A graceful moment from the 2015 Harvest Moon Ball. Photo by Dan Hecker. 2 • • 1 Dec 2015 [Get DANciNG] SHeeRDANce.cOM
December 1 • Tuesday WCS Social - DanceLife; 6015 Lyndale Ave S, Mpls; 9 – 11 p.m.; $5 twin cities Dance events Tango Party - 3142 1st Ave S, Mpls; 9 - 11:30 p.m.; $5; 21+ Tango Party - 3142 1st Ave S, Mpls; 9 - 11:30 Practice Party - Costa Rica Ballroom; 816 December 2 • Wednesday p.m.; $5; 21+ Mainstreet, Hopkins; 9 - 9:45 p.m. WCS Dance Party - Dancers Studio; 415 December 9 • Wednesday December 17 • Thursday Pascal St N, St. Paul; 8 p.m.; $5 WCS Dance Party - Dancers Studio; 415 Late Night Swing - 301 Main St NE, Mpls; 10 Practice Party - Cinema Ballroom; 1560 St. Pascal St N, St. Paul; 8 p.m.; $5 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.; $6, $4 students Clair Ave, St. Paul; 8 - 9 p.m.; $6 Practice Party - Cinema Ballroom; 1560 St. Variety Dance - Dancers Studio; 415 Pascal St Swing Night - Lee’s Liquor Lounge; 101 Clair Ave, St. Paul; 8 - 9 p.m.; $6 N, St. Paul; 7:30 p.m.; $5 Glenwood Ave, Mpls; 8:00 lesson, live Swing Night - Lee’s Liquor Lounge; 101 Bachata Social - DanceLife; 6015 Lyndale Ave music 9 - 11:30 p.m. Glenwood Ave, Mpls; 8:00 lesson, live S, Mpls; 9 - 10 p.m.; $5 Practice Party - Costa Rica Ballroom; 816 music 9 - 11:30 p.m. Blues Practice - Four Seasons; 1637 Hennepin Mainstreet, Hopkins; 9 - 9:45 p.m. Practice Party - Costa Rica Ballroom; 816 Ave S, Mpls; 10 - 11 p.m.; $3 Milonga - Krungthep Thai Cuisine; 2523 Mainstreet, Hopkins; 9 - 9:45 p.m. December 18 • Friday Nicollet Ave S, Mpls; $5, free for students December 10 • Thursday Variety Dance - DanceLife; 6015 Lyndale Ave December 3 • Thursday Late Night Swing - 301 Main St NE, Mpls; 10 S, Mpls; 8 - 9:30 p.m.; $10 Late Night Swing - 301 Main St NE, Mpls; 10 p.m. - 1:30 a.m.; $6, $4 students Variety Dance - Cinema Ballroom; 1560 St. p.m. - 1:30 a.m.; $6, $4 students Variety Dance - Dancers Studio; 415 Pascal St Clair Ave, St. Paul; 7:00 lesson, dance 8 - Variety Dance - Dancers Studio; 415 Pascal St N, St. Paul; 7:30 p.m.; $5 11 p.m.; $10 N, St. Paul; 7:30 p.m.; $5 Bachata Social - DanceLife; 6015 Lyndale Ave December 19 • Saturday Bachata Social - DanceLife; 6015 Lyndale Ave S, Mpls; 9 - 10 p.m.; $5 Tango Practice Party - DanceLife; 6015 S, Mpls; 9 - 10 p.m.; $5 Blues Practice - Four Seasons; 1637 Hennepin Lyndale Ave S, Mpls; 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.; $5 Blues Practice - Four Seasons; 1637 Hennepin Ave S, Mpls; 10 - 11 p.m.; $3 Variety Dance - Phipps Art Center; 109 Ave S, Mpls; 10 - 11 p.m.; $3 December 11 • Friday Locust St, Hudson, WI; 7:00 lesson, dance December 4 • Friday Variety Dance - DanceLife; 6015 Lyndale Ave 8 - 10 p.m.; $12 Variety Dance - DanceLife; 6015 Lyndale Ave S, Mpls; 8 - 9:30 p.m.; $10 December 20 • Sunday S, Mpls; 8 - 9:30 p.m.; $10 WCS Dance Club - 2100 Dale St N, Roseville; UTango Open Practica - 1219 University Ave Variety Dance - Cinema Ballroom; 1560 St. 7:30 lesson, dance 8:30 p.m. - 12 a.m. SE, Mpls; 6 - 7 p.m.; $3 Clair Ave, St. Paul; 7:00 lesson, dance 8 - Milonga Flor de Luna - Four Seasons; Rogue Tango - Loring Pasta Bar; 327 14th Ave 11 p.m.; $10 1637 Hennepin Ave S, Mpls; 9:30 p.m.; SE, Mpls; 6 - 10 p.m. December 5 • Saturday $7, $4 students Patty & The Buttons Live Jazz - 125 Main St Tango Practice Party - DanceLife; 6015 December 12 • Saturday SE, Mpls; 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.; free Lyndale Ave S, Mpls; 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.; $5 Tango Practice Party - DanceLife; 6015 TC Rebels WCS Social - DanceLife; 6015 Milonga en el Alma - Four Seasons; 1637 Lyndale Ave S, Mpls; 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.; $5 Lyndale Ave S, Mpls; 7 - 10:30 p.m.; Hennepin Ave S, Mpls; 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.; Milonga - Four Seasons; 1637 Hennepin Ave $11, $7 students $10, $5 students S, Mpls; 8:30 lesson, dance 9:30 p.m. - 1 Ballroom Dance Party - Tapestry; 3748 Variety Dance - DanceLife; 6015 Lyndale Ave a.m.; $14, $7 students Minnehaha Ave, Mpls; 6:00 lesson, dance S, Mpls; 7:00 lesson, dance 8 - 10 p.m.; $10 December 13 • Sunday 7 - 9:30 p.m.; $10, $7 students Swing Dance - 301 Main St NE, Mpls; 7:30 UTango Open Practica - 1219 University Ave December 21 • Monday p.m. - 12:30 a.m. SE, Mpls; 6 - 7 p.m.; $3 Tango Desperados Practica - 2507 E 25th St, December 6 • Sunday Rogue Tango - Loring Pasta Bar; 327 14th Ave Mpls; 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.; $5 UTango Open Practica - 1219 University Ave SE, Mpls; 6 - 10 p.m. Rhythm Junction Lindy Hop - Four Seasons; SE, Mpls; 6 - 7 p.m.; $3 Patty & The Buttons Live Jazz - 125 Main St 1637 Hennepin Ave, Mpls; 8 - 11 p.m. Rogue Tango - Loring Pasta Bar; 327 14th Ave SE, Mpls; 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.; free Salsa Social - DanceLife; 6015 Lyndale Ave S, SE, Mpls; 6 - 10 p.m. December 14 • Monday Mpls; 9:30 – 11 p.m.; $5 Patty & The Buttons Live Jazz - 125 Main St Tango Desperados Practica - 2507 E 25th St, December 22 • Tuesday SE, Mpls; 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.; free Mpls; 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.; $5 WCS Social - DanceLife; 6015 Lyndale Ave S, TC Rebels WCS Social - DanceLife; 6015 Rhythm Junction Lindy Hop - Four Seasons; Mpls; 9 – 11 p.m.; $5 Lyndale Ave S, Mpls; 7 - 10:30 p.m.; 1637 Hennepin Ave, Mpls; 8 - 11 p.m. Tango Party - 3142 1st Ave S, Mpls; 9 - 11:30 $11, $7 students Salsa Social - DanceLife; 6015 Lyndale Ave S, p.m.; $5; 21+ Ballroom Dance Party - Tapestry; 3748 Mpls; 9:30 – 11 p.m.; $5 Minnehaha Ave, Mpls; 6:00 lesson, dance December 23 • Wednesday 7 - 9:30 p.m.; $10, $7 students December 15 • Tuesday WCS Dance Party - Dancers Studio; 415 Pascal St N, St. Paul; 8 p.m.; $5 December 7 • Monday WCS Social - DanceLife; 6015 Lyndale Ave S, Mpls; 9 – 11 p.m.; $5 Practice Party - Cinema Ballroom; 1560 St. Tango Desperados Practica - 2507 E 25th St, Clair Ave, St. Paul; 8 - 9 p.m.; $6 Mpls; 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.; $5 Tango Party - 3142 1st Ave S, Mpls; 9 - 11:30 p.m.; $5; 21+ Swing Night - Lee’s Liquor Lounge; 101 Rhythm Junction Lindy Hop - Four Seasons; Glenwood Ave, Mpls; 8:00 lesson, live 1637 Hennepin Ave, Mpls; 8 - 11 p.m. December 16 • Wednesday music 9 - 11:30 p.m. Salsa Social - DanceLife; 6015 Lyndale Ave S, WCS Dance Party - Dancers Studio; 415 Practice Party - Costa Rica Ballroom; 816 Mpls; 9:30 – 11 p.m.; $5 Pascal St N, St. Paul; 8 p.m.; $5 Mainstreet, Hopkins; 9 - 9:45 p.m. December 8 • Tuesday Practice Party - Cinema Ballroom; 1560 St. Clair Ave, St. Paul; 8 - 9 p.m.; $6 December 24 • Thursday WCS Social - DanceLife; 6015 Lyndale Ave S, Late Night Swing - 301 Main St NE, Mpls; 10 Mpls; 9 – 11 p.m.; $5 Swing Night - Lee’s Liquor Lounge; 101 Glenwood Ave, Mpls; 8:00 lesson, live p.m. - 1:30 a.m.; $6, $4 students music 9 - 11:30 p.m. SHeeRDANce.cOM [Get DANciNG] 1 Dec 2015 • • 3
twin cities Dance contacts
Variety Dance - Dancers Studio; 415 Pascal St N, St. Paul; 7:30 p.m.; $5 Donna Edelstein 612.910.2690 Bachata Social - DanceLife; 6015 Lyndale Ave Studios [email protected] S, Mpls; 9 - 10 p.m.; $5 American Classic Ballroom 952.934.0900 www.donnaedelstein.com Blues Practice - Four Seasons; 1637 Hennepin 550 Market Street, Chanhassen Jennifer & Robert Foster 952.239.2984 Ave S, Mpls; 10 - 11 p.m.; $3 www.acballroom.com Shane Haggerty 612.702.3588 December 26 • Saturday Balance Pointe Studios 952.922.8612 5808R W 36th Street, St. Louis Park [email protected] Cafe Bailar - Costa Rica Ballroom; 816 www.shanehaggertydance.com Mainstreet, Hopkins; 7:30 lesson, dance www.balancepointestudios.com Lindsey Rebecca Hall 612.940.9546 8:30 - 11:30 p.m.; $10 Ballroom & Latin
Milonga: Tango Fusion - DanceLife; 6015 Dance Club 952.292.0524 Julie Jacobson 651.261.6442 Lyndale Ave S, Mpls; 9 p.m. - 1 a.m.; 1103 W Burnsville Pkwy, Burnsville Jay Larson 651.387.3886 $10, $5 students www.ballroom-club.com Kristina Lee 715.821.9039 December 27 • Sunday Ballroom & Wedding Deanne Michael 612.508.9255 Dance Studio 612.371.0300 Monica Mohn 612.874.0747 UTango Open Practica - 1219 University Ave 2717 42nd Street E, Minneapolis SE, Mpls; 6 - 7 p.m.; $3 [email protected] www.myballroomdancestudio.com Rogue Tango - Loring Pasta Bar; 327 14th Ave www.monicamohn.com Blue Moon Ballroom 507.288.0556 SE, Mpls; 6 - 10 p.m. Mariusz Olszewski 612.242.5159 2030 Highway 14 E, Rochester Patty & The Buttons Live Jazz - 125 Main St [email protected] www.BlueMoonBallroom.com SE, Mpls; 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.; free Karin Rice 612.242.2188 Cinema Ballroom 651.699.5910 Lisa Vogel 651.208.0818 December 28 • Monday 1560 St. Clair Ave, St. Paul Tango Desperados Practica - 2507 E 25th St, www.cinemaballroom.com [email protected] Mpls; 7:30 - 9:30 p.m.; $5 Costa Rica Ballroom clubs Rhythm Junction Lindy Hop - Four Seasons; Dance Studios 952.303.3339 Aqua Gliders Dance Club 612.869.3062 1637 Hennepin Ave, Mpls; 8 - 11 p.m. 816 Mainstreet, Hopkins Café Bailar Salsa Social - DanceLife; 6015 Lyndale Ave S, www.costaricaballroom.com www.cafebailar.com Mpls; 9:30 – 11 p.m.; $5 Dahl Dance Center 507.252.1848 Cotillion Dance December 29 • Tuesday 4204 North Highway 52, Rochester Club of Stillwater 651.388.1231 WCS Social - DanceLife; 6015 Lyndale Ave S, www.dahldance.com [email protected] Mpls; 9 – 11 p.m.; $5 Dance and Entertainment 651.605.5784 LaDanza Dance Club 651.439.3152 Tango Party - 3142 1st Ave S, Mpls; 9 - 11:30 www.danceandentertainment.com facebook.com/LaDanzaDanceClub p.m.; $5; 21+ Dance with Us America 612.564.5483 Lakeside Dance Club 320.763.6432 December 30 • Wednesday 10 Southdale Center, Edina [email protected] WCS Dance Party - Dancers Studio; 415 www.dancewithusamerica.com www.lakesideballroom.org Pascal St N, St. Paul; 8 p.m.; $5 DanceLife Ballroom 612.345.4219 Linden