MINNESOTA DANCER an Official Publication of the Minnesota Chapter 2011 of USA Dance June 2014

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

Paul and Fran Stachour at the 2014 Annual Tea Dance, sponsored by USA Dance-Minnesota

USA Dance-MN Chapter scheduled Tea Dance.

#2011 Board Minutes 7. Tea Dance USA Dance

Tuesday, April 8th, 2014 Who Are We? -The sound system will be han- Submitted by Leslie Whitney dled by Lee Winterwold. We are a nonprofit organization formed to preserve and promote ballroom dancing, both as an art and a In attendance: Lee Whitney healthful sport. The Minnesota chapter, USA Dance 8. 2015 Star of the North Com- Minnesota Chapter 2011, was formed in 1991. (President), Bonnie Burton (Vice- mittee Report Membership in USA Dance is open to dancers of all President), Leslie Whitney (Secretary), levels. There are several categories to choose from: Zhuojing Liu, Marty Faeh, Dan Fitz- Social, Competitor, Junior (17 and under), Collegiate, -This committee has met with and Associate (professional/instructor). gerald, Gary Stroick, Greg Warner the next scheduled meeting for USA Dance Minnesota Chapter 2011 sponsors monthly dances and other special dance events. Mem- Location: Dancelife Ballroom Studio, April 30th. bers are entitled to discounts on admission to the monthly dances, as well as access to a great network 6015 Lyndale Avenue South, Mpls., -There will be a more detailed for meeting other dancers. MN, 55419 report at the May board meet- As a member, you’ll have fun dancing and meeting many new friends. For more information, call the Call to Order ing. USA Dance Minnesota Chapter 2011 HOTLINE: 651 -483-5467. 1. Agenda 9. Spending limit approval and The Minnesota DANCER is published monthly by the members of the Minnesota Chapter 2011 of USA signature requirements Dance, providing information and news of ballroom -The agenda was approved with dancing to members and friends. the tabling of #3 Treasurer's -Tabled until the May meeting. Editor/Design/Layout: Leland Whitney, Bonnie Bur- report and #10, Budgets. ton 10. Budgets: Status, discussion Advertising/Editing: Bonnie Burton 952-454-4620 2. March 2014 Minutes and actions Mailing: Committee member Contributors: Suzi Blumberg, Paul Botes, Kate Bratt, -The minutes were approved. -Tabled until the May meeting. Bonnie Burton, Elizabeth Dickinson, Donna Edel- stein, Jack Munday, Deborah J. Nelson, Leland Whit- ney 3. Treasurer's Report 11. By-Laws and Policies Contributions: Articles submitted may be edited for length, clarity, and content. Photos should be high- -Jane was absent and will give a -Tabled until May meeting. resolution jpg, png, or pdf files. Email submissions to: [email protected]. financial report for April at the 12. Coordinator Updates Subscriptions: $22/year. Make checks payable to May meeting. USA Dance Minnesota Chapter 2011 and send to Jane Phipps, 9650 Waterstone Pl., #402, Minnetonka, 4. General Election Committee -Tabled until the May meeting. MN 55305 Leland Whitney, Chapter President, 651-690-9367, Appointments [email protected] Next Meeting: Bonnie Burton, Chapter Vice-President, 952-454- 4620, [email protected] -The board is in the process of Tuesday, June 10th, 2014 Jane Phipps, Chapter Treasurer, 612-859-5245, recruiting members for this [email protected] DanceLife Ballroom Leslie Whitney, Chapter Secretary, 651-690-9367, committee. [email protected] █

6015 Lyndale Avenue South, Mpls., MN 5. Monthly Dances 55419

█ -The monthly dance in April is USA DANCE MINNESOTA at the American Classic Ball- HOTLINE room. 651-483-5467

6. Project Dance www.usadance-minnesota.org

Call for information on dance events. - Kate Bratt will handle the Leave a message for membership information. group without the presence of a board member due to the

