MINNESOTA DANCER An official publication of the Minnesota Chapter 2011 of USA Dance February 2014

Pro Am couple Scott Anderson & Tracy Anderson at The SnowBall DanceSport Competition, photo by Karin Lynn Photography The Danc- Join us for USA Dance Minnesota’s UPCOMING DANCES DANCER’S NIGHT OUT Want to dance? Dancer's Night Out lists social dance events in Minnesota. Want to see your BECOME A USA DANCE MINNESOTA MEMBER dance listed here? Email the details to [email protected]. AT OUR DANCE AND GET IN FREE!

Sat 2/1 DanceLife , 7–10, Bolero/ Mon 2/17 Social Dance Studio West Coast Swing Social, Web: www.usadance-minnesota.org Hustle Lesson, 6015 Lyndale Ave S, Mpls, 9:30–11, 3742 23rd Ave S, Minneapolis, 612-353- 612-345-4219, www.dancelifeballroom.com 4445, www.socialdancestudio.com Social Dance Studio First Saturday Swing Dance, 7:30 Wed 2/19 Cinema Ballroom Practice Party, 8–9, 1650 St –12:30, 3742 23rd Ave S, Minneapolis, 612-353-4445, Clair Ave, St Paul, 651-699-5910, FEBRUARY www.socialdancestudio.com www.cinemaballroom.com Sun 2/2 USA Dance Minnesota Beginner Rumba Class with Thu 2/20 Dancers Studio 8pm, 415 Pascal St N, Saturday, February15th Nadine Messenger, 2:30 pm; Free! 1560 St. Clair St Paul, 651-641-0777, www.dancersstudio.com 7–8 pm lesson: Am Tango Ave, St Paul, MN, www.cinemaballroom.com Social Dance Studio Late Night Swing 10pm-2am, 8–11 pm Variety dance music First Sunday Dance at Tapestry, 6–9:30, $7–$10, 3742 23rd Ave S, Minneapolis, 612-353-4445, foxtrot lesson, Kate & Gordon Bratt, 3748 Minnehaha www.socialdancestudio.com Ave S, Mpls, 612-722-2914, $7 USA Dance members www.tapestryfolkdance.org Fri 2/21Cinema Ballroom Variety Dance, 7–11, 1650 St Clair $10 non-members Ave, St Paul, 651-699-5910, Social Dance Studio TC Rebels Swing Dance, www.cinemaballroom.com 7–10:30, 3742 23rd Ave S, Minneapolis, 612-353- 4445, www.socialdancestudio.com DanceLife Ballroom Dance Party, 7–9:30, $10, Waltz/ CINEMA BALLROOM Swing lesson, 6015 Lyndale Ave S, Mpls, 1650 St Clair Ave, St. Paul Wed 2/5 Cinema Ballroom Practice Party, 8–9, 1650 St Clair 612-345-4219, www.dancelifeballroom.com Ave, St Paul, 651-699-5910, www.cinemaballroom.com Sat 2/22 Café Bailar Dance Party, 7:30-11:30, $10, argentine Tango lesson with Lois Donnay, Costa Rica Ballroom MARCH Thu 2/6 Dancers Studio Dance Party 8pm, 415 Pascal St N, Dance Studio, 816 Mainstreet, Hopkins, 952-303-3339, St Paul, 651-641-0777, www.dancersstudio.com www.costaricaballroom.com Saturday, March15th Social Dance Studio Late Night Swing 10pm-2am, Sun 2/23 USA Dance Minnesota Beginner Rumba Class with 7–8 pm lesson: Cha Cha 3742 23rd Ave S, Minneapolis, 612-353-4445, Nadine Messenger, 2:30 pm; Free! 1560 St. Clair Instructor: Eliecer Ramirez Vargas www.socialdancestudio.com Ave, St Paul, MN, www.cinemaballroom.com 8–11 pm Variety dance music Fri 2/7 Cinema Ballroom Variety Dance, 7–11, 1650 St Clair Wed 2/26 Cinema Ballroom Practice Party, 8–9, 1650 St Ave, St Paul, 651-699-5910, Clair Ave, St Paul, 651-699-5910, www.cinemaballroom.com www.cinemaballroom.com $7 USA Dance members $10 non-members DanceLife Ballroom Dance Party, 7–9:30, $10, Tango/ Thu 2/27 Dancers Studio Dance Party 8pm, 415 Pascal St N, Chacha lesson, 6015 Lyndale Ave S, Mpls, St Paul, 651-641-0777, www.dancersstudio.com 612-345-4219, www.dancelifeballroom.com Social Dance Studio Late Night Swing 10pm-2am, COSTA RICA BALLROOM DANCE The Blue Moon Ballroom Club Salsa Dance, 7:30–11, 3742 23rd Ave S, Minneapolis, 612-353-4445, STUDIOS $6–$8, 2030 Hwy 14 East, Rochester, 507-288-0556, www.socialdancestudio.com www.bluemoonballroom.com 816 Mainstreet, Hopkins Fri 2/28 DanceLife Ballroom Dance Party, 7–9:30, $10, Sat 2/8 Café Bailar Dance Party, 7:30-11:30, $10, Tango Tango/Chacha lesson, 6015 Lyndale Ave S, Mpls, lesson with Jeff Nehrbass, Balance Pointe Studio, 5808 612-345-4219, www.dancelifeballroom.com R W. 36th Street, St. Louis Park, 952.922.8612. www.balancepointestudios.com █ Inside the Dancer Sun 2/9 USA Dance Minnesota Beginner Rumba Class with Nadine Messenger, 2:30 pm; Free! 1560 St. Clair Ave, St Paul, MN, www.cinemaballroom.com Dancer’s Night Out …………………… 2 Mon 2/10 Social Dance Studio West Coast Swing Social, Board Meeting Minutes..……………… 3 9:30–11, 3742 23rd Ave S, Minneapolis, 612-353- 4445, www.socialdancestudio.com President’s Corner…………………….. . 4 Wed 2/12 Cinema Ballroom Practice Party, 8–9, 1650 St On the cover: Snow Ball ……….………... .………….. 6 Clair Ave, St Paul, 651-699-5910, www.cinemaballroom.com Photo of Tracy Anderson dancing with Board’s Corner………...………………. 14 Thu 2/13 Dancers Studio Dance Party 8pm, 415 Pascal St N, St Paul, 651-641-0777, www.dancersstudio.com her instructor Scott Anderson at the Project Dance ……...…………….……. 16 Social Dance Studio Late Night Swing 10pm-2am, Snowball Dancesport Competition. Tracy Generations of Dance………...………... 18 3742 23rd Ave S, Minneapolis, 612-353-4445, won the ‘Top Gold Student’ award at the www.socialdancestudio.com The Dancing Life………………………. 21 Snowball, and also won the Open 9- Fri 2/14 Valentine Dance, 7:30–11, $10–$12, 2030 Hwy 14 Event at DanceLife Ballroom…. 22 East, Rochester, 507-288-0556, Dance, and Open Rhythm, Smooth, and www.bluemoonballroom.com Proportions in Group Costumes ………. 24 Standard scholarships. Scott was award- Valentine’s Day Dance, DanceLife Ballroom, 7-9:30, ed the Top Teacher Award and Top Small Ask Dr. Dance………………….….…… 26 $10, Foxtrot/Hustle lesson, 6015 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis, 612-345-4219, Studio award and says “thanks to the www.dancelifeballroom.com Gentlemen Lead……………………….. 28 dedication of all of my students”. Sat 2/15 USA Dance Minnesota, 7–11; $7–$10; 1560 St. Dance Partner Wanted Ads…………… . 29 Clair Ave, St Paul, MN, www.cinemaballroom.com Tracy’s beautiful by Marsha Wiest- Letters to the Editor…………………… 30 Sun 2/16 USA Dance Minnesota Beginner Rumba Class with Nadine Messenger, 2:30 pm; Free! 1560 St. Clair Hines. Competition Calendar………………… . 33 Ave, St Paul, MN, www.cinemaballroom.com Dance Contacts………………………… 34 Social Dance Studio TC Rebels Swing Dance, Photo by Karin Lynn Photography 7–10:30, 3742 23rd Ave S, Minneapolis, 612-353- 4445, www.socialdancestudio.com 7 Schedule Board Meetings for 2014 mented unethical behavior and adherence to USA Dance-MN Chapter Dancesport by-laws, rules and policies when A motion was made, seconded and approved to move considering an applicant’s request for a board #2011 Board Minutes the meeting to the 2nd Tuesday of each month. position. Tuesday, January 7, 2014 The annual meeting will be on November 15th, 2014. Submitted by Leslie Whitney Set election date: TBD 8 “Chapter Annual Report” In attendance: Lee Whitney (President), Bonnie Call for nominations to Nominations and Election Burton (Vice President), Jane Phipps (Treasurer), A motion was made, seconded and approved for Jane (N&E) Committee Leslie Whitney (Secretary), Marty Faeh, Tracy to prepare and submit this report. A motion was made, seconded and approved to invite Frazee, Donna Francisco, Bob Anholt, Amy An- 9 Schedule General Election 2014 Gary Stroick, Mike Jones, and Yen Chou if they derson, Gary Stroick would be willing to serve on the N & E Committee. This will