Hills Dancing Club Practice Party - Cinema Ballroom; 1560 St. 6015 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis www.lindenhillsdancingclub.org Clair Ave, St. Paul; 8 - 9 p.m.; $6 www.dancelifeballroom.com MN West Coast Swing Swing Night - Lee’s Liquor Lounge; 101 Dancers Studio 651.641.0777 Dance Club 763.442.1618 Glenwood Ave, Mpls; 8:00 lesson, live 415 Pascal Street N, St. Paul mnwestcoastswingdanceclub.com music 9 - 11:30 p.m. www.dancersstudio.com REBELS Swing Dance Club 952.941.0906 Practice Party - Costa Rica Ballroom; 816 Four Seasons Dance Studio 612.342.0902 www.tcrebels.com Mainstreet, Hopkins; 9 - 9:45 p.m. 1637 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis Stardust Dance Club December 31 • Thursday www.fourseasonsdance.com [email protected] Late Night Swing - 301 Main St NE, Mpls; 10 Latin Mambo 612.558.7190 Suburban-Winterset p.m. - 1:30 a.m.; $6, $4 students 2948 Chicago Ave S #308, Mpls Dance Club 952.894.1412 Variety Dance - Dancers Studio; 415 Pascal St www.latinmambodancestudio.com www.suburbanwinterset.com N, St. Paul; 7:30 p.m.; $5 Mill City Ballroom 612.562.2733 Tango Society Blues Practice - Four Seasons; 1637 Hennepin of Minnesota 612.224.2905 www.millcityballroom.com Ave S, Mpls; 10 - 11 p.m.; $3 E www.mntango.org Rendezvous Dance Studio 612.872.1562 Tapestry Folkdance Center 612.722.2914 711 W Lake Street, Suite B, Minneapolis www.tapestryfolkdance.org www.theplacetodance.com TC Swing 651.558.0562 StudioJef 320.266.4137 [email protected] 701 St. Germain Street W, Suite 201, www.tcswing.com St. Cloud www.studiojeff.com University of Minnesota Ballroom Dance Club instructors [email protected] Scott Anderson 612.816.4446 umnbdc.com [email protected] Uptown Swing 612.217.1087 www.scottadance.com [email protected] Nathan Daniels 763.464.1021 www.uptownswing.net Jennelle Donnay 651.357.2060 Julie Delene 612.598.5355 [email protected] 4 • • 1 Dec 2015 SHeeRDANce.cOM
in this issue
[Get Dancing] Twin Cities Dance Events 2 Twin Cities Dance Contacts 3 2016 Competitions 5 [Participate] Volunteer Openings 6 About Us 6 Contribute 7 [Recurring columns] Volunteer Report 10 Middle-Aged Moves 13 Life Through Dance 14 Gaining Perspective 16 Results from Around the Country 18 [From the community] Entering the World of Amateur Comps 20 Bravissimo! 26 Taking the First Step 28 Bringing Ballroom to Twin Cities Classrooms 30 Rolling with the Punches 32 Photo from Ballroom Blast by Erik Anderson Hustle Hijinks 39 The Importance of Setting Goals 40 A Balancing Act 42 Brought to You By
U Partner Dance, Inc. and: Advertisers Ballroom Blast, Dance Fest, Dance with Us America, Dancers Studio, Grand Jete, Stephen Marino, Jeff Nehrbass, University of Minnesota Ballroom Dance Club Photographers Erik Anderson, Dan Hecker Writers Ligaya Carlos, Eric Dahlman, Elizabeth Dickinson, Christina Kyllo, Rochelle Lockridge, Ember Reichgott Junge, Thomas Stastny, Christine Trask, Joel Torgeson, Chelsea Visser SHeeRDANce.cOM 1 Dec 2015 • • 5
Sections 2016 competitions
Discussion Events labeled NQE are qualifying events for the USA Dance National DanceSport Championships. This is a forum where people
are invited to express their true Snow Ball January 8 - 10 Minneapolis, MN; thesnowballcomp.com feelings about issues in the dance Manhattan Amateur Classic - NQE January 15 - 17 community (while still adhering New York, NY; macnyusadance.org to our submission guidelines) and Mid-Atlantic Championship - NQE February 20 - 21 propose solutions to the prob- Bethesda, MD; usadancedc.org lems we often face. Statements Dance Fest March 5 - 6 made in the Discussion section St. Paul, MN; udancefest.com do not necessarily reflect the 2016 National views of Sheer Dance, even when DanceSport Championships April 1 - 3 Baltimore, MD; usadancenationals.org written by one of our volunteer staff. New England DanceSport Championships - NQE May 13 - 14 From the community Waltham, MA; nedancesport.org NJ DanceSport Classic Unlike the other sections, Summer Sizzler - NQE June 11 - 12 there is no cohesive theme to Hackensack, NJ; njdancesportclassic.com From the Community; it is a Gumbo DanceSport Championships - NQE June 24 - 26 catch-all for the unique gems that Baton Rouge, LA; gumboofballroom.org are submitted by people like you. Carolina Fall Classic - NQE September 30 - October 2 Here you’ll find contributions Charlotte, NC; carolinafallclassic.com like event recaps, interviews, Naples Star Ball October 16 tales from a far-off competition, Naples, FL; naplesstarball.com and photos from a local dance Chicago event. DanceSport Challenge - NQE October 28 - 30 Chicago, IL; usadancechicago.org E Recurring columns We have a handful of generous writers who contribute regularly. Each explores a unique, overar- ching theme of their choice. Each month, in a volunteer report, one of our volunteers fills you in on what they’ve been doing to make the dance community a better place. Special Features Some issues focus on a particu- lar event or theme, and all content relevant to that theme belongs to the Special Features section. E 6 • • 1 Dec 2015 [PARticiPAte] SHeeRDANce.cOM
Volunteer Openings About Us
Assignment Photographer Sheer Dance is a monthly inde- pendent publication that presents If you love taking photos and exploring the news and information relevant to partner-dancing world, throw in your hat to the partner-dancing community in become an official Sheer Dance photographer! the central United States and the This volunteer will be provided topics and nation at large. It is intended to be an events to cover with action-packed shots. accessible outlet for members of the Assignment Writer community to discuss their experi- Love writing but never sure what to write ences and opinions in a public forum. about? We supply the topics every month; you Published monthly, Sheer Dance is run supply the articles. Excited, passionate writers by a group of skilled volunteers with with a thirst for exploration are encouraged to extensive experience in creating and consider volunteering for this position. distributing successful partner-dance publications. columnist This magazine is meant to serve We’re always looking for more people to the community as a positive and uni- commit to writing an article every month that fying force by addressing the needs addresses a particular idea or theme relevant and desires of all groups within the to partner dancing. You choose the topic! community. Sheer Dance: copy editor • Provides amateurs with a conve- nient way to share their dance We’re looking for a highly skilled linguist experiences, seek advice from with an intimate understanding of American experts, and learn about events, English spelling, punctuation, and grammar services, and other opportunities to do the first pass of line editing on all arti- in the wider ballroom community; cles. This is a very involved role that provides • Provides professionals with direct excellent experience for anyone considering a access to their target audience, career in publishing. spreading awareness of their Your contribution Here expertise, events, and services; and Have an idea of how you could add value • Provides the entire community to Sheer Dance that we haven’t thought of? with a forum for discussion, coop- Let us know! E eration, and problem-solving. Sheer Dance is made possible by the generous contributions of members of the community. If you enjoy read- ing this publication, please consider contributing an article or photos, making a donation, subscribing, or volunteering your time and skills. The staff of Sheer Dance can be reached at [email protected]. We hope to hear from you! E SHeeRDANce.cOM [PARticiPAte] 1 Dec 2015 • • 7
contribute
Submission Guidelines specific events, that cannot be their primary func- tion; they must have a broader applicability to Submissions are due to [email protected] enlightening the dance community. Articles must by the 10th of the month prior to publication. Submissions be respectful and productive. Harassment of any received after the deadline may be used in the upcoming kind will not be published, nor will articles that issue or may be saved for a later month. You may request fall below Contradiction on the scale of productive a two-day extension if you include information regard- argumentation. ing your topic. Refuting the Central Point Explicitly refutes the central point Content is published at the discretion of Sheer Dance based on the policies outlined below. It is our goal to Refutation Finds the mistake and explains why it’s publish all of the content submitted to us in the issue for mistaken using quotes which it was submitted. Any rejected advertisement or Counterargument Contradicts and then backs it up with article will come with communication on how it could reasoning and/or supporting evidence be edited to be appropriate for publication, with a dead- Contradiction States the opposing case with little or line extension when possible to allow time to effect the no supporting evidence necessary alterations. Responding to Tone Criticizes the tone of the writing without addressing the substance of Advertisements the argument We print at 300 dpi and accept PDF, PNG, and JPEG file Ad Hominem Attacks the characteristics or authority of the writer without addressing the types. When buying a larger advertising package, you may substance of the argument Name-calling Discourse like “The writer is swap in a different ad for each month at no additional an imbecile” fee. The chart below features our introductory rates, which are subject to change as the publication grows. Contact [email protected] for more information. editing Policy Content submitted to Sheer Dance will be edited Layout Dimensions Price Per Ad Price for 12 for spelling, grammar, sentence structure, style, and (width × height) Consecutive Months appropriateness of content.
