Treasure Tier 2011 By: Lorraine Fisher
The number of participants in 2011 Treasure Tier reached an all time high. Over 30 couples attended and competed in USA Dance events in this last 2010-2011 cycle. We’d like to extend our gratitude and congratulations to those competing for their dedication of time and practice to make the National Qualifying events an even greater success. The following 21 couples achieved the Ruby Tier by attending at least 4 National Qualifying Events:
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Andrew Bershtein & Julia Aizman Burt & Flo Jackson C. Philip & Ann Carter Carmine Rucco & Marie Bolyard Clifford & Carrietta Pepper Damian Pataluna & Irina Morozova Daniel & Carole Barber David & Connie Taylor David & Liva Wright Jerry & Jo Ann Snyder Jonathan Towne & Leigha McReynolds Joseph & Mary Louise Bates Kevin & Louise Payne Rockie & Mary Lou Troxler Samuel & Renee Dapore-Schwartz Scott Verden & Wen Kao Ted & Eunmee Damianos Tim Cannell & Dale Flowers Thomas & Renee Malinowski Thomas & Yuko Yu Walt & Jan Ward
love the VIP seating at Nationals. Last year in LA we were sitting next to some of our favorite Dancing With The Stars pros.” Each couple will receive lapel pins with a corresponding faux stone (ruby, emerald, or diamond), one (ruby), two (emerald) or three (diamond) free entries at nationals, one free program per couple, the couples’ names listed in the National program, and the couples’ names listed in the advertisement following Nationals. The Emerald Tier will receive VIP seating for one evening session of their choice at Nationals, and the Diamond Tier will get VIP seating for the entire weekend. Congratulations to all those who achieved a Treasure Tier this last cycle. We hope more couples will continue to attend and compete in upcoming NQE’s for USA Dance.
The following 4 couples achieved the Emerald Tier by attending at least 5-6 NQEs:
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Carl & Lelia Blevin Peter Greenslade & Sue Eldred Henry & Olivia Hudson Robert & Deborah Pratico.
Only 1 couple, Joseph & Shelly Brogen, achieved the Diamond Tier by attending 7 NQEs—their second year in a row. Reflecting on their experience competing and attending NQEs, Shelly stated, “We have gained a lot more experience on the floor by participating in so many competitions. Competing has become fun and less stressful. It’s exciting to see our improvement over the years. By attending most of the NQEs, we’ve gotten to know our competitors from all over the country. We also
www.USAdance.ORG 36 Nationals
Joseph & Shelly Brogen - winners of the Diamond Tier photo courtesy of Joseph & Shelly Brogen