Dancer
A M E R I C A N
First Step
Highly successful chapter president shares her secrets to taking the first step.
Dance Workshops Workshops and dance camps across the nation. Find one near you!
Batons and Ballroom New alliance with WBTF opens performance opportunity.
Official Publication of USA Dance
National Ballroom Dance Week: September 16-25 www.usadance.org
September - October 2011
Issue 32
On the Cover Photo Courtesy of Florida Dance Spree
8 First Step
As President of District 9 and Greater Daytona Chapter Marta Pascale shares how rewarding a step in the right direction can be.
14 Dance Workshops
Workshops and dance camps are going on around the nation, and here are some you won’t want to miss.
46 Batons and Ballroom
USA Dance members performed at International Baton Twirling Championships after recent alliance with WBTF.
Inside the Cover Line of Dance
4 6 7
President’s Report Editorial Information & Contributors Important Announcements
14
In Step
42 Why Come to the NCC Formations Competition? 45 Batons and Ballroom 46 DanceMart
Dance Floor
8 The First Step 10 Amateurs and Professionals - The Differences 12 Jack Lebo: Orrin Tucker 14 Dance Workshops To Attend 20 USA Dance Cruise Update 22 Healing Our Heroes 24 Dance Weekend for Fun and Profit On Beat
30
USA DANCE in the Public Eye
DanceSport
34 Beyond the Physical 38 Dine, Dance, Dream 41 DanceSport Volunteers
22 www.USADANCE.ORG
Photo By Joy Watson
2011 September - October 3
Presidents’
Report
In the last issue I wrote about the progress DanceSport has made toward its acceptance by the International Olympic Committee into the Pan American Games, and the value that will provide to the dance world regardless of whether DanceSport ever becomes an Olympic program sport. In this issue, I would like to discuss another initiative which USA Dance is pursuing as we look to the bright future for ballroom dancing in this country. As a nationally recognized organization and the single largest member-driven ballroom dance association in America that is heavily involved in both DanceSport and social recreational dancing through our 180 chapters across the country, USA Dance has as its mission increasing the opportunity for all Americans to become involved in the healthful activity that is ballroom dancing and DanceSport. A key area we will be concentrating on in the coming months and years will be to find the funding to grow our programs, and we will be looking very seriously at the opportunities presented by grants as an important source of funding. Therefore, I am pleased to announce the appointment of Jean Tauber to the volunteer position of Director of Development. This is a voting position on the Governing Council of USA Dance, and it will be Jean’s responsibility to identify and seek appropriate grant opportunities at the national level for our organization. Jean comes to us with substantial experience in grant writing and administration, having worked as a Grant-Writing Consultant, a Grants Administrator for a city, and a Contracts Administrator for an aeronautical university. She has also had experience writing grants at the chapter level. In agreeing to serve on the Governing Council, Jean joins a group of dedicated volunteers who are working at the national level in their various areas of expertise to meet the dance needs of our members as they strive to achieve their individual dance goals. We welcome Jean to the Governing Council and look forward to working with her.
4 Line of Dance
There are many sports, social and health-oriented foundations that offer grants to organizations like USA Dance in its efforts to get Americans out of their seats and into a healthier more active lifestyle. The United States Olympic Committee also provides grants to develop and enhance sports programs for young people in local communities, especially programs that instill the ideals of good sportsmanship and fair play, and Jean will be identifying such grants, working with and providing guidance and support to other USA Dance officials in the preparation of grants, and in the administration of any grants received. USA Dance is especially interested in obtaining grant funding for such programs as a training camp for our World Team members as they prepare for their performances at World Championships around the world. Another area of great interest will be to identify grants to fund demonstration programs aimed at the development of ballroom dance curriculum in K-12 schools. Perhaps our chapters have additional ideas for programs that could be developed with the help of appropriate grant funding, and if so, we would love to hear about it. Developing worthy programs and applying for appropriate grants to help fund them falls directly in line with USA Dance’s goal to bring ballroom dancing to individuals and communities across America. We want children, young adults, and those in middle age and throughout their senior years to look at ballroom dancing as an easily accessible, fun and healthy activity to be engaged in throughout their lives. Growing such programs and finding funding for them therefore becomes an important part of the USA Dance mission.
Lydia T. Scardina
National President, USA Dance
www.USADANCE.ORG
2011 September - October 5
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. She is a founding member of the Greater Daytona Chapter in 1990.
PRESIDENT Lydia Scardina, 415.469.9815 e-mail: president@usadance.org SENIOR VP Bill Rose, 949.842.8284 e-mail: senior-vp@usadance.org SECRETARY Stan Andrews, 217.454.8879 e-mail: secretary@usadance.org TREASURER Esther Freeman, 541.779.6787 e-mail: treasurer@usadance.org DANCESPORT VP Ken Richards, 302.290.2583 e-mail: dancesport-vp@usadance.org SOCIAL VP Jean Krupa, 386.761.1625 e-mail: social-vp@usadance.org •
Editorial Staff
Editor-in-chief Shawn Fisher MANAGING DIRECTOR Michael Mecham WRITERS Ivor Lee • Michael Mecham ART & PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Aimee Mecham DESIGNERS Aimee Mecham • Michael Mecham
Angela Prince Angela Prince is the National Public Relations Director for USA Dance, responsible for all integrated pr programs, organization publicity and communications, national media relations, social media relations and brand development. She is also the editorial advisor for American Dancer magazine and other publications.
•
Contributors
WRITERS Jean Krupa EDITORIAL ADVISOR Angela Prince, USA Dance Director of Public Relations •
Rates & Prices
American Dancer is published bimonthly as a service for members and is included in membership annual dues. •
Subscription
Individual Non-Member $25 Canadian Air Delivery $32 Overseas Air Delivery $36 Library Subscription $9 •
Guest Writers
Advertising
AD REPRESENTATIVE Angela Prince 704.507.2699 e-mail: advertising@usadance.org •
Daphna Locker Jack Lebo
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 office@americandancer.org •
Jean Stoddard Jen Brewer Lorraine Fisher
Letters to the editor
Please include your name, city and state. Names will appear in full unless specified otherwise. •
Chapter News
Please include chapter name and number, contact information and any photos with caption information that you might have. •
Photos
Must be high resolution, print quality digital photos. 600 dpi. Send to editorial office: e-mail: office@americandancer.org or mail to: American Dancer magazine PO Box 462 Rexburg, ID 83440-0462 •
Membership
If you need information concerning membership or missed issues, contact: Mary at USA Dance Central Office 800.447.9047 • Fax: 239.573.0946 E-mail: central-office@usadance.org Check our Web Site - www.USADANCE.org
6 Line of Dance
Michael Mead
Dancer
A M E R I C A N
Highly successful chapter president shares her secrets to taking the first step.
Dance Workshops Workshops and dance camps across the nation. Find one near you!
Batons and Ballroom New alliance with WBTF opens performance opportunity.
Photo Taken By Spring Rose Davison
Official Publication of USA Dance
National Ballroom Dance Week: September 16-25 September - October 2011
Marta Pascale
President of Greater Daytona Chapter & Area Coordinator District 9
First Step
www.usadance.org
Cover Photo
Issue 32
Announcements National Ballroom Dance Week National Ballroom Dance Week (NBDW) will be taking place September 16-25, 2011 For ideas or information about NBDW visit http://usadance.org/social-dance/national-ballroom-dance-week/
USA Dance National Dance Cruise The deadline to register for the USA Dance National Dance Cruise is coming up. There is limited capacity, so if you would like to take part in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, you’d better hurry. www.dancecruiseUSADance.com
National Chapter Conference Planning for the National Chapter Conference is underway. The date has been set for March 1-4, 2012. Invest in your chapter, come to Dallas, Texas, and learn how to take your chapter to the next level.
New “Chapter Services” Link on USADance.org We have added something new in the blue bar on the left side of the home page of the national website at www.usadance.org to make it easier for chapter officers and board members to locate entry to the document library and the chapters membership lists.