Full Page 7.5” x 10” $120 $1200 Any kind of bigotry, inappropriate religious or political statements, name-calling, verifiably untrue Half Page 7.5” x 4.75” $75 $750 statements, unreasonable and unverifiable claims, Quarter Page 3.5” x 4.75” $50 $500 and unpaid content that only serves to advertise Business Card 3.5” x 2” $15 $150 goods or services are all subject to removal. Content that serves no appropriate purpose will not be Photos published.
When selecting photos to include in the magazine, If you are dissatisfied with any edits made by we try to feature different dancers in each picture, when Sheer Dance, you are welcome and encouraged to possible. We look for photos with good lighting, a clear compose a Letter to the Editor, which, so long as it focus, and smiling dancers who are actively dancing. meets the submission guidelines, will be posted in the Discussion section of the subsequent issue with Articles a response from Sheer Dance. Sheer Dance retains the All articles must be clearly relevant to partner danc- right to discontinue public editorial discussions ing. There are no length requirements or limits, but when they no longer add value for the dance com- Sheer Dance may break up longer articles across multiple munity at large, though private exchanges may issues when appropriate. While articles may promote still be relevant. E 8 • • 1 Dec 2015 [VOlUNteeR teAM] SHeeRDANce.cOM
Mary Beth Beckman chelsea Visser EXECUTIVE EDITOR PROOF EDITOR
Mary Beth Beckman is the fearless leader of the Sheer Dance team, guiding the Chelsea Visser is an English and journalism student at the University of Minnesota vision and scope of the magazine as well as editing the content to ensure its who enjoys social dancing with friends when not reading, writing, or drinking too consistency with Sheer Dance’s official style. She has been volunteering in the much coffee. As Sheer Dance’s Proof Editor, Chelsea reads each issue cover to cover partner-dancing community for over five years and prides herself on being an to ensure all the finer details are exactly as they should be. Questions, comments, excellent communicator and organizer of tiny scraps of data. Mary Beth can and concerns can be sent to [email protected]. typically be found drinking buckets of coffee, engaging in fandom, improving her physical fitness, or watching sci-fi. She welcomes your questions and feedback at [email protected].
Alexzandra enger Patrick Severin ACQUISITIONS EDITOR EVENTS EDITOR
Alexzandra Enger is treasurer of the University of Minnesota Ballroom Dance Club Patrick Severin tried ballroom once, and it quickly became their favorite hobby. and a member of the competition team. When she’s not busy dancing, volunteer- As Events Editor, they ensure dancers in the Twin Cities can always make it out ing, or studying, Alex will likely be found—coffee in hand—spending time with to a social dance, because nothing makes Patrick smile like a floor full of happy her friends, conquering video games, discovering new music, and whipping up dancers. When the dancing shoes are off, Patrick is developing software for hospi- delicious meals and desserts. She wants to travel the world, dance as often as she tals and nonprofits, paddling a kayak in Lake Monona, commuting by bicycle, or can, and be happy. As Acquisitions Editor of Sheer Dance, Alex is responsible for hammering out letters on their Remington typewriter. They do freelance software gathering all content for the magazine. If you’ve got articles or photos to share, consulting and enjoy philosophical chats; if either of those things interest you, feel send them to Alexzandra at [email protected]. free to email them at [email protected]. SHeeRDANce.cOM [VOlUNteeR teAM] 1 Dec 2015 • • 9
Nicholas Westlake Julie Johnston CREATIVE DIRECTOR DESIGNER
Nicholas Westlake crafts the look and feel of Sheer Dance. He oversees our design Julie Johnston is, by day, a senior digital production specialist in the field of edu- and publishing teams, building impactful visuals while ensuring each aspect cational ebooks for iPads, etc. She has spent her entire career in print publications of the publication complements the image and style you know and love. In the from catalogs to textbooks and is responsible for the layout of Sheer Dance. Julie wild, he’s also a passionate ballroom competitor, an avid dance instructor, and a has participated in Israeli dance and is in the beginning stages of learning the joys no-nonsense system designer. of partner dancing.
Hannah Alyea theresa Kimler ADVERTISING EDITOR SUBSCRIPTION & MAILING COORDINATOR
Hannah Alyea is rarely seen without a smile on her face and loves to spread the Theresa Kimler has been an active member of the dance community for over twenty good news of ballroom dance. Originally form South Dakota, she has recently years. A seven-time USA Dance open smooth champion, nine-time rhythm cham- become the vice president of the University of Minnesota Ballroom Dance Club pion, and four-time nine-dance champion, Theresa is an undisputed, long-standing and is a member of the competitive ballroom team. Her favorite styles of dance champion of dance. Mechanical engineer by education, black-belt project manager, are American rhythm and smooth and international standard. As Advertising owner of Total Project Consulting, and lover of quadrupeds, Theresa graciously Editor, Hannah is responsible for ensuring that Sheer Dance readers can connect lends her expertise to Sheer Dance for the betterment of the dance community as with the vendors, products, and events of interest to them. If you’re interested in our Subscription & Mailing Coordinator. Subscribe today to receive a gorgeous advertising with Sheer Dance, email Hannah at [email protected]. magazine in your mailbox every month, courtesy of Theresa’s work. 10 • • 1 Dec 2015 [RecURRiNG cOlUMNS] SHeeRDANce.cOM
new ties. In future years, we hope to Volunteer Report develop a strong adult-mixed-profi- ciency program and provide adults Ballroom Blast 2015 with new opportunities to participate BY THE BALLROOM BLAST TEAM and explore the wonderful world of ballroom dance in a low-stress and fun environment. There are too many people to thank THIS PAST OCTOBER 24TH was used by college groups and adults alike in this article who made this year’s a blast! We introduced nearly one to expose their friends and family to Ballroom Blast a huge success, but we hundred fifty new people to ballroom the world of dancesport. wanted to thank some of its biggest dancing in a way they will never forget. Ballroom Blast has grown greatly contributors. We also increased the participation of in the four years since its inception. First, a big thank you to our partici- adults and collegiate students alike. Initially conceived as a way to target pants and spectators. We continue to be We had over two hundred sixty reg- new collegiate markets for participa- inspired by your love and enthusiasm istrants in all, plus over two hundred tion in ballroom dance, the program for dance, as well as your kindness and fifty spectators—more than double has expanded to include workshops sportsmanship. last year’s number. We’re most proud and lectures, a social dinner to promote Thank you to this year’s core Blast of the incredible expansion of mixed interaction among the diverse groups volunteer team: Daniel O’Connell, proficiency; with over twice as many in our community, and a Halloween who did a wonderful job bringing participants, MP has become a staple Ball to cement those wonderful in collegiate participants; Rosemary
Photos from Ballroom Blast by Erik Anderson SHeeRDANce.cOM [RecURRiNG cOlUMNS] 1 Dec 2015 • • 11
O’Connell, without whom there would on track. Thank you to our wonderful We also want to thank Bill Dessert be no registration or competitor on-deck personnel, Cathy Dessert, Len and his team at Rapit Printing for packets; Nic Westlake, who organized Farrington, Bridget Knickerbocker, and printing such amazing banners and all the heats; Craig Hagensick and Jeff Knickerbocker, who managed to programs. Our thanks go out to the Alexzandra Enger, who managed all get all the participants on the floor for University of Minnesota Ballroom things money; Karen Maldonado, who their dancing on time with no holdups. Dance Club for their key volunteerism designed the wonderful decoration Last but not least, thank you to Maria and participation. Their support is scheme; Olivia Wicker, for her tremen- Russett for being the best scrutineer’s what made Ballroom Blast possible in dous job designing the graphics and assistant we could ever hope for. the first place. our program; Elizabeth Wanninger, This year was also made possible by Most importantly, we want to thank responsible for our fantastic Halloween some very generous sponsorship and our critiquing professionals, Elena Ball; Rachel Marusinec, for designing grants. The University of Minnesota Bersten, Kate Bratt, Jennifer Foster, the layout as well as securing Blast’s Student Union Activities Board, Coca Eric Hudson, Jeff Nehrbass, Cynthia 2016 date: Saturday, October 22nd; Cola, and U Partner Dance, Inc., pro- Nehrbass, and Mariusz Olszewski; Taylor Wall, for securing our wonderful vided significant financial assistance to our wonderful MC, Gene Bersten; our volunteers; Jackson Fossen, for making help make this event a reality. Without DJ, Shane Meuwissen; and all of our sure the DJ had everything he needed the assistance of these wonderful orga- evening show performers. Their invest- to make the music happen; Neli nizations, we could not have provided ment in the future of partner dancing Petkova, for keeping everyone updated this opportunity at all, let alone so will go a long way toward enhancing on Facebook; and Theresa Kimler, who affordably. the ballroom dance community. E made sure we stayed organized and
Photos from Ballroom Blast by Erik Anderson MasqueradeFall Formal Dec 12th 6:00 - 10:00 pm
$5 at the door
Coffman Great Hall 300 Washington Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455
umnbdc.com facebook.com/umnbdc SHeeRDANce.cOM [RecURRiNG cOlUMNS] 1 Dec 2015 • • 13
Middle-Aged Moves Facing Flufy Full On BY ROCHELLE LOCKRIDGE
LAST MONTH, MY PRIVATE instructor would be a lie. I struggle with body showed me more than a proper tango image, and the majority of the dance corté. “Here,” he said. “Look in the community doesn’t look like me. mirror.” You’ve got to be kidding. You think I can A surprised, “Is that really me?” squeeze into that? We’re gonna need two “Yes. See what I mean? See that nice size eights to fit this full-figured gal. line?” I’m slowly coming to terms with the Tears welling with a gentle awe, body I have to work with today. With Rochelle Lockridge is a knowledge manage- “I’m beautiful.” group classes, dance parties, lessons, ment specialist in the research and develop- I am simply amazed how my teacher practicing, and an exercise regime rec- ment labs at 3M. She enjoyed dancing disco, can show me what a line is, make a ommended by my instructors (I keep English country, and ballroom in high school minor (or not-so-minor) adjustment to a twelve-pound dumbbell on my bath- and college. Thirty years later, the sweet the way I am holding myself, and this room counter to remind me to get in siren song of partner dance has once again beautiful, elegant woman emerges. It’s my thirty reps during the day), people ensnared her. She’s looking forward to shar- as if my body falls into place the way are surprised when I say I’ve only lost ing her dance journey from a middle-aged it was designed to. Where did she come maybe a pound or two. What they are perspective. @Rockylou22 from? Has she really been here all along? really noticing is that my body shape, Yes, she has … just hidden, afraid to how I hold myself, and how I move in express her full, fluffy self to the world. the world are all changing. With a body mass index of twen- I’m sure I’m not alone in confessing ty-nine, I’d need to lose thirty pounds how uncomfortable it is to see our bod- to move out of the overweight category ies in the mirror or on video. But lately and into the normal, healthy weight I’ve come to understand and appreci- range. I’d like to say my weight and ate why dancers are always looking at body shape don’t matter, but that themselves. It’s not because they’re 14 • • 1 Dec 2015 [RecURRiNG cOlUMNS] SHeeRDANce.cOM
