American Dancer-May-June

Reaching Out and Creating Smiles

Chapter of the Year

USA dance 2011 national dancesport championships

www.usadance.org May - June 2011 Issue 30

Official Publication of USA Dance

DancerA M E R I C A N

Crowning National Champions

and World Team

Crowning Champions

SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS &four top fashion designers sponsor10 USA Dance DanceSport couples at Nationals

On the Runway

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

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Dance Camp Las VegasJun 12 - 17, 2011

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2011 May - June 3www.USADANCE.ORG

32 Crowning Champions

Inside the Cover

On the Cover

Results for the finalists at Nationals.

Reaching out and Creating Smiles. Rhode Island is making more opportunities for everyone to dance.

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

Dance Floor10 Volunteer of the Year: Craig Kunkel 12 National Chapter Conference: New Orleans 14 USA National Dance Cruise

On Beat16 USA DANCE in the Public Eye

DanceSport20 IDSF Worlds-results from the US athletes.24 2011 Mid-Atlantic Championships - 22 hours of intense dance competition at Bethesda.

Nationals

25 About Nationals - bringing a collision of worlds to Nationals

30 World Team selected - A Look at the USA World Nationals.

32 Finalists - 2011 National DanceSport Championships

36 2011 Treasure Tier - participants in this year’s Treasure Tier.

38 Social Activities at Nationals-on board the “Spirit of Baltimore” ship at Nationals.

44 Behind the Scenes-Volunteers at Nationals

In Step46 AD Marketplace

8 Chapter of the Year: Rhode Island

40 On the RunwaySWAROVSKI ELEMENTS partners with four of America’s top fashion designers to sponsor 10 USA Dance couples. Their costumes debuted at 2011 Nationals.

25

40 Ron Garber & Ashley Goldmanphoto by Ivor Lee

photo by Ivor Lee

4 Line of Dance

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS: A GREAT SUCCESSFirst of all, in this issue you will find articles and photographs from the recently completed 2011 USA Dance National

DanceSport Championships, and I wanted to give you my comments about this event and add my congratulations to everyone who worked so hard to make this such a successful competition. It was particularly special because of our new partnership with Swarovski Elements and a group of extremely talented dress designers: Dore Designs, Designs to Shine, ElleDance Studio, and Deirdre of London, who designed some spectacular costumes made with Swarovski Elements for the elite athletes who were the highest ranking finalists in the 2010 Championships Divisions and still competing in those divisions in the 2011 Nationals. If you have not yet seen these striking costumes in person, you will still have an opportunity to do so as the athletes will be wearing them at upcoming National Qualifying Events (NQE’s). We are very proud of our partnership with Swarovski Elements and the designers, and thank their generosity to our World Team and to USA Dance.

Every year at the National Championships, USA Dance holds its annual membership meeting. We were pleased this year to have not only our immediate Past President Peter Pover, but also our longest serving Past Secretary, Connie Townsend in attendance. They both spoke about the growth of USA Dance over the years, and reminded everyone that USA Dance started many years ago as a small, East Coast organization with a few hundred members, that has now grown into a nationwide body of 22,000 dancers with chapters in virtually every state. Peter and Connie have been associated with USA Dance from the very beginning and were instrumental in guiding it as it grew and developed over the years. It is always so nice to see past officials returning to our National Championships, and it reminds us that our continuing growth is never guaranteed, but is dependent upon the hard work over many years of many dedicated volunteers. How lucky we are to have such individuals in our organization!

Fundraising, A Top Priority

And speaking of volunteers, the second item I would like to discuss is that we need our members’ help in locating a volunteer to assist USA Dance in the area of fundraising. If you know of such an individual, please

Presidents Report’


refer him or her to us. The volunteer position we have available is entitled Director of Development, and the individual in the position is responsible for developing and executing fundraising and corporate-giving strategies for various USA Dance programs, including K-12 and college programs, as well as DanceSport, Social Dance and fundraising for the organization as a whole. Identifying appropriate grant opportunities is an activity this position could also be involved in, depending on the individual’s background and experience. The Director of Development is a voting position on the Governing Council appointed by the President and ratified by the GC.

A full list of position responsibilities and a job description may be found on the USA Dance website at www.usadance.org. Any USA Dance volunteer with appropriate experience and a desire to assist USA Dance in the important area of fundraising is encouraged to contact me at: [email protected]. Within our network of 22,000 members I am sure we have an individual skilled in fundraising who has volunteer time available and the desire to help USA Dance in this area. If any of our members know of such an individual, please refer him or her to me for this important volunteer opportunity.

National President, USA Dance

Lydia T. Scardina

6 Line of Dance

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 • Lorraine Fisher

ART & PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Jan StoddardDESIGNERS Jan Stoddard• Ivor Lee •Lorraine Fisher

•

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

Taras Savitskyy & Liya PodokshikYouth 10-Dance vice-champions at 2011 Nationals

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.

Michael Mecham

Jack Reinhold

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 byIvor Lee

Reaching Out and Creating Smiles

Chapter of the Year

USA dance 2011 national dancesport championships

www.usadance.org May - June 2011 Issue 30



Crowning National Champions and World Team

Crowning Champions

SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS &four top fashion designers sponsor10 USA Dance DanceSport couples at Nationals

On the Runway


VOLUNTEER POSITION ON GOVERNING COUNCIL AVAILABLE

Announcements

USA Dance is looking for a qualified volunteer to fill the position of Director of Development. This individual will be a voting member of the USA Dance National Governing Council and will be responsible for developing and implementing fund raising programs for the national organization. The detailed job description at www.usadance.org.

Any USA Dance member with fund raising experience and interest in this volunteer position should also contact the National President, Lydia Scardina at: [email protected]

There are a number of flyers and brochures available in the document library to help support your efforts to grow your chapter.

IDSF adjudicator training Coming in November

The 2011 IDSF Adjudicators Congress is Sunday, November 20, 2011 – following The Ohio Star Ball in Columbus, Ohio.

Our lecturers will be Melissa Dexter and Glenn Weiss.

9:00 AM to 1:00 PMCost: $ 120.00 per person

Per IDSF requirements, all IDSF Adjudicators must attend a Congress every two years in order to maintain their IDSF Adjudicators License.

To become an IDSF Adjudicator, one must attend two Congresses and submit an application to USA Dance. If you attended your first Congress in 2010, this is your opportunity to fulfill this two-year requirement.

Adjudicators must register in advance in order to participate! The deadline for registration is November 1, 2011.

To learn more information, and to download a registration form visit www.usadance.org.

Encourage & Support Dancers to Join USA Dance

8 Dance Floor

Reaching Out & Creating SmilesChapter of the year

By: Lorraine Fisher Rhode Island Chapter #3010

ust below Massachusetts and next to

Connecticut sits a tiny state with big

dreams. It’s no glitz and glam here

that Rhode Island aspires to, instead

they’ve set a new standard in reaching

out and providing opportunities for

everyone to dance. Just over a year ago,

Linda Succi, Rhode Island Chapter

President, decided they should start a

Special Olympics Ballroom Team. That

decision has changed the way they work, think

and love. The immense success the Special

Olympics Ballroom Team has had within the

past year has earned for Rhode Island the

coveted “Chapter of the Year Award.”

For Succi, this idea hit home since she is the

mother of a daughter with brain damage, who

was given the opportunity to dance on the team.