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Join us for USA Dance Minnesota’s UPCOMING DANCES DANCER’S NIGHT OUT Want to dance? Dancer's Night Out lists social dance events in Minnesota. Want to see your BECOME A dance listed here? Email the details to [email protected]. USA DANCE MINNESOTA MEMBER AT OUR DANCE AND GET IN FREE! Sun 6/1 USA Dance Minnesota Beginner Club Salsa, 7:30–11, Adults $10 Stu- Web: www.usadance-minnesota.org Quick Step Lesson; 1:30 PM; Free! dents $8; Blue Moon Ballroom, 2030 DanceLife Ballroom, 6015 Lyndale Hwy 14 E, Rochester, 507-288-0556, Ave S, Mpls, 612-345-4219, www.BlueMoonBallroom.com JUNE www.usadance-minnesota.org Saturday, June 21st American Classic Ballroom 7–8 pm lesson: Mambo First Sunday Dance at Tapestry, 6– ‘Speakeasy Bash’ dance party, 7–11, Instructor: Kate Bratt 8–11 pm Variety dance music 9:30, $7–$10, East Coast Swing les- 550 Market Street, Chanhassen, 952- son, Tricia Wood, 3748 Minnehaha 934-0900 $7 USA Dance members Ave S, Mpls, 612-722-2914, $10 non-members Sat 6/7 Cinema Ballroom Luau Showcase, www.tapestryfolkdance.org 7–11, 1560 St. Clair Ave, St Paul, 651 Mill City Ballroom 2382 Hampden Ave, St. Paul , MN Social Dance Studio TC Rebels Swing -699-5910, www.cinemaballroom.com Dance, 7–10:30, 3742 23rd Ave S, JULY Minneapolis, 612-353-4445, Sun 6/8 USA Dance Minnesota Beginner Quick Step Lesson; 1:30 PM; Free! Saturday, July 19th www.socialdancestudio.com 7–8 pm lesson: DanceLife Ballroom, 6015 Lyndale Instructor: Paul Botes Mon 6/2 Social Dance Studio West Coast Ave S, Mpls, 612-345-4219, 8–11 pm Variety dance music Swing Social, 9:30–11, 3742 23rd Ave www.usadance-minnesota.org

$7 USA Dance members S, Minneapolis, 612-353-4445, Mon 6/9 Social Dance Studio West Coast $10 non-members www.socialdancestudio.com Swing Social, 9:30–11, 3742 23rd Ave American Classic Ballroom Wed 6/4 Cinema Ballroom Practice Party, S, Minneapolis, 612-353-4445, 550 Market Street, Chanhassen, MN 8–9, 1560 St Clair Ave, St Paul, 651- www.socialdancestudio.com 699-5910, www.cinemaballroom.com AUGUST Wed 6/11 Cinema Ballroom Practice Par- Saturday, August 16th Thu 6/5 Dancers Studio Dance Party 8–9, ty, 8–9, 1560 St Clair Ave, St Paul, 7–8 pm lesson: 415 Pascal St N, St Paul, 651-641- 651-699-5910, Instructor: Gene Bersten 0777, www.dancersstudio.com www.cinemaballroom.com 8–11 pm Variety dance music Social Dance Studio Late Night Swing Thu 6/12 Dancers Studio Dance Party 8– $7 USA Dance members $10 non-members 10pm-2am, 3742 23rd Ave S, Minne- 9, 415 Pascal St N, St Paul, 651-641- apolis, 612-353-4445, 0777, www.dancersstudio.com Dance With Us America Ballroom www.socialdancestudio.com 10 Southdale Center, Edina, MN Social Dance Studio Late Night Swing

Fri 6/6 DanceLife Ballroom Dance Party, 10pm-2am, 3742 23rd Ave S, Minne- 7–9:30, $10, 6015 Lyndale Ave S, apolis, 612-353-4445, Mpls, 612-345-4219, www.socialdancestudio.com www.dancelifeballroom.com

Cinema Ballroom Variety Dance, 7– 11, 1560 St Clair Ave, St Paul, 651- 699-5910, www.cinemaballroom.com