vain; it’s because we want to see what are not lost on me, especially when it I hypothesized that if I could reduce we’re doing. (Did you catch the pro- comes to successfully executing spins. the friction between Fluffy and the noun switch there? I’ve been recently Law #1: A body at rest stays at rest, floor, it would reduce the force needed reminded, “You’re a dancer now.”) and a body in motion stays in motion, to at least start and control a spin. It It was quite a shocker when I unless acted on by an external force. worked! Much to my classmates’ and watched my reflection dancing west Law #2: Force = Mass × Acceleration teacher’s delight, there was no con- coast swing in my living room window Or in layman’s terms: it’s going to taining my joy when I was finally able for the first time. take more force to get my mass moving to complete a three-hundred-sixty-de- Is that really me? Oh, my, I don’t like how and more force to get me to stop once gree traveling turn without falling off that looks. I wonder if I can adjust the way I’m in motion. So spins continue to be balance, which was soon followed by I’m moving so that I like what I see? There, difficult. the successful execution of a double you go. That’s better. Hey, just for fun, let’s When I first started out, I actually outside turn from closed position to a take a look from the side now. Oh, no, what thought I was going to have to give up side-by-side promenade. Yippee! happened? I looked just fine facing forward on my country two-step class unless I joined the ballroom dance commu- …. You mean I have to look at myself from all there was a flailing figure that Troy nity looking for a way to exercise that I angles? Okay, then, if that’s what it takes …. just hadn’t taught us yet. Practicing could stick with. I’ve found that and so Let’s try it again. didn’t seem to be making much of a much more. But coming to terms with But there are also practical, sci- difference. As a last resort, I decided to my body and witnessing a butterfly entific principles when one is facing see if real dancing shoes (as opposed to emerge from her cocoon was some- Fluffy full on that can’t be dismissed my rubber-soled running shoes) would thing I wasn’t expecting at all. What lightly. As a new dancer and a scientist make things easier. a lovely gift. E by training, Newton’s laws of motion
life through Dance Your Dance Presence BY ELIZABETH DICKINSON
ONE DEFINITION of presence is the more than another, sometimes comes ability to project a sense of ease, poise, down to the presence they project and or self-assurance, especially before an their enjoyment in dancing. audience. Another definition of pres- Cultivating the sense that you ence is a person or thing that exists or belong somewhere, that you have a is present in a place but is not seen. right to be there, and that you are In dance competitions or even on the enjoying what you’re doing all contrib- social floor, presence is something that utes to the presence you project. is felt even more than it is seen. When I was an actor, the expression There are visible, physical ways for establishing presence was “taking Elizabeth Dickinson is a life/executive coach to enhance presence (standing up stage.” Taking stage meant walking on as and amateur ballroom dancer. If you enjoy straight, smiling, etc.). These are valu- if you belonged, as if it was natural that her writing and would like to receive her able because neuroscience suggests people would approve of you, and with weekly emailed coaching newsletter, visit that a positive physical change to our a sense that what was to come would www.pursueyourpath.com and sign up. posture also improves our emotional be worth watching. and mental state. May we pursue our paths on and off The reason we want to watch some the dance floor with a sense of confi- dance couples more than others, or we dence that we belong. E are drawn to dance with one person
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Gaining Perspective elephant Dances BY JOEL TORGESON
Photo from Ballroom Blast by Erik Anderson
Joel Torgeson is president of the University WHEN I DANCE, I’M USUALLY not think. You take your eye off the ball- of Minnesota Ballroom Dance Club and alone. of-foot balance needed to execute that enjoys dancing both socially and competi- You may not find that surprising, turn, or cut your natural a little short tively. If you have feedback for Joel or would given that ballroom generally involves to avoid its hairy flank. And sometimes like to pitch an article idea, email him at two people, but I’m talking about it seems that damned elephant has [email protected]. something else: a sometimes comfort- its trunk wrapped around your waist, ing, sometimes obnoxious little pres- holding you back. When you turn ence that I’ve become acquainted with. around, though, it’s across the floor, Let us, for sake of narrative, call it an blinking patiently back. Mine some- elephant. times likes to sit with me in my arm- Have you ever tried dancing with chair, unwittingly crushing me further an elephant on the floor? I don’t into the cushions. remember the first time I noticed it, Some of my friends have elephants but I suspect it hung around in my too. When I look back, I’ve known periphery before I perceived it. At first about the elephants for a long time. It’s mostly a nuisance, I danced around hard to not notice when your friend is it, a different kind of floor craft. As overshadowed by a gargantuan pachy- time wore on, however, I got used to derm. Though not always out in the its presence—liked it, almost. There open air, their footprints appear on the was something not quite friendly but bodies and faces of those around me. welcoming in its demeanor. The floor Some try to hide their elephants from seemed plenty big enough for the two sight, while others deny they have one of us, and so we waltzed. even as it bears witness at their shoul- Elephants are distracting, though. der. Studies show that their incidence Every time you catch one peeking is nearly one in five in the population. over your shoulder, you can’t help but SHeeRDANce.cOM [RecURRiNG cOlUMNS] 1 Dec 2015 • • 17
The elephant in the room is mental don’t do Z anymore, and you’ll be good When I hurt my knee, it needs ice and health. My particular elephant hap- as new!” rest. When I hurt my mind, what can pens to be depression. In reality, mental health is so help? The social and internal taboos sur- directly integrated into a person’s I don’t have all the answers. The rounding this subject are strong, hence identity, relationships, and world view best I can suggest is to be willing to the initial abstraction. The everyday that changes are hard to achieve on the talk about your elephant, your prob- language of mental health teaches timeline that most well-intended advice lems, and be willing to listen in return. us that these problems are personal, assumes. If my knee hurts when I do It’s difficult to be vulnerable and let perhaps implying that nobody wants bolero, there’s a fairly straightforward someone take a peek at the inner to hear or see them, and that we can sequence to ameliorating the problem, workings of your mind, but that can simply think our way out of them. usually beginning with taking a break help open the doors to more conversa- The reality is that, while personal in from dancing bolero. If my self hurts tions and more understanding. Reach manifestation, these are problems that when I feel like a missed opportunity out and touch another’s life, not with millions of people deal with on a daily deep in my past has doomed my future, the intent to save or fix but to help. basis. there is no such formula for making Know that seeking help is not a sign of More insidious, the idea that some- me feel better; I cannot simply stop weakness but one of strength. body can just think themselves out of thinking. To all those with elephants out there, it tells us that the problem needs only I’ve been lucky to fall towards the I salute you with a mighty trumpet. E a simple recipe to be fixed. “Follow X mild end of the spectrum, in that it routine, think Y happy thoughts, and tends to be episodic instead of chronic. 18 • • 1 Dec 2015 [RecURRiNG cOlUMNS] SHeeRDANce.cOM
Here you’ll find the results of Minnesota amateurs, profes- sionals, and pro/am couples from events around the country. Results from Around the country We’re proud of how skilled and dedicated the Minnesota dance chicago DanceSport challenge community is, and we’d like to share their successes with you.
Jeremy Anderson and Yuko Taniguchi 3rd (of 7) - Amateur Adult Pre-Champ Smooth 3rd (of 4) - Amateur Adult Championship Smooth 1st (of 2) - Amateur Senior I Championship Smooth 1st (of 8) - Amateur Adult Gold Standard 2nd (of 4) - Amateur Senior I Gold Standard 6th (of 7) - Amateur Adult Novice Standard 3rd (of 5) - Amateur Senior I Novice Standard Gregory Bajer and Ligaya Carlos 2nd (of 13) - Amateur Adult Bronze Standard 1st (of 3) - Amateur Senior I Bronze Standard 2nd (of 4) - Amateur Adult Silver Standard 1st (of 4) - Amateur Senior I Silver Standard Photo from Ballroom Blast by Erik Anderson Tyler Bridges and Andrea Wynn 3rd (of 12) - Amateur Adult Silver Rhythm 1st (of 6) - Amateur Adult Novice Smooth 3rd (of 14) - Amateur Adult Silver Smooth 1st (of 3) - Amateur Senior I Novice Smooth Josh Dowell and Audrey Haugen 2nd (of 8) - Amateur Adult Gold Standard 3rd (of 10) - Amateur Adult Bronze Rhythm 1st (of 4) - Amateur Senior I Gold Standard 10th (of 13) - Amateur Adult Silver Rhythm 5th (of 7) - Amateur Adult Novice Standard 5th (of 10) - Amateur Adult Bronze Smooth 1st (of 5) - Amateur Senior I Novice Standard 11th (of 14) - Amateur Adult Silver Smooth 1st (of 7) - Amateur Adult Open Syllabus International Viennese Waltz 7th (of 13) - Amateur Adult Bronze Standard 1st (of 2) - Amateur Senior I Open Syllabus International Viennese Waltz Wyatt Gifford and Samantha Johnson Michael Kasinkas and Taylor Wall 1st (of 10) - Amateur Adult Bronze Smooth 6th (of 7) - Amateur Adult Pre-Champ Rhythm 4th (of 14) - Amateur Adult Silver Smooth 3rd (of 3) - Amateur Adult Championship Rhythm 3rd (of 13) - Amateur Adult Bronze Standard 5th (of 7) - Amateur Adult Pre-Champ Smooth 5th (of 14) - Amateur Adult Silver Standard 4th (of 4) - Amateur Adult Championship Smooth David Huang and Veronica Quinones 3rd (of 8) - Amateur Adult Gold Standard 3rd (of 10) - Amateur Adult Bronze Latin 3rd (of 7) - Amateur Adult Novice Standard 5th (of 8) - Amateur Adult Silver Latin David Molstad and Allison Lund 2nd (of 10) - Amateur Adult Bronze Rhythm 4th (of 10) - Amateur Adult Bronze Rhythm 6th (of 12) - Amateur Adult Silver Rhythm 10th (of 12) - Amateur Adult Silver Rhythm John Hinks and Rachel Marusinec 7th (of 10) - Amateur Adult Bronze Smooth 6th (of 10) - Amateur Adult Bronze Rhythm 11th (of 14) - Amateur Adult Silver Smooth 8th (of 12) - Amateur Adult Silver Rhythm 13th (of 14) - Amateur Adult Silver Standard John Hinks and McKenzie van Der Hagen 11th (of 13) - Amateur Adult Bronze Standard 2nd (of 10) - Amateur Adult Bronze Smooth Daniel O’Connell and Rosemary O’Connell 10th (of 14) - Amateur Adult Silver Smooth 3rd (of 4) - Amateur Adult Novice Rhythm 9th (of 13) - Amateur Adult Bronze Standard 5th (of 7) - Amateur Adult Pre-Champ Rhythm C.J. Hurst and Lorie Hurst 8th (of 14) - Amateur Adult Silver Smooth 1st (of 8) - Amateur Adult Gold Smooth 6th (of 8) - Amateur Adult Gold Smooth 1st (of 5) - Amateur Senior I Gold Smooth 6th (of 14) - Amateur Adult Silver Standard SHeeRDANce.cOM [RecURRiNG cOlUMNS] 1 Dec 2015 • • 19
Dom Pandy and Anjelica Montano 2nd (of 10) - Amateur Adult Bronze Latin 4th (of 8) - Amateur Adult Silver Latin 5th (of 12) - Amateur Adult Silver Rhythm 2nd (of 3) - Amateur Adult Gold Rhythm 3rd (of 10) - Amateur Adult Bronze Smooth 7th (of 14) - Amateur Adult Silver Smooth 5th (of 13) - Amateur Adult Bronze Standard 10th (of 14) - Amateur Adult Silver Standard Gregory Prasch and Susan Prasch 1st (of 5) - Amateur Senior II Novice Smooth 1st (of 4) - Amateur Senior III Novice Smooth 1st (of 5) - Amateur Senior II Pre-Champ Smooth 1st (of 6) - Amateur Senior III Pre-Champ Smooth 4th (of 8) - Amateur Senior II Novice Standard 2nd (of 8) - Amateur Senior III Novice Standard 2nd (of 9) - Amateur Senior II Pre-Champ Standard 2nd (of 11) - Amateur Senior III Pre-Champ Standard 1st (of 7) - Amateur Senior III Open Syllabus International Viennese Waltz 1st (of 6) - Amateur Senior II Open Syllabus International Viennese Waltz Thomas Stasny and Christina Kyllo
Photos from Ballroom Blast by Erik Anderson 5th (of 10) - Amateur Adult Bronze Rhythm 9th (of 12) - Amateur Adult Silver Rhythm 6th (of 10) - Amateur Adult Bronze Smooth 11th (of 14) - Amateur Adult Silver Smooth 4th (of 13) - Amateur Adult Bronze Standard 9th (of 13) - Amateur Adult Silver Standard Joel Torgeson and Tijen Petersen 1st (of 3) - Amateur Adult Gold Rhythm 2nd (of 8) - Amateur Adult Gold Smooth 3rd (of 14) - Amateur Adult Silver Standard 5th (of 8) - Amateur Adult Gold Standard Joel Torgeson and Lizzie Weaver 1st (of 12) - Amateur Adult Silver Rhythm 1st (of 14) - Amateur Adult Silver Smooth Kevin Viratyosin and Karen Maldonado 3rd (of 8) - Amateur Adult Gold Smooth 4th (of 14) - Amateur Adult Silver Standard 4th (of 8) - Amateur Adult Gold Standard Kevin Viratyosin and Rachel Marusinec 5th (of 10) - Amateur Adult Bronze Latin 3rd (of 8) - Amateur Adult Silver Latin 5th (of 14) - Amateur Adult Silver Smooth Greg Warner and Jill Smith Would you like to see your results or your studio’s results at 10th (of 19) - Amateur Senior II Silver Smooth an event here? Email us at [email protected] with the 6th (of 17) - Amateur Senior III Silver Smooth name of the event, some pictures, and your results, and we’ll Nicholas Westlake and Neli Petkova be sure to include them! 3rd (of 4) - Amateur Adult Championship Standard E 20 • • 1 Dec 2015 [FROM tHe cOMMUNitY] SHeeRDANce.cOM
