American Dancer Magazine

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An informative guide to the world of DanceSport. Why DanceSport? USA dance 2011 national dancesport championships www.usadance.org march - april 2011 Issue 29 Official Publication of USA Dance Dancer A M E R I C A N It’s about more than having a place to dance on the weekend. It’s about being part of a national family. JOINING USA DANCE SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS and top fashion designers to sponsor 10 USA Dance DanceSport couples at Nationals. On the Runway...

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March April Issue

Transcript of American Dancer Magazine

Page 1: American Dancer Magazine

An informative guide tothe world of DanceSport.

Why DanceSport?

USA dance 2011 national dancesport championships

www.usadance.org march - april 2011 Issue 29

Official Publication of USA Dance

DancerA M E R I C A N

It’s about more than having a place to dance on the weekend. It’s about being part of a national family.

JOINING USA DANCE

SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS andtop fashion designers to sponsor10 USA Dance DanceSport couples at Nationals.

On the Runway...

Page 2: American Dancer Magazine

Our DVDs are professionally produced in an organized, one-on-one format,

just like a private lesson.

We have over 400 titles including every style of dance and levels, bringing the dance world’s most talented, certified instructors right into your home.

The world’s most talented, certified instructors

Visit www.dancevision.com or Call 1-800-851-2813

Dance Camp Los Angeles at the Emerald Ball

Apr 27, 2011 - May 2, 2011at the

Los Angeles Airport Hilton Hotel

Dance Camp Las VegasJun 12 - 17, 2011

at theParis Hotel & Casino

Dancewith Us

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Dancers at 2010 USA Dance National Championships Photo By Ivor Lee

36 Why DanceSport?

Inside the Cover

On the Cover

What is DanceSport even about? In this issue we feature a first timer’s guide to the world of DanceSport.

Being a member of USA Dance is about more than having a place to dance on the weekend. It’s about being part of a national family.

Line of Dance4 President’s Report6 Editorial Information & Contributors 7 Announcements

Dance Floor 8 Chapter Highlight: Orange County 17 Buddy O’s Music is O-kay 18 American Style and Theater Arts Dance Tips

On Beat20 The Public Eye

DanceSport26 From Divas to Disco 28 Manhattan Amateur Classic30 Phoenix DanceSport32 World Results 35 Competition Calendar

In Step44 Five Tips for Collegiate Dancers

46 AD Marketplace

47 Dance Mart

38

10 The Places You Go, The Things you Do

22 On the RunwaySWAROVSKI ELEMENTS partners with top fashion designers to sponsor 10 USA Dance couples in this years National DanceSport Championships.

22

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4 Line of Dance

This is the time of year when chapters have submitted their annual reports which outline the activities they have undertaken in the previous year, and I’m always impressed

with the variety of ways our 175 chapters work to meet the needs of their members and their communities.

Some chapters concentrate purely on social dancing, and offer a full array of beginner workshops so that those new to ballroom dancing can get started and begin to feel comfortable with the different rhythms and figures of each ballroom dance. Monthly social dances form the core of what these chapters offer to their membership, and each dance is preceded by a lesson that a beginner may feel comfortable taking, but that will include some advanced variations for the more experienced dancer so that all chapter members may enjoy and benefit from the lesson. The majority of our chapters fall into this category, and their members enjoy the camaraderie of frequent social dance activities.

A smaller number of our chapters may have a mix of social dancers and some competitive members. These chapters offer, in addition to workshops and lessons, the opportunity for the competitive members to do demonstrations at social dances, or they may form a demonstration team that takes the dancers into the community—to malls, service clubs and senior centers—so that people can see for themselves the benefits of ballroom dancing. This serves as an inspiration to the other chapter members and provides a vision of what can be accomplished with further dance lessons and practice.

We also have a relatively small group of chapters that are made up significantly or primarily of competitive members, and such chapters will take the next step of organizing a chapter championship that will offer an opportunity for their athlete members to hone their competition skills against other competitors in the chapter and experience the excitement of the competitive dance environment. A few chapters even organize larger sanctioned events that bring in dancers from around the state and beyond its borders to compete in the full offering of events for dancers of all ages and skill levels.

Presidents Report’

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No one of the above chapter approaches is better than another, as all chapters have to determine what their members want and then work to achieve a successful strategy.

Chapters will find that they also may have members who are interested in going beyond their own dancing and reaching out into the community in multiple ways. Some may want to help young people by adopting a school and assisting the school to start a ballroom dance program for the students. Other chapter members will reach out to the local college and invite the students to come and enjoy the chapter lessons and dances. Many in the chapter may wish to adopt a charitable cause and hold fundraisers to support that cause. Again, there is no one correct approach, and chapters will find many ways to get involved and improve their local communities.

What is impressive about all the chapters in USA Dance is how hard the chapter boards work on behalf of their members: attending board meetings, planning events, and bringing those plans to fruition. Our volunteers are the backbone of USA Dance and provide a strong core for the future growth and development of our organization and ballroom dancing across our nation.

Lydia T. Scardina,

National President

Lydia Scardina

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6 Line of Dance

Ever wonder why our athletes push themselves so hard? What is DanceSport about? Find out here.

Why DanceSport?

USA dance 2011 national dancesport champions

www.usadance.org march - april 2011 Issue 29

Official Publication of USA Dance

DancerA M E R I C A N

Why you should be a member of USA Dance.

The Things you Do

National OfficersPRESIDENT Lydia Scardina, 415.469.9815 e-mail: [email protected]

SENIOR VP Bill Rose, 949.842.8284 e-mail: [email protected] SECRETARY Stan Andrews, 217.454.8879 e-mail: [email protected]

TREASURER Esther Freeman, 541.799.6787 e-mail: [email protected] VP Ken Richards, 302.290.2583 e-mail: [email protected]

SOCIAL VP Jean Krupa, 386.761.1625 e-mail: [email protected]

Editorial StaffEDITOR-IN-ChIEf Shawn Fisher

MANAGING & COPY EDITOR Ivor Lee WRITERS Ivor Lee • Angela Prince

ART & PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Jan StoddardDESIGNERS Jan Stoddard• Ivor Lee •Bonnie Olsen

ContributorsWRITERS Jean Krupa • Daphna Locker

EDITORIAL ADVISOR Angela Prince, USA Dance Director of Public Relations•

Rates & PricesAmerican Dancer is published bimonthly as a service for

members and is included in membership annual dues.•

Subscription Individual Non-Member $25

Canadian Air Delivery $32Overseas Air Delivery $36

Library Subscription $9•

AdvertisingAD REPRESENTATIVE Doug Montanus 502.836.7946

e-mail: [email protected]

SubmissionsAmerican Dancer welcomes submissions of letters, articles and photos. All

submissions are considered the property of American Dancer. Submission does not guarantee publication. Articles and letters may also be edited for length and

content without notice to the author. Photos and other materials are not returned. Submissions may be sent to [email protected]

Letters to the editor Please include your name, city and state. Names will appear

in full unless specified otherwise. •

Chapter NewsPlease include chapter name and number, contact information and

any photos with caption information that you might have. •

PhotosMust be high resolution, print quality digital photos. 600 dpi.

Send to editorial office:e-mail: [email protected]

or mail to: American Dancer magazinePO Box 462

Rexburg, ID 83440-0462•

MembershipIf you need information concerning membership or missed issues, contact:

Mary at USA Dance Central Office800.447.9047 • Fax: 239.573.0946

E-mail: [email protected]

Check our Web Site - www.USADANCE.org

DancerA m e r i c a n Contributing Writers

Guest Writers

Cover Photo

Kani Liao and Annie He Xiao at the Manhattan Amateur Classic

Jean KrupaJean Krupa currently serves as the Social Vice President for USA Dance. She served as Region VI Vice President in 1999. She is a founding member of the Greater Daytona Chapter in 1990.

