AMERICAN DANCER Magazine - January-February 2016 Issue

January-February 2016

Inspiring Movement . . .

One Dance Step At A Time.

USA Dance

50

THE NEXT

DANCERS GIVING BACK The platform to empower dancers to impact lives, their communities, the world.

Fundraising for America’s Athletes

Official publication of USA Dance Inc.

USA Dance 2015 Sponsors & Donors present America’s Best Athletes

Highest Level of Scholarships in Country

S

ince 1980, the USA Dance National DanceSport Championships has a revered history of showcasing America’s top DanceSport athletes and proudly presenting them with well earned scholarship funding and awards.

On this 35th Anniversary of Nationals, USA Dance awarded more than $68,000 in Championship-level scholarships and an additional $16,900 in scholarships and other prizes to champions and finalists in various divisions. This is the highest scholarship funding awarded by a single USA DanceSport event or association to amateur athletes.

Each year, the generosity and support of USA Dance sponsors and individual donors enables USA Dance to support its aspiring athletes of all ages the opportunity to train and compete at the highest possible levels. Following Nationals, the new USA World Teams will go on to represent the United States at the upcoming WDSF World Championships, Cups and Games around the world (see calendar p. 9).

On The Podium: USA Dance 2015 Nationals Sponsors & Donors

Platinum Perimeter Lorenco Industries Inc.

Emerald Perimeter

Aria Services Francis & Catherine Burzik The MAC & Greater New York Chapter 3004

Silver Level

Arlene Yu, Arkady Rabinovich & Mark Mongold Chicago DanceSport Challenge Gumbo DanceSport Championships & LA Gumbo Chapter 5031

Bronze Level

James DiCecca Steve & Pamela Hamilton Henry & Olivia Hudson Los Angeles County Chapter 4031 Carolina Fall Classic Islanders DanceSport Challenge Liberty Ball New England DanceSport Championships & MASSabda Chapter 3002

Individual Level

LLyn Adler Beverly Birkhimer Marian Birth Michael Brocks Matty Bush Wade Butaud Robert & Estella Clasen JADA Judy Martindale Douglas McClellan Patricia Panebianco Patrick Quinn John Santos Patricia Tanzi Eileen Tenn Venus Wilmer Fay Yao Orlando (FL) Chapter 6002 Greater Daytona (FL) Chapter 6026 Richmond (VA) Chapter 6006 Treasure Coast (FL) Chapter 6004

Sponsor Irsan Tisnabudi of Aria Services presenting Senior II Latin Championship scholarships and ribbons. 2nd place to Carlo de Jesus & Kelley Priest (MD).

Photos by Lisa Dubinsky

January-February 2016 DEPARTMENTS

5 President’s Message

Peter Pover, President of USA Dance

6 Milestones

Action Report from USA Dance National

16 USA Dance 2016-2017 DanceSport Calendar

17 Socially Yours

By Jean Krupa, Social Dance VP

30 Grassroots

Chapter Highlights & Achievements

38 In the Public Eye

By Angela Prince, Public Relations Director For the past eight years, USA Dance Fort Wayne (IN) Chapter 2046 has created a model Special Olympics DanceSport program that may bring DanceSport to Special Olympics to the Indiana state level.

FEATURES

12 Cover Story

Giving Principle

Decadance/Tony Eng

Thriller! More Halloween mischief at the Chicago DanceSport Challenge NQE, an annual costume contest tradition for DanceSport competitors.

Story pp. 34-35.

The Community Organization Called USA Dance

By Angela Prince

10 DanceSport: Great Expectations

By Ken Richards, VP, DanceSport

Athlete’s Journey To The Podium 11

Funding Challenges & Solutions

By Earle Williamson, USA World Team Member

18 Have Dance, Will Travel

By Todd Marsden & Susanne Hardt

20 The Art of Masquerade From Mardi Gras to Halloween 22 And Beat Goes Go On!

National Ballroom Dance Week 2015

25 National Collegiate Kevin Ladd

Road Trip Columbus. The annual National Collegiate DanceSport Championships, hosted

by USA Dance in partnership with Sam Sodano, brought 920 collegiate dancers from 42 schools to the dance floor for the largest dance “pep rally” in America! Story pp. 24-27.

DanceSport Championships Judge’s Perspective by Dan Calloway, FISTD On Deck & Decked Out in Columbus

28 Those Crazy Kids, Rebels of the 1920s!

By Forrest Outman, Dance Historian

34 Halloween Thriller in the Windy City!

Chicago DanceSport Challenge NQE

Alisa Flora-Lewis

36 Viva La France!

WDSF World Championships Senior II Latin, 10-Dance, Euro Masters Games

40 Snowball Effect in Vancouver

Seniors at WDSF World Championships

42 Proving Ground in Moldova

WDSF World Championships Youth Latin, Junior II Standard

44 Let Freedom Ring!

New Liberty Ball in Historic Philly

45 Hacke & Hermanova Now 16th in World!

WDSF World Championship Under 21 10-Dance in Latvia

46 West Coast NQE in San Jose

California State Draws from 15 States

By Lydia Scardina, USA Dance Past President

FRONT COVER: Competing in five WDSF World Championships in 2015 and more often thousands of miles from U.S. homeland, World Team Members Samuel Hacke & Katarina Hermanova (NJ) helped bring global awareness to America’s growing competitive talent. Photo Credit: Lisa Dubinsky.

BACK COVER: Countdown to the 36th annual USA Dance National DanceSport Championships in Baltimore, April 1-3, 2016. Last call for couples to the final National Qualifying Events. In the spotlight: Justin Lin & Sasha Dubinsky (MA), National Vice Champions Under-21 Standard, USA World Team members. Photo Credit: Lisa Dubinsky.

January - February 2016

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regular contributors ANGELA PRINCE Public Relations Director

January-February 2016

Official Publication of USA Dance, Inc.

Angela Prince is the publisher/editor in chief of American Dancer Magazine. She has served as National Public Relations Director for USA Dance, Inc. since 2007.

Her responsibilities include integrated communications, publicity, social media relations, sponsorship development, promotional support and brand management.

2016/Issue 58

Executive Committee: President – Peter Pover, FL Vice President – Open Position Secretary – Marta Pascale, FL Treasurer – Scott Coates, FL VP, DanceSport – Ken Richards, DE VP, Social Dance – Jean Krupa, FL DanceSport Rep – Inna Brayer, NY DanceSport Rep – Roger Greenawalt, IN

JEAN KRUPA

Social Dance Vice President Jean Krupa is the Social Vice President for USA Dance, Inc., and is serving her second three-year term of office. She is responsible for the programs, communications and a 11-district representation for 156 local chapters and its members.

Editorial Staff: Publisher/Editor In Chief Angela F. Prince Design and Production SPARK Publications sparkpublications.com Photography Advisor Carson Zullinger Advertising Angela F. Prince Printing Publishers Press, Inc. Subscription: American Dancer, the official publication of USA Dance, Inc., is published six times a year for the membership and is included in annual membership dues. Subscription cost to non-members within the USA: $25/year Submissions: American Dancer welcomes submissions of unsolicited articles, photos and other graphics. All submissions become the property of American Dancer magazine and are not returned to the sender. American Dancer reserves the right to edit all materials for space, content, grammatical and preferential reasons. Preferred method of editorial submissions is by written proposal to the editor who will initially review the story ideas and materials and make a final decision whether to request more information and/or publish. Submissions should be sent to americandancer@usadance.org with AMERICAN DANCER submission/name of sender/story header on the email subject line.

Photo submissions must be high-resolution jpegs (minimum 300-600 dpi and preferably 2400 x 3600 pixels) and American Dancer retains all first-usage rights to submitted copy and photographs/digital images.

PUBLISHER’S OFFICE: AF Prince Associates 11101 Robert Bost Road Midland, NC 28107 704-888-3073

CENTRAL OFFICE: USA Dance, Inc. 800-447-9047 Fax 239-573-0946 Email: central-office@usadance.org

MEMBERSHIP: Online registration or renewals at www.usadance.org WEBSITE: www.USADANCE.org NATIONAL SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook: USA Dance, Inc. American Dancer Magazine Social Dancers USA Dance

Twitter: @usadanceinc LinkedIn: USA Dance Inc. YouTube: usadanceinc

USA Dance Chapter websites and Facebook pages are listed at www.usadance.org. © 2016 USA Dance Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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American Dancer | www.americandancer.org

KEN RICHARDS

DanceSport Vice President Ken Richards is the DanceSport Vice President for USA Dance, Inc, and is serving his fourth three-year term of office. As head of the DanceSport Council, he is responsible for all DanceSport programs, including athlete relations and educational opportunities, Adjudicator Congresses, the USA Dance National DanceSport Championships, the National Collegiate DanceSport Championships, all Sanctioned and Qualifying Events, USA Dance University and all industry DanceSport relations. He also serves as an elected Presidium member of the World DanceSport Federation of which USA Dance is a member organization.

USA DANCE, Inc. is the National Governing Body for DanceSport in the United States as recognized by the United States Olympic Committee, the International Olympic Committee and the World DanceSport Federation. With nearly 160 local chapters, soon to reach 17,000+ national members, from pre-teen to collegiate to seniors and an estimated outreach of more than 200,000, USA Dance is also the representative association for all social and recreational dancers in the country. Membership includes both social and DanceSport, pre-teen through senior, amateur and professional classifications.

MISSION STATEMENT:

To improve the quality and quantity of ballroom dancing in America.

American Dancer Magazine Wins Coveted 2014 MARCOM Gold Award for magazine excellence, one of the marketing communication industry’s most prestigious achievement awards.

P

resident’s Message

H

ello and Happy New Year to all of you!

I am honored that your Governing Council has invited me once more, to participate in the leadership of this great organization. This term will be for one year, and I do not plan to run for re-election. But it will be a year in which we can achieve several major objectives.

There are several hurdles in our way. But what are hurdles for if not to jump over?! We have a fine body of people at all levels within the organization, and I am looking forward to working with them in the months ahead. After six years of retirement, there is much work to do in order to catch up on the various changes, but I am looking forward to that challenge.

Let me be clear. We are here to serve you, not ourselves. You should feel free to email me directly if the system is not working for you. No email will go unanswered. I promise.

To all of you who give precious hours of your life to the association as volunteers, please accept my gratitude, and respect.

Now, I will repeat what I said during my previous terms in this office, “If you’re not having fun, you’re probably in the wrong place!” Sometimes volunteer work can be exhausting. Having fun helps!

With warm regards, Peter

Peter Pover

National President USA Dance, Inc.

Peter Pover is the new National President of USA Dance for the term, ending Dec. 31, 2016.

Serving as Senior Vice President at the time, Peter assumed the position of President on Dec. 7, 2015 upon the resignation of former President Yang Chen. A long-standing member of USA Dance since 1980 and accomplished national executive officer of USA Dance, Peter has served as National President of USA Dance during two additional terms of office, 1988 to 1993 and 2008 to 2009. He is a member of the Martin St. Lucie (FL) Chapter 6047, a USA Dance national adjudicator, WDSF licensed adjudicator and chair of adjudicators, former WDSF President and former USA Dance National Standard Champion.

During the years 2008-2009, as president of USA Dance, Mr. Pover was responsible for the rebranding of the National DanceSport Championships and collaborations with national

media and dance organizations. In 2010, he secured the WDSF Latin World Championships to be hosted within the USA, founded the Star Quality Awards and other major sponsor programs.

During his initial presidential term of office, 1988 – 1993, Mr. Pover played a major role in the unification of amateur DanceSport competitors in the USA and was part of the IDSF Presidium leadership that gained IOC recognition for DanceSport in 1997 to pave the way for DanceSport into the Olympics and the World Games.

The Governing Council welcomes Peter as USA Dance begins its Next 50 Years with focus on unification, resourcefulness and outreach in furtherance of its long-standing mission as a 501c3 charitable organization and its leadership role as the National Governing Body for DanceSport in the United States.

January - February 2016

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Milestones

RESOURCES With Nationals 2016 less than three months away, athletes, coaches, parents, sponsors and spectators need to know all the information resources, as follows: USA Dance Nationals Website: www.usadancenationals.org (all information, including registration, tickets, travel, sponsors/vendors) Competitor Registration Online: www.o2cm.com (entries, divisions, officials, all-event results)

CROWNING CHAMPIONS

USA DANCE 2016 NATIONAL DANCESPORT CHAMPIONSHIPS Historic Baltimore – Marriott

Renaissance Harborplace Hotel April 1-3, 2016 upcoming World DanceSport Federation’s The soon-approaching USA Dance 2016 National DanceSport Championships is in full planning mode by the Nationals Organizing Committee to bring the athletes, spectators and sponsors another amazing event.

Once again during this three-day event, the USA Dance Nationals officially crowns the National Champions and recognizes the top finalists in all dance styles and levels, from Pre-Teen to Senior III. The top Championship-level couples also qualify for places on the USA World Teams that later represent the USA abroad at the 6

World Championships and Cups.

The USA Dance Nationals was first held in Baltimore in 1980 and 2016 marks the 10th return to this historic city. Throughout the event’s 36 years, it has been held in 15 different states, primarily when Chapters served as the organizing committees.

In 2008, when USA Dance created a National Organizing Team, the championship event has alternated between Baltimore/ East Coast and Los Angeles/West Coast.

This 36th USA Dance Nationals 2016 at the Marriott Renaissance Harborplace Hotel in Baltimore (April 1-3) will mark

American Dancer | www.americandancer.org

The USA Dance DanceSport Rulebook: www.usadance.org (everything governing competitions, officials & athletes) Host Hotel Accommodations: Marriott Renaissance Harborplace Hotel 410-547-1200 Nationals Updates on Facebook: USA Dance, Inc., USA Dance Competitions Nationals 2015. All Photos by Carson Zullinger

THE 2016 NATIONALS ORGANIZING TEAM Ann Durocher Managing Director organizer@usadancenationals.org Ken Richards DanceSport VP dancesport-vp@usadance.org Mark Tabor Pre-Registration registrar@usadancenationals.org www.o2cm.com Sterling Sightler Ticket Sales tickets@usadancenationals.org Ann Durocher Sponsors & Scholarships sponsor@usadancenationals.org Sterling Sightler Volunteer Coordinator volunteer@usadancenationals.org

Angela Prince Media Publicity/Relations publicrelations-dir@usadance.org americandancer@usadance.org Amy MacDougall Anti-Doping Committee ds-antidoping@usadance.org Todd Kirrane Junior Athlete Parents Committee JA-parents@usadance.org Scott Coates Treasurer treasurer@usadancenationals.org Emily Brinks Vendor Relations vendor@usadancenationals.org Webmaster webmaster@usadancenationals.org

Lisa Dubinsky

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED for 2016 USA DANCE NATIONAL DANCESPORT CHAMPIONSHIPS

a milestone, as it will be the first Nationals in USA Dance’s Next50 years.

For many competing couples, by Jan. 1, there are still two “last chance” National Qualifying Events to consider – the Manhattan Amateur Classic in Jersey City, NJ (Jan. 15-17) and the Mid-Atlantic Championships in Bethesda, MD (Feb. 20-21), which is also hosting the USA Dance Senior IV 2016 National DanceSport Championships.

Top finalists in the Senior IV Nationals Championship Standard division also qualify for the USA World Teams for Senior IV Standard World Championship.

USA Dance is pleased to announce that the 2016 Nationals judging panel will be comprised of the country’s top certified and WDSF-licensed adjudicators, all with priority consideration for fairplay and sporting principles. Invigilation for syllabus events and costume regulations will also be followed (see USA Dance Rulebook available for viewing or download at www.usadance.org.)