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Fri 6/13 DanceLife Ballroom Dance Party, Variety Dance, 7–11, Cinema Ball- Sat 6/28 DanceLife Ballroom Summer 7–9:30, $10, 6015 Lyndale Ave S, room, 651-699-5910, Showcase, 6–10, 6015 Lyndale Ave S, Mpls, 612-345-4219, www.cinemaballroom.com Mpls, 612-345-4219, www.dancelifeballroom.com www.dancelifeballroom.com Sat 6/21 Monthly USA Dance Minneso- Dancers Studio Disco Fever Summer ta, 7–11; $7–$10; Lesson with Kate Café Bailar Dance Party, 7:30-11:30, Showcase 7–10, 415 Pascal St N, St Bratt, Mambo; Mill City Ballroom, $10, Costa Rica Ballroom Dance Stu- Paul, 651-641-0777, 2382 Hampden Ave S, St Paul, 612- dio, 816 Mainstreet, Hopkins, www.dancersstudio.com 562-2733, www.usadance- cafebailar.com minnesota.org Sat 6/14 Café Bailar Dance Party, 7:30- Sun 6/29 USA Dance Minnesota Begin- 11:30, $10, Balance Pointe Studios, TC Rebels Anniversary Dance, 8–12, ner Quick Step Lesson; 1:30 PM; 5808 W 36th Street, St. Louis Social Dance Studio, 3742 23rd Ave Free! DanceLife Ballroom, 6015 Park,952-922-8612, cafebailar.com S, Mpls, 612-353-4445, Lyndale Ave S, Mpls, 612-345-4219, www.socialdancestudio.com www.usadance-minnesota.org Sun 6/15 USA Dance Minnesota Begin- ner Quick Step Lesson; 1:30 PM; Sun 6/22 USA Dance Minnesota Begin- Mon 6/30 Social Dance Studio West Free! DanceLife Ballroom, 6015 ner Quick Step Lesson; 1:30 PM; Coast Swing Social, 9:30–11, 3742 Lyndale Ave S, Mpls, 612-345-4219, Free! DanceLife Ballroom, 6015 23rd Ave S, Minneapolis, 612-353- www.usadance-minnesota.org Lyndale Ave S, Mpls, 612-345-4219, 4445, www.socialdancestudio.com www.usadance-minnesota.org Social Dance Studio TC Rebels Swing Dance, 7–10:30, 3742 23rd Ave S, Mon 6/23 Social Dance Studio West Minneapolis, 612-353-4445, Coast Swing Social, 9:30–11, 3742 www.socialdancestudio.com 23rd Ave S, Minneapolis, 612-353- 4445, www.socialdancestudio.com Mon 6/16 Social Dance Studio West Coast Swing Social, 9:30–11, 3742 Wed 6/25 Cinema Ballroom Practice Par- 23rd Ave S, Minneapolis, 612-353- ty, 8–9, 1560 St Clair Ave, St Paul, Inside the Dancer 4445, www.socialdancestudio.com 651-699-5910, www.cinemaballroom.com Wed 6/18 Cinema Ballroom Practice Par- Board Meeting Minutes..……………… 3 ty, 8–9, 1560 St Clair Ave, St Paul, Thu 6/26 Dancers Studio Dance Party 8– Dancer’s Night Out …………………… 4 651-699-5910, 9, 415 Pascal St N, St Paul, 651-641- President’s Corner…………………….. 6 www.cinemaballroom.com 0777, www.dancersstudio.com Kate Bratt’s Column….………...……... 10 Ask Dr. Dance…………………………. 12 Thu 6/19 Dancers Studio Dance Party 8– Social Dance Studio Late Night Swing The Dancing Life………………………. 13 9, 415 Pascal St N, St Paul, 651-641- 10pm-2am, 3742 23rd Ave S, Minne- 0777, www.dancersstudio.com apolis, 612-353-4445, Trust Your Coaches………....………….. 14 www.socialdancestudio.com Project Dance………………………… 14 Social Dance Studio Late Night Swing Technology and Dance………………… 15 10pm-2am, 3742 23rd Ave S, Minne- Fri 6/27 DanceLife Ballroom Dance Party, Covering Bra Issues………………...... 16 apolis, 612-353-4445, 7–9:30, $10, 6015 Lyndale Ave S, The 2014 Tea Dance…………………….18 www.socialdancestudio.com Mpls, 612-345-4219, Gentlemen Lead……………………….. 22 www.dancelifeballroom.com Fri 6/20 DanceLife Ballroom Dance Party, Dance Partner Wanted Ads…………….. 23 7–9:30, $10, 6015 Lyndale Ave S, Salsa Fusion, 7–11, Cinema Ballroom, Competition Calendar………………… . 24 Mpls, 612-345-4219, 651-699-5910, Dance Contacts………………………… 25 www.dancelifeballroom.com www.cinemaballroom.com

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PRESIDENT’S CORNER By Leland Whitney, Chapter President USA Dance Minnesota Chapter 2011

I'm eagerly just getting started on a This effort will augment my current new effort. The USA Dance Na- volunteer effort as Chapter Presi- tional Organization has appointed dent of USADance-Minnesota me to the position of Director for Chapter #2011. I will have the op- District #2, effective immediately. portunity to work with many Dis- District #2 covers several states: trict #2 Chapters. I hope to bring IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, ND, NE, SD, home many ideas for Chapter de- WI. Among several other responsi- velopment that have proved to be Leland and Leslie Whitney will compete bilities, the Director acts as a liai- effective. An example would be in June at the 2014 Gumbo DanceSport son between chapters in the area chapter membership retention and Championship in Baton Rouge, LA and the National Director of Chap- growth. █ ter Liaison. I've got a lot to learn!