Nicole Barron

Erica Colvin

Lorraine Fisher

Sue Putzier

Daphna Locker Daphna is currently a member of the Greater N.Y. Chapter of USA Dance #3004. For the last year and a half, Daphna has been the Chair of the National Organizing Committee and organized the IDSF World Latin Championship in November. She is also the head of NOC for the 2011 Nationals.

Angela PrinceAngela Prince is the National Public Relations Director for USA Dance, responsible for all integrated pr programs, organization publicity and communications, national media relations, social media relations and brand development. She is also the editorial advisor for American Dancer magazine and other publications.

Photo byJoey Pasaoa

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WikiGroups & Similar Network Listings

Announcements

A number of chapters have received an email from WikiGroups soliciting their input into a new directory being developed.

Please be aware chapters should NOT set up a WikiGroups listings. In order to assure consistency, there will be only one WikiGroup listing which will be prepared by USA Dance National. Our listing will redirect people to the national website so they can locate your chapter. If your chapter has already submitted a listing to WikiGroup, please take steps to retract it immediately.

The same policy applies to any national non-local listing on the internet. There are additional guidelines pages available to chapters about the use of websites and social media sites available in the document library under the folder “Promotion & Publicity.” Chapter leaders should take a moment to review these pages to assure you are familiar with current guidelines.

Photography & Videography at Nationals

Effective with the 2011 National DanceSport Championships and for every National championship and NQE thereafter, the following photography and videography policy will be implemented for the benefit of competitors and spectators:Photography or videography will be allowed from the user’s assigned and/or numbered seat only. In the event that USA Dance designates a special area in the Ballroom from which users may shoot photographs or video, then that area may be used as well. However, no tripods or extra lenses may be

used anywhere in the ballroom, and no flash photography is allowed at any time. Anyone taking photographs or video must not block others’ view of the dance floor or the aisles at any time. All photographs or video must be for personal use and never for commercial use or resale.

Only photographers with a USA Dance Press Pass may shoot photographs or video from the dance floor or directly adjacent to the dance floor. USA Dance reserves the right to remove anyone from the ballroom who does not comply with this policy.

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A Night to RememberChapter Highlight

By: Lorraine Fisher Orange County - Chapter#4018

Brilliant chandeliers, golden silk draperies, pearly frescoed walls and marble fireplaces greeted 250 guests on February 27th for the

Orange County chapter’s first annual “President’s Day Ball.” Never before done, the chapter hosted a social dance and buffet on this 4,800 square foot parquet floor in the east room of the Nixon Library and Museum, an exact replica of the east room in the White House. An idea planted by Vic Waki, the chapter’s Treasurer, hosting a special event in that room was at first just a dream, and very out of budget. Luckily, the event was a huge success while still making the tickets an affordable price, and the chapter has already decided that this will become an annual event. It brought a greater cross-section of people together than any event before. Guests that attended included members of the Orange Country Chapter, five neighboring chapters of USA Dance, namely Inland Empire, Los Angeles, Palmdale, Ventura and San Diego, as well as members of the National Smooth Dancers Organization and the Round Dance Organization. Guests who purchased tickets for the ball were also given admission to the Nixon Library and Museum prior to the dance. Well known disc jockeys and USA Dance members Doreen and Ken Fineman were in charge of the music, and a few performances were featured throughout the evening, including a piece by Bill Rose, president of the Orange County chapter, and his wife. After being asked what his favorite personal highlight of the evening was, Bill Rose said, “it was having created the opportunity for serious ballroom dancers of southern California to have the chance to dance in that room.” What a memorable opportunity that was. This event was exactly what the chapter has been trying to do more and more—put on special events. With over a dozen or more dance venues in the

greater LA area, one of their missions is to continue to bring dancers to more USA Dance events, rather than social dances on a weekly or monthly basis. The chapter’s focus is to always give back to the community. One way they do that is by co-sponsoring an annual senior citizen social dance contest at the Cypress Senior Center. About the event, Bill Rose stated, “We allow them to mix styles, and there really are no rules. We judge them on a very loose structure, and it’s more about having fun and not taking it too seriously.” They are currently planning the 7th annual event for next year.

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A Night to RememberOrange County - Chapter#4018

Another way they give back is through scholarships to young couple dancers. This has been one of their main goals as they try to become more financially stable in order to give scholarships. Surprisingly, the profit from the President’s Day Ball surpassed their expectation to break even, and they are eager to use it in their scholarship fund. With other special events coming in the future, the chapter can expect to always give more and more back to the people of Orange County.

photos courtesy of Bill Rose

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The Things You Do:The Places You Go,

Why You Should Be a Member of USA Dance

Family As members of USA Dance you part of a unique group of people in America. You are part of a body of hard-working individuals

that share a love and passion for ballroom dancing. You are part of an organization that spans beyond just your local dance group to all states and regions of this beautiful country.

There are many benefits to being a member of USA Dance, but there are some factors that many may not be aware of. Here’s a look at some of the things that help make USA Dance great.

General BenefitsFor some members of USA Dance, the chapter is more than a weekend dance group: it’s a family. Chapter members become close friends, sometimes closer than family, sometimes turning into new families when members get married. One of the greatest benefits of being part of USA Dance is the relationships that members forge with each other. Let’s face it, the common interests that typically brings friends together is in abundance in USA Dance. We all love dancing—it’s a common ground that readily allows for long lasting friendships.

winston and lilyphoto courtesy of eldr magazine/ peter h. chang, photographer

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Health BenefitsBeyond friendships, being a part of USA dance is an exercise in exercise—a great way to beat the tedium of working out at the gym. Studies have shown that keeping fit is easier when the activity isn’t seen as a chore. In the past we’ve discussed some of the many health benefits of dancing: high calorie workouts, balance and coordination, and the mind workout that comes from learning steps, kicks and twirls. That sounds a lot more fun than walking on a treadmill for what seems like an eternity.

As a USA Dance member you are entitled to the weekly or monthly dances of your chapter. In addition to the sense of nostalgia that dancing creates in older Americans, dancing is a great cardiovascular activity—useful for conditioning, strengthening your legs, and toning the body overall. Dance teaches coordination, balance, fluidity and a greater flexibility in axis of movement.

Dance is not purely physical. There is a mental aspect that encompasses learning complex steps, learning to lead and follow, learning to follow a beat and dance according to the music. The mental benefits of social dance are endless. It has been known to reduce stress, and increase confidence in social situations. Social dancing has even been reported to reduce depression. Studies conducted by the Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University in Bronx showed that dance reduced the risk of dementia in the elderly. Being involved in the dance aspect of USA Dance is practically a given, but it’s always nice to know there’s more to it than just fun.

The Things You Do:The Places You Go,

Why You Should Be a Member of USA Dance

ExercisePaul and Louise Guiliano

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ActivitiesAs members of USA Dance you do things that amaze us at American Dancer. Through the years we’ve covered many of your activities. We’ve seen everything from different kinds of fundraising to the most recent national cruise. USA Dance finds strength in the ideas of an individual, and the support of a chapter in bringing those ideas to life.

In recent years the Wounded Warrior Appreciation Ball initiative started by the Azalea Coast Chapter was an opportunity for dancers and members of the community to show appreciation to the heroes that keep this nation safe. Other chapters like Indiana and Rhode Island have caught the vision of the Special Olympics and have given an opportunity to Special Olympians and volunteers to go beyond dancing and participate in life changing, meaningful

experiences.

As Americans we like to take on the cause of the underdog.

We see those in

need in our community and we want to help them. Many of us can be found door-to-door canvassing neighborhoods to help raise money for charity groups and foundations. In the past chapters combined their dances and balls with silent auctions to raise money. Being part of USA Dance is a synthesis of reaching out to the community and dance.

One amazing thing that chapters across the country have in common is the ability to take traditional weekend or monthly dances and transform them into amazing fundraising events. Some have hosted their own version of Dancing with the Stars featuring local celebrities. During National Ballroom Dance Week, chapters have stormed the malls enticing shoppers to dance and showing them some of the benefits of dance. Some chapters have performed at senior centers, day cares and at state events.