April 1-3, 2016 Marriott Renaissance Harborplace Hotel 202 East Pratt St., Baltimore, MD 21202 We need volunteers to help with the Registration Desk, Ticket Sales, Deck Area, Door Monitoring, Judges Room, VIP Service Area and to work as Ballroom Floor Monitors and Anti-Doping Walkers for this event.

Volunteers will receive a Day Session ticket for each 4 hours worked, an Evening Session ticket for each 8 hours worked, or a Competitor Entry for each 12 hours worked If you would like to volunteer, please contact our volunteer coordinator at volunteer@usadancenationals.org Please volunteer and help us host the most successful National DanceSport Championships ever!

January - February 2016

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Milestones

“Effective leadership is putting first things first.

Effective management is discipline, carrying it out.”

– Stephen Covey

USA DANCE

PRESENTS 2016 GOVERNING COUNCIL For the Term Ending December 31, 2016

The Governing Council of USA Dance, Inc. is comprised of three components of official member representation: (1) the Executive Committee of membership-elected officers – President, Senior Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, DanceSport Vice President and Social Dance Vice President; membership-elected DanceSport Council (four delegates); and Directors appointed or renewed by the President (seven currently) and ratified by the GC. In compliance with USA Dance Bylaws Article IV.B., on Dec.7, 2015, USA Dance Senior Vice President Peter Pover succeeded to the position of National President, following the resignation of former national President Yang Chen. Mr. Pover will serve until Dec. 31, 2016, his third term of office as USA Dance President, whereas 2016 is an election year for the organization.

Peter Pover

Marta Pascale

Scott Coates

Ken Richards

Jean Krupa

Inna Brayer

Roger Greenawalt

Edward Golbert

THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE (8 elected positions) PRESIDENT Peter E.S. Pover (FL) president@usadance.org

DANCESPORT MEMBER Inna Brayer (NY) DS-Del-EC2@usadance.org

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT Open Position senior-vp@usadance.org

DANCESPORT MEMBER Roger Greenawalt (IN) DS-Del-EC1@usadance.org

NATIONAL SECRETARY Marta Pascale (FL) secretary@usadance.org

DANCESPORT COUNCIL

NATIONAL TREASURER Scott Coates (FL) treasurer@usadance.org DANCESPORT VICE PRESIDENT Ken Richards (DE) dancesport-vp@usadance.org SOCIAL DANCE VICE PRESIDENT Jean Krupa (FL) social-vp@usadance.org 8

ATHLETE’S REPRESENTATIVE WDSF ATHLETES COMMISSION (appointed by President; ratified by GC)

Earle Williamson (CA) athletesrep@usadance.org

DIRECTOR/COLLEGE PROGRAMS Hannah Cole (NM) CollegeNetwork-dir@ usadance.org

(appointed by President; ratified by GC)

DIRECTOR/K-12 PROGRAMS Linda Succi (RI) K12Programs-dir@ usadance.org

DIRECTOR/PUBLIC RELATIONS Angela Prince (NC) publicrelations-dir@ usadance.org

DIRECTOR/CHAPTER LIAISON Leland Whitney (MN) ChapterLiaison-dir@ usadance.org

DIRECTOR/MEMBERSHIP Jim DiCecca (MA) membership@usadance.org

DIRECTOR/ADMINISTRATIVE SUPPORT Efrosyni Iosiphidis (RI) AdminSupport-dir@ usadance.org

NATIONAL DIRECTORS

(4 elected positions)

Roger Greenawalt (see above) Inna Brayer (see above) Edward Golbert (NJ) DS-Del-ChampAthlete@ usadance.org Open Position

American Dancer | www.americandancer.org

DIRECTOR/DEVELOPMENT Ann Durocher (LA) development-dir@ usadance.org

USA DANCE MEMBERSHIP DISTRICTS 11 Districts – 156 Chapters Footnote Current as of Dec. 18, 2015.

Updates appear on USA Dance national website www.usadance.org.

Earle Williamson

Hannah Cole

Jim DiCecca

Angela Prince

Ann Durocher

Leland Whitney

Linda Succi

WA

DISTRICT 1 AK, ID, MT, OR, UT, WA WY Director - Erin Retelle AC-Dist1@usadance.org

Efrosyni Iosiphidis

DISTRICT 6 CA, NV, AX, HI Director – Herbert McGurk AC-Dist6@usadance.org

DISTRICT 3 MI, IN, OH, Pittsburgh PA Director – Bobbi Jo Gamache AC-Dist3@usadance.org Asst. Director – John Graves AAC2-Dist3@usadance.org

DISTRICT 7 AR, CO, LA, NM, OK, TX Director – Diane Montgomery AC-Dist7@usadance.org Asst. Director – Mary Ann Dix AAC1-Dist7@usadance.org

MN OR

ID

WY

UT

MI

IA

NE NV

IL CO

KS

NM

OK

PA

OH WV

VA

TN

AR

AL

NC GA

SC

LA

District 1 District 2

HI

FL

District 3 District 4 District 5

AK

ME

NH MA CT RI NJ DE MD

NY

KY

MS TX

IN

MO

CA AZ

VT

WI

SD

DISTRICT 5 PA (except 3007), CT, RI Director - Gerry Scharfenberger AC-Dist5@usadance.org

DISTRICT 2 IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, ND, NE, SD, WI Director – Bonnie Burton AC-Dist2@usadance.org

ND

MT

DISTRICT 4 ME, VT, NH, NY, MA Director – Tony Ross AC-Dist4@usadance.org Asst. Director - Bill Heron AAC2-Dist4@usadance.org

DISTRICT 8 AL, GA, KY, MS, TN Director – Karen Adams AC-Dist8@usadance.org Asst. Director – Robert White AAC2-Dist8@usadance.org DISTRICT 9 FL, PR Director – Don Davenport AC-Dist9@usadance.org Asst. Director – Darlene Siciliano AAC2-Dist9@usadance.org DISTRICT 10 NC, SC Director – Susan Johnson AC-Dist10@usadance.org Asst. Director – David Steele AAC2-Dist10@usadance.org DISTRICT 11 DE, DC, MD, VA, WV Director – John Reinhold AC-Dist11@usadance.org Asst. Director – Ray Smith AAC1-Dist11@usadance.org

District 6 District 7 District 8 District 9 District 10

CENTRAL OFFICE Mary Schaufert 1-800-447-9047 Central-Office@USADance.org

District 11 January - February 2016

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Update 2016

USA Dance DanceSport:

Year of New Structure, Athlete Opportunities T

Carson Zullinger

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American Dancer | www.americandancer.org

Lisa Dubinsky

WDSF in Vancouver: Ort Valeriy Ort & Rita Lynn

At Chicago National Qualifying Event

John Anderson

By Ken Richards, DanceSport VP hroughout the year, the USA Dance DanceSport Council has the responsibility of managing all matters of competitive dancing for the athletes, event organizers and officials in the United States. In many ways, 2016 should be business as usual with all members able to count on the continued support of our DanceSport program.

But 2016 will also be a pivotal year in a positive direction with new developments and changes geared to building a stronger, more resourceful USA Dance organization. And athletes can expect more opportunities at home and in other countries abroad.

• The USA Dance National DanceSport Championships will be run once again in the Baltimore Inner Harbor, April 1-3, with two Ken Richards major changes planned. First, the WDSF Open World Ranking Tournaments at Nationals will offer Adult and Senior I events in Standard and Latin. And, the new Showdance events will take a more prominent position, as new funding is now available for athletes who earn a place on the USA World Team.

• The Senior IV 2016 National DanceSport Championships, successfully hosted for the past three years in Baton Rouge, LA by the Gumbo DanceSport Championships, will rotate to a new home for the next four years on the East Coast -- the MidEastern DanceSport Championships, a National Qualifying Event, in Bethesda, MD. • One day prior to the 2016 WDSF Nationals in Baltimore, the USA Adjudicator’s Dance team of professional AdCongress at judicators and Chair of Judges Nationals will continue their mandatory training at the WDSF Adjudicator’s Congress, which is hosted annually by USA Dance. And this year, for the first time, the WDSF Adjudicator’s Congress will be open to interested athletes and coaches, who may audit the sessions and take notes, but not be expected to take the final Adjudicator’s exam at the end of the day. Early registration is required, since space at the Congress will be limited.

• The USA Dance DanceSport Council is also in the process of reorganizing its overall structure to better serve the growing number and diversity of DanceSport members. The last structural change within USA DanceSport was actually submitted for Governing Council approval in 2007, when I was first elected as DanceSport vice president. This was at the time when the Council changed its structure from geographical to functional-based.

As our athlete and industry needs have changed, so must our councils that govern – this time, USA Dance’s focus will be on increasing operational efficiencies, balancing the talents and skills of our appointed volunteer members and the elected DanceSport Delegates, into a more defined function of service and fundraising.

• Two top priorities of the planned DanceSport reorganization are (1) expansion of the “Education” arm of DanceSport, under a concept I defined a few years ago as USA Dance University; and (2) the opening of our DanceSport Council to include other dance styles and disciplines, such as Wheelchair Dancing, Salsa, Same-Sex Partnerships, Teacher-Student Divisions, to name several. This important inclusion will bring new voices and future opportunities to USA Dance and its members.

In addition, USA Dance University initiatives will allow for a broader acceptance of the current WDSF Technique Books into the competitive syllabus events and training of our future athletes. Key activities would include USA Dance Training Camps and Schools, an examination structure and additional certification of judges (all under development now within many of our nation’s top dance studios and trainers.)

For more information, please email Ken Richards at dancesport-vp@usadance.org.

Finding Solutions To Ease Financial Challenges

By Earle Williamson, USA World Team Member, National Champion

T

he life of an Elite Dancesport athlete dancing at Championship level is a very rewarding one, but also a very expensive one. To reach a high level in Dancesport requires hours and hours of consistent training inside a ballroom, refining and perfecting one’s skills.

On the average, an Elite Dancesport athlete requires two to eight private lessons with a trainer every week, depending on whether the couple dances one or more styles. Plus, there are regular trips to training camps and competitions to test one’s skills.

Lesson costs vary depending on the qualifications of the trainers and can run anywhere from $60$300 per lesson. This is, of course, a huge expense for an aspiring DanceSport athlete. And in order to have access to the best of trainers at such a high cost on an every monthly basis, plus the trips and training camps, the total investment becomes many thousands of dollars per year.

The vast majority of competitive dancers are self-funding through either their own day jobs, or if they are lucky enough, they are funded through their own teaching of dance in a studio, or by sponsors or family.

Since it’s not physically possible to work enough hours in the day to have the needed funds and have time left over to train properly, fundraising becomes an important part of a dancer’s long-term success.

My partner Charlotte and I have had reasonably good success with fundraising. One idea that works well has been running a Bingo night fundraiser. We call on local retailers requesting donations of goods or gift cards. (You would be surprised how willing they are when they know it’s for a good cause.) We then invite everyone we know, includ-

Carson Zullinger

Moon Dance Studios

The Elite DanceSport Athlete’s JOURNEY TO THE PODIUM

ing students, parents and friends, everyone who would be interested in coming or helping out. Then on the night of the event, we set up a little stand with treats and drinks (coffee, tea, hot chocolate), mostly donated, of course. It ends up being a really fun night for everyone, and the local stores later receive new customers who use the gift cards. And, our guests at the event, for a small entry fee, are able win very nice donated prizes. We receive funding directly from the event entry fees and profits from the small concessions stand.

To help athletes with fundraising, USA Dance chapters along with sponsors and other supporters could consider some of the following events that can be successful with team work and planning: • Dance Fundraiser or Dinner Dance (Athletes would be the star performers that night.)

• Auction Night of Donated Goods and Services.

• Direct Requests for Donations. (Personal calling on both businesses and individuals) • Crowd Funding via the Internet (GoFundMe and IndieGoGo are two sites) • Lotteries, Raffles, or Perhaps a Bingo Night (in states where legal) In general, the sky is the limit with fundraising. But here are a few tips we’ve learned along the way: Get creative. If you think something will work in your area, go ahead and try it! There’s nothing to lose.

When organizing the event, involve a team of many volunteers who share the workload. The chances of having a successful event are far greater that way.

Make it a win-win situation for everyone involved. The process should be fun, so everyone derives something positive from the experience.

Thank you for helping make all of our dreams possible!

Earle Williamson and his partner Charlotte Christiansen are Championship-level DanceSport athletes, competing at the highest levels of International Standard. They are the USA Dance 2015 National Champions, twice Californian State Champions, and currently represent the USA at WDSF World Championships and World Cups as well as many other World Open and Grandslam events throughout the year. Earle is previous Youth World Championship finalist and is the WDSF Athletes’ Representative for USA Dance to the WDSF Athletes’ Commission.

January - February 2016

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C

over Story

USA DANCE: MEASURED BY OUR DIFFERENCES

THE GIVING

PRINCIPLE

W

hen USA Dance was formed in 1965 and became a 501c3 charitable organization, giving was one of the founding principles for the national organization, its chapters and its members.

A simple mission became the inspiration and the fuel to drive an entire organization, no matter how geographically distributed,

to give back for the greater purpose of enriching people’s lives through dance, both physically and mentally.

Whether the pursuit of dance was entirely personal or part of a collective endeavor, the end result of giving would motivate others through many generations to reach out into their communities and make a difference.

Around The World

USA WORLD TEAMS BECOME GOODWILL AMBASSADORS Abroad, USA Dance athletes become goodwill ambassadors for our country and for DanceSport. They extend America’s sense of hospitality and embrace, and exchange knowledge with dancers from other countries.

In October 2015, following the Senior II Latin and Senior II 10-Dance World Championships held in conjunction with the European Master Games, attended by 10,000 athletes, the USA World Team members reflected on the senseless terrorist attacks and tragedies that occurred in nearby Paris which affected everyone worldwide.

“We send our condolences to all of the people in France and worldwide

USA senior competitors gathered with new friends before the 2015 European Master Games parade in Nice, France -- Andrew Prouty, Ilona Prouty, French volunteer, Kathy Linn, John Linn, Glendy Yeh, Terry Yeh, Juliana Kawanami and Hiroshi Kawanami.

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American Dancer | www.americandancer.org

Conversation à Nice – Seven illuminated statues symbolizing an ongoing dialogue between the seven continents of the world.

Holli Hornlien

that have been affected by these tragedies. We believe that international events such as the WDSF World Championships are helping to unify humanity, one (dance) step at a time.” -- Andrew Prouty & Ilona Prouty (NY) “I have been to France several times. Each time I have had wonderful and pleasant interaction with the people of France. It is a senseless tragedy that the Parisians have had to face. No one deserves to be treated like they have. My heart goes out to those who have suffered and endured.” – Roger Korsiak (CA) “I took photos of the seven resin statues on Massena square which is Nice’s geographic centre. The name of the installation is “Conversation à Nice”. These seven characters represent seven continents and the communication between the different people of the world. The statues are illuminated every night: the colors change smoothly to emulate a dialog between us all. My French friends explained that the statues gaze calmly in every direction, away from Nice, in peace. It is my hope that the beautiful people of France will know that serenity and calm again soon.” – Holli Hornlien (CA) “Our hearts are broken for the people of France as theirs were for us after 9/11. We share a long history with this great nation, and I was honored to finally visit there and meet the kind and passionate people.” – John Linn & Kathy Linn (TN)

“I feel the greatest reward for doing is the opportunity to do more.”