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Donations are welcomed to support Project Dance.

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A LITTLE EXPLANATION OF JUDGES’ MARKS: FOOTWORK By Kate Bratt

I'm sure you're all familiar with this:

Kate Bratt is co-owner of Mill City Ball- room in the Twin Cities, a professional ballroom dancer and instructor, and writer at www.riotandfrolic.typepad.com .

If you are unfamiliar, I suggest you read Your frame and posture is evident be- the articles about general judging crite- fore you walk on the floor. Your foot- ria, timing and posture in previous Min- work shows me how you move on the nesota Dancer magazines as it concerns floor. ballroom dancing. Footwork is a symptom. It's an indica- One often hears that there are "frame" tor of leg swing, rise and fall, control of judges and there are "feet" judges; judg- movement, proper use of your joints, es that look up, judges that look down; flexibility, and interest in DE- top or bottom judges, you might say. TAILS. As I'm looking at your feet, I'm really measuring how much you Big picture, little picture, I say. learned (and retained) from your

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education. As usual, there's a scale on If you're starting your journey of ball- ly. Once you "get good", footwork just which you can perform footwork: room dancing, you need to know what happens. But until then: part of your foot to use when. Like, ver- Knowledge + Practice = Footwork batim. Doing the proper footwork will help you do other techniques correct-

Next month: Characteristics of the Dance █

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ASK DR. DANCE Submit your questions to Dr. Dance [email protected].

I’ve heard that dance can be used as an effective healing Q: tool. Would you tell me more about it?

Donna says: benefits: increased confidence, bet- Paul says: ter balance and flexibility, im- We are dancers, not physicians, so I That depends on what ails you. If proved posture, the ability to over- don't want to mislead you with my your injury inhibits your move- come fear and achieve goals, get- response. People are drawn to ment, dancing might not improve ting more in touch with one’s artis- dancing for many reasons. Some your condition. As therapy to in- tic side, or even an understanding are trying to meet new friends, de- crease mobility and stamina, it is of what it means to be an effective velop more of a social life, or learn great exercise. It is also proven to partner. a new skill. Others may be recover- slow the onset of Alzheimer's. In ing from an illness or surgery, or From your question it's hard to short, if you're able, dancing will do even learning to dance because they know if you are referring to the a body good. weren't allowed to as a child. emotional, physical, or spiritual

benefits of dancing. I can provide a In the process of learning to dance more specific answer if you can there may be all kinds of healing provide a more specific question.

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

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THE DANCING LIFE USING THE RIGHT TOOLS By Elizabeth Dickinson There’s a new move in my For so many decisions we make, or Viennese waltz where I segue from actions we undertake, we only have an assisted arabesque into a pique partial information or a limited set position. It’s a quick pas-de-deux of tools to handle new challeng- move I’ve seen done but never have es. Sometimes it’s unavoida- done myself. ble. So we use what we know, whether it’s a hammer or a leg. It’s Well done, it’s incredibly grace- impossible to know everything or to ful. There’s something avian about be completely prepared for every- the feel. The lilt and quick sliding thing life throws at us. twist from the extended body posi- Elizabeth Dickinson is a life/executive tion into an upright position is like (My teacher says he remembers coach and amateur ballroom dancer. If a bird folding its wings to glide on writing things early in his career you enjoy her writing and would like to a branch. that he was completely convinced receive her weekly emailed coaching newsletter, please send an email to: eliza- about, that he now knows to be ei- Of course, when it’s awkwardly [email protected]. ther wrong or incomplete. It hap- done, it’s like a cow attempting a pens everywhere.) high wire act. (And there’s a rea- son they don’t fly cows in the cir- There are many forms of grace at cus.) work in our world. There’s the grace that so many things in life Turns out, I’ve been trying to do work out when so many of us simp- the twisting motion using my ex- ly don’t have the information or tended leg. My teacher said I need- tools to ensure optimal suc- ed to use my hip to initiate the cess. And there’s the grace of movement. Then the leg quickly sometimes having the right teacher resolves itself and there’s almost no to provide the right tool at the right impetus needed to turn. The differ- time. ence between focusing on my leg to execute the movement, and focus- And when you get the right tool ing on my hip to execute the move- and things suddenly get easier in ment was stunning. life or dance, it is a little like flying.

There’s a popular saying, “If all To grace and effortless flight. █ you’ve got is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.”

