AMERICAN DANCER Magazine - May-July 2016 Issue by AMERICAN DANCER MAGAZINE

May-July 2016

USA DANCE 2016 NATIONALS

CROWNING CHAMPIONS USA DanceSport’s Finest Moments

America’s Best On The Podium

Official publication of USA Dance Inc.

For all your dancing needs Dresses, Menswear, Shoes, Fabrics, Media

www.dsi-london.com Just enter the promotional code USADANCE when placing your order and receive 10% off

May-July 2016 DEPARTMENTS

5 President’s Message

27 Socially Yours

6 Milestones

42 USA Dance 2016-2017

Peter Pover, President of USA Dance Action Report from USA Dance National

By Jean Krupa, Social Dance VP

DanceSport Calendar

22 Grassroots

Chapter Highlights & Achievements

FEATURES

12 Cover Story

Crowning America’s Champions USA Dance 2016 National DanceSport Championships in Baltimore By Angela Prince

Carson Zullinger

Thriller! More Halloween mischief at the Chicago DanceSport Challenge NQE, annual costume USA Dance launches new USAan Dance University contest tradition for DanceSport competitors. educational arm with first Nationals Preparation Weekend Massachusetts. Story pp.in 34-35.

10 USA Dance University Camp

Nationals Prep Weekend Launches New Educational Arm in USA

20 WDSF Open World Ranking Tournaments

at Nationals – Senior I, Adult Latin & Standard

21 USA Dance Senior IV National

DanceSport Championships – Results

from Mid-Atlantic Championships

28 On the Dance Floor Runway

What’s Trending at Nationals in Ballroom Fashion for 2016?

30 The Great American Holidays: Kevin Ladd

Road Trip Columbus. The annual National Judi Chapman Collegiate DanceSport Championships, hosted by USA Dance in partnership with Sam Sodano, USA Dance’s youngest-ever competitors in the to brought 920 collegiate dancers from 42 schools Orlando Chapter’s Youth DanceSport the dance floor for Ultimate the largest dance “pep rally” in Challenge – the Under-Two-Year-Old Division. America! Story pp. 24-27.

Endless Excuses to Social Dance

32 Mid-Atlantic Championships in Bethesda, Last Chance National Qualifying Event

Lisa Dubinsky

From the USA Dance Nationals dancefloor, Youth 10-Dance Championship couples for their final round.

36 Ask The Dance Historian

The Forgotten Art of the Social Dance Party

By Forrest Outman

40 In the Heart of Old World Belgium WDSF Senior IV World Standard

Perspectives from America’s Seniors

43 Orlando Chapter Hosts First Youth, Special Needs Dance Competition

44 From the Land of the Midnight Sun WDSF Grand Slam, Open Events Attract USA Championship Athletes

34 American Smooth Finds Global Momentum 46 ‘Legacies of Dance: Tribute to Ann Smith By Rose-Ann Lynch

By Darry Smith

FRONT COVER: At the 36th USA Dance National DanceSport Championships in Baltimore are the new National Champions Kristers Smits & Sophie Shvartsman (NY) and in the foreground Vice-Champions Tyler Li & Anjelica Lowe (CA) in Junior II Latin, Standard and 10-Dance. Photo Credit: Lisa Dubinsky. BACK COVER: The USA Dance 2016 Nationals in Baltimore brought America’s finest ballroom and Latin dancers to the floor for three memorable days of competition and celebration. The 2017 Nationals returns to Baltimore, Mar. 31 – Apr. 2, 2017. In the spotlight: Samuel Hacke & Katarina Hermanova, new Under-21 Ten-Dance National Champions. Photo Credit: Lisa Dubinsky CORRECTIONS: In the March-April issue, Kristers Smits & Sophie Shvartsman’s Open World Ranking Tournament results from MAC 2016 were placed incorrectly under a heading WDSF Junior II World Championship Placements. In the 2015 Junior II Latin World Championship, they placed 11th as semifinalists. At the National Collegiate DanceSport Championships, the University of Michigan accumulated 15,409 points rather than 5,409 reported in the January-February issue.

May-July 2016

regular contributors ANGELA PRINCE Public Relations Director

May-July 2016

Official Publication of USA Dance, Inc.

Angela Prince is the publisher/editor in chief of American Dancer Magazine. She has served as National Public Relations Director for USA Dance, Inc. since 2007. Her responsibilities include integrated communications, publicity, social media relations, sponsorship development, promotional support and brand management.

2016/Issue 60

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

JEAN KRUPA

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

Editorial Staff: Publisher/Editor In Chief Angela F. Prince Design and Production SPARK Publications sparkpublications.com Photography Staff Carson Zullinger, Advisor Lisa Dubinsky

KEN RICHARDS Senior Vice President

Advertising Angela F. Prince

Ken Richards is the newly appointed Senior Vice President of USA Dance. He has served as DanceSport Vice President since 2006, completing approximately four elected terms of office. As Senior Vice President, Ken assists the President and Governing Council on all priority areas of the national organization. Ken is also a twice-elected member of the Presidium of the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) and a Licensed WDSF Examiner.

Printing Publishers Press, Inc. Subscription: American Dancer, the official publication of USA Dance, Inc., is published five to six times a year for the membership and is included in annual membership dues. Subscription cost to non-members within the USA: $25/year Submissions: American Dancer welcomes submissions of unsolicited articles, photos and other graphics. All submissions become the property of American Dancer magazine and are not returned to the sender. American Dancer reserves the right to edit all materials for space, content, grammatical and preferential reasons. Preferred method of editorial submissions is by written proposal to the editor who will initially review the story ideas and materials and make a final decision whether to request more information and/or publish. Submissions should be sent to americandancer@usadance.org with AMERICAN DANCER submission/name of sender/story header on the email subject line. Photo submissions must be high-resolution jpegs (minimum 300-600 dpi and preferably 2400 x 3600 pixels) and American Dancer retains all first-usage rights to submitted copy and photographs/digital images. PUBLISHER’S OFFICE: AF Prince Associates 704-888-3073 Email: AmericanDancer@usadance.org

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

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

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

American Dancer | www.americandancer.org

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

MISSION STATEMENT:

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

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

resident’s Message

am writing one week after the end of another very successful National DanceSport Championship. The three days of competition were filled with great performances, and the event ran so smoothly that I am in awe of Ann Durocher and her teams of cheerful and energetic volunteers. The Annual Member Meeting was well attended, and members asked pointed questions, particularly about strategic planning and financial control. They were shown the association’s IRS Form 990, and advised about future filings. Several members approached me at the championships, and also at all four of my visits to Chapter events this year, about our relationship with the NDCA. In some instances the questioner suggested that it was within our power to improve matters. I regret to say that this is not feasible, not possible. But I understand that many of our members may not understand the chain of events that led to the current situation. And so, I will attempt in subsequent issues of the magazine to provide a factual outline of the history of our relationship, and the events that led to where we are now. One very striking feature of the Championships was the wide range of age groups. The pre-teens showed exceptional talent, and the Senior II and III gave splendid displays of skill and stamina. The evidence was overwhelming that DanceSport is there for all ages, and that the health benefits cannot be overstated. In many of the events, the first and second placed couples became eligible to represent their country in future World Championships all over the world. And based on what I witnessed, they will acquit themselves very well. I had planned to present Honorary Lifetime Memberships to three of our older volunteers at the Championships. Sadly, two honorees were unable to attend due to health reasons, and I decided to make the presentation to the third on a future date. We should never lose sight of those who helped establish, and build this organization, but in the hustle and bustle of

the “now” it is only too easy to forget those who made it all possible This is, of course, an election year for USA Dance. The GC held meeting in May to review voting procedures, including the possible use of electronic voting. A committee, chaired by Leland Whitney, has been working hard to ensure that all runs smoothly. I hope that these efforts will be rewarded by a much larger turnout than we have experienced in the past. I hope you all enjoy a wonderful and healthful summer.

Peter Pover

National President USA Dance, Inc.

May-July 2016

Milestones

UNPRECEDENTED MILESTONE

FOR USA DANCESPORT COMPREHENSIVE 10-DANCE WDSF SYLLABUS NOW

ACCEPTED FOR USA DANCE SYLLABUS COMPETITIONS By Dan Calloway , USA Dance, Invigilation Committee Chair

In May 2013, the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) published its 10 syllabus technique books, one for each International style dance, encompassing the most exciting and highly developed basic syllabus in the world. Now, three years after its introduction, USA Dance has accepted the complete 10-dance syllabus for use in all sanctioned competitions, beginning with the 2016 New England DanceSport Championships, a National Qualifying Event, held May 13-14, in Boston. The new figures are now permissible in all dances, with the syllabus for Viennese Waltz expanded from seven figures to 37 figures. These WDSF figures are detailed in the books, accompanied by extensive technical information found in no other dance books in the world. The WDSF books have been readily available in Europe for three years and are most easily purchased online by Americans from DSI London (USA Dance’s new sponsorship partner).

Standard Division. USA Dance Nationals.

Carson Zullinger

Latin Division. USA Dance Nationals.

Carson Zullinger

To Order WDSF Standard/Latin Technique Books http://www.dsi-london.com The WDSF categorizes many of the pre-existing figures at different levels from the original bronze, silver or gold levels. These figures will now be allowed at whatever level they appear in either technique system. For example, if a figure was originally gold but is silver in the WDSF system, that figure may be used at either level. More specifically, if the Hover Feather in the Foxtrot is silver in the traditional syllabus, but bronze in the WDSF Foxtrot, the figure will therefore be accepted at both levels from now on. The addition of these new techniques and figures removes a substantial barrier in the development of American competitive dancing relative to European training and is the most exciting single change to the vital, basic stage of our dancers’ development in our lifetimes. Non-competitive dancers will benefit equally with competitive dancers as they train for social dancing, medal tests and showcase performances. Watch for training camps and workshops under the USA Dance University program. An instructor’s program certification is also available.

American Dancer | www.americandancer.org

Syllabus Awards. USA Dance Nationals. Lisa Dubinsky

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR

Honoring SYLVIA ROSE

BOARD MEMBER, Greater Memphis Chapter 2012 – DISTRICT 8

David Chin

Minnesota Chapter 2011 Board Members: Dan Fitzgerald, Membership Coordinator; Karen Maldonado, Project Dance Coordinator; Leland Whitney, President; Leslie Whitney, Secretary; Ed Soltis, Vice-President/Communications Coordinator; Carol Post, Tea Dance Coordinator; Jane Phipps, Treasurer; Joyce Thompson, Dance/Volunteer Coordinator; Tom Crable, Editor, Minnesota Dancer.

USA DANCE ANNOUNCES NATIONAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS CHAPTER OF THE YEAR

Honoring MINNESOTA CHAPTER 2011 – DISTRICT 2 President: Leland Whitney Every year, the Minnesota Chapter 2011 sets its bar high and with an experienced team in charge, puts in action a well-orchestrated plan for its annual member and community programs. And the team’s highly visible efforts attract an admirable level of support and engagement from a diverse membership that has grown to nearly 400 (while adding more than 160 new members just during the past calendar year). Having a new member recruitment game plan has become the Chapter’s best platform for growth, and the chapter puts a high priority on consistent, meaningful communications – website, emails using Constant Contact, social media, professional photography, lots of personal invitations and a highly engaging 28-32page monthly magazine Minnesota Dancer, which can also be viewed on the chapter website. The Minnesota Chapter as a 501c3 charitable organization has been successful in

receiving grant money from the Minneapolis Institute of the Arts, and these funds support the Chapter’s weekly Project Dance, which offers beginner dance lessons at a local dance studio. The Chapter has a good balance of social dancers and DanceSport competitors, who work closely together to achieve Chapter goals. Through performance, the Minnesota Chapter has become increasingly active in the local community. One of their higher profile activities involves the Chapter’s Viennese Waltz Formation team, which has a strong senior component. The team performs at the Chapter’s annual spring Tea Dance and various community events. Funds from the Minneapolis Institute of the Arts, in celebration of the MIA organization’s 100th Anniversary, helped fund the team’s performance at Mall of America and other programs. The Chapter’s support to youth involves three tiers -- a local Collegiate dance club, Dancing Classrooms’ nine 5th grade classes and funding scholarships for its own aspiring DanceSport athletes.

USA Dance is so fortunate to have thousands of volunteers and supporters at all levels. The total amount of time given every week would be a daunting number that one could only guestimate. Every member who joins, attends activities or helps with tasks makes important contributions, but, as common within all volunteer organizations, there will always be the select few who give more, who make volunteering a vital part of their lifestyle and, as a result, deserve more of our gratitude and recognition. Meet Sylvia Rose, board member of the Greater Memphis Chapter 2012, who is described by her peers in many ways – a real dynamo, zestful, relentless about details, caring, passionate. As the new National Volunteer of the Year, Sylvia is a true inspiration to her Chapter. And since Greater Memphis is known for taking on big and bigger projects, Sylvia is a driving force no matter the event -- annual fundraisers for the local children’s hospital, creative theme parties that don’t miss a detail, dance lessons that reached more than 1,000 students this past year and strong membership recruitment. And, for those who thought social media was a millennial thing, there’s hardly a day you don’t find Sylvia on Facebook posting, sharing and connecting with members throughout the country. That’s in addition to her media publicity efforts with local newspapers and tv. It’s probably best that Sylvia doesn’t keep track of her volunteer time every week.

Presenting the Volunteer of the Year Award to Sylvia Rose, Jane Hester, Greater Memphis Chapter Volunteer Chair, and Robert White, Chapter President.