— Dr. Jonas Salk

Pao Chen Davis/Geoffrey Davis

ENRICHING PEOPLE’S LIVES THROUGH THE CHARITY OF DANCE GREATER DAYTONA CHAPTER 6026 ON THE RIGHT PATH AMI KIDS OUTREACH PROGRAM

By Geoffrey Davis, Board Member As part of the ongoing community Outreach Program, the Greater Daytona Chapter USA Dance visited the AMI KIDS school in Daytona Beach, FL on Fri., Sept. 25, 2015.

One of our members and active Outreach Program participant, Mary Mosley, came to me, as the Outreach Coordinator for the chapter, asking for help. Mary is a juvenile probation officer who actively tries to help her “clients” get back on the right path.

The AMI Kids program is an alternative school for juvenile offenders who have not been successful in public schools or need treatment in a structured setting. Children who successfully complete the AMI Kids program are returned to regular schools to complete their education.

The AMI Kids national program had organized a competition among the individual schools to encourage program awareness.

By having a large number of visitors touring its Daytona Beach facility, the school had a chance of winning awards including new computers for the students.

The Chapter arranged to have our 23-member outreach team come to their facility to dance both ballroom, Latin and line dances with the students and teachers. In addition, a number of our members visited the facility at other times during the contest period to help add to the total number of visitors.

In October, out of 44 AMI Kids programs in the USA, Daytona Beach School won the visitor count contest, receiving 10 computers for their school.

January - February 2016

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C

over Story

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

MAKING A MEASURABLE

DIFFERENCE IN PEOPLE’S LIVES

THROUGH DANCE A few years back, USA Dance ran a dance industry ad campaign that proudly stated “We are measured by our differences.” Whether our focus is social dance or DanceSport, within our communities, we are measured by the differences we make. No other national dance organization has the same structure, longevity or mission as USA Dance. As we begin our 51st year, nothing defines us better than the community-focused work we do, giving back to others through dance.

5th Annual Charity Ball for Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital Memphis, TN

By Sylvia Rose, Board Member, Greater Memphis Chapter 2012

I

t seems only like yesterday that a lovely lady Mavis Stanley, who was a founding member, instrumental in organizing and growing the Greater Memphis Chapter 2012, succumbed to cancer in 2008.

The first Mavis Stanley Memorial was held on Sept.13 of 2008 and proceeds were donated to the American Cancer Society. The Chapter Board afterwards voted to hold an annual benefit in Ms. Stanley’s honor with the second event to benefit the Shriners’ Children’s burn fund, the third in 2010 to benefit the Berclair Civic Club, where the Chapter holds its weekly, group classes.

In 2011, we contacted Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital in Memphis, which since then has been the beneficiary to the “Annual Charity Ball”, marking our 8th Annual Charity Ball but 5th year to benefit Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital Child Life Program.

Our first few years started with only $1,000 and $1,500 total donations. So the board was determined to increase its donations. And in 2013, talking with some of the Directors of Le Bonheur Foundation, we set out to entertain the children in the hospital, most of whom had never seen ballroom dancing.

This program preceded the actual Charity Ball, which helped promote the Ball and increase attendance. The Program was a huge success, and this year in 2015, there were more than 30 professional dancers, amateurs, and student dancers, as well as members who did showcase performances and enjoyed general dancing with the children and staff of the Hospital.

Combining these Community Outreach Programs of “Dancing for the Children” and establishing a silent auction for the second year at the Charity Ball, our Chapter once again reached its goal 14

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Le Bonheur

USA Dance members Sylvia Rose, Robert White, Pam Vaughn, Jane Hester, Carole Eady. Proudly holding check is Juan Carlos Francisco Pedro.

of $4,000. All together for the five years, the Chapter has donated more than $14,000.

Writer’s note: It’s not the BIG pearly baubles that make up the picture, but all the little snap shots in our memories. It’s of these that make up the picture of today. We all have a ‘gift’ and when we put that ‘gift’ to use for others, that’s what counts, little by little, snapshot by snapshot, Chapter 2012 will continue to give back what it has received . And we know that what we give of our “gift” is for them -- the Children and Dancers of tomorrow.

Irina Gavrilovitch & Carl Free

Benny Maquiera & Carol Burkett

19th Annual Charity Ball for Shriners’ Hospitals for Children

Connie Collins & Dance Professional Pavel Volynskiy

dancing was uniquely captured on video by an aerial drone that flew over the dance floor action. (See YouTube video on twelvedancer) The Charity Ball also showcased special dance performances by Pavel Volinskiy, Anastasiia Levadnia, Chinyen Chuo, Jarrett Pellicane, Melanie Sandvig, Hannah Pickard, and Andrew Makowski.

By John Davis, President, Orlando (FL) Chapter 6002 All Photos by Brian Bateman, Chapter Member/Photographer

T

he Orlando (FL) Chapter held its 19th annual Charity Ball in November, raising more than $4,000 to support the area Shriners’ Hospitals for Children and recognizing the achievement of many chapter volunteers and professionals in the local dance community.

Lifetime Achievement Awards were presented to professionals John Gregory and Gunn Seawell, who both started their teaching careers in the 1950s. Community Service Awards were given to Chapter DJ Bruce Remsburg and to Carl Free and Ken Worrow, who lead the Chapter’s Alzheimer’s and Special Needs dance programs.

This special fundraiser night always attracts a large attendance.

At the event this year were approximately 220 dancers, whose social

Jack Leavitt

In support of the Shriners Hospitals for Children, Chapter President John Davis proudly presented the Chapter’s $4,000 check to the Bahia Shrine leaders in Orlando.

A New Year Message For Chapters

Dance for the Community. . .and for YOU!

by John Davis, President, Orlando (FL) Chapter 6002

O

ne of the best things your chapters can do is to reach out and take ballroom dancing to your community. The public will see the fun, elegance and excitement of ballroom dancing, and your dancers will feel an unparalleled sense of joy, accomplishment and connection.

It’s time to use your talent and the knowledge gained from hours of lessons.

Your volunteers can perform dance exhibitions at schools, festivals, nursing homes,

malls, domestic abuse shelters, other nonprofit organizations’ fundraisers.

You can organize informal dance classes for youth, seniors, the blind, special needs, early-stage Alzheimer’s/dementia patients and their caregivers -- with your volunteers serving as caring dance partners.

Your Chapter can host fundraiser dances for charities, wounded veterans, youth dancers, etc, or collect food, toys and other needed items for children, seniors, the homeless and disadvantaged.

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DANCESPORT CALENDAR 2016 January 2016 Islanders DanceSport Challenge **(see note) January 9-10, 2016 Organized by Renata Shvarts Olympia Recreational Center - Staten Island, NY Manhattan Amateur Classic (The MAC) - 2016 NQE January 15-17, 2016 Hosted by Greater New York Chapter #3004 Hyatt Regency - Jersey City, NJ WDSF Open Junior II Standard & Latin January 15-16, 2016 Events held at Manhattan Amateur Classic.

Hyatt Regency - Jersey City, NJ Florida Fun Amateur Mini-Match **(see note) January 17, 2016 Organized by Mary K. Thomas Circle Square Cultural Center - Ocala, FL Winter Frolic **(see note) January 30, 2016 Hosted by Royal Palm Chapter #6016 Gold Coast Ballroom - Coconut Creek, FL

February 2016 Quest For The Best **(see note) February 30, 2016 Hosted by Seattle Chapter #1004 Kent Commons - Lynnwood, WA Mid-Atlantic Championships – 2016 NQE Hosting Senior IV National DanceSport Championships February 20 - 21, 2016 Hosted by Mid-Eastern Chapter #6001 North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center - Bethesda, MD Senior IV National DanceSport Championships February 20-21, 2016 Hosted by USA Dance Mid-Eastern Chapter #6001 North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center— Bethesda, MD

March 2016 NJ DanceSport Classic – Spring Fling **(see note) March 13, 2016 Organized by Wendi Davies Rogers Dance Center – Hackensack, NJ Phoenix USA DanceSport Challenge **(see note) March 12, 2016 Hosted by Phoenix Chapter #4033 El Zaribah Shrine Hall - Phoenix, AZ WDSF Adjudicator’s Congress at Nationals March 31, 2016

COMPETITOR ELIGIBILITY: Please refer to USA Dance Rulebook (Eligibility Criteria 4.2 and 4.3) for complete qualification details to participate in the USA Dance National DanceSport Championships.

All USA Dance active members are permitted to dance in any and all events listed above. Please note that events above designated ** do not accrue

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April 2016 USA DANCE 2016 National DanceSport Championships

April 1 - 3, 2016 Also Hosting WDSF World Ranking Tournaments: Open Adult & Senior 1 Standard Open Adult & Senior 1 Latin Renaissance Harborplace Hotel - Baltimore, MD

May 2016 New England DanceSport Championships – 2017 NQE May 13-14, 2016 Hosted by MASSabda Chapter #3002 Westin Hotel - Waltham, MA WDSF Open Under-21 Standard, 10-Dance & Latin May 13-14, 2016 Events held at New England DanceSport Championships Westin Hotel - Waltham, MA Rocky Mountain Spring Competition **(see note) May 14, 2016 Hosted by USA Dance Denver Chapter #5006 Denver Turnverein - Denver, CO Georgia DanceSport Competition **(see note) May 20-22, 2016 Organized by Georgia DanceSport Westin Perimeter North - Atlanta, GA

June 2016 Nebraska Invitational Dance Festival **(see note) June 3-5, 2016 Organized by Kristoffer Shaw Ramada Plaza, Omaha, NB NJ DanceSport Classic - Summer Sizzler – 2017 NQE June 11-12, 2016 Organized by Mario Battista & Wendi Davies Rogers DanceSport Center - Hackensack NJ Gumbo DanceSport Championships – 2017 NQE June 24-26, 2016 Hosted by Louisiana Gumbo Chapter #5031 Crowne Plaza - Baton Rouge LA WDSF Open Senior II & III Standard June 24-26, 2016 Events held at the Gumbo DanceSport Championships Crowne Plaza - Baton Rouge, LA

August 2016 Fort Wayne DanceSport Special Olympics August 2016 Hosted by USA Dance Fort Wayne Chapter #2046 Walb Student Union, Indiana - Purdue Campus, Fort Wayne, IN (Note: Date to be announced) proficiency points and may not follow all rules in the Rulebook. http://usadance.org/dancesport/ forms-and-resources/rules-policies-and-bylaws/ CALENDAR DISCLAIMER: All USA Dance sanctioned and listed competition events and activities within this calendar are subject to change of date, location and other details without prior notice. Please

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September 2016 Kansas City Dance Classic ** (see note) September 10, 2016 Organized by Matt & Ellen Pansing Camelot Ballroom - Overland Park, KS (Kansas City) Carolina Fall Classic – 2017 NQE September 30-October 2, 2016 Organized by Wayne & Marie Crowder University Hilton - Charlotte NC WDSF Open Senior I & II Standard WDSF Open Senior I & II Latin September 30-October 2, 2016 University Hilton – Charlotte, NC

October 2016 Rocky Mountain Fall Competition **(see note) October 1, 2016 Hosted by USA Dance Denver Chapter #5006 Denver Turnverein - Denver, CO Liberty Ball **(see note) October 15, 2016 Organized by Renata Shvarts & Steve Mesh Klein JCC - Philadelphia, PA NJ DanceSport Classic – Fall Frolic **(see note) October 2016 Organized by Wendi Davies Rogers Dance Center - Hackensack, NJ (Note: Date to be announced) Chicago DanceSport Challenge – 2017 NQE October 28-30, 2016 Hosted by Chicagoland Chapter #2001 Hyatt O’Hare Hotel - Chicago, IL WDSF Open Adult Standard, 10-Dance & Latin October 29-30, 2016 Events held at the Chicago DanceSport Challenge Hyatt O'Hare Hotel - Chicago, IL Quest For The Best **(see note) October 29, 2016 Hosted by Seattle Chapter #1004 Kent Commons - Lynnwood, WA

November 2016 California State DanceSport Championships – 2016 NQE November 2016 Hosted by NorCal Chapter #4004 San Jose Civic - San Jose, CA (Note: Date to be announced) National Collegiate DanceSport Championships November 19-20, 2016 Hosted by USA Dance National Columbus Convention Center – Columbus, OH

check with the actual event organizers via the event websites or by personal contact to confirm the accuracy of all event details before making plans as a competitor, spectator or sponsor.

ERRORS/CORRECTIONS: For any changes/updates, please contact DanceSport Council Representative Rog Greenawalt directly at ds-competition@usadance.org.

DANCE MOVE IT FORWARD TM

BE INSPIRED. INSPIRE OTHERS. TURN DREAMS INTO REALITY.

S

ocially Yours

By Jean Krupa Social Dance VP

D

ance is probably the one thing that inspires you every day. So why not use dance to also inspire others? Brightening other people’s days, whether it be friends, acquaintances or family, becomes a truly uplifting experience, especially when life is ever-changing and can present many challenges.

As we begin 2016, many of us think about making New Year’s Resolutions that allows us to reflect on the year gone by, making improvements in ourselves and our lives and to move forward with positive expectations. Typically, our resolutions include losing weight, eating healthier, stopping our bad habits or addictions, perhaps working less and spending more time with others who need us more. Often our list will include ways to give more to others, to our communities and charitable causes close to our hearts. After all, most people genuinely believe in the idea of giving, but it is takes a special perseverance to make those grand resolutions become reality.

Regarding dancing and USA Dance, I encourage everyone to expand their New Year’s Resolution lists – get more ambitious, find more ways to give back to our communities, and discover first-hand what “dance” as a charity can actually accomplish.

There are so many people, from kids to seniors, needing our help. If we “dance move it forward” then others may be more apt to participate as well.

USA Dance has always been a community-minded organization. Our chapters find innovative ways to connect to others through dance. Sometimes it’s our own program, other times we play a part in programs designed by others. We raise both money and awareness to demonstrate how dance can impact lives positively forever.

So to effectively “dance move it forward”, we must first allow dancing to play a part in our own lives, then we can become better givers to others.

Beyond the Resolutions . . . Dance Move It ForwardTM .

TWO STEPS TO DANCE MOVE IT FORWARDTM IN 2016 BECOME A PARTNER. If you are interested in bringing dance education into your local schools or community organizations, you can organize or host dance workshops and dance performances. You can also becoming a partner, dance host or volunteer to another dancer or a group that needs your participation. Then, you and your new partner or volunteers can reach out to someone else.

CONNECT ON SOCIAL MEDIA. Facebook provides a great opportunity to share the USA Dance mission and your chapter’s story and impact on your local community. Post updates, success stories, event notices and links back to your website. Add a personal touch by thanking and recognizing supporters and volunteers. And don’t be afraid to include calls-to-action. Remember the purpose of social media is sharing. Ask your followers to spread your good word and announcements on a regular basis. And make sure you ask for volunteers. The Call to Action for 2016 is Dance Move It ForwardTM.

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HAVE DANC E , W I L L R A V Our EuroT EL pean Summer Dance-cation

By Susanna “Suzie” Hardt

V

acation. . .Beach? Cruising? Wine tasting? How about hours of dance training and having a top coach yell at you? That’s the vacation we love!

When Todd Marsden and I competed at the WDSF 10-Dance World Championships, we were impressed at how many top-level senior competitors there were from German and Italy, so we decided to create a summer Italy-Germany Dance-cation.

STARTING POINT: Vicenza, Italy We began our Dance-cation in Vicenza, Italy. Our U.S. coaches put us in touch with World Ballroom Champion Augusto Schiavo, who kindly coordinated some teachers who train with him to work with us at his studio. Stephanie van der Poll

was very attentive and thorough (loved it).