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THE IMPORTANCE OF TRUSTING YOUR COACHES By Suzi Blumberg Leslie and Lee Whitney began ball- phy was not at the level of other com- Hard work paid off. They had learned room dancing 11 years ago. As they petitors and some changes were need- to trust their coaches’ advice, and as a became proficient in dance and found ed. The Whitney’s decided to upgrade result, they were on the Championship how much they enjoyed it, they be- their choreography and asked Nathan podium three times (for the first time came very interested in the competi- Daniels, a local dance coach and judge, ever) placing 3rd in three major events tion side of the sport. They began pro- to help them. Nathan is a judge at the following year at USA Dance Na- am competition in 2005, and started many pro-am and amateur events tionals, 2014! competing as an amateur couple in around the country and he knows win- Leslie and Lee are grateful that Marcy 2008. They have learned a whole lot ning choreography. Leslie and Lee spotted what needed to be improved in about dance, hard work, instructors, spent an entire year learning their new their rhythm dancing, and to Nathan, and coaches. Each year they do 2 - 4 routines! Some of the steps were very Scott, and Marcy for providing training competitions which often takes them to difficult for both of them. They argued and choreography. When they aren’t different states: Louisiana, North Caro- many times about how things should working hard competing, Lee and lina, New York, Baltimore, California, be done, and would often share their Leslie are the President and Secretary Kentucky, and others. concerns with Nathan. of the USA Dance Minnesota Chapter Last year they competed in Los Ange- The Whitney’s also worked during this #2011. les at the 2013 National Competi- time with Scott Anderson and Marcy tion. Marcy McHenry, of Dancer’s McHenry. Scott and Marcy are their Studio, who is one of their coaches, American Smooth and International was at this event and after watching Standard coaches. In addition to learn- them on the competition floor, felt they ing all new rhythm dances, they prac- were more skilled in rhythm than the ticed a full year to learn the new pre-championship result would indi- smooth and standard choreography! cate. She suggested their choreogra- █ USA DANCE MINNESOTA’S PROJECT DANCE: FREE! EVERY SUNDAY AFTERNOON May Project Dance photos at Mill City Ballroom by Karen Maldonado

█

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TECHNOLOGY & DANCE: A MUSIC SOLUTION FOR A CROWDED PRACTICE FLOOR By Bonnie Burton, Vice-President USA Dance-Minnesota Chapter #2011

Have you ever gone to the dance stu- There don’t seem to be many Blue- forth) and by rounds (smooth, stand- dio to practice with your partner and tooth splitter options available on-line. ard, rhythm) and we’re ready to go! found the room crowded and noisy? It However, I located a Monoprice Blue- We splurged and bought wireless happens to everyone and it can present tooth transmitter splitter on Amazon headsets that come with little charging a problem when you want or need to for $20. I decided to purchase it, even cases to keep them powered. We may practice to music. though I wasn’t convinced it would be able to remember choreography for work as hoped. The splitter is very So how do you share auditory space 15 different competition dances, but small and plugs into the earphone jack with a large group of people? You can will forget to keep our earbuds charged of the iPhone. I was able to pair try to take turns. But with private les- up. You know how it is. (synch) the splitter with two (2) Plant- sons underway, and perhaps a group ronics earbud headsets, with some ef- Pros: No wires to tangle, dance any class at the end of the room, there can fort. The pairing process must follow dance, no worries; simultaneous trans- be real competition for control of the an orderly sequence, or you’ll end up mission of music to both partners, en- music. If you want to guarantee you’ll with only one headset paired. But I hancing musicality; practice anywhere have the ability to practice to your own persevered and once done ~ voila! and look cool on the practice floor. music whenever you want, then con- We’re now able to share music and sider a technological solution. dance any dance because we’re not Cons: Some components like the Bluetooth splitter are not as easy to One can often see individual dancers wired together! When we press find; the wireless headset components practicing at a ballroom dance studio ‘PLAY’, we hear the same music at the can be expensive; I found pairing two with earbuds plugged in, moving si- same time. I keep ballroom dance headsets to be a little tricky, but may lently to music only they can hear. playlists in iTunes organized by dance be easy for you. The challenge is for the couple trying (waltz, tango, west coast swing, and so to plug in to hear the same music sim- ultaneously, without lag. If you’re dancing Standard, you can split a set of wired earbuds, plugged into an iPod or iPhone, with each partner wearing one of the sides. Of course, underarm turns and open choreography don’t work when you’re wired together!

We wanted a convenient, wireless music solution. After researching options Photos by Ed Soltis and Marty Faeh on the internet, here’s what I came up with: 1 Bluetooth transmitter splitter + 2 Sets of wireless earbuds + iPhone with iTunes playlists 15 MD / June 2014 www.usadance-minnesota.org

COVERING BRA ISSUES © Deborah J. Nelson/Satin Stitches Ltd.