Being a member of USA Dance is a chance to make a difference in a child’s life. Chapters from all corners of the country take part in K-12 youth programs,

bringing Ballroom to the next generation. In the case of the Los Angeles chapter of USA Dance, they reach out to schools within the LA Unified School District that are economically underprivileged, giving the children an

opportunity to dance.

Other chapters like the Palmdale, California chapter created an in school program that

teaches teachers to teach dance. The Carolina Heartland chapter developed a varied program involving students in different aspects of their school’s musical. The Massabda chapter created its own program for in residence instruction in ballroom. Recently we covered the Southwest Florida chapter’s success with its “Ballroom Bootcamp” for children and teens. The stories are endless, and the impact that a chapter can have on the community is infinite.

Beyond K-12, college group interest in ballroom is growing across the country. With almost every major university sporting a ballroom club

sutter kids. Photo by: ruth mizumoto

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of some sort, college-aged members hold regular competitions and events that draw hundreds of cheering students. They teach and recruit new members With support from USA Dance, students from all over the country participate in the National Collegiate Championship—the largest collegiate ballroom competition in the country.

There’s no limit to what you can do as a member of a chapter. Get involved and be part of something bigger than you, bigger than just ballroom dance. If you have an idea, share it. Who knows where it might take you?

Activities

Educationtop left: Derek Winkler and Marla Luther Independence day ball championship dance camp

top right: Sean Aseora and Diana Thiele Special Olympics Indiana --photo by david spencer

Center: Foxtrot Leasson with Billy Morganti massabda chapter

Center right: Carolina Heartland Chapter dancing at the oriental shrine club

Bottom: shenandoah valley chapter members and valley mall shoppers learn a samba line dance during national ballroom dance week in harrisonburg, va. photo courtesy of david taylor

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September - October 14Leadership

Networking

Top: ken richards teaching at a seminar.

bottom: wayne crowder giving instruction at a seminar.

photos by: carson zullinger

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NetworkingUSA Dance is a national organization. This is a phrase that is thrown around a lot, but what does that mean?

To cover 50 states, 175 (and growing!) chapters are divided among 11 districts. From sea-to-sea, this beautiful country of ours contains pockets of ballroom dancers everywhere. Being a member gives you the inside information on where those dancers are.

The next time you plan a vacation or you’re out travelling this country of ours, consider contacting a chapter close to where you’re going. The locals know where to go to dance. They know the best restaurants, the best hotels, the coolest sites to see that you can’t find in a tour book. Beyond that, many chapters plan dance camps during the summer months—a great opportunity to improve your skills as a social dancer.

If you’re travelling during the holiday season, you can almost guarantee that there’s a party going on with other members of USA Dance. What better way to bring in the New Year than to spend it with fellow dancers? At American Dancer, we’ve advertised events from all over the country, and while we would like to advertise every event that goes on, there’s no way we could fit everything into a 48 page magazine. So what to do?

Central Office ([email protected]) is a great resource that many members of USA Dance overlook. Central Office is the fountain of all knowledge when it comes to USA Dance. Need to know who to contact for a chapter in Missouri, Washington or Hawaii? Email Central Office—they can provide you with the right information for your needs.

Additionally, you can skip central office and check out the “Find a Chapter” page on the USA Dance website and see a listing of all the chapters by state (http://usadance.org/chapters-and-regions/find-a-local-chapter/). This is a fast and effective way to get in touch with chapter groups all over the country.

Take advantage of the benefits of being in a national organization next time you travel. You’ll be amazed at the friends you make along the way.

EducationMembership in USA Dance offers you a unique opportunity to gain leadership experience that can be used in other aspects of life: at home, at work, and in the thousand and one other interests that you may have. As much as those leadership help books can sell for, the only place to really learn how to lead is by leading.

While serving in a “leadership” position within a chapter, you’ll have the opportunity to attend the National Chapter Conference—an event held once a year to train leaders of chapters all over the country. The conference teaches essential leadership skills like conflict management, grooming your next president, recruiting and motivating members, maintaining contact through newsletters, and more.

Serving in USA Dance is an opportunity to serve, to learn, and to grow. If you’re offered a leadership position in the organization, don’t be afraid to go the extra mile. You’ll be amazed at the experiences you have.

ConclusionBeing a member of USA Dance is an experience that can reach all aspects of your life. It can help you stretch to become your best self. It is a gateway to a whole country of friends. Don’t miss out on all the adventures you may have. Be active in your chapter today.

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16 Dance Floor September - October 16www.USAdance.ORG

BUDDY-O’S MUSIC IS O-KAY

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Wheeling, W. Va. – According to their web mistress Ana Maria Seaton, “Buddy O & the Dancemasters, is a fantastic group of seasoned musicians, especially considering they never have to rehearse!” During the 1940’s, at Triadelphia High School in Wheeling, West Virginia, there was an outstanding group of young musicians who followed in the footsteps of others from that high school and formed a swing band. Swing music was all the rage among the youngsters of that day and was also popular with older groups. The group called themselves the Dancemasters and was able to get a good deal of practice by playing in the school gymnasium at lunchtime, charging a penny per person admission. They quickly became popular around the Ohio Valley, and all of the members followed music either as a profession or as an avocation the rest of their lives. As one would graduate, another would take his place until 1947 when graduation completely reduced the band. When the Dancemasters were in full bloom at Triadelphia High, there was an underclassman named Ophir Vellenoweth. In 1947, when the Dancemasters disbanded, Ophir, a junior, and Don Fischer, a trumpet playing senior formed group known as the “Tin Horn Ten,” which met with some modest success. Ophir sold his instruments when he joined the U.S. Navy during the Korean War and was out of music until 1986, when he went to work for Union Carbide and stayed there until he retired. He eventually moved back to Wheeling, where he contacted two original members of his Dancemasters Band, Nello Antonucci and Baird Kloss, and decided it was time to reorganize the band and the rest is musical history.

About the leader…Ophir is a typical jack-of-all-trades. He was the oboist with the Wheeling Junior Symphony Orchestra, played in the band at

West Liberty State College, and was playing with a small combo in clubs around town. Ophir was a charter member of the Professional

Bowling Association and was ranked in the top fifty bowlers in the country for a number of years, and is

in various bowling Halls of Fame. He also played semi-pro fast pitch softball, and semi-pro baseball. When the Dancemasters Band was recommended for membership in the National Ballroom and Entertainment Association, it was felt that the name sounded too much like a dance studio, so it was changed. Ophir, having the first name as his father, the family calls him Buddy, hence it was easy to come up with “Buddy O.”

BUDDY-O’S MUSIC IS O-KAY

BU

DD

Y O

by: Jack Lebo

Big Band Report

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American Style & Theatre Arts Dance TipsBy: Eddie Simon

justin david & marianna melnikovaphoto by carson zullinger

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TThe most important thing for new and young dancers to understand is that training their basic components will decide how good their best dancing will be. Many newer dancers don’t realize that advanced figures in choreography are actually made up of many basic components put together. The more they train and understand each basic component, the better their advanced dancing will be. To a beginner, the way they understand their own progress is by chalking up a new figure, and counting that as improvement. After a while, dancers realize that they know many figures, but they still don’t look like the top dancers. That’s why it’s important to go back and really delve into understanding the basic components even more. I can often tell, when I’m judging, how long someone steps in their bronze training by the way they are dancing their silver, gold or open figures. Specifically, in American style ballroom or Smooth, we have three different sets of techniques that have to be developed. The first component is closed-position techniques. Although a lot of these rules are similar to the standard, they have many different holds and applications. But, the science similar to the standard must be utilized. The second component is open partnering techniques. Open partnering techniques can be the same science we learned from Latin and Rhythm dancing—how we use the weight away from each other, toward each other, rotations and the turns, etc. Although it is not the same body styling as in Latin, it is the same body-weight techniques. The third component is performing art techniques. If I do a developé, I should have an understanding of a developé from Ballet, and I should be able to do a jazz turn.