take place on November 15th, 2014. Location: DanceLife Ballroom Studio, 6015 Call for initial meeting of N&E Committee – TBD Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55419 10 Directors-At-Large – Discussion and action taken resulted in the following appointments: Next Meeting: Call to Order Open Session: Tuesday, February 11, 2014  Communications Coordinator - DanceLife Ballroom Studio 1 Introductions Bonnie Burton 6015 Lyndale Avenue South 2 Quorum established. Agenda of the open meet-  Membership Coordinator – Marty Faeh Mpls, MN 55419 ing agenda approved █  Social Dance Coordinator – Zhuojing Liu 3 Guest statements:  Special Events Coordinator – Tracy Frazee, USA Dance  Tapestry/USA Dance Partnership Initiative – Karen Maldonado Donna Francisco, a representative of the Tapes- try Programming Committee, proposed a part-  Volunteer Coordinator – Leslie Whitney Who Are We? nership with Chapter #2011 to schedule a 11 Board Member Replacement Appointment We are a formed to preserve and monthly dance on the first Sunday of each promote ballroom dancing, both as an art and a healthful month. She presented a handout outlining de- Two candidates submitted biographies. We discussed sport. The Minnesota chapter, USA Dance Minnesota Chap- tails. Discussion followed with a recommenda- their candidacy and will vote in the February meeting. ter 2011, was formed in 1991. tion to table this until the February meeting, Membership in USA Dance is open to dancers of all levels. when dance coordinator Zhujing Liu would be DISCUSSION ITEMS AND PROJECTS There are several categories to choose from: Social, Competi- present to comment. 12 Committees – Reports and Action tor, Junior (17 and under), Collegiate, and Associate (professional/instructor).  Professional Advisor - Amy Anderson – Amy Note item #10. voiced her perspective which is to help focus USA Dance Minnesota Chapter 2011 sponsors monthly dances and other special dance events. Members are entitled the chapter’s initiatives to capitalize on a coop- Website and Facebook page: Bonnie Burton, Ed Soltis. to discounts on admission to the monthly dances, as well as erative effort to serve the entire dance commu- access to a great network for meeting other dancers. nity.  The Chapter’s new website address is: As a member, you’ll have fun dancing and meeting many  Star of the North - Nels Peterson was invited, www.usadance-minnesota.org new friends. For more information, call the USA Dance but did not attend. Minnesota Chapter 2011 HOTLINE: 651-483-5467.  Facebook/usadancemn 4 Adjourn and move to closed session The Minnesota DANCER is published monthly by the mem- Minnesota Dancer: Bonnie, Leland, Jane bers of the Minnesota Chapter 2011 of USA Dance, provid- Call to order closed session: ing information and news of ballroom dancing to members Star of the North DanceSport Competition 2014: and friends. ORGANIZATIONAL MATTERS The board agreed by motion and resolution that Star Editor/Design/Layout: Leland Whitney, Bonnie Burton 5 Agenda for the closed meeting approved. Quor- of the North will not be held and the contract with the Advertising/Editing: Bonnie Burton 952-454-4620 um established. Minutes from the December hosting hotel be cancelled. Board Meeting approved. Mailing: Committee member 13 Tea Dance 6 Treasurer’s Report Contributors: Paul Botes, Elizabeth Dickinson, Donna Edel- Zhuojing will co-chair this event with a person to be stein, Jack Munday, Deborah J. Nelson, Christine Trask, Jane submitted a financial report as of December 31, decided. Taylor Wall, Yeun Chou, Leland Whitney 2013. Report was reviewed and approved. 14 Tapestry Monthly Dance Partnership Oppor- Contributions: Articles submitted may be edited for length, clarity, and content. Photos should be high-resolution jpg, tunity png, or pdf files. Email submissions to: newsletter@usadance Decision will be made at the next board meeting. -minnesota.org. Advertising Subscriptions: $22/year. Make checks payable to USA Dance 15 Reelection Petition, Discussion and Action Minnesota Chapter 2011 and send to Jane Phipps, 9650 DISPLAY ADS: To advertise your event or The board reviewed the election petition. The Board Waterstone Pl., #402, Minnetonka, MN 55305 professional service, submit a digital file (300 discussed and established new chapter policies re- Leland Whitney, Chapter President, 651-690-9367, [email protected] dpi pdf or jpeg format ONLY!) or camera- garding board membership eligibility and reelection timing. Bonnie Burton, Chapter Vice-President, 652-454-4620, ready artwork to [email protected] [email protected] (952-454-4620), along with payment to USA A motion was made, seconded and the following Jane Phipps, Chapter Treasurer, 612-859-5245, policies were approved: [email protected] Dance Minnesota Chapter 2011. Advertising Leslie Whitney, Chapter Secretary, 651-690-9367, lrwhit- for charge cards, insurance, or travel cannot be  A person who is removed from the board may [email protected]█ not be a board member candidate for a period of accepted. Payment to accompany ad. 5 years. Full page 7.5” wide x10” high $130  A person who resigns from the board may not Half page 7.5” wide x 4.75” high $80 USA DANCE MINNESOTA be a board member candidate for a period of 3 OR 3.5” wide x 9.5” high years. HOTLINE Qtr. Page 3.5” wide x 4.75” high $60 Business Card 3 consecutive months $50  A person must be a member of Chapter 2011 for 651-483-5467 2 years immediately preceding their nomina- DEADLINE FOR ALL MATERIALS: tion.to be a board member candidate. www.usadance-minnesota.org  The nominating committee shall consider docu- Call for information on dance events. 10TH OF EACH MONTH Leave a message for membership information. PRESIDENT’S CORNER By Leland Whitney, Chapter President USA Dance Minnesota Chapter 2011 Last month I discussed our vision to Stability in the USA Dance Minnesota Strengthen the of our USA environment is a major goal in our Vi- Dance Minnesota Chapter. sion. As noted last month, it was possi- ble that a special election of the board Project Dance is an important building would be necessary to be held prior to block in our Vision. Project Dance had Feb 14, 2014. It is good news that the a great month in January. It was held National USA Dance Executive Coun- every Sunday at 2pm at Dance With cil ruled that the next board election to Us America, team taught by Gene and be held for USA Dance Minnesota Elena Bersten. Attendance was high. would be the normal general election Leslie, my wife, and I in January competed at: Videos were posted on Facebook/ to be held Nov 2014. Please see the  The Snow Ball USADanceMN and received over 300 letter from the Executive Council re-  The Manhattan Amateur Classic (NQ) viewings. We are exited about Project printed on the next page of this news- We were happy with our Smooth and Standard results, but we had lots of trouble with Rhythm. Dance in February to be held every letter. In performance we both forgot pieces of our Sunday at Cinema Ballroom where choreography! We’ll have fun preparing to do better next time. Nadine Messenger will be teaching We are grateful for the cooperation and beginning Rumba. guidance we received from the Nation- al Board. █