May-July 2016

Milestones

HISTORIC MOMENT AT USA DANCE NATIONALS

FIRST IN WORLD TO IMPLEMENT CHAIR OF JUDGES VERIFICATION OF SCORING FROM THE FLOOR

Lisa Dubinsky

USA Dance 2016 Nationals Chair of Judges Renata Shvarts implements new WDSF Adjudicator Scoring Verification process, following the final round of the four WDSF World

Ryan Kenner/The MAC NQE

WDSF 2016 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS USA Dance, as one of 92 member organizations in the World DanceSport Federation, selects Championship-level National Finalists every year from the Junior II, Youth, Under-21, Adult, Senior I through IV divisions, to officially represent the United States at the WDSF World Championships and Cups, The World Games and World DanceSport Games. To support our country’s aspiring athletes, USA Dance encourages its members and chapters to contribute to the scholarship funding that supports their training and necessary travel expenses. USA Dance is a 501c3 charitable organization, as classified by the Internal Revenue Services. Please contact USA Dance at central-office@usadance.org or development-dir@usadance.org for further details. Date

Location

Discipline

Division

Event Type

4-Jun

Kosice, Slovakia

Latin

Senior II

World Championship

4-Jun

Timisoara, Romania

Standard

Junior II

World Championship

9-Jul

Kitakyushu, Japan

Standard

Youth

World Championship

10-Jul

Rimini, Italy

Standard

Senior III

World Championship

3-Sep

Prague, Czech Republic

Latin

Under 21

World Championship

17-Sep

Sofia, Bulgaria

Ten Dance

Junior II

World Championship

24-Sep

Wetzlar, Germany

Ten Dance

Under 21

World Championship

24-Sep

Chengdu, China

Latin

Adult

World Championship

25-Sep

Chengdu, China

ShowDance Standard

Adult

World Championship

25-Sep

Chengdu, China

ShowDance Latin

Adult

World Championship

8-Oct

Boston, USA

Standard

Senior I

World Championship

9-Oct

Boston, USA

Ten Dance

Senior I

World Championship

15-Oct

Antalya, Turkey

Standard

Senior II

World Championship

15-Oct

Chisinau, Moldova

Latin

Junior II

World Championship

29-Oct

Platja d’Aro, Spain

Standard

Under 21

World Championship

30-Oct

Platja d’Aro, Spain

Ten Dance

Senior II

World Championship

4-Nov

Riga, Latvia

Ten Dance

Adult

World Cup

Ranking Tournament events. This

5-Nov

Riga, Latvia

Ten Dance

Youth

World Championship

new process will be implemented

12-Nov

Aarhus, Denmark

Standard

Adult

World Championship

throughout the world at all WDSF

19-Nov

Vienna, Austria

Ten Dance

Adult

World Championship

World Championships, Cups and

17-Dec

Riga, Latvia

Latin

Youth

World Championship

Open Events.

Pending

TBD

Latin

Senior I

World Championship

American Dancer | www.americandancer.org

DSI LONDON SIGNS PARTNERSHIP AGREEMENT WITH USA DANCE, PROVIDING MEMBER BENEFITS

USA Dance, Inc. proudly announces a major benefit program for all interested USA Dance members and affiliates. Effective today, USA Dance and DSI London have launched an official partnership which will benefit both USA Dance members and the organization’s ongoing educational dance programs. This celebratory and unique collaboration between USA Dance and DSI London provides a direct financial benefit to all USA Dance social and DanceSport members, from youth to adult, who will receive a 10% discount off of any and all retail purchases from the DSI London online catalogs. USA Dance members will simply provide an official discount code

when ordering. The 2016 DSI London retail catalogs are easily accessible from the DSI website www. dsi-london.com and offer the most extensive collections of online dance products and services in the industry. Catalogs include girls and ladies ballroom and latin dresses for practice and competition, boys and menswear for practice and competition; accessories such as jewelry, ornaments, eyelashes, tights and fake tan; fine crystals by Swarovski and Preciosa; dance shoe collections for practice and competition from jazz and social dance to ballroom, latin and tango; CD and DVD libraries include general dance,

technique, fitness and nutrition; distinctive fabrics, laces, fringe and trimmings for custom costume designing; and more. In addition, the new WDSF Syllabus books for International Latin and Standard are also available to members online at the 10% discount. (See story in Milestones, page 6.) From the USA Dance website homepage at www.USADANCE.org, members will click on the DSI “ad” to access the DSI London online website and catalogs. When ordering products, members will add the discount code USADANCE in the appropriate coupon box. See DSI London advertisement – page 2/inside front cover.

NEW DANCESPORT COUNCIL DELEGATE:

NICOLE PALAGASHVILI, BOSTON

Carson Zullinger

Nicole Palagashvili, DanceSport member from Boston, now serves on the USA Dance DanceSport Council, representing athletes throughout the country. She joined the DSC in March, following the approval of her appointment by the Governing Council of USA Dance. Nicole’s love of ballroom dancing actually began at the age of 10. Five years later she began competing in both International Standard and Latin. In 2013, she began dancing with her current partner Fernando Lareu and in 2014 were selected by USA Dance to represent the United States at the WDSF Under-21 World Standard Championship. At the recent USA Dance 2016 National DanceSport Championships, she and Fernando became National Vice Champions (2nd place) in the highly competitive Adult Championship Standard division and 3rd in the WDSF Open Adult Standard World Ranking Tournament held in Baltimore. As a result, she and Fernando are eligible to represent the U.S. at the upcoming WDSF Adult Standard World Championship in Denmark in November. When off the dance floor, Nicole attends Wentworth Institute of Technology, where she studies Architectural Interior Design; afterwards each day, she practices and teaches dance. Her other interests include art, piano and traveling. May-July 2016

USA DANCE LAUNCHES USA DANCE UNIVERSITY New Educational Framework for Athlete Training

ith 120 athletes attending and the support of 20 coaches and instructors, the new athlete training camp “Nationals Preparation Weekend” officially launched the USA Dance University educational arm in March, one week prior to the USA Dance National DanceSport Championships in Baltimore. The camp was open to all athletes, whether they had qualified for Nationals’ top 65% or not, and both International and American

styles of dance were offered. USA Dance University was inspired by the successes of the USA Dance pilot training camp held at the USOC Training Facility at Lake Placid, NY, where USA Dance athletes were introduced to training best practices available to Olympic athletes. In fact, most of the USA Dance couples who attended the camp at Lake Placid have continued to progress in their training to become among America’s top amateur athletes on the floor today.

Carson Zullinger

Lisa Dubinsky

American Dancer | www.americandancer.org

Carson Zullinger

USA DANCE UNIVERSITY First Encounter. An Athlete’s Perspective. By Florin Vlad & Natalia O’Connor, Adult Championship Athletes (from Vermont) In the afternoon were the private It was a beautiful Saturday mornlessons, rounds (stamina practice) ing in late March. We were so excited and even a special lecture about USA for the upcoming weekend that we Dance and its development, exwere up way before the alarm clock plained by Ken Richards, Senior VP signaled it was time to go. of USA Dance. We were in the lively suburb of Last but not least, as well as our Boston, MA called Natick. Now to a favorite part of the day, a Q&A with regular person this town might not all the teachers participating at the mean much, but for over 120 camp. Each one of us could ask any DanceSport athletes, numerous question, and we must say that all high-level teachers and other volunteachers did an amazing job clarifyteers, Natick was for a weekend The ing some important issues that were Capital of DanceSport in the United brought up. States. It was time for The USA Overall, we believe that the camp Dance University Camp -- a great was a great success. chance for everyone to improve their We would actually like to emphaunderstanding regarding this beautisize the importance that the USA ful and unique sport. Dance University Camp Program The camp took place at the statecontinues the development started a of-the-art facility Todos Dance & Fitfew years ago by USA Dance with a ness Studio. As soon as you entered, similar camp at the USOC Training you were given an envelope with all Facility in Lake Placid, NY, and that the information needed including the these camps become more frequent schedule of the activities and your in the future. They give athletes an eventual private lessons. We thought immense opportunity to learn from this was very helpful for the athletes. top class local and international The schedule was well structured teachers, as well as dance alongside with short lectures, as well as physthe nation’s best amateur couples. ical training in the morning session.

Lisa Dubinsky

USA DANCE UNIVERSITY DANCE CAMP WEEKEND STATS •1 0 United States Coaches •4 European Coaches - Italy (2), Germany, Ukraine •3 Personal Trainers •1 WDSF Certified Trainer/Examiner •1 Yoga Instructor •1 Sports Performance Coach •2 Days of seminars, workshops, practice rounds, private lessons •1 20 athletes attended •3 Countries Attending: United States, Ecuador, Belorussia •1 0 States Attending: CA, CT, MA, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, UT, VT •D ance Focus: Standard, Latin, Smooth & Rhythm Website: www.usadancecamp.org

Lisa Dubinsky Lisa Dubinsky

May-July 2016

over Story

USA DANCE 2016 NATIONAL DANCESPORT CHAMPIONSHIPS

April 1–3, 2016 - Renaissance HarborPlace Hotel – Baltimore Mike Monokandilos & Sophia Brodsky (CA) Youth 10-Dance National Champions Lisa Dubinsky

AMERICA’S

BEST Athletes for PINNACLE PLATFORM

American Dancer | www.americandancer.org

AMATEUR DANCESPORT

he very first USA Dance National DanceSport Championships was held in Baltimore in 1980, and since that historic starting point for amateur DanceSport, this annual threeday event has provided the competitive platform from which America’s very best dancers showcase their exceptional athletic and artistic talents. At Nationals, the audience feel the excitement – it’s in the air. Some closer to the dancers may share their nervousness, parents and coaches included, but only the DanceSport athletes standing on deck know the undefinable feelings of readiness, exhilaration and kinetic energy, as they wait for that “moment of truth” first dance, when, hopefully, it all comes together. Throughout the past 36 years, many of today’s best known dancers came to the USA Dance Nationals competition floor with the same dreams and aspirations, hoping to perform their best ever and redefine their careers as they stepped onto the podium of champions. Dancing With The Stars professionals Val Chmerkovskiy, Anna Trebunskaya, Inna Brayer and Anna Demidova were all National Champions. Other DWTS pros competed in the finals and

semi-finals at Nationals, including Maks Chmerkovskiy, Mark Ballas, Derek Hough, Brian Fortuna, Julianne Hough, Cheryl Burke, Edyta Sliwinska & Alec Mazo, Jonathan Roberts, and Ashly DelGrosso-Costa. And Troupe member Kiki Nyemchek is a National Champion, 2016. Then, there have been numerous professional instructors, coaches and adjudicators at one time National Champions -- Eugene Katsevman & Maria Manusova (11X), Victor Fung (9X) & Liene Apale (2X), German Mustuc & Andrea Hale (2X), Mario Battista & Elena Battista and Stanley McCalla & Jennifer Ford (3X). USA Dance National President Peter Pover was also a National Champion in 1981. Bragging rights? Absolutely. USA Dance is extremely proud of its athletes, and all the hard work, dedication and inspiration that our support family of dance teachers and coaches, parents, siblings and friends, Chapters and volunteers, adjudicators and officials, and other affiliated organizations have brought to amateur DanceSport.

Lisa Dubinsky

Above: Where it all begins. Pre-Teen I Bronze Bonus Latin -- Ivan Shurin & Valerie Snitko (PA), 5th. Left: Roger Korsiak & Holli Hornlien (CA) Senior II Latin National Champions

Carson Zullinger

The USA Dance Nationals “Winners Circle” is available online at www. usadance.org and in the Nationals 2016 event program, pages 20-27. Lisa Dubinsky

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR NATIONALS 2017!

Above: Kinsley Lin & Michelle Liu (CA) Youth Standard National Vice Champions

USA Dance Nationals will return to Baltimore, March 31 – April 2, 2017. First National Qualifying Events was the New England DanceSport Championships in May. Next up are the New Jersey DanceSport Classic/Summer Sizzler, June 11-12 and Gumbo DanceSport Championships in Baton Rouge, LA, June 24-26.

Lisa Dubinsky

Kiki Nyemchek & Magda Fialek (NJ) Adult Latin National Champions

Left: Joshua Ginzburg & Elizabeth Frumkin (MA) Junior I Latin, Standard, 10-Dance National Champions

Carson Zullinger Lisa Dubinsky

Mike Lynch & Rose-Ann Lynch (VA) Senior III Championship National Standard Champions

Darry Martin & Jil Coe (GA) Senior III Rhythm National Champions

May-July 2016

Senior I Championship Standard Lisa Dubinsky

USA DANCE 2016 NATIONAL DANCESPORT CHAMPIONSHIPS ON THE PODIUM: AMERICA’S FINEST ATHLETES TRIUMPHANT

or America’s top athletes, the year-long journey to the USA Dance National DanceSport Championships is one of great anticipation only the athlete can fully appreciate. To compete at Nationals, couples must score in the top 65% of their divisions at the National Qualifying Events and train all year to dance at their highest level. For the more seasoned athletes, the challenge is ultimately to be make it into the final rounds. And sometimes they must start in quarter-finals to get there, hoping their 14

technical proficiency and artistic talents will be acknowledged as the adjudicators begin their elimination process. And in the Championship divisions, from Junior I to Senior IV, when the last measure is danced and couples line up for the final “moment of truth”, there’s nothing more triumphant than hearing the emcee call the new champions to the podium. The top three placements in the Championship divisions – American Rhythm, Smooth and Nine-Dance and International

American Dancer | www.americandancer.org

Latin, Standard and 10-Dance – are recognized in this issue of American Dancer (pages 15-19), plus the top three winners of the four WDSF World Ranking Tournaments held at the USA Dance Nationals (page 20) and the Senior IV National Finalists, who competed in February at the Mid-Atlantic Championships NQE (page 21). MARK YOUR CALENDARS. USA Dance 2017 Nationals in Baltimore, March 31, April 1-2, 2017. Note new National Qualifying Events in the DanceSport Calendar, page 42.

