, “I hope I do this the same like I
did, and I don’t mess up again.”
Rickie: I’m usually never nervous, I know to
just go out there and have fun. So I never get very
nervous but sometimes you get nervous because
you don’t know what camera to look into, so those
things can make me a little nervous. But just a
little. Not all the time.
AD: What was your favorite performance?
AD: What do you like most about dancing?
Erik: You get to go to a bunch of competitions and it’s
just fun.
Rickie: I like to travel, and I like to meet other
competitors. Those are my favorite parts. It’s fun cause
sometimes you don’t know them, and after you compete
they ask you questions and the next minute you’re best
friends.
AD: What’s your favorite dance?
Rickie: I don’t really have a favorite; I really like the
Jive, Paso Doble.
AD: That’s the same as Erik.
Rickie: We’re pretty similar, we spend a lot of time
together practicing and dancing and doing fun stuff. I
think that’s why.
AD: What do you want to be when you grow up?
Erik: Paso Doble—it was the one of the most fun
routines.
Rickie: I want to be a professional dancer when I grow
up, and to be a world champion. A dance teacher that is
a world professional.
Rickie: I really liked our Paso Doble, I think we
preformed that one the best and I like that routine
a lot too.
Erik: Either a professional dancer or a race car driver
or an air force pilot. I always liked planes, and I just love
cars.
www.USADANCE.ORG
the
Public
Eye
by:
angela Prince
FOLLOW US ON THE NEW
SOCIAL MEDIA – FACEBOOK,
TWITTER, YOU TUBE and
LINKEDIN
Now you can easily connect with USA Dance
members and friends around the country (and globe) on
Facebook. Not only are our social members, chapters
and dancesport athletes actively posting the latest news
and commentary on their own pages for friends to
see, but so are many of the top professional coaches,
All Logos are property of their respective owners
instructors, competitors, judges and celebrities, our
“friends” on Facebook.
There you can talk with friends, keep up with social
We’d like to encourage every USA Dance member
dance events and competitions, follow members in the
to join the national organization at one or all four sites
media limelight, watch great dance videos and photos,
-- USA DANCE INC, USA DANCE COMPETITIONS,
and even read the latest issue of American Dancer. It’s a
YCN USA DANCE (Youth & College Network) and the
perfect way to invite people to your dances, get feedback
new USA Dance National Dancesport Championships.
and recruit new members.
26 On Beat
members, but your official national USA Dance “friend”
is PR Director Angela Prince – if you have ideas or
questions or things to share with her or National, just let
her know.
“So far, our experiences on Facebook have been
very positive. We’ve opened the doors to better
communications and relationships with our members
and the industry. Not only are we on Facebook, but USA
Dance Inc is also active on YouTube.com (mostly dance
videos), Twitter.com (important announcements & links)
and LinkedIn.com (business networking).
In addition to the official USA DANCE website
CHAPTERS ALSO
BECOMING ENTHUSIASTIC
FACEBOOKERS
www.USADANCE.org, please join USA Dance Inc on
the New Social Media – www.FACEBOOK.com,
www.TWITTER.com, www.LINKEDIN.com,
www.YOUTUBE.com
Several USA Dance chapters are already Facebook Pros
and know just how to rally support for their programs.
Three chapter sites deserve special recognition for their
long-standing efforts -- Greater NY Chapter #3004 (382
members), Minnesota Chapter #2011 (107 members)
and MASSABDA Chapter #3002 (292 members). Check
out their very active sites for ideas on events, dances and
promotions.
Want to know who’s on facebook? Once you’ve joined
Facebook, search for USA DANCE CHAPTER. As of
ARNOLD SPORTS FESTIVAL
SHOWCASES OUR COUPLES
ON VIDEO
Many of our dancesport couples are showcased
on the promotional video for the upcoming Arnold
Sports Festival (sponsored by California Governor
Arnold Schwarzenegger) See the video on
www.arnoldsportsfestival.com.
November 10, approximately 48 new sites were official.
Regional VP Efrosyni Iosiphidis and PR Director
Angela Prince are at the helm of this effort to help
chapters set up a site with the proper administrative
controls and consistent branding for USA Dance and
chapters. They have also issued guidelines for chapters
to follow that ensure good FB experiences.
On Facebook, you’ll find many Governing Council
The Arnold Sports Festival Logo is property of Arnold Sports Festival
www.USADANCE.ORG
NEW CABLE TV PROGRAM
‘FAMILY DANCE CAMP’
AUDITIONS USA DANCE
FAMILIES IN LOS ANGELES
When the tv producers call us looking for new dance
talent, we normally don’t have much time to respond.
But we’ve found our dancers have stepped up quickly to
the challenge of auditioning for major TV shows. TV
isn’t the same as dancesport competitions. It’s showbiz
and sometimes the results aren’t as predictable. But if
you can enjoy the experience, the process of auditioning,
and realize that it’s not just about dancing, our dancers
come away a little less frayed for the experience of not
making a cut.