THE SNOW BALL TENTH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

By Donna Edelstein 2014 marked the 10th Anniversary of This year the competition attracted and have danced together since they The Snow Ball--and we celebrated competitors from across the United were seven – and it showed in the pre- with the largest number of competitors States -– from California to Washing- cision and artistry of their dancing. we’ve ever had, at a new, bigger ven- ton, D.C. Every one that I talked to The weekend concluded with a sur- ue, The Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport from out of town remarked on the high prise performance by the Snow Ball Mall of America Hilton. This year’s dance standard that we have here in Dancing Judges. Ron Montez choreo- competition featured a huge ballroom Minnesota, the friendliness of our graphed a chacha formation that was more elegantly decorated than ever competitors, and the warm, personal danced by judges JT Thomas, Martin before, staging with a tiered entrance attention that they received from all the Cawston, Nathan Daniels, Stephan for finalists, a larger floor, and more staff working at the Snow Ball. Krauel, Tony Meredith and, of course, vendor space for a wonderful shopping In addition to making everyone feel Ron Montez. It was a huge hit. The experience. welcome and organizing a well run audience screamed and clapped, and We also introduced new events, which competition, it’s also our goal to enter- many competitors remarked later how were extremely popular, including “C” tain. This year we had two nights of much they loved seeing the judge’s Scholarships in all four styles, plus solid celebration. Saturday night fea- dance. Open Professional Rhythm and tured top pro-am and amateur scholar- We hope you can join us next year, Smooth divisions. ship events, formation team competi- Saturday January 10 and Sunday Janu- tion, followed by Rising Star Profes- The Snow Ball is famous for our Top ary 11, for another exceptional experi- sional Events, a Latin demonstration Grand Slam Teacher and Top Grand ence. New events will include the by Gene and Elena Bersten, and a spe- Slam Student Awards, which recog- World Pro Am DanceSport Closed cial premiere performance of a new nize those teachers and students that Bronze and Silver Series. We congrat- work by the Beyond Ballroom Dance place the best across scholarship and ulate everyone who challenged them- Company. multi-dance events. This year our Top selves by dancing their best at The Grand Slam teacher was Scott Ander- Sunday night boasted more pro-am and Snow Ball! son, who also won Top Teacher for the amateur scholarships, The Open Pro- Marks from Snow Ball 2014 and up- overall event. Many of the nine talent- fessional Showdance, Smooth and dates for Snow Ball 2015 can be found ed ladies that Scott danced with over Rhythm divisions, and a remarkable on the web at the weekend achieved top honors in show with the Salsa Sirens. A fabu- www.thesnowballcomp.com their divisions. The Top Grand Slam lous five dance show by World Student was Ed Kadletz, dancing with Rhythm Finalists Nazar Norov and teacher Julie Jacobson. Ed moved up Irina Kudryashova. Both Nazar and from third position in the Grand Slam Irina are from Siberia where they last year. It is impressive to win a divi- learned to heat up the floor. They’ve sion that requires diversity of styles. danced since they were four years old,

6 MD / FEBRUARY 2014 www.usadance-minnesota.org

Top Snow Ball Winners follow: Smooth B – Ken Kendle with Julie Jacobson Smooth C – Kim Miller with Scott Anderson Amateur Winners Amateur Junior/Youth International Latin – Jacob Borg & Sijia Latin A – Emilia Kokoszka with Gene Bersten Wei Latin B - Shannon Yee with Gene Bersten Adult Open Smooth & Ballroom Scholarship – Greg & Sue

Prasch Rhythm A – Tracy Anderson with Scott Anderson Adult Open Smooth Multi-Dance – Nels Peterson &Theresa Kimler Rhythm B – Anna Gilberston with Tom Neterval Masters Open Smooth & Ballroom - Leland & Leslie Whitney Rhythm C – Dee Iannone with Markus Cannon

Closed Bronze Scholarship Winners Ballroom B – Tracy Anderson with Scott Anderson Smooth A – Amy Anderson with Charlie Hardcastle Smooth C- Cindi Andren with Jay Larson Professional Winners Rising Star Rhythm & Open Rhythm – Irwin & Ivona Rybczyn- ski Latin B – Renee Anderson with Scott Anderson Rising Star Smooth – Sergey Smolin & Anna Tomosini Latin C – Cathy Casey & Scott Anderson Rising Star International Ballroom – Trent Quinn & Nandina Snow Ballroom B – Renee Anderson with Scott Anderson Open Professional Smooth – Adrian & Hannah Dydinski Ballroom C – Kim Miller with Scott Anderson Open Professional Showdance – Darren Franco & Andrea Kuzel

Rhythm A – Heather Polivka with Gordon Bratt Top Teachers Rhythm B – Cindi Andren with Jay larson 1. Scott Anderson Rhythm C – Cindi Andren with Jay larson 2. Markus Cannon 3. Gordon Bratt Closed Silver Scholarship Winners 4. Gary Dahl Smooth A – Erika Gallagher with Gordon Bratt 5. Darren Franco - tie Smooth B- Cathy Casey with Scott Anderson 5. Tom Neterval – tie Smooth C – Susan Iverson with Jay Larson 7. Nick Babberl 8. Curtis Haremza Latin A – Echo Huang with Gene Bersten 9. Jeff Nehrbass – tie Latin B – Zhoujing Liu with Gene Bersten 9. Charlie Hardcastle – tie Latin C – David Zaleske with Kristina Lee 11. Jay Larson 12. Eliecer Ramirez Vargas Ballroom A – Tracy Wang with Jay Larson 13. Julie Jacobson Ballroom C – Dee Iannone with Markus Cannon 14. Deborah Gillitzer 15. Rebecca Gentry –tie Rhythm A - Oncu Er with Julie Jacobson 15. Mike Barris – tie Rhythm B - Ed Kadletz with Julie Jacobson Rhythm C – Susan Iverson with Jay Larson Top Studio Small – Scott Anderson Open Scholarship Winners Large – Get Out & Dance █ Smooth A – Tracy Anderson with Scott Anderson

7 MD / FEBRUARY 2014 www.usadance-minnesota.org

THE SNOW BALL PHOTOS

World Rhythm Finalists Naz- ar Norov and Irina Kudryashova. Photos on this page and the next by Karin Lynn Photography.

8 MD / FEBRUARY 2014 www.usadance-minnesota.org

9 MD / FEBRUARY 2014 www.usadance-minnesota.org

THE SNOW BALL PHOTOS

Photo by Karin Lynn Photography

Photo by Karin Lynn Photography

Photo by Karin Lynn Photography

Photo by Ha Tuong

10 MD / FEBRUARY 2014 www.usadance-minnesota.org

Photo by Ha Tuong

Photo by Ha Tuong

Photo by Ha Tuong

Photo by Ha Tuong

11 MD / FEBRUARY 2014 www.usadance-minnesota.org

THE SNOW BALL PHOTOS

Photos by Ha Tuong █

12 MD / FEBRUARY 2014 www.usadance-minnesota.org

BOARD’S CORNER The ‘Star of the North’ Goes Dark for 2014

What if you wanted to have a party, but then you weren’t allowed to participate? That’s what happened to the USA Dance Minneso- ta Board with this year’s ‘Star of the North’ DanceSport Competition, an annual event hosted by USA Dance Minnesota each Febru- ary.