Gala Chka

Junior I Championship Latin (SCRPJ)

Junior I Championship Standard (WTVFQ)

Joshua Ginzburg & Elizabeth Frumkin - MA

Joshua Ginzburg & Elizabeth Frumkin – MA

Sasha Zhukov & Shelly Umansky – PA

Kristian Evstigneev & Monica Kiselyuk – NY

David Kobus & Maya Kulagowski – NY

Carson Zullinger

Junior II Championship Latin (SCRPJ)

Gala Chka

Junior I Championship Ten-Dance (SCRPJWTVFQ)

Ryan Kenner

Kristers Smits & Sophie Shvartsman - NY

Joshua Ginzburg & Elizabeth Frumkin - MA

Junior I Championship Smooth (WTFV)

Tyler Li & Anjelica Lowe – CA

Kristian Evstigneev & Monica Kiselyuk – NY

Nathaniel Chen & Liza Shlimovich – CA

Kevin Filipczak & Danielle Malpa – NJ

Ryan Kenner

Carson Zullinger

Junior II Championship Standard (WTVFQ)

Junior II Championship Ten-Dance (SCRPJWTVFQ)

Kristers Smits & Sophie Shvartsman – NY

Kristers Smits & Sophie Shvartsman - NY

Tyler Li & Anjelica Lowe – California

Tyler Li & Anjelica Lowe – CA

Daniel Kidon & Evelynne Chin – NJ

Mark Starovoytov & Sophia Elkin – MA

Carson Zullinger

Youth Championship Latin (SCRPJ) Ryan Kenner

Mike Monokandilos & Sophia Brodsky - CA

Junior II Championship Smooth (WTFV)

Murat Medzhidov @ Valerie Dubinsky - MA

Joshua Lishnevetsky & Angela Gerzberg – NY

Nathaniel Chen & Liza Shlimovich – CA

May-July 2016

Carson Zullinger

Youth Championship Ten-Dance (SCRPJWTVFQ)

Youth Championship Standard (WTVFQ) 1

Justin Lin & Sasha Dubinsky - MA

Mike Monokandilos & Sophia Brodsky - CA

Kinsley Lin & Michelle Yiu - CA

Murat Medzhidov & Valerie Dubinsky - MA

Murat Medzhidov & Valerie Dubinsky – MA

Yusif Amsatr & Naomi Spektor – PA

Carson Zullinger

Under 21 Championship Latin (SCRPJ) Ryan Kenner

Lisa Dubinsky

Ryan Raffloer & Hanna Sverdlov - NY

Youth Championship Smooth (WTFV)

Youth Championship Rhythm (CRSBM)

Samuel Hacke & Katarina Hermanova - NJ

Aaron Altman & Rashell Khalfin – CA

Lance Yasinsky & Annabelle Vinokur – CA

Alexei Kiyan & Olga Kiyan – FL

Carson Zullinger

Under 21 Championship Standard (WTVFQ)

Carson Zullinger

Justin Lin & Sasha Dubinsky - MA

Under 21 Championship Ten-Dance (SCRPJWTVFQ)

Samuel Hacke & Katarina Hermanova - NJ

Robert Guitelman & Klinta Smite – NY

Carson Zullinger

Adult Championship Latin (SCRPJ)

Adult Championship Standard (WTVFQ)

Kiki Nyemchek & Magda Fialek - NJ

Earle Williamson & Charlotte Christiansen - CA

Ryan Raffloer & Hanna Sverdlov - NY

Fernando Lareu & Nicole Palagashvili - MA

Alexey Sorokin & Sasha Nissengolts – NY

Florin Vlad & Natalia Linda OConnor – VT

American Dancer | www.americandancer.org

Carson Zullinger

Adult Championship Ten-Dance (SCRPJ)

Carson Zullinger

Adult Championship Rhythm (CRSBM)

Samuel Hacke & Katarina Hermanova - NJ

Allen Granzberg & Milana Lazareva - NY

Earle Williamson & Charlotte Christiansen - CA

Matthew Shimizu & Jenna Caskie - MA

Danya Rubashevsky & Anastasiya Visotskaya – CA

Craig Abaya-Campos & Samantha Abaya-Campos – NJ

Carson Zullinger

Adult Championship Smooth (WTFV)

Carson Zullinger

Adult Championship Nine-Dance (CRSBMWTFV)

Paul Freitas & Kelly Glasheen - CT

Evan Schreiber & Hannah Bundus - OH

Jonathan Medlin & Malin Allert - NC

Javier Chacon & Ilana Ventura - IL

Stephen Torres & Nicole Barron – NY

Nicholas Baulch & Caitlin Kirby – WI

Carson Zullinger

Senior I Championship Latin (SCRPJ)

Carson Zullinger

Senior I Championship Standard (WTVFQ)

Dennis Porch & Mary Lou Porch – NC

Thomas Yim & Kelly Cheng – CA

Carlo de Jesus & Kelley Priest – MD

Xingmin Lu & Katerina Lu – NY

Roger Korsiak & Holli Hornlien – CA

Sidney Peng & Jamie Liu – CA

Carson Zullinger

Senior I Championship Ten-Dance (SCRPJWTVFQ)

Carson Zullinger

Gokturk Yurtyapan & Asli Yurtyapan – WA

Senior I Championship Rhythm (CRSBM)

Douglas Montanus & Olga Montanus – HI

Paul Duhaime & Kelly Madenjian – RI

Denis Kojinov & Jeanette Chevalier – TX

Clinton Collier & Vanessa Rogers – GA

May-July 2016

Carson Zullinger

Senior I Championship Smooth (WTFV)

Carson Zullinger

Jonathan Medlin & Malin Allert – NC

Senior I Championship Nine-Dance (CRSBMWTFV)

Andrew Nordberg & Janie Nordberg – MN

Paul Duhaime & Kelly Madenjian - RI

Paul Duhaime & Kelly Madenjian – RI

Clinton Collier & Vanessa Rogers – GA

Carson Zullinger

Senior II Championship Latin (SCRPJ)

Carson Zullinger

Senior II Championship Standard (WTVFQ)

Roger Korsiak & Holli Hornlien - CA

Gokturk Yurtyapan & Asli Yurtyapan - WA

Carlo de Jesus & Kelley Priest - MD

Thomas Yu & Yuko Naululani Yu - DC

Gokturk Yurtyapan & Asli Yurtyapan – WA

Vincent Feingold & Irina Feingold – NJ

Carson Zullinger

Senior II Championship Ten-Dance (SCRPJWTVFQ)

Senior II Championship Rhythm (CRSBM)

Gokturk Yurtyapan & Asli Yurtyapan - WA

Paul Duhaime & Kelly Madenjian - RI

John Linn & Kathy Linn - TN

Darry Martin & Jil Coe - GA

Ian H. Redmount & Hisako Matsuo – MO

Clinton Collier & Vanessa Rogers – GA

Carson Zullinger

Senior II Championship Smooth (WTFV)

Ryan Kenner

Mike Lynch & Rose-Ann Lynch - VA

Senior II Championship Nine-Dance (CRSBMWTFV)

Andrew Nordberg & Janie Nordberg - MN

Paul Duhaime & Kelly Madenjian - RI

Paul Duhaime & Kelly Madenjian – RI

Daniel Barber & Carole Barber – NC

American Dancer | www.americandancer.org

Carson Zullinger

Senior III Championship Latin (SCRPJ)

Senior III Championship Standard (WTVFQ)

Edwin Bugarin & Charlotte Bugarin - HI

Mike Lynch & Rose-Ann Lynch - VA

John Linn & Kathy Linn - TN

Michael Otero & Diane Darling - MA

Michael Otero & Diane Darling – MA

Vincent Feingold & Irina Feingold – NJ

Carson Zullinger Carson Zullinger

Senior III Championship Rhythm (CRSBM)

Senior III Championship Ten-Dance (SCRPJWTVFQ)

Darry Martin & Jil Coe - GA

John Linn & Kathy Linn - TN

Daniel Barber & Carole Barber - NC

Michael Otero & Diane Darling – MA

Leland R. Whitney & Leslie M. Whitney – MN

Carson Zullinger

Senior III Championship Smooth (WTFV)

Senior III Championship Nine-Dance (SCRPJWTVFQ)

Mike Lynch & Rose-Ann Lynch - VA

Daniel Barber & Carole Barber - NC

Juan Vasquez & Janice Vasquez - CA

Leland R. Whitney & Leslie M. Whitney - MN

Bill Manning & Frances Manning – CA

Steve Hamilton & Pamela Hamilton – OK

Photos by Ryan Kenner, Carson Zullinger and Lisa Dubinsky

March - April 2016

WDSF OPEN WORLD RANKING TOURNAMENTS

A UNITED NATIONS OF ATHLETES FROM 10 COUNTRIES USA Dance 2016 Nationals: WDSF Ceremonial Parade of DanceSport Athletes from 10 countries, followed by the singing of the National Anthem of the United States of America.

WDSF OPEN ADULT LATIN WORLD RANKING TOURNAMENT

WDSF OPEN ADULT STANDARD WORLD RANKING TOURNAMENT

Ryan Raffloer & Hanna Sverdlov - NY

Earle Williamson & Charlotte Christiansen - CA

Lance Yasinsky & Annabelle Vinokur - CA

Valeriu Ursache & Marika Odikadze – MA

Daniel Romaikin & Freda Chan – NJ

Fernando Lareu & Nicole Palagashvili - MA

WDSF OPEN SENIOR I LATIN WORLD RANKING TOURNAMENT

WDSF OPEN SENIOR I STANDARD WORLD RANKING TOURNAMENT

Dennis Porch & Mary Lou Porch - NC

Thomas Yu & Yuko Naululani Yu - DC

Khuong Pham & Arlene Yu - NJ

Mike Lynch & Rose-Ann Lynch - VA

Douglas Montanus & Olga Montanus – AL

Denis Kojinov & Jeanette Chevalier – TX

Photos by Carson Zullinger 20

American Dancer | www.americandancer.org

SENIOR IV 2016 NATIONAL DANCESPORT CHAMPIONSHIPS MID-ATLANTIC CHAMPIONSHIPS NQE - Bethesda, Resource: Karen Zuckerstein All Photos by Rassi G. Borneo/Timeline Media

t was an elegant affair at the Mid-Atlantic Championships. Thirty senior couples, who were among the top 65% at the National Qualifying Events, waltzed and cha-cha’d their way across the country to compete in the 2016 Senior IV National DanceSport Championships, held for the first time at the Mid-Atlantic Championships NQE. Competitors came from as far as Hawaii. In all, 16 states were represented with California and Florida fielding the largest contingents. Syllabus to Pre-Championship events followed the NQE events for

Senior IV Championship Rhythm (CRSBM)

each style. Rhythm and Standard were danced on Saturday, while Latin and Smooth were held on Sunday. Because of the increased number of entries, Sunday’s events finished well into the evening, climaxing a day of great dancing with the Senior IV Smooth events. Of course, the Championships on Saturday evening were a key highlight. Each of the finalists did a brief dance-on. These solos gave the appreciative audience a chance to see each couple’s unique talents. Next year, the Mid-Atlantic Chapter will start the competition on Friday evening, providing an increased opportunity to showcase the Senior IV National DanceSport Championships. Mark Your Calendars for Nov. 17-20, 2017.

Couples standing 3rd , 2nd , 1st place

394 Leland R. Whitney & Leslie M. Whitney - MN

Senior IV Championship Latin (SCRPJ)

420 Walter Ward & Jan Ward - FL

299 Paul Giuliano & Louise Giuliano - NY

Senior IV Championship Nine-Dance (CRSBMTWFV)

215 Bill Underwood & Patti Underwood - PA

225 Edward Huang & Corrina Huang - TX

10-Dance: Paul Giuliano & Louise Giuliano – NY

Steve Hamilton & Pamela Hamilton - OK

237 Ken McCleary & Pamela Weaver – FL

9-Dance: Leland R. Whitney & Leslie M. Whitney – MN

Senior IV Championship Smooth (WTFV)

Senior IV Championship Ten-Dance (SCRPJWTVFQ)

Senior IV Championship Standard (WTVFQ)

394 Leland R. Whitney & Leslie M. Whitney - MN

408 Terry Yeh & Glendy Yeh - CA

420 Walter Ward & Jan Ward - Florida

299 Paul Giuliano & Louise Giuliano - NY

215 Bill Underwood & Patti Underwood - PA

205 Hiroshi Kawanami & Juliana Kawanami - CA

88 Steve Hamilton & Pamela Hamilton – OK

357 Winston Chow & Lilly Chow - CA

422 Ron Magee & Carol Magee - MO

292 Adel Ghoneimy & Karen Chow - CA

339 Peter Quintero & Marilyn Stechert - CO

225 Edward Huang & Corrina Huang - TX

May-July 2016

Grassroots

What’s on the calendar next for Pittsburgh? Every Friday night in June, the Chapter danced outdoors at the downtown Market Square, a longstanding tradition. The USA Dance Kidz 6th graders dance program, now in its third year, was in full swing in May, performing at the Woodland Hills Intermediate School and also in June at Market Square. Next big plans – more monthly dances and National Ballroom Dance Week in September.