Bean, and we enjoyed ourselves despite entering the World of Amateur comps the dreary weather. It was beneficial to get a change of scenery, and we came the chicago DanceSport challenge back to the competition venue with a BY CHRISTINA KYLLO renewed energy for our dancing. That Saturday evening we got to watch some of our teammates com- pete in the open events. As the largest group of collegiate dancers at the com- petition, the University of Minnesota team cheered loudly and had a great time livening up the competition atmosphere well into the night. But wait—dancers scheduled to compete at 11:30 p.m.? I had no idea amateur competitions were scheduled that late. Since the heats were running ahead of schedule, our team stuck around to watch the championship standard events, and it was one of the best deci- sions of the weekend. We were fortu- nate to see some amazing dancers, and we had a great time cheering on our favorite couples. A few social dances (“Thriller” included) also made for a great Halloween night. Sunday, my partner and I competed in our rhythm and standard events. Having eliminated some of the initial jitters the day before, our dancing improved throughout our events, and HALLOWEEN PLANS: CHECK. met up with many more teammates at it showed in our placements in our Halloween candy: check. the competition. My partner and I com- dances. When our team’s events con- Halloween costume: uh, does ball- peted in the smooth events on Saturday cluded for the day, I felt that typical room dancer count? morning and got our first qualification pang of disappointment that another Halloween weekend, my partner for USA Dance Nationals. Not a bad competition had come to an end. and I competed in the 2015 Chicago start. The intensified team camaraderie DanceSport Challenge, our first ama- After our team finished our events that follows a competition was pres- teur competition. While practicing and early in the day on Saturday, some of us ent during the car ride home, and preparing for the weekend, we agreed ventured to downtown Chicago to do we arrived back at the University of that it would, at the very least, be a some sightseeing. After all, if you didn’t Minnesota campus happily exhausted great chance to warm up on the compe- take a selfie at the Bean, did you really and satisfied with the many successes tition floor before Collegiate Nationals go to Chicago? I considered staying in of the weekend. For many of us, those later in November, but we got much costume in the spirit of Halloween— successes included several qualifica- more out of the experience. To start fake eyelashes, ballroom makeup, hair tions for Nationals, a new excitement off the weekend, six of us from the flower, and all—but decided to tone for amateur competitions, and a whole University of Minnesota competitive it down a bit for strolling Michigan new set of fun memories that come from ballroom team packed up a minivan Avenue. Rainy weather forced us to be being part of a group of talented, sup- and journeyed to Chicago, where we creative with our group photos at the portive, and enthusiastic dancers. E SHeeRDANce.cOM [FROM tHe cOMMUNitY] 1 Dec 2015 • • 21
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Photos from Ballroom Blast by Erik Anderson 22 • • 1 Dec 2015 [FROM tHe cOMMUNitY] SHeeRDANce.cOM
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Photos from Ballroom Blast by Erik Anderson returns!
5-6 March 2016 (Saturday & Sunday) udancefest.com
Dancers Studio 415 Pascal Street N St. Paul MN 55104
brought to you by the Twin Cities professional dance community and:
Ballroom Dance Club 26 • • 1 Dec 2015 [FROM tHe cOMMUNitY] SHeeRDANce.cOM
THIS FALL, INSTEAD OF PREPARING my six-acre, three-level, country home Bravissimo! of thirty years for the cold snowy win- ter in Minnesota, I am enjoying the learning from Andrea Marta sunny, warm weather of Florida in my BY CHRISTINE TRASK new one-level home where I no longer have to do yard work. Except for my family pictures and Italian Championship, and his older and teaching innovative dance moves. favorite artwork, I sold everything brother still lives in Rome and teaches I went to the open dance events on and made the leap of faith to make dance. Wednesday and found the fun, ener- the move four months ago. I felt set- Andrea’s past awards include first getic dance family that I was missing. tled and restless all at the same time. place, Italian Championships, 1998 and Naples Star Ball was coming up in There was a void in my life. Missing 2012; finalist, Italian Championships, the month of October, and of course my Minnesota dance friends, I needed 2008; first place, South European I decided to participate in the compe- to connect with fun, energetic people Championships, 2013; and semifinalist tition. Five other female friends also who had the same passion I do: dance. and finalist in WDSF (international decided to compete. There was little Checking the internet on my phone, division) in Spain, France, Thailand, time for me to prepare for the compe- I came up with a list of dance studios and Italy. In Cyprus, a country close tition, so I took private lessons twice a to explore. After the second week of to Greece, Andrea taught dance for week. With sport tape wrapped around searching in the month of September, I a teacher at the Olga Dance Academy my knees and tired, swollen feet, walked into Arthur Murray and sensed in 2013 and performed in a Christmas Andrea began teaching me a routine right away that it was going to be my show at Hotel Intercontinental. for the silver open and full foxtrot, home away from home. Andrea met Anastasia Kazmina, Viennese waltz, and waltz. Andrea Marta, a young, talented franchise owner of Arthur Murray in “You know this, Chris, so just do it,” Italian, was introduced to me as my Naples, Florida, during a competition. Andrea said. new instructor. At five years old in Due In 2014 at age twenty-four, Andrea After the fifth lesson, Andrea and I Leoni, Rome, Andrea started ballroom came to the United States to work for danced effortlessly dancing at his Uncle Maurizio’s dance Anastasia and also be her professional “Bravissima!” Andrea shouted, lifting studio and had a successful career in partner. me into the air. It was pure joy! I felt youth amateur. Coming from a family On my first day of class, I noticed ready for the competition. of dance performers, his parents made Andrea’s astonishingly perfect frame On competition day, all six of us it to the senior gold level finals in the and his natural talent for creating women celebrated our achievements SHeeRDANce.cOM [FROM tHe cOMMUNitY] 1 Dec 2015 • • 27
together. I thought it important to I was shocked when they announced a few short weeks, I saw my dancing interview the women and find out why that I came in first in all five standard improve, and I decided to challenge they think Andrea is such an excellent open silver dances and first in the two myself and enter the competition. teacher in general and, specifically, for dance challenges. I lived my Cinderella Leiza Kennedy: Andrea prepared preparing them for the competition. dream. me both mentally and technically so I Deb Mackerwicz: When I was at my Shirley Cen: Andrea is the best could perform five dances across sev- lowest point physically, having been teacher and greatest professional eral competitive brackets. His charm away from dance for many years, it was dancer that I know. He knows my and sense of humor helped make difficult for me to even walk into the weaknesses and strengths in ballroom the challenging process of learning studio for the first time. Slowly and dance. He encouraged me to partici- to dance fun. I felt secure under his gently, Andrea lifted me up mentally pate in the competition. With his strict expert partnering throughout each to realize that I was still a dancer and training and great sense of humor, he dance. Winning first and third place that, yes, of course I could compete helped me correct my weaknesses to in two of the competition brackets, I with just six weeks of lessons! The bring out the best in me. Feeling no have a wonderful dance experience to encouragement and support he gave pressure and enjoying the dance during remember and to build upon. me was crucial at that vulnerable point the competition, I was surprised when Bravissimo, Andrea Marta. Thank you in my life. I am sure he doesn’t even I won first place in the closed bronze for being such a great teacher. We all realize how much more he did for me ballroom multi-dancing challenge. look forward to the next Naples Star than teach dance. He helped me believe Nicole Perrotta: I have danced off Ball on October 16, 2016, at the Hilton in myself again. and on for the past fifteen years. I’ve Naples. Connie Fetterman: Andrea, as a never really had the confidence to A special thanks to Eva Gomez, teacher and competitor, can tell you think I was able to do anything with patron of the arts, and to Deb what to expect and what the judges my dancing except to have fun. I even Mackerwicz, editor. look for. He patiently tells you not had one instructor at a different studio Buone feste, meaning happy holidays, just what you’re doing wrong but tell me that I should not continue to from the team at Arthur Murray in how it should be and the difference it learn international-style ballroom Naples, Roman Gomez, Anastasia makes in your body line or entry into (my favorite style of dance) and that I Kazmina, and Andrea Marta. E the following step. “Vie,” he would should learn smooth because it would Christine Trask is an avid social dancer who say, meaning, “Go!” When you get it be easier for me. When I met Andrea, loves to go new places and meet new people. right, he compliments you by saying, I noticed he was able to teach me in a Email her at [email protected] if you’d like “Bravissima!” As a first-time competitor, way that I was able to understand. In to do some dancing in Naples, Florida. 28 • • 1 Dec 2015 [FROM tHe cOMMUNitY] SHeeRDANce.cOM
I HAVE A CONFESSION. It’s some- thing I have known all along, but the rest of my dance team does not seem to notice. Sure, it’s only my first year dancing; that does not make the fact any less true. Any way I look at it, I still come to the same conclusion: I am the worst dancer in the studio. Now, I know that if I were ever to say this out loud, any of my partners would immediately try to dismiss me. They just want to make me feel better. I appreciate their efforts, but no matter how hard I try, I cannot help but feel that as a beginner, I can only bring other dancers down. We have to face the music. No mat- ter how much we hate to say it, we have all had this toxic way of thinking. Photo from Ballroom Blast by Erik Anderson We all feel a little inadequate when we try something new in a competitive setting. However, self-incriminating mindsets do not advance us either as taking the First Step dancers or as people. For all of those beginners out there, I hope reading confronting a Self-conscious Mindset this will help you get out of your rut BY ERIC DAHLMAN and back to the dance floor. To the seasoned dancers, read this as well. We all know you sometimes still feel the same way. creates false realities that make us feel have the most potential. There is no I believe one of the most inhibiting disillusioned. need to worry how far along the other things we do as dancers, and as a soci- We, as humans, are only able to dancers you see are. Just know that ety in general, is compare ourselves. I see from our own perspectives, but we if you keep practicing, you will even- am sure many of you have heard this also have an amazing ability to notice tually be at that level. All things take argument before. However, ballroom the strengths of others. We especially time. dance is a sport of comparisons. You notice others’ strengths when we do One way I am able to immediately cannot really compete nor improve not have a firm grasp on our own abili- notice that I’m feeling anxious about unless you compare yourself to the ties. Because of this, people trick them- my dancing is when I start to guess other dancers. However, comparison selves into thinking they are worth a what my partners think of me. When does, in many ways, help us as dancers. lot less than they really are. After all, we feel low about ourselves, we make It lets us know what we should strive how clumsy do you feel trying to learn ourselves believe others look at us to be, what our strengths are, and if we the basics of a dance only to have your the same way. This is detrimental to are improving. All of these are great instructor demonstrate with flawless our learning, and we need to quickly things to know, so I would not recom- ease? You have not seen how long it readjust our way of thinking. An exam- mend stopping comparison altogether took your coaches and teammates to ple of this is when I think too much if you are a beginning dancer. In reality, be able to learn the basics, but if you about my mistakes rather than focus it is not comparison itself that discour- ask them, their story will probably be on how I am improving. I tend to visu- ages us but rather how comparison similar to yours. Beginners are not bad alize my partners speaking to me in dancers; beginners are dancers who one of two ways: either that they dread SHeeRDANce.cOM [FROM tHe cOMMUNitY] 1 Dec 2015 • • 29