Nevertheless, we’ve had lots of great experiences to
The America’s got Talent Logo is property of NBC Television
AMERICA’S GOT TALENT. . .
AND SO DOES USA DANCE
Television producers are already planning new
seasons. NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” which will air
talk about. Most recently were pre-teen champions Eric
Spring 2010, asked USA Dance to suggest couples for the
Linder and Rickie Taylor of Seattle making the TOP 20
East Coast auditions in October. Of course, we offer this
on the last season of NBC’s “America’s Got Talent.” They
opportunity to any couple or dancer who responds to
were instant favorites with the judges and the viewers
our alert. There are approximately eight really talented
and gained a real fan club across the country. USA
couples auditioning in Philadelphia and New York City.
Dance and our chapters campaigned for the final votes.
At press time, the verdict wasn’t out. We appreciate
They were our favorites!
everyone’s efforts, and are glad to help with the process.
USA Dance also received a call from a major cable
network on the West Coast that was planning to launch
a new program “Family Dance Camp” and wanted to
audition families who dance (minimum 4 per family),
which could include parents and kids, cousins, aunts or
uncles, even grandparents. These auditions happened
DWTS JUNIOR CHAMPIONS
FIND NEW FAN CLUB IN THE
PHILLIPINES
Our “Dancing with the Stars” Junior Champions
in October and at press time for American Dancer,
brother-sister couple Craig and Samantha Campos of
the verdict wasn’t out on who made it or not. There
New Jersey were vacationing in the Phillipines with their
were four USA Dance families in the Los Angeles area
mom Irene and realized they had a real fan club there.
who were accepted for the auditions for the first pilot
Watch their performance on YouTube.
episodes. If the program is successful, auditions for
future episodes will extend across the country.
28 On Beat
We want to
hear from
your chapter!
THAT’S SHOWBIZ!
Not all planned auditions work out though….Season
9 “Dancing with the Stars” auditioned quite a few of
our dancers in New York City to appear Fall 09. And
even though the talent was strong and hopes were
high, ABC decided not to do the “pro competition”
after all this season. To date, more than 15 USA Dance
couples have performed on DWTS – many as junior
competitors, others as solo performances. There’ll be
more opportunities in the future.
Has your chapter been in the
news lately? Have you been
featured in the paper, on TV,
or online?
Send us the latest happenings
of your chapter to be
featured in an upcoming
issue of The Public Eye.
When submitting, please
keep in mind the following:
High quality, digital
photos relating to the
event at 600 dpi or higher
Photo caption, or names
of persons
The dancing with the stars Logo is property of ABC Television
Photo credit
Articles should be a
maximum of 175 words
Send submissions
and questions to
[email protected]
www.USADANCE.ORG
30 On Beat
w
We’ve Got It MADE
BY:
Ivor Lee
“I was always a bit of a tomboy, and I absolutely
hate skirts. But my friend watched ‘Dancing with
the Stars’ and would rave about it all the time.
I watched it with her and I thought that Latin
dancing was hot and that I wanted to do it,” said
Depace, “Latin dancers are beautiful. I want to
leave something for people to remember me by.”
Part of the magic of MADE is how they help
people live their dream. According to their website,
“MADE is about making dreams come true. We’re
here to prove that with dedication, hard work
and a little help from MTV, kids…can accomplish
anything they set their minds to.” Part of this
calling means helping kids have a better self image.
Most TV viewers get to see the slightly awkward
parts of reality TV, like the camera following its
subject around through everyday life, and as shown
on the TV episode, dance lessons, talks with Lisa’s
boyfriend. But what viewers don’t see is the prep
that goes into it—medical tests, interviews,
and even an EKG to see if she could handle
the stress level of the
show. On top of all that,
Lisa is now also a new
member of USA Dance.
Lisa had never danced
Welcome to our world of
Latin before.
MADE!
Photo Courtesy of Paul DePace ©MTV
Lisa Depace was an ordinary high school student,
very friendly and active in sports like lacrosse,
and volleyball, but also really good at blending
in. When her school’s principal announced that
MTV’s MADE was going to be scouting for people
to be on their show, she thought it would be a great
chance to become someone new. She wanted to be
“made” into a Latin dancer.
Lisa and Ted at Lisa’s Pre-Prom
After four weeks of intense practice with her
coach Maritza Reveron and partner, USA Dance
member Ted Volynets, Lisa preformed for her
high school’s Pre-Prom—their school’s red carpet
event. Ted Volynets was Lisa’s dance partner,
and date to prom and a large part of building
Lisa’s new self image. And though she still was
nervous, the previous weeks of training had paid
off. Before their performance, Ted said, “I hope
she understands that she’s already done it... I
know that Lisa is a latin dancer, and I’m very
proud of her.”
After a stunning, performance and the
acclaims of excited school mates, Lisa reached
a new understanding, “After the show I learned
that even if you’re strong, and tough, you can
still learn to move your body. I didn’t care
what people said, I could just go have fun,
and I don’t have to be self-conscious without
worrying about what people say about me.”