I have heard lots of discussions on professional) then there are several whether to wear a bra or not to options for you. wear a bra, with all types of dance The best starting point is to have costumes. Support is needed for the the bust area of a costume fit you bust line, so obviously a bra or bust properly, which means that it con- cups/pads need to be incorporated tours to your bust line shape and into adult sized costumes, unless hugs your bosom. If this part of the garment is cut so that the dancer your costume has been, or is going can wear their own undergarments to be, created in a non-stretch fab- without having the straps or any ric, then it should be supportive. other part of their bra showing. Deborah J. Nelson is the founder, An example of this would be a president, and head designer of Some dancers who enjoy scanty prom-style dress that is manufac- Satin Stitches Ltd. See more cos- costumes, literally use a real bra or tured in a woven satin or taffeta, tuming tips at bustier and just stone the heck out with extra inner layers and/or bon- www.satinstitches.com of it, and assume no one will notice ing to maintain the shape. that it is underwear. Can this Sometimes these types of dresses work? Apparently in this day and do NOT fit your bust line correctly. age – yes. Do I personally think If this is the case, then you can ei- this is a wise/modest choice? –No. ther have the bodice altered (which Thanks to Madonna in the 1980’s, is difficult with boning) or you can we have all become de-sensitized to fill in the space with premade underwear used as outer-wear. But ‘cups’ or pads. Adding ‘chicken that still doesn’t make it the cutlets’, ‘pierogies’ or ‘biscuits’ (all ‘proper’ choice. Other options? nicknames for polyester fiber-filled The best option is to cover your bra bust pads of varying sizes and or bustier with fabric, and then dec- shapes that serve the purpose of orate it. This will provide the best filling in the shaped bust line area supportive costume and it will be to make it full, and also to help cre- ’proper’. I’m sure that some danc- ate cleavage, can be used.) Of ers may disagree, but this is my course you need to make sure that opinion. these ‘cups’ are sewn or pinned in If you are considering how to create so that they don’t pop out during a support in a purchased costume or a rigorous dance move! costume that you are custom creat-

ing (doing it yourself or hiring a

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There are many shapes and sizes of for breasts to be bouncing around. under wires, but other than this, bust pads, and the only way to see Please take the time to read my De- bras and corsets can be trimmed what will work best for your specif- cember 12, 2008 titled: “To Wear a down to fit a neckline and the backs ic garment, is to have a few differ- Bra or NOT to Wear a Bra” for and/or straps can be cut away. ent styles in hand, and experiment more specific information. http:// The laws of physics will dictate as to which feels and looks the best. www.satinstitches.com/blog/learn- what you can do, to substitute for There is no ‘one size fits all’ for about-fit-sizes/to-wear-a-bra-or-not cut away backs or straps. Generally these. We have several styles and -to-wear-a-bra-%E2%80%93-that- areas can be filled in with stretch sizes of these that we insert into the is-the-question/. Obviously, at least mesh or decorative (or my personal bust line area of a costume. They a double layer of spandex is much least favorite: utilitarian elastic increase the support and can also better, and a bust line in a costume straps) can be strategically placed, help to create the bust line shaping that is has seaming or darts, so that instead of the original bra straps. and cleavage that you desire. it is shaped to form a cup that is tightly fitting, is your best option. We always have our clients bring If your costume is made out of Adding additional bust pads will along a favorite bra style of theirs, stretchy spandex of one type or an- also be a good plan. to incorporate into their costumes. other, then you will probably need This way the exact shaping of the something to create additional sup- But for the best, most natural and bosom and exact cleavage created port. The most minimal of costume best re-creation of your preferred is not a surprise or a ‘make due’, construction would be one thin lay- cleavage look, I have been recom- but exactly the results that the dancer of spandex. If tight enough, it mending using your favorite bra er is hoping for and expecting. You could offer enough support for a with some creative adaptions, for can incorporate this tip into your smaller bust line, but probably not years. Doesn’t it make sense to use costumes, as well! for an ‘adult’ medium-sized bust something that you are already us- line, and of course not enough for a ing and liking (hopefully) how you So, always experiment with how to larger bust line (except of course if look? Bras can be altered and ad- best create bust line support in your your bust line is perky because of justed to fit inside all types of open dance costume. You want to be implants). Even augmented bust back, or nearly open backed gar- comfortable with the feel and look lines need support, as it is not good ments. It is difficult to cut through of your results! █