We were dancing International-style, while the Italians were learning American swing.

On off hours we visited cathedrals, ate, swam in old roman baths, ate again, walked and admired the people and architecture, and sampled each town’s gelato (repeatedly).

Thanks to a U.S.-Italian last-minute solution, we were able to enter the WDSF Senior II Standard World Championship in Rimini, Italy, with amazing music and the highest standard of dancing.

NEXT STOP: AUSTRIA

Gelato stops in every Italian town.

18

From Italy we took a detour to Vienna, visited an old ballroom friend, now judge, and discussed developments in European dancing. After some wiener schnitzel and fine Austrian cakes, we competed in Graz,

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against 80 couples. Entertainment included a marching band and a professional yodeler.

We found in Europe, there are many competition opportunities which are usually held in gymnasiums or community centers, making entry fees low.

AND ONTO GERMANY A few years ago, we met Petra Matschullat-Horn (VP, TSTV) in Blackpool, and she generously opened up Germany’s vast ballroom doors for us. We were able to practice in huge dance clubs, attend a week- long German Trainers Conference in Bad Kissingen, and participate in top training camps in Dusseldorf and Stuttgart. We found very economical, social AirBnbs and often biked blocks to the dance club for our daily practice and private lessons.

Instead of dance studios, Germany has many local nonprofit dance clubs (comparable to a U.S. Tennis Club), with one to three ballrooms, dining area, bar and changing rooms. Members pay a monthly fee (essentially $30) which includes keys

DS Photo Italy

Training with Coa ch Petra Mats chullatHorn in Germ any.

to the club. Petra invited us to a German Open Practice Night, available to all competitors. We got to practice next to the best amateur couple in the world (Simone & Annette). The energy in the room was electric. Most couples knew each other, and everyone who wasn’t dancing was cheering and clapping.

At the GOC in Stuttgart

, Germ any.

THE GRAND FINALE Our grand finale was dancing at the WDSF German Open Championships (GOC), the largest ballroom competition in the world with three competition size ballrooms and three buildings full of ballgowns, makeup booths, photographers and ballroom accessory booths – a Disney

World for ballroom dancers.

There were 300 couples in our Senior II Standard division alone, and we had 17 heats. In Germany, this is the S Class.

German ballroom competitors are required to place out of 4 categories (D, C, B and A class), before they are permitted to compete in international competitions. We were thrilled to make it into the top 114 of the competition considering there were so many great dancers.

With the strong dollar exchange rate, Todd got fitted for a glove-tight tux from Italy and I got fitted for a ballgown from my favorite Lithuanian dressmaker (and met her in person for the first time). We later had a great dinner with all of the U.S. competitors and supporters at the GOC, including USA Dance DanceSport Vice President Ken Richards.

HOMEWARD BOUND We returned from our trip improved, inspired, with many friends. If you have ever thought of dancing in Europe – one way to go -- take a dance-cation!

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THE ART OF MASQUERADE

By Angela Prince

H

istorically, the most famous lovers of Masquerade were reportedly Marie Antoinette and the French aristocracy. Once a year, the aristocrats would attend their annual masquerade ball, dressed in elaborate costumes and masks to hide their true identities, so that they could remain anonymous and break the strict social rules that governed their class.

Etiquette would be tossed aside for revelry and secrecy until the Midnight Reveal, or

ORLANDO (FL) CHAPTER 6002 Masquerade Ball

the grand unmasking.

Traditional masquerade dances had three requirements – masks, music and dancing – all designed to limit conversation, hide identities, and encourage uninhibited social interaction through dance.

History of the Venetian Masquerade Ball and Carnivale dates back to 11th century, peaking in the 18th century. The Venetian Carnivale was held annually in February in Venice, Italy and was a street celebration with masked balls, street entertainers and elaborate costumes and masks. The Venetian Masquerade has been popularized in literature, movies and plays such as “The Phantom of the Opera,” “Mask of the Red Death,” “Romeo and Juliet” and “Casanova.”

Once masked balls moved into England, the Venetian-style costuming changed.

When it crossed over to America, there was an anti-masquerade movement that didn’t rekindle with exuberance until the 1990s.

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Brian Bateman

Brian Bateman

Mardi Gras. America’s Resurgence of Masquerade.

Mardi Gras (French for Fat Tuesday) is one of America’s greatest cultural celebrations, occurring the day before Lent’s Ash Wednesday. It is also the last day of Carnival (a word derived from ‘carnevale’, which actually means ‘goodbye meat.”) It can occur anytime between February 3 and March 9 and is always 47 days before Easter (40 days of Lent plus seven Sundays).

LOS ANGELES COUNTY (CA) CHAPTER 4031

Halloween Dance

Jerry Hernandez

Every year, a million-plus visitors migrate to New Orleans to celebrate, listen to the best of jazz, dance in the streets and clubs, over-indulge and return home with great photos and bragging rights on social media.

There are more than 60 parades in the 12 days preceding Mardi Gras, a legal holiday. There are also many grandiose private masquerade and tableau balls to discover, usually sponsored by the Mardi Gras’ many non-profit clubs – called krewes. Newer krewes have replaced the bal masques with elaborate supper dances at the fine hotels. (Popular are krewes at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome and Morial Convention Center.)

But Mardi Gras is not just a New Orleans celebration. For some, it’s simply an excuse to celebrate throughout America. Celebrations on the map include Mobile, AL - the oldest carnival celebration; St. Louis - the biggest Mardi Gras outside of New Orleans; Galveston, TX – just considered famous; Port Arthur, TX - called the most family-friendly…and rivaled by Orlando and the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

GREATER DAYTONA (FL) CHICAGOLAND (IL)

CHAPTER 2001 Halloween Costume Contest Chicago DanceSport Challenge

CHAPTER 6026 Halloween Dance

Masquerade USA Dance Style: From Mardi Gras to Halloween.

Bob Wiech

Many USA Dance Chapters celebrate Mardi Gras and Halloween as their Masquerade dances of choice. Three USA Dance Chapters -- Orlando, FL, Los Angeles County, CA and Daytona, FL – are still among the largest masquerade dance events, although Charlotte, NC is a fast-climbing rival and the Chicago DanceSport Challenge’s “costume contest” is a category all its own.

CHARLOTTE (NC) CHAPTER 6029 Halloween Taxi Dancer Dance

Bucket List: Mardi Gras in New Orleans If you’ve never been to a New Orleans Mardi Gras and it’s on your bucket list… you don’t want to just show up. You’ll want to find the very best of Mardi Gras festivals, dance and music hot spots. Since 95% of the hotels book out early, you’ll want to research this right away.

•w ww.NewOrleansOnline.com (New Orleans Beverly Frye

Tourism)

•w ww.mardigrasguide.com •w ww.mardigrasworld.com (Float Designer Blaine

Kern’s Mardi Gras World builds more than 80% of the floats during Carnival season)

Decadance/Tony End

January - February 2016

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NATIONAL BALLROOM DANCE WEEK & USA DANCE 50th ANNIVERSARY

AND THE BEAT GOES ON. . .

Dance celebrations were top priorities for USA Dance chapters throughout 2015. Not only was it the 50th Anniversary of USA Dance (having begun in 1965), but with regular chapter social dances, charity events, school and community dance programs combined with the 10 days of National Ballroom Dance Week in September and then all the holiday functions, member dance calendars and cards were full most of the year!

The November-December issue of American Dancer featured the NBDW and 50th Anniversary Gala events of 14 chapters. Three additional chapters on the east coast collaborated and celebrated with their communities in creative and memorable ways.

Cape Cod (MA) Chapter

New London (CT) Chapter

Ray O’Connell

The New London (CT) Chapter 3026, in collaboration with two local Fred Astaire Dance Studios, created a weeklong National Ballroom Dance Week celebration for members and the several local communities. Reaching new people interested in dancing was the main focus and nearly all of the 10 days were devoted to activities. The official NBDW launch was a free dance party at FADS in Mystic, CT, which was open to the public. During the week, the Chapter promoted two free beginner workshops in Cha Cha and Rumba. These were held in a unique historical location – a little white schoolhouse with a great wood floor in Mystic. On the next Friday, the Chapter sponsored a regular social dance at the East Lyme Community Center in Niantic, with music provided by DJ Piers Stonehart and a dance lesson and waltz formation performance by FADS/Mystic. Throughout the evening, additional dance exhibitions added to the entertainment.

Then, the NBDW grand finale, according to the Chapter, was a dance lesson and two-hour social dance on the last Sunday of NBDW at the FADS/ Bloom Ballroom in Old Saybrook.

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The Cape Cod (MA) Chapter 3034 holds its Celebration of Dance during National Ballroom Dance Week each year. The Celebration in September was actually two events: a semiformal dance on a Saturday evening and a series of workshops a week later on a Sunday afternoon.

Unlike the Chapter’s regular Saturday dances, the Celebration dance included showcase performances. This year’s star performances featured Junior II Nationals finalist couple Christopher Kantorosinski, 15, & Anna Jonczyk, 14. They have been dancing together for eight years and won their first competition in 2007, while 7 and 6. They impressed the audience with their technical and artistic achievements in both Standard and Latin. (Note: They placed first in Junior II Championship Standard at the 2015 New England DanceSport Championships.)

Another Celebration performance was a four-couple waltz formation team, directed and coached by Deborah Israel.

The dance workshops were taught by area instructor Ron Gursky, who was instrumental in creating MIT Ballroom Dance Club, since a model for university dance clubs nationwide.

Performing Standard, Christopher Kantorosinski & Anna Jonczyk

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Lisa Dubinsky

Waltz Formation team; Coach Deborah Israel (center).

New York State’s Flower City Chapter

To celebrate USA Dance’s 50th Anniversary year, New York State’s Flower City Chapter 3005 proved “you can dance off your cake and eat it, too.” At the Penfield Recreation Center in June, chapter members came dressed as their favorite icon from “Grease” or American Bandstand, and after a free swing lesson, danced the night away to 60s music (the era USA Dance began).

Then in September, promoting Rochester Dances! during National Ballroom Dance Week, the Chapter sponsored two free public dances at shopping centers on two different weekends in Rochester, then in Victor. There were dance performances throughout and an information booth to promote USA Dance membership opportunities.

Marcy Casilio

Flower City Sock Hop, 60s style, at USA Dance’s 50th Anniversary Dance.

Percell St. Thomass

DanceKinesis: The Missing Dimension in Ballroom & Latin Dance

THE BOOK DANCE TRAINING PROGRAM

ON SALE NOW

AVAILABLE AT

www.dancekinesis.com

And Bookstores Everywhere

January - February 2016

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Hannah Cole

ANNUAL PEP RALLY

NATIONAL COLLEGIATE DANCESPORT CHAMPIONSHIPS

920 Bragging Rights for 42 U.S. Colleges & Universities

U

By Dan Calloway, FISTD, Adjudicator/Coach

SA Dance moves from success to success in this 50th Golden Anniversary year and, in the case of the 2015 National Collegiate DanceSport Championships in Columbus, OH, now must deal with being the victim of this success. This year’s NCDC was up 120 more competitors than last year reaching a total of 920 from an also increased 42 colleges and universities.

Sam Sodano, organizer of the Ohio Star Ball and co-host with USA Dance of the NCDC, vastly enlarged the Columbus Convention Center ballroom this year for the NCDC. The greater space allowed for spacious competition and practice floors in the same room, with 24

vendor space and lots of table and spectator space for the competitors, their families and their support teams. The numerical and spacial increases elevated this year’s NCDC dramatically. Cramped spaces, dingy gymnasiums and shoestring budgets have been left in the past for this pinnacle event of the collegiate year.

The largest NCDC event this year was the 140-couple starting round of Bronze American Rhythm Cha Cha/Rumba, necessitating six rounds to reach the final placings. In a previous American Dancer, I had stated that “it is in the world of collegiate DanceSport that USA Dance has made the most profound difference in ballroom dancing in this country.” Imagine the future of all four styles of our beloved art/ sport, with a yearly culminating event of these

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numbers of passionate, high caliber collegiate dancers, who will eventually branch out into the world and propagate their skills and enthusiasm for DanceSport.

One of the greatest perks provided by Sam every year to these collegiate athletes is free tickets to the two OSB weekend evening sessions where they can see some of the best professional dancing in the world in all five competitive styles: Smooth, Rhythm, Standard, Latin and Theatre Arts. This year, the Professional Latin Championships included four competitive rounds, including Riccardo Cocchi and Yulia Zagoruychenko, the exquisite, reigning World Champions. The opportunity to see live dancing of this caliber occurs only once a year for most of these budding aficionados

Holly Miller

Holly Miller

Cramped spaces, dingy gymnasiums and shoestring budgets have been left in the past for this pinnacle event of the collegiate year.

and provides invaluable perspective and lasting motivation for them.

School spirit and the feeling of overall community at regional collegiate competitions is most typically stoked during the intermittent “fun” dances at collegiate events and climaxes uproariously during the unbelievably raucous, no-costumes-barred, team matches. NCDC has not had space in the schedule for frivolous fun dances for several years, but features epic American and International style team matches between the schools. This year, 16 colleges and universities fielded teams for each of the coveted annual trophies and bragging rights.

(See results p 26) An event of this size cannot happen without occasional controversy. It is common for collegiate events to allow same-sex couples to compete in most of the syllabus level competitions, but is it fair for two men in flat shoes and covered legs to compete against two women

in high heels and skirts? Various universities deal with this problem differently, and we are working toward a consistent policy to ensure the greatest possible degree of fairness. Costumes were allowed this year for the first time in syllabus events, simplifying previous, often burdensome, costume regulations, but increasing the pressure on many of the newer dancers to spend to keep up. The support for the new costume policy was near universal, but not without much discussion.

In my opinion, the most important change to improve future NCDC events will be to adopt the hugely successful MIT double floor system for the early rounds of syllabus events, reverting to a main-event single floor for the quarter, semi and finals of all events. Twice the number of judges would be required for the earlier rounds, but the great efficiency of this system would enable much more focused judging with smaller heats, the offering of more dances at all of the competitive levels, and increased time in the schedule for the beloved fun dances.

Congratulations and thank you to Amanda Ashcraft and her outstanding organizational team, Hannah Cole, USA Dance Director of College Networks, Sam Sodano, and USA Dance, for implementing so magnificently the mission statement of USA Dance, “to improve the quality and quantity of ballroom dancing in America.”

Dan Calloway of Maryland is the DanceSport coach for Georgetown University and University of Maryland. He has competed professionally, coached and judged for 37 years, earning numerous Top Teacher and Professional of the Year awards. He was the youngest ISTD Dual Fellow in the world. He has chaired judging panels at the USA Dance National DanceSport Championships and the North American.

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NATIONAL COLLEGIATE DANCESPORT CHAMPIONSHIPS Columbus, OH Nov 22 – 23, 2014

By Hannah Cole, USA Dance Director, College Network

ROAD TRIP COLUMBUS ON DECK & DECKED OUT FOR COLLEGIATE’S MAIN EVENT

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American Dancer | www.americandancer.org

Kevin Ladd

E

very November, the top college ballroom teams from around the Nation gather in Columbus, Ohio for the USA Dance National Collegiate DanceSport Championship (NCDC) -- traveling as far as 2,480 miles by plane as did the San Jose State University team, with as many as 158 competitors from the University of Michigan, and having fundraised as much as $20,000 to bring 24 competitors from New Mexico State University.