“The Special Olympics Ballroom Team,” Succi

stated, “makes ballroom dancing available to a

larger population of people—to subgroups that

are ordinarily shut out from activities like this.”

This team has opened doors that they never

thought possible.

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2011 May - June 9www.USAdance.ORG

Now with the wind in their sails, the Special

Olympics Ballroom team is on a steady course

for the rest of this year. In June, the team will

also perform at the the University of Rhode

Island for the Rhode Island Special Olympics

State Games and exhibitions are also planned

around the state of Rhode Island within the

next few months. The team has definitely hit

the ground running, and are sure to succeed as

the team matures.

Winning Chapter of the Year Award was a

great honor for the Rhode Island Chapter.

Remembering the moment at Nationals when

Succi received the award, she remarked, “I

was very proud as I accepted the award and

all the joy of the team development was in my

head. This [team] is the core that our chapter

has taken up to support,” she recalled. For the

Rhode Island Chapter, this Special Olympics

Ballroom team has opened eyes to what dance

is all about. Optimistic about the future, Succi

added, “USA Dance will have a lot more special

Olympics teams in the coming years.”

Reaching Out & Creating SmilesRhode Island Chapter #3010

In the past year, the Special Olympics

Ballroom team traveled to New York to

try out for Paula Adbul’s show “Live to

Dance,” and made it through to the second

round. As Succi mentioned, “Some of these

people have never been out of the state of

Rhode Island—it was phenomenal.” They

also performed in an exhibition at the New

England DanceSport Championships. “I try

to give them as much exposure to performing

opportunities. It’s a great growth experience

for them.” Succi explained.

The Rhode Island Chapter couldn’t have done it

without the support of the community, parents

and many fundraisers. The Arthur J. Trudeau

Center in Warwick is the main sponsor for

the Special Olympics Ballroom team. They

provide a gym to practice in, as well as funding

for the team’s instructors and choreographers.

On June 11th, the Chapter hosted a fundraiser

for the team at St. Luke’s Church, where they

provided a workshop and some social dancing.

They are always on the lookout for additional

places to host fundraisers and events where

they can perform together.

10 Dance Floor

Craig KunkelVolunteer of the Year by: Lorraine Fisher

t’s 9pm on Saturday, April 9th. The seats are packed, and even a few are standing. Jean Krupa, USA Dance Vice President,

makes her way to the stand and begins. It’s here, at the National DanceSport Championships where Craig Kunkel received an award he will never forget. No, it wasn’t dancing a ballroom routine for which he would get his applause. Rather, it was for his time and energy that he gave willingly to USA Dance throughout the year that gave him the title Volunteer of the Year.

Kunkel has been a board member of the Dallas Chapter of USA Dance since 2004. He’s devoted more of his time to USA Dance than anyone could ever thank him for. Some of his contributions over the years include deejaying for over 20 dances a year, maintaining and storing USA Dance related files on back-up discs, creating graphics and logos for flyers, business cards, newsletters and brochures; editing and cropping dance photos and videos, helping out with workshops and special events, developing and hosting USA Dance related websites and sending out weekly e-mail announcements to USA Dance members. His “love for dance”has inspired him to seek more ways to volunteer.

Starting right after college, Kunkel was drawn to try the country dancing clubs around Dallas; after all, it’s Texas. After a few group classes, he

was hooked and wanted to learn more. “I enjoy the social interaction of dancing, the exercise, and going to clubs to dance,” Kunkel explained, “I may be learning a little bit of smooth dance one month, and then the next month I may focus on a little bit of swing or salsa.” He’s always open to try something new. He also enjoys choreographing routines to music and competing. Kunkel has competed in the Texas Star Ball, the Southwestern Invitational, the Sapphire Ball, and the Oklahoma Challenge. “I will always have a love for dancing,” he added.

Kunkel works for Cambium Learning, a national educational publishing company in Dallas. He is the graphics manager and oversees the designs and layouts for all of the textbooks. In his spare time, he likes to roller blade, canoe, or just lay out by the pool and catch some rays. One of his hobbies includes painting, for which he has had about half a dozen paintings displayed at the State Fair of Texas over the years. Considering how much he’s contributed, it’s a wonder he how he manages his time so well.

In regard to Kunkel, Linda Succi, President of the Rhode Island “Chapter of the Year,” remarked, “I met Craig at one of the National Dancesport Championships for the first time. I found him charming and a great dancer. He is a wonderful representative for USA Dance.” After getting a call from Diane Montgomery, Dallas

I


was smile and feel good about myself.” For how many smiles Kunkel has put on the faces of others this year, perhaps others will follow his example and go the extra mile as he has.

Chapter President, about the award, Kunkel stated, “I was not expecting it at all. No one had even told me that they had nominated me for the National Volunteer of the Year award. The rest of my evening that day, all I could do

“I met Craig at the National Dancesport Championships for the first time. I found him charming and a great dancer. He is a wonderful representative for USA Dance.” -Linda Succi

Linda Succi, Jean Krupa, Craig Kunkelphoto by Ivor Lee

12 Dance Floor

his year, USA Dance ventured down to the birthplace of Jazz to host our National Chapter Conference

of 2011. In the heart of New Orleans, 31 chapters convened at the Crowne Plaza Hotel to share ideas and learn ways to improve their membership, organization, and other ways to strengthen and help USA Dance grow. A variety of classes were offered to help each chapter board member improve in their specific responsibility.

The topics covered at the National Chapter Conference included building your chapter website by Senior VP Bill Rose, motivating and recruiting members by Barbara Wally, budgeting by Esther Freeman, dealing with chapter conflicts by National Secretary Stan Andrews, running a successful competition by members of the Gumbo Chapter, and competition sanctioning by DanceSport VP Ken Richards. Also, a Constant Contact representative was there to demonstrate new features in design formatting database

management in a two-hour class. As a special treat, Bobbi Jo Gamache, Director of Chapter Liaison, held a one-on-one class with all the of the Chapter Presidents. With 5 hours of classes for two days, the schedule packed each members’ brains with enough new ideas to keep them busy for the next year.

To spice things up a bit, the Gumbo Chapter in New Orleans provided and sponsored entertainment each evening. They provided a DJ who played music with a fun New Orleans flavor for social dancing. There were also exhibitions each night by competitors and the O’ Perry Walker High School dance team. Dancing, socializing and meeting new friends was a great way to end each day.

For Jean Krupa, USA Dance Social VP, the highlight wasn’t in any particular event, but rather the joy she felt from all the positive feedback she received regarding the event. “It was nice seeing everybody and [hearing] their nice remarks, and how much they benefited

Ever GrowingNational Chapter Conference

By: Lorraine Fisher

New Orleans

T


from it. I just got satisfaction that everybody else felt that they’d really benefited from this gathering,” she explained. She mentioned that some were skeptical about the benefit from the conference at first. Later however, they were glad they came, and were excited about all the new ideas for their chapters. “One of the exciting things, for me, that came out of it, was having members from several different chapters say they want to host it next year. I now have the next three years planned where the chapter conferences are going to be,” she added.

Next year, the National Chapter Conference will be held in Dallas, Texas on March 1-4 2012. For the next two years, USA Dance will meet in Richmond, Virginia, and then in Southern California to host this Conference. As the Conference makes its way from west to east coast, every chapter is encouraged to attend at least once. The more chapters that attend, the more USA Dance will prosper in furthering our educational and charitable goals these coming years.