Ted agreed, “I think Lisa has grown as a
dancer since I first met her, but even more so
as a person.”
And isn’t that what dancing is all about?
www.USADANCE.ORG
USA Dance 2009
National Sponsors
David & Nancy Fisher
Larinda McRaven
Ieva Pauksens
Manhattan Dance Sport Championships
USA Dance Chapter #3002 - Massabda
Igor & Polina Pilipenchuk
USA Dance Chapter #6037 - Birmingham, AL
The Mama Rose Patron of the Dance Scholarship
Ginarose McLeese-Ferraro & Andrew Kerski
Paul Holmes
USA Dance Chapter #2021 - Louisville, KY
Rita Gekhman
“2008 Chapter of the Year” USA Dance Chapter #6049 - Florida
USA Dance Chapter #2048 - Michigan
Thank you for your support!
32 DanceSport
DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport D
DanceSport DanceSport
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Qualifying
Events forDanceSport Danc
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DanceSport Da
USADanceSport
Dance 2010
National
DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport Dance
DanceSport Championships
DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport Dan
010 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championships
2009 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championship
2010 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championshi
DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport Danc
DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport Da
DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceS
Max Rublyuk & Olga Zhuk / Photo by: Carson Zullinger
Manhattan Amateur Classic
Manhattan, NY
January 15-17, 2010
USA Dance Mid-Atlantic
Bethesda, MD
February 27-28, 2010
2010 Gumbo
Baton Rouge, LA
June 25-26, 2010
Southwest DanceSport
Championships
Anaheim, CA
February 5-6, 2010
Columbia Star Ball
Portland, OR
May 8-9, 2010
2010 Heartland Classic
Indianapolis, IN
October 2-3, 2010
Chicago DanceSport
Championships
Chicago, IL
February 20-21, 2010
2010 Smoky Mountain
Knoxville, TN
May 21-22, 2010
www.USAdance.ORG
For More Information visit www.usadance.org
Senior I Latin Champions:
Guzman & Yu
Dancing for America™
By: Arlene Yu
T
hrilled as we were to learn in April
that we were competing at the IDSF
Senior I Latin World Championships,
we little realized how memorable and different
representing the U.S. in an amateur world
championship would be from competing at
Blackpool in 2008.
Arriving early to minimize the effects of
jet lag, we had time for a whirlwind tour of
Brussels, a city of the Renaissance architecture
of the Grand’Place, Art Nouveau design, and
the kitschy Atomium and Mannekin Pis. We
met up with our teammates, current U.S.
Senior I Latin Champions (and newlyweds!)
Irsan Tisnabudi and Cami Fleharty, along with
other teams from Japan, New Zealand, Italy,
and Spain, for our bus ride to Liège. In the
hour long ride, a lasting camaraderie quickly
developed through trading languages and travel
stories. That’s where we began to appreciate
that we were representing our country, and not
just competing for personal glory.
The Competition
Competition day was unlike others we’d ever
experienced: Senior I Latin was the marquee
event, garnering more audience attention
than even Open Amateur Latin. Marking its
importance, we marched in parades during day
and evening sessions, accompanied by formal
opening ceremonies, and the screams of large
French and Spanish contingents hoping their
couples would bring the title home.
34 DanceSport
Jorge Arness Guzman and Arlene Yu with fellow competitors
from Germany, Robert and Sylvia Soencksen
The day began competing in Senior II Open
Latin against 17 couples from traditional
dancesport powerhouses Germany, Italy,
Russia, France, as well as Canada and Austria.
Despite flags waving for France, we won first
place in all five dances and won the Senior
II Open Latin championship, showing the
competitiveness of U.S. amateur dancesport
on the world stage, and gaining us fans from
France, Bulgaria and other countries. The
competition was taken seriously for all age
levels, and we hoped our Senior II result would
have some impact on Senior I and other U.S.
teammates in the future.
Dancing in the more competitive Senior I
Latin Worlds after the Senior II Latin rounds
proved exhausting. We were happy to reach
the second round and place 28th out of 44
couples in the largest Senior I Latin World field
assembled. We cheered the advance of our
teammates Irsan and Cami into the quarterfinal
and they ultimately placed 18th, making the
four of us the second best Senior Latin team
from the U.S.
All Photos courtesy of Arlene Yu
About Us
After successful Pro-Am careers, Jorge winning the
inaugural World Pro Am B Latin Championship in
2005 with Olga Kinnard and Arlene, the Manhattan
Dancesport Pro Am Latin Championship with Christian
Baerens that same year, we formed our partnership in
2007. Our decision to become amateur partners meant
a serious commitment to coordinating schedules and
finances, juggling work/school, and other obligations, as
well as working hard on the dancing itself. It helped that
we had three goals to focus us from the beginning: (1)
win the National Championship, (2) represent the U.S. at
the World Championships, and (3) help transform Senior
I Latin into a higher profile event in the U.S.
We feel lucky to have reached the first two goals, but
are actually proudest that with our amazing teammates,
we’ve achieved the third as well. We look forward to
Senior I Latin becoming an even stronger category for
the U.S. in the future!