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THE 2014 TEA DANCE By Bonnie Burton, Vice-President USADance-Minnesota Chapter #2011; photos by Marjorie S. Debelak

Each spring, USA Dance-Minnesota ing began for over 100 guests in the Tuong and Lynne Schulz, Scott and #2011 hosts a Tea Dance; this year gorgeous historic ballroom with chan- Bernie Osborn, Karen and Lance was the 22nd consecutive annual event. deliers, French doors, and a 3,000 Boole, and Lori and Jeff Goldstein. This delightful party is held on a Sun- square foot dance floor. Our music We’re especially appreciative of the day in May, at the exclusive Lafayette committee (DJ Shinya McHenry, and generous participants who sponsored Club, on the shores of beautiful Lake technicians Lee Wintervold, Joel student guests from the University of Minnetonka. ‘Tea Dance’ may be a Torgesen, and Tijen Petersen) played Minnesota Rochester and Twin Cities misnomer, as the only tea served is fabulous tunes. Photographer Marjorie campuses. Thank you, Tea Dance iced tea during the afternoon! Debelak took stunning photos of the committee members Bonnie Burton, party. Sharon Kennedy, Tracy Frazee, Zhu- This year, after a dreary week of rain, ojing Liu, Dede Ouren, Natalie Smoli- we enjoyed warm sun and spring flow- Midafternoon, the guests were treated ak, and Joyce Thompson. You ers on Tea Dance day. The event start- to talented performances by our own planned a wonderfully enjoyable day, ed at 11 AM with a delicious buffet dance club members, Sue & Greg and we’re already looking forward to brunch on the verandah overlooking Prasch; and the Twin Cities Perfor- next year’s Tea Dance! Lake Minnetonka. At 1 PM, the danc- mance Dance Team members Ha

University of Minnesota Rochester students University of Minnesota Twin Cities students

USA Dance Minnesota Board of Directors: Jane Phipps, Lee Whitney, The Tea Dance sound team Karen Maldonado, Marty Faeh, Bonnie Burton, Dan Fitzgerald

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FACTS ABOUT THE 2014 ANNUAL TEA DANCE

 This is the 22nd consecutive year  The event is hosted by USA Dance  The Twin Cities Performance this event has been held. The first -Minnesota Chapter #2011. Dance Team, a formation group event was held in 1992, and was comprised of four talented couples, started by Mr. Jeff Chin, the club  Each year a delicious buffet also danced a WWII themed VP at that time. It is always held brunch is served to 85-100 guests, Viennese Waltz formation to the on a weekend in May. followed by afternoon dancing in music “1000 Years”. the grand ballroom.  It’s always been held at the Lafa-  Guests often sponsor area college yette Country Club ballroom.  It’s a tradition at the Tea Dance to and university students. This year, Built in 1925, and situated on 38 be treated to beautiful performanc- sixteen (16) students were able to acres in the western suburbs of es by club members. This year, attend the Tea Dance because of Minneapolis on Lake Minnetonka, Sue & Greg Prasch, who competed the sponsors’ generosity. the Lafayette Club has a classic recently at 2014 Nationals, per- elegance. formed a beautiful International  Planning has already begun for the Standard Waltz and Foxtrot. 2015 (the 23rd annual) Tea Dance!

The Twin Cities Performance Dance Team

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Greg and Susan Prasch performance

The Tea Dance committee: Bonnie Burton, Joyce Thompson, Dede Ouren, Sharon Kennedy;

2014 Tea Dance Photos by Marjorie Debelak, www.photographiemarjorie.com

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GENTLEMEN LEAD By Jack Munday

Several columns ago, I wrote about couples we were meeting for the the Tea Dance and my/our first time. The conversation was, of anticipation of that delightful event. course, about dancing mostly, but This column is about how I felt travel also was a frequent topic. during the dancing. “That feeling” John S. Munday is a writer who lives in is what I’m looking for. I have also The music started and we were able Isanti County, Minnesota, with his wife Fran. Jack is a student of Monica Mohn. said—but not written— that during to greet the source of that music: Jack’s book, Beauty in Partnership, A a dance lesson I sometimes cannot Shinya McHenry. He is a friend Memoir of Ballroom Dancing, is available tell if I’m dancing with Fran or and we quickly shared memories of from Jack at www.johnsmunday.com and at several dance studios. Monica. Yes, Fran follows that dancing. Later when we began well. dancing, I alternated songs since I have not yet recovered from my They both can tell when my frame lung problems. If I dance too long I is solid and the perfect path from feel short of breath, which if that my left hand through both of us was the only problem I would keep back to that hand is solid. When dancing. Unfortunately, I react to my connection to my partner is the shortness of breath and lose my good, if I shut my eyes, the lady frame. disappears. One time at a showcase, I danced a tango with At the Tea Dance, we moved over Monica and when we finished I the dance floor like we have asked her where she went? What I learned to do. Shinya also called meant is that I didn’t see her and for a ‘waterfall’ dance with lines of could not even tell that I had a ladies and gentlemen coming partner even with my eyes open. together to form a partner for the length of the dance floor. We both At the Tea Dance, we saw a enjoyed this, too. This afternoon at number of dancing friends, almost the Lafayette Club was a joy. like a reunion. We sat at a table with two such couples and with two