Photos Courtesy of Bill Rose

14 Dance Floor

USAdance cruiseDancing at sea for seven days, compelling music, a variety of savory dishes, glorious sunsets, and welcoming smiles everywhere you look; what more could you want? How about all of that on an incredible cruise ship in the middle of the Bahamas? A dream come true? Well it doesn’t have to be a dream. USA Dance is gearing up for their second National Dance Cruise and inviting USA Dance members from all 50 states, families, and friends to join them for what is sure to be an unforgettable dancing experience.

by Michael Mecham


This December, escape the stress of the holidays and the winter chill, if only for a few days, on this wonderful cruise. Enjoy the sun in Florida, Puerto Rico, the Bahamas and other tropical locations as you sit aboard the elegant Westerdam cruise liner. When you aren’t soaking up the sun and taking in the sights, work on your dance moves. With over 30 dance lessons taught by top professional instructors covering ballroom, latin, and club style dancing, you’re sure to find something that fits your own style. There will be different classes for beginners, experts, and everyone in-between. You can work on perfecting your passion, or learn something totally new—the choice is yours. In addition to lessons, spectacular shows will feed the imagination and fuel the dreams of those in attendance.

With nightly dances and daily lessons it may seem that there is little time for anything other than fancy footwork. Not true! Parasailing, scuba diving, and shopping excursions can all be part of your ideal USA Dance cruise experience. Put aside your stress during the holidays this year, feel a little lighter on your feet, and join us December 4, 2011 for the opportunity of a lifetime. Escape into a world of gourmet dining, exotic destinations, and nearly non-stop dancing for as little as rates starting at $999.

photos courtesy of Holland America line

16 On Beat

A

thePUBLIC EYE

Hardly a week goes by that USA Dance doesn’t get a call from television producers about dancers for either a current program or for a new pilot in the works.

We are always excited about the opportunities for our dancers. We’ve had nearly 20 couples make it to DWTS, two finalists on America’s Got Talent, some to MTV’s Made program, others as guests on news and talk show programs—but in the ever-changing world of television entertainment, we can only bring the opportunity to audition and hope the casting directors and judges will see that magical spark they need.

Recent auditions by our dancers have included programs like DWTS, America’s Got Talent, the Wendy Show all in the past month. Thanks to the many the television production companies testing out pilot programs, there are always great opportunities to audition. Great program ideas often get moved to the “backburner” and for business and timing reasons that don’t have anything to do with the quality of the dancing.

If you are interested in being considered for television programs, keep your dance resume up to date and a handy folder of videos and photos. We’ll always send out an alert from our Central Office first when we get a casting call.

On the Backburner…But We’re Still Hopeful!Angela Prince

USA Dance Chapters Take Aim! TV Shows Are Your Silver Bullets!

Sometimes the media gets the impression there would be no ballroom dancing in America if it wasn’t for the television dance shows. Of course, we all know differently, so we remind them of our

growing history and its popularity growth starting about 10 years ago. We tell them about all the soaring number of dancers–including kids–who make up our 178 chapters and are learning to dance.


A

We tell them about our accomplished athletes who have great aspirations and our own hopes for the Olympics.

Yes, dancers and audiences have always been there, but the dancing hadn’t hit the living rooms and the iPhones and computers of hundreds of millions of people around the globe until the every-day whirlwind of Dancing With the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance?, Randy Jackson’s America’s Best Dance Crews, Live to Dance, America’s Got Talent and soon-to-launch X-Factor.

But here’s the twist: it’s not the tv programs that sustain ballroom dancing. It’s what we as social

dancers, associations, studios and professionals do. TV dance programs are the triggers to motivating public interest and support, and they become our “silver bullets” promotionally for local success.

A great story appeared in the Pittsburgh Gazette newspaper following the DWTS winners’ finale, the 2nd story with them since DWTS began. The May 27th story interviewed USA Dance national, our local chapter president Joe Aiken, one of our former Youth & College Network directors, and several studios. Everyone of us were on the same page – the interest is only growing, the stereotypes are changing and we now have millions of fans now to bring into our circle.

Photos Courtesy of © ABC/kelsey mcneal

18 On Beat

Swarovski Elements and USA Dance Brand Ambassador ProgramOn the Ballroom Floor “Runway” . . .

Costumes of Absolute Brilliance Debut at Nationals 2011—Created By Four Distinguished Ballroom Fashion Designers & Made with Swarovski Elements

In this American Dancer issue, see updates about the new Swarovski Elements – USA Dance Brand Ambassador Program that provided sponsorships to 10 of our Championship Division couples, each either winners or finalists at Nationals 2010 in their respective divisions.

The participating designers—Deirdre of London, Designs to Shine, Dore Designs and ElleDance Studio—are rightfully among America’s very best.....had worked for months and into overtime to design and created unique fashions for each couple in time for Nationals. Their work hit the Nationals “fashion runway” in grand style!

The new DanceSport Xilion 2058 crystal by Swarovski Elements was literally a brilliant success, as it reflected competition floor lights and enhanced each custom design to perfection.

USA Dance is grateful for this opportunity to work closely with industry leaders, whose sponsorships and contributions have not only assisted our 10 sponsored couples, but has also provided significant funding for the USA Dance DanceSport programs and our Travel & Development Scholarship Fund for our Championship-level athletes competing at the upcoming IDSF World Championships.

Xingmin & Katerina Lu/Igor Mikushov & Margaretta Midura/Valentin Chmerkovskiy & Daria ChesnokovaPhoto 1 courtesy of Parkwest Photography. Photos 2 & 3 courtesy of carson zullinger


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!

1234

Social Media Campaign Culminates in Swarovski Elements

Presentation Event in New York City

During Nationals, Swarovski Elements professionally video’d the performances of the 10 sponsored couples throughout the event. They then created 30-second video recaps of their dancing which showcased the new costumes.

Swarovski Elements then launched a three-week “Vote For Your Favorite Designs” social media campaign, from the company’s Facebook site “Swarovski Elements.”

Everyone jumped on board to rally their “friends” to vote on Facebook!. Each person could vote once per Facebook account and they could vote for all 10 designs.

This collaborative “rally the votes” effort involved the support of the USA Dance Governing Council, the Chapters and members, along with the 10 sponsored couples, the four Designers, and every family member, dance friend and USA Dance chapter they could solicit to vote—not much different from America’s Got Talent or American Idol voting.

At press time, the results were not in and were announced at the NYC event on June 8th. Polls closed midnight Pacific Time June 7th.

It’s important to realize that every couple—from Junior II to Senior I—in the program are winners. Every design was simply amazing. The promotional campaign rallied dancers and friends around the country to support USA Dance and the couples, and increased their awareness of four wonderful designers, SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, and that this wonderful sponsorship had happened for our athletes.

20 DanceSport

The month of April featured an unprecedented number of World Championships. Here is a look at how athletes from the United States faired.

Senior I Ten Dance Toronto, Canada, one of the largest cities in the nation, welcomed dancers to the IDSF World Championship Senior I Ten Dance on April 16, 2011. United States representatives Todd Marsden and Susanna Hardt danced to a 31st place finish in a field of 33 competitors in the Canadian hosted event.