Jorge Arness Guzman and Arlene Yu
Jorge Arness Guzman and Arlene Yu have announced the end of their partnership of two years, as Jorge is retiring
from competition. Arlene is seeking a new partner to compete in Senior I and/or Senior II Latin.
The couple has issued this statement:
“We would like to thank our principal coaches, Christian Baerens and Kristina Staykova, and our costume designer,
Lemington Ridley, for their inspiration and belief in us. We are indebted to Mark Mongold, Laurie Gottlieb,
Brandon Fradd, Olga Kinnard, Joanna Zacharewicz, Jose De Camps, Emmanuel Pierre-Antoine, Liana Churilova,
Goran Nordin, and Stepping Out Studios for their generous support, and want to say how grateful we are for the
many words of encouragement and appreciation we’ve received from fellow competitors and dancesport fans.
“Though we will no longer be dancing together we hope that Senior I Latin will continue to attract stronger and
stronger couples, so that the U.S. will be able to compete on a more equal footing with European partnerships,
many of whom graduate to Senior I after gathering extensive national and international experience in the Adult age
category. We urge our competitors from Nationals this past year to continue to help build a U.S. presence in Senior
I Latin, and hope that competitors currently in the Adult category will consider moving ‘up’ to Senior I once they
are eligible.”
Dancing for America TM and Dance for America TM are
the copyrights of USA Dance, Inc. All rights reserved.
www.USAdance.ORG
W
orld
Report
by:
Erica Colvin
What is happening in Spain?
Pasha Pashkov & Daniella Karagach recently
returned from the IDSF World Adult 10-Dance
Championships in Platja d’ Aro, Spain on Oct.
10. The duo placed a tremendous 10th of the 33
competing couples.
What is happening in Finland?
Our Junior 2 USA Dance competitors took the
floor at the IDSF World Standard Championships
in Szombathely, Finland on Oct. 10. Daniel Shapiro
and Catherine Kovalyova placed 27th and Konrad
Kulec and Ania Kuszaj placed 53rd.
Daniel Shapiro & Catherine Kovalyova
I
f you thought USA Dancers only competed
in the 50 states, think again. USA Dance is
proud to announce its most recent World
competitors—representing our nation’s greatest
ballroom talent from Finland to China.
What is happening in Belgium?
Two USA Dance couples competed in Liege,
Belgium on Oct. 17 at the IDSF World Senior I
Latin Championships. Irsan Tisnabudi and Cami
Fleharty represented USA Dance placing 18th with
Jorge Arness Guzman and Arlene Yu placing 28th.
Konrad Kulec & Ania Kuszaj
36 DanceSport
All Photos by Carson Zullinger
Nikita Malakhov & Sara Gleyzer
Xingmin & Katerina Lu
What’s happening in Canada?
Senior I Standard competitors Xingmin and
Katerina Lu and David and Liva Wright danced
in Kingston, Canada, September 17. Xingmin and
Katerina Lu placed an outstanding 8th and David
and Liva Wright placed just behind at 13th.
What’s happening in China?
USA Dance Youth Latin dancers have also been
doing some traveling. Nikita Malakhov and Sara
Gleyzer placed 24th and Jason Chao Dai and
Patrycja Golak placed 31st at the IDSF World Youth
Latin Championships in Yichang, China.
www.USAdance.ORG
Jason Chao Dai & Patrycja Golak
BY: Pasha Pashkov
and Daniella Karagach
Photos By DSPhoto
T
he Adult 10-Dance World Championships took place in
Platja D’Aro, Spain, which is about 90 km from Barcelona.
Platja D’Aro is a beautiful, small resort town, lined with
hotels along the beach of the Mediterranean Sea. There are great
restaurants and shops to explore. We arrived in Barcelona two
days before the competition, so we had some time to walk around
and enjoy the beautiful weather. It was the perfect setting for a
great event.
On Saturday, October 10, 33 couples, representing 33 different
countries, started competing with the standard portion of the
10-Dance event. We had only 20 minutes between the rounds,
which was just enough to change costumes, fix make-up and
mentally prepare for a different style. The ten dance competition
is a marathon of dance. This event proves that the artistry of the
dancers needs to be supported by the athletics in order to succeed.
Finalists end up performing 42 dances in one day!
It is always exciting to compete at such prestigious events. Since
we were the only couple representing the United States, it was
especially rewarding. We were proud and honored to represent
our country. One thing that made it even more special for us was
having four Americans cheering us on. They traveled all the way
to Spain to attend this World Championships. Ken Richards,
Dance Sport VP of USA Dance, was there with his wife Roseanna
Richards, as well as two of their friends. Melissa Dexter was the
adjudicator representing USA at this event.
In the first round, we had a small set back because Daniella
sustained an injury in the first Latin event. However, despite the
injury, we managed to go all the way to the Semifinal of the World
Championships. We placed 10th overall. Although, at time, this
competition felt like the “survival of the fittest”, it was a great
event. We have a lot of respect for all 10 Dancers out there. It
takes a lot of physical strength, endurance and dedication to be
a 10 Dancer, but it is definitely worth it. We thank the United
States for giving us this great opportunity. It was an incredible
experience.