How I present my emotion in the dance comes from the acting techniques of the performing arts. The key is to meld all three of those techniques together, by seamlessly interpreting the music you’re hearing, and the particular dance you’re trying to interpret. American ballroom should be an extremely technical style. Of course, just like any dancer or artist, the more you learn the technique, it disappears as you hear and

feel the music. Very often people get carried away with the emotion, and do not balance delivering the technical side. Also, the emotion can become hidden from the people watching because they don’t have the technical base to deliver the emotion. A dancer must always balance the technical with the emotional in order to deliver the message that is trying to be shown. In Theatre Arts, dancers depend too much on lifts, as if it’s a sport, instead of it involving artistry and music. While I love lift work, lift work should only be there to enhance the music and the emotion that is trying to be portrayed. When they dance on the floor and all the way up into the air, they should consider it as dancing in the air, not just a lift. The couple should have a full idea, before they start choreographing, of what they want to portray in the music and routine. Then they can decide all of the dance steps, movements and lifts to enhance what they want to show. Balanchine, the famous ballet choreographer, once said that many of his best moves were never seen in any of his pieces. He went on to explain that it was because they didn’t fit the particular dance he was choreographing. Rather than putting in the kitchen sink approach—“Oh, we can do that trick, let’s put that in,” let’s try to understand what we’re trying to portray in our dances. There should be a degree of difficulty. I believe it’s much more difficult to show quality, beauty, balance, and control, than just to pop someone up in the air from muscular use only. Finally, when it comes to so-called “politics,” we have to understand that it’s the dancers themselves that decide to make it political. If a dancer chooses to take lessons based off of a particular judge who marked them a certain way, instead of who they think they can learn best from, they are the ones choosing to make it political. It’s not the judges, or anyone else. They have the choice to know their score, and not know who scored them which way. Then, they do not get involved in the personalities, and they can concentrate on their dancing. I can promise them thats it’s a very liberating way to dance and compete.

Edward (Eddie) Simon is a former United States ballroom champion, world showdance and U.S. theatrical finalist. Simon is a co-owner of Dance New York Iowa, New York Dance Festival and the Empire State Dance Sport Championships. Since his retirement from competition, Edward has become a distinguished coach, judge, and ambassador for DanceSport.

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20 On Beat

thePUBLIC EYE

It’s an exciting time for ballroom dancing and DanceSport in America!

At the upcoming USA Dance 2011 National DanceSport Championships in Baltimore, April 8-10, audiences will witness the great exuberance and dedication of competitors throughout our country, of all ages. They will witness our country’s champions at their finest performances. And they’ll be part of a momentum that has astounded the world – the surging popularity of ballroom dancing for recreation and for sport.

A key highlight of the USA Dance Nationals in Baltimore is the presence of SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS at the event. In partnership, USA Dance and Swarovski created a unique, pivotal brand ambassador alliance that will launch at Nationals. SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS is the

official title sponsor of Nationals 2011.

And on Friday, April 8, opening day of Nationals, the drumroll begins as SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS and four of America’s top ballroom fashion designers unveil their latest design trends for 2011, for 10 of the USA Dance championship level couples, who will wear the new fashions adorned by the “finest crystal elements in the world” on the competition floor for the first time during their semi-final and finals rounds. Following Nationals, the new designs will make appearances at the IDSF World Championships and at USA Dance National Qualifying Events.

Fashion Designers, Deirdre of London, Designs to Shine, Dore Designs and ElleDance Studio, participating in collaboration with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS are sponsoring the

USA Dance – Swarovski Brand Ambassador ProgramTo Launch at 2011 National DanceSport Championships

Angela Prince

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10 USA Dance couples.

Lights, cameras, action!

The “SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS” Design Center at Nationals will showcase the 10 sponsored couples and their new ballroom and latin fashion designs.

Activities will be round-the-clock, with special presentations each day at 11 am.

SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS announced their flourishing partnership with USA Dance, its collaboration with four ballroom fashion designers and the upcoming Nationals debut in March.

SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS PRESS RELEASESWAROVSKI ELEMENTS is delighted to announce their new brand partnership alliance with USA Dance, Inc. Through this sparkling alliance, SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, Swarovski’s premium brand for the finest crystal elements will support an elite group of ten top ranking pairs at the USA Dance 2011 National DanceSport Championships at the Renaissance Harborplace Hotel in Baltimore, Maryland on April 8–10, 2011. This flourishing partnership further underscores SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS as the product of choice for a sport that is intrinsically associated with glamour and brilliance, just as it has been the designers’ choice since the company was founded in 1895.

As part of this agreement, Swarovski has been working together with four leading costume designers to create costumes and accessories made with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS to interpret the latest trends in ballroom fashion. The elite pairs will wear these creations throughout the championship

event, a high profile gala reflecting the thriving global popularity of ballroom dancing. Ballroom dancing now attracts over eleven hundred participants ranging from the age of seven to seventy plus and representing almost every state in the nation. The USA Dance 2011 Nationals will feature all four of the major ballroom dance styles, International Standard, International Latin, American Smooth and American Rhythm, each with its own individual design requirements. Those attending will not only be able to experience the USA’s most exciting dance talent but also a new dimension in costume design brilliance with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS.

Of the costume designers taking part in the program, Dore Designs/Dawn Smart will be designing outfits for no less than five of the competing couples: William Stansbury & Jenny Sokolsky of CA (JUNIOR II INTERNATIONAL STANDARD), Eric Rosenberg & Nicole Akhmerova of CA (JUNIOR II INTERNATIONAL LATIN),

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22 On Beat

Taras Savitskyy & Liya Podokshik of NY & PA (YOUTH INTERNATIONAL 10-DANCE), Igor Mikushov & Margaretta Midura of NY (ADULT INTERNATIONAL STANDARD) and Pasha Pashkov & Daniella Karagach of NY (ADULT INTERNATIONAL 10-DANCE).

For their glamorous contribution to the evening, Designs To Shine/Maria McGill will be responsible for three sets of costumes for Patryk Ploszaj & Anna Kaczmarski of NY, Daniel Shapiro & Katya Kovalyova of NY and Val Chmerkovskiy & Daria Chesnokova of NJ competing in the JUNIOR II INTERNATIONAL 10-DANCE, YOUTH INTERNATIONAL STANDARD and ADULT INTERNATIONAL LATIN categories respectively.

The remaining two designers will be represented by single couples: ElleDance Studio/Tatiana Noll for Ron Garber & Ashley Goldman of MA (YOUTH INTERNATIONAL LATIN); and Deirdre of London/Deirdre Baker & Jeff Frey for Xingmin Lu &

Katerina Lu of NY (SENIOR I INTERNATIONAL STANDARD.)

In keeping with the company’s principle of staying at the cutting edge of design, SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS has created a new crystal, the enhanced 2058 XILION Flatback No Hotfix that was previewed at the Manhattan Amateur Classic, held in New York City this past January. This new element has a unique patented cut proven in light laboratory tests to be even more brilliant than its predecessors in the SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS assortment. It is a perfect element for high profile dance competition and is guaranteed to bring enhanced glamour to the costumes, jewelry and accessories of the elite dancers.

The company will be present at the USA Dance 2011 Nationals to show dancers and designers alike the brilliance of the 2058 XILION and explicate how SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS can contribute a uniquely glamorous flair to their costumes with informative application demonstrations. When not

Photo courtesy of ivor lee

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Due to timing and launch date scheduling with the previously announced television network, who was contracted to film the upcoming USA Dance 2011 National DanceSport Championships in Baltimore, our Nationals 2011 will not be filmed by this network for national programming. The good news is the USA Dance three-year contract with the tv network is still in effect, and we await their decision to launch the new programming. Assuming that launch will be in 2011, we expect that our National Qualifying Events may become the first candidates for the network’s first filming. Nevertheless, Nationals will see the usual television news cameras on the scene and other media following. it’s an exciting time in DanceSport and for USA Dance athletes!