Junior II Ten Dance The ancient city of Sant Cugat del Valles in Spain is well known for its growing population and beauty. It’s almost fitting that in this city of emerging futures that American rising talents Patryk Ploszaj and Anna Kaczmarski, fresh from Nationals win, would compete hard to a strong 14th place finish in a field of 34 competitors.

Senior II Standard In one of the largest competitive fields this year, Palma de Mallorca in Spain hosted the Senior II Standard competition. Hans Stork and Ans Stork danced to a 30th place finish while Takeshi Kawaratani and Annie Chan finished in a solid 151st place out of 222 competitors. The three-day event featured eight different IDSF events—a gathering of many of the world’s best talent in DanceSport.

Congratulations from USA Dance to all of our athletes!

orldsWIDSF

en DanceTSenior I

&tandardS Senior II

By Ivor Lee

en DanceT Junior II

Hans and Ans StorkPhoto courtesy of Hans and DSphoto

May - June 21www.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


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


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



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


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

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[email protected]

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Pasha Pashkov & Daniella Karagach Photo by: Carson Zullinger

For More Information visit www.usadance.org

NATIONALSC C

Qualifying Events for

USA Dance 2012 NationalDanceSport Championships

Gumbo DanceSport ChampionshipsBaton Rouge, LAJune 17 -18, 2011

Northwest DanceSort ChampionshipsSeattle, WAOct 22 - 23, 2011

Carolina Fall ClassicGreensboro, NCOct 7 - 9, 2011

Chicago DanceSport ChampionshipsChicago, ILNov 4 - 6, 2011

The QuakeSan Francisco, CANov 13, 2011

May - June 23www.USAdance.ORG

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.

June 17-18, 2011Gumbo DanceSport Championships—NQE

Baton Rouge, LA

July 30, 2011Southern Star Mid-Summer Classic*

Tampa, FL

July 30-31, 2011Heart & Soul of Ballroom Dance*

Fort Wayne, IN

September 18, 2011New Englad Fall Challenge

Glastony, CT

Sep 24, 2011Quest For the Best*

Seattle, WA

Events listed with the * do not accrue proficiency points

Oct 7-9, 2011Carolina Fall Classic-NQE

Greensboro, NC

Oct 22-23, 2011Northwest DanceSport Championships-NQE

Seattle, WA

Nov 4-6, 2011Chicago DanceSport Challenge-NQE

Chicago, IL

Nov 13, 2011The Quake-NQE

San Francisco, CA

Nov 20, 2011IDSF Adjudicatiors Congress

Collumbus, OH

24 DanceSport

The 2011 Mid-Atlantic Championships, hosted by the Mid-Eastern Chapter, were held with great acclaim on February 26 & 27, 2011. The event brought competitors from twenty eight states to Bethesda for 22 hours of intense dance competition. The event mixed in competitions in all age categories, from Pre-Teen to Senior III. Judges, competitors and spectators alike praised the event for the level of dance proficiency, the precision of the events and overall atmosphere.

The event represented the third consecutive year that the Mid-Eastern Chapter has hosted a National Qualifying event, so named as competitors qualify to dance at the USA National Championships.

Six hundred and fifty people registered as competitors at this year’s Mid-Atlantic Championships, an increase of 30% of last year. All the volunteers, the judging panel and officials had to work overtime to complete the schedule of events.

The event was held to qualify dancers for the USA Dance Nationals, but also to assist couples who demonstrate proficiency pursuit of their avocation. Almost $8000 in scholarships were awarded at the event.

For the competitors and spectators, the “face of the competition” is the dais where the officials sit. The 2011 Mid-Atlantic Championships were fortunate to retain all the people from the 2010 Mid-Atlantic Championships. This team, consisting of Dan Calloway, the Chairmen of Judges, Yang Chen, the Master of Ceremonies, Joe Huesmann, the event’s IT specialist, Len Diana, the scrutineer, Dawn Veillette Diana, the registrar, and John Hall, the deck captain, had worked together last two years. This year’s competition included PDAs for scoring.

The organizing committee was probably most proud of the large entries at the Bronze and Silver levels of the four styles of dancing: Latin, Standard, Rhythm and Smooth. The competitors at this level will hopefully stay involved with competitive dancing and USA Dance for many years to come.

Jack Reinhold

2011Mid-Atlantic Championships

photo by Rassi Borneo

2011 May - june 25www.USAdance.ORG

NATIONALS

“Through dance I get to create something new every time.”-Mike Monokandilos

2011

Mike Monokandilos & Cara LooPhoto by Ivor Lee

26 Nationals

Judges line the edge of the ballroom floor. They stand with PDA in hand, shuffling slightly to the music. Their feet move in an irresistible microcosm of foxtrot, waltz, jive. Next to them, two little girls, their forms barely taller than the VIP tables next to them, inspect the line between ballroom floor and carpet for lost rhinestones. They pick up the casualties, judging the sparkle of each with child-like wonder, and place them in a carefully held styrofoam cup.

A Collision of WorldsBy: Ivor Lee

Photos by Carson Zullinger


From the top of the risers and behind them, mothers and coaches call to their young athletes. In between the polite applause of the audience, and the next heats announcements from the emcee, costumed dancers march over after their time on the floor. What follows is a flurry of Russian, Czechoslovakian, and a myriad of other languages. The dancers dutifully nod—a chorus of “Yes, Dad.” Loving hands touch up make-up and reapply, dabbing up streams of sweat from their foreheads.

Volunteers man the doors, controlling the flow of traffic in and out of the ballroom. They keep a watchful eye over tickets, exchanging pleasant small talk with spectators as they enter. They run in and out of the ballroom, performing the million of small errands needed to keep Nationals running smoothly. Dancers warm up in any open space, practicing rehearsed moves, hoping that they can put everything they have on the dance floor.

Nationals is a collision of worlds. Each person has a story to tell. On April 8-11 of 2011, Baltimore collected some of these individual stories as it played host to the USA Dance National DanceSport Championships. Held in the Renaissance Harborplace Hotel on the inner harbor, the event proved to be a fast-paced, entertaining competition. The three day event gathered the best

28 Nationals

DanceSport athletes in the country, with each competitor hoping for the right to be crowned champion.

From the events in the ballroom to social events for all in attendance, Nationals featured something for everyone. There were dance workshops for social dancers, and even a lunch cruise around Baltimore’s inner harbor.“There’s always something to do, something to see,” said one attendee.

New champions were crowned, while some returned to defend their titles. Nationals featured all the drama and excitement that comes with a high caliber event. Even the annual regional competition proved to be highly entertaining for both competitors and spectators.

“We competed two days. It’s fantastic to see it,” said Richard Stewart, a competitor from Prairievill, Louisianna.

Some social dancers may wonder at why people dance competitively. The journey from beginning DanceSport to competing on the national level is long, but according to Richard Stewart and his partner Melanie Tiechner, very much worth it.

“Start now,” Tiechner said with a smile.