Enjoy Dancing!
With Love and Respect,
Pasha Pashkov and Daniella Karagach
38 DanceSport
www.USAdance.ORG
Competitions noted as “NQE” are National Qualifying Events for the 2010 National DanceSport Championships.
COMPETITION
CALENDAR
january 15-17, 2010
Manhattan Amateur Classic–NQE
Manhattan, N.Y. Chapter #1004
http://nyusadance.org/
january 16, 2010
Quest for the Best*
Seattle, WA Chapter #1004
www.dancequestforthebest.org/
january 23, 2010
Royal Palm DanceSport Extravaganza*
Coconut Creek, FL. Chapter #6016
www.usadance-RoyalPalm.org
february 20, 2010
Phoenix DanceSport Challenge*
Phoenix, AZ Chapter #4033
www.phoenixusadance.org
february 20, 2010
2010 Cabaret National Championships
Chicagoland, IL Chapter #2001
www.usadancechicago.org
february 27-28, 2010
USA Dance Mid-Atlantic DanceSport Championships-NQE
Bethesda, Md. Chapter #6001
www.usadancedc.org
february 5-6, 2010
2010 Southwest Regional –NQE
Long Beach, Calif. Chapter #4018
www.usadance-oc.org
february 5-6, 2010
The Triangle Open
Raleigh, NC.
www.dancingwithwolves.org/comps/to/index.php
february 19-21, 2010
Chicago Dance Sport Challenge Championship-NQE
Chicago, Ill. Chapter #2001
www.usadancechicago.org
look for future event updates at
april 9-11, 2010
USA Dance 2010 National
J W Marriott Hotel
Los Angeles at LA live, CA
May 8-9, 2010
Columbia Star Ball-NQE 2011
Portland, OR
www.columbiastarball.com
Events listed with the * do not accrue proficiency points
http://usadance.org/dancesport/competition-calendar/
40 DanceSport
T
he 30th anniversary of the longest running all amateur competition is the place to see
amazing dancing from national champions who succeed on the world and national stage.
They are pros on “Dancing with the Stars”, they are contestants on “So You Think You Can
Dance?” and they are teachers and performers on various TV shows about the joy, health benefits
and fun that ballroom dancing offers to everyone. Our 2010 National DanceSport Championships
will give you the chance to say, “I knew them when...”
Though some will be in the ballroom from 7 am to 1 am, not everyone can stand to stay inside a hotel
for the entire 72 hours. This year we will be staying at the JW Marriott of L.A.—a brand new, nonsmoking, 4-star hotel with a huge ballroom with great seats for everyone and an amazing vending
area. Marriott guests will have access to both the 3,000-square-foot JW Marriott fitness center and
the Ritz-Carlton’s luxurious 7,000-square-foot spa, located on the second floor of the building; both
fitness centers feature a full line of services. There is also a pool, so make sure you bring your bathing
suits.
BY:
Daphna Locker
The hotel is close to the Staples Center, the Nokia Theatre L.A. Live, the Regal Cineplex with 14
theaters, and the Grammy’s Experience Museum. There is also a bowling alley, many dining options,
and all of the great sights of Los Angeles within a short drive of the hotel. The area offers daily music
and theatre shows and lots of options for family fun.
For those people who want more, there will also be social events: dances, social trips, meeting with
our President and other USA Dance officials, and for those VIP patrons, a cocktail party prior to our
Saturday night events. For more information please visit www.usadancenationals.com and click on
the “What to Do” section.
For the past two years, our block of rooms sold out and we expect to sell out this year, so reserve
your rooms early. Attendees will have a special rate of $179.00 (plus taxes) per night. Regular rates
are $349.00 for a standard room with a king-sized bed. Expedia or Orbitz state similar hotel rooms in
the downtown Los Angeles area, for $229 for a 3-star hotel and $299 for a 4-star hotel in that area.
Photo By Andy Hwang
Reservations can be made by going to the Nationals website:
www.usadancenationals.com and then clicking on the
JW Marriott Hotel Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE >> link. The
USA Dance code is already entered. All you need to do is
enter your arrival date to reserve. Or, if you wish, you can
also make a reservation by calling the central reservations
number at 1-800-228-9290 and ask for the “USA DANCE
2010 National DanceSport Championships” block at the JW
Marriott Hotel at L.A. LIVE. The block code is udaudaa.
This will be a great event and I hope to see you all there,
Daphna Locker, Chair
2010 National Organizing Committee
www.USAdance.ORG
LA Skyline Lights
By:
T
Arlene Yu
o encourage competition in Senior I Latin in the U.S., Arlene Yu and her husband, Mark
Mongold, will be sponsoring a scholarship in that category at the 20th Anniversary
Manhattan Amateur Classic, taking place from January 15-17, 2010 in New York City.