LIKE TEMPERED STEEL, CHAPTER REORGANIZES STRONGER THAN EVER IN STEEL CITY PITTSBURGH There’s a long history for USA Dance in Steel City Pittsburgh. The original Pittsburgh Chapter 3007 of USA Dance was formed 36 years ago in 1980, the same year the first USA Dance National DanceSport Championships was held in Baltimore. In 1983, Pittsburgh became the official organizer of the third annual Nationals. The Chapter did well for years, but was challenged by the economic times of the late 80s, early 90s. And sometime before 1994, the Chapter decided to disband, citing the need for more volunteers and funding. But three years later by Dec. 19, 1997, due to the efforts of determined volunteers under the leadership of Maureen Lockard, Chapter 3007 was reorganized and certified. Ms. Lockard was elected president and 120 members set in motion the Chapter and core values that exist today. In December 2015, a few board members of the Pittsburgh Chapter announced that they were closing the Chapter and creating a non-profit dance organization, unrelated to USA Dance. The Chapter membership was not asked to discuss or vote on the matter. The Chapter for many years had been highly active – public dance events, working with local schools, increasing membership -- and had the funding and membership to achieve its many programs. As it turned out, this decision by a few members was not representative of the sentiment of other members, many of whom had served as officers or volunteers for many years. USA Dance at the National level moved quickly to assist the members with regaining their communication channels and other resources and appointed a temporary board of directors at-large until the Chapter could re-elect new officers and directors. Following three months of reorganization, the Chapter’s first turning point was to host a USA Dance social dance on March 12, let22

Dave Sander

National President Peter Pover attended the Pittsburgh Chapter March dance, commending their leadership for its dedication and commitments.

ting the local dancers and supporting dance industry know that USA Dance would continue to be a viable, contributing member of the community, but under new leadership. National President Peter Pover had traveled to Pittsburgh to meet with the new chapter leaders and joined 106 local dancers that night for inspiring music and camaraderie. He was most impressed with the enthusiasm and commitment of the members. Later he emphasized, “The National officers and directors of USA Dance take great pride in all of the unified achievements of the Pittsburgh Chapter. It demonstrates the core strength of USA Dance at all levels, as well as the readiness of the USA Dance Governing Council to take action and provide assistance whenever needed by our members.”

American Dancer | www.americandancer.org

Dave Sander

The new Pittsburgh Chapter leadership with National President Peter Pover (wearing suit): David Sander (Director/Communications), Mary Ann Glaser (Director/Social/K-12), Tim Hassett (Director), Matthew M. Sarsfield (Volunteer), Jane Downing (Director/Market Square), Christopher Collins (Secretary), Lisa Mowery (Director), John Seifkin (Treasurer), Andrew Orochena (President).

Dave Sander

A high-energy Hustle lesson and Social Dance at The Palisades attracted 106 dancers for the Chapter’s official relaunch.

Under Senior Outreach Coordinator Irit Barak’s instruction, the line dance New York, New York became a popular choice for retirees at Nazareth House in Los Angeles.

LOS ANGELES COUNTY CHAPTER 4031

THE GREATEST MEASURE OF SUCCESS ‘When Are You Coming Back?’ Seven years ago, the Los Angeles County Chapter decided reaching out to seniors in assisted living and retirement homes would be an important part of their giving back to the community. With Los Angeles being among the largest metro areas in the United States, they realized that they couldn’t reach all seniors in care facilities, but they could make a difference in every one they visited. The program was uncomplicated in format – chapter volunteers would visit socially with the seniors to earn their friendship, perform various dances to entertain them, teach some dance basics, and then engage the seniors in dancing to whatever level they could do. The Senior Outreach program in LA has always had commendable results, but it took a surge in popularity and involvement two years ago under the coordination of Irit Barak, who has dedicated herself to making this program more successful. As Jerry Hernandez, Chapter Vice President/ Photographer, confirmed, Irit has already booked a different senior facility every

month in 2016. Two recent visits were at Ocean House retirement home in Santa Monica and Nazareth House in Los Angeles. Usually the programs take place on a Saturday or Sunday, mid-afternoons. Usually there are 10-12 member volunteers who attend. As Jerry explained, “Many of us arrive early to converse with the residents who are always so eager to talk to someone other than their caregivers. We perform for them and then ask them to dance with us. Members actively go around and ask residents to dance. We provide a smile on their faces that is just too precious for words.” One highlight Jerry pointed out is that members at times have a chance to dance with a senior resident who is 100 years old and sometimes older. And almost always

Jerry Hernandez

One Ocean House resident wanted her dog to join in the dancing fun with LA Chapter volunteer Janaka Perera.

they want to dance swing! The greatest measure of success in Senior Outreach? When they ask, “When are you coming back?”

NO TEXTING WHILE DANCING Orlando Chapter 6002 Adds Cell Phone Lane Chapters are forever searching for innovative ideas to boost dance attendance – new themes, music, food, anything to keep the energy at a peak. And inspirations come from all sorts of sources. In Orlando, Chapter President John Davis was inspired by a news story he read about a sidewalk experiment in Washington, DC - the city created a cell phone lane so people would quit running into others while talking or texting. Not too far fetched – after all, there are already cell phone lots at airports. Recognizing that dancers are oftentimes multi-taskers (phones often in dancer pockets, just in case someone posts or messages), the Chapter created a Cell Phone Lane around the rim of the dance floor. Truth is that it was just for a brief time at a social dance, and the photo opps were great fun.

Brian Bateman

No Texting While Dancing in Orlando! So, the Millennial dancers sidestep to the “Cell Phone Lanes”.

May-July 2016

Grassroots LAS VEGAS CHAPTER 4038

10 YEARS OF MILESTONES IN LAS VEGAS AN ANNIVERSARY DANCE CELEBRATION By David Burt All Photos by Ginger Meurer, Review Journal of DanceCenter. With approximately 50 USA Dance Las Vegas Chapter 4038 dancers attending, the lesson was a hit. is proud to be in its 10th year of serving In total, 139 people attended our Annithe greater Las Vegas area. To kick off versary Dance, including members of an the Chapter’s anniversary, a social dance after-school ballroom dance club from Jydwas held in January at the Charleston strup Elementary School and our oldest Heights Arts Center, a wonderful venue, attendee, 95-year-old John Sholl. where most of our chapter dance events Our website www.usadancelasvegas. are held. It has a nice wood floor and is com paid dividends as our publicity large enough to accommodate the 100+ efforts there led to Ginger Meurer of the attendees at the majority of our events. Las Vegas Review Journal attending our The city of Las Vegas allows us to rent event and publishing an article online on the floor at very reasonable rates, and all Feb. 19. Link: http://www.reviewjournal. events at this venue are co-hosted by the com/view/las-vegas-usa-dance-club-celeCity of Las Vegas. brates-10th-anniversary . Each month our Chapter provides a half(By the way, the Las Vegas Chapter hour dance lesson. The lesson at our 10th actually celebrates its one-year-more Anniversary was West Coast Swing, taught anniversary every January.) by local dance professional Anne McNinch

At the 10th Anniversary dance, local reporter Ginger Meurer later published a story in the Review Journal, after interviewing many dancers of all ages. She was particularly delighted to talk with Las Vegas member John Sholl, who is 95 years old and a partner favorite. As Ginger reported, following her interview with John that evening: “‘I’m probably the oldest one here,’ the 95-year-old said as he pulled his dancing shoes out of a black bag and swapped them for his street shoes. Dressed in a crisp blue pinstripe shirt and bow tie and sporting just a bit of his native British accent, Sholl had his pick of dance partners. “’The ladies love him,’ Shirley Esposito [Chapter Secretary] said. “Sholl learned to dance in London in the ‘40s. He goes out dancing two or three times a week and said it’s good for your health and much more fun than lifting weights. He loves the foxtrot, the quick-step and the tango. “’I don’t do any of the night club dancing, only ballroom,’ he said. ‘His wife, who died in 2010, used to dance with him. “I’ve got a picture of her in my wallet,” he added.” 24

LAS VEGAS MILESTONES: First 10 Years • November 2006. Chapter 4038 first organized with David Archer as president. • January 2007. First social dance held. Initially dances are held at local dance studios on a rotating basis. • December 2009. Deron Linkenheil elected president, bringing “new life” to the Chapter and a surge in new memberships. • July 2011. Chapter holds first social dance at the Charleston Heights Arts Center, which becomes the regular venue for Chapter social dances, all co-hosted by the City of Las Vegas. • October 2011. Chapter obtains first sound system, which opens up additional venue opportunities. • January 2012. Bill Esposito (current president) elected President, greatly advancing the Chapter. • June 2014. Current website launched, thanks to David Burt, Cindy Lee and John Brown. Website frequently found in searches for dancing in Las Vegas. • June 2014. Chapter’s first Alzheimer’s Association fundraiser becomes an annual event.

John Sholl and Rita Maroun

American Dancer | www.americandancer.org

More than 100 dancers celebrated the 10th Anniversary.

2016 LIFETIME MEMBER HONOREES

USA DANCE HONORS THREE MEMBERS FOR THEIR MODEL, INSPIRATIONAL VOLUNTEER WORK THROUGH THE YEARS PHYLLIS BENNET

Lifetime Member Honoree 2016. (Also in recognition of the late Bill Bennet) Heartland (IN) Chapter 2022 Member since 1982 Courtesy of Sandra Fortuna

In the late 70s, moving up through the ISTD medal levels to Championship, Jerry Bonmer danced pro-am Standard with Professional Instructor/Coach Sandra Fortuna as well as Senior amateur 10-Dance with his wife Sue.

JERRY BONMER

Lifetime Member Honoree 2016. Delaware Valley (PA) Chapter 3012 Member since 1979

Jerry Bonmer, USA Dance’s longest serving member of the Governing Council, retired from his position as Membership Director on July 31, 2014 after 35 years of service. When Jerry and his wife, Sue joined USA Dance (then USABDA) there were fewer than 100 members in the organization, and during his tenure Jerry saw the organization grow from that small number to the 16,000+ members we have today. (Jerry also served as National Treasurer in the 1980s.) I had the pleasure of sitting next to Jerry at GC meetings for many years, and Jerry was never shy about speaking his mind on any issue before the GC. There was never anyone better than Jerry at turning the direction of a meeting around that had headed off course and making sure that the GC concentrated on the most important thing, which was keeping the interests of the membership front and center in any discussion. Jerry knew the importance of good service to the members, because he and Sue had also competed for many years in Adult and Senior Latin, achieving well-earned championship status in that discipline. He understood what members expected from USA Dance, and he never failed to deliver. – Lydia Scardina, Past President, USA Dance, Inc. American Dancer, 1996

Phyllis and Bill Bennet were among USA Dance’s most pivotal pioneers and their work dates back to the 1980s when our organization – known then as the U.S. Amateur Ballroom Dancers Association -- faced its greatest organizational challenges and opportunities. Bill was Vice President under President Mary Wethington. He was later Chairman of the Finance and Development Committee and the New Products/ Marketing Committee, both under President Peter Pover, and through his and Phyllis’ years of dedication, launched pivotal fundraising programs, successfully promoted the “spirit of unification” movement for amateur dancers, and launched a national outreach program to create and support a university and college dance network. As Peter wrote at the time, “Bill Bennet and his team of fundraisers across the country have been beavering away to produce programs, and to obtain financial support for them. We want to show the world that [USA Dance] is something more than a group of people who put on pretty dresses and tail suits to swirl around the dance floor.” Not only did the Bennet’s powerfully engage the Chapters and members to start dance programs in their local colleges and universities, but they and dozens of other volunteers also created the inaugural Intercontinental Intercollegiate Dance Festivals (in Utah, England and Florida), where U.S. university teams made their debut. Today’s flourishing university and college network and National Collegiate DanceSport Championships, organized annually by USA Dance, evolved from the foundation laid by Bill and Phyllis Bennet.

Rassi G. Borneo/Timeline Media

During the Mid-Atlantic Championships NQE in Bethesda, MD, the Mid-Eastern Chapter that sponsors the Mid-Atlantic Championships NQE also honored the exceptional volunteer work of Ray Kaufman, who has been a Chapter member for more than 30 years.

RAY KAUFMAN

Lifetime Member Honoree 2016. Mid-Eastern Chapter 6001 Member since 1981

Ray Kaufman’s volunteer work for USA Dance has focused primarily in DanceSport. He and his late wife, Paula Kaufman, competed for many years and she served on the Mid-Eastern Chapter board of directors from 1996-2000. When Paula passed away, Ray sponsored a DanceSport scholarship in memory of her that was presented at the Chapter’s competitions and later at the USA Dance National DanceSport Championships. Ray has always been active in his chapter, but his national-level work began serving on a joint committee of USABDA (now USA Dance) and the NDCA to establish rules for professionals who sought to regain their amateur status. Around 1996, Ray was appointed to serve on the national DanceSport Council, and actually only retired from the Council in 2015, volunteering nearly 20 years of service. Ray also worked on the USA Dance Rules Committee and Eligibility Committee. Many athletes know Ray as an official Observer at USA Dance DanceSport competitions, both at the NQE level and at Nationals – oftentimes a tough job when athlete infractions on the floor must be reported. Yet, Ray always managed with utmost professionalism and effectiveness to deliver the news and the outcome or solutions that earned him the utmost respect and appreciation. May-July 2016

The Treasure Tier pins are worn proudly by the following DanceSport couples: Emerald Level: Competed in 5-6 NQE’s

Grassroots 2016 Participation Awards

DanceSport Couples Earn Treasure Tiers Every year following the USA Dance Nationals, Dancesport couples are recognized for their commitment to participating in USA Dance National Qualifying Events throughout the year. As USA Dance emphasizes, “Our NQE’s serve as valuable opportunities in the long-term development of athletes in their personal pursuit of excellence and growth, as Champions and as goodwill ambassadors for DanceSport.”