Nationals Sponsors 2011

Photos by Ivor Lee


Nationals Sponsors 2011

SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS (Title Sponsor)Arlene Yu Nadia Eftedal Holiday Ball Competition Erminio Stefano & Luana Conte Eugene Katsevman & Maria Manusova Victor Fung & Anastasia Muravyeva Larinda McRaven Dance Pants Scott & Sarah Coates USA Dance Central Florida Chapter # 6002 USISTD USA Dance Michigan Northern Lights Chapter #2048 USA Dance Royal Palm Chapter #6016 USA Dance Treasure Coast Chapter #6004 USA Dance Tidewater Chapter #6008 Spencer & Elena Nyemchek David & Connie Taylor Aida Renzo

Thank you for your support!

Photos by Ivor Lee

ERROL WILLIAMSON & VASHTI REEDPHOTO BY IVOR LEE

30 Nationals

Junior II Ten Dance

Junior II Latin

Youth Ten Dance Youth Latin

Youth Standard

The intensity of the dancers increases with each round and heat—their movements more dynamic, their expressions more passionate, forceful—the very embodiment, the very essence of each dance. Yet there was a different feeling in the room, a certain tension before each final determining the dancers on the world team. The crowd was on edge, anxious, to learn who would be the next world couple to represent the USA.

Patryk Ploszaj & Anna Kaczmarski

Patryk Ploszaj & Anna Kaczmarski

Nicholas Stevens & Alexandra Gutkovich

Errol Williamson & Vashti Reed

Errol Williamson & Vashti Reed

Daniel Shapiro & Catherine Kovalyova

Ron Garber & Ashley Goldman

Austin Joson & Gabrielle Sabler

World Team

Photos By: Carson Zullinger and Ivor Lee

1st 2nd1st 1st

1st 1st2nd 2nd

Patryk Ploszaj & Anna Kaczmarski1st

Junior II Standard

William Stansbury & Jenny Sokolsky2nd


Daniel Shapiro & Catherine Kovalyova

Adult Latin

Adult Standard

Adult Ten Dance

Senior I Latin

Senior I Standard Senior II Latin

Igor Mikushov & Margaretta Midura

Pasha Pashkov & Daniella Karagach

Valentin Chmerkovskiy& Daria Chesnokova

Ruslan Aydaev & Valeriya Kozharinova

Pasha Pashkov & Daniella Karagach

Xingmin Lu & Katerina Lu

David Wright & Liva Wright

Irsan Tisnabudi & Cami Tisnabudi

Thomas Chu & Olga Rogachevskaya

Paul M. Giuliano & Louise Giuliano

Sean Shiauh Wei Lin & Vivian Lin

Ph

oto

Co

ur

tesy o

f Viv

ian

Lin

1st 1st

1st 1st

1st 1st

2nd

2nd 2nd

2nd 2nd

32 Nationals

Finalists - USA Dance 2011 National DanceSport Championships

Amateur Junior II Championship Ten Dance (WTVFQSCRPJ)

1) 538 Patryk Ploszaj & Anna Kaczmarski - NY2) 577 Kamil Falkowski & Katarina Hermanova - NJ3) 176 Jaryd Farcon & Darya Ryndych - NJ4) 390 William Stansbury & Jenny Sokolsky - CA5) 470 Andrey Privado & Jenna Gaskil - MD6) 171 Alexei Mitchell & Alexis Turko - NJ

Amateur Junior II Championship Standard (WTVFQ)

1) 538 Patryk Ploszaj & Anna Kaczmarski - NY2) 390 William Stansbury & Jenny Sokolsky - CA3) 577 Kamil Falkowski & Katarina Hermanova - NJ4) 470 Andrey Privado & Jenna Gaskil - MD5) 176 Jaryd Farcon & Darya Ryndych - NJ6) 171 Alexei Mitchell & Alexis Turko - NJ

Amateur Junior II Championship Latin (SCRPJ)

1) 538 Patryk Ploszaj & Anna Kaczmarski - NY2) 296 Nicholas Stevens & Alexandra Gutkovich - TX3) 176 Jaryd Farcon & Darya Ryndych - NJ4) 517 Eric Rosenberg & Nicole Akhmerova - CA5) 555 Briant Leytman & Natasha Shevchenko - CA6) 240 Jonathan Zaika & Nicole Agaronnik - NY

Amateur Youth Championship Ten Dance (WTVFQSCRPJ)

1) 544 Errol Williamson & Vashti Reed - NY2) 594 Taras Savitskyy & Liya Podokshik - NJ3) 262 Austin Joson & Gabrielle Sabler - NJ4) 639 Daniel Shapiro & Catherine Kovalyova - NY5) 596 Kevin Morales & Anna Odessky - NY6) 107 Cezary Dyrda & Sandra Spernacka - NY

Amateur Youth Championship Standard (WTVFQ)

1) 544 Errol Williamson & Vashti Reed - NY2) 639 Daniel Shapiro & Catherine Kovalyova - NY3) 594 Taras Savitskyy & Liya Podokshik - NJ4) 600 Nicholas Kharlamov & Rochelle Kharlamov - FL5) 262 Austin Joson & Gabrielle Sabler - NJ6) 596 Kevin Morales & Anna Odessky - NY

Amateur Youth Championship Latin (SCRPJ)

1) 385 Ron Garber & Ashley Goldman - MA2) 262 Austin Joson & Gabrielle Sabler - NJ3) 544 Errol Williamson & Vashti Reed - NY4) 676 Phillip Kudryavtsev & Liza Lakovitsky - MA5) 266 Allen Rudman & Sandy Rabinovich - MA6) 594 Taras Savitskyy & Liya Podokshik - NJ

Amateur Adult Championship Ten Dance (WTVFQSCRPJ)

1) 454 Pasha Pashkov & Daniella Karagach - NY2) 488 Alexandre Tchernossitov & Regina Maziarz - NJ3) 699 Yuriy Nartov & Khyrstyne Barton - NY4) 327 Daniil Vesnovskiy & Anna Oblakova - NY5) 466 Dmitriy Vorobiev & Kseniya Sovenko - WA6) 504 Kani Liao & Annie he Xiao - NY7) 565 Jonathan Lyles & Mutsuko Ohnishi - MA

Amateur Adult Championship Standard (WTVFQ)

1) 476 Igor Mikushov & Margaretta Midura - NJ2) 454 Pasha Pashkov & Daniella Karagach - NY3) 696 Oskar Wojciechowski & Caroline Holody - NY4) 699 Yuriy Nartov & Khyrstyne Barton - NY5) 231 Kamil Nieroda & Gemma Louise Arnold - NJ6) 488 Alexandre Tchernossitov & Regina Maziarz - NJ7) 294 Sergio Dementyev & Toma Snieskaite - NY

Amateur Adult Championship Latin (SCRPJ)

1) 188 Valentin Chmerkovskiy & Daria Chesnokova - NJ2) 166 Ruslan Aydaev & Valeriya Kozharinova - NJ3) 116 Andrey Tarasov & Laura Kveladze - CA4) 454 Pasha Pashkov & Daniella Karagach - NY5) 167 Tal Livshitz & Vlada Semenova - NJ6) 457 Denys Drozdyuk & Antonina Skobina - NY

Amateur Adult Championship Nine Dance (WTFVCRSBM)

1) 247 Justin David & Marianna Melnikova - DE2) 267 Damian Pataluna & Irina Morozova - KY3) 524 Pavel Popov & Darina Chudnovskaya - PA4) 153 Christopher Ellwood & Jennifer Davis - CA



5) 473 Christopher Temple & Brittany St John - NC6) 505 Jeremy D. Anderson & Yuko T. Taniguchi - MN