The volunteer group who ran the competition these past few years apparently went on strike via complete communication blackout. They refused to communicate with the board, despite multiple information requests, emails, and invitations to appear at the board meetings to provide updates. Dancers reported to us that when they tried to register for the competition, there was no website on-line registration link and no response to their emails.

These Star of the North volunteers inexplicably stopped preparation on organizing this year’s competition, completely dropping the ball, and thereby failing our local dance community. The Board was not permitted to manage and have oversight of the Star of the North competition starting with then-president Daniel O’Connell signing a facility contract without Board approval, and deflecting and ignoring board efforts to appoint an appropriate chairperson to direct the volunteers.

Therefore, it is with extreme regret, the USA Dance Minnesota Chapter #2011 Board must withdraw as host of this year’s competition and is hereby cancelling the competition for 2014.

Dancers, we are as disappointed as you are. Here is the notice the Board sent to the renegade ‘volunteer’ group:

To Star of the North 2014 Committee,

It is with sincere regret that the USA Dance Minnesota Chapter #2011 Board of Directors is announcing that it is with- drawing as host of the 2014 Star of the North DanceSport Competition and is hereby cancelling the competition. The Chapter will accept no financial liability incurred for this competition.

The reasons for this decision are as follows:

The volunteer group who had verbally committed to organizing the competition has gone into a complete communica- tions blackout; all Board of Directors’ emails, communication requests, and invitations to chapter board meetings to discuss said competition were completely ignored by this volunteer group.

The Board was therefore not allowed to have any oversight or due diligence in managing the event, as a result of this communications black-out.

The Board was notified verbally by Nels Petersen that the volunteer base responsible for organizing the competition has defected.

The Board learned an unauthorized, unapproved, and unviewed contract with the Hotel had been signed last July by the then-president Daniel O’Connell, who has since been removed from the board. In retrospect, the board would not have approved this contract if given the chance to do so, and disavows any financial obligation in connection with this contract.

The Board has notified the hotel that the contract is void because it was signed without appropriate review, authoriza- tion, and approval of the full board. Again, the Board never saw the contract.

Be advised that without Chapter Board ownership and management, liability insurance for the event is not provided by National USA Dance organization. ["Our liability policy applies for events that are hosted, owned, and managed by USA Dance Chapter #0000" (Ref: USA Dance Guidelines - Keeping it Legal)]

Sincerely, USA Dance Chapter #2011 Board of Directors █

14 MD / FEBRUARY 2014 www.usadance-minnesota.org

15 MD / FEBRUARY 2014 www.usadance-minnesota.org

Dance with Us America, Pro–Am couple Gene Bersten and Dance With Us America’s Elena and Gene Bersten PROJECTZhuojing Liu DANCE: FREE JIVE LESSONS BY GENE & ELENA BERSTEN

16 MD / FEBRUARY 2014 www.usadance-minnesota.org

Photos by Marty Faeh █ Cinema Pro Couple Jonathan Chen and Nadine

17 MD / FEBRUARY 2014 www.usadance-minnesota.org GENERATIONS OF DANCE By ChristineTrask

My parent’s to family members for At fifteen years old, a slender figured song was the ‘Tennessee Waltz’.” the holiday was to get us all woman, midnight black curly hair, em- together in one place to eat, and thank erald green eyes, my mother was ac- The same year my parents were mar- our higher power for our blessings and companied by two of her brothers to ried, l952, my father was drafted and ask for guidance for the New Year. the Nightingale Ballroom in the small fought two years in the Korean War, The family gathering was on my moth- town of Kaukauna, Wisconsin. The which meant that he could not come er’s birthday, December 26, 2013. It ballroom featured big bands like Tom- home during the holidays during that was held at a Wisconsin rustic restau- my Dorsey, Harry James, Lawrence time. When the war ended, my father rant that was clearly a gem due to its Welk, Guy Lombardo, and many oth- returned home and my parents spent ultimate serene setting surrounded by a ers. My mother smiled and said, holidays together again. After a few forest of snow-covered pine trees. "When your father was l4 he drove the children, my parents joined a square Stepping inside I sighed, gazing at the family’s l938 International pick up dancing club. My mother, a talented tongue-grooved pine from floor to ca- truck from his dad’s implement busi- seamstress, created a mid-length swing thedral ceiling and the blazing orange- ness. When he was l6, he received his skirt with layered petticoats along with yellow flame of a huge field stone fire- driver’s license, about which the police a matching shirt for my father. Square place that used up most of one wall. commented, ‘it’s about time.’ He dancing provided a fun, social outing The real Christmas tree stood proudly picked me up in the truck which had for my parents. When the twins where at fifteen feet decorated with huge red no heater. We sat close. He wore a born they took some time off from and gold shiny ornaments topped off black leather jacket, and a wave set dancing. They soon realized that they with a white owl. I caught my broth- hair cream which he greased back to needed dance in their life so within a er’s eye and winked and started em- perfection Fonzie-style, and gazed at year’s time they found themselves get- bracing each one of my thirty-two fam- me with his mysterious dark brown ting back into dancing. More children ily members and ended up sitting next eyes.” She continued, “Television was were born, but they still kept dance in to my parents for . not invented yet so dancing was the their life and ours. best means of . We had a I started talking about my favorite sub- lot of fun dancing the jitterbug, polka, ject - dance - and discovered that my waltz, and two-step square dance. In parents started a generation of dance those days, your father could kick his lovers. leg above my head. Our favorite dance On Sunday evenings our family would club in high school. take it up again after retirement. My watch the Lawrence Welk show and at sister Linda was on the pom and dance age three and up we all danced to the My brother Larry and wife Brenda team throughout her high school years. program. My sisters and I also danced took ballroom dance lessons. Larry to Dick Clark’s ‘American Band was always performing dance steps on My niece Elizabeth and mother of the Stand’ program as well. his skate board. Their daughter Natalie new great grandbaby Lucy, did has been with the Manitowoc Ballet and tap five years and was a member When my father and mother retired, four years and has performed in the of Kaukauna dance team in high they danced on Sunday afternoons at ‘Nutcracker’ each year. Their son school 2002-2006. She competed in the Cecil Ballroom to a l2-piece or- Bret, and daughters Britney and Na- pom, jazz, kick, and funk. Bets are on chestra that played songs such as ‘In talie, performed a dance routine they that Lucy, the great-granddaughter, the Mood’, ‘Don’t Sit under the Apple choreographed for our family one holi- might be the champion ballroom danc- Tree with Anyone Else but Me,’ ‘Glow day. They were awesome! er of the family. My sister Diane was Worm,’ and many more. They liked a high school dance cheerleader. the Eddie Larsen Orchestra so much My brother David was in a high school that they hired them for their 50th wed- talent show ‘White Christmas’. He My daughter Joanna took tap dance ding anniversary. We all danced until dressed and danced and lip sang with when she was five and six. On a fami- we dropped. his friend Darin as one of the Hayne ly vacation with my children two years sisters in ‘Sister Act’. My mother and ago in Spain, my son surprised us and I asked the rest of my family about father had no idea that their son David danced Flamenco with a professional their dance experiences and surprising- was going to participate in the show Flamenco dancer. I started taking ball- ly learned the following: nor did they recognize him. When my room dance lessons three and l/2 years mother commented to my sister, “They ago and have done various perfor- My niece Kate, danced with the Apple- are fantastic!” his twin sister Diane mances and some competitions. ton ballet and danced as the mouse in laughed and replied, “Mom, one of the Nutcracker. I encouraged my Since my father’s knee replacements those dressed up Haynes sisters is my nephew Thomas to take private dance and my mother’s knee problems, my twin brother.” lessons last year with me as his partner parents have stopped their dancing. in order to prepare him for a My sister Linda and husband Rich took Now they enjoy attending their grand- he was attending with a girl friend who ballroom dancing when they started daughters’ and grandsons’ dance per- was a ballroom dancer. My sister dating. I won’t be surprised if they formances, along with sharing with Becky was part of the modern dance them their own fond memories of dancing.