Has your chapter been in the news lately? Have you been featured in the paper, on TV, or online? Send us the latest happenings of your chapter to be considered for an upcoming issue.

When submitting, please keep in mind the following:

Send submissions and questions to :

[email protected]

Articles should be a maximum of 175 words.

High quality, digital photos relating to the event at 600 dpi or higher.

Accurate photo caption, or names of persons (left to right).

Name of photographer for photo credit.

We w

ant to hear from your chapter!

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Change of Announcement for the TV Filming of the USA Dance 2011

National DanceSport Championships

on the dance floor, the elite group of dancers involved in the partnership will be at the booth showcasing their dazzlingly designed costumes and accessories. All of these stunning costumes, sumptuously adorned with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, will be filmed during the championship for a video contest to be held at the conclusion of the gala event. The winner will be presented with a special award at an exclusive VIP press event to be held at a later date. The partnership program additionally provides for the elite athletes to train as official Ambassadors for USA Dance and the Swarovski Brand.

SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS is proud of the partnership agreement with USA Dance, the National Governing Body of DanceSport in the USA as designated by the U.S. Olympic Committee and the International DanceSport Federation, an organization that shares its values of integrity and respect and which reflects the same brilliance and glamour that is the hallmark of SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS around the globe.

Photo courtesy of ivor lee

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24 On Beat

Designers at Nationals

Maria McGillDesigner/Owner

Designs to Shine 3851 62nd Ave N, Suite BPinellas Park, FL [email protected]

Deirdre Baker Designer/Owner

Deirdre of London

4251 Hunting TrailLake Worth, FL 33467

[email protected]

www.deirdreoflondon.com

SWAROVSKI ELEMENTSPartners With Leading Fashion DesignersTo Create ‘Scintillating Movement Paired with the Brilliance of Crystal’

A brilliant highlight of the USA Dance Nationals in Baltimore is the presence of SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, recognized global leader of fine crystals and crystal elements. USA Dance and Swarovski has created a unique, pivotal brand ambassador alliance to sponsor 10 of the USA Dance Championship Division couples, from Junior II to Senior I. SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS is also the official title sponsor of Nationals 2011.

In partnership with four of America’s top ballroom fashion designers, SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS will unveil the latest costume design trends for 2011. The 10 USA Dance championship division couples will model the new fashions on the competition floor during their semi-final and finals rounds. And following Nationals, the new designs will make appearances at the various IDSF World Championships and at USA Dance National Qualifying Events. We welcome to the Nationals “fashion runway” -- Deirdre of London, Designs to Shine, Dore Designs and ElleDance Studio. On behalf of SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS and their Designers, each couple will take to the “runway” competition floor, wearing the latest fashion trends for dancesport, created especially for them by America’s finest fashion designers.

on the runway...

Angela Prince

Designs to Shine Sponsoring:Valentin Chmerkovskiy & Daria ChesnokovaAdult Latin National Champions 2010Patryk Ploszaj & Anna KaczmarskiJunior II 10-Dance National Champions 2010Daniel Shapiro & Katya KolvalyovaYouth Standard National Vice Champions 2010

Deirdre of London Sponsoring:Xingmin & Katerina Lu

Senior I Standard National Champions 2010

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Nationals

Tatiana NollDesigner/Owner ElleDance Studio, Inc.8470 Holcomb Bridge RoadAlpharetta, GA [email protected]

Dawn Smart Designer/Owner Dore Designs Inc.4706B SE 11th PlaceCape Coral, FL [email protected]

“SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS is proud of the partnership agreement with USA Dance... an organization that shares its values of integrity and respect and which reflects the same brilliance and glamour that is the hallmark of SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS around the globe.”

Dore Sponsoring:Pasha Pashkov & Daniella KaragachAdult 10-Dance National Champions 2010Igor Mikushov & Margaretta MiduraAdult Standard National Vice Champions 2010Taras Savitskyy & Liya PodokshikYouth 10-Dance National Champions 2010William Stansbury & Jenny SokolskyJunior II Standard Finalists 2010Eric Rosenberg & Nicole AkhmerovaJunior II Latin Finalists 2010

ElleDance Sponsoring:Ron Garber & Ashley GoldmanYouth Latin National Finalists 2010

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The Youth National Show Dance Championships

On the night of February 25, 2011 the Gem State Classic in Rexburg, Idaho featured the USA Dance National Show Dance

Championships, a noisy and entertaining event reaching out to youth ballroom teams from all over the country.

With more than 700 competitors in attendance (with accompanying parents), dance teams performing show routines in Smooth, Standard, Rhythm, Latin, Cabaret, Swing and the ever fun Novelty category, showed spectators what it meant to have fun while dancing. While 700 competitors is not an amazing breakthrough in any USA Dance attendance record, what is noteworthy is that almost all of these competitors were under the age of 18.

In an extremely tight competition, winners were determined by a margin of quarter and half points. In the Swing competition, the teams from Lehi High School in Utah and Bonneville High School from Idaho tied for first place.

One of the stars of the show was the myriad of costumes for each routine. Teams wore costumes to look like Mary Poppins and Bert; Alice in Wonderland, the Mad Hatter, and the Queen Hearts; male and female Pirates of the Caribbean; swing

kids from Grease; and even the furious fashion of the disco age. But beyond the costumes, what was really amazing was what dancers did with them. Each team found a way to make their costume fit into their routine, each team used it to bring to life their story. The pirates finished with a bang, transforming themselves into a pirate ship.

In the novelty event teams were allowed outlandish costumes and props. It was here that some of the most intricate routines were formed. Though the

Divas to Disco: By: Ivor Lee

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The Youth National Show Dance Championships

event featured everything from complicated lifts to look like palm trees and explosive basket tosses, the night belonged to Rexburg’s own Idaho Ballroom Academy in a “Dorks and Divas” routine that included 18 couples in brilliant and blinding neon colors.

Day two of the competition showcased the first ever USA Dance Youth Cabaret competition. This is the first time this event has been held in the country, and young couple Glenn Belnap and Brontë Taylor claimed the title of the first champions of this national event.

“It was an amazing experience. It felt so good to have so much support from the crowd,” said Belnap.

“It’s just really cool to be first,” said Taylor. Belnap and Taylor have their coaches Danny Beahm and Tricia Leslie for their encouragement. Arriving at this level takes a lot of sacrifice and for this couple an average of two hours of practice a day.

At the end of the day the real winners of the Gem State Classic are the parents and coaches who get to see their kids dance. If this generation of dancers is any indicator of what is to come in future DanceSport competitions, America better watch out.

Divas to Disco:

Youth Cabaret champions Bronte Taylor and Glenn Belnap

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why dance sport

Joseph and Mary Louise Bates Photo by Joey Pasaoa

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why dance sport

Hairspray was out, tuxes were pressed, floats were gliding and self-tanner had been applied. The 21st Annual Manhattan Amateur Classic brought some of the best dancers to the Manhattan Center in midtown Manhattan for the first USA Dance competition of the year on January 14, 15 and 16.

“I had no idea that [a ballroom competition] was this involved,” said first time spectator Haley Woods. “You can almost feel the work that [the dancers] put into this and all the hours they spent practicing.”

Since its first year, the Manhattan Amateur Classic, commonly referred to as the MAC, has increased significantly in overall size.

Yang Chen, president of the Greater New York USA Dance Chapter and the Master of Ceremonies at the MAC, remembers when the MAC was small enough to be held in a dance studio. Previous venues of the MAC include New York University, Pace University, Columbia University, the Church of Saint Paul the Apostle, the Grand Prospect Hall and Dance New York Studio before the competition moved to the Manhattan Center in 2008.

“It feels great for me especially to have seen it grow from a one day to a three day competition,” said Chen, who has been involved since the first MAC as competitor, volunteer, or organizer. “It’s almost like a nationals with competitors from all across the country.”