In doing so, they are following in the footsteps of many other individual dancers –both amateur and
professional– who have funded scholarships to help develop dancesport in the U.S. At the Manhattan
Amateur Classic, for example, amateur dancers such as Greg Elder, Konstantin & Maryanna
Polukhin, Daniel Ferris, Inna Brayer, Khan Hannan, and Avi Lazarovitz have generously donated to
scholarship funds. And at Nationals, recent individual scholarship sponsors include: David & Nancy
Fisher, Ginarose Ferraro & Andrew Kerski, Borbala & Robert Bunnett, Ieva Pauksena, Igor & Polina
Pilipenchuk, Larinda McRaven, Paul Holmes, Rita Gekhman, Perry Gingerich, Gary McDonald,
Arunas Bizokas & Katusha Demidova, and Steven Dougherty & Eulia Baranovsky.
As Arlene explained, “Even with these individual contributions, as well as generous corporate
donations, many categories at both local and national competitions do not offer monetary awards to
help competitors deal with the financial commitment necessary to pay for coaching, practice time,
costumes, travel, and competition fees. Yet scholarships are crucial to attracting and supporting
competitive partnerships at all skill and age levels. Today’s Pre-Bronze competitor might either be
tomorrow’s National Champion, representing the U.S. on the world stage – or tomorrow’s former
dancer, forced to quit for lack of funds.
“We urge everyone to consider contributing and “giving back” for the enjoyment they have received,
either as competitor or spectator, at USA Dance competitions.”
Carrie Ann Inaba with Arlene Yu & Jorge Arness Guzman
42 DanceSport
Photo by Carson Zullinger
COLLEGIATE COMPETITION
CALENDAR
november 14, 2009
Yale Ballroom Dance Competition
New Haven, CT
http://www.yaleballroom.org/comp/
november 14-15, 2009
Gamecock Invitational
Columbia, SC
http://invitational.gamecockdancesport.com/
index.php
november 21, 2009
San Jose State University Ballroom Classic
San Jose, CA
http://studentorgs.sjsu.edu/sjsubdc/
competition.htm
november 21-22, 2009
National Collegiate DanceSport Challenge
Columbus, OH
http://cdcusabda.accessdance.com/
december 5, 2009
Big Apple DanceSport Challenge
New York, NY
www.columbiaballroom.org/competition
december 12, 2009
Cackalacky Ballroom Challenge
Raleigh, NC
www.dancingwithwolves.org/comps/cbc/index.php
january 30, 2010
Valparaiso University Ballroom Competition
Valparaiso, IN
www.valpo.edu/student/ballroom/comp10.php
february 6, 2010
UPenn Clover Star Classic
Philadelphia, PA
http:// www.dolphin.upenn.edu/ballroom/
CloverStarClassic/
february 6, 2010
Northeast Collegiate DanceSport Challenge
Waltham, MA
http://people.brandeis.edu/~bdteam/index.
php?page=competition
february 14, 2010
Boston University Terrier
DanceSport Competion
Boston, MA
http://people.bu.edu/ballroom/index.htm
february 20, 2010
Michigan Ballroom Dance Competition
Ann Arbor, MI
www.uofmballroom.com/clubpost/uofmballroom/
competition
february 27, 2010
UC Berkeley Ballroom Classic
Berkeley, CA
www.ucbd.org/classic/
march 5-7, 2010
Arnold Youth DanceSport Classic
Columbus, OH
www.arnoldclassic.com/h_dancesport.asp
Look for future event updates at
http://www.usadance.org/youth-and-college-dance/ycn-events/
www.USAdance.ORG
USA DANCE
National Collegiate
DanceSport Challenge
Columbus Convention Center Columbus, Ohio
November 21-22, 2009
Organizer: Shawn Fisher
[email protected]
Registrar: Daphna Locker
[email protected]
Register at www.o2cm.com
Establishing Excellence
for more information go to www.usadancencc.org
44 InStep
Worth Every Mile:
George Washington University
T
he drive from George Washington
University to Columbus Ohio is
418 miles of trees and hills, winding roads,
and bridges over rivers beautifully scenic
long and takes six hours and 25 minutes.
In November, the George Washington
University ballroom group will enjoy the
drive to Ohio a because of the friendships
formed in the months before this road.
Founded in 1993, GW Ballroom is
dedicated to teaching students the joys
of ballroom, competing in at least five
competitions a year, and holding events for
the community. While keeping a serious
agenda, they focus on having fun, and
building team unity. “We work better as
a team after we’ve hung out together, and
competed together,” said group president
Karen Chen.
After late evening dance practices, it’s
common to see dancers cross the street
from the Lerner Health and Wellness Center
to the Ivory Tower to hang out, laughing and
getting to know each other better.
This unity is the strength of GW Ballroom
and lends a unique structure to their
organization. Because college groups have
a high turnover rate due to graduation and
transfers, the executive board of the group
is run by sophomores. This allows senior
students to spend more time helping new
students practice as well as giving advice to
the younger executive board. It’s one way of
passing knowledge down so that everyone
can develop from social dancers into
competitive dancers.