Interview your own fami- ly and share with the ‘Minnesota Dancer’ magazine what you dis- cover. Create your own generation of dance lov- ers and memories of dance. Invite your fami- ly to join you in a dance class, performance, so- cial dance event, or com- petition.

█ Email: [email protected] Website: www.usadance-minnesota.org

Sunday, February 2 at 2:30 pm Sunday, February 9 at 2:30 pm Sunday, February 16 at 2:30 pm Sunday, February 23 at 2:30 pm

THE DANCING LIFE Holding On Too Tightly and Letting Go

By Elizabeth Dickinson

In the effort to engage my core and beliefs (even the ‘good’ ones) muscles when dancing I’ve been can also promote anxiety. compressing my entire mid- section. Unconsciously, I was As I’ve grown older, it’s become also sucking in my diaphragm. I more important to me to ‘take it found myself getting more and easy’ and let certain things go. I more anxious without knowing was brought up with a strong why. sense of right and wrong behav- ior. Sorting out whether it’s a I finally caught myself literally good idea to live with all of those holding my breath both on and off beliefs, expectations, judgments, the dance floor. A lack of oxygen and assumptions can take a long to the brain, heart and muscles time. raises blood pressure. Additional- ly, research conducted at the Na- Someone once shared a way to Elizabeth Dickinson is a life/executive coach and amateur tional Institute of Health found decide whether or not to repeat ballroom dancer. If you enjoy her writing and would like to breath-holding contributes signifi- something (like gossip). I find it receiver her weekly emailed coaching newsletter, please cantly to stress-related diseases. can also help in sorting through send an email to [email protected]. The body becomes acidic, the beliefs, expectations and assump- kidneys begin to re-absorb sodi- tions. Ask yourself: um, and as the oxygen (O2), car- bon dioxide (CO2), and nitric ox- · Is this a truth I want to live ide (NO) balance is undermined, by (for myself and/or others)? our biochemistry is thrown off. · Is this useful (for myself and Simply put, our body and mind others)? needs regular doses of oxygen to operate optimally. · Is this kind (to myself and others)? In a larger sense, in an effort to get something right, we can over- If you get a solid ‘yes’ from do it, hold on too tightly and work yourself on all three questions, too hard. When I learned to teach you’re probably on solid ground yoga, my teacher always said that of your own truth. the foundation for a good inhala- tion of breath lay in the exhala- Like breathing, our life needs a tion. The metaphor of letting go sense of flow in and out. Are lies in the breath. there any beliefs, expectations, judgments or assumptions you Holding on too tightly to your need to ‘let out’ (exhale) in order own breathing muscles, is a sure to ‘let in’ (inhale) an easier ap- way to create anxiety. Similarly, proach to life? holding on too tightly to expecta- tions, assumptions, judgments █

21 MD / FEBRUARY 2014 www.usadance-minnesota.org

SUPERCALAFRAGILOUS HOLIDAY EVENT AT DANCELIFE BALLROOM

By ChristineTrask, Photos by Karin Lynn Photography

“Supercalafragilous” is how I describe favorite acts were the Spanish-flared “Are you breathing, Chris? Don’t for- Shinya McHenry’s holiday ballroom solo that Shinya choreographed for get to breathe”, he says, smiling. No event held recently at his new him and Anna Reed, and the cute holi- matter what new dances I struggle to DanceLife Ballroom studio located on day waltz story that Nick Westlake and learn, I leave my dance class feeling Lyndale Avenue South in Minneapolis. his beautiful partner Neli Petkova upbeat and happy. It was a Disney-esque extravaganza of danced together. brilliant fashion dance attire adorned Sitting next to my dear friend Jeannie with glittering sequins, pink and white I started dancing about three years ago Hill, she mentioned that my red feath- baby roses, jungle print, orange and and have worked with various teachers ers on the bottom of my red sequined red fringe, disco head bands, hoop or throughout, learning something valua- ballroom dress were shedding. I ex- pearl earrings, short hot red sassy salsa ble from each. I feel that Shinya’s 25 plained to her that I was blessing outfits and long flowing, angel white years of ballroom dance and event in- Shinya’s dance floor for a successful evening ball gowns laced with pearls. dustry background, along with his with year ahead and the red feathers sym- Students of Shinya danced and dressed his personal intuition about a student‘s bolized holiday angel feathers. the part of the character of their mindfulness level, has greatly helped choice; your chance to be a disco me. He has taught me to be in the mo- My next adventure is to go on my first queen from the ‘70s, a Cinderella ment. In working with him, I learned dance party vacation that Shinya is dancing the Viennese waltz, a hot sas- that my mind often wandered as I re- hosting through DanceLife Adventure sy Salsa dancer from Latin America, a verted back to old patterns. Some- from March l-8, 2014, in Mazatlan. I 50’s hip hop dancer, or a young cou- times I even tried to lead him. “Leave think I might bring my fringe disco ple dancing a romantic Cuban Rumba. whatever you are thinking about, outfit that I wore for the disco solo. Chris, outside the dance room and What do you think? Wishing you Shinya’s new dance studio was open your mind to new patterns”, many new fun dance adventures this adorned with brilliant Christmas lights 2014 year. from top to bottom, reflecting off the mirrors to accentuate a feeling of warmth and holiday cheer. The many windows dressed with red and green wreaths, allowed a view of the white snow outside, which looked like a sce- ne from the movie ‘White Christmas’. The acoustics in his new ballroom were so exceptional that you felt like the actual musicians were in the room with you. The hardwood floor is flaw- less, making it an ideal surface for all dancers. Shinya treated his guests to a decadent array of appetizers including chocolate, Christmas cookies, assort- ment of cheeses, crackers, breads, hot coffee, juice, hot cider.

Every dancer that participated in the performance was great. Two of my

22 MD / FEBRUARY 2014 www.usadance-minnesota.org █

CONSIDERING PROPORTIONS IN GROUP COSTUMES

By Deborah J. Nelson With group costuming, you want make any proportional changes for everyone to look the same. What is these types of style accents. ‘the same’? It is when even though you have a variety of sizes, you But, if we are needing to add sizes want to make sure that everyone’s up to a 4-X or so, we might consid- costumes look proportionally the er enlarging the detail, as it may same. Specific design details, such look ‘lost’ on a much larger size. Deborah J. Nelson is the founder, as an applique or maybe placement And especially if we are working president, and head designer of of something, such as a wide band- with our Child Sizes, which run as Satin Stitches Ltd. See more cos- ing on a bodice, or even the lengths small as XXS (chest size of 22”) tuming tips at of a skirt can be problematic, if you generally, something drastic must www.satinstitches.com get them wrong. When no attention be done, or the smaller sized danc- is paid to proportions, someone ers will be overwhelmed with a might stick out like a sore thumb. proportionally large design detail.