Moon Dance Studios Vincent Feingold & Irina Feingold (NJ) at Gumbo DanceSport Championships NQE

• Vincent Feingold & Irina Feingold - NJ • Denis Kojinov & Jeanette Chevalier - TX • Joshua Lishnevetsky & Angela Gerzberg - NY • Eugene Lobko & Alla Zemlyak - NC • Michael Martin & Susan Martin - NY • Pat Salerno & Loren Salerno - CT • Brad Scholz & Judit Scholz - CT • Niklas Yli-Piipari & Saray Yli-Piipari - GA

Ruby Level: Competed in 4 NQE’s • Stephen Barba & Susan Ryan - OH • Steve Brook & Kaye Brook - FL • Carlie Coats & Jan Yarborough- NC • Ted Damianos & Eunmee Damianos - MD • Lior Golden & Heather Lohrey - PA • Edward Huang & Corrina Huang - TX • Bill Manning & Frances Manning - CA • Ed Moore & Melissa Moore - KY • Stephen Nadeau & Jessica Smith - MD • Daniel Nudelman & Chantal Khodarkovsky - NY • Melvin Paterline & Victoria Paterline - NC • Terry Romine & Cynthia Romine - NC • Irsan Tisnabudi & Cami Tisnabudi - TX • Earle Williamson & Charlotte Christiansen- CA

STAND OUT FROM THE CROWD

THE WORKSHOPS / THE CAMPS THE BODY MOVEMENT & DANCE TRAINING PROGRAM www.dancekinesis.com 26

American Dancer | www.americandancer.org

SOCIAL BALLROOM DANCES

ocially Yours

By Jean Krupa Social Dance VP

The Importance of Smiles & Social Graces

David Sadlier Photography Tara Dawn

Southern Oregon Chapter 1011 Mardi Gras Dance

Southwest Florida Chapter 6049

ocial ballroom dances are very active and, at the same time, socially intimate settings, so it stands to reason that dancers must know the value of having good dance etiquette and social graces when they dance with others. The following suggestions are important primarily for the new social dancer. I am going to skip the reminders of having good breath, clean bodies and clean clothes, assuming most everyone knows the importance of these and how it impacts social dance acceptance.

Suggestion #1. If you are asked to dance, it is important to just say “Yes!” Before getting up to dance, you may want to ask, what kind of dance it is if you don’t know. There’s nothing wrong with letting someone know you are just learning a certain dance, but it’s important they know you’re willing to try. If you are the one asking, you should politely say “May I have this dance?” or better yet “May I have this Waltz?”

Suggestion #2. At a general social dance, social courtesies can go a long way. Try not to “turn-down” requests to dance. But, if you must turn down a dance request, always be as polite as possible, with your reason and suggest a later dance, another song, or even another time. If however, the person is someone you “absolutely do not choose to dance with,” again, be as polite as possible when declining the request. However, remember that too many declines can be misunderstood.

Suggestion #3. If you are a new dancer, not totally comfortable with certain dances, your own skill level or the skill level of others, sometimes asking someone to dance can be intimidating. Essentially, you

Las Vegas Chapter 4038 Alzheimer’s Carol Davis Fundraiser Dance

haven’t found your comfort zone. If others realize this, usually someone may come to the rescue or at least engage in conversation as you watch other dancers on the floor. But if someone doesn’t accept your request for a dance or ask you to dance, it’s so important to not take it personal. The other person’s reason may have nothing to do with you whatsoever.

Suggestion #4. Then, if you do find that you are getting turned down more than you expected, talk to you dance instructor later or a friend at the dance. They may have really good suggestions that could turn things around for you. But, remember, if you ask, be open to their suggestions. Then remember that nearly every social dancer starts as a beginner. Those who are dancing more often may be more experienced dancers, but many times they are simply those who know enough basics about lead and follow and enough steps to dance any dance that comes up. . .and they are definitely the ones who, above all else, have fun regardless of their skill level and are courteous to everyone.

Suggestion #5. (If this ever happens). If you find someone is “inappropriate” with you on the dance floor (remember accidents do happen, but one can usually tell the difference), best to give a courteous warning “be more careful” or “I’m not comfortable with that”, and at that point, continue dancing, assuming the action wasn’t intentional. But, if the inappropriate contact continues, it would be best to excuse yourself and walk away. Remember, at a social dance, your personality and your attitude are the most important assets you have, not your dancing level or knowledge. It’s your smile that can make all the difference at having a dancer’s “social graces.” May-July 2016

FROM THE

RED CARPET

BABY PINK 2015 TAKEOVER GIVES WAY TO HOT PINKS, FUSCHIA

CLASSIC BLACK STAYING POWER, TEXTURES IN LACE, SHEER LAYERS, DELICATE CRYSTALS & RIBBONS

TO THE

DANCE

FLOOR ON THE NATIONALS

‘RUNWAY’

LATEST FASHION TRENDS PUT TO THE ULTIMATE TEST

By Angela Prince, PR Director

t the USA Dance Nationals in Baltimore, for three non-stop days and evenings, America’s best American and International style DanceSport competitors, ranging from age six to mid-70s, brought to the competition floor once again their best athletic and artistic performances, all in hopes of winning their divisions, taking home National titles and perhaps a place on the USA World Teams. From an audience’s perspective, the 2016 Nationals was a mesmerizing whirlwind of high energy, competitive determination and colorful displays. And every year, whether you explore the vendor’s racks of “high fashion” ballroom or witness the latest (and competitive) fashions on the dancefloor “runway,” there’s little doubt that DanceSport is a most unique pursuit in the world of athletics. Behind every couple on the floor are hair and makeup artists, stylists (often 28

Lisa Dubinsky

Hugo Menendez & Katya Ivahno-Kalinuka (CA) Junior II Pre-Championship Standard, 3rd; Junior II Championship Standard, 5th

parents) and designers, who have all invested time and career into creating “the winning looks” for aspiring champions who wear their costumes proudly. Yes, costumes are put to the ultimate test – after all, it’s a dance battlefield out there. Audiences hold their breaths that midst all the kicks, flicks and leaps, the flowing skirts don’t catch midair, shoes stay tied and tiny straps and snaps stay in place. And when it’s awards time, you can truly hear a pin drop on the floor, as everyone waits for the announcements. Every year, on the celebrity red carpets at the Grammys, the Oscars, Golden Globe and SAG Awards, there are distinctive design and color trends from the world’s most famous or rising star fashion designers. For DanceSport, did those trends and innovations make it onto the dance floor ‘runway’ at 2016 USA Dance Nationals? YES! But with a distinctive difference, the dancers have to move in their fashions! Trend Resources: Vanity Fair, ABC News, CBS News, Glamour Magazine, WSJ, EOnline, MarieClaire.

American Dancer | www.americandancer.org

Carson Zullinger

Florin Vlad & Natalia O’Connor (VT) Adult Championship Standard, 3rd; WDSF Adult Open Standard, 4th

REDS, HOTTER THAN EVER, SCARLETS, CRIMSONS AND ARRESTING RUBY REDS

Lisa Dubinsky

Damian Pataluna & Irina Morozova (KY) Adult Championship Nine-Dance, 4th

ADVENTUROUS, PLUNGING V-NECKS, LATIN TASTEFUL, NOT SHOCKING

EMBELLISHED SLEEVES, ARM FLOATS & CRYSTALLIZED SHOES TAKE FRAME

BEJEWELED ORANGE BECOME NEW RED WITH DYNAMIC LACE, BODY SHAPING

Carson Zullinger Carson Zullinger

Lisa Dubinsky

Dennis Porch & Mary Lou Porch (NC) National Champions, Senior I Championship Latin; 1st, WDSF Senior I Open Latin

Danya Rubashevsky & Anastasiya Visotskaya (CA) Adult Championship 10-Dance, 3rd

Earle Williamson & Charlotte Christiansen (CA) National Champions, Adult Championship Standard; WDSF Adult Open Standard, 1st

STATUESQUE SOLID-COLOR SILHOUETTES WITH LONG SLEEVES, LONG SKIRTS, CLASSIC DETAILS

EMBELLISHED ALL WHITE STRUCTURED LACE, SHEERS, TINY BEADS & FLOWING RIBBON

VOLUMIZED FLOUNCE & BOUNCE, SOLID, LAYERED SKIRTS WITH RUFFLE, FLORAL DETAIL

Carson Zullinger Lisa Dubinsky

Stephen Gonzales & Natalya Franklin (GA) National Champions, Senior I Pre-Championship Smooth; Senior I Championship Smooth, 5th

Mike Monokandilos & Sophia Brodsky (CA) National Champions, Youth Championship Latin and 10-Dance;; Youth Championship Standard, 4th

RETURN OF BLACK & WHITE CLASSICS, SILHOUETTES WITH INNOVATIVE SNEAK-PEAK CUTAWAYS Lisa Dubinsky

Fernando Lareu & Nicole Palagashvili (MA) National Vice Champions, Adult Championship Standard

Carson Zullinger

Kinsley Lin & Michelle Yiu (CA) National Vice Champions, Youth Championship Standard; Youth Championship Latin Semi-Finals

May-July 2016

GREAT EXCUSES H H H H H

H H H H H

DANCE

CHAPTER HOLIDAY CELEBRATIONS CREATE SOCIAL DANCE ENERGY THROUGHOUT YEAR

f we say Americans love their holiday celebrations, that would be such an understatement. Truth is most Americans live for their extended holiday weekends, a time when they can do more of what they love most, from hobbies and recreation to entertainment and family outings. But Americans (and retailers) can pretty much turn anything into a holiday! But let’s focus on one special interest group – dancers – holiday revelers who live to dance! So if you’re active in a USA Dance Chapter, you’ll find there’s hardly a U.S. holiday

you can’t dance to – New Years’, Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Thanksgiving, MLK Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Veterans Day – and the list goes on. So truthfully, there’s nothing stopping a Chapter from expanding their Great Excuses to Dance list. With July being the next full dance excuse month, check out these unique holiday/ celebration days observed in America (and beyond). And you thought July 4th Independence Day was all that month had to offer!

Carol Cardena Ron Turner

Charlotte (NC) Chapter 6029 For the Love of Dance. Dallas Chapter 5044 “Be Mine” Valentine’s Dance was a “great excuse” for the ladies to wear more red (and pink), indulge in heart-shaped chocolates and celebrate member Bill Phillips’ 89th birthday.

American Dancer | www.americandancer.org

“Trip to the magical Highlands village of Brigadoon” A Celtic Celebration. For Glen Shaver, St. Patty’s Day was a great excuse to dance (and dress in Scottish Highland full kilt regalia including traditional sporran, kilt hose, tam o’shanter and sgian-dubh).

Great New Beginnings. Southwest Florida Chapter 6049 celebrated the first Cape Coral Satellite Chapter dance at the Southwest Military Museum in Cape Coral.

Dancing In The New Year. Richmond (VA) Chapter 6006 joined the Tidewater (VA) Chapter 6008 for the annual New Year’s Eve (NYE) celebration weekend.

Carol Davis

IN 21 MORE GREAT EXCUSES TO SOCIAL DANCE

International Joke Day

Independence Day 4th of July

Cheer up the Lonely Day

National Sugar Cookie Day

International Kissing Day

Pecan Pie Day

Embrace Your Geekness Day

National Lollipop Day

All or Nothing Day

I Forgot Day

Pandemonium Day

National Junk Food Day

JULY

Courtesy of Charleen Whitehead

Compliment Your Mirror Day Disobedience Day

Teddy Bear Picnic Day

National Ice Cream Day

Cow Appreciation Day

Yellow Pig Day

National Hot Dog Day

National Cheesecake Day

Parent’s Day

Mutt’s Day

Ginny Engler

New Year Revelry. Leslie Duff, Richmond Chapter member, hasn’t missed any of the Tidewater Chapter’s 26 annual New Years’ Eve weekends.