Though one of the main goals of GW
Ballroom group is competing, they also
www.USAdance.ORG
by:
Ivor Lee
Photos COurtesy of Karen CHen
try to improve ballroom dancing in their
community by espousing the values of
ballroom.
To this end, group members wear t-shirts
and jackets that identify the group. When
people see their jackets they show interest
and ask about what they’re advertising. In
the community, the group is well known.
When people need to learn how to dance for
a wedding, people will contact the group.
Even the state department contacts them for
lessons during private events.
According to Chen, these little services
go a long way. “We’re about letting people
know what ballroom is like. Some [in this
area] have the preconceived notion that
ballroom is about prissy and snobby people
dancing. We help people find out what is
really going on.”
In between practices, social dancing,
helping out in the community and before
the 418 mile drive to Ohio, there are a few
smaller competitions to help them get ready.
But regardless of the results, they’ll enjoy
the time they have together dancing and
laughing their way across the dance floor.
AD Marketplace
SHOES AND ACCESSORIES
The Dance Dresser Inc.
Sylvia Cummings
195 S. Westmonte Drive, Suite 1106
Altamonte Springs, FL. 32714
Phone: 407-774-1106
Phone: 880-774-1106
Fax: 407-778-1374
Email: [email protected]
www.dancedresser.com
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
Desert Dance Club
690 E. Warner Rd., Ste 155, Gilbert AZ 85296
- www.desertdanceclub.com Private and group
instruction in social, exhibition & competitive
dancing. Employ “Dance Masters” from all
over the country to bring current cutting
edge dance info. for staff and students. Host
monthly social dances. Studio available for
private functions and parties.
Elegance in Ballroom & Latin Dance
Studio
Jessica Todero and Bob Gates, 8225 E.
Washington St., Box 8, Chagrin Falls OH
44023, 440-543-1559, www.chagrinballroom.
com Provide students with skills to dance
socially and for showcases and competitions.
Private and group lessons in wide variety of
partner dances. Check out our Northcoast
Ballroom Teachers Academy too.
Satin Stitches Ltd.
Deborah Nelson
11894 Round Lake Blvd. NW
Minneapolis, MN 55433
Phone: 763-323-9507
Email: customerservice@satinstitches.
com
ExquisiDance Ballroom Studio
Toe to Toe Dance Wear Inc.
Carol Fournier
1159 W. Hill Rd. #C
Flint, MI 48507
Phone: 877-348-4362
MBP Healthy Living Inc., Home of
Ronnie Vinston’s Ballroom Dance
STUDIOS & INSTRUCTORS
Ballroom Magic
Katy & Russ Fischer
P O Box 16, Glasser NJ 07837
Phone: 201-663-4646
Ballroom Dance Teacher’s Academy
Where dreams of ballroom dance careers
come true. Blake Carlson - Director, 5210 N.
Market St., P O Box 7523, Spokane WA 99207,
phone 509-710-0215, FAX 508-483-9215,
email: [email protected] website: http://
www.touchdancing.org
BlueBallRoom, Wilmington, DE and the
Delaware Valley.
JContact: Ken Richards, (VP of DanceSport
- USA Dance) [email protected] or 302984-BLUE (2583)
Fun is our main objective and dancing is how
we get there. Learn Salsa, Swing, Ballroom,
Latin, Hustle, Country, Nightclub Slow
Dancing, Argentine Tango and more! Group
classes, personal training, and coaching from
top dance stars available. Visit the website
www.blueballroom.net for pricing and the
calendar of events so you don’t miss the next
great dance party. Proud sponsors of the USA
Dance National DanceSport Championships.
46 InStep
3646 E. Ray Road, Phoenix, AZ 85044,
Contact Michael Jewell Phone 480-706-0171
Email: [email protected] Website: www.
ExquisiDance.com Ballroom dance instruction
- Private and Group Classes, Competitions,
Dance Parties, Ballroom Dance Shoes
Moves 200 Henry St. Suite 106 Belleville Mi
48111 email: [email protected] or
[email protected] Phone: 1-800-743-0929
or 734-347-8537 Group and private lessons Children ages 13 and up welcome
J & B Dance Center
Jean Keehan, 734 Broadway, Kingston
NY 12401 - Phone: 914-331-3092 Email:
[email protected]
North Carolina Ballroom Teachers
College, Raleigh, NC
contact: Jillian Hood ph: 276-614-4595
email: [email protected]
website: www.ncballroomdancecollege.com
The North Carolina Ballroom Teachers
College offers a series of four sessions, each
lasting 4 months that teaches the lead, follow
and teaching method for the American Bronze
DVIDA syllabus: 4 Smooth, 8 Rhythm and
5 Nightclub Dances. The course prepares
candidates for the DVIDA professional
certification exams.
Paso a Paso Ballroom Dance
Provides instruction in all american style
dances with group or private lessons available.