The Document Library One of the benefits of being a USA Dance chapter is the wealth of support information included in the document library to help guide our chapter board volunteers in most effectively managing their chapter. Access to the document library is restricted to chapter board members and national volunteers. The library is organized by topic folders to help locate what you need. It is helpful to download the Table of Contents to more easily scan contents. Please take advantage of this resource. There are guidelines on chapter management, how to plan special events, music, health benefits of dance, dance mixers and much more.
www.USADANCE.ORG
2011 September - October 7
Marta Pascale: First Step
Photos Taken By Spring Rose Davison
Cover Story
People begin filing in to Marta Pascale’s beginning foxtrot lesson. A 40-something woman sneaks in but is not the first to approach the dance floor. A self-proclaimed “biker chick”, she is clearly out of her element. But she’s always wanted to dance. Marta remembers when she stepped into the studio the first time 25 years ago. No one approached Marta or welcomed her. Panicked, she turned around and walked out. Another dance student noticed and followed her, encouraging her to come back in. Class begins and Marta tells everyone to get behind her as she starts to demonstrate a basic step. Slowly, she adds two, then three steps to the combination as the class mirrors the movement behind her. She’s doing the steps. The woman who rides Harleys is dancing the foxtrot. After class she tells Marta, “You touched my soul.” The Greater Daytona Chapter #6026 has been offering low-cost beginning dance lessons since the fall of 2010—one strategy the chapter uses to increase membership. The purpose is to teach people who want to dance, no matter what age, but might feel nervous attending the first class. Because only one other instructor in the area would volunteer to teach the classes, Marta stepped in. 8 Dance Floor
Marta breaks down concepts, creating a comfortable learning environment for timid beginners. “It doesn’t matter how well I dance; it matters how well I teach.” She is an experienced teacher with the resume to prove it. In her 35-year professional career Marta has been a Spanish teacher, a French teacher, an assistant principal, a principal, and a trainer of principals. “My career has prepared me for the rewards, challenges and conflicts that I have faced as chapter president.” Teaching beginning ballroom lessons is one of the tasks Marta loves to do as president of the chapter, because, she says, it’s not about her. The focus of the chapter should be the members. Many are drawn to USA Dance after divorce, death of a loved one, or simply needing something in their lives. Marta, who began to seriously dance at age 52, knows it’s never too late to start. One 80-yearold man wrote on a survey, “Marta, I had huge
“The hardest part about learning to dance is showing up for the lesson. Everyone can learn to dance, but as with all things you must keep at it.” Photo Courtesy of Shannon
Marta and Jerry
reservations when my daughter suggested I learn to dance . . . I have made a number of new friends through your classes, something I have needed since losing my wife. Thank you for making this difference in my life.” Since Marta began as president, the chapter has grown from about 125 to 255 members. She has borrowed the philosophy from the Dallas chapter of running it, but treating it like a service. Part of running USA Dance as a business includes giving people benefits for becoming a member. The Greater Daytona Chapter #6026 gives new members four times the value of the membership fee through free classes offered by local instructors/vendors. Marta suggests to potential dancers: “The hardest part about learning to dance is showing up for the lesson. Everyone can learn to dance, but as with all things you must keep at it.”
www.USAdance.ORG
Marta and John Pascale
Asking for volunteers has been a major factor for Marta and the chapter’s success. Marta attributes much of the growth to the free lessons offered by her instructor and partner, Jerry Lawrence of Lawrence Dance studio, who has donated $8500 worth of group lessons to the chapter’s members. She and Jerry attract attention whenever they dance together. On a cruise ship, when Marta and Jerry served as a Ballroom Dance Duo, a female passenger commented, “When I watch you dance, I pretend it is me.” Marta responded, “It could be you, with time and lessons. Just a few years ago, I was the one wishing I could dance.” Marta was asked to give workshops on the USA Dance National Dance Cruise this December, and she will be offering four sessions. In these sessions she will be giving tips on Recruiting and Retaining Members, along with other ideas that have helped her chapter get where it is today. By Jean Stoddard
2011 September - October 9
Photo courtesy of Michael Mead
Amateurs & Pros: The Differences By Michael Mead Michael and wife Toni Redpath were the the number one Americanstyle ballroom couple in the world and four-time U.S. ballroom champions before retiring from competition in 2002.
Let’s look at a couple of stereotypical views. The first is that Amateurs of all ages are hobbyists who dance just for fun, who dance in their spare time and do not earn an income from their hobby. Also included in this stereotype is the idea that amateurs are not as concerned about the level of technical expertise brought to bear, but are more interested in learning the next fun move. For them it’s all about the feeling. The second stereotype I would like to discuss is that of a professional dancer. Encompassed in this stereotype is the idea that a Professional dancer earns the majority of their income by teaching, competing or doing exhibitions, and dancing is their full-time occupation. The stereotypical professional dancer’s interest in improving their skills is primarily related to the higher fees they can charge for their teaching, or the recognition and work opportunities that open up from winning competitions. The professional’s training is slanted more towards technical improvement and establishing effective training regimens in order to be more competitive in the marketplace and on the competition floor. I’d like to discuss for a moment the “feeling” discussed earlier that is sought after by the amateurs. It is easy for the more advanced competitive dancers, in both groups, to get caught up in trying to be perfect technicians, and then to lose sight of why it is they are trying to acquire these skills in the first place. That is, of course, in order to allow them to connect and communicate on a more meaningful level with their partners, and be a more effective physical manifestation of the emotional message 10 Dance Floor
conveyed in the music as experienced in their hearts and in the hearts of the audience. Of course technique in dancing is also very important. A less experienced dancer can greatly benefit from instruction by a competent teacher who can demonstrate how the application of physics (gravity and centripetal force) can help them move more efficiently and with less energy output. This results in making the dancing more enjoyable and less stressful, especially for older dancer who may have reduced strength and mobility. The reality is that these days, especially amongst the top competitors in both the amateur and professional groups, there is a comparable quality of dancing and professionalism exhibited (think prior Amateur Ballroom Champion Victor Fung and Amateur Latin Champions Eugene Katsevman and Maria Munosova who have had considerable success in the Professional ranks). Since members of varying skills from both groups also teach, is it safe to say there is essentially no longer any real difference between an Amateur and Professional dancer? And if there is a singular lack of meaningful distinction between the two groups would it perhaps not make sense at this point in time to reflect the reality of the situation, dispensing with the term Professional and Amateur all together, and instead employing a unifying ranking system that covers all dancers? When it comes down to it, there are many ways that professionals and amateurs can both learn from each other. They just have to be willing to learn.