May-July 2016

MID-WINTER BALMY WEATHER NOT ONLY

WELCOMED CHANGE FOR LAST-CHANCE NQE MID-ATLANTIC CHAMPIONSHIPS HOSTS LARGEST ATTENDANCE,

SENIOR IV 2016 NATIONAL DANCESPORT CHAMPIONSHIPS By Jack & Susan Reinhold

• All Photos by Rassi G. Borneo/Timeline Media

he sun was shining on the USA Dance 2016 Mid-Atlantic Championships. In balmy, 60-degree temperatures, the Mid-Eastern Chapter 6001 of USA Dance hosted the combined Mid-Atlantic Championships NQE and for the first time the Senior IV 2016 National DanceSport Championships on Feb. 20 and 21 at the elegant Bethesda North Marriott Hotel and Conference Center in Bethesda, the fifth time the event has been held at this venue. Everything was bigger this year at this “last-chance” National Qualifying Event for the USA Dance 2016 National DanceSport Championships. More senior participants, more youth participants, and more fun for the dancers. Senior IV dancers of all dance proficiency levels and styles came from many states across the country and proved that things only get better with age. The quality of the dancing was impressive all through the event, but especially so on Saturday evening. And, wow, all the youth entries. This year,

all Pre-Teen through Youth events were held on Sunday. The Mid-Atlantic welcomed youth competitors not only from New York and New Jersey, but participants from nine

additional states including Georgia, Ohio, South Carolina and Alabama. The Adult division garnered couples from approximately 22 states from New York to California plus Carlo de Jesus & Kelley Priest (MD) Senior I, II Championship Latin

Joshua Dias & Allison Geller (NY) Adult Pre-Championship, Championship Standard

chenko (N Y) s & Alexandra Da Matthew Khey fet ip Standard sh on pi pionship, Cham Youth Pre-Cham

Adel Gho neimy & Karen Chow (CA) Senior IV Champion ship Standard

the District of Columbia. This showed that great dancers are being groomed from all over the country. More entries brought about a number of schedule changes. Increased entries in the Standard events required the competition to run straight through Saturday’s Matinee session into the Evening schedule. Many thanks to our judging panel, that were asked to judge one large heat after another non-stop. One minute and 15 seconds was allowed between heats, with one group coming onto the floor as soon as the preceding heat finished. The Championship events on Saturday night featured many finalists from previous USA Dance National DanceSport Championships, and were danced brilliantly. A highlight of Saturday’s events was a special ceremony honoring Ray Kaufman, a 30-year member of the Mid-Eastern Chapter, who competing for many years with his late wife, Paula Kaufman. Ray served as a member of the USA Dance National DanceSport Council for more than 18 years, where he was a constant advocate for the DanceSport athletes impacted by changes introduced over the years into competition. Competitors at the Mid-Atlantic event enthusiastically applauded his lifelong contributions to DanceSport. Big changes are planned for the next Mid-Atlantic Championships to be held Feb. 18-19, 2017. The event will start on Friday evening and run through Sunday afternoon. A tentative schedule will be announced this summer, letting competitors know which events will be moved to Friday evening. The Mid-Atlantic weekend is a true labor of love for the organizing committee of the Chapter, and the Chapter looks forward to two more years hosting the Senior IV National DanceSport Championships, and many more years hosting the USA Dance National Qualifying Event. The work of USA Dance is so important for the future of dancing in the USA, and we are privileged to participate in the process of presenting competitive events. We thank all the national officials, members of our judging panel and officiating team for the professionalism they display throughout the event. MARK YOUR CALENDARS: MidAtlantic Championships NQE and Senior IV Nationals to be held Feb. 18-19, 2017.

Earle Williamson & Charlotte Christiansen (CA) Adult Championship Latin

(GA) Steve n Melnichenko & Sophi a Glagoleva Junior I, Pre-Teen II Silver, Gold Stand ard

Andrew Nordberg & Janie Nordberg (MN) Senior I, II Championship Smooth

Labraum Hampto n & And reana Liew-Spilger (IN) Adult Novice, Pre -Ch ampio nship Latin Event Organizer: Mid-Eastern Chapter 6001 Emcee: Yang Chen Music Director: Daniel Libatique Chair of Judges: Dan Calloway Number of competitors: 635 Number of states represented: 34 Largest groups competing: Seniors the largest, but lots of college students dancing in many syllabus events with quarter finals. Substantial increase in junior/youth events which led to increasing the length of Sunday’s session by several hours.

May-July 2016

Kirill Gorjatsev and Daria Zotova (VA) Professional American Smooth Champions taking this characteristically American ballroom style “down under.” Stephen Marino Photography

American

Smooth goes

‘Down Under’

Its Freedom, Artistry Inspiring Dancers Around The World By Rose-Ann Lynch

Carson Zullinger

Andrew Nordberg & Janie Nordberg (MN) National Vice Champions, Senior I, II Smooth

American Dancer | www.americandancer.org

rofessional couple Kirill Gorjatsev and Daria Zotova of Alexandria, Va., have risen to some of the top spots on the professional American Smooth floor. It also made them ideal candidates to teach, judge and showcase the American style “Down Under.” And for the last two years, the couple has been representing the United States style in Canberra and Brisbane, Australia at the ASDAC Outback Crown, which boasts to be an American style dance event designed for all American style dancers to be able to compete and perform in this wonderful style in Australia. “And yes,” says Daria, who holds a Master’s Degree in dance from Russia and studied ballet and folk dancing, “They just call it American Smooth.” This highly acclaimed Smooth couple said their dancing was well received by the Australian crowd, and that people absolutely loved the freedom and artistry associated with the style. As judges, they, in turn, “saw some very theatrical choreography. It was great to see how different styles of dance are being integrated into American Smooth.” This is a huge step for the American style, which has primarily been danced only in the States. But the style is evolving. The professional Smooth dancers of, as recently as, 10 years ago danced differently than the dancers of today. The beauty of

Paul Freitas & Kelly Glasheen (CT) National Champions, Adult Smooth

Mike Lynch & RoseAnn Lynch (VA) National Champions, Senior II, III Smooth Lisa Dubinsky

Lisa Dubinsky

David Hamilton & Olga Foraponova, and Eddie Simon & Michelle Officer is undisputed, but differs greatly from the style presented recently by Peter & Alexandra Perzhu, three-time U.S. Professional Smooth and four-time Nine-Dance National Champions So how does one improve in this style and what makes a successful couple on the floor? Many of us who started in Smooth were told: if you want to improve your Smooth, start working on your Standard. It is still great advice. A good, closed frame truly allows you to appreciate the power and synergy of a strong partnership. Also Standard technique provides a solid foundation and starting point. “But do not limit yourself with that,” cautions Kirill, who started his dancing career as an International 10-dancer in Estonia. “Smooth has its own identity. Yes, if you are dancing in closed hold, please make sure it looks like a very good International Ballroom. And, yes, basic principles like leg action, swing and sway are, of course, based on Standard technique.” “The beauty of Smooth is in ‘smooth’ transitions from closed to open work and in all the endless possibilities you have outside the closed ballroom hold,” he adds. “Do not forget about Latin-based speed changes and body actions. Also, theater arts technique will make your ‘special effects’ more seamless and effective.” As for the future of American Smooth, Dan Calloway, highly

respected adjudicator and coach, said, “The dance’s quality will ebb and flow, but progress is inevitable with the increased level of dancing globally, the easier and more frequent interaction between the great dancers, and the increased accessibility of the best training. Dancing will continue to become even more physical as technical skill continues to evolve, without ever becoming sheer physicality, a complete turnoff to true artists. Smooth, at its best, has always drawn from the best of the other divisions. As they improve, so will Smooth.” “The future in Smooth will be overseas dancers,” he went on to say. “The sheer volume and quality of Italian, Russian and soon, Chinese dancers will inevitably raise all divisions, including smooth.” Daria and Kirill agreed and summed up the future in one word, “Variety. Now that American style is becoming more popular around the world, we are going to see lots of new influences. And even here in United States, we think the future is in constant search of new ways to express musicality and partnership.” What do you get when two Marine Officers take to the dance floor? Rose-Ann Lynch and her husband Mike have been dancing for 11 years, and are 10-time USA Dance Senior Champions in American Smooth. This year at the USA Dance National DanceSport Championships, they won Senior II and Senior III Smooth, as well as Senior III Standard Championships.

May-July 2016

AMERICAN

DANCER

xclusive

ASK THE HISTORIAN

1942 Paul Jones Dance, Woodville, CA

MIXING E IT UP!

Courtesy of Forrest Outman

By Forrest Outman

The Forgotten Art of the Social Dance Party

American Dancer | www.americandancer.org

verybody loves a good party. I think we can all agree on that. However, when it comes to dance parties, we might be describing two entirely different experiences. The goal of a good party is socialization and merriment, at a dance party dancing is only a vehicle to that end. However, what is often labeled a dance party now is often a dancehall style social dance, which is really no party at all! Why not? Well, at a dancehall, you come, you pay, you dance to songs played back to back by a DJ or sometimes a band, usually with people you already know, and then you leave, much like at a nightclub. In fact, historically, dancehalls were the original nightclubs; dance parties, on the other hand, were an entirely different experience. So what was a dance party like and what are we missing out on? Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s waltz in and explore this forgotten social custom and learn once more how to have a ball.

1939 Harvest Moon Ball, Dance Card Cover and Inside.

Courtesy of Forrest Outman

Any good party begins with planning. The classic dance party had a definite structure which focused on creating a festive, friendly, and engaging experience for all. And the first step was to create a committee. From a few friends or family members for a casual soiree to a hundred or more people for a major annual ball, the committee was a means to divide the workload and delegate responsibilities, ensuring everything was taken care of and there were no surprises. These responsibilities consisted of: creating invitations, programs/dance cards, decor, tickets, favors, musical set list, musical entertainment either live or DJ, prompter/caller for dance games and mixers, Master of Ceremonies, food/drinks, head host/hostess, and clean up crew. The next order of business was deciding on a theme. Themes created memorable events and were introduced through invitations, decorations, costumes, favors, and food to enhance the experience. This concept could have been as simple as matching colors or imagery all the way to a full-fledged costume party or Masquerade Ball. It was also traditional to create a program which laid out the schedule for the evening’s events. A limited number of musical selections for dancing was able to fit into the schedule and was therefore determined in advance. Due to the set number of songs played, it was customary for ladies to be provided a dance card upon which the dances and songs were listed in order and a blank line was left for her to write in a partner’s name, (the author personally believes that today men should also be provided a program). Dance cards not only ensured the opportunity to dance with a variety of partners, but also laid out the schedule of any novelties, mixers, intermission and performances. The dance card also acted as a souvenir to mark the occasion and remember those one had danced with.

1938 Grand March

Courtesy of Ann Arbor District Library

The Master of Ceremonies “MC” was another important aspect of a good party. A vibrant and charismatic MC aids in keeping the festivities on schedule and interesting. The MC’s responsibilities are: greeting address, introductions (band/dj, host/ hostess, and prompter), announces dances, games, intermission, last dance and a farewell address. The Head Host/Hostess ensured all in attendance were greeted, introduced to others, asked to dance, and generally had a good time. They often enlist others to act as hosts and hostesses, whom they oversee in their duties to: greet guests, take tickets, hand out May-July 2016

ASK THE HISTORIAN

Holiday Theme Dance – Dallas Chapter 5044 Craig Kunkel

programs, ask singles to dance, occasionally engage those sitting in conversation and helped with mixers. Prompters were responsible for: selecting, directing, and calling all dance mixers, games or contests. Two of the most common of such were the Grand March and Paul Jones. The formal dance party customarily began with the Grand March to get everyone up and involved. The Grand March was a series of simple figures that attendees are led to march through while in lines arm in arm. Another common feature was the Paul Jones, which acted as social mixer. The Paul Jones began with couples taking partners for a one step, but often other dances such as Waltz or Fox Trot were substituted. Couples danced until the first signal sounded; signaling was usually done with a drum or whistle. All couples would then come together forming a single large ring. The ring should be with leaders on the outside and followers in the center. A second signal was then given whereupon the leaders face counter clockwise (followers clockwise) and all begin walking forward, the leaders weaving in and out, first right and then left hand, with the follows going in the opposite direction. Weaving continued until the third signal was given, upon which participants then danced with whomever’s hand they were then holding. The signal process was repeated several times during the song to ensure everyone had danced with several partners. Other popular mixers or group dances could be any number of Line, Round, or Square dances, the Virginia Reel, a Barn Dance, German, Cotillion or Big Apple, to name a few. The evening’s festivities were almost always concluded with an elimination game or dance contest followed by a last dance. One such elimination game was four squares, a game of chance where the dance floor is divided into four sections each noted by a color or symbol. Couples danced until the music was stopped, and then the prompter draws a slip from a hat, the slip is 38

American Dancer | www.americandancer.org

then read aloud and all couples in that section were eliminated, the couples then resume dancing. Slips continued to be selected until only one couple remained, who was awarded a prize. The finale was usually a goodnight Waltz reserved for your date or sweetheart. During the last dance a balloon drop, confetti, and streamers were all common forms of spectacle that ended the night on a high note. Social dance parties as described above were common until the 1960’s, when social dance in America began to fall out of favor, and such parties became increasingly rare. It’s unfortunate that while social dancing has enjoyed a revival, the knowledge of and ability to plan a quality dance party has all but been lost. We’ve held onto the dances, but lost one of the greatest social tools that developed with them, the dance party. Dance parties fostered interacting with others, created memorable events, forged new friendships, made everyone feel welcome, and took the focus from being a great dancer to simply being a fun person to hang out with. We all could certainly benefit from such an event, so why not make the next dance you plan exceptional and revive the lost art of the Social Dance Party? You’ll be glad you did. (Visit Forrest Outman’s blog DanceHistorian.com to learn even more about the many games, mixers, and themes that were popular at dance parties.) Noted historian, educator, and preservationist, Forrest Outman specializes in social dances from the late 19th Century and later. Current projects include documenting and recreating Peabody, Collegiates, Shags, The Jeep, pre-WWII Fox Trots and Hustle. He recently completed a project spanning more than four years, which tackled the origins of Fox Trot. For more information, visit Forrest Outman on Facebook or DanceHistorian.com or write to ForrestOutman@Gmail.com.