At Satin Stitches, we are continual- ‘Grading’ is the technical term for ly working to try to create perfectly creating proportional sizes, based proportioned costumes. In addition on a Sample Size. All companies to working with our standard adult work with their own ‘Grade Rules’ women’s sizes, we also work with for making the mathematical very small children’s sizes and very changes to pattern pieces to create large adult sizes. We determine all sizes needed for group orders. If what size design detail (such as a you wish to see more of this, just go pocket or collar lapel) will work to www.satinstitches.com and find best for our Sample Size (women’s our size charts. You will see all the M-Medium, which is a sort of a measurements that we have decided standard ‘high school dancer’ size upon, for our full size run of Child with a bust measurement of 34”, XXS through XXL, Adult Women waist of 26” and hips of 36”). from XS through 6X and then our When working with a limited range Men’s sizes from 34 through 52. of high school dance team mem- bers, we generally don’t change the The key for having all different siz- dimensions of small-sized design es in a group looking uniform, is to details. What works well for Medi- have costumes that are correctly um, will generally work well for proportioned for all of the sizes. Small, Extra-Small, Medium-Large, Additionally, they need to fit Large and Extra-Large. We also properly and not look boxy or too work with Short, Medium and Long tight. Lengths of skirts need to be torso lengths, and we rarely need to proportional with the locations

24 MD / FEBRUARY 2014 www.usadance-minnesota.org

on the leg. If it is a really short skirt proper cropped length. Many times waistline (set at the high-hip or – then consider how the skirt covers it is also a matter of how wide the hipline), if there are actual seam- the butt and where it hits on the Capri pant is. If it is too wide – this lines or accents at these horizontal thighs. If the skirt should finish, also creates a wrong proportion. dividing lines. ideally around the knees – either slightly above or below, then the Yes, I realize that altering clothing One thing that can be a big prob- length from the waist to the knee is can get expensive. But it can also lem, is with working with a variety really important. If a skirt is ‘tea make your clothes fit you better, of bust (cup) sizes. At Satin Stitch- length’ then everyone’s skirt should and they will look more expensive es, our ‘Sample Size’ fits a B/C cup be hitting the same location on their and pleasing, rather than looking well. Ladies with smaller bustlines lower calves and above the ankle like you are wearing hand-me- generally employ Victoria’s secrets (we generally reference the ankle, downs from your taller sister! for a great fit, but those with larger or specific distance from the floor). bustlines need their costumes to be And course if skirts are to finish The same can be said for those of adjusted to fit, especially with an ‘floor length’ or similar, the meas- us with long arms. We need to empire seamline. urements should reference the watch for long sleeves that look heights of each dancer, down to the like a ¾ length sleeve, when they There is nothing as distracting as floor, with the dancer in their aren’t. My personal, inexpensive seeing an empire seamline hit way heeled dance shoes that they will be fix? I roll up any sleeves that are too high on ample-bosomed ladies. wearing. too short. Since I am a warm person I personally haven’t had that prob- by nature, so it seems an excellent lem, but I have a sister, a cousin If pants are worn, then the same option. There is no good option for and a daughter that struggle with parameters should be considered lengthening sleeves on an ‘off the getting a good fit, in this area. At for pant lengths, as for the skirts. rack’ garment, as most don’t have Satin Stitches, we alter our CAD One of my pet peeves is when I see hems that can be let down, so you patterns to accommodate D, DD short ladies wearing a cropped or must always check to see if sleeve and even larger bustlines, when Capri pant that was cut to hit the lengths work for your long arms. needed. We also have the expertise area of the leg of a taller lady. How (Conversely, too-long sleeves look for working with all different types can you tell? Look in the mirror – sloppy.) of shapes that may not fit into the does it look ‘right’ or would it look ‘norm’. better, shortening a couple of inch- Other areas to be concerned with es. Your eye should tell you. I’ve proportion besides skirt, pant and Vertical detailing, such as princess seen many a Capri pant on ladies sleeve lengths, would be the natural seam lines or other design details that creates a ‘high water pant’ look waistline (at the smallest circumfer- also need to get narrower or wider because it looks too short to be a ence or indentation) or empire with sizes, for that perfectly propor- long length, and too long to be a (under the bustline) or dropped tional look. █

25 MD / FEBRUARY 2014 www.usadance-minnesota.org

ASK DR. DANCE Submit your questions to Dr. Dance [email protected]. “I love dancing and am trying to convert a non-dancing friend into a dancing friend. We are both busy profes- sionals, so it’s very difficult to find any time to go to dance classes. We do have time to practice on our Q: own, though. My friend does not know much beyond the basics, and we would both like her to know a little more. What are your thoughts if I would teach her some basic dance steps and help her correct many de- tails? I am an experienced dancer.”

Donna says:

It's wonderful that you are inspiring a friend to Teaching a friend or significant other to do an- dance. It sounds like she already knows some ything is an accident waiting to happen in my basics which is a great start. If you have time humble opinion. Teaching is a skill acquired to practice, why not book a lesson with an ex- over many hours and years of experience and perienced professional during your practice should not be confused with the ability to time? A knowledgeable teacher can help you dance. For example, when was the last time improve your leading and technique while you danced the lady’s part? You may know teaching your friend at her own level. That the gentleman’s part very well, but unless way you both benefit, and you don't change you’ve been trained, you probably don’t know the dynamic of your relationship from friends what her steps as a follow should be. In my to student/teacher. opinion it would be fine to introduce her to some basic actions, but you would be doing Paul says: her a disservice to try and teach her. █ I think that if you have time to practice, you have time to do a lesson with a professional.

Donna Edelstein is a Paul Botes is a dance coach, judge, and or- instructor, coach, cho- ganizer of the Snow reographer, and judge. Ball DanceSport He is an owner of Competition. American Classic www.donnawrites@m Ballroom, located in sn.com 763-557-6006 Chanhassen, MN.

26 MD / FEBRUARY 2014 www.usadance-minnesota.org

GENTLEMEN LEAD By Jack Munday Last month I wrote about paintings chased at an art auction on a Medi- we saw in the Musée d’Orsay in terranean cruise of a guitar player Paris. We came upon two delightful standing next to a flamenco dancer. paintings by Pierre Auguste Re- The painting is by Misha Lenn and noir—of couples dancing! The pho- titled Tarantella. I described this to of me standing between them painting in detail in my July 2012 was the principle story of the col- column. And we went dancing on umn. Now you can see more of the cruise ship to honor the paint- what I was writing about, especially ing. the differences between dancing in the country and in the city. It is important to know that Fran and I enjoyed a dance in our living Art is very important to me. In the room after hanging each piece of August 2011 issue, I wrote about a art. We have a special tune for painting we commissioned Kristi each of them. No, we did not try to Sullivan to paint. The painting de- dance the tarantella, though we did picts Fran and me dancing on a dance the salsa to tarantella music beach. It is hung in the center of when we were in Sorrento, Italy. our fireplace, above the mantel. In We do appreciate art for itself, in- John S. Munday is a writer who lives in Isanti addition to being a beautiful paint- cluding a print of Mona Lisa we County, Minnesota, with his wife, Fran. Togeth- ing, it is a memory of our dancing bought in Paris. What this art, of er, they found ballroom dancing at Cheek to on a beach. This painting preserves Cheek Studio. Jack is a student of Monica a precious moment. dancers in total communication Mohn, and his book, Beauty in Partnership, A with each other, does for us is re- Memoir of Ballroom Dancing, is available at We have two delightful statues on mind us of good dancing events, www.Johnsmunday.com and several dance stu- the mantel, one on each side of the and frequently prompts us to dance dios. painting. One is very modern, with to a song that relates to a specific sweeping lines and delightful picture. Sometimes twice or more. curves. The other is an antique, showing the lady with a hat and At one point in my learning to ball- flowing gown, with the gentlemen room dance, Fran thought that I was also in a from probably the late becoming obsessed with needing to 1800s. be on the dance floor like instruc- tors and serious competitors. There On the left side of the fireplace and are rewards for instructors, like chimney we have three prints of how Monica clapped when Fran dancing. One shows about half a and I danced our foxtrot at the dozen couples dancing near the or- Cheek To Cheek showcase, and chestra. Another print shows the how the audience claps for compet- same dancers by the edge of water. itors at lovely dances at a competi- The third print has a single couple tion or showcase. We dance at dancing, with the lady’s dress flow- home more now but also enjoy ing like the water next to them. dancing at dance . I now have a balanced obsession. And of course, the wall next to these prints has a painting we pur-

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Jack Munday and the Renoir dance paintings at Musée d’Orsay in Paris, France █

DANCE PARTNER WANTED ADS Looking for a practice partner? Compose an ad letting potential partners know what you’re looking for and how to contact you. Submit ads of a maximum of three lines to [email protected]. Please include area code with any phone number.