Amateur Adult Championship Smooth (WTFV)

1) 645 Nels E. Petersen & Theresa L. Kimler - MN2) 112 Angus Sinclair & Susan S. Sidman - CA3) 247 Justin David & Marianna Melnikova - DE4) 189 Zachary Bordonaro & Vicky Gilbert5) 363 Jonathan Medlin & Malin Allert - NC6) 119 Larry Woodward & Jessica Bryant - KY

Amateur Adult Championship Rhythm (CRSBM)

1) 247 Justin David & Marianna Melnikova - DE2) 524 Pavel Popov & Darina Chudnovskaya - PA3) 439 Jean Paul Laurent & Carissa Chambers - NY4) 267 Damian Pataluna & Irina Morozova - KY5) 376 Adrian Lomeli & Michelle Graell - TX6) 153 Christopher Ellwood & Jennifer Davis - CA7) 583 Zedric Marrero & Lisbeth Acosta - NY8) 410 Christopher Roche & Rachel Surridge - CT

Amateur Adult Championship Theatre Arts

1) 224 Jack Kellner & Miyoung Kim - NY

Senior I Championship Am. Multi-Dance (WTFVCRSBM)

1) 258 Mark E. Gray & Jennifer Donnell-Weinaug - GA2) 222 Joe G. Medina & Sue Putzier - AZ3) 197 Edward Rogers & Trisha Rogers - CA4) 368 Stephen Gonzales & Natalya Franklin - VA

Senior I Championship Intl. Multi-Dance (WTVFQSCRPJ)

1) 587 Todd Marsden & Susanna Hardt - CA2) 612 Glenn R Wuennenberg & Bonnie Wuennenberg - NJ

Amateur Senior I Championship Standard (WTVFQ)

1) 137 Xingmin Lu & Katerina Lu - NY2) 496 David Wright & Liva Wright - CT3) 447 Andreas Meijer & Jody Frease - CA

4) 112 Angus Sinclair & Susan S. Sidman - CA5) 193 Turtle Brennen & Julie Hayes - CA6) 615 Joseph Huesmann & Stacey Friedman - MD

Amateur Senior I ChampionshipLatin (SCRPJ)

1) 272 Irsan Tisnabudi & Cami Tisnabudi - TX2) 540 Thomas Chu & Olga Rogachevskaya - NY3) 574 Roger Korsiak & Teresa Tison - CA4) 403 Sargon Ishaya & Rachael Coquilla - CA5) 152 SouHuei Nei & Jinfeng Suo - NY6) 378 Roger Wiblin & Kristen Hawkins - UT

Amateur Senior I ChampionshipSmooth (WTFV)

1) 112 Angus Sinclair & Susan S. Sidman - CA2) 572 Andrzej Lelewer & Mary Beth Beasley - NC3) 362 Mike Lynch & Rose-Ann Lynch - VA4) 693 Mike Shelton & Daneen Shelton - CO5) 284 Kurt Lemmer & Mary Lemmer - CT6) 130 David Tippett & Nadia Tippett - CO

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34 Nationals


Amateur Senior I ChampionshipRhythm (CRSBM)

1) 222 Joe G. Medina & Sue Putzier - AZ2) 258 Mark E. Gray & Jennifer Donnell-Weinaug - GA3) 667 Henry L. Hudson & Olivia V. Hudson - AZ4) 197 Edward Rogers & Trisha Rogers - CA5) 368 Stephen Gonzales & Natalya Franklin - VA

Senior II Championship Am.Multi-Dance (WTFVCRSBM)

1) 203 Daniel P. Fugazzotto & Janis Merluzzo - FL2) 197 Edward Rogers & Trisha Rogers - CA3) 243 Bill L. Underwood & Patti A. Underwood - PA4) 192 James E Herbert & Sharon Jones - RI5) 242 John D. Rominger & Sandra A. Rominger - WA

Senior II Championship Intl.Multi-dance (SCRPJWTVFQ)

1) 430 Sean Shiauh Wei Lin & Vivian Lin - NY2) 523 Paul M. Giuliano & Louise Giuliano - NY3) 649 Edward Huang & Corrina Huang - TX4) 474 Ricardo Kisner & Alicia J. Kisner - MI5) 292 John E. Linn & Kathy S. Linn - TN

Amateur Senior II ChampionshipStandard (WTVFQ)

1) 193 Turtle Brennen & Julie Hayes - CA2) 298 Hans Stork & Ans Stork - CA3) 319 Thomas Yu & Yuko Naululani Yu - MD4) 239 Glenn Okazaki & Anne Chang Ho - HI5) 283 Terry Yeh & Glendy Yeh - CA

Photo By: Ivor Lee



6) 650 Eugene J. Brockert & Jill Bradford - OH7) 357 Patrick J. Martone & Denise Martone - MA

Amateur Senior II ChampionshipLatin (SCRPJ)

1) 523 Paul M. Giuliano & Louise Giuliano - NY2) 430 Sean Shiauh Wei Lin & Vivian Lin - NY3) 652 Richard Y. Chiang & Iris T. Chiang - CA4) 203 Daniel P. Fugazzotto & Janis Merluzzo - FL5) 353 Robert A. Blank & Martha Estevez - CT6) 649 Edward Huang & Corrina Huang - TX

Amateur Senior II Championship Smooth (WTFV)

1) 362 Mike Lynch & Rose-Ann Lynch - VA2) 693 Mike Shelton & Daneen Shelton - CO3) 258 Mark E. Gray & Jennifer Donnell-Weinaug - GA4) 194 Joseph Brogan & Shelly Brogan - VA5) 284 Kurt Lemmer & Mary Lemmer - CT6) 130 David Tippett & Nadia Tippett - CO7) 172 Anthony Sanchez-Torres & Marina Sanchez-Torres - CA

Amateur Senior II ChampionshipRhythm (CRSBM)

1) 203 Daniel P. Fugazzotto & Janis Merluzzo - FL2) 197 Edward Rogers & Trisha Rogers - CA3) 667 Henry L. Hudson & Olivia V. Hudson - AZ4) 243 Bill L. Underwood & Patti A. Underwood - PA5) 160 Randy H. Henderson & Jean E. Henderson - FL6) 192 James E Herbert & Sharon Jones - RI7) 242 John D. Rominger & Sandra A. Rominger - WA

Senior III Championship Am.Multi-Dance (WTFVCRSBM)

1) 203 Daniel P. Fugazzotto & Janis Merluzzo - FL2) 243 Bill L. Underwood & Patti A. Underwood - PA3) 242 John D. Rominger & Sandra A. Rominger - WA

Senior III Championship Intl.Multi-Dance (WTVFQSCRPJ)

1) 523 Paul M. Giuliano & Louise Giuliano - NY2) 649 Edward Huang & Corrina Huang - TX3) 353 Robert A. Blank & Martha Estevez - CT

4) 292 John E. Linn & Kathy S. Linn - TN5) 663 Gary G. Reber & Haru K. Wladyka - VA

AMATEUR SENIOR III CHAMPIONSHIP STANDARD (WTVFQ)

1) 283 Terry Yeh & Glendy Yeh - CA2) 564 Hiroshi Kawanami & Juliana Kawanami - CA3) 660 Winston Chow & Lilly T.F. Chow - CA4) 310 Adel Ghoneimy & Karen Chow - CA5) 649 Edward Huang & Corrina Huang - TX6) 523 Paul M. Giuliano & Louise Giuliano - NY