Photos from Ballroom Blast by Erik Anderson
dancing with me because of my utter executed with pride, they will not only many times: smile! Although it can be lack of skill or that they treat me as if I be much happier dancing with you hard, especially when you feel you just had a debilitating, chronic illness, and but will also continue to perform the are not making enough progress, make they just want to baby me because I am step the way that made you give them yourself smile. If you are not having fun talentless and clearly in pain. Thinking praise. doing something, you will never truly this way blocks me from becoming a A talented dancer uses compliment- master it. Dancing is no exception. The better dancer. Besides, dance partners ing to their advantage. People enjoy best thing about a smile is that, even will never actually think of you in helping people that they like. If you if we fake it, the effects still appear. If these ways; I can guarantee it. I would compliment an expert dancer, they will you pretend to be cheerful, you will also be willing to bet that your partners be more supportive of you in return. find yourself actually being cheerful. probably are thinking the exact same The compliment could even open new Keep this in mind as you continue thing as you are. We all feel insecure. connections to perfect your own steps learning to dance. Even if it does not This is why I believe that compli- from the advice they give you. Next actually help you feel better, both the menting each other is another one of time you’re having trouble with your judges and your partner will appreciate the most valuable skills in dancing. own partner, rather than attacking the effort. You will be amazed how far a No one is able to assess their own per- them for making the same mistake smile can take you. formance with complete honesty. We again, tell them what they did better. Beginning dance is both a stressful carry too many biases for ourselves, Sometimes that is all a dancer needs and a rewarding experience. You do not good and bad. That makes genuinely to fix a common mistake. Trust me, if always see how well you are doing, and complimenting each other important. someone has already been called out that can be frustrating. With dancing, It offers an additional level of commu- on a mistake, they will not forget it. We you just have to take things one step nication between partners and keeps all know the feeling. However, if they at a time, and eventually you will see people from becoming disheartened. It feel confident that they are improving, your improvement. We are never truly releases us from being trapped in our they will succeed with the step. This the worst dancer on the team that we own negative thoughts and supports will make dancing fun again while still picture ourselves to be. It takes time what we are doing well. I promise improving for the next competition. until we feel confident, so we might as that if you compliment a partner on My final piece of advice for begin- well have fun along the way. E something they truly improved on or ners is one we have already heard 30 • • 1 Dec 2015 [FROM tHe cOMMUNitY] SHeeRDANce.cOM
Bringing Ballroom to twin cities classrooms BY EMBER REICHGOTT JUNGE
“OUT TO THE CHEESE, JUMP-JUMP; wings (elbows) and sticky peanut-but- We at Heart of Dance could not be back to the crust, jump-jump; under ter-and-jelly sandwiches (forearms). more pleased with the progress of our the bridge, jump-jump; under the Take a look at the tango that stu- students over the ten-week Dancing bridge, jump-jump.” dents from Friendship Academy of the Classrooms fall residency and the That was chanted by a fifth-grade Arts, Minneapolis, and Four Seasons excitement of their school leaders dance couple practicing their new A+ Elementary, St. Paul, performed about the program. This is not just swing steps (on a giant imaginary recently after only eleven lessons about learning dance steps. As one pizza) during recess at Benjamin E. on www.HeartofDanceMN.org or paraprofessional told us, “Their disci- Mays IB World School in St. Paul. And Facebook. Adorable! The fifth graders pline has gotten much better, not just they were good. You should have seen will be even more energetic when they in dance class. I see it in their other their boogie walks! perform their new dances for their par- classwork as well. They work better They and over two hundred fifty ents and schoolmates at their school together—more like a team.” fifth graders in eleven classrooms in culminating events at Friendship Dancing Classrooms is about the Twin Cities are getting ready for (December 1st); Athlos Leadership respect, elegance, and teamwork. What their finale of Dancing Classrooms, Academy, Brooklyn Park (December joy to watch these young people break the new Minnesota program bringing 2nd); Four Seasons (December 3rd); and through fear and resistance to, “Thank the benefits of ballroom dance to Benjamin Mays (December 4th). The you, partner.” A few students act out, fifth graders. With specially trained events will also feature student expres- of course, which is why Heart of Dance teaching artists hired by the nonprofit sion around dance, including essays created a new volunteer classroom Heart of Dance, students are checking and poems, artwork, and research into assistant opportunity and trained six their dance positions for crispy chicken cultural origins of each dance. classroom assistants this semester to SHeeRDANce.cOM [FROM tHe cOMMUNitY] 1 Dec 2015 • • 31
help with classroom management Dance Studios for visiting our class- Due to the great response from our com- and gender balance. rooms. This session is always a favor- munity, Heart of Dance is expanding for Then there are students who light ite for our fifth graders! the spring semester! We still have room for up when the music starts. All of this leads to the exciting a few more classrooms. If you want to bring “How did you feel about that?” inaugural Colors of the Rainbow Team the benefits of ballroom dance to a child teaching artist Andrea Mirenda Match on December 13th at 3:00 p.m. you know, or if you know educators who asked after she introduced students at Dancers Studio in St. Paul, where might want to bring Dancing Classrooms to the slow and elegant waltz. six couples from each of eleven class- to their schools, contact Heart of Dance “Boring,” said several. rooms will compete, one couple per cofounders Ember Reichgott Junge at One young lady looked up and classroom for each dance. The public [email protected] or Andrea said, “That’s what I’ll do on my hon- is invited to watch dance couples Mirenda at [email protected]. eymoon on the beach.” compete in merengue, tango, rumba, Of course, contributions large and And another responded, “That’s foxtrot, waltz, and swing. Don’t be small will help Heart of Dance expand the dance my mom and dad did at surprised if you see some heel-toe our classrooms for spring so we can serve their wedding.” polka and the stomp thrown in as more Twin Cities students. With your help, Our ballroom dance community is well. We are honored to have four we hope to serve six hundred students in stepping up in other ways. Dancing professional ballroom dance judges this inaugural school year! Visit us online Classrooms includes one session to judge our dancers: Amy Anderson, at www.HeartOfDanceMN.org, like us on where a ballroom professional part- Nathan Daniels, Eliecer Ramirez- Facebook, and follow us on Twitter. ners with our teaching artist and Vargas, and Rebecca Ramirez. We are If you would like to volunteer as a class- offers feedback to students. We are grateful for the Colors of the Rainbow room assistant for the spring semester, con- grateful to dance professionals Eric Team Match sponsorship from tact Dede Ouren at [email protected]. Hudson and Dustin Donelan from University of Minnesota Ballroom Thank you for joining Heart of Dance on Cinema Ballroom, Russell Alliev Dance Club and U Partner Dance, Inc. this journey, transforming young lives one from DanceLife Ballroom, Gordon Watch out for photos in the January step at a time! E Bratt from Mill City Ballroom, and issue of Sheer Dance. Patrick Ellner from Fred Astaire 32 • • 1 Dec 2015 [FROM tHe cOMMUNitY] SHeeRDANce.cOM
willing to coach me through it and Rolling with the Punches make it work was great. SD: You mentioned before that you An interview with Mary Beth Beckman saw areas for improvement in the ballroom community. Was that first for the newsletter or for the competitive events? Sheer Dance: How long have you been MB: It was first with the newsletter, volunteering? How did you start? the Minnesota Dancing Times. I remem- Mary Beth: About five years. My ber looking over Nicholas Westlake’s introduction to ballroom was a bit shoulder as he was laying out an issue, convoluted, but basically: had a best and there was a particular article that friend who introduced me to a boy was either poorly edited or not edited who introduced me to ballroom, and at all, and I asked him, “Did anyone I saw a bunch of stuff that could be edit this?” to which he replied some- done way better, and I said, “Hey! Can thing along the lines of: he wasn’t sure I do this stuff instead?” and they were the editor did much editing. So I asked, like, “Yes, please,” because there’s a “Can I be copy editor? I would like to shortage of volunteers in ballroom. So do this because I could do a way better if you want to do something and you job.” And I got the job. And then a few offer to do it, you’re it. As for danc- weeks later, there was a meeting for ing, I started as a complete and utter Star of the North seeking volunteers. beginner to ballroom in mixed profi- There was the role of registrar that no ciency at Star of the North DanceSport one seemed interested in that was all Classic several years ago. I did my first about data collection and data entry competition in standard waltz, tango, and keeping track of stuff—things and quickstep with Nicholas Westlake, I’m really good at. I offered myself, who’s now a standard championship and soon I started getting registration dancer, but this was back when he was checks and entries mailed to my home. in newcomer and bronze. He taught me One person even brought their check everything I know about standard and to my door at 9 a.m.! made me kind of a standard purist. And SD: So for your first Star of the North, I took first place in all events! you were doing mixed proficiency, and SD: How did you feel about having by the next you were already registrar. taken first? Photo from Dance Fest by Erik Anderson MB: Yes. MB: I was pleased that I had taken SD: What was it like, switching from first, and I was a bit surprised, because I competitor to organizer right away? had been dancing less than many of the SD: What did you think about those MB: You know, it’s part of my per- people I was up against. It encouraged beginning days with dance? sonality where this felt like the natural me, but I really just wanted to support MB: You know, it was really fun at progression. “Oh, I’ve been in this the guy I was with in his passion, so the beginning because I was learning event; now let’s make it better.” I continued in ballroom because it so much so quickly. I would go to a SD: What was the learning curve was something he cared about a lot, social dance, and people would ask like for being registrar? because he was really engaged in it. me to dance, and I would say, “I don’t MB: I was exhausted the first year. And it became something I was really really know this one,” and they would So much was left to the last minute, engaged in by extension. I didn’t really say, “Hey, it’s okay, I’ll teach you!” and the organizer at the time was very care about it for myself but more for and it would be completely incorrect inexperienced. We were waiting for him. technique and total garbage, but it them to give us direction, and then was functional. And that people were we realized, “Oh. We’re in this on our JEFF NEHRBASS