►Vee Hammond 651-206-9890 vee. ►Jane Phipps 612-859-5245 ►Justin Sundberg 612-964-1741 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] Follow, 5’ 2”, seeks practice partner for Follow, 5’5”, seeks practice partner for Lead, 5’10”, 28, seeks practice partner for bronze/some silver-level Latin and smooth bronze/silver competition-level smooth and smooth, rhythm, and WCS. Open to all styles styles. Takes private lessons periodically. rhythm. 3 years’ dance experience. Takes and possible lessons or competition. 3 years’ Loves to perform. Possible lesson sharing, lessons regularly. Any practice location okay. experience. Will provide floor time at a major showcases, or competitions. studio.

29 MD / FEBRUARY 2014 www.usadance-minnesota.org

LETTERS

To the Editor: obtained their USA Dance member- I certainly hope that the USA Dance ships in September (2 months ago) Minnesota Chapter 2011 Board can I am confused and concerned by upon joining the team. It is the indi- recognize the importance of the col- some of the statements made in the vidual dancers' choice if they wish to legiate market in the future and January issue of the Minnesota renew their USA Dance member- growth of ballroom dance in Minne- Dancer regarding the intentions of ships in January, September or any sota and nationally. I feel that recent the University of Minnesota Ball- time in between, but we have found actions by the Board have disrupted room Dance Club. In the article that because of the transitory nature the community that I know and love, "Board Election: Power Play?" the of collegiate life and collegiate and feel that this special election can newsletter questions our input by budgets, many students wait to re- begin to piece back togeth- writing, "They've been members for new their memberships until they er the dance community instead of about 2 months, yet they're calling know they need them: in September. continuing to waste precious human for an election!" Perhaps I can shed I can without a doubt guarantee and financial assets on pettiness and some light on this. Collegiate danc- that no member of the University of egoism. ers must be members of USA Dance Minnesota Ballroom Dance Club in order to compete at the National became a USA Dance member for Taylor Wall Collegiate DanceSport Champion- the purpose of calling a special elec- President of the University of Min- ships, to which the University of tion and I resent the implication that, Minnesota Ballroom Dance Club as a leader, I would ever allow my nesota Ballroom Dance Club █ travels every year. These champion- team to be so muddied in politics ships are held annually during the that our opinions and actions become fourth weekend of November, mean- unfounded and relegated to mere ing that all 39 members of my team puppetry.

Snowball photos by Ha Tuong █

30 MD / FEBRUARY 2014 www.usadance-minnesota.org

To the Editor: Star of the North competition to col- the board should explain to the stu- lege students in the Midwest region, it dents that this behavior is not benefi- I was stunned and saddened when I was transformed into a mostly college cial to our organization, and especially read about the recent petition to re- event. not beneficial to them. Unfortunately, place current board members in Min- the recent petition for a special election nesota Dancer. Based on my experi- We are a volunteer organization. Peo- by student members has made my fears ence as a USA Dance member for ple who serve on the board, and other come true. This petition for a special many years, including serving on the volunteers, do this work to provide election has jeopardized the 2014 Star board, we have one of the best, most enjoyable dance events to the local of the North event, it wastes our re- active, and harmonious chapters within dance community without personal sources, and divides our local dance the USA Dance organization. When I benefit in mind. I recall two board community. It doesn’t benefit anyone, was a board member, we spent much members who stayed over night at a especially not student members. time and effort focusing on two main hotel paid for with their own money to goals: to promote partner dancing to make sure things were in order during Everyone involved should assess their the local community, especially to stu- the 2011 Star of the North dance com- purpose to see what the best way is to dents; and to focus on the integrity of petition. I hope the student members serve the organization. Members may our organization. We worked hard to realize the board is not only on their contact any board member to express conduct chapter sponsored activities side, but also, all the benefits the board their opinion, suggestions, or criti- fairly, without favoritism, including has provided to them. cisms. I sincerely believe the changes professional dance instructors and in the recent board were based on good dance studios. I had mostly positive experiences with- intentions to make our organization in the organization, until the 2012 elec- better. Inside fighting is the worst To accomplish the first goal, we initi- tion, when I found out that college stu- thing that can happen to an organiza- ated weekly free classes dent members appeared to vote as a tion and will never resolve conflicts. by rotating at different dance studios. block to oust a long time devoted Let’s put aside our trivial differences To support the collegiate dancers, we board member. I believe most students and unite together again to make our gave the proceeds from the April dance don’t really know the people who run chapter the best within the USA Dance to the U of Minnesota ballroom team; for the board, and it looked suspicious- community. provided grants to them for outside ly like they were coached to vote as a dance competitions; donated free tick- block. This kind of action creates Yeun Chou, ets to students for the Tea Dance; and problems and damages the organiza- helped fundraise for them with dollar tion’s integrity. I suggested to both USA Dance member and dances. Also, by promoting our annual our president and vice president that former board-member █

Gene Bersten and students at The Snow Ball, photo by Ha Tuong

█

31 MD / FEBRUARY 2014 www.usadance-minnesota.org

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COMPETITION CALENDAR

Feb 15–16, 2014 Mid – Atlantic Championships – NQE The Snow Ball, photo by Ha Tuong Hosted by Mid-Eastern USA Dance Chapter #6001 in Bethesda, MD. Qualifying event for 2014 Nationals.

Mar 28–30, 2014 2014 National DanceSport Championships To be held in Baltimore, MD.

May 18, 2014 Minnesota Star Ball DanceSport Competition Hosted at the Medina Ballroom in Medina, MN. www.MNstarball.com

Jun 7–8, 2014 NJ DanceSport Classic – Summer Sizzler – NQE Organized by Mario Battista & Wendi Davies at Rogers DanceSport Center in Hackensack, NJ. Qualifying event for 2015 Nationals.

Jun 27–29, 2014 Gumbo DanceSport Championships – NQE Hosted by Louisiana Gumbo USA Dance Chapter #5031 in Baton Rouge, LA. Qualifying event for 2015 Nationals.

Aug 1–3, 2014 Derby City DanceSport Championships – NQE Sponsored by Greater Louisville USA Dance Chapter #2021 in Louis- ville, KY. Qualifying event for 2015 Nationals.

Set 6, 2014

Kansas City Dance Classic SUPPORT THE Organized by Matt & Ellen Pansing in Overland Park, KS. This event will not accrue proficiency points and may not follow all rules in the MINNESOTA DANCER! rulebook.