And 2015 was a record year as 920 students from 42 universities waltzed their way across the United States to join the event, representing 120 more competitors that in 2014. In addition, more than 200 non-dancing spectators chose to attend Hannah Cole (another record in NCDC history.) According to Registrar Daphna Locker, it is difficult to determine all the reasons for the increases. Improved marketing efforts, USA Dance’s reduction of student membership fees to celebrate the 50th Anniversary year, or perhaps the fact that college ballroom teams are growing every year? All could all be factors.

There is no doubt that the NCDC becomes, year after year, a better and more effectively run competition with the USA Dance organization being one of the top-ranking reasons that teams choose to attend. This year, the event was spread out in a room twice the size of its normal space. The addition of a separate practice floor, extra tables, a snack bar and space for dance vendors were all elements that simply elevated the event. Also, brand new this year was live streaming the entire weekend, provided by DanceNetwork.tv. That way, spectators could attend the event, and be impressed, virtually from anywhere in the world.

The high level of competition is a principle reason students choose to attend the NCDC. No other competition in the United States brings together more collegiate-level students from around the country, from Pre-Bronze through Championship levels. The largest event on the floor boasted 140 couples, and required six rounds to complete.

The level of competition is only rivaled by one other quality – congeniality. Regardless of the fact that each student is there to compete, there is an air of mutual support that permeates the entire event -- whether it’s one student helping to pin on another’s number, giving guidance on lining up in the sea of dancers on deck, or just cheering for everyone on the dance floor.

RESULTS:

Top Six Schools (NCDC Points Only) SCHOOL

NO. COMPETITORS

POINTS

University of Michigan

156

5409

Purdue University

73

5600

Ohio State University

64

4422

Carnegie Mellon University

46

3713

University of Minnesota

46

4885

Valparaiso University

35

2453

Holly Miller

Additional School Point Results (competitors/points): Cornell University 35/1790, University of Maryland 30/1430, Indiana University 25/2066, NMSU DanceSport Company 24/3030, George Washington University 23/1501, Kenyon College 22/1626, Rutgers University 19/679, Iowa State University 19/1258, University of Virginia 19/1286, University of Akron 18/1035, University of Illinois at UrbanaChampaign 18/1551, University of Tennessee – Knoxville 17/705, University of Iowa 15/941, Oakland University 12/807, University of Texas 9/538, University of Delaware 8/550, Case Western Reserve University 8/510.

INTERNATIONAL TEAM MATCH

AMERICAN TEAM MATCH

1 Tie Cornell University

1 Ohio State University

1 Tie Rutgers University

2 NMSU DanceSport

3 Purdue University

3 Tie University of Michigan

4 University of Michigan

3 Tie Purdue University

5 Ohio State University

5 Utah Valley University

6 Utah Valley University

6 University of Minnesota

Hannah Cole

Holly Miller

The team matches are always a high point of the weekend. Participating teams parade ceremonially around the dance floor, while supporting team members and spectators scream at the top of their lungs in encouragement. It is the ultimate in team bonding, team spirit and “collegiality”.

“It was surprising.

I loved hearing the other teams cheer for me during the team match. I felt so supported and inspired. And I cheered for them too. It’s like we all just wanted everyone to win,” shared Jade Augustain from New Mexico State University, whose team took 2nd place in the American Style team match.

In addition to great dancing during the daytime, Ohio Star Ball event organizers Sam Sodano and Bill Sparks every year generously offer each collegiate dancer complimentary tickets to the evening sessions of the Ohio Star Ball. For student competitors, this is the icing on the cake to witness the country’s best dancers in action.

And here’s looking forward to 2016!

Additional Schools (competitors): Michigan State University 34, Utah Valley University 21, University of California - San Diego 14, Team Match 8, University of Pittsburgh 8, Georgetown University 8, University of Vermont 7, Northwestern University 6, University of Wisconsin – Madison 5, University of Toledo 5, Formation Team 5, University of Mass Lowell 4, University of Missouri-Columbia 4, Princeton University 4, University of Southern California 4, TBA 4, Georgia Tech 3, San Jose State University 2, Harvard University 2, Metropolitan Community College 2, Boston University 1, Emory University 1.

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27

E

AMERICAN

DANCER

xclusive

By Forrest Outman

ASK THE HISTORIAN

Those Crazy Kids!

T

he early 1920’s was a restless period. As World War I ended, a long brewing war to redefine American culture began. In contrast to the previous eras when young people of marriageable age were simply expected to conform to the accepted image of an adult, the unbridled youth were now living life on their terms: setting the trends in fashion, dance, and culture, reshaping life and art in the blur of the Roaring Twenties.

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American Dancer | www.americandancer.org

“. . .the unbridled youth were now living life on their terms: setting the trends in fashion, dance, and culture, reshaping life and art in the blur of the Roaring Twenties.”

With a newly found sense of independence and personal identity, college-age students left home and flocked to co-ed campuses at an unprecedented rate. Away from parents’ mindful gaze, students of opposite sexes fraternized freely both on and off campus. Thanks to Ford Model T, which made automobiles affordable, a friend’s car or taxi was always available to spirit one away to the nearest “petting party” or dancehall. College was no longer reserved for academics.

Keeping pace with the changing times, debutante balls gave way to college dances planned by clubs, fraternities and sororities. These were often held off campus at local clubs and dancehalls where bootleg whiskey and bathtub gin flowed as free and easy as a Waltz. The risqué nature of drinking during prohibition only added to the sense of rebellion and abandon on and

puses, and Jazz was a hit! It matched the driving pulse of college life: fresh, innovative and alive with syncopation.

The Toddle brought the infectious rhythm of Jazz to life on the dance floor.

Created in 1916 by George Hepburn Wilson, by 1920 the Toddle became a general term for vertical rhythm or constant bounce to each beat, and its characteristic bounce would come to be a defining element of youth dances in years to come, eventually finding its way into Shag and Lindy Hop. Collegiate youth demanded dances which kept pace with their fast-moving lifestyle. While polite society attempted to stamp out many upbeat stylings of the Ragtime dances, the rollicking movements lived on in the pep and vigor of the Camel Walk, which outpaced the older generations’ stately Slow Fox Trot. Together with

Collegiate Youth Demanded Dances Which Kept Pace With Their Fast-Moving Lifestyle. off the dance floor. Flappers and Flippers shamelessly Shimmied, Camel Walked and Toddled, jazzing up “proper” dancing to better suit their temperament. These dances originated in the WWI era: while the adults were focused on the war, Rag music was fading out and Jazz’s driving rhythm was catching fire with the youth.

Jazz was the hottest new trend in music and its influence was undeniable. It was everywhere: film, nightclubs, dance halls, and perhaps most importantly America’s newest home innovation, the radio. With radio, new music beamed to college cam-

the Toddle, the Camel Walk was adopted by the Collegiate culture and continued to exist alongside the new dances that followed.

The first of these new dances was the Scandal Walk. Clearly a trend setter with its exceptionally long strides, it was featured in the broadway production “Scandals of 1920”. Interestingly, Scandal Walk’s name comes from dancers’ use of conversation position (an innovation of this dance) to gossip about the newest scandal, though by 1922, this dance became known as the Finale Hop. The term

“Finale Hopper” began as slang for the middle class youth who frequented dance halls and showed up late to save a dime; in time, it became associated with the dance form they practiced. These Hoppers, as they were known, were the epitome of the collegiate youth dance craze.

Sadly, the momentum of the Roaring Twenties would grind to a halt with the onset of the Great Depression. The dances discussed in this article are long forgotten, but they live on in the innovations which they imparted upon their successors.

Together they forged the backbone of Collegiate dance and reigned supreme until Charleston took over in 1925. The Charleston, in turn, was followed by Blackbottom, Varsity Drag, Lindy Hop and countless others. In time, those dances too would evolve, leaving only minute traces of their predecessors of the early 1920’s. In the end though, the Collegiate era laid the foundation of the Swing era dances, which still inspire and move collegiate youth to this very day.

Noted historian, educator, and preservationist, Forrest Outman specializes in social dances from the late 19th Century and later.

Current projects include documenting and recreating Peabody, Collegiates, Shags, The Jeep, pre-WWII Fox Trots and Hustle. He recently completed a project spanning more than four years, which tackled the origins of Fox Trot.

For more information, visit Forrest Outman on Facebook or DanceHistorian.com or write to ForrestOutman@Gmail.com.

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Grassroots

HOLIDAY DANCE

CELEBRATIONS

Charitable Time from Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day

A

mericans love their holidays, and for USA Dance members, the Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day season is among the busiest times for dancing, getting dressed up and giving back to local communities.

Thanksgiving usually starts the charity giving momentum with pot luck dinner dances, and once December arrives, schedules become fuller with holiday theme dances, semi and formal balls, all culminating in New Year’s Eve dancing and champagne toasts at midnight. Every year, dance becomes the inspiration to donate many thousands of dollars and much needed supplies to area children, adults and pets.

CENTRAL OKLAHOMA CHAPTER 5056

BECOMING THE CHARITABLE ORGANIZATION CALLED USA DANCE Central Oklahoma’s Chapter President Steve Hamilton was contacted by a local dance teacher for a small donation to help send some high school couples to a competition in Tulsa. “I told her since I was president of a charitable organization, that perhaps we could do better.” So at the Chapter’s October dance, members raised all of the funds needed to pay for the couple’s competition.

But conversations had led Steve to realize that the dance teacher and even chapter members didn’t view USA Dance as a charitable organization. So the new board became determined to change that perception by “making known our charitable priority,” he explained. The chapter first created a fundraising booklet and let the community know they were working with two high schools and a college and planning a holiday fundraiser.

Sixty five people attended their first holiday fundraiser Dec. 12 at 30

Mitch Park’s MAC (multipurpose activity center) in Edmond, OK. Dance lesson, hors d’oeuvres and social dancing were highlights.

The silent auction generated significant contributions with donations by local artist Rhonda Polen Wernick and others of gift baskets, jewelry and collectibles. With all local dance studios participating, and the Chapter selling dance

cards, the most revenue was raised with the least amount of work and expense. And a real hit of the event was Santa Dan, a local Certified Santa, who also volunteered as emcee to help raise funds.

As of Dec. 21, the Central Oklahoma Chapter, after expenses and a corporate match of $2,500, had raised $6,451 with more pledges still promised.

Photo Opps with Oklahoma’s Santa Dan.

American Dancer | www.americandancer.org Scott Lancaster

YOUNGSTOWN-WARREN (OH) CHAPTER 2015

R Helman

Chapter President Lori Yuzenko, Steve Yuzenko with Honoring the Sacrifice founders Todd Smith and Catherine Smith.

CHOO-CHOO (TN) CHAPTER 2009

HOLIDAY BALL BENEFITS NEW CHARITY EACH YEAR

Every December, the Choo-Choo (TN) Chapter 2009 in Chattanooga celebrates the holidays by hosting its annual Holiday Ball that benefits a different charity every year.

In 2014, proceeds from the evening were donated to the AIM Center, a local organization that helps people with mental illnesses. With more than 100 dancers in attendance, the Chapter raised more than $1,000, as dancers enjoyed a banquet, professional performances and general social dancing.

In 2015, the Choo-Choo Chapter’s annual Holiday Ball was held Dec, 11 in the Lundy Hall Gymnasium of Brainerd United Methodist Church in Chattanooga. Proceeds were donated to the Honoring the Sacrifice Foundation that assists post 9/11 Purple Heart recipients and their families, as well as other wounded servicemen and women who have returned home to the U.S. Nearly 100 dancers and guests once again enjoyed a banquet dinner, social dancing, showcases, and this time, a fun visit from Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus.

SNOWFLAKE BALL GAINS SNOWBALL MOMENTUM The Youngstown-Warren Chapter’s Snowflake Ball seems to gain snowball momentum year after year. Early ticket selling by the volunteers and promoting the event’s #4 ranking among USA Dance’s Top Social Dances attracted more dancers than ever before to the Dec. 6 event.

The Snowflake Ball was held at the elegant, historic Avon Oaks Ballroom in Girard, OH. Attendees looked forward to watching the pro-am performance of the reigning USA Dance Junior II and Youth National Smooth Champion Katelyn Photopoulos from Massachusetts, dancing at the Ball as an amateur with Professional American Smooth and Theatre Arts Champion Tony Scheppler from Brooklyn.

Katelyn won her national titles with partner Donovan Kirrane,

Julian Cicatiello

also of Massachusetts.

Midst the beautiful holiday decorations and table settings, the evening’s open social dancing included all the holiday favorites

by DJ Stephen Barba for a wide variety of tempos and dance styles on the ballroom’s 6,000 s.f. floor.

Special appreciation went to the volunteer “elves” who, according to the Chapter, did their transformational holiday magic, spreading glitter and good cheer all around the ballroom.

Berkshire County Chapter (MA) 3045

SOCIAL DANCE SUPPORTS SOLDIER ON CHARITY

Berkshire County (MA) Chapter’s holiday dances traditionally support local charities.

Last year, they participated in the Hillcrest Educational Foundation’s Holiday Wish Program and provided gifts for 75 children who are diagnosed with complex psychiatric, behavioral and/or developmental disorders. Each child in the program prepared a wish list in hopes that a Santa would respond. Karen Pulver, chair of the Chapter’s Community Outreach Committee, was responsible for the program’s success and chapter momentum.

This year, the Chapter’s Holiday Social on Dec. 19 brought members and guests together at the Masonic Hall for a dance lesson, their famous snack bar and music by Champagne Jam Trio, all in support of the Soldier On program. The Chapter collected needed toiletries and everyday essentials and donated $500 to this local non-profit organization committed to ending veteran homelessness and providing support services.

Pierre Gontier

Supporting the Soldier On charity in Berkshire County, MA

Marine Corp Reserves for Toys for Tots Priscilla Messenger

DOCMA CHAPTER 3039

WINTER BALL BENEFITS TOYS FOR TOTS The Dancers of Central Massachusetts (DOCMA) Chapter 3039 have a long-standing tradition every Christmas holiday season. Their semi-formal Winter Ball starts with an elegant buffet dinner at the Lake Pearl Luciano’s in Wrentham, MA and afterwards several hours of festive dancing. The Chapter invites representatives from the local Marine Corps Reserve to attend to receive the Chapter’s very generous donations toward their Toys for Tots program.

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31

Grassroots FEB 20-21

MID-ATLANTIC CHAMPIONSHIPS NQE NOW HOSTING SENIOR IV NATIONALS The 8th annual Mid-Atlantic Championships NQE, Feb. 20-21, will add a new dynamic to its National Qualifying Event weekend in Bethesda, MD – the USA Dance Senior IV National Championships.

The Senior IV Nationals have been hosted for the past three years in Baton Rouge at the Gumbo DanceSport Championships, and rotate to the Mid-Atlantic for the next four years.

The Mid-Atlantic NQE is organized by the USA Dance MidEastern Chapter 6001 and held at the Marriott Bethesda North Hotel, located 12.5 miles from Washington DC. Senior IV Nationals will showcase the full spectrum of senior DanceSport talent, from bronze to championship in all four dance styles -- American Smooth and Rhythm and International Standard and Latin. The Senior IV Championship divisions in all four styles will be held Saturday evening, along with Adult Championships. Top finalists in Senior IV Standard will also qualify to represent the USA at the upcoming WDSF World Championships.

The Mid-Atlantic Championships is often called the Last Chance NQE, and for good reason -- Nationals 2016 is only six weeks away. Competitors of all ages, pre-teen to senior IV and all

EnMotion Photography/Dave Cunningham

proficiency levels, will ensure a highly competitive dance floor with winners earning up to $12,000 in scholarships. Attending last year were 270 couples from 26 states and DC. More information: www.usadancedc.org

JAN 30

ROYAL PALM’S WINTER FROLIC GREAT ESCAPE TO SUNNY FLORIDA Resource: Patti MacDonald, Royal Palm Chapter 6016 President

Clause Guay & Ginette Beaulieu

Competitors seeking a sunny destination in January are invited to attend the Royal Palm (FL) Chapter’s upcoming Winter Frolic dance competition in South Florida on Sat., Jan. 30. Goldcoast Ballroom in Coconut Creek is the host venue for this 13th annual competition.