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2011 September - October 11
LES LESDeMERLE DeMERLE 12 Dance Floor 20
ORRIN TUCKER 1911-2011 Orrin Tucker, who led a “sweet” big band for nearly 50 years, and was best DeMERLE BEST recalled for a coyly suggestive 1939DRUMMER recording of “Oh Johnny, Oh Johnny!” that ALL-AROUND DeMERLE BEST featured the baby-voiced singer, “Wee” Bonnie Baker, has passed on at age 100 ALL-AROUND DRUMMER near Los Angeles. by Jack Lebo
The late Harry James said: “Les DeMerle is the best all-around by Jack Lebo
drummer TheI’ve handsome personable a remarkably lengthy ever had, and and that’s saying aTucker lot whenenjoyed you remember The late Harry James said: “Les DeMerle is the best all-around that drum virtuosos like Buddy Rich Louis Bellson manned that and continued musical career that began when heand launched his band in 1933
drummer ever post beforeI’ve him. ” had, and that’s saying a lot when you remember Les DeMerle, world-renown drummer, bandleader, clinician post The late critic and historian T. Simon, Tucker, before him.jazz ” and author was born in Brooklyn, N. Y. He George began playing drumsdescribed at Les DeMerle, world-renown drummer, bandleader, clinician age 11, which launched him into thesang New York jazz scene with his as a “friendly a one-time pre-med student who and played saxophone, and in Brooklyn, N. Y.with He began playing at ownauthor all-starwas jazzborn group. He performed traditional jazzdrums legends and intelligent” musician who “maintained his equilibrium” after “Oh Johnny” age 11, which launched him into the New York jazz scene with his Tony Parenti, Henry “Red” Allen and Jazz Vibes’ great, Lionel own all-star catapulted him togroup. prominence. Hampton, alljazz before age He 17. performed with traditional jazz legends TonyLes Parenti, Henry “Red” Allenfor and Jazz Vibes’ Lionel DeMerle is also talents as great, a his vocalist. “Orrin knew his known music, hishispublic and own limitations,” Simon Hampton, allfact, before ageof 17.the few jazz drummers who has been DeMerle, in is one wrote, “and so, generation after most of the big bandsfor had DeMerle is also known for his talents as aLes vocalist. able Les to sing andaplay drum simultaneously. Next, toured 12 faded away, he DeMerle, fact, is one of the fewmaster, jazzmusic drummers who has been yearsaround, withinbig band jazzhis trumpet Harry and recorded is still playing pleasant in James, some of the nation’s smartest able to sing and play drum simultaneously. Next, Les toured for 12 three albums with him, including the Grammy Award-winning King venues. ” years big band jazz trumpet master, Harry James, and recorded Jameswith Version. threeAlways Playing the him, light,including styleoncalled sweet, albumsenterprising with Award-winning King which played inundemanding nature,the LesGrammy hadjazz “all pots the stove James Version. and cookin’” during this period, band when he movedalong to Losfor Angeles. down improvisation, Tucker’s crested decades, recordings Always enterprising in nature, Les had “all pots on the stove As a clinician, he appeared in most major music stores in the U.S. such as “Billy,” “Would Ja Mind?” and his theme, “Drifting and Dreaming.” He and cookin’” Europe. during this period, when he moved to Los Angeles. helped establish as amusic powerhouse when As aAs clinician, heColumbia appeared inRecords most major stores in the U.S. he dusted off “Oh a club owner, bandleader, jazz innovator and teacher, Les and Europe. owned operated The Cellar Music Johnny, ” aand song of World War ITheatre/Creative vintage, and his girlWorkshop. singer, Baker, who passed As a club owner, bandleader, jazz innovator and teacher, Featured artists in his nightclub included, not only Les’ own Les onowned in 1990, spruced itThe upCellar with Theatre/Creative sex appeal. and operated Workshop. cutting-edge jazz/rock/fusion band, Transfusion, Music with whom he Featured Emitting mischievous sighs between lyrics, Baker artists in his nightclub included, not only Les’ own recorded five award-winning LP’s, but also showcased world- sang of a boy of cutting-edge jazz/rock/fusion band,Corea, Transfusion, with whom he than made up renowned jazz stars such Chick Altrue…”) Jarreau and Freddie dubious looks (“Your notashandsome, it’s who more recorded five award-winning LP’s, but also showcased worldHubbard. forrenowned it in other Time reported: jazzways. stars as magazine Chick Corea, Al educational Jarreau“So andmelting Freddie and cajoling were As an author, Lessuch wrote two best-selling drum Hubbard. diminutive Bonnie’s ‘Ohs’Volumes (Chicago jitterbugs quickly changed the text to ‘Oh books, “Jazz-Rock Fusion, I and II,” published by Hal As an author, Les wrote two best-selling educational drum Bonnie, Oh!’), that her record was soon jerking juke-box nickels faster than the books, “Jazz-Rock Fusion, Volumes I and II,” published by Hal fading ‘Beer Barrel Polka.’” The 2009 Amelia Island Jazz Festival with the Dynamic Les DeMerle Big Band will be held The Island Jazz Festival with the Oct.2009 4-11.Amelia For more info, check out:Lebo BY Jack Dynamic Les DeMerle Big Band will be held AmeliaIslandJazzFestival.com and Oct. 4-11. For more info, check out: www.LesDeMerleMusic.com. AmeliaIslandJazzFestival.com and www.LesDeMerleMusic.com.
through the 1980s as owner of a popular Hollywood ballroom. that drum virtuosos like Buddy Rich and Louis Bellson manned that
Photo of Orrin Tucker & Jack Lebo
After U.S. Navy service in World
War II, Tucker formed a new band and tried to change his sound to a brassier style of swing – only to hear from “hotel managers who threatened to cancel any return bookings if he didn’t go back to the old sound, “Which I did,” he said. After playing himself in the 1975 TV movie, “Queen of the Stardust Ballroom,” Tucker plunged into a new business venture by taking a defunct skating ring and transforming it into the Stardust Ballroom on Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood.
He broadened his repertoire to include songs such as, “Bad, Bad
Leroy Brown,” but he knew his days as a performer were nearing an end. He shut down the ballroom in 1982, and worked in the real estate business in Palm Springs, California.
“Orrin Tucker’s passing is probably more notable for the longevity
that preceded it, as well as for ‘Wee’ Bonne Baker’s contribution to the band’s success,” said Rob Bamberger, host of “Hot Jazz Saturday Night” program in Washington. “The wispy sound of the ‘sweet’ bands has not stood up well with time,” Bamberger added, “but Tucker’s band was certainly among the best of its sort.” Robert Orrin Tucker was born in 1911, in St. Louis, and grew up in Wheaton, Illinois. He had an early ambition toward medicine, but also was drawn toward music as a child when he saw a picture of a shiny saxophone in a Sears-Roebuck mail order catalogue. He moonlighted as a musician while attending North Central College in Naperville, Illinois, and found himself in such demand that he formed his own band. He hired singer Evelyn Nelson on trumpeter Louis Armstrong’s recommendation.
“He told me that she sings with a cute voice and that if I wrote cute
songs for her, I could make her a star,” Tucker told the publication, Jazz Connection. Thanks to writer Adam Bernstein for his contribution to this article.
www.USAdance.ORG
2011 September - October 13
USA Dance
Chapter Workshops and Camps
The following USA Dance chapters will be hosting dance workshops or camps in the coming months. Photo Curtesey Of Tidewater
Workshops with multi-level classes give an opportunity for chapters to expand membership by providing beginning dance lessons. At the same time, current members may attend classes based on each person’s technical dance level. Workshops, however, do not have to be just about improving technical skills. The most popular workshops are also about having fun. Darlene Forbes, vice president of the USA Dance Tacoma Chapter #1023, said the workshop organized by her chapter is an enjoyable and social event. Participants learn in ballroom classes during the day and let loose in the evening at the dance. “Participants say that this is the best event in the area and keep coming back year after year. I would like to thank our chapter volunteers for the continued support of this event.” 14 Dance Floor
Tacoma, Washington Grand Dance Extravaganza: Tribute to the Big Band Era
Where? South Park Community Center—4851 South Tacoma Way, Tacoma Who is running it? USA Dance Tacoma Chapter #1023 has co-hosted the event with Metro Parks Tacoma for 8 years. About how many participants are expected? Forty people are expected to attend the workshops and 80 people for the dance in the evening. When? Saturday, Oct. 1, 2010. What classes are being offered? Classes will be taught in ballroom, Latin, salsa, night club 2-step, Argentine tango, and swing. What is unique about this camp/workshop? This day camp is a fun way for people to meet and work with local instructors. Qualified teachers from the area will teach the workshops while making them fun and educational. Because the chapter is doing a fundraiser for MPT Youth, the band is free. Attendees will dance to a live swing band, youth dancers will perform, and Jack and Jill competitions and dance mixers will
www.USAdance.ORG
Photo Courtesy oF Tacoma Chapter
be held.