In what primarily began as a Greater New York Chapter competition, the MAC, which is also a National Qualifying Event for the USA Dance National DanceSport Championships to be held in Baltimore in April, has grown significantly in numbers. This year, the MAC featured more than 1,100 competitors from 27 states, the District of Columbia and Canada.

In addition to growth in the Pre-Teen, Junior, Youth and Adult categories, this year also saw an increase in the number of competitors in the Senior I through III categories.

Chen described the Senior competitors as a “close community” with many of the “same names and faces” where news travels mostly by “word of mouth.” After being invited to attend competitions in the South and Southeast, where Chen noted that there were much larger numbers in the Senior categories, smart marketing of the MAC brought more competitors up north this year.

According to Chen, “The Senior categories had been lacking at the MAC. Never before could I have imagined seeing a quarter-final in Senior III. I’m hoping that it continues to grow in future MACs.”

Production Manager Alina Koltunova also attributed a large portion of the overall increase in this year’s numbers to a “stronger effort to advertise.” She notes that the MAC even received a live broadcast on Good Day New York on FOX News on the morning of the January 14.

After 21 years the MAC continues to hold its place in the ballroom dance world as one of the largest Amateur competitions in the United States with no sign of stopping any time soon.

Meagan O’Toole, the Volunteer Coordinator for much of the past six years, said, “I think when you hit 21 years there is always a danger that an event will get set in its ways or stuck in a rut. I think [the] MAC proved this year that it’s ready to go on for the next 20 continuing to improve, grow and keep things fresh.”

21 Manhattan Amateur Classicst annual

Nicole Barron

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Despite the cloudy skies and rain, the heat was on in Phoenix, Arizona on February 19th as the Phoenix USA Dance Chapter

#4033 hosted its first NQE. The Phoenix chapter welcomed dancers from Arizona, New Mexico, California, Louisiana, Illinois, Oregon, Kentucky, Maryland, Oklahoma, British Columbia, Minnesota, New York, and Nevada.

The El Zaribah Shrine Center provided the venue for this event, complete with competitors’ “green room” and a conference room for the district meeting. The weather outside may have been threatening, but the atmosphere inside was warm and inviting, thanks to our many hardworking volunteers. 270 dancers of all ages and abilities took their turn on the floor, and put on their best performances to the delight of an audience which numbered over 300. Our evening session of pre-champ and championship heats was

highlighted with our final event, the adult Latin championships. The winners were Andrey Tarasov and Laura Kveladze (CA), with runners up, Boris Rudenko and Ekaterina Fedosova (NY). It was truly a fitting finale to our evening.

Feedback from competitors was overwhelmingly positive, and we thank you all for joining us on our “maiden voyage” into the land of the national qualifying event. Adjudicator, Nic Cotton, commented that the Phoenix team “did an exceptional job in not only running a great competition, but also in taking care of all of the judges.”

We look forward to participating in the District Six rotation, along with California, and continuing to provide the opportunity for amateur dancers to shine in the competitive spotlight.

By: Sue Putzier

2011Phoenix DanceSport Challenge

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On February 4-5, 2011 Antwerp, Belgium played host to both the IDSF World Senior II Latin Championships and the IDSF World Senior I standard championships, in addition to many categories under the Antwerp Stars Cup 2011. With over 70 couples entering the Senior II Latin event, American couple Richard and Iris Chiang danced to a 50th place finish in a tightly contested, competitive event. Meanwhile, at the Senior I Standard, Andreas Meijer and partner Jody Frease danced to a 16th place finish in a competitive field of 39 dancers.

The success of the Antwerp competition is indicative of the ever growing popularity of DanceSport in the Senior divisions. While Senior DanceSport in America has become steadily more common, the widespread popularity has yet to match the Europeans in intensity.

Congratulations again to our athletes, and thank you to all of you for your support.

orldsWIDSF

tandardS Senior I &atinLSenior II

By Ivor Lee

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Nationals Sponsors 2010

Arlene Yu Nadia Eftedal

Holiday Ball Competition Erminio Stefano & Luana Conte

Eugene Katsevman & Maria Manusova Victor Fung & Anastasia Muravyeva

Larinda McRaven Dance Pants

Scott & Sarah Coates USA Dance Central Florida Chapter # 6002

USISTD USA Dance Michigan Northern Lights

Chapter #2048 USA Dance Royal Palm Chapter #6016

USA Dance Treasure Coast Chapter #6004 USA Dance Tidewater Chapter #6008

Spencer & Elena Nyemchek David & Connie Taylor

Aida Renzo

Thank you for your support!

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DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSportDanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport

DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSportDanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport

DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport2010 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championships

2010 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championships2010 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championships

2009 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championships2010 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championships

2010 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championships2010 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championships

2010 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championships2010 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championships

2010 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championships2010 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championships

2010 Southeastern Regional DanceSport ChampionshipsDanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport

DanceSport DanceSp011 Phoenix DanceSport ChallengePhoenix, AZ

February 19, 2011Sport DanceSport DanceSport

2009 Southeastern Regional DanceSport Championships

DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSportDanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport

2009 Southeastern Regional DanceSport ChampionshipsDanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport DanceSport

Qualifying Events for

USA Dance 2011 NationalDanceSport Championships

Hiroshi Kawanami & Juliana Kawanami Photo by: Carson Zullinger

2011 Phoenix DanceSport ChallengePhoenix, AZFebruary 19, 2011

Mid-Atlantic DanceSport ChampionshipsWashington, DCFebruary 26-27 2011

2011 National DanceSport ChampionshipBaltimore, MDApr 8 - 10, 2011

Desert Classic - IDSF Open Latin & Open Standard ChampionshipsPalm Desert, CAJul 8 - 9, 2011

Columbia Star BallPortland, ORMay 7 - 8, 2011

Gumbo Dancesport ChampionshipsBaton Rouge, LAJune 17 - 18, 2011

For More Information visit www.usadance.org

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COMPETITION CALENDAR

look for future event updates at http://usadance.org/dancesport/

competition-calendar/

look for future collegiate event updates on FaceBook sign onto FaceBook, click on “Groups,” and type in “USA Dance Competitions”

Competitions noted as “NQE” are National Qualifying Events

for the 2011 National DanceSport Championships.

March 26, 2011Steel City Classic DanceSport

PIttsburgh, PA

March 27, 2011NJ DanceSport Classic “Spring Fling”*

Hackensack, NJ

April 8-10, 20112011 National DanceSport Championship

Baltimore, MD

April 23, 2011Quest For the Best*

Seattle, WA

May 7-8, 2011Columbia Star Ball—NQE

Portland, OR

Events listed with the * do not accrue proficiency points

May 14-15, 2011NJ DanceSport Classic “Summer Sizzler”—NQE

Hackensack, NJ

June 17-18, 2011Gumbo DanceSport Championships—NQE

Baton Rouge, LA

July 30, 2011Southern Star Mid-Summer Classic*

Tampa, FL

September 18, 2011New Englad Fall Challenge

Glastony, CT

Sep 24, 2011Quest For the Best*

Seattle, WA

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“[Ballroom] burned, in my mind, an image and a new understanding. It shaped my character, and I saw the people being crowned champion and thought, wow.”

—Victor Fung Ten-time National Standard champion

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Why DanceSport? What is DanceSport about?

What are the rules? In this special article we explore the how

and why of DanceSport.

By Erica Colvin

all photos by ivor lee

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FFor many, dance competitions may trigger memories of that epic Electric Slide contest you rocked at your high school prom. For others it may be that incredible Jive you witnessed Kristi Yamaguchi and Mark Ballas totally nail on Dancing With the Stars. Whether you’ve ever been decked out in rhinestones, performed in front of an audience, or even remember the Electric Slide, you know that dancing connects people and excites emotion. That is where DanceSport comes in. All ages, all skill levels get to take the stage and seize the opportunity to just dance.

This article is dedicated to answering your questions and leading the way to rhinestones, bright lights, and the Electric Slide—I mean, the Jive!