Last year, 52 couples competed at the Winter Frolic. The full spectrum of age and proficiency divisions were offered, from Pre-Teen I and II through Youth and Adult, and including all Senior divisions I through IV. Couples traveled south all the way from chilly New York, Massachusetts and Canada.

But Florida warmth has always attracted

Northerners in the winter months. Others came from Oklahoma and Texas and nearby southern states.

The Royal Palm Chapter proudly supports the Palm Beach Atlantic University Dance Club, whose students in 2014 competed in Newcomer and Bronze American Smooth and Rhythm.

For 2016, all syllabus levels will be offered in American Style Smooth and Rhythm and International Style Standard and Latin, as well as Novice, Pre-Championship and Championship levels. And typical of Florida events, there were club-style dance competitions for West Coast Swing, Hustle and Argentine Tango.

Complete spectator & registration information: www.royalpalmdancesport.org.

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American Dancer | www.americandancer.org

Steven Alkow & Kailyn Penny, then seven years old, officially presented the flag to start the event.

Steven Freinstein, Daria Kotenko, Jonathan Tabaka

Max Maleshko, Dawn Husvar Farley

Renner St. John, Ranko Bogosavac

Charlotte (NC) Chapter 6029 Fundraiser

TAXI DANCERS GO MASQUERADE FOR A GOOD CAUSE

By Mary Roehr

Charlotte Chapter board member Kathy Laughlin had read an article in American Dancer about the Central New Jersey Chapter 3059 holding a Taxi Dance. She presented it to the board, and they embraced the idea.

The Chapter chose Oct. 31st Halloween for the taxi dance fundraiser and combined it with our annual member Appreciation Dance.

Since members receive free admission to this dance, we hoped that dancers might be more inclined to donate to the fundraiser.

Non-members received free admission if they joined USA Dance that night, and everyone received a free raffle ticket for prize drawings every 15 minutes. There was also a fun Halloween costume contest and almost everyone, including instructors, dressed up. Total attendance was around 85. Use of Infinity Ballroom was also donated by owner Chuck McGovern.

The dance community response was amazing with four studios and one independent coming on board for a total of 11 taxi dancers, two women and nine men. Our DJ Maria St. John tackled the tough job of organizing the advance sign-ups with the taxi dancers. She used a free, interactive website that could be modified.

The cost was $5 per taxi dance and every-

one was encouraged to sign up in advance.

The Chapter emailed a link to the event website, where dancers could select instructors and individual dances. Slots filled up rapidly, but there would still be available time slots at the dance.

On the day of the dance, we spent the afternoon decorating and turned the ballroom into a virtual haunted village.

Throughout the dance, people continued to purchase taxi dances and make donations.

The largest was $100 from a single donor.

This fundraising event became an opportunity for instructors to meet potential students. “Taxi stands,” or tables, were set up for instructors to display their cards or promotional materials and return after each dance to meet their next partner.

We paid the taxi dancers $25 per hour and gave them a much appreciated goody bag with a printed thank you note from our Chapter. One instructor actually donated his fees back to USA Dance.

It took months of planning and a lot of hard work, but this event was a phenomenal success. We netted more than $2,000 toward future scholarships and dance promotions.

Now that we are over the learning curve, our next Taxi Dance is on the calendar for July 2016.

Kathy Laughlin, Roman Nagibin All Photos by Beverly Frye

January - February 2016

33

Xingmin Lu & Katerina Lu Senior I, II Championship Standard

Nicholas Westlake & Neli Petkova (MN) Adult Championship Standard

Polly Ann Dardaine (student) & Cassandra Justice (teacher) (MI) T/S Ladies Senior II Silver Rhythm John Carlson & Alina Balayeva (MI) Pre-Teen/Junior I Bronze & Silver, Latin & Standard

ALL HALLOW’S EVE in CHICAGO E From Mummy Wraps & Qualifying Events To Witch Hunts & WDSF Open Tournaments Photos by Decadance/Tony Eng

34

American Dancer | www.americandancer.org

Resource: Jeffrey S. Forth lfin helpers at the 2015 Halloween-themed Chicago DanceSport Challenge were full of merriment and mirth, but behind the scenes for many months, they were responsible for transforming this annual National Qualifying Event for the USA Dance Nationals into a magical weekend with lots of surprises for competitors and spectators. The Chicago NQE, organized by the Chicago (IL) Chapter 2001 of USA Dance was held once again at the Hyatt O’Hare Hotel, Oct. 28-30, 2015.

The CDC event team recognized that increased attendance and the complexity adding new events would dictate some changes.

This year, there were Teacher-Student and Same-Sex divisions, as well as three prestigious World DanceSport Federation World Ranking Tournaments for Open Adult Standard, Latin and 10-Dance.

Also, WDSF-licensed judges would be required and couples from other countries were expected.

Chair of Adjudicators Renata Shvarts (NJ) and the CDC team worked closely together prior to and throughout the event to

GOBLINS, GHOSTS, PIRATES & ACTION HEROES . . .

Aye! Aye! Pirates Over Board!

In keeping with the Halloween event theme, there was a fun “witch hunt” with Youngstown-Warren Chapter President Susan Ryan finding the most witches in hiding and winning a free dance workshop pass. The traditional toilet-paper Mummy Wrap was a huge success again with 15 couples participating. And the 2nd annual Thriller dance, led by Barbara Finn, filled one-third of the floor.

The Halloween costume contest brought Gremlins, Vikings, Earth Mothers, Pirates, Little Red Riding Hood, Super Hero’s, Phantoms, and myriads of other costumed folk who seemed to “rise up” out of the dance floor to be recognized.

ensure smooth transitions in the schedule. But, as event entries increased, Ms. Shvarts helped iron out any schedule kinks that had arisen. Throughout the three-day weekend, there were 320 competitors, including couples from South America and Canada, all together 146 couples on the floor.

VIP guest was Diane Simpson, a U.S. Olympian and President of the Midwest Chapter of U.S. Olympians and Paralympians. On Saturday evening, she arrived wearing ruby slippers and a USA Olympic Team jacket.

She presented the Top Studio and Top Teacher recognitions.

Top Studios were: 1st - The Ballroom Center (IL), 2nd - University of Minnesota Rochester, and 3rd - The Ballroom Company (OH). Top Teachers ended in a three-way tie: Karita Yli Piipari (TN), Peter Minkov (IL) and Una Lisa Chichacki.

Diane also received a Jack n Jill East Coast Swing Gold Medal, taking first place with partner CDC volunteer Mike Eichinger.

On Friday, special recognitions went to Adult Standard Champions Evan Schreiber & Hannah Bindus (OH), who chose Foxtrot for their Honor Dance; and Adult Latin Champions Kiki Nyemchek & Magda Fialek (NJ), whose chosen Honor Dance was Cha Cha. In the Open Showcase Championship, Ted Ramirez & Cheri

Michael Eichinger

Gregory Bajer & Ligaya Carlos (MN) Adult & Senior I Bronze & Silver Standard

Ramirez (IL) placed first, dancing a quickstep. Formation team Devotion to Motion (WI) thrilled audiences with their choreographed waltz routine.

Later in the evening the dance floor came alive with 25 mostly collegiate couples from the University of Minnesota Rochester, dancing in the Argentine Tango contest. Both teams from the University of Minnesota Rochester and University of Illinois proved strong cheering sections for all of the competitions.

WDSF Adult Open World Ranking Tournament Winners: Standard

Earle Williamson & Charlotte Christiansen (CA)

Latin

Jacob Korenev & Dayana Nikon (Ontario)

10-Dance

Christopher Fonseca & Camila Paredes (Ecuador)

On Sunday morning, last day of the competition, the dance floor filled with pre-teen and juniors, dancing all proficiency levels. By Sunday afternoon, several Senior events had so many entries, for example, Senior II and III Silver Standard with 18 and 19 entries respectively, that two heats were required for each dance.

(MN) Gregory Bajer & Ligaya Carlos er Silv & ze Bron I or Seni & lt Adu Stan dard

Devotio n to Motion Formation Team (WI)

January - February 2016

35

WDSF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

SENIOR II LATIN – OCTOBER 3, 2015 SENIOR II 10-DANCE – OCTOBER 4, 2015 European Masters Games 2015–Nice,

I

n October, three Senior II couples officially represented USA Dance in Nice, France at the WDSF World Championships, Senior II Latin and 10-Dance. Two of the couples also competed in DanceSport in the 2015 European Master Games there, joining two additional USA Dance couples who entered the Games for Senior III and IV Standard and Senior II Latin.

Drawing 6,500+ athletes, the European Masters Games included 28 sports, awarding 6,175 medals to athletes from 65 countries.

The EMG is under the joint auspices of the IOC and the IMGA (International Masters Games Association).

France

WDSF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS SENIOR II LATIN

Roger Korsiak & Holli Hornlien

26 out of 101

Leland Andrew Prouty & Ilona Prouty

47 out of 101

SENIOR II 10-DANCE

John Linn & Kathy Linn

71 out of 72

EUROPEAN MASTER GAMES SENIOR III STANDARD

I

AMERICAN

DANCER

AMERICAN DANCER: What

nterview

are your feelings about your performance in Nice?

Roger: It felt good to dance in ROGER KORSIAK & HOLLI Europe again. It was a fantastic venue full of energy. It was an HORNLIEN (CA) all-day event so we had to plan Chapters: Orange County and prepare for each round like 4018/Los Angeles County it was our first. Our placement 4031 Coaches: Nicolai Voronovich, isn’t as important as the overall Anna Kovalova, Maria experience itself. We are much Nikolishina honored to be given a chance USA Dance Titles/ to dance as much as we did.

Placements: Nationals 2014 Each time we completed a – Senior II Latin, 1st, Senior I round, we enjoyed the thrill Latin, 2nd; Nationals 2015 – of the anticipation to see if Senior II Latin, 3rd, Senior I we advanced.

Latin, 4th.

WDSF Titles/Placements: 2014 – Senior I Latin, 36th; Senior II Latin, 32nd; 2015 – Senior II Latin, 26th.

AD: Anything about the competition that is a lingering impression?

Holli: This year I had the

Courtesy Holli Hornlien

Andrew Prouty, Ilona Prouty, Holli Hornlien, Roger Korsiak

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American Dancer | www.americandancer.org

Terry Yeh & Glendy Yeh

9 out of 25

John Linn & Kathy Linn

18 out of 25

SENIOR IV STANDARD

Hiroshi Kawanami & Juliana Kawanami

7 out of 14

SENIOR II LATIN

Leland Andrew Prouty & Ilona Prouty

great opportunity to recite the English version of the Athlete’s Oath at the opening ceremony. To stand there and look at hundreds of beautiful competitors, to represent us as one voice and express our commitment to uphold the ideals of sportsmanship, that was an amazing feeling.

R: This year, the world championships were coupled with the European Masters Games. It was a huge event for all athletes from all over the world in many different sporting disciplines. It truly felt like this was our Olympic moment for DanceSport.

16 out of 48

big field.

R: The Senior II level is very

competitive. I believe it has the largest amount of competitors of all the Senior Latin fields. In Senior Latin II … quite often you are not only up against a country’s top two couples, but also their entire country. This makes it especially challenging and also most rewarding.

AD: How competitive is

AD: What distinguishes you on the floor?

R: It definitely has to be my partner’s red hair. We try to tell a story with each dance for the audience to enjoy.

H: People tell us that we have a strong male/female presence, and that is our asset.

Senior II Latin globally?

H: Many European senior dancers have been dancing for years and years, some teach for a living, own their own studios, etc. This raises the level of the dancing. It is so incredibly exciting when we face a

AD: Any particular advice, philosophy or practice that has meant the most in your dance career so far?

H: It is better to do respectable basics than flashy, sloppy choreography. My first

coach also told me “don’t get choregraphytus” which is the notion that constantly changing choreography will improve your dancing and technique.

R: Dancing is journey. Enjoy the steps along the way.

LELAND ANDREW PROUTY & ILONA PROUTY (NY)

Chapter: Syracuse DanceSport Social 3017 Coaches: Dmitry Karabanov & Daria Emelianova, Andrew Phillips USA Dance Titles/ Placements: Nationals 2014 – Senior II Latin, 2nd; 2015 – Senior II Latin, 4th.

AMERICAN DANCER:

What is the history of your partnership? What distinguishes you on the floor?

Andrew: We met at a social dance in 1999, got engaged during a dance exhibition and competed in our first competition (American Smooth) on our honeymoon in 2005. The most distinguishing characteristic of our partnership is that we have never had a disagreement on the dance floor. Ilona disagrees with this statement.

AD: What are your thoughts about the WDSF World Championship in Nice?

Ilona: Three years of World Championship competition have seasoned us to be better able to deal with the mental aspects of the competition and on pregame rituals.

AD: Is there anything about the competition that is a lingering impression?

A: As part of the European Master’s Games, 6500+ Athletes converged on the city of Nice making for a very different and John Linn & Kathy Linn, exciting atmosphere compared Senior II 10-Dance to dance-only events. taking “sporadic” Fred Astaire dance lessons about 20 years AD: How competitive is ago after our 6th child (with Senior II Latin globally? special needs) was born…Our A: Senior II is loaded with first National Competition was athletes and performers, in 2005 at the silver and gold seasoned over time. The top level. In the fall of 2012, Sami 12 couples in Nice could easily and Karita Yli-Piipari moved to take the floor in any age group Memphis….For the first time and perform admirably. since we started dancing, we had in town coaches for all 10 dances….

JOHN LINN & KATHY

LINN (TN)

Chapter: Greater Memphis 2012 Coaches: Sami Yli-Piipari, Karita Yli-Piipari USA Dance Titles/ Placements: Nationals 2014 – Senior II 10-Dance, 4th, Senior III 10-Dance, 2nd, Senior III Latin, 4th; Nationals 2015 – Senior II 10-Dance, 2nd, Senior III 10-Dance, 1st, Senior III Latin, 3rd.

AD: Any particular advice or

philosophy that has meant the most in your career?

A: We think it is important to get the best possible coaching available. As amateurs, working full-time jobs, it is often difficult to prepare fully or

AD: What are your goals as a couple now?

John & Kathy: We hope to continue placing higher at Nationals in Senior III even as we age. We would love to go overseas again in a couple years and visit other countries.

We are hoping that before we get too old, WDSF will include world championships for Sen. III Latin and 10-Dance.

to even have enough time to commit to sufficient practice, so good coaches help to bring as much quality to our preparation time as possible. Also, having a variety of coaches gives us different viewpoints and ways to attempt improvement.

I: The friendly competitive spirit we encounter both in the U.S. and overseas helps to push us to higher levels of dancing.

Our competitors are some of our greatest assets in our quest towards improvement.

AMERICAN DANCER: What

are some highlights of your dance history?

Kathy: John and I have been married for 38 years. We have seven children and nine grandchildren. We started

AD: What was this first WDSF World Championship like for you?

K: This was our first overseas experience so we went with no expectations other than to dance our best and learn about the European dance community. The experience was very positive and challenging….We were obviously much more comfortable dancing Senior III Standard…The Senior II 10 Dance was a bit of a stretch since we were clearly so much older and inexperienced at that level. The energy level of the whole event was very high and lots of fun.