2011 September - October 15
Tidewater, Virginia New Years Eve Magical Extravaganza
Where? The event this year will be held at the Sheraton Waterside Hotel on the Elizabeth River, in Norfolk, VA. This will be the third year the event has been held at this venue. All events will be held at the hotel. Who is running it? The event is run by the Tidewater (Virginia) Chapter, USA Dance, Inc #6008 operating from Virginia Beach, VA. About how many participants are expected? This year 700 students are expected to attend the 54 workshops that will be conducted. Several years the chapter has held up to 60-65 workshops, and around 800-900 students attended. When? Thursday, Dec. 29, 2011 through Sunday, Jan. 1, 2012. What classes are being offered? Classes in American and International styles will be provided, as well as all the ballroom dances in all skill levels. We also hold Theater Arts workshops and a number of specialty workshops, which are 75 minutes in length. What is unique about this camp/workshop? The camp is four straight days of dancing. People come from all over the country to participate, sometimes to train with a specific teacher. Private lessons are available from all the participating instructors. Vendors provide various services including shoes (over 2000 pairs available), jewelry, clothing, and massages. A Dinner Dance will be held Thursday followed by a New Years Eve Dance on Saturday. The New Year is also celebrated with a champagne toast at midnight. 16 Dance Floor
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www.USAdance.ORG
2011 September - October 17
Florida/District 9 Florida Dance Spree
Where? Kenilworth Lodge in Sebring, FL Who is running it? Jean Krupa, Social VP, USA Dance About how many participants are expected? As many as 300 people have attended in years past. When? Feb. 3-5, 2012 What classes are being offered? There will be 10 workshops. What is unique about the workshop? This event is when the region of 21 chapters holds its annual Presidents meeting. Usually about 16 chapters attend. The Florida Dance Spree is when Volunteer of the Year and Chapter of the Year are presented. There will also be a Team Match in which four couples represent each chapter to dance waltz, fox trot, cha cha, and swing. The winners receive a trophy. A parade, Jack and Jill contests, and exhibitions will also take place.
Photos Courtesy oF District 9
18 Dance Floor
,'+ +!# *#* #./ $ *')'#/ +" $.'#+"/ $,. 0&# Second Annual USA DANCE National Dance Cruise, December 4-11, 2011, , ." ,)) +" *#.'! 7/ #)#% +0 */ #/0#." * $,. /#2#+ " 5/ ,$ $1+ +" +# .)5 +,+ /0,- " +!# !0'2'0'#/ #- .0'+% $.,* 0 1"#." )# ),.'" 0&# !.1'/# $# 01.#/ #4!'0'+% 2'/'0/ 0, . +" 1.( 1.(/ +" '!,/ + 1 + 1#.0, '!, &')'-/ 1.% 0 .0#+ +" )$ ,,+ 5 & * / +" '+!)1"#/ $1)) -.,%. * ,$ )).,,* ) 0'+ +" !)1 /05)# " +!# !) //#/ 0 1%&0 5 0&# !,1+0.57/ 0,- -.,$#//',+ ) '+/0.1!0,./ Last year’s cruise was a sell out and cabins are limited, so book NOW!
+!# +! ! +,+ -.,80 ,.% +'6 0',+ '/ 0&# + 0',+ ) %,2#.+'+% ,"5 $,. +!# -,.0 '+ 0&# +'0#" 0 0#/ +" .#-.#/#+0 0'2# ,.% +'6 0',+ $,. /,!' ) " +!#./ !.,// *#.'! 333 1/ " +!# ,.% .1'/# ,.% +'6#. '/ +!# ,!' ) # + .1- /,!' ) 2- 1/ " +!# ,.% www.USAdance.ORG
2011 September - October 19
Have something to celebrate? Or do you just want a week to get away from it all? Take a dance cruise with us where you will literally sail into the sunset for a great adventure.
USA Dance Cruise Imagine you are on a Caribbean cruise. Warm sun, pristine beaches, sparkling water and elegant palm trees make it the most popular cruise of all –relaxing beside a perfect blue pool, the wind gently blowing your hair, the serenity engulfing you. Have something to celebrate? Or do you just want a week to get away from it all? Take a dance cruise with us where you will literally sail into the sunset for a great adventure. The elegant ms Westerdam offers comfort
Photo stock.xchng
and class. Glass-enclosed elevators offer panoramic ocean views that stretch for miles. Relax and rejuvenate at the luxurious spa, which features 11 therapy rooms, a hydrotherapy pool, a sauna, and steam and aromatherapy rooms. Two-thirds of the Westerdam’s staterooms feature private verandas. In addition to the two-tiered main dining room, there are several alternative dining options including the Pinnacle Grill or the casual Lido Restaurant.
Here are some things you can expect on the USA Dance Cruise: • Dining. Holland America has a very luxurious dining room. You will find a wide range of menus. You can also get room service or visit the 24-hour snack bar. • Activities. The Westerdam is equipped with spas, salons, boutiques, gyms and pools. There are also nightly dance shows, magic shows or comedy skits, provided by HAL entertainers! Or you can try your luck at the casino, games and contests. • Excursions. We have exclusive USA Dance excursions to see the area’s best sights. You can do water sports, go shopping, see landmarks, or sign up for fun tours and adventures. • Social Dancing. We will have social dancing either in the evening, and a few times we will have afternoon dances in lieu of an evening dance so you can take in the ships entertainment at night. • Dance Workshops. Daily workshops when we are at Sea and even while we are in port after re-boarding from sightseeing.
20 Dance Floor
Speaking of workshops, I’d like to introduce you to your instructors for this years cruise. Ken Richards started
his ballroom career in 1979, working as an instructor and eventually owning his own studio. Ken became the Marketing Director for the franchise headquarters of Arthur Murray International, Inc. Much of Ken’s time, over the past 14 years, is dedicated to USA Dance, starting first as the Director of Publicity and now serving as the VP of DanceSport. Ken will be teaching West Coast Swing, Salsa, Hustle, Bolero and Lead & Follow technique. Nathan Simler is a
competitive professional in the American-style 9-dance division. He is from the Seattle WA area. With his background in music, his lessons offer a unique perspective. He placed in the finals at the United States National Dancesport Championships three years in a row. Nathan will be teaching American Tango, Foxtrot and Waltz. Mary Simler began
dancing at the ripe old age of 4 in traditional Ballet, Tap and Jazz. Social Dancing became her passion in 1995, and she began teaching at age 18 in a small studio located in Bellevue, WA. She is a Regional Examiner www.USAdance.ORG
with Dance Vision International Dancers Association and has13 years experience training teachers successfully. Mary will be teaching American Rumba, Swing and Cha-Cha. Dan Calloway teaching
International Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango and Quickstep. Dan began dancing in 1977 when he took a one-month course called social dancing at the University of Delaware with his twin brother and never stopped. Dan has coached the Georgetown University and University of Maryland Dancesport ballroom teams for the past 15 years. In more than 30 years as a ballroom dance competitor and instructor, he has been named a finalist in both the Asian-Pacific and United States Professional 10-Dance events and has won numerous awards, including professional of the year and top teacher. Silke Calloway will
be teaching International Rumba, Samba and Cha Cha. Silke Calloway has taught competition team classes at the George Washington University Ballroom Dance Club and has danced competitively in International-Style Latin with Dan. by Jean Krupa
2011 September - October 21
Healing our Heroes The effects of war present devastating obstacles for our returning soldiers. For some, it’s the physical challenge of adjusting to life in a wheelchair or operating a prosthetic limb, but for others, it’s a mental battle of staying focused and clearing war from their minds. Most veterans just want a way back into normal life when they return. Whatever their struggle, returning soldiers can find the road to recovery through one of the private organizations supported in part by USA Dance’s Wounded Warriors Appreciation Balls™.
The Wounded Warriors Appreciation Ball™ is an event sponsored by USA Dance chapters who then use the proceeds of the events to benefit private organizations. These organizations seek to help returning soldiers by aiding and assisting the needs of injured service members. They also provide programs to meet the needs of these warriors and nurture their bodies and minds back to health, as well as provide care packages and 22 Dance Floor
other supplies. At the heart of the program,
ranging from gift certificates to dance
the organizations seek to honor and empower
lessons. Not only dancing, but also some live
these returning soldiers. In the spirit of these
music was shared at many of these events.
goals, USA Dance has chosen to sponsor and
Orchestras or live bands providing the music
hold a variety of events like the Wounded
for the dances are a big hit. Whatever the
Warriors Appreciation Ball™ to raise funds.
showcase, each of these benefit events is a night to remember, especially for
Starting with the Azalea Coast Chapter #6031 in 2009, many chapters joined the trend of hosting dances and balls for these wounded soldiers. A few other chapters that have hosted fundraising dances within the past year include the Dallas Chapter #6100, the Ventura County
Chapter
#4022,
and the Daytona Chapter
“Whatever their struggle, returning soldiers can find the road to recovery through one of the private organizations supported in part by USA Dance’s Wounded Warriors Appreciation Balls™.