USA DANCE 2016 NATIONAL DANCESPORT CHAMPIONSHIPS - SPONSORS & DONORS Since 1980, the USA Dance National DanceSport Championships has showcased Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest DanceSport athletes, presenting them with scholarship funding and national awards made possible by USA Dance Chapters and members, DanceSport competition event organizers, as well as supporting businesses and corporations. This year, more than $25,000 in scholarships and prizes were awarded to the top finalists in many divisions. Many athletes were further funded by their USA Dance Chapters and other supporters who held fundraisers or made donations. And additionally, the new USA World Teams, from Junior II to Senior IV, selected from the Championship divisions, will receive stipends to defray travel costs when they represent the USA at the upcoming WDSF World Championships, Cups and Games around the world. (See WDSF event calendar p. 8).

Platinum Perimeter Independence Day Ball Organized by Ruslan & Katusha Wilder

Silver Level

Jim Crowell & Sterling Sightler Henry & Olivia Hudson Modern Steps School of Dance USA Dance Central Oklahoma Chapter 5056 USA Dance Greater Atlanta Chapter 6005

Bronze Level

USA Dance Music City (TN) Chapter 2064

Athletes from 40 states on the floor from West Coast to East Coast: Earl Williamson & Charlotte Christiansen (CA and Fernando Lareu & Nicole Palagashvili (MA).

Individual Level

Robert Acosta Stan & Jill Andrews Estella Clasen Scott & Sarah Coates Daniel Calloway & Myra Coffield Viktoriya Drubetskaya Esther Freeman Robert & Michelle Friedman Islanders DanceSport Challenge Hari & Holly Iyer JADA Kansas City Dance Classic Liberty Ball Louisiana DanceSport Peter & Ida Pover Angela Prince Andrew & Ilona Prouty S Rose Agency & Arts Association Jim Steven & Ann Durocher

Lisa Dubinsky

USA Dance Berkshire County (MA) Chapter 3045 USA Dance Chicagoland Chapter 2001 USA Dance Dallas Chapter 5044 USA Dance DOCMA Chapter 3039 USA Dance Georgia DanceSport USA Dance Greater Daytona Chapter 6026 USA Dance Greater Memphis Chapter 2012 USA Dance Greater New York Chapter 3004 USA Dance Harrisburg Area (PA) Chapter 3009 USA Dance LA Gumbo Chapter 5031 USA Dance Lake Norman (NC) Chapter 6119 USA Dance Las Vegas Chapter 4038 USA Dance MASSabda Chapter 3002 USA Dance Minnesota Chapter 2011 USA Dance Orlando Chapter 6002 USA Dance Richmond (VA) Chapter 6006 USA Dance Royal Palm (FL) Chapter 6016 USA Dance Suncoast (FL) Chapter 6004 May-July 2016

WDSF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP

SENIOR IV STANDARD - FEBRUARY 5, 2016 Antwerp, Belgium

ccording to placements at the USA Dance 2015 Senior IV National DanceSport Championships, USA Dance selected two couples to represent the United States at the WDSF Senior IV Standard World Championship, held this year in the beautiful old-world city of Antwerp, Belgium -- Winston Chow & Lilly Chow (CA) and William Pedrick & Carolyn Pedrick (VT). Also competing at the World Championship were two additional USA Dance Senior IV couples -- Terry Yeh & Glendy Yeh (CA), who recently qualified for the division, and Adel Ghoneimy & Karen Chow (CA). Winston Chow has provided insight into Team USA’s memorable trip to Belgium.

I A

WDSF WORLD & OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPs SENIOR IV WORLD STANDARD Feb. 5 Terry Yeh & Glendy Yeh

Tied 10-11 out of 122

Winston Chow & Lilly Chow

27 out of 122

Adel Ghoneimy & Karen Chow

Tied 59-60 out of 122

William Pedrick & Carolyn Pedrick

Tied 61-63 out of 122

SENIOR IV OPEN STANDARD Feb. 7 Terry Yeh & Glendy Yeh

4 out of 52

Adel Ghoneimy & Karen Chow

Tied 25-26 out of 52

William Pedrick & Carolyn Pedrick

32 out of 52

Other Placements: Senior III Open Standard, Feb. 6 – Willliam Pedrick & Carolyn Pedrick 66 out of 78; World Open Standard, Feb. 7 – Earle Williamson & Charlotte Christiansen (CA) tied 13-14 out of 62.

AMERICAN

DANCER

nterview

By Winston Chow ntwerp in Northern Belgium, population 510,000, has the second largest seaport in Europe. A cosmopolitan city often called the “Diamond Capital of the World,” Antwerp is where raw diamonds have been cut, polished and ultimately either sold or distributed around the world. However, on this given weekend of Feb. 5-7, this city hosted the Antwerp Diamond Cup Dancesport Competition. The venue was Antwerp’s Sport Hall ExtraTime in Hoboken. On February 5th, some 122 couples from all over the world converged there to compete for the coveted title of WDSF World Senior IV Standard Champion. All in all, there were participants from 15 different countries. Germany and Italy brought the largest contingents with 43 and 40 couples, respectively. Team USA consisted of four couples: Winston Chow & Lilly Chow, William Pedrick & Carolyn Pedrick, Adel Ghoneimy & Karen Chow, and Terry Yeh & Glendy Yeh. It was a very good outing for Team USA. All four USA couples were ranked in the top 50% of those dancing in this event with Terry and Glendy Yeh making Team USA proud with a semi-final appearance 40

Rob Rhonda

GO SENIOR IV WORLD TEAM! Karen, Adel, Terry, Glendy, Carolyn, William, Lilly, Winston.

and ultimately tied for 10th place. At the end of seven rounds of dancing over a period of 14 hours, the winners of this World Championship event were finally declared. The Gold medal was repeated by Luciano Ceruti and Rosa Nuccia Cappello, last year’s bronze medalist Alessandro Barbone and Patrizia Flamini claimed the Silver, and Angelo Brusca and Enrica Alde the bronze. All three couples were from Italy. The exceptionally large SportsHall ExtraTime was filled with spectators

American Dancer | www.americandancer.org

and competitors throughout the day. In contrast to the more remote location for the WDSF Senior IV World Championship in Tilburg, the Netherlands last year, this particular venue in the outskirts of Antwerp allowed for many more spectators, competitors and their families to view the program. We saw a number of young spectators present to watch and support their grandparents grace the dance floor. Ostensibly, there was a continuous sense of excitement in the air. The organizers did a tremendous job of

Antwerp Train Station

Reflections following the terrorist attacks in Belgium: “First, our hearts go out to Belgium and all of the folks that were injured or killed in the blasts at the airport just a few weeks after we traveled through that same place. Everyone we met was very kind and welcoming. It was wonderful to be able to visit their lovely country, and it is so incredibly awful that they are in such a terrible situation regarding terrorism.” – William Pedrick & Carolyn Pedrick

Winston Chow

Rob Rhonda

Adel Ghoneimy & Karen Chow

Dr. Helmut Roland

Terry Yeh & Glendy Yeh

organizing this event. Events nominally ran as scheduled. Some of us (Team USA members) met several of the organizers upon our arrival into Antwerp the day before the actual competition and found them extremely friendly and hospitable. Overall, it was just remarkable to be surrounded by courteous and smiling senior over-60 competitors simply enjoying themselves, enjoying the day, and enjoying their dancing. With the weather outside on competition day being mostly wintry and wet, we all were simply glad to be warm indoors to enjoy the dancing and supporting one another through the various rounds. The

A&D Photograph

William Pedrick & Carolyn Pedrick (CA)

venue was quite comfortable with plenty of open seating for the competitors and great views of the dancefloor from every part of the ballroom. Given a full service restaurant in the building, there was practically no need to leave the facility. Free shuttles were offered on an hourly basis to and from the Crowne Plaza Hotel where most of the participants stayed. Always a side benefit of coming to these World events is the meeting of new friends from other countries. As members of Team USA, we were all ever cognizant of being good ambassadors for USA Dance. And indeed, new friends were met and made amongst folks who spoke a

Rob Rhonda

Winston Chow & Lilly Chow

variety of different native languages. However, there is breaking news to report. Marco Sietas, WDSF Sports Director, indicated that WDSF leadership has taken note of the particularly strong attendance levels of the Senior IV World Championships which only began last year. And as such, he mentioned during his Opening Ceremony remarks that there may be in the future a Senior V Standard category in the making. Judging from the level of cheers from the audience on this announcement, this was welcome news to a number of couples there who have either reached or are approaching their 70’s. May-July 2016

DANCESPORT CALENDAR 2016-2017 A/A = Amateur/Amateur

T/S = Teacher/Student

SS = Same Sex Events

May 2016

New England DanceSport Championships – 2017 NQE May 13-14, 2016 Events: A/A, T/S Hosted by MASSabda Chapter #3002 Westin Hotel - Waltham, MA Rocky Mountain Spring Competition May 14, 2016 Events: A/A, F Hosted by USA Dance Denver Chapter #5006 Denver Turnverein - Denver, CO Georgia DanceSport Competition May 20-22, 2016 Events: A/A, T/S, MP, SS, SO Organized by Georgia DanceSport Westin Perimeter North - Atlanta, GA

June 2016

Nebraska Invitational Dance Festival June 3-5, 2016 Events: AA, MP, SS, F Organized by Kristoffer Shaw Ramada Plaza, Omaha, NB NJ DanceSport Classic - Summer Sizzler – 2017 NQE June 11-12, 2016 Events: A/A, MP, SS, SO Organized by Mario Battista & Wendi Davies Rogers DanceSport Center - Hackensack NJ Gumbo DanceSport Championships – 2017 NQE June 24-26, 2016 Events: A/A, T/S Hosted by Louisiana Gumbo Chapter #5031 Crowne Plaza - Baton Rouge LA WDSF Open Senior II & III Standard June 24-26, 2016 Events held at the Gumbo DanceSport Championships

August 2016

Fort Wayne DanceSport Special Olympics August 6, 2016 Hosted by USA Dance Fort Wayne Chapter #2046 Walb Student Union, Indiana - Purdue Campus, Fort Wayne, IN

September 2016

Kansas City Dance Classic September 10, 2016 Events: A/A, T/S Organized by Matt & Ellen Pansing Camelot Ballroom - Overland Park, KS (Kansas City) Carolina Fall Classic – 2017 NQE September 30-October 2, 2016 Events: A/A, T/S, SO Organized by Wayne & Marie Crowder University Hilton - Charlotte NC WDSF Open Senior I & II & III Standard WDSF Open Senior I & II Latin September 30-October 2, 2016 Events held at Carolina Fall Classic

October 2016

Rocky Mountain Fall Competition October 1, 2016 Events: A/A, F Hosted by USA Dance Denver Chapter #5006 Denver Turnverein - Denver, CO Calendars: The updated USA Dance DanceSport Calendar and Rulebook (for eligibility rules) can be found at www.USADance.org under "DanceSport". Note that Calendar information is subject to change. Please

SO = Solo Events

MP = Mixed Proficiency

American DanceSport Festival October 8-9, 2016 Events: A/A Organized by ADSF Clark Athletic Center, Univ. of Massachusetts, Boston WDSF World Championship October 8, 2016 Senior I Standard October 9, 2016 Senior I 10-Dance Events held at the American DanceSport Festival NJ DanceSport Classic – Fall Frolic October 2016 Events: A/A, MP, SS, SO Organized by Wendi Davies Rogers Dance Center - Hackensack, NJ (Note: Date to be announced) New England Fall Challenge October 22, 2016 Events: A/A, T/S, SS Hosted by Greater Hartford Chapter #3056 Hilton Hotel, Hartford, CT Chicago DanceSport Challenge – 2017 NQE October 28-30, 2016 Events: A/A, T/S, SS, SO, C, F Hosted by Chicagoland Chapter #2001 Hyatt O’Hare Hotel - Chicago, IL WDSF Open Adult Standard, 10-Dance & Latin October 29-30, 2016 Events held at the Chicago DanceSport Challenge Hyatt O'Hare Hotel - Chicago, IL Quest For The Best October 29, 2016 Events: A/A, MP, F Hosted by Seattle Chapter #1004 Kent Commons - Lynnwood, WA

November 2016

Liberty Ball November 5, 2016 Events: A/A, T/S, MP, SS, C Organized by Renata Shvarts & Steve Mesh Klein JCC - Philadelphia, PA

National Collegiate DanceSport Championships

November 19-20, 2016 Events: A/A Hosted by USA Dance National Columbus Convention Center – Columbus, OH

December 2016

California State DanceSport Championships – 2017 NQE December 3, 2016 Events: A/A Hosted by NorCal Chapter #4004 Just Dancing Ballroom, Oakland, CA

January 2017

Islanders DanceSport Challenge January 7-8, 2017 Events: A/A, T/S, MP Organized by Renata Shvarts Olympia Recreational Center - Staten Island, NY Manhattan Amateur Classic (The MAC) - 2017 NQE January 13-15, 2017 Events: AA, MP, SS reconfirm all details on the actual competition event websites before making plans. Proficiency Points: Only NQEs and the National DanceSport Championships earn proficiency points. Since a new proficiency point system is

American Dancer | www.americandancer.org

F = Formation

C = Cabaret

Hosted by Greater New York Chapter #3004 Hyatt Regency - Jersey City, NJ WDSF Open Junior II Standard & Latin January 13, 14, 2016 Events held at Manhattan Amateur Classic. Florida Fun Amateur Mini-Match January 15, 2017 Events: A/A, T/S, MP, F Organized by Mary K. Thomas Circle Square Cultural Center - Ocala, FL Winter Frolic January 29, 2017 Events: A/A, SS, F Hosted by Royal Palm Chapter #6016 Gold Coast Ballroom - Coconut Creek, FL

February 2017

2017 DanceSport Games - 2017 NQE February 3-5, 2017 Events: A/A, T/S, SO Hosted by Wayne & Marie Crowder Sheraton Birmingham, Birmingham, AL Quest For The Best February 2017 Events: A/A, MP, F Hosted by Seattle Chapter #1004 Kent Commons - Lynnwood, WA Mid-Atlantic Championships – 2017 NQE February 18-19, 2017 Events: A/A, SS Hosted by Mid-Eastern Chapter #6001 North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center - Bethesda, MD

Senior IV National DanceSport Championships

February 18-19, 2017 Hosted by USA Dance Mid-Eastern Chapter #6001 North Marriott Hotel & Conference Center— Bethesda, MD

March 2017

NJ DanceSport Classic – Spring Fling March 2017 Events: A/A, MP, SS, SO Organized by Wendi Davies Rogers Dance Center – Hackensack, NJ Phoenix USA DanceSport Challenge March 2017 Events: A/A Hosted by Phoenix Chapter #4033 El Zaribah Shrine Hall - Phoenix, AZ WDSF Adjudicator’s Congress at Nationals March 30, 2016

USA DANCE 2017 National DanceSport Championships

March 31-April 2, 2017 Also Hosting WDSF World Ranking Tournaments: Open Adult & Senior 1 Standard Open Adult & Senior 1 Latin Renaissance Harborplace Hotel - Baltimore, MD

in development, for the period beginning April 2016 through Nationals 2017, athletes may enter the levels they determine appropriate. Event Organizers: To make event changes/ updates, please email DS-Competition@usadance.org.