AD: Any advice or philosophy that has meant the most in your dance career?

J&K: For married couples, keep first things first. The marital relationship can be strengthened through your dancing only if you keep your priorities. It helps tremendously to have a mediator (coach) to keep you focused, plan your goals and strategy for practice toward each competition, and to “gently” settle your arguments.

Sometimes you just have to agree to disagree and move on.

AD: Anything about the competition that stood out?

J&K: Yes. We do not like one big unisex changing room.

We’re too old-fashioned for such nonsense. On a more serious note, we did miss the personal touch throughout the competition that we experience in the U.S. We cherish the relationships that we have made over the years with other competitors, judges and organizers. Hospitality is our forte, and we need to keep that high on our priority list.

AD: How competitive is Senior II 10-Dance globally?

J&K: This is not a hobby in Europe at this level. This is their life, for many of them.

We found that many of the dancers had been lifelong competitors and even owned studios and coached.

January - February 2016

37

IN THE

PublicEye Historical Moment for Dance WHEELCHAIR DANCE TEAM PERFORMS IN PHILADELPHIA FOR POPE FRANCIS

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illions of people around the world followed Pope Francis’ historic visit to the United States, hundreds of thousands in person, others via television and the internet.

The pontiff’s journey began in New York City, progressed to Washington DC and

culminated in Philadelphia at the Festival of Families, an intercultural celebration of family life, Sept. 26-27.

The Festival of Families, part of the week-long World Meeting of Families Conference there, drew masses to the Philadelphia Art Museum and Franklin Institute and Independence Hall, where on Sept. 26 Pope Francis addressed America once again. Following his speech, the twoday “Francis Festival” officially began with a family-focused free party and concert held on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

The American DanceWheels Foundation formation team, who also performed at the recent PanAmerican Games in Toronto (see story pp 20-21 in American Dancer, September-October 2015), were among the invited performers for the Festival of Families. The ADF team of six dancers -Alysse Einbender (PA), Aubree Marchione (NJ), Vlada Martinek (PA), Diane Murphy (PA), Mike Nichols (DE) and Nick Scott (KS) – performed Tango on the Parkway’s main stage, alongside world-renowned artists, including Andrea Bocelli, Arethan Franklin, Jackie Evancho and The Fray.

“ADF is honored to be included in the lineup of world-class performers participating in this historic event. Everyday we reconnect family members and friends through inclusive dance. Our program has the ability to strengthen bonds between people with and without disabilities, symbolizing the joy of partnership and creating an understanding between the dance partners without having to say a word,” said ADF Executive Director Melinda Kremer. www.americandancewheels.org

2B Entertainment Studios

38

American Dancer | www.americandancer.org

MS SENIOR AMERICA 2015

DR. BARBARA MAULDIN DANCES HER WAY TO THE COVETED TITLE

O

Richard Mauldin & Barbara Mauldin following their performance for National Ballroom Dance Week 2014.

n the pageant stage in Atlantic City, Dr. Barbara Mauldin, member of the Hattiesburg-Laurel (MS) Chapter 6116, was crowned the 35th Ms Senior America for 2015. Competing against contestants from 35 different states and three from the U.K., Barbara danced her way to the coveted crown and, as the pageant organizers stated, now represents “the epitome of the Age of Elegance.”

Dr. Barbara is a practicing dentist in Petal, MS, and active member of the Mississippi Dental Association and the Rotary Club. Through these associations, her professional skills and far-reaching generosity have provided dental care to many local people and poor families in Peru, Nicaragua and Honduras. She is an active USA Dance DanceSport competitor with her husband/partner Richard, and a former World Cup Pro-Am competitor. At the USA Dance Nationals in 2015, the Mauldins proudly won the Senior III American Rhythm Novice Division.

As Barbara explained her pageant inspiration: “I was first asked if I would be interested in entering the Mississippi pageant by Rotarian

Governor Barbara Travis, a previous Ms Mississippi Senior America queen. I had never entered a pageant in my life and thought at the age of 60, it would be a kick to try. I love adventures, so I completed the application and began to work on my skills. I needed an evening gown, a philosophy of life in a 35-second speech, interview readiness and a talent. Thank goodness there was no swimsuit portion. I first worked on my talent thinking that I wanted a romantic dance routine to the theme song from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. I developed a dance with me looking into a mirror, noticing the tuxedo coat hanging on a rack nearby, asking my imaginary partner in the coat to dance, and then dancing a few waltz steps before hanging the coat wistfully back up and going back to my chair. The two minute and 45-second routine presented well, and the audience was enchanted with the whole of the waltz and the romantic scene. I had velcro on the back of my gown to hold the glove which I had sewn onto the coat arm so that my partner Igor and I danced in frame.”

“The principal reason that I joined this pageant was its mission statement. I truly believe that age is a number and not a state of mind. I have always kept myself very active and busy. I never want to look back and I wish I would have or could have. I will put my memoirs together after I turn 90.”

An Enchanting Viennesse Waltz with Igor.

Dr. Barbara Mauldin From Ms Senior Mississippi to Ms Senior America 2015

“When I choreographed the routine I tried to include typical International ballroom steps with basic right and left turns and Flekryl.

I also included telemarks because it was a step to keep in frame with my coat, who I nicknamed Igor. The routine began with my dusting the coat off and hanging him up before listening and asking the audience if they had heard the waltz. The words to the song dictated the miming to the audience, and they bought in from the beginning.”

January - February 2016

39

WDSF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP & WORLD CUP

UNDER-21 STANDARD, ADULT 10-DANCE NOV 6-8, 2015 Vancouver BC, Canada UNDER-21 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP STANDARD

A

n initiative of DanceSport BC, the 27th annual Snowball Classic was held in Vancouver British Columbia, Canada at the Hyatt Regency hotel. The 2015 event hosted two World Title Events granted by the WDSF – Under-21 Standard and Adult World Cup 10-Dance – plus Open WDSF events in Adult and Under-21 Standard and Latin. The Snowball Classic also offers the full slate of Standard and Latin events, from Newcomer to Championship levels, from Juvenile to Senior. Vancouver has become a popular destination for USA Dance couples, who

Samuel Hacke & Katarina Hermanova

16 out of 27

Justin Lin & Alexandra Dubinsky

Tied 19-20 out of 27

Mikhail Vorobiev & Sonya Tsekanovsky

Tied 19-20 out of 27

ADULT WORLD CUP 10-DANCE

Mikhail Vorobiev & Sonya Tsekanovsky

enjoy sightseeing during November’s longer days and mild temperatures in this Canadian coastal seaport city.

best dancers in the world and have everyone know our names.

We want to be legends.

Justin Lin, Alexandra Dubinsky, Katarina Hermanova, Samuel Hacke All Photos by Lisa Dubinsky

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SAMUEL HACKE & KATARINA HERMANOVA

Competing Together: 2 years Coaches: Latin: Andrei Gavriline, Elena Kryuchkova; Standard: Iveta Hackeova, Katusha Demidova, Mirko Gozzoli, Edita Daniute Studio Association: G&J Dance Studio, Paragon Ballroom Key Titles/Placements (2015): USA Dance 2015 Nationals – WDSF Under 21 Latin, 2nd; Under-21 10-Dance, Under-21 Standard, Youth 10-Dance, Youth 40

Standard, all 1sts; WDSF World Youth Standard, 8th out of 66; WDSF Under-21 World 10-Dance, 16th out of 43; WDSF Under-21 World Standard, 16th out of 27.

AMERICAN DANCER: What

are your greatest challenges as a competitive couple?

AD: What progress have you made in your partnership since your last World event?

S&K: We worked on the overall look of the couple; however, since we only had a week since our previous world event, the World Under-2110-Dance Championships, we didn’t have time for many major improvements. We just made sure to keep dancing and improving our stamina. We fixed flaws that stuck out in our dancing.

AD: What is your competitive edge on the floor?

S&K: Music is key for us in both Latin and standard. We love to feel the music when we dance, and we do our best to convince the audience that our routine was choreographed to each specific song.

Samuel & Katarina:

Maintaining quality while expressing ourselves through our dancing is our greatest challenge. We believe that we must use our experience and knowledge as the backbone of our dancing and dance with what people refer to as quality.

AD: What are your competitive goals together?

S&K: We want to become the

American Dancer | www.americandancer.org

14 out of 20

JUSTIN LIN & ALEXANDRA DUBINSKY

Competing Together: 4 years Coaches: Ronen Zinshtein, Mariam Izmaylova Key Titles/Placements: USA Dance Nationals, Youth Standard, 2nd; WDSF World Championship, Youth Standard, 42nd; WDSF Open Standard, 12th; WDSF

Under-21 Open Standard, 4th; WDSF German Open, Youth Standard, 86th; WDSF Under-21 World Championship, 19th.

AMERICAN DANCER:

What are your goals as a competitive couple?

Alexandra (Sasha): Our goal is to achieve our dance potential and to grow together.

We want to become the best that we can be, not only individually, but as a team.

AD: What is your unique edge?

Justin: Our unique competitive

edge is our expression, passion and musicality.

AD: What is your greatest challenge as a competitive couple?

J&A: Our greatest challenge is to see our dancing as a process, rather than as a result.

MIKHAIL VOROBIEV & SONYA TSEKANOVSKY

Competing Together: 15 years Coaches: Latin: Richard Porter, Graham Oswick, Alexandria Hawkins; Standard: Alexandria Hawkins, Steve & Carol Powell, Jonathan Wilkins Key Titles/Placements: USA Dance National Amateur 10-Dance Champions,

A JUDGE’S PERSPECTIVE

Lisa Dubinsky

INEZ S. SAHLIN

sight of our love for dance.

Mikhail Vorobie v & Sonya Tsekanovsky

Courtesy of M. Vorobiev

AD: What expectations did you have for Vancouver?

M&S: Because this was not our first world event, we had hoped that it would be just as grand as we have seen before. And it was. We were very excited to have such a grand event so close to home.

2015; WDSF Open 10-Dance Finalists, Romania, 2013.

AMERICAN DANCER: What is your greatest challenge as a competitive couple?

Mikhail & Sonya:

Unfortunately, our location is a challenge we have to overcome, whether it’s for coaching or competing. We live far away from many great coaches and competitors, which forces us to travel often.

AD: What goals are most important?

M&S: Our goals have always been and will continue to be to improve our dancing, because in the end we have to enjoy what we show on the dance floor. Results can be a good indicator of progress, but if we focus only on them we will lose

AD: Since your last World competition, what progress have you made?

M&S: We have learned to enjoy what we produce on the dance floor rather than worry about the judging or other competitors. This allows us to dance in the moment and with less stress.

AD: In 10-Dance, what is your competitive edge?

M&S: We are a very tall couple, which makes us stand out on the floor, but it is also a drawback because we have to look perfect in every moment.

AD: Would you like to see more Canadian couples competing at USA Dance events and vice versa? What needs to happen to make that a reality?

M&S: Absolutely. Our competition is what pushes us to better our dancing. We think both organizations should work together and promote each other’s competitions.

Five WDSF competitions were part of this year’s Snowball Classic in lovely, albeit rainy Vancouver. I had the honor and the privilege to judge this event including the Under-21 World Championship Standard and the 10-Dance World Cup. In the World Championship Standard Under 21, there were 27 couples from 14 countries and North America had a team of three USA couples and one couple from Canada. It took four rounds (including the final) to select the new World Champions from Estonia.

All USA couples finished unfortunately in the second round.

The best showing in 16th place were Samuel Hacke and Katarina Hermanova. This couple danced also on Saturday, both in the Open Under-21 competitions: they finished 2nd in Standard and 1st in Latin. I had a feeling that if they danced on Friday the same way they did on Saturday, they would have been at least in the semi-finals of the World Championship.

Tied for 19th place in Friday’s World Championship were Justin Lin with Alexandra Dubinsky (our current Under-21 Standard Champions) and Mikhail Vorobiev with Sonya Tsekanovsky. Justin and Alexandra had a very strong showing in the Open Under-21 Standard on Saturday, placing 4th.

In the World Cup Adult 10-Dance, we saw 20 couples from 20 countries. After four rounds of switching between Standard and Latin, Anton Belyayev and Antoaneta Popova from Canada were the winners. They announced the end of their amateur dancing and will most likely concentrate on a transit to professional ranks. Our representing couple Mikhail Vorobiev and Sonya Tsekanovsky finished 14th in the World Cup. The WDSF Open Adult categories had a very strong showing with some of the best dance performances around.

The USA couples did a wonderful job and fought hard.

Even losing a shoe during a slow foxtrot did not deter Katarina, and she and Samuel finished their “one shoe” dance to a huge applause of appreciation for the effort.

Inez Sahlin of Florida is a USA Dance National Certified and WDSF-Licensed Adjudicator, ISTD-Certified in all dances and a Championship Adjudicator with NDCA/WDC. She is a former Amateur World Championship Finalist and later a Professional North American Championship finalist and U.S. Open semi-finalist.

November - December 2015

41

WDSF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP YOUTH LATIN OCTOBER 10, 2015 JUNIOR II STANDARD OCTOBER 11, 2015

Chisinau, Moldova

YOUTH LATIN

CHISINAU OPEN 2015

International DanceSport Competition

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YOUTH LATIN MIKE MONOKANDILOS & SOPHIA BRODSKY (CA)

AGES: 16/17 Coaches: Vaidas Skimelis, Jurga Pupelyte, Tomas Atkocevicius, Aira Bubnelyte Studio Association: Dance Vita Ballroom Key USA Dance Titles/ Placements: Nationals 2015 - Youth Latin National Champions; Youth 10-Dance, 3rd.

AMERICAN DANCER: What

one event over, would you change anything?

M: Even with our countless hours of practice, I felt as though we could have prepared even better. And on the dance floor, instead of focusing on my routine,

Tied 50-51 out of 68

Mike Monokandilos & Sophia Brodsky, Coach Vaidas Skimelis, Michelle Yiu & Kinsley Lin

AD: If you were a judge,

what critique would you give yourselves?

S: ‌to improve our musicality and to make our performance more captivating.

M: ‌to improve our power and passion and really perform for the audience.

KINSLEY LIN & MICHELLE YIU (CA)

Maria Tam

now since Moldova?

Sophia: Our goals are to make it to the finals and to keep improving ourselves, our partnership and inspiring people through our dancing.

42

Kinsley Lin & Michelle Yiu

I wish I would have focused on enjoying dancing on the floor with so many amazing dancers.

AD: What are your goals

things have you learned

29 out of 68

AD: If you could do this

were your thoughts going into the WDSF Youth Latin?

Mike: We both felt very honored to represent the U.S. in Moldova for the World Championship event. This was Sophia's and my first WDSF Youth Latin event, and we were determined to do our best. While disappointed to not finish in the top 24, the experience we gained has made us even more focused on working hard for the next event.

AD: What important

Mike Monokandilos & Sophia Brodsky

from your partner?

M: I have learned that the most important thing would be having a good relationship with communication, patience, determination, and most importantly laughter.

S: I have learned that communication is definitely key, but also that no matter how hard things gets, it's important not to lose focus and enjoy the moment.

Maria Tam

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AMERICAN

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WDSF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

USA World Team during Open Ceremonies

American Dancer | www.americandancer.org

Ages: 16/15 Coaches: Vaidotas Skimelis, Jurga Pupelyte, Tomas Atkocevicius, Aira Bubnelyte Studio Association: Dance Vita Ballroom Key USA Dance Titles/ Placements: Nationals 2014

JUNIOR II STANDARD ERIK LINDER & RICHELLE TAYLOR (WA) Ages: 15/15 Coaches: Standard - Ruslan Kaliuzhnyi, Kseniya Sovenko Studio Association: First Class Ballroom, Verve Ballroom Key USA Dance Titles/ Placements: 2015 Nationals - Standard Champions, Latin, 3rd, 10-Dance, 2nd; 2014 Nationals - Standard, 3rd, Latin, 5th, 10-Dance, 4th.