Sep 15, 2014 New England DanceSport Championships – NQE The MINNESOTA DANCER is put together eve- Date is tentative. Hosted by MASSabda USA Dance Chapter #3002 ry month by the volunteer efforts of people across in Danvers, MA. Qualifying event for 2015 Nationals. the Minnesota dance community. Help us continue Sep 15, 2014 to distribute this publication by advertising in the Northwest DanceSport Championships – NQE DANCER or by donating to our printing fund. Date is tentative. Hosted by Portland, OR, USA Dance Chapter #1006. Email Bonnie Burton at bonniebur- Qualifying event for 2015 Nationals. [email protected] or call 952-454-4620 to learn Oct 3–5, 2014 more about opportunities for advertising in the Carolina Fall Classic – NQE DANCER. Organized by Wayne & Marie Crowder in Charlotte, NC. Qualifying event for 2015 Nationals.

33 MD / FEBRUARY 2014 www.usadance-minnesota.org

DANCE CONTACTS A collection of businesses and clubs of interest to Minnesota dancers. If you’d like to be listed on this page, send your contact information to [email protected].

James Wood, Tricia Wood STUDIOS Instructor: UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA DANCE WITH US AMERICA Jeffrey Ringer BALLROOM DANCE CLUB 10 Southdale Center, Edina [email protected] AMERICAN CLASSIC BALLROOM 612-564-5483 Is.gd/umnbdc 550 Market Street, Chanhassen www.dancewithusamerica.com 952-934-0900 CLUBS USA DANCE, MINNESOTA www.acballroom.com Instructors: CHAPTER 2011 Elena Bersten, Gene Bersten 651-483-5467 Instructors: AQUA GLIDERS DANCE CLUB www.usadance-minnesota.org Natalie Palmer Botes, Paul Botes DANCELIFE BALLROOM 612-869-3062 Whitney Irene, Benjamin D. Wagner 6015 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis 612-345-4219 CAFÉ BAILAR ARTHUR MURRAY DANCE STUDIO www.cafebailar.com SERVICES 534 Selby Avenue, St. Paul Instructors: 651-227-3200 Shinya McHenry, Laia Oliver COTILLION DANCE CLUB OF STILLWATER MADE FOR MOVEMENT BALANCE POINTE STUDIOS DANCERS STUDIO P.O. Box 102, Stillwater, MN 55082 952-595-0003 5808 W 36th Street, St. Louis Park 415 Pascal Street N, Saint Paul 651-388-1231 www.made4movement.com 952-922-8612 651-641-0777 [email protected] www.balancepointestudios.com www.dancersstudio.com Contacts: Contact: Marsha Wiest Hines Scott and Maggie Paynter Instructors: Instructors: Services: Cindy Nehrbass, Jeff Nehrbass Etta Berkland, Jeff Halverson, LADANZA DANCE CLUB Costume design, production and Bonnie Inveen, Chris Kempainen, Stillwater, MN tailoring. BALLROOM & WEDDING DANCE Troy Lerum, Marcy McHenry 651-439-3152 STUDIO Facebook.com/LaDanzaDanceClub OH SEW SPECIAL 1717 42nd St E, Minneapolis FOUR SEASONS DANCE STUDIO Contacts: 7300 South France Avenue, Suite 1637 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis Mark and Wanda Bierbrauer 323, Edina Instructor: 612-342-0902 952-746-5539 Tom Larson www.fourseasonsdance.com LAKESIDE DANCE CLUB www.ohsewspecial.net 320-763-6432 BLUE MOON BALLROOM Instructors: [email protected] Contact: Susan Richardson 2030 Hwy 14 E, Rochester Bruce Abas, Rebecca Abas www.lakesideballroom.org 507-288-0556 Contacts: Services: www.BlueMoonBallroom.com FRED ASTAIRE DANCE STUDIO Barbara Benson Tailoring, alterations, and redesign 1975 Seneca Road, Suite #700, CINEMA BALLROOM Eagan, MN 55122 LINDEN HILL DANCING CLUB SATIN STICHES LTD. 1560 St. Clair Ave, St. Paul 651-451-6300 Lake Harriet United Methodist 11894 Round Lake Blvd NW, 651-699-5910 www.FredAstaireMN.com Church, Minneapolis www.cinemaballroom.com 4901 Chowen Ave S, Minneapolis 763-323-9507 MILL CITY BALLROOM 952-412-7230 1-800-48SATIN Instructors: 2382 Hampden Ave, St. Paul 612-562-2733 www.lindenhillsdancingclub.org www.satinstiches.com Jonathan Chen, Dustin Donelan, www.millcityballroom.com Eric Hudson, Michelle Hudson, MN WEST COAST SWING DANCE Contact: Deborah J. Nelson Kirsten McCloskey, Nadine Instructors: CLUB Messenger, Shane Meuwissen, Kate Bratt, Gordon Bratt B-Dale Club, 2100 N Dale St., Services: Martin Pickering, Dipendra Thakur, Roseville Custom-designed dancewear Douglas Wallock NORTH STAR DANCE STUDIO 651-487-6821 Bloomington, MN mnwestcoastswingdanceclub.com COSTA RICA BALLROOM DANCE 612-799-4147 INSTRUCTORS STUDIOS Facebook.com/northstar.dancestudio REBELS SWING DANCE CLUB 816 Mainstreet, Hopkins 952-941-0906 Scott Anderson………...... 612-816-4446 952-303-3339 Instructor: www.tcrebels.com Rachel Damiani ……...... 612-718-6823 www.costaricaballroom.com Michael D. Bang Nathan Daniels ……...... 763-545-8690 STARDUST DANCE CLUB Jennelle Donnay……...... 651-357-2060 Instructors: RENDEZVOUS DANCE STUDIO Dine and Dance Julie Delene…………...... 612-598-5355 Rachelika Baruch, Sayoni Haldar, 711 W Lake Street, Suite B, [email protected] Donna Edelstein……...... 612-910-2690 Tchad Herderson, Aiden Mamedov, Minneapolis Jennifer Foster………...... 952-922-8316 Eliecer Ramirez, Rebecca Rae 612-872-1562 SUBURBAN-WINTERSET DANCE Robert Foster…………..... 952-922-8316 Ramirez, Alex Spencer www.theplacetodance.com CLUB Esther Granbois………..... 612-872-1562 Woman’s Club of Minneapolis, Lindsey Rebecca Hall...... 612-940-9546 SOCIAL DANCE STUDIO 410 Oak Grove Street, Minneapolis David Hanson………...... 218-722-0742 3742 23rd Ave S, Minneapolis 952-894-1412 Julie Jacobson………...... 651-261-6442 DAHL DANCE CENTER 612-353-4445 www.suburbanwinterset.com Jay Larson……………..... 651-387-3886 4204 North Hwy 52, Rochester www.socialdancestudio.com Kristina Lee…………...... 715.821.9039 507-252-1848 TANGO SOCIETY OF MINNESOTA Deanne Michael……...... 612-508-9255 www.dahldance.com Instructors: 612-224-2905 Monica Mohn………...... 612-874-0747 Joy Davina, Todd Paulus www.mntango.org Mariusz Olszewski…...... 612-242-5159 DANCE AND ENTERTAINMENT Karin Rice……………..... 612-242-2188 651-605-5784 STUDIOJEFF TAPESTRY FOLKDANCE CENTER Mary Rosenstiel……….... 612-720-2584 [email protected] 701 St. Germain St W, Suite 201, 3748 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis Char Torkelson…………. 612-709-6399 www.danceandentertainment.com St. Cloud 612-722-2914 Lisa Vogel……………..... 651-208-0818 320-266-4137 www.tapestryfolkdance.org Instructors: www.studiojeff.com

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MINNESOTA DANCER

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Next Newsletter Deadline: February 10th, 2014