#6026. Each of these events
those soldiers benefited by them.
Over $20,000 combined has been raised over the last few years
through
fundraising
USA
efforts.
Dance Chapters
nationwide are making plans to host more events in the future to benefit these wounded warriors who have served and sacrificed for our country. As long as USA Dance members
includes an array of features and attractions
continue to bring ballroom dancing to the
for members and the public to enjoy.
community around them, the Wounded Warriors
From exhibitions to live music, each event
Appreciation
Ball™
will
be
there to support our country’s warriors.
excels at catching the public interest on behalf of our nation’s wounded warriors. Some
By Lorraine Fisher
dances have included dance instruction
Photos Courtesy oF Howell Oakley
or workshops preceding the social dance portion. Others have showcased professional dancers, or included silent auctions of items www.USAdance.ORG
2011 September - October 23
Host a Dance Holiday Weekend for Fun and Profit by Jean Krupa
Tired of the formal dinner dances or just looking for a new idea? Would you like to socialize with neighboring chapters, get to know USA dance members AND improve your dancing skills while doing so? A few USA Dance chapters are already hosting Dance weekends, from one day to four days Your Dance Holiday doesn’t have to be scheduled around a national holiday; make it a theme weekend. Call it “Island Paradise” and have workshops in Merengue, Mambo or Rumba; or a western theme and workshops in West Coast or Two Step. You have options from offering a variety of dances/levels to the immersion theory of having all the workshops focused on one dance style. By making it a fun weekend with membership required you can increase your membership. A tricky way around it can even be to have two prices, one for members and make the nonmember price at least $25. more to cover the cost of their membership. Decide if you want just a one day event, in which you could 24 Dance Floor
have 4-6 workshops and end with an evening social dance or if you think you’ll be too tired to dance arrangea meal at a nearby restaurant, or an entire weekend starting Friday and ending Sunday or a holiday weekend where it could conclude on Monday. The venue/facility will depend on the type of event you select. If you opt for the weekend you will need to find a suitable hotel, one way to negotiate price is to ask if they have an off weekend when they would really appreciate your business. Remember, meals, floor and room rates are all negotiable when you are working with group pricing. Don’t be afraid to use the ‘we’re senior citizens on a fixed income” approach- it works. Contact your local Convention and Visitors Bureau for help in selections
meeting your requirements. Make it appealing to beginners and advanced level dancers by selecting high profile instructors either local if you are lucky enough or someone you know has a good following. Be sure to include a bio in the advertising to qualify the instructors to those not familiar with their name. If you hire a top pro couple you can also attract spectators with a dinner/dance and exhibitions. If the facility has the room invite dance/shoe vendors. Break up the day with a fun Jack and Jill contest or Waltz mixer after lunch. Give yourselves at least six months preparation, contact chapters in your District to let themknow what you are planning and extend an invitation. Be sure to contact the USA Dance Central Office to be included in the Social Event website schedule. Additional guidelines can be found in the document library.
www.USAdance.ORG
2011 September - October 25
t h e
NATIONAL CHAPTER CONFERENCE
DATE Mar 1 - 4, 2012
LOCATION The Love Field Wyndham Dallas, Texas
Photos courtesy of stock.xchng
A n n o u n c i n g
Take your chapter to new heights.
3 THINGS YOU WANT TO GET OUT OF THE CONFERENCE
1.____________________ 2.____________________ 3.____________________
Go to www.usadance.org to register.
Training is only as good as the plan you have for implementing it. There are main strategies you can use. Turn what you learned at the conference into action. Research shows that unless you use a new idea within 24 hours of learning it, you’ll probably forget what you have learned. Set goals: To get the most out of the program, be clear on what you intend to gain. Ask yourself, “What do I hope to change as a result of attending this program?” you’re much more likely to follow through if you set goals now. Give yourself the incentive you need to practice what you learn. Ask, “How does this apply to me?” Keep your current circumstances, conflicts and interests foremost in your mind. As you learn new approaches and techniques, relate them to your own situation. You’ll be amazed at how easily and quickly you’ll implement new ideas when you know exactly where to put them in action.
26 Dance Floor
Here are some of Dallas’s “hot spots”. Meyerson Symphony Center Since 1989, it has become a Dallas landmark and is known as a world-class concert hall. Superpages Center The very best of live music with bands and artists on national tours. DALLAS ARBORETUM With 66 acres of lush plantings. DALLAS MARKET CENTER World’s largest wholesale merchandise mart.
All-Star Lineup from last year Included: • Stan Andrews, National Secretary • Angela Prince, Director of Public Relations • Bill Rose, Senior VP • Bobbi Jo Gamache, Director of Chapter Liaison • Barbara Wally, K12 Director • Esther Freeman, Corporate Treasurer • Ken Richards, Vice President DanceSport While some ofthe speakers may change, the quality of the conference will remain the same. Topics to be covered at this year’s conference include: Grooming your next President, Motivating, Recruiting and Retaining Volunteers, Dancing Classrooms, Websites, Budgets, Finances and Treasurer reports, Marketing and PR and more to provide guidance to have an even more effective chapter.
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.
www.USAdance.ORG
DALLAS WORLD AQUARIUM AND ZOOLOGICAL GARDEN The 10 main tanks feature the aquatic life of Japan, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Bahamas. Fiji, Palau, Southern Australia, the Solomon Islands, and more. DALLAS ZOO Contains 95 acres to explore with thousands of animals and a huge variety of family activities SIXTH FLOOR MEMORIAL MUSEUM This unique space examines the life, death, times and legacy of President John F. Kennedy. GREENVILLE AVENUE An assortment of one-of-a-kind shops and dining is offered in this well-kept 1920’s neighborhood. NORTHPARK CENTER The premier shopping experience! DALLAS COWBOY’S STADIUM Home to the one and only Dallas Cowboys. LONE STAR PARK The excitement of quarter horse and thoroughbred racing, plus live music events. 2011 September - October 27
National Ballroom Dance Week
“Dancing for America ” TM
National Ballroom Dance Week™ will be here before you know it. It is never too soon to think about how your Chapter will participate in this special weeklong celebration of ballroom dance. Right now you may be asking yourself, “Why should we do anything special for NBDW™?” There are two reasons we can think of – the first is to share with others what we enjoy so much –ballroom dancing.
DANCING for AMERICATM
September 16-25, 2011 For more ideas and information visit
www.usadance.org
Click on the Social Dance tab and then National Ballroom Dance Week link
or call
1-800-332-NBDW Next Year’s Date: September 21-30, 2012 It’s never too early to start planning
Secondly, this is an occasion where we cannot only celebrate, but promote dancing in general and USA Dance in particular. It is a great opportunity to increase membership and participation in dancing in your community. We encourage chapters who have never done anything special to recognize this week by trying just one new thing. It could be a raffle, free passes to future dances, or free admission for anyone who brings a first-time guest, to mention a few. Many chapters go “all out” to celebrate with a dance every night, often with each offering a different theme. Chapters hold dances in malls, community centers, and parks - they advertise or arrange to have feature articles written in the local paper about ballroom dancing. They offer free lessons, and do demonstrations in nursing homes, schools, festivals and other public venues. Films like “Mad Hot Ballroom” and “Shall We Dance” were extremely popular. ABC broadcast of “Dancing With The Stars” has been a huge hit sparking lots of interest in learning to dance, particularly with the 18-49 age group. Start now! Use the current media attention as a springboard for promoting ballroom dancing in your community. Integrating dance films and TV shows into the weeklong celebration is an interesting way to promote dancing in your area.
Here’s to celebration and happy dancing feet.
28 Dance Floor
We have dressed celebrities on the red carpet and on ABC’s hit show Dancing with the Stars. You too can sparkle with our haute fashion jewelry. MsBellezza Jewelry offers dazzling yet affordable pieces for every woman, no matter her budget, big or small.