2015 US Championship Circuit #1 Top Teacher
• World Pro/Am American Smooth Champion PROFESSIONAL • US Pro/Am Champion in Junior, Adult, Open, and Senior Divisions • Champion of the United States Ballroom Dancesport Championship Series 2015 DANCE INSTRUCTOR • USDC 2015 Top Teacher • Fellow of the US Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance [email protected] 763.360.4090 • Championship level Adjudicator, NDCA 34 • • 1 Dec 2015 [FROM tHe cOMMUNitY] SHeeRDANce.cOM
own. We have to make decisions. Okay. Star of the North? Was the vision or Let’s make this up!” And so we did. planning of the event different? A lot of things went wrong between MB: It was much less confined my first Star as a volunteer and the to previous ideas of what the event second: venue changed ownership, should be. It was much freer to be contract things were violated, but we what the current group of organizers still put on a really great event. And thought it should be. We wanted to it the competitors didn’t see any of the be a fun amateur event. Let’s have no back-office strife that was going on, goals of it being a sanctioned event—I and that was based a lot on the pro- think that was a constant stressor on fessionalism of the team and the front Star of the North, of “maybe we want desk presentation of: “Everything’s to be sanctioned,” and Fest was like, great! Everything’s fine!” no. We want to draw people to dance SD: What were some things that you and create a competitive experience learned? that’s fun and isn’t tied to all the rig- MB: I learned that you really just marole of USA Dance specifications have to roll with the punches. It’s all and requirements. So Dance Fest was about versatility. It’s all about under- about introducing as many new people standing that this role is extremely to competitive dancesport as possible. variable, and that the things you’re And I think that’s what made it really expected to do can be completely successful, because people were like, random. Sometimes people will come “This is just fun!” A person could wear up and say, “Hey, the water cooler is a sparkly dress and not get called out completely empty,” so you have to find for it. It was good. And the first one was Mary Beth shows off her name tags from her the person responsible for that and tell put together in about thirty days and very first time as a volunteer at Star of the them. After all, I can’t leave the desk. was awesome, because we were all really North and her very last Dance Fest. I have to stay there in case someone fired up and pretty damn good at what comes and wants to drop or add events, we did. and communicate that to everyone SD: How did you grow and change involved. But really, I learned to smile from Star of the North to Fest, in your through everything and tell people role, and how did you apply what you that everything’s okay, that I’ll be able learned to future events? to solve all of their problems, even if I MB: In Star, I really felt like I was really can’t. And that’s the thing about tied to someone else’s vision of what primarily collegiate competitions: col- a competition should be. Fest, I really lege students are not good at planning felt like it was my thing. So I knew that ahead. So someone would come up and whatever decision I made, it was legit. tell me they can’t do all of their events I felt like I got the shackles taken off. despite having been sent their heat If you want to dance with someone sheets a week in advance, but I would of the same gender, go do it. Go have be like, “Okay. I will solve this for you. I fun. I want you to love competitive will manage this. Tell me all the things dancing. I want you to make the judges you need. I will make this happen. You believe you are the best out there. And have a great day. I want you to have the for me, that’s what Dance Fest was. I best competition experience of your don’t care what it was for anyone else; life, so I will take care of this”. And the for me, it was taking off the shackles first Dance Fest was totally that. of someone else’s event and making SD: So you were a founding member it mine. And for me, challenging that of Dance Fest. How did that differ from heteronormativity is really important. SHeeRDANce.cOM [FROM tHe cOMMUNitY] 1 Dec 2015 • • 35
I would get emails as registrar asking if of memory recall I have, but it comes boys could follow, and would say, “Yes. from practice as registrar. Yes, please. Do that more!” We need SD: So let’s talk about your work as to challenge these things. We need to editor for the Minnesota Dancing Times embody them, make them glamorous, and Sheer Dance. When you first got your and dare any judge to mark you lower start, how did those first few months simply because of what gender roles go? How did you become Editor-in- you’re performing. Chief for the Minnesota Dancing Times? SD: What are some of your favorite MB: You know, it was really easy moments as registrar being at Fest, to transition into because everyone Star, or Ballroom Blast? on the team was really happy to have MB: I really loved watching the a qualified copy editor. I transitioned college team matches based on the into Editor-in-Chief for the Dancing sheer amount of energy at the events. Times when the editor at the time left And I use the word sheer, which is after a few months of me coming on. incidentally the name of the magazine, And honestly, nothing changed that because it’s always about the energy much. I started with copy editing, then and enthusiasm people bring to part- setting deadlines, then acquiring mate- ner dance—the enthusiasm, the love, rial. I kept on taking more and more the dedication. Because without that work. And that went on for two years. sense of belonging, there’s no reason to SD: What are you most proud of continue dancing. Anytime I was able during your time at the Dancing Times? to sense the community, that was really MB: Honestly, the thing I’m most Photos from Dance Fest by Erik Anderson valuable for me, even simple moments proud of is the most controversial at the front desk where I got to see thing I did while I was there. that excitement and feed off of it. The SD: What happened from your point collegiate match really embodied that. of view, and how did you handle it at Really, I have a lot of fun memories the time? from packet-stuffing parties, where MB: The start of everything was that we would prepare the competitor I happened to be intimate at the time competition packets. There would be a with someone who competed at USA bunch of people together in a room, all Dance Nationals the year it was in LA. stuffing things into envelopes, me and And I heard several different narratives Rosemary O’Connell writing names on of what happened at Nationals and folders and insisting that people do about the judging and how it seemed things correctly …. It sounds plain, but completely inconsistent and that it it was so much fun. looked like judges were marking their SD: Being registrar, you learned a lot students favorably. And I’m in a special of rolling with the punches and orga- position where I’m not a competitor nizing data. How did you bring that and I have nothing to lose or gain. So into your personal and professional I asked, “What are people being judged life? on? What are the criteria here?” and MB: A lot of the information recall then I got some really heinous letters has been day-to-day. In my professional to the editor, one of which was not life, I remember the name of everyone published, and one of which was heav- I ever meet! But really, I now think ily edited to make the writer look less in spreadsheets. I think about infor- nasty. mation in its context. People at work SD: Why did you think this develop- are often impressed by the amount ment was good? 36 • • 1 Dec 2015 [FROM tHe cOMMUNitY] SHeeRDANce.cOM
MB: Because I don’t have any per- person of color, and I’m thrilled with MB: I’ve learned a lot more about sonal investment in ballroom in any that. I hope it happens more in the people’s motivations, my own and way, I was able to draw some attention future. I think we need more diversity. those of the people I manage. Why do to some shady stuff that may be hap- I want more people to say, “Are we people volunteer? Because a lot people pening in judging. If you’re marking really growing? How do we work that?” don’t. What’s the difference that makes the couples you coach higher, that’s I want Sheer to be a space where every- people volunteer? What motivates me? something that needs to be looked one is comfortable saying, “Hey, here Analyzing that piece has really helped at—sorry, it is. And that was not some- is a problem. How do we address this?” me grow a lot. In my professional life, thing people wanted to hear. That was and then I want it to be addressed. And understanding what motivates some- something I was attacked personally that’s something I will say: I always one in their work, what gets them fired for, strongly and repeatedly. And the want to be available to respond to those up to come in even when it’s stressful, volume and tone of that response was questions. I am, in many ways, disas- has been helpful. I’ve learned a lot telling; it indicated to me that these sociated from partner dancing at this about versatility and just being able to were questions no one had asked point—I don’t dance anymore—but operate with whatever happens, being before, which is problematic and hon- I will never be disassociated with the able to roll with the punches. It’s the estly a bit shocking. issues of partner dancing. So if some- little things of making people feel like SD: So you eventually left the Dancing one asks a question that someone from they’re being heard and taken care of, Times and created Sheer Dance. the leadership team of Sheer Dance can’t and understanding the value of that. MB: Yes, and Sheer is my baby. answer, I want to be there for that. That’s what volunteering has given me SD: What were your ideas for Sheer SD: What has been your favorite more than anything else: understand- Dance, and how did your history with issue of Sheer or your favorite article in ing how important it is for people to the Dancing Times affect Sheer Dance? Sheer Dance? feel heard. It’s been important for What were the goals you had in mind MB: Oh, I love Joel’s article about me as a volunteer and in the greater when creating Sheer? sexism in partner dancing. I think that context of my life. I’ve felt mistreated, MB: Well, my experience with the in some ways I encouraged him to write unheard, disrespected, and in contrast Dancing Times honestly was that the it, but it was really good. And everyone I’ve known the joy and peace that nonprofit board there had a lot of dis- knows this based on my editorial fol- comes from being truly seen and heard. comfort with anything controversial lowing it, but it’s very important for And I’ve spent a lot of time asking ever happening in their publication. straight, white men to talk about these myself: how can we all, as people, work But without controversy, how do we issues, because people are more likely together to create an optimal outcome? ever have growth? How do we ever to listen to them. I mean, as a woman, SD: Do you have any regrets with have change? How do we ever have a people will always think that I have an volunteering? useful discussion? I was done with their opinion, but I love that Joel helps the MB: I honestly think it was import- discomfort, and I started a publication cause. ant that I wasn’t attached. I don’t think with a very clearly defined structure SD: What are some skills you learned I could have accomplished this much for how we discuss things respectfully. as Executive Editor of Sheer Dance? had I been tethered to a part of the com- I wanted a safe space to discuss the MB: Management. It’s a lot of munity. Because I was more attached to issues facing partner dancing in our talking to people, understanding their my personal values of egalitarianism, particular community, and that was experience of things, and trying to feminism—those are my driving fac- not afforded to us in the Dancing Times guide them into what I expect from tors—I was able to accomplish more because of the restrictions of the board. them. When you first integrate some- and stay truer to myself than if I had SD: Do you feel that Sheer Dance has one into a role, they’re not going to social dance or competitive dance aspi- accomplished that goal these past two fit exactly. You need to use some very rations. Because I was removed, I had a years? precise skills to mold them to become purer experience. I don’t regret any of I feel that in the areas I have encour- productive. my volunteering. It has been such an aged people to discuss, such as gender SD: How do you feel you’ve grown important component of my growth as equality, sexual orientation, and het- as a person during your time as a vol- a person. It was all a very natural pro- eronormativity, yes. One month we unteer for dance? How do you think gression of my life. I learned a lot, and featured an article written by a queer dance has added to your life? I’ve taught a lot. A lot of people learned SHeeRDANce.cOM [FROM tHe cOMMUNitY] 1 Dec 2015 • • 37