AMATEUR SENIOR III CHAMPIONSHIPLATIN (SCRPJ)

1) 523 Paul M. Giuliano & Louise Giuliano - NY2) 652 Richard Y. Chiang & Iris T. Chiang - CA3) 353 Robert A. Blank & Martha Estevez - CT4) 203 Daniel P. Fugazzotto & Janis Merluzzo - FL5) 649 Edward Huang & Corrina Huang - TX6) 292 John E. Linn & Kathy S. Linn - TN

AMATEUR SENIOR III CHAMPIONSHIPSMOOTH (WTFV)

1) 113 Peter Greenslade & Sue Eldred - AZ2) 203 Daniel P. Fugazzotto & Janis Merluzzo - FL3) 234 Anthony Conger & Judith Dygdon - IL4) 243 Bill L. Underwood & Patti A. Underwood - PA5) 507 Walt J. Ward & Jan L. Ward - FL6) 242 John D. Rominger & Sandra A. Rominger - WA

Amateur Senior III Championship Rhythm (CRSBM)

1) 203 Daniel P. Fugazzotto & Janis Merluzzo - FL2) 243 Bill L. Underwood & Patti A. Underwood - PA3) 416 Darry Martin & Sarah Coates - AL4) 160 Randy H. Henderson & Jean E. Henderson - FL5) 264 William R. Urban & Jill D. Urban - PA6) 242 John D. Rominger & Sandra A. Rominger - WA

Photo By: Ivor Lee

36 Nationals

The number of participants in 2011 Treasure Tier reached an all time high. Over 30 couples attended and competed in USA Dance events in this last 2010-2011 cycle. We’d like to extend our gratitude and congratulations to those competing for their dedication of time and practice to make the National Qualifying events an even greater success.

The following 21 couples achieved the Ruby Tier by attending at least 4 National Qualifying Events: • Andrew Bershtein & Julia Aizman • Burt & Flo Jackson • C. Philip & Ann Carter • Carmine Rucco & Marie Bolyard • Clifford & Carrietta Pepper • Damian Pataluna & Irina Morozova • Daniel & Carole Barber • David & Connie Taylor • David & Liva Wright • Jerry & Jo Ann Snyder • Jonathan Towne & Leigha McReynolds • Joseph & Mary Louise Bates • Kevin & Louise Payne • Rockie & Mary Lou Troxler • Samuel & Renee Dapore-Schwartz • Scott Verden & Wen Kao • Ted & Eunmee Damianos • Tim Cannell & Dale Flowers • Thomas & Renee Malinowski • Thomas & Yuko Yu • Walt & Jan Ward

The following 4 couples achieved the Emerald Tier by attending at least 5-6 NQEs:

• Carl & Lelia Blevin • Peter Greenslade & Sue Eldred • Henry & Olivia Hudson • Robert & Deborah Pratico.

Only 1 couple, Joseph & Shelly Brogen, achieved the Diamond Tier by attending 7 NQEs—their second year in a row. Reflecting on their experience competing and attending NQEs, Shelly stated, “We have gained a lot more experience on the floor by participating in so many competitions. Competing has become fun and less stressful. It’s exciting to see our improvement over the years. By attending most of the NQEs, we’ve gotten to know our competitors from all over the country. We also

Treasure Tier 2011love the VIP seating at Nationals. Last year in LA we were sitting next to some of our favorite Dancing With The Stars pros.”

Each couple will receive lapel pins with a corresponding faux stone (ruby, emerald, or diamond), one (ruby), two (emerald) or three (diamond) free entries at nationals, one free program per couple, the couples’ names listed in the National program, and the couples’ names listed in the advertisement following Nationals. The Emerald Tier will receive VIP seating for one evening session of their choice at Nationals, and the Diamond Tier will get VIP seating for the entire weekend.

Congratulations to all those who achieved a Treasure Tier this last cycle. We hope more couples will continue to attend and compete in upcoming NQE’s for USA Dance.

By: Lorraine Fisher

Joseph & Shelly Brogen - winners of the Diamond Tier photo courtesy of Joseph & Shelly Brogen

2011 May - june 37www.USAdance.ORG37 DanceSport

38 Nationals

OOn the deck of the “Spirit of Baltimore,” USA Dance social dancers chatted amiably as a stiff stroked the length of the ship. For Jean Krupa, Vice-president of Social Dance, the deck was freezing. To a resident of Daytona, Florida, anything below 70 degrees is considered cold. Ben Moesley, a cheerful man with a ready smile, (also known as the guy that runs the usadance website) found the weather not too bad, since cold in his state could be defined as close to the 40s.

To this reporter, the overcast weather was fantastic. It snowed the morning we left for Baltimore, white-out conditions covering the roads.

So cold is relative to the regions we use to define ourselves. We each have labels that we use to define ourselves, and while regions determine a lot, the one that unifies us the most is “dancer.” USA Dance, after all, is about national unity and vision.

In the inner harbor, social dancers from all regions of USA Dance Boarded The Spirit of Baltimore. On the shore a booth advertised “Ice, Custard, Happiness,” an auspicious promise for those on

board the harbor cruise. The cruise was part of the festivities offered to Social Dancers at USA Dance’s National DanceSport Championship.

From how-to workshops to the cruise, there are many options for the social dancer attending Nationals.

On board, dancers mingled with each other, making new friends and talking about the many things that readily come up when people of similar hobbies get together. Ideas for chapters, physical struggles with dance, and intent expressions, marked the lunch provided by the ships crew: grilled rosemary chicken and baked salmon. Though hailing from different parts of the country, all conversations came to the conclusion that all of us are similar.

As the ship glided through the harbor, passengers wandered on deck to take in the sites of the Baltimore harbor. Crew members served dessert and sang smooth classics, like “Come Fly with Me.” With passengers thoroughly delighted, and the party winding down, a section of the floor cleared and dance music erupted through the ship. Dancers

Coldis a relative term

by Ivor Lee


crowded the floor, USA Dance members leading the way in swing and line dances. A celebratory pitch dictated the movement, and it felt like the conclusion of a movie with an impromptu dance party and smiles as the credits rolled.

Yet all of it is best summed up in the one over-arching universal truth: we are all dancers; we are all USA Dance.

40 Nationals

Doré Sponsors: Igor Mikushov & Margaretta MiduraAdult Standard

Doré Sponsors: William Stansbury & Jenny SokolskyJunior II Standard

Doré Sponsors: Eric Rosenberg & Nicole AkhmerovaJunior II Latin

“I absolutely love my dress. I feel so comfortable in it. I feel like its a work of art instead of a dress. I feel amazing in it. We haven’t used the new stones [before] and we feel it really makes a difference.” Margaretta Midura

Photos by ivor lee and carson zullinger


On the Runway...

Doré Sponsors: Pasha Pashkov & Daniella KaragachAdult 10-Dance

"Its not just about the amount of stones, but how they are put together." Pasha Pashkov

Doré Sponsors: Taras Savitskyy & Liya PodokshikYouth 10-Dance

SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS and four Top Fashion Designers Sponsor 10 Couples at National Championships.