MsBellezza Jewelry 2033 Gateway Place, Ste. 600 San Jose, CA 95110 408.573.6308 www.USAdance.ORG www.msbellezza.com • facebook.com/msbellezzaj • twitter.com/msbellezzaj
2011 September - October 29
the
PUBLIC EYE Angela Prince
It’s Business As Usual at USA Dance The USA Dance website www.usadance.org is our member’s best resource and archive of all important matters concerning our members – both social and dancesport. All of the letters and responses from USA Dance regarding the recent NDCA membership suspension can be found on the website. From Lydia Scardina, President of USA Dance Inc. – “At this time, USA Dance would like to assure all of its members – individual dancers, leaders for our 180 chapters and our DanceSport athletes –– that in spite of the NDCA’s decision to suspend our organization, USA Dance and all of its programs and activities will continue as they have in the past, without interruption and with the continuing support from our National organization.
30 On Beat
“We realize that the confusion created by the NDCA’s public announcement surrounding our “suspension” has triggered many questions and concerns, but at USA Dance, it is business as usual. We are an independent, self-governing organization. Our membership in the NDCA has always been a voluntary and willing participation, and we viewed it as a part of our contribution to sustaining goodwill and positive relationships within the fast-growing dance world. “USA Dance as a non-profit organization has always represented the best interests of competitors and social dancers across America. Our prevailing mission remains unaltered -- to increase and improve ballroom dancing opportunities throughout our country, and for all Americans.” Read Full Releases at www.usadance.org
Helping Our 180 Chapters Maximize Media Publicity Opportunities If your Chapter has an important event coming up, such as National Ballroom Dance Week, and you would like a current Media Contact list for your local area, please write to Angela Prince at publicrelationsdir@usadance. On the subject line, please reference
USA DANCE - CHAPTER NAME - Media List Request for CITY/TOWN Name. Then in the email body, please explain your event, plans for publicity and goals.
USA Dance Star Search – Be A YouTube Sensation We thought it was about time that a USA Dance member became a real YouTube sensation – a real viral star that gets millions of hits and fans! Maybe you have your own choreography to showcase? A unique story to tell? Maybe you can just come up with the craziest (or dumbest), the funniest (or saddest), the wildest (sorry, but cleanest) dance routine to ever hit the Tube. USA Dance has a YouTube Channel – usadanceinc. First join as a subscriber; then get to work creating your debut video clip. We’ll showcase you on the Channel and help drive some traffic your way.
Two requirements from USA Dance – the title on YouTube must have the name USA Dance in it and somewhere in the video, the USA Dance name or logo appears. If you want to check out all the “dancers” on YouTube that became sensations, go to YouTube and search for these videos: Evolution of Dance Where The Hell is Matt? Thriller (prison inmates) Baby Dancing to Beyonce Barack Obama on Ellen Dancing Merengue Dog
180 million views 39 million views 49 million views 22 million views 11 million views 11 million views
Wow! Isn’t it time real dancers find their fame and fortune on YouTube?
Logo Property of YouTube.com
www.USADANCE.ORG
? 2011 September - October 31
Key Resources for Chapter Social Media Pages & Sites USA Dance Chapters are encouraged to create their social media presence on Facebook, joining nearly 100 of our Chapters already. Our Administrative Support Director Efrosyni Iosiphidis is available to help chapters set up and improve their pages, particularly on setting up the account and privacy controls. Please email her at AdminSupport-Dir@usadance.org. If you search for chapter model websites on Facebook, you may see some variations on a theme – we are working as quickly as possible to bring consistency
among our chapter sites – proper branding and USA Dance chapter logo use are top priorities. Please note that at this time, chapters are not approved for Twitter and MySpace Accounts, but are approved for local chapter websites, provided they comply with Nationals guidelines and policies. Please contact Senior VP Bill Rose at senior-vp@usadance.org for guidance and questions regarding chapter websites do’s and don’t’s.
Dancing For America TM Once Again in the Caribbean USA Dance successfully launched its Dancing For AmericaTM ambassador program on board our organization’s first National Dance Cruise in November 2010. As we sailed the western Caribbean to various island ports, we carried the message and passion of our dancing to others.
their native dances and we shared ours, and we came away with new friends and memories for a lifetime.
In Jamaica, the country’s Tourism Board embraced our visit and organized a dance presentation and celebration in the village of Ocho Rios. They shared
Become a USA Dance Ambassador – join our celebrations in December! Cruise Website: www.dancecruiseUSADance.com
ms Westerdam terrace bar and grill 32 On Beat
The second annual USA Dance 2011 National Dance Cruise will once again sail to the Caribbean -- this time connecting with dancers in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Already 120 million people are connected on Linked In, a fast growing “business social media” site. It’s becoming a valuable resource for dancers and those in the business and promotion of dance as well. USA Dance has an important administrative presence on Linked In. If you’re interested in being part of this growing connection, please request to join Group Pages USA DANCE INC and/or DANCESPORT CONNECTION. The USA Dance Inc group is open to members and all others throughout the USA, who want to follow USA Dance news and discussions. Although we hope that members will officially join the National organization to help support programs, the LinkedIn membership is free. The DanceSport Connection group is open to anyone involved in dance throughout the world. Members include professional and amateur dancers; studios and dance product retailers; competition event organizers; national and world dance association members and leadership; dance media; dance nonprofit organizations and arts councils; and the list goes on. Discussions are normally about universal topics of interest, and there’s a “jobs” and “promotions” section for members to list those opportunities. Nearly 400 DanceSport Connection members now represent states throughout the USA, but also hail from countries around the globe -- including China, Trinidad, New Zealand, Ghana, Brazil, Netherlands, Uganda, Sweden, the U.K., Germany, Spain, Canada, France, Argentina, India, Serbia, Australia, Switzerland…and the list goes on. Social Media Site: www.linkedin.com www.USADANCE.ORG
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 considered for an upcoming issue. When submitting, please keep in mind the following:
1 2 3 4
Articles should be a maximum of 175 words. High quality, digital photos relating to the event at 600 dpi or higher. Accurate photo caption, or names of persons (left to right). Name of photographer for photo credit.
Send submissions and questions to :
We want to hear from your chapter!
Linked In Social Media – Great Business Connections for Members Involved In The Dance Industry
office@americandancer.org
2011 September - October 33
Beyond The Physical After dancing together for a couple of weeks, months or years, you and your partner have finally decided to compete for the first time.
What’s next? Intense negotiations about how many practice sessions and for how long each session will last, where to compete, and even what to wear. After practicing routines, learning choreography, becoming musical, and improving technique, the first competition arrives. Just before the performance you realize that your nerves are shot, your stomach is in knots and you’ve forgotten everything. Somehow you make it through your entire event and after it’s over, your coach asks you what you danced or how you did and you realize that you don’t have a clue. In fact, you don’t remember anything about the competition at all.