from my guidance and my values, and time with me there, I’ll probably go. I the fact that I’ve been so unflinching went to a wedding recently where I ran about my values is an important part into a ballroom dance instructor and of my contribution to everything ball- we danced a fun west coast swing. And room. I don’t regret any of it, and I’m that made me realize I missed social glad I had an effect. I really do believe ballroom dancing with fun, respectful I’ve had an effect. I have no question people. But yeah, I’m going to step that I have influenced the direction of back. Invite-only. I’ll be around, but I’ll thought and the way things have pro- be significantly less engaged. gressed in the community. SD: Any parting thoughts you want SD: Choosing to leave the ballroom to tell the ballroom dance community dance community is a very big deci- and Sheer Dance? sion. As you now work on the last issue MB: Honestly? Be true to yourself of Sheer, what are your thoughts? How and your values. If anything about did you know that it was time to leave? partner dancing feels exclusive to you, MB: I’m not sure if I’ll ever be okay talk about it. If you’re queer, if you’re letting go 100% of anything. If anyone female but prefer to lead or male but requests my input, I will be happy prefer to follow, if you feel like judging to provide it. I don’t know if anyone was unfair—if anything feels counter will ask me for it, but it’s the truth. Above: Mary Beth competing with mixed-pro- to the common grain of partner danc- My intention isn’t to cut myself off ficiency partner Nicholas Westlake at her ing, talk about it. We need to have entirely. I have many very close friends first Star of the North. Below: Mary Beth these things be public. It’s scary and who are embedded in the partner-danc- and mixed-proficiency partner Nels Petersen it’s difficult, but it’s important, because ing community. It’s more that I can’t awaiting results at her last Dance Fest. without talking about it, we can never be responsible for the quality of the Photo by Erik Anderson. resolve these issues. And what I have publication anymore, especially in a tried to create within Sheer Dance is a community I’m not personally invested safe space to talk about all of these in. I’m not gone; I’m just taking a few issues. Whatever happens, I will always steps back. be an advocate for people who want to SD: What do you plan to do with help their community and themselves. your newfound free time? What are I understand how important that is and your new plans and goals? how therapeutic it can be. I want what- MB: Ummm, Netflix? But really, my ever you do to be as enriching and true goal is to establish what is important to to you as possible. The ultimate goal me. I’ve been operating based on what for Sheer Dance was for it to be a global has been important to my ex for about publication, and it’s been growing, but a year now, and it didn’t occur to me I can’t be the one to take it there. I love until very recently that that’s what I’ve a huge number of people in the ball- been doing. I didn’t realize I was still room dance community, but it’s not attached to this value system that has mine. So I’ve got to let it go. been outdated. It’s time for me to find SD: Well, on behalf of all the people my own passion. whose lives you’ve touched, whether SD: What sort of contact will you they know it or not, thank you for have with the ballroom community everything you’ve done for partner from now on? dancing and the people who love it. We MB: I’m going to stay in contact wish you all the best. with my close ballroom friends. If any MB: Thank you. See you on the of them invites me to a social dance for other side. (That’s a Battlestar Galactica whatever reason and promises to spend reference.) E MINNESOTA BALLROOM BLAST
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facebook.com/ballroomblast SHeeRDANce.cOM [FROM tHe cOMMUNitY] 1 Dec 2015 • • 39
Yeah? You look really good today. My frame was awful; I don’t know what— That’s not what I meant. Wha—oh. Thanks. You know, with your hair like that, you can Photo from Ballroom Blast by Erik Anderson really see how pink your ears turn when you blush. Oh, my god, brat, come on. Let’s dance. * Hustle Hijinks That was so fun! A #Shippingit Story Right?! How many times did you even spin me that BY CHELSEA VISSER one time? At least four—I lost count. Did we make the next heat? HEY—QUINN! Is it still morning? Here comes the sheet. If we make this Riley? I brought you coffee. next round, you need to dip me. Quinn, you’re not busy … two weeks See, this—this right here is why you’re There it is! Do you see our number? from now, right? my favorite. Let’s see …. Yes! Third row! I … I don’t think so? How’d morning session go? Come on! Awesome! We’re dancing hustle. Madison and I made it to semis in fox- * Wait, what? trot, and I think we would have finaled I am so, so sorry. Hustle! You know, backstep, forward, if I didn’t trip over my own damn foot. Q, stop apologizing. That was hilarious. spin, back— Hey. Next time, right? I didn’t mean to knock you over! Yes, I know hustle, Ri, but why are we doing Yeah. Thanks, Q. You get us all signed I know, Q. I’m fine, I swear. Seriously, it two weeks from now? in for hustle? though, did you see coach’s face— Oh! There’s a comp in town! But there Yep! Heat’s supposed to start at 2:47. During that dip! Yes! are some dances open to everyone; you Oh, thank god; that means I have don’t need to be on the team or any- time for lunch. I’ve never seen his face turn that color before. thing. Please? It’ll be fun, I swear. Go! Go eat! I’m going to go get changed. I-is coach going to be weird about it? Meet you back here in a bit? Hey, heat sheet…. Why would he be? Yeah! Hey. Hey, it’s all right. Ri, you know why. * We didn’t even make quarterfinals. He won’t be weird about it. I mean, he You would not believe how much stuff is in Hey, look at me. I don’t care about might, but he won’t say anything about my hair right now. Don’t touch it! I just got quarterfinals. Did you have fun? it. And if he does, I’ll call him on it, and it to look right! Yeah. the rest of the team will back me up. Okay, okay, I’m sorry! But wow, yeah, I did, too. Tons of fun. I don’t need a I don’t want you getting in trouble. did you use the whole can, kid? ribbon for that. Hey. Hey. I want to do this. I want to Most of it. Somebody in the dressing room Okay. dance with you, Q. I’m tired of tiptoe- had this super-strong stuff. We got my hair Thanks for dancing with me, Q. ing around coach, and I’m not the only standing all the way on end; it was awesome. Seriously, that was the most fun I’ve one tired of the comments he makes. Okay, yeah, we’re trying that later. had all day. We’re going to dance, and we’ll have Only if we do your hair, too. Really? fun, and that’s all that matters. God, fine. Okay, come here. Let’s go Really. Now, come on. Let’s go cheer * dance this song and warm up. on the next group—there’s still a lot of Good morning! Hey, Ri? dancing to be done. E 40 • • 1 Dec 2015 [FROM tHe cOMMUNitY] SHeeRDANce.cOM
AS I FILLED OUT MY APPLICATION for graduate school, one of the sections the importance of Setting Goals was a statement with the following prompt: “State your immediate and Preparing for collegiate Nationals long-term career goals.” Goals are BY THOMAS STASTNY important. They are something you want to be or someplace you want to end up. They are things to work toward and get excited about. When I first joined the dance team, I didn’t think much about goals, aside from having fun and learning more. While having fun is still one of my goals, it is a given that regardless of setting, I’m going to have fun dancing. What is different now is that I have goals for competitions. It helps me prepare for them and get excited as opposed to getting nervous. Looking back on my first semester, I wish I would have done it differently. I studied in London the following semes- ter, so I didn’t put much effort in at first. Photo from Ballroom Blast by Erik Anderson I showed up to the team practices, and that was it. I didn’t practice on my own with my partners or give much thought to Collegiate Nationals in Columbus, Ohio, other than recognizing it as a really large competition that required an incredibly long bus ride to attend. In other words, I was unprepared, and it was obvious the moment we arrived. While we were standing in line for smooth, I was shaking. I couldn’t calm my nerves, and suddenly I didn’t think it was fun anymore. I just wanted it to be over, which is a feeling I never wanted to associate with dancing. Two years later, it is completely dif- ferent, and it is because I, along with my partners, set Collegiate Nationals as a goal to work toward. We have put in so much time over summer and on the weekends for practice. Now, instead of having to control my fears, I have to try to control my excitement. It’s a week- end I never want to end. E
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42 • • 1 Dec 2015 [FROM tHe cOMMUNitY] SHeeRDANce.cOM
A Balancing Act BY LIGAYA CARLOS
MY DANCE PARTNER, PB, and I recently participated in the Chicago DanceSport Challenge. We were thrilled with how we danced, doing well enough to qualify for USA Dance National DanceSport Championships in Baltimore. However, competing in Baltimore next year does not solely depend on us qualifying; our families need to be consulted and considered before a decision to travel and compete in March could be made. Our partnership began over a year ago after attending my second standard class at Dancers Studio. PB approached me and asked if we could practice together after classes just to hone the skills that we learned for the session. It was a dance style that was new to me, Photo from Ballroom Blast by Erik Anderson so I welcomed the opportunity to prac- tice with him to help me improve. Neli Petkova was the first to suggest that we our best to compromise and set aside We did well in Chicago, beating consider dancing together. Soon, prac- time to train. all couples except for one extremely tice sessions became regular events Initially, I didn’t think PB was good couple in a field of over a dozen after Monday classes, and we later interested in competing, but he was participants, and successfully qualified sought coaching with Nic Westlake encouraged and motivated by winning for Nationals. This is certainly the and Neli. These coaching sessions and first place at Dance Fest early this year highlight of our dance partnership to practices were planned around the in a mixed proficiency event with Neli. date, but what happens next is still activities of our families and work. We then participated in multiple show- up in the air. Competing in Baltimore My husband is a physician, and we cases at Dancers Studio and finally (and continuing to dance together, in have three kids. I am a homemaker and joined the Twin Cities Open as an ama- general) will only be possible with the am also active in the Filipino commu- teur couple. I thought the competition full support of our families. nity, especially our dance troupe. I also went extremely well despite the fact I know our situation is not unique compete (since 2014) in American-style that most events we signed up for were in the adult amateur realm of ballroom ballroom dance with Jeff Halverson, my uncontested. competition. Every partnership is professional dance instructor. PB and We then hatched the idea of trying different, and the dancers in a part- his wife both work and have two kids. to qualify for Nationals, thus we set nership are also different, including PB lives north of Minneapolis, while our sights on the Chicago DanceSport backgrounds, support, and attitudes. In I live twenty-five minutes south of Challenge as our most logical qualify- our case, we have two different fami- Dancers Studio. The one main interest ing competition for nationals. The date lies with several priorities involved, that PB and I share is ballroom danc- of the Chicago event meant that we and they take precedence over any ing, and with seven people to prioritize were going to miss Halloween (trick-or- competition (over anything, really). It’s plus work and other activities, we did treating) with our young families. certainly a balancing act! E LIKE WHAT YOU SEE? Name
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