I am not really sure what ”DanceSport” means. Can you explain?

Technically, “DanceSport” is the term used for competitive ballroom dancing. Like other sports, DanceSport athletes are judged based on performance and execution. As Daphna Locker, USA Dance Chair of the 2011 Nationals explained, dancers compete as couples and must work together to progress.

She went on to say that: “DanceSport is the perfect sport—it challenges a person’s physical and mental ability, requires talent but talent alone is not enough, one has to work hard at the sport to gain proficiency, has great music, and is a social activity where one has to interact with another person to achieve one’s goals. What more can a person ask for?”

How do I become a competitor?

Register online with USA Dance by visiting www.usadancemembership.org. You will need to register as an “Athlete” in order to compete. As a USA Dance member, you are eligible to enter any USA Dance competition, as well as any International DanceSport Federation (IDSF) competition, which are held around the world.

Membership is good for one year and must be up-

to-date when you compete. By becoming a member prior to registering for a competition, you help the process move smoothly.

Locker recommended that each competitor read the information posted on the USA Dance website, www.usadance.org, and on any competition website, before registering. “Everyone should make sure that they bring their USA Dance membership card to the event, and if they haven’t received their card prior to the event, they should make sure that they bring the receipt showing that their membership is up-to-date.”

Membership dues range from $10 to $70, depending on age and skill level.

How do I find competitions near me?

This is where the USA Dance website comes in handy. Visit www.usadance.org, run your mouse over the “DanceSport” button, then select “Competition Calendar.”

You’ll see a list of competitions held all over the United States. Whether you are in Texas, Nebraska, or Maine, you can find a chapter near you with events and competitions.

I am a new dancer; will I compete against beginners like me?

Absolutely! Competitors are separated by skill levels, age, and dance style so that they compete on a “level playing field.” Over time, and as skill and proficiency improve, dancers advance and move up to the next higher level. Then they compete against dancers at the higher proficiency level. There’s no need to be intimidated when you first start competing—you will always compete against dancers who are in the same skill level and age category as you.

What is the difference between “Syllabus” and “Open” events?

As an amateur dancer, or non-professional, you will compete either Syllabus events or Open events.

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Syllabus

Each dance has a list of recognized steps associated with it. This list is known as the “Syllabus,” and it lists the steps you can dance at that level. Each dance is broken into three Syllabus levels: Bronze, Silver, and Gold.

The steps of each level are grouped together by difficulty, So the bronze steps are pretty basic. The silver level encompasses all of the bronze steps plus a few, which are slightly more advanced. And, you guessed it, the gold level incorporates all of the bronze and silver steps, with the addition of even more complex steps.

When competing in the Syllabus level events, you are only allowed to dance steps/figures at the level, or the level below which you are dancing. For example, let’s say you are competing in a Silver level event, you may only dance Silver and Bronze figures.

To see a full syllabus, visit www.usadance.org and download the full USA Dance Rulebook. Additionally, some competitions have events for beginners or newcomers who have never competed before, team matches, or Jack and Jill (leading/following) events. These are perfect for dancers who want to experience competition in a more relaxed and friendly environment.

Open

Once dancers have progressed beyond the Syllabus levels, they may begin competing in Open events. These have no syllabus step restrictions and allow “open” choreography. Like syllabus, open events have a progression: Novice, then Pre-Championship, and finally, Championship.

“We’re grateful that [USA Dance] sees us as important enough to send us [internationally]. We’re grateful for the chance to compete and represent our country.” —Irsan Tisnabudi and Cami Fleharty2010 National Senior I Latin Champions

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As competitors move up a skill level, they are required to perform more and more dances in the respective category. Bronze typically has only two dances at a time, Silver or Novice three dances, Gold or Pre-Championship four dances, and Championship five dances. This is great for newer or less skilled dancers—they are able to prepare fewer dances to compete and so have more time to perfect each dance. For example, in the Latin dances at the Bronze level, they only have to prepare a Cha Cha and a Rumba, but in Silver they are required to have Samba, Cha Cha, and Rumba.

It is vital for competitors to understand the rules and regulations of DanceSport. Make sure you look up

the costuming guidelines, anti-doping regulations, and code of conduct—these may vary from Syllabus to Open events.

What are the different dance styles and categories?

You’ve probably heard the terms “International Waltz” or “American Rumba.” That is because ballroom dance has two classifications: International or American, and four styles: Standard or Latin, and Smooth or Rhythm.

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Hopefully this table will make this less confusing. The American classification of ballroom dancing evolved from social dancing. Today it is a fully recognized competitive style of dancing, and consists of Smooth and Rhythm styles. Smooth includes just four dances, while Rhythm includes the typical five.

Hardcore competitors may also compete in an event called “10-Dance,” where all 10 International Standard and Latin dances are judged as one event. This means the dancers must be experts in both styles, which is very difficult to accomplish. American style dancers may also compete in the “9-Dance.”

StandardWaltzTangoFoxtrotQuickstepViennese Waltz

LatinJiveCha ChaRumbaPaso DobleSamba

InternationalSmoothWaltzTangoFoxtrotViennese Waltz

RhythmCha ChaRumbaSwing (East Coast)MamboBolero

American

“...the opportunity to dance in front of my parents, my family, and all the kids that Daria and I train. To me, that’s the most special thing about competing.” —Valentin Chmerkovskiy Ten-time National Champion

The International classification of ballroom dancing consists of two styles: Standard and Latin. These each include ten dances, shown in the chart above.

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“dance defies demographic labeling. young people love it as much as seniors--maybe for different reasons. But the beautiful thing about dancing is that the reasons never stop coming.”—ken Richards

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Tell me about the different age categories.

Age classifications also help create a level competitive field for competitors. The categories include Preteen (12 and under), Junior (13-15), Youth (16-18), Adult (18+), and Senior (35+). Additional sub-categories are often held as well (i.e. Preteen I and II).

Age is determined by the year a dancer was born, not his/her actual birth date within that year. Dancers are allowed to dance up to two consecutive ability levels (i.e. Bronze and Silver, or Novice and Pre-Championship), and can dance in any age group for which they qualify.

What are “Heats”?

Most competition dance floors can only hold about 14 couples at a time. If more couples than 14 have registered to compete, several groups of dancers are separated into rounds of about 10-15 couples. These are called heats. After each round, up to ½ the couples from that round are eliminated, and the other half are called back into the next round. So, for example, with a first round of 48, 24 couples are called back for the quarterfinal round, followed by the semifinal round. By this time only about 12 dancers remain. The last round is called the final, which includes six to seven of the best dancers. The dancers are then placed and the winners announced.

Keep in mind that each round can encompass four or five dances, each danced for about a minute and a half, to a minute forty seconds. You can see how a competition can last all day.

What are “National Qualifying Events?”

USA Dance competitions have different classifications based on the levels of sanctioning granted by the DanceSport Council. If a competition is sanctioned, then dancers will be eligible to earn proficiency points at that competition. (Don’t worry we will tell you all about proficiency points in a bit.)

• A “sanctioned competition” can be local or regional.

• A “national qualifying event,” or NQE, qualifies participants to take part in the USA Dance National DanceSport Championships, which is held annually. By participating in an NQE, one is qualified to dance at the National championship held within the next 12 months.

• A “championship” is an event held once a year within a geographic area, (i.e. local chapter, region, etc.) which is sanctioned by the DanceSport Council.

What are Proficiency Points?

As you participate in competitions, you earn proficiency points. When you accumulate a certain number of points at a given level, you are then barred from dancing at that level and must move up.

You can dance at any higher level, but you cannot dance down once you point out. For example, if you and your partner accumulate sufficient points to place you at the Gold level, you may no longer dance Silver and below.

USA Dance automatically tracks your proficiency points and you can access a guide explaining the Proficiency Point System on our website (www.usadance.org) as well as a link to your personal standing.