ORLANDO’S YOUTH DANCESPORT CHALLENGE

PROVIDES SOMETHING

for

EVERYONE

The Orlando Chapter’s model community outreach program has added yet another new layer this year – a one-day dance competition – with the intent to offer local children and young adults a fun one-day dance competition that would test their skills and offer lots of positive social interaction and both peer and community support. By John Davis, Orlando Chapter President • All Photos by Bobby & Judi Chapman

he Orlando Chapter organized a fast, fun, and furious competition in February for Dancers with Special Needs, Youth Couples ages five to 25, Teacher/ Student Youth Couples, and a Battle of the Formation Teams. The competition event led off with an opening ceremonial parade followed by dance heats involving 11 dancers with Special Needs, from our Chapter’s Special Populations Dance Classes, where we teach individuals with intellectual and/or physical disabilities to dance Tango, Rumba, Bachata, Merengue, Salsa, Swing, Foxtrot and Hustle. (Our Chapter members love to volunteer for this program.) These Special Needs dancers and their volunteer partners showed off their moves in five dances to a cheering audience and each dancer was given an award and medallion. Their smiles were as big as the Bahia Shrine Ballroom! Then, 54 dancers competed in the usual American and International-style dances, plus the popular club-style dances Salsa, Lindy, Hustle, Argentine Tango, Bachata, Two-Step, Nightclub Two-Step and West Coast Swing. Fees were only $25 per dancer for unlimited entries in all of the single dances! To add to the fun, all dancers paired at random to dance Jitterbug and Merengue Jack and Jill heats. Have you ever twirled a hula hoop as you danced West Coast Swing? Three of our youth couples did. Sometimes there were two and even three separate dance floors of competitors dancing at the same time -- Pre-Teens, High School and Collegiate -- as we flew through the day’s schedule. The six judges gave us their results at the end of every heat, so the winners could pick up their trophies before

First Competition. Harvey & Camille, Under-Two Division Above: Five-year old Jiavanna Villegas & 10-year old brother Jovannie Villegas

Left:,Special Needs Challenge dancers with USA Dance volunteer partners

leaving the dance floor. Orlando Chapter board members made sure everything ran smoothly. Mike Johnston, past President of the SouthernStar Chapter, provided the music. Tracey Zirfas, present President of SouthernStar Chapter was Deck Captain. Anne Johnson from Straight Up WCS handed out 80 trophies, two “Top Gun” Awards, and lots of cash. Competitors’ USA Dance memberships were funded by a grant from Susanne Sabbatino’s

Trevi Int’l Design Studios. Scholarships were awarded from the Orlando Chapter’s Youth/ Student Grant Fund, Frank Nelson Memorial Funds, Dick Saltzman Memorial Funds, and a generous donation from USA Dance Royal Palm Chapter 6016. This was the Orlando Chapter’s first Youth DanceSport Challenge event, but all the dancers said, “Let’s do it again.” So, we are making plans for another Orlando’s Ultimate DanceSport Challenge next school year. May-July 2016

WDSF GRAND SLAM LATIN & STANDARD WDSF WORLD OPEN LATIN & STANDARD MAR 5-6, 2016 Helsinki, Finland

he World Championships, Cups and Games organized by the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) are attracting more and more amateur couples from the USA. The challenges to the USA Dance athletes relate mostly to the finances required to travel to Europe or Asia and the time required in flight to arrive and not be “jetlagged” on the competition floor. But the benefits of visiting new countries, being ambassadors for the USA, and dancing against the best in the world, the athletes say makes the challenges worth it. What is apparent over the past five years is that USA couples are making their marks globally, many times making finals and semi-finals…and for some, coming away Champions. There were four USA couples who elected to compete in Finland for the Grand Slam and Open Latin and Standard events in March. American Dancer interviewed the Open contenders.

All Photos by Lisa Dubinsky

WDSF GRAND SLAMS & OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS Sergey Dementyev & Viktoriya Kolbenkova

Grand Slam Latin

Tied 55-56 out of 92

Grand Slam Standard

Tied 65-66 out of 94

Earle Williamson & Charlotte Christiansen

Grand Slam Standard

40 out of 94

Valeriy Ort & Rita Lynn Ort

Open Senior I Latin

11 out of 22

Open Senior II Latin

3 out of 18

Murat Medzhidov & Valerie Dubinsky

Open Youth Latin

Tied 29-30 out of 57

Open Youth Standard

39 out of 54

AMERICAN

DANCER

nterview

LEFT: Valeriy Ort & Rita Lynn Ort (CT)

VALERIY ORT & RITA LYNN ORT (CT) Senior I, II Latin

On Dancing in Open World Events: Our goal is to

compete in as many events in USA and in the World as we physically can, keeping in mind that we both have full time jobs. Finland Open is one of the WDSF Grand Slam Events that historically has been well attended not only in Adult Divisions, but also in Senior. It has also been recommended by our coaches. Competing at overseas WDSF events makes you feel part of WDSF movement. You attend high quality competitions with multiple rounds even in Senior Divisions. It engages you and pushes you to overcome challenges and perform at the top of your ability. On the Value of the World Experience: Representing USA at the World Events takes your ability to focus to the next level. All of us continuously working on our dance skills. It is part of the process and will never stop. But, representing your country at high level competitions teaches you to bring all you got to the table when it counts the most. On strategies for staying competitive: Use the big competitions like Finland Open and USA Dance Nationals as a springboard to go higher. Do not allow any drops dance wise, physically, psychologically after a big comp. Aim for the next level. 44

American Dancer | www.americandancer.org

RIGHT: Sergey Dementyev & Viktoriya Kolbenkova (CT)

RIGHT: Murat Medzhidov & Valerie Dubinsky (MA))

MURAT MEDZHIDOV & VALERIE DUBINSKY (MA) Youth Latin, Standard

On deciding to compete in Finland: We heard

that Finland Open was a great competition and we wanted to travel to an international competition to promote our country in World Championships. More countries are beginning to recognize dancers of the United States. On becoming more competitive: We realize that in order to compete in the international events we need to boost up our confidence and continue to perfect our technique and dancing. Also, since we are traveling into another time zone, we need to plan our trip so that we could adapt to the time change and have time to practice before the competition.

LEFT: Earle Williamson & Charlotte Christiansen (CA)

On new strategies since Nationals: Our strategy is to increase our potential as dancers and to travel more frequently so that we can participate in events with more athletes. It is also important to work on stamina so that we could have energy for each consecutive heat and continue to work on presentation.

May-July 2016

L of

egacies Dance

tribute to

ANN SMITH A GREAT CHAMPION HAS PASSED (1928 - 2016)

‘Miss Ann’ not only set the bar of excellence for those of us following her lead, she also left us with the responsibility to continue promoting her beloved ballroom dance. During her last years a stroke prevented her from dancing, but she was heard to say: “When I watch my ballroom friends on the dance floor, I am still dancing every step with them.” Competitors across the country will miss her cheers of encouragement, but the legacy of this dynamic lady will continue through so many dancers each time they step onto the dance floor. “I cannot imagine life without the joys of dancing and the many friendships that have been a direct result of ballroom dance. I am grateful that I am still able to have the involvement in the lives of so many wonderful friends.” – Ann Smith By Darry Martin, President of the Greater Atlanta Chapter 6005, USA Dance, Inc.

ulia Ann Smith, has been a major driving force for USA Dance in Atlanta, GA for the past 25 years. Her passion for ballroom dancing began in the 80s after an invitation to visit a local studio party, where she saw that this was something truly inspiring. After beginning lessons, she also realized there was a limited number of venues in which to dance, unless a person had studio affiliation. Consequently, Ann used her talent for organization and joined other ballroom enthusiasts in forming the first amateur ballroom dance club in Atlanta. This club, founded in 1982, was named Atlanta Ballroom Dance Club, which is still in operation to this day as ABDC. As Ann’s interest in ballroom dancing grew, she again realized there were no affordable amateur competitions in the southeast for the average dancer. So, with the help of her mentor, Cecil Phillips, she began organizing the first all-amateur competition in the Southeast called the Georgia Open, which was the forerunner of the popular Southeastern Regional Championship, known as the SRC. This competition was initially held in 1989 at the Knights of Columbus Hall with 56 couples attending. As its popularity grew, the venue moved to the Georgia World Congress Center in later years per Ann’s intent to create a first-class competition, and there it remained until its grand finale in 2007. Ann was the chair of this competition for 17 of the 19 years in existence. By 1992, the number of dancers in the Georgia Open increased dramatically to 500 competitors. Ann spearheaded the founding of the first

American Dancer | www.americandancer.org

USABDA Chapter in 1993 and affiliated with USA Dance (USABDA at this time), in order for the competition to be sanctioned. Two years passed and without Ann’s assistance, the Chapter closed in 1995 and future competitions were cancelled. In 1996, the then president of USABDA Archie Hazelwood called Ann and asked if she would continue this competition and from that point on, the journey of the Southeastern Regional Championship began. Ann refounded the Greater Atlanta Chapter of USABDA as she planned the 1996 competition. There was no money for startup, so Mr. Hazelwood sent Ann “seed money” to begin this competition. The expenses were quite substantial, with the cost of the ballroom at $10,000 per day, which was secured only by the signature of this brave Atlanta native. After the competition of 1996, Ann took great pleasure in returning the generous check to President Hazelwood. Ann worked through the years on several committees at the national level for USABDA as well as served as president and treasurer through many terms for her beloved chapter, the Greater Atlanta Chapter, where she remained an active board member until her death at age 88. The SRC was the first regional competition in the USA and was well attended over the years. It was at this event that many amateurs began their competitive pursuits and many others continued onto professional dance careers. Competitors always sent hundreds of cards and notes, thanking Ann Smith for producing such an enjoyable event for amateur dancers to enjoy. Courtesy of Darry Martin

National Qualifying Events USA Dance 2017 National DanceSport Championships

Jun 11-12, 2016 NJ DANCESPORT CLASSIC â&#x20AC;&#x201C;SUMMER SIZZLER Hackensack, NJ Jun 24-26, 2016 GUMBO DANCESPORT CHAMPIONSHIPS Baton Rouge, LA Sep 30-Oct 2, 2016 CAROLINA FALL CLASSIC Charlotte, NC Oct 28-30, 2016 CHICAGO DANCESPORT CHALLENGE Chicago, IL Dec 3, 2016 CALIFORNIA STATE DANCESPORT CHAMPIONSHIPS San Jose, CA Jan 13-15, 2016 MANHATTAN AMATEUR CLASSIC Jersey City, NJ Feb 3-5, 2017 2017 DANCESPORT GAMES Birmingham, AL Feb 18-19, 2017 MID-ATLANTIC CHAMPIONSHIPS Bethesda, MD For more information visit: www.usadance.org

Tyler Wilson & Klaudia Kluzinski (UT) Adult Championship Standard Division 2016 Mid-Atlantic Championships Rassi G. Borneo/Timeline Media

Non-Profit Standard Class U.S. Postage

PAID

Lebanon Junction, KY Permit #542

USA DANCE

2017

NATIONAL DANCESPORT CHAMPIONSHIPS Showcasing Americaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Top DanceSport Athletes International & American Styles Pre-Teen to Senior III Scholarships & Selection of USA World Teams to WDSF World Championships

Hosting Four WDSF World Ranking Tournaments: Open Adult & Senior I Latin Open Adult & Senior I Standard Renaissance Harborplace Hotel Baltimore, MD

March 31 - April 2, 2017

USA DANCE

NATIONALS www.USADANCENATIONALS.org Samuel Hacke & Katarina Hermanova (NJ)

National Champions, Adult Championship 10-Dance, Under-21 Championship 10-Dance at the USA Dance 2017 National DanceSport Championships Photo: Lisa Dubinsky