42 Nationals

Designs to Shine Sponsors:Valentin Chmerkovskiy & Daria ChesnokovaAdult Latin

Designs to Shine Sponsors:Patryk Ploszaj & Anna KaczmarskiJunior II 10-Dance

Photos by ivor lee and carson zullinger


Elle Dance Studio Sponsors:Ron Garber & Ashley GoldmanYouth Latin

Deirdre of London Sponsors:Xingmin & Katerina LuSenior I Standard

Designs to Shine Sponsors: Daniel Shapiro & Katya KolvalyovaYouth Standard

“The costumes are beautiful. They make me feel good. We work really hard to defend our title, and Swarovski Elements are wonderful stones.”Xingmin & Katerina Lu

“I am so happy with the way this dress turned out. “ Katya Kolvalyova“I’m looking at this and just saying, wow, pretty, gorgeous.”David Shapiro

Photo by ©2011 Park West Photography

44 Nationals

Behind the

Scenes: Volunteers at Nationalsby: Ivor Lee

On the night before Nationals volunteers work the ballroom and the lobby, ironing out the thousand little details before the doors officially open the next day. By the time last volunteer leaves the ballroom to go to bed, it’s 3:30 AM, with a scant few hours before show time. In three short hours, bleary eyed volunteers holding cups of coffee open registration and begin the three-day event that is Nationals.

None of the glamor of Nationals would be possible without the small army of volunteers. They come from all walks of life. Some are college students working on undergraduate, masters, and doctorate degrees. Some are veterans of many ballroom competitions. Some are competitors. But one thing is certain: all are loyal and good friends.

The list of responsibilities of the volunteers that make nationals possible is as long as it is tiring. They stand long shifts by the door checking for tickets. They are ushers. They are clean-up crews. They are servers. They work the registration desk and the on-deck area. They line up dancers, they check them in. They offer a listening ear to an upset parent, or a coach. They set up the ballroom, they take it down.

Often they don’t even get a chance to see the competiton, so busy are they running everything else. They are embodiments of self-sacrifice, putting in the effort to make the event good. They are representative of USA Dance as a whole, hard-working determined—the driving spirit that makes USA Dance what it is.


USA Dance is a collection of stories. It’s about meeting new people and finding new friends. Take Hong Yuen Wong from Singapore, a PhD student at John Hopkins, who only started dancing six months ago. Even as he runs in and out of the ballroom, getting orders and filling drinks, he knows that he’s part of something special. The 27-year-old enjoys catching what glimpses he can of the competition between dances.

Some volunteers like Isabel Ishizuka, try to cram in homework during not-so-demanding assignments. She sits by the window in the judges lounge, reading from photocopied section of textbook. When the competition is over, it’s back to the grindstone. “I have homework still to catch up on,” she says.

All over USA dance from the MAC to the Gumbo and the Northwest DanceSport competition, volunteers are silent, long suffering from behind the scenes of the show. For some reason, they keep coming back. For the exhaustion of the tiring weekend and juggling regular full time jobs, they love what they do.

According to Debbie Russell, volunteer coordinator, “We do it because we love making friends, watching friends and because we enjoy dancing.”

photos by caron zullinger

46 InStep

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great dance party. Proud sponsors of the USA Dance National DanceSport Championships.

Desert Dance Club 690 E. Warner Rd., Ste 155, Gilbert AZ 85296 www.desertdanceclub.com Private and group instruction in social, exhibition & competitive dancing. Employ “Dance Masters” from all over the country to bring current cutting edge dance info for staff and students. Host monthly social dances. Studio available for private functions and parties.

Elegance in Ballroom & Latin Dance Studio Jessica Todero and Bob Gates, 8225 E. Washington St., Box 8, Chagrin Falls OH 44023, 440-543-1559, www.chagrinballroom.com Provide students with skills to dance socially and for showcases and competitions. Private and group lessons in wide variety of partner dances. Check out our Northcoast Ballroom Teachers Academy too.

ExquisiDance Ballroom Studio 3646 E. Ray Road, Phoenix, AZ 85044, Contact Michael Jewell Phone 480-706-0171 Email: [email protected] Website: www.ExquisiDance.com Ballroom dance instruction - Private and Group Classes, Competitions, Dance Parties, Ballroom Dance Shoes.

MBP Healthy Living Inc., Home of Ronnie Vinston’s Ballroom Dance Moves 200 Henry St. Suite 106 Belleville Mi 48111 email: [email protected] or [email protected] Phone: 1-800-743-0929 or 734-347-8537 Group and private lessons - Children ages 13 and up welcome.

J & B Dance CenterJean Keehan, 734 Broadway, Kingston NY 12401 - Phone: 914-331-3092 Email: [email protected]

North Carolina Ballroom Teachers College, Raleigh, NC Contact: Jillian Hood ph: 276-614-4595 email: [email protected] website: www.ncballroomdancecollege.comThe North Carolina Ballroom Teachers College offers a series of four sessions, each lasting 4 months that teaches the lead, follow and teaching method for the American Bronze DVIDA syllabus: 4 Smooth, 8 Rhythm and 5 Nightclub Dances. The course prepares candidates for the DVIDA professional certification exams.

Paso a Paso Ballroom Dance Provides instruction in all american style dances with group or private lessons available. Regular dance parties are offered for students/public to practice and socialize. Contact Barbara Putz, 317-696-1656, email: [email protected] website: www.tatesdance.com

Queen City Ballroom Dance Studio Provides instruction in all American styles Karen Tebeau, 21 Dow St., 2nd fl., Manchester NH 03101 - Email: [email protected]

Peoria School of Ballroom DanceCarmen Antonio Giuseppe Peoria120 Peoria Lane, Youngwood, PA 15697Phone: 724-925-3884e-mail: [email protected] in both Am. & Int’l Beg. & competitive levels

TRAVEL

Compass Speakers & Entertainment Inc.The Gentleman Host® Program - Tracy Robison, 2455 E. Sunrise Blvd. #804, Ft Lauderdale FL 33304 - Leading supplier of Gentlemen Dance Hosts ® to the luxury cruise industry Phone 954-568-3801, Email: [email protected] website: www.compassspeakers.com

OTHER

Competition Management Services Inc.Mark Garber, Atlanta GA On-line registration, scheduling & payment for dance competitions - Phone: 770-645-8707 FAX: 770-645-6350 Email: [email protected] - Website: http://competitorregister.com/

Show Off Strapswww.showoffstraps.com. Customized bra straps worth showing off. Contact Susan Ratcliff. Phone: 1-888-578-7277. Email: [email protected].

SPORTS ORGANIZATIONS NATIONALS

United States Rock ‘N’ Roll Dance FederationUSA Dance National Sports Organization Member - 92 Corporate park, Ste. C-572 - Irvine, CA 92606-5106 - Phone: 714-832-1085 Website: www.usdanceteams.org


Second Annual USA DANCE National Dance Cruise, December 4-11, 2011,

Last year’s cruise was a sell out and cabins are limited,

so book NOW!

Dance Cruise 2011 ad.indd 1 4/19/11 12:29:25 PM

NATIONALSUSA DANCE

Crowning Champions

USA Dance National

DanceSport Championships

Baltimore, MD

March 30 - April 1, 2012

America’s DanceSport Championswww.usadancenationals.org

American Dancer-May-June

Documents

Transcript of American Dancer-May-June