Regular dance parties are offered for students/
public to practice and socialize. Contact
Barbara Putz, 317-696-1656, email: bkayputz@
hotmail.com website: www.tatesdance.com
Queen City Ballroom Dance Studio
Provides instruction in all american style
Karen Tebeau, 21 Dow St., 2nd fl., Manchester
NH 03101 - Email: [email protected]
TRAVEL
Compass Speakers & Entertainment
Inc.
The Gentleman Host® Program - Tracy
Robison, 2455 E. Sunrise Blvd. #804, Ft
Lauderdale FL 33304 - Leading supplier
of Gentlemen Dance Hosts ® to the luxury
cruise industry Phone 954-568-3801, Email:
[email protected] website: www.
compassspeakers.com
OTHER
Competition Management Services Inc.
Mark Garber, Atlanta GA On-line registration,
scheduling & payment for dance competitions
- Phone: 770-645-8707 FAX: 770-645-6350
email: [email protected] website: http://competitorregister.com/
Show Off Straps
www.showoffstraps.com.
Customized bra straps worth showing off.
Contact Susan Ratcliff.
Phone: 1-888-578-7277.
Email: customerservice@showoffstraps.
com.
SPORTS ORGANIZATIONSNATIONALS
United States Rock ‘N’ Roll Dance
Federation
USA Dance National Sports Organization
Member - 92 Corporate park, Ste. C-572 Irvine, CA 92606-5106 - Phone: 714-832-1085
- Website: www.usdanceteams.org
Dance Mart
SMOOTH GOWNS
Smooth or Standard. Red velvet and chiffon
dress. One sleeve which can be removed and
one glove. High neck, red appliques with a
few pearls, bodysuit, removable back float.
Excellent condition. Great for the holidays.
Photo. $175.00. [email protected] or
5611-749589. [1]
STANDARD GOWNS
Size 2-4 Powder blue lace bodice, sleeveless,
with layers (3) of powder blue chiffon skirts.
Blue chiffon draped neckline, bodysuit.
Armbands with floats of chiffon. Blue
stones. Excellent condition. Photo. $200.00
[email protected] 561-740-9589. [0]
Size 2-4 Teal blue halter style top, high stoned
neckline. White stoned appliques over bodice.
White illusion sleeves which can be removed
and made into gloves. Great starter dress.
Excellent condition. Photo. $150.00
[email protected] 561-740-9589. [0]
Standard. size 0-2 red dress, heavily stoned
with red stones and large and small Swarovski
ABs. Long sleeves stned, high stoned neck,
keyhole back, bodysuit, 2 layers of full skirt.
floats. Excellent condition. Photo. $600.00.
[email protected] or 561-740-9589. [1]
LATIN/RHYTHM DRESSES
Size 10-12 REDUCED AGAIN!!!
Latin/Rhythm, light turquoise high neck with
long sleeves. $300. Heavily stoned at neck,
wrist and asymmetrical hemline with scattered
AB stones throughout the bodice. Built in body
suit. Pictures available. Call 423-899-6703 or
email [email protected]_(mailto:qfoxtrot@aol.
com). [0]
www.USAdance.ORG
Latin or Rhythm size 0-2-4. Black and silver
circles on heavy lycra with one sleeve and one
glove. 2 rows of flounces. Flashy and excellent
condition. Photo. $150.00. Also orange lycra
halter style bodice and orange chiffon 2
layered hooped hem skirt, bodysuit,gloves, and
stoned. Excellent condition. Photo. $200.00.
[email protected] or 561-740-9589. [1]
Size M NEW “Designs to Shine” Teal Green
Latin/Rhythm by Maria McGill with one long
sleeve and one short sleeve. Original cost
$3500 reduced to $2000. This is an eye catching
dress but I can no longer dance rhythm.
Pictures available. Call 423-899-6703 or email
[email protected]_(mailto:[email protected]).
[1]
Size 10-12 - Black Lorie Chambliss Latin/
Rhythm with mesh long sleeves.
Loaded with AB stones. Built in body suit.
Excellent Condition. Pictures
available. $350. Call 423-899-6703 or email
[email protected]_
(mailto:[email protected]). [0]
Partner WANTED
I am a veteran dancer with over 30 years
experience! I am looking for a female dance
partner to practice and dance with who would
be interested in doing shows! I have a complete
dance education in addition to my Ballroom,
and Latin Ballroom training! I have studied with
many of the great dancemasters in the past 35
years! I can be reached at (847)302-8996. [0]
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 or less. 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 the ad.
To place or renew an ad, please
send it to:
[email protected]
Non-Profit Standard Class
U.S. Postage
PAID
Lebanon Junction, KY
Permit #542
USA Dance
2010
DanceSport
30th
Anniversary
Championships
LOS ANGELES
April 9, 10, 11
Located in L.A. Live at the
new JW Marriott
More Information to come
Contact Us: Call 646-734-9666 or see our
website for additional information:
Member Organization of
The United States Olympic Committee &
International DanceSport Federation
www.usadancenationals.org

A m e r i c a n

Transcription

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