34 DanceSport
Preparing mentally for competions allows you to enjoy your performance, in addition to being more ready for it. Preparing mentally for a competition requires cooperation with your partner in deciding what your overall goal is in competing. Make sure your goal is actually achievable; for example, if you are a 40-year-old who has been dancing for just under a year, don’t focus in on a goal to be this year’s Adult National Champion. Set smaller goals that help build you up toward the larger goals. Break goals down into tiny steps that you can easily remember at each competition. Make a list with your partner of each step/ objective that you will need to achieve in order to reach the main goal. Goals like: smile and breathe, follow an exercise program to increase stamina, chin up, etc. are the kind of small steps that lead up to larger goals. Keep your objectives firmly in mind during your practice sessions. Do this and by the time you hit the competition floor you won’t trying to remember why you are there. Keep in mind that the
www.USAdance.ORG
purpose of the smaller steps is to allow yourself to expand your ability without exceeding your capabilities. If your goals are too lofty, you will find yourself getting used to telling yourself what you can’t do. If you are a bronze dancer and your goal is to become a champion dancer, if you make it your goal to only practice the open routines that you are doing in a studio showcase without working on developing your bronze technique, you will certainly find yourself thinking, “I can’t do this.” Instead, if you have worked hard on your bronze technique at practices, keeping in mind your goal to smile and breathe, at the competition you will have been successful if you smiled and breathed, no matter how you place. The more often you experience success, the more quickly you will improve. Practice the unexpected. Don’t dwell on disasters, but you should realize that the unexpected happens all the time. You can’t think of every possible mistake or disaster, but you can practice refocusing techniques with your partner to be prepared to recover from just about anything by the next beat of music instead of ten counts
later. The moment of disaster is another time when having the simple goal is infinitely valuable: disaster strikes and you pull out a split second later saying, “smile and breathe, smile and breathe.” Finally, visualize, visualize, visualize. See yourself doing what it is you have determined to be your goal for the competition, and see yourself doing it well. Imagine yourself dancing with your partner and succeeding in the goal you set for your partnership. Don’t waste time visualizing your failure or that is what will happen at the competition when you are under pressure. Visualize yourself fulfilling your objective for all dances and in multiple rounds and you will have multiple rounds-worth of confidence. Above all, remember that dancing is supposed to be fun, not a chore, not agony and not torture. The more you think of your practices as fun, the more fun you will have doing “the real thing” at the competition. By Daphna Locker IStockphoto.com
2011 September - October 35
DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport D DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport Qualifying Events forDanceSport Danc DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport Da USADanceSport Dance 2012 National DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport Dance DanceSport Championships DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport Dan 010 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championships 2010 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championships 010 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championships 2009 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championship 2010 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championships 2010 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championship 2010 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championships 2010 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championships 2010 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championships 2010 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championships 010 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championships 2010 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championshi DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport Dan 2009 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championship DanceSport DanceSp DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport Da Sport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceS DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport Dan Errol Williamson & Vashti Reed Photo by: Carson Zullinger
NATIONALS C C
Carolina Fall Classic Greensboro, NC Challenge Phoenix,Oct AZ 7 - 9, 2011
Manhattan Amateur Classic-(MAC) 011 Phoenix DanceSport Manhattan, NY Jan 13 - 15, 2012
Derby City DanceSport Championships Louisville, KY Feb 18 - 19, 2012
Chicago DanceSport Challenge Chicago, IL February 19, 2011 Nov 4 - 6, 2011
Northwest DanceSport Championships Seattle, WA Jan 14 - 15, 2012
Mid-Atlantic Championships-NQE Bethesda, MD Feb 25 - 26, 2012
The Quake San Francisco, CA Nov 13, 2011
36 DanceSport
USA Dance Southwest Regional Laguna Woods Village, CA Feb 4, 2012
For More Information visit www.usadance.org
CO M PE T I T I O N C ALE N D AR Events listed with the * do not accrue proficiency points
Sep 18, 2011
Jan 14-15, 2012
Sep 24, 2011
Jan 21, 2012
Oct 7-9, 2011
Feb 4, 2012
New Englad Fall Challenge Glastony, CT Quest For the Best* Seattle, WA Carolina Fall Classic-NQE Greensboro, NC
Nov 4-6, 2011
Northwest DanceSport Championships-NQE Seattle, WA Royal Palm Winter Frolic Extravaganza Coconut Creek, FL USA Dance Southwest Regional-NQE Laguna Woods Village, CA
Feb 18 - 19, 2012
Chicago DanceSport Challenge-NQE Chicago, IL
Derby City DanceSport Championships-NQE Louisville, KY
Nov 13, 2011
Feb 25 - 26, 2012
Jan 13-15, 2012
Mar 16 - 17, 2012
The Quake-NQE San Francisco, CA Manhattan Amateur Cassic (MAC)-NQE Manhattan, NY
Mid-Atlantic Championships-NQE Bethesda, MD Steel City DanceSport Classic Pittsburgh PA
Mar 30 - Apr 1, 2012
2012 National DanceSport Championships Baltimore, MD
Competitions noted as “NQE” are National Qualifying Events for the 2011 National DanceSport Championships.
look for future event updates at http://usadance.org/dancesport/ competition-calendar/ www.USAdance.ORG
look for future collegiate event updates on FaceBook sign onto FaceBook, click on “Groups,” and type in “USA Dance Competitions”
2011 September - October 37
Dine • Dance • Dream
Keeping balance in the rigorous ballroom world can become quite complicated at times.
Add that to the media frenzy about what we should and shouldn’t eat, and the confusion can skyrocket. Following these three simple steps can help keep your body balanced… even when your schedule isn’t!
DINE: Every body requires food to survive. That’s about the only thing that many of us know for sure. The type and amount of food that is recommended seems to change with the tide, as we are told one day “fat is bad!” followed by the next day’s headlines touting the “horrible dangers of carbohydrates!” So what exactly does our body need?? Six basic ingredients are required each day, in varying amounts:
1. Carbohydrate. Yes, we do need it! It’s the type and
amount that get us into trouble. Simple carbs are what give carbs a bad name. Simple carbohydrates are made up of refined sugars, supplying little more than empty calories. Complex Carbohydrates, on the other hand, provide us with vital nutrients, including fiber. Fiber is vital to any healthy body. A natural ‘filler,’ fiber helps us feel full quickly – which helps us eat less. It also reduces the risk for colon cancer, and helps lower cholesterol levels.
2. Protein aids in many body functions, such as hormone building and muscle repairs.
38 DanceSport
When you eat protein, the body breaks it down into small parts called amino acids, which can then be re-arranged to build different structures that the body needs.
3. Fat. Yes, fat does have functions in the body. It
cushions the organs, transports some key vitamins (A,D,E,K), provides insulation, and gives cell walls their elasticity. Fat is one key body ingredient that you don’t need to search out. Don’t worry, it will find you. The recommendations are to limit the daily fat intake to a minimum, eating sources from mono-unsaturated (i.e. olive oil) and poly-unsaturated (especially omega-3, found in fish oils and nuts). Saturated fat has been linked to high cholesterol levels and atherosclerosis.
4. Vitamins and 5. Minerals.
These are found in a wide array of food, but most commonly fruits and vegetables. There are a whole slew of vitamins out there, and the best way to make sure you get them all is to eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables (as well as whole grains). Pretty much every function in the body requires the
use of vitamins and minerals. 6. Water. Vital to survival, water provides the medium for almost every function that happens in the body. Getting 7-8 cups a day is the minimum requirement. Make sure to take frequent water breaks during and after training.
DANCE: Exercise is one of the best gifts you can give your body, and dance is an excellent way to fulfill this requirement. Research has shown again and again the benefits of exercise including lower rates of heart disease, blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose, as well as increased resistance to sickness, and overall better body functions. The recommendations are to get at least 30-60 minutes of exercise daily. Smaller chunks also pay off – getting 10 minute sessions in 3-4 times a day counts. In fact, recent studies have shown that interval training (small bursts of high intensity exercise, followed by a small rest cycle) burns more fat than longer sessions of low intensity.
Istockphoto.com
DREAM: Sleep can be just as essential for overall health as exercise. Lack of sleep not only zaps our body of energy, it also affects us at the hormonal level. Ghrelin hormone levels (increases hunger) have been shown to be elevated in sleep-deprived people, while at the same time Leptin levels (the satiety hormone) have been shown to drop. The short answer
www.USAdance.ORG
to this: play hard, work hard, then rest like you mean it! (And, no, sitting in front of the TV does not count. In fact, sleeping burns more calories than watching TV!) Getting 7-8 hours of energy restoring sleep is optimal.
Cut through the confusion, keep it simple, and Dine, Dance, and Dream your way to your best body ever!
By Jen Brewer, RD Author of All Diets Work That’s the Problem www.foodmoodmotherhood.com
2011 September - October 39
Making a Difference Ira Pollock and Inna Brayer
I
ra Pollock and Inna Brayer are delegates. They volunteer hours of their time to be present at DanceSport meetings and to keep up with the different issues that are discussed. Ira and Inna also add their views to the discussions and when the time comes they even vote on the issues. The votes Ira and Inna control are not technically their own. They are cast on behalf of all the dancers who compete in the DanceSport circuit. The delegates do not take this responsibility lightly.