Key WDSF Titles/Placements: 2014 International Dance Festival, Horsens, Denmark, 1st Junior II Standard; 2014 Baltic Open, Riga Latvia, 3rd place Junior II 10-Dance, 10th Junior II World Standard; 2015 Chisinau Open, Chisinau, Moldova, 18th Junior II World Standard.

Standard

AMERICAN DANCER: What were your thoughts going into this WDSF World Championship event?

Michelle: We were very excited, but very nervous as well, as it was our first WDSF Youth Latin event ever. We believed that we put our whole selves into the preparation process and the dancing at the actual championship, so we are very happy with the improvement in our dancing because of this. We would have liked to have made the next round, but we still have two AMERICAN DANCER: more years in this age category.

What thoughts did you have going into this WDSF World Championship?

AD: What are your goals now as a couple?

Richelle: I was excited to represent the USA…This M: Our goals are to keep up with was our second WDSF World the momentum that we built in Junior II Standard event. I was our Latin dancing before the very happy with our dancing World Championship, while still but felt our placement did balancing improvement in our Standard. We want to continue to not reflect how we did. advance in both programs. We are Erik: I had no particular working now more on connection, expectations for our results. We footwork, and dynamics in Latin. danced well and I was happy with our performance. I felt as AD: What were the key if the level of the competition moments in Moldova? was not as high as the previous M: The key moment for me was year and that we danced better the amazing atmosphere of the but placed lower. That part was actual competition. It was not a super huge venue, but it was jam- a bit frustrating but we take it in stride and continue to work packed with so many people and dancers that it made me feel part to improve our dancing. of something big and beautiful.

K: A key moment to remember AD: What are the most was seeing all of the different important things you’ve dancers from all around the learned from your partner? world. It was also exciting to see R: Erik has taught me to how high the level of dancing not think about the other was and how everyone looked competitors and the competition so mature. and to focus on …dancing my

WDSF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP JUNIOR II STANDARD

Erik Linder & Richelle Taylor

Tied 18-19 out of 63

Erik Linder & Richelle Taylor

25 out of 63

Anna Spektor

– Junior II Champions, Latin, Standard, 10-Dance; Nationals 2015 – Youth Vice Champions, Latin, Standard & 10-Dance.

Key WDSF Titles/Placements: 2014 Junior II Latin World Championship, 5th; 2014 Junior II 10-Dance World Championship, 5th; 2014 Junior II Standard World Championship, 29th; 2015 Youth Standard World Championship, 37th.

Before the Opening Ceremonies (SUA = USA) Yusif Amsatr, Erik Linder, Richelle Taylor, Naomi Spektor

very best at that moment.

E: Rickie has taught me that it is very important to make sure I am clear on my choreography and timing AD: If you could do this event over, would you change anything?

R: I would not change anything about the way we danced in Moldova. I liked the way we danced and I enjoyed our dancing. We weren’t trying to make the final, we were just dancing to do our best.

E: I would focus on making our dancing more dynamic.

YUSIF AMSATR & NAOMI VERONICA SPEKTOR (PA) Ages: 15/14 Coaches: Katusha Demidova, Igor Litvinov, Ilya & Amanda Reyzin Key USA Dance Titles/ Placements: 2015 Nationals - Junior II Latin & 10-Dance Champions; Junior II Standard, 2nd.

AMERICAN DANCER:

What thoughts did you have going into this WDSF World Championship?

Yusif: We tried our best and we had good feelings about the dancing, but expected little better results.

Naomi: This competition didn’t really feel that exciting for me. We felt a bit worn out by this competition after three comps that same week. I felt that we deserved a bit higher placement, although our dancing could have been much better.

AD: Any special highlights about this event to mention?

Y: The opening ceremony…

It was very much like in Italy earlier in the year. I also enjoyed the crowd. The ballroom was full of people, which made it interesting to dance there.

N: For me, it was the memories I had created there. I was lucky to go there with Yusif and see a place I have never been to and experience the competition with one of my best friends, Ricky Taylor.

January - February 2016

43

LET FREEDOM RING! THE INAUGURAL LIBERTY BALL IN HISTORIC PHILADELPHIA

Jeff Volvovsky

Kateryna Kudrynska

Nikita Lylyk & Ali sia Lylyk (PA) Mi xed La dies, Pre-Teen 1a Newcom er

By Jenny Limonnik or quite some time, there was a void in the Philadelphia area for USA Dance DanceSport competitions. So when Renata Shvarts and myself began discussing the possibility of organizing an amateur competition in Philadelphia, there were numerous obstacles to be addressed.

Everything had to start from the very beginning -- from attendees to venue to judges – all unpredictable without having precedence in the Philadelphia area.

For scheduling, we knew we wanted to have one of the first competitions after summer vacations. And with September being too soon for coaches to get students ready, we settled on October 10 and the large Klein JCC sports arena which would allow competitors to experience a WDSF-type of competition in the heart of Northeast Philadelphia. The venue proved easily accessible both through I-95 and the Turnpike.

Next step was to assemble the right team of people. Having the best judges, scrutineer, music director, master of ceremonies, registrar and on-deck supervisor were top priority. Family and friends built the competition website, designed the flyers and program, and then helped heavily promote online. And, little by little the competition started to come together.

The Liberty Ball utilized the O2CM management system for convenient online registration, This system allowed the event 44

Thomas Carroll & Maureen Carroll (NJ) Senior II, III Gold International Denys Kudryn skyy & Lisa Trush (PA) Pre-Teen 1b Newcom er, Bronze

to save significant time and go green. All the competitors pre-registered and paid online, a true advantage, because they could make changes easily and see who registered in their divisions.

Competitors quickly began registering from Connecticut, Massachusetts, Virginia, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Texas, Pennsylvania and even Canada – resulting in nearly 200 competitors from 20 studios, 1040 entries, including 325 Teacher-Student entries.

With the 14 judges (from 4 states, Europe and Canada) and nearby hotels chosen, next steps were engraving trophies and medals, equipping the ballroom with a European-style competition floor, state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems and beautiful decorations. The

American Dancer | www.americandancer.org

Jeff Volvovsky

Kateryna Kudrynska

F

very generous sponsors offered the competitors everything from shoes to boxes of candy. Approximately $3,000 in scholarships were awarded.

While the highly attended Pre-Teen and Junior events took place during the first half of the day, the ballroom transformed into an entirely different atmosphere in time for the Student/Teacher, Senior and Championship events. Thankfully for this one-day event, heats ran on schedule without any glitches.

The evening session was filled with more incredible dancing as the Pro-Am Dance Team NYC performed shows and the event held a dance fundraiser to benefit NY artist Olivia Summer Hutcherson’s fight against breast cancer.

Chair of Adjudicators Master of Ceremonies

Renata Shvarts Yang Chen

WDSF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

UNDER-21 10-DANCE OCTOBER 31, 2015 Riga, Latvia

R

iga, the capital of Latvia and largest city in the Baltic States, is a familiar destination for WDSF World Team athletes. This time, Samuel Hacke & Katarina Hermanova solely represented the USA in the highly competitive Under-21 10-Dance World Championship, part of the Latvia Open 2015. In all, there were 43 couples from 24 countries.

Samuel & Katarina were the only USA couple and in spite of countries with multiple couples, placed 16th in the semi-final round.

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SAMUEL HACKE & KATARINA HERMANOVA

Competing Together: 2 years Coaches: Standard: Iveta Hackeova, Katusha Demidova; Latin: Andrei Gavriline, Elena Kryuchkova Studio Association: Hacke DanceSport, G&J Dance Studio, Paragon Ballroom Key WDSF Titles/Placements: GOC 2014 - Youth Standard: 104th out of 186, Youth Latin: 94th out of 216; Russian Open 2014 Dance Accord - Youth Standard: 42nd out of 265,

Youth Latin: 73rd out of 296, WDSF World Youth Latin: 44th out of 68; Latvia Open 2014 Youth Standard: 7th out of 35, Youth Latin: 5th out of 42, WDSF World Youth 10 Dance: 14th out of 31; Snowball Classic 2014 - Under 21 Standard: 3rd out of 6, Under 21 Latin: 2nd out of 7, WDSF World Under 21 10 Dance: 12th out of 21; USA Dance Nationals 2015 - WDSF Under 21 Latin: 2nd; Italian DanceSport Championships 2015 - WDSF World Youth Standard: 8th out of 66.

Key USA Dance Titles/Placements: USA Dance Nationals 2014 - Youth Latin: 5th, Youth Standard: 3rd, Youth 10-Dance: 2nd, Under 21 10-Dance: 2nd; USA Dance Nationals 2015 - Youth Latin: 3rd, Youth Standard: 1st, Youth 10-Dance: 1st, Under 21 Standard: 1st, Under 21 10-Dance: 1st.

AMERICAN DANCER: What

were your expectations going into the Under 21 10-Dance World Championship and how did you prepare for this event?

Samuel & Katarina: We were very anxious, but excited at the same time, knowing that we were competing against dancers who are in an older age category than us, but we were confident we would do well. We prepared the way we usually prepare by doing many run-throughs and improving our technique and movement.

WDSF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP UNDER-21 10-DANCE

Samuel Hacke & Katarina Hermanova

16 out of 43 Photos by Andrej Hacke

Opening Ceremonies in Latvia.

USA Hacke & Hermanova, on right holding sign.

AD: What more can we say about your placing 16th in the world?

S&K: Our competitors were older, so we are very happy with the results. It was also open to the world, and with nine couples from Russia, so we are confident that we would be higher if it was only one couple per country as a normal world 10-dance would have been. Even though there were so many couples from many countries it made us even more proud of our results, which showed we can beat many of the best dancers from around the world.

AD: What has been the most important decision in your career?

S&K: Our biggest decision was to get an education besides dance, so we still balance every aspect of our life. We believe we are still too young to make any big decisions or changes.

AD: How do you balance your life between DanceSport and

Family photo mom ent on the Gulf of Riga .

other activities?

S&K: We go straight from school to dance with little to no time in between, and then come home, go to sleep and repeat. It is a tough life, yet an exciting and fulfilling one.

AD: How would you describe your partner relationship?

Has it changed?

S&K: It has definitely evolved in the sense that we can trust each other a lot more, and we have our own opinions about certain steps and interpretations; however, we feel comfortable to share them with each other and improve as a couple.

January - February 2016

45

CALIFORNIA STATE DANCESPORT CHAMPIONSHIPS

Primary National Qualifying Event on West Coast Attracts

Friendly Rivalry,

Athletes from 15 States

By Lydia Scardina, National Past President, Nor-Cal Chapter Board Member

T

he 2015 California State DanceSport Championship and National Qualifying Event for the USA Dance Nationals was held for the first time ever at the San Jose Convention Center on Saturday, Nov. 7. The Nor-Cal Chapter 4004 Board, which organized the event, chose this facility because the usual venue, the San Jose City National Civic (located across the street from the Convention Center), was not available this year.

The new Convention Center venue proved to be a very successful alternative, with competitors pleased with the proximity to the host Hilton hotel and short walk across the lobby area to the ballroom, which was spacious enough to house not only the generous competition floor, but a smaller warm-up floor as well.

Positive comments were received for the excellent judging panel, headed by Chairman Dan Calloway, and music by Dave Ingalz. Scrutineer duties were ably handled by Mark Tabor and USA Dance Official duties by Pam Leitch.

More than 160 competitors, both local athletes and those from 15 states, danced in the Cal State Championships. Superb dancing was seen in many events, not only at the championship level in all age categories, but in lower proficiency divisions and syllabus events. Family members, coaches and friends came to cheer the competitors on. In one particular case, proving that dancing is a true family sport, Ravi Narayan of Hawaii danced not only with his wife, Synthia Sumukti in several events, but also with his daughter, Prita.

Of particular excitement was the pitting of two USA Dance World Team Youth couples -- Kinsley Lin & Michelle Yiu versus Mike Monokandilos & Sophia Brodsky -- in both Championship Youth Standard and Latin. Kinsley and Michelle took the Standard and Mike and Sophia took the Latin.

Then, once again current National Champions Earle Williamson & Charlotte Christiansen led a competitive field in the Adult Standard Championship, earning themselves a repeat first place at Cal State over Brandon Perry & Gioia–Sophia Reni of Utah, who were attending Cal State for the first time.

The Nor-Cal Chapter has successfully hosted NQE’s and Regional DanceSport competitions since 1992, and smaller competitions since the chapter’s inception in 1983. In the intervening years, the chapter also hosted three USA Dance National Championships. What many may not know is that a number of Nor-Cal board members and volunteers have participated in the organization of all those events, from the very beginning. This longevity and depth of experience in competition management is virtually unequaled.

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Photos by Mark Scardina & James Kleinrath

Brandon Levi & Shana Sklovsky (CA) Junior I Championship Latin; Junior I, II Pre-Championship Latin

Andriy Nevidomskyy & Angel Bush (TX) Adult Pre-Championship Standard; Senior I Pre-Championship, Championship Standard

Terry Yeh & Glendy Yeh (CA) Senior II, III Championship Standard Special appreciation this year goes to the entire seven-member Nor-Cal board for their outstanding service hosting the Cal State Championships: to James Kleinrath for coordinating with officials, managing the awards table and doubling as co-photographer; Karen Andersen for ably serving as Master of Ceremonies; Tina Moretti-Rose for managing the ticket desk and treasury; David Getchell for developing the schedule and serving as registrar; Mark Scardina for holding down the registration table from morning until night and serving as floor coordinator and co-photographer; and Scott Sahlman for bringing in the experienced volunteers and working with them so things ran smoothly throughout the day and evening.

National Qualifying Events USA Dance 2016 & 2017 National DanceSport Championships

FOR 2016 (last two): Jan 15-17, 2016 MANHATTAN AMATEUR CLASSIC Jersey City, NJ Feb 20-21, 2016 MID-ATLANTIC CHAMPIONSHIPS Bethesda, MD

FOR 2017 (first four): May 13-14, 2016 NEW ENGLAND DANCESPORT CHAMPIONSHIPS Waltham, MA June 11-12, 2016 NJ DANCESPORT CLASSIC – SUMMER SIZZLER Hackensack, NJ Jun 24–26, 2016 GUMBO DANCESPORT CHAMPIONSHIPS Baton Rouge, LA Sep 30-Oct 2, 2016 CAROLINA FALL CLASSIC Charlotte, NC For more information visit: www.usadance.org

Photo Credit

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Lebanon Junction, KY Permit #542

USA DANCE

2016

NATIONAL DANCESPORT CHAMPIONSHIPS Showcasing America’s Top DanceSport Athletes International & American Styles Pre-Teen to Senior III Scholarships & Selection of USA World Teams to WDSF World Championships

Hosting Two WDSF World Ranking Tournament Divisions: ADULT STANDARD & LATIN SENIOR I STANDARD & LATIN

Renaissance Harborplace Hotel Baltimore, MD • APRIL 1, 2, 3, 2016

USA DANCE

NATIONALS www.USADANCENATIONALS.org Justin Lin & Sasha Dubinsky (MA)

National Vice Champions, Under 21 Standard USA Dance 2015 National DanceSport Championships Photo by Lisa Dubinsky, Vancouver