Competitor Danny Shapiro said it well, “The best part of DanceSport is that the friends we make, the discipline we become accustomed to, and the commitment we acquire, stays with us forever.”

While watching Dancing with the Stars is an exciting pastime, DanceSport guarantees a higher level of exhilaration and involvement. Don’t miss another chance to join your friends on the dance floor and see what you’ve been missing.

“Someday our bodies might not allow us to continue this comeptitive life any more, but our love of dancing will never end. All these great memories will be engraved in our hearts forever.”—Lonny and Susie Tsang Six-time National Senior II Standard Champions

Page 44: American Dancer Magazine

44 InStep

3Practice floor craft. Be able to start the routine at different places and use dodger steps to avoid other couples. Holding

mock competitions is a good way to prepare. Be able to loop your routine back to the beginning.

Again, indecision causes mistakes. Keep it simple.

21

Five Winning Tips For Collegiate Dancers

Know your routines and keep them simple.

It is most important that the man knows the routines up one side and down the other. Men, be at practice early, before the lady gets there. You’re leading and must know the routines to lead her properly through it. Indecision causes mistakes and poor dancing. Ladies must understand the routines also. Be able to dance through the

routine to music without a partner.

Practice the basic techniques. Start with Rumba walks, forward and backward, across the floor,

then proceed with Cha Cha Locks emphasizing the proper footwork

and actions. In Waltz, practice Closed Changes, forward and

backward, emphasizing the proper footwork and closing of the feet.

Practice Foxtrot movement by passing the feet, again emphasizing

the proper footwork, heel toe, toe, toe heel. Proper footwork is one

of the major judging criteria for most adjudicators.Pho

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Page 45: American Dancer Magazine

2011 March – April 45www.USAdance.ORG

54

3

Five Winning Tips For Collegiate DancersDevelop partnership skills, both on and off the floor.Be considerate of your partner. Mistakes

are usually a result of both dancers.

The most successful couples are usually

the most considerate. Happiness goes a

long way in a performance. Get out on the floor a lot. Finally, to develop musicality at a performance level,

compete more often. The more competitions, showcases,

and team performances that you dance, you become numb

to people watching or judging you and therefore start

performing, bringing in musicality.

What do the judges see?They don’t see the routines, but how you dance through them. Instead of being so concerned with dancing all silver steps for example, dance what you know well. Judges don’t watch a single couple long enough to know their routine, they rate the overall quality of the movement. Focus instead on technique, timing, and performance.

Thanks to: Wayne and Marie Crowder

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Page 46: American Dancer Magazine

46 InStep

SMOOTH/STANDARD GOWNSSize 4-6 - Purple gown with feather brim and wrist band. Rarely worn. Picture available. $150. Email [email protected].

Standard gown size 2-4. Royal blue with ruched bra-like top and ruched at the waist. Bodice is stoned on lace appli-ques. Spaghetti straps are covered with same fabric. Skirt has 3 rows of satin flounces. Brand new condition. $200.00 + shipping. Photos. [email protected] or 561-740-9589.

Latin/rhythm size 0-2-4 Orange lycra halter style bodice with 2 layers of orange chiffon hooped skirt. Bodice is stoned down to the skirt. $175.00 + shipping. Photo. [email protected] or 561-740-9589.

SHOESSupadance standard female model num-ber: 12-8 Satin size: (UK) 5 1/2 width: regular heel: 2 1/2 Shoes are pretty new. Worn for about 2 months. Asking for $70.00 [email protected] 847-989-5639.

4 Pair of “Court” shoes (closed toe pumps), Worn Once. $75 each pair. includes shipping. Orig. Cost: $150 + each pr. Nude Satin Supadance: Size 5.5 (UK), 2.5” heel. Nude Satin Supadance: Size 5.5 (UK), 2.0” heel Blk. Satin Supa-dance: Size 5.5 (UK), 2.0” heel. Werner Kern Blk. Suede w/ embedded rhine-stones: Size 4.5 (Italy), 2.0” heel. Call Rosemary at 973-783-3191.

English Size 5 flesh-colored standard pump. Wrong-size for me. Only worn a couple times. Picture available. Email [email protected].

LATIN/RHYTHM DRESS

Size 4-6 - Bright yellow gown with long sleeves and heavily-stoned neck band; knee-length; heavy-stoned along the left side of the gown and right shoulder. Rarely worn. Picture available. $180. Email [email protected].

DANCE PARTNER WANTEDHi, Purita C. Schwarz, of Chicago Chapter ID#112247, looking for a male, single, ballroom dance partner (5 ft. 7 in to 6 ft. 4 in) to dance, practice American Smooth & American Rhythm at socials or chapter functions. I have dance ex-periences in competition bronze levels; willing to dance with a beginner, pro, or social dancer. Pls. email: [email protected] or call: 815-603-4807. Thanks.

I am currently looking for a dance partner for competitive practice and competitions! Looking for someone who has been dancing at least five years and likes competitive-style dancing. Lori Talbott [email protected] 206-304-2112 Seattle, Wa.

Sharon Ramsay, Southern Tier NY Chapter 3011, ID#: 135444 seeks male dance partner (5ft 11in to 6ft 5in) for Latin dances at socials, chapter func-tions, or competition (if partner is so bold). Willing to dance with beginner, pro, or social dancer. Email [email protected] or call 607-656-4859.

MUSIC Download great strict tempo popular Latin Music on iTunes. Enter “Pure Ballroom” on your iTunes store page.Music used at most competitions in U.S., Europe & Japan. Used on Danc-ing With The Stars, ESPN, NBC, ABC, BBC, and in the movies. Great for com-petition, practice and exhibitions.Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble and Jives. Full CD’s available at www.latinjam.com

Dance Mart

Dance Mart

DanceMart continues to serve members of USA Dance as a

free space to advertise and sell personal costumes, shoes, etc.,

or search for a partner.

To be included in DanceMart, please limit your classified ads to 50 words or less. You must

include your membership number and name to ensure

compliance with the free space for members only.

Classified ads will run in American Dancer for two

issues. If you wish to run it longer, you must resend the ad.

To place or renew an ad, please send it to:

[email protected]

Page 47: American Dancer Magazine

2011 March – April 47www.USAdance.ORG

Royal Caribbean “Liberty” Round trip from Barcelona, Spain Provence (Toulon), France * Villefranche (Nice), France

Livorno (Florence/Pisa), Italy * Civitavecchia (Rome) Italy * Naples, Capri, Italy

Contact Cathy & Brent Paxton Colorado (303) 250-7344 ♦Toll Free Phone (866) 409-SAIL

Fax: 1-303-284-0983 [email protected] www.SundancerCruises.net

Watch for Details on Our 2012 Dance Cruises to the Caribbean & Alaska

DancerA M E R I C A N

DancerWhile the weather is frightful, the dancing

will be delightful this season

Anna and Patryk on America’s Got Talent

Let it Snow Let it Snow

They’ve Got Talent!

A M E R I C A N

National Ballroom Dance Week Recap

www.usadance.org November-December 2010 Issue 27

Official Publication of USA Dance

You ain’t Seen Nothing Yet

The new National Qualifying Events of 2011

What is DanceSport about? Find out here in this first-timers guide to our beloved sport.

Why DanceSport?

USA dance 2011 national dancesport champions

www.usadance.org march - april 2011 Issue 29

Official Publication of USA Dance

DancerA M E R I C A N

Why you should be a member of USA Dance.

The Things you Do

Eugene and Maria Retire from Competition

www.usadance.org July-August 2010 Issue 25

Official Publication of USA Dance

USA Dance Pre-Teens on the Maury Show

How the new districts will aid chapter growth

Above the Ordinary

Ballroom: New Districts

For advertising information [email protected]

Advertise with

Page 48: American Dancer Magazine

NATIONALSUSA DANCE

Crowning Champions

USA Dance National

DanceSport Championships

Baltimore, MD

March 30 - April 1, 2012

America’s DanceSport Championswww.usadancenationals.org