“I feel it is an opportunity to make sure that the dance world I’m a part of does everything it can to make things better for the competitors. That means making it better for myself and those who are close to me.” -Ira Pollock
After talking with the delegates, it was easy to see why Ira and Inna would dedicate themselves so fully. For some people, the competitors are beautiful dancers working towards the title of “Champion”. For Ira and Inna however, competitors are much more than that. They are students, friends, and even family. That’s the reason Ira originally took the position a year ago. “I feel it is an opportunity to make sure that the dance world I’m a part of does everything it can to make things better for the competitors. That means making it better for myself and those who are close to me.”
The delegates had only words of praise concerning the USA DanceSport Council. They are a non-profit organization so their main purpose is not to make a profit but to provide structure for the competitive circuit and to make sure that the rules and regulations are kept regarding dance competitions. The delegates felt that the organization does a “fantastic job at creating the circuit and providing the services that competitors would expect.” When asked whether they were satisfied with the way things were being run, Ira summed up their feelings best by stating, “There’s not a whole lot more I could ask for.” Hopefully the World DanceSport Federation will continue to provide the incredible services they do for the athletes and will continue to keep the competitors’ needs forefront in their minds. By Michael Mecham PollockDance.com BallrooMdANCE.ORG
40 DanceSport
www.USAdance.ORG
2011 September - October 41
Beyond Individuals What the National Collegiate Championships formations competition has to offer
By Ivor Lee
A
s the couples line up in matching brilliantly styled, sequined dresses and shirts, the college-aged crowd waits expectantly. The girls all match each other—not a freak accident requiring a frantic change of wardrobe—and the guys, though differing in height, are all matching copies of each other. The music hits, and the couples move, each couple an individual thread of the fabric of the group—they move through each other, around each other, weaving in and out in complex variations. Their costumes seem to emphasize the music, the themes they are revealing in their dance. This is the National Collegiate Challenge’s Formation Dance Competition.
The music hits, and the couples move, each from last year and retain their couple an individual titles? thread of the fabric of The NCC offers a chance to be the group.
2011 will feature the third annual formation dance championship, an exhibition of not only individual and couple dance talent, but the talent that an entire school as a whole can show. In last year’s competition, a team from Utah Valley University claimed the Standard title, and a team from UC San Diego claimed the Latin title. The list of competing schools continues to grow. Will these two teams be able to hold onto their momentum
42 InStep
in a “real-world” activity outside of the classroom or studio. The formation dance is a great opportunity for couples that are a little shy and hesitant to compete in DanceSport to show their talents in the field of the country’s best. Dancers learn that the competition is not about the individual, but
Photos Taken By AD Staff
the greater whole of the group. If one couple goes down, everyone else does as well. While not as individually competitive as the DanceSport section of the NCC, the Formation Dance Championships allows couples to ease into competition and be a part of the team. But beyond that, it’s a simple chance to have fun dancing. How many people can brag that they were in a
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formation group? How many people can say they competed against their peers at a national level ballroom competition? Regardless of whether you’re a spectator or competitor, the Formation Dance Competition will be an event you won’t want to miss. The 2011 National Collegiate DanceSport Challenge will be held November 19-20, 2011 at the Columbus OH Convention Center. Please visit www.usandancencc.org for more information.
2011 September - October 43
USA DANCE
National Collegiate
DanceSport Challenge Columbus Convention Center Columbus, Ohio
November 19-20, 2011
Establishing Excellence for more information go to www.usadancencc.org 44 InStep
“I never knew that people could do what they were doing while twirling a baton.”
Batons and Ballroom
-Richard Olszeski
BY: Michael Mecham
T
he United States was awarded the hosting of the 2011 World Baton Twirling Federation International Cup August 4-7 in Jacksonville, Florida, USA at the Jacksonville Veteran’s Memorial Arena. That’s right, baton twirling. Why would we be discussing baton twirling? Well, on June 19 in Luxembourg, the World Baton Twirling Federation, along with the World Rock ‘n’ Roll Confederation and the United Country and Western Dance Council became associate members of the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF). The purpose of the alliance is to work for the common goal of the development of the World Artistic Games, with the longterm future eye on the formation of the Olympic Artistic Games. Aside from the new alliance that has developed between the World Baton Twirling Federation and the www.USAdance.ORG
World DanceSport Federation, amateur dance partners Richard Olszeski and Marie Harrington were contacted to provide some intermission entertainment at the International Competition. Richard and Marie, who have been dancing together for five years, are former United Country and Western Dance Council world champions in their age division. Richard serves as the President of the St. Augustine USA Dance chapter. He received an email looking for a youth or amateur ballroom couple to perform at the International Baton Twirling Championships. After talking to Marie about the email, Richard responded to the email and they were quickly snatched up to perform. Richard and Marie performed three different dances: Night Club 2-step, Country 2-step, and East Coast Swing. The baton
participants and spectators received their performances with enthusiasm. Richard and Marie were also enthused by the performances they were able to watch. “We were spellbound. “ Richard was in awe by the baton twirling performances. “I never knew that people could do what they were doing while twirling a baton.” Of course there was baton twirling, but amidst the twirling there were back handsprings, spins, and crisp choreography. Richard recommended, “If you ever have a chance to see any of this baton twirling, go to it. It just blew my mind.” Richard and Marie plan to continue improving in their own dancing, and they look forward to future opportunities to display their talents. For more information on the World Baton Twirling Federation visit www.wbtf.org Photo courtesy of Sandi Wiemers
2011 September - October 45
DanceMart MEN’S DANCE SHOES For Sale- Brand New Diamante Men’s Dance Shoes, made in Germany, size 8, slim foot. Also 2 pair of same, worn but serviceable all three pair for $85. Contact William K. Wall at 434-975-7358 or email mslutzky@skeo.com [2] MENS WHITE SATIN SHOES NEVER WORN / $20 + shipping English Size 7, 1-1/2” Heel, Gamba Brand. 561-558-6077 mjp904@aol.com [2] Men’s Capezio Standard Oxford, Model BR02, Black, Size/Width 8M (American), Heel 3/4 inch. Condition: Like new! Worn only once before I realized they were medium width … not wide width like the box said. Asking $75. Email: ne3u_ch4@att.net [2]
WOMEN’S DANCE SHOES Champion Dance Shoes like new. Beautiful bronze t-strap, 2 1/2 inch Latino heel. American size 10. Worn once. $118 new; will sell for $75. Contact carolynnescott@ hotmail.com [2]
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: design@americandancer.org
MEN’S COSTUMES International Standard Tuxedo. This resale, traditional tuxedo with tails was custom designed for International Standard ballroom competition dancing. The tuxedo is being sold with all the accessories: Jacket w/ tails (38R), pants (32/32), shirt (medium), bow tie, handkerchief, suspenders, and waist coat. Excellent condition. Asking $850.00. Contact: Call Jaime (407) 498-3144; or email csaure@cfl.rr.com [2]
46 InStep
JEWELRY Judy Cohen, Stella & Dot Independent Stylist. Stylist ID# 125304 Phone: 610.358.1083 Website: www.stelladot.com/judycohen Exquisite jewelry that will add excitement and sparkle on and off the dance floor. Visit my website to view the collection and learn how you can get free jewelry. I am happy to style you and your friends! [1]
Nationals Sponsors 2011
SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS (Title Sponsor) Arlene Yu
Nadia Eftedal Holiday Ball Competition Erminio Stefano & Luana Conte Eugene Katsevman & Maria Manusova Victor Fung & Anastasia Muravyeva Larinda McRaven Dance Pants Scott & Sarah Coates USA Dance Central Florida Chapter # 6002 USISTD USA Dance Michigan Northern Lights Chapter #2048 USA Dance Royal Palm Chapter #6016 USA Dance Treasure Coast Chapter #6004 USA Dance Tidewater Chapter #6008 Spencer & Elena Nyemchek David & Connie Taylor Aida Renzo
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Thank you for your support!
2011 September - October 47
USA DANCE
NATIONALS Crowning Champions
USA Dance National DanceSport Championships Baltimore, MD March 30 - April 1, 2012
America’s DanceSport Champions
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