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The next day at my lesson with To illustrate her point, Monica told up a frame. Monica said that she Monica, during the breaks between me about a recent lesson she taught then led him by establishing a songs, so I could catch my breath, I to a couple looking to have a nice frame. He was amazed. The rest of told her that when my frame is dance at their forthcoming the lesson focused on his learning right, it is truly a delight. She wedding. The lady said she could to form his frame. The couple reminded me of my first series of not dance. Monica took her into a knows they will have to practice a lessons and how learning the frame frame and danced, and the lady lot before the wedding. I hope they does not come easily to new followed, to her amazed joy. Then will dance with delight.█ dancers. the gentleman tried to lead Monica and could not because he didn’t set

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

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

►Jeff Ringer 320-266-4137 ►Jane Phipps 612-859-5245 [email protected] [email protected] Lead/Follow, 5’10”, seeks male partner for same-sex dance competitions Follow, 5’5”, seeks practice partner for such as the Gay Games, April Follies, and performance. Semi- bronze/silver competition-level smooth and professional, has own studio, takes coaching regularly. Will travel to rhythm. 3 years’ dance experience. Takes Cities. lessons regularly. Any practice location okay.

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COMPETITION CALENDAR

Jun 7–8, 2014 Chicago DanceSport Challenge – NQE NJ DanceSport Classic – Summer Sizzler – NQE Hosted by Chicagoland USA Dance Chapter #2001, Chicago, IL. Organized by Mario Battista & Wendi Davies, Hackensack, NJ. Nov 15, 2014 Jun 14, 2014 California State DanceSport Championships – NQE River City Ball Hosted by NorCal USA Dance Chapter #4004, San Jose, CA. Hosted by USA Dance Portland OR Chapter #1006 Nov 22–23, 2014 Jun 27–29, 2014 National Collegiate DanceSport Championships Gumbo DanceSport Championships – NQE Hosted by USA Dance National, Columbus, OH USA Dance Senior 4 National Championships USA Dance Junior II National Championships Jan 10–11, 2015 The Snow Ball DanceSport Competition Hosted by Louisiana Gumbo USA Dance Chapter #5031 in Baton Rouge, LA. Hosted by Donna Edelstein, Minneapolis/St Paul, MN Jan 18, 2015 (DATE NOT YET FINALIZED) July 10–12, 2014 Twin Cities Open Ballroom Championships Manhattan Amateur Classic (MAC) 2015 –NQE Hosted by Scott and Amy Anderson, Minneapolis, MN USA Dance Chapter #3004 at Manhattan Center in Manhattan NY Jan 30–31, 2015 July 26, 2014 Mid–Summer Classic Southwest Regional DanceSport Championships –NQE WDSF Open Standard & Latin Hosted by Southern Star FL USA Dance chapter #6038, Tampa, FL Orange County CA USADance chapter #4018 in Culver CA Aug 1–3, 2014 Derby City DanceSport Championships – NQE Jan 31, 2015 Winter Frolic Sponsored by Greater Louisville USA Dance Chapter #2021 in Louis- ville, KY. Qualifying event for 2015 Nationals. Royal Palm USA Dance Chapter 6016 in Coconut Creek FL

Sep 6, 2014 Feb 14–15, 2015 Kansas City Dance Classic Mid–Atlantic Championships – NQE Organized by Matt & Ellen Pansing in Overland Park, KS. This event Hosted by Mid-Eastern USA Dance Chapter #6001, Bethesda, MD. will not accrue proficiency points and may not follow all rules in the Mar 27–29, 2015 rulebook. 2015 National DanceSport Championships Sep 20, 2014 To be held in Baltimore, MD. New England DanceSport Championships – NQE Date is tentative. Hosted by MASSabda USA Dance Chapter #3002 in SUPPORT THE Waltham, MA. MINNESOTA DANCER! Sep 20, 2014 Quest for the Best The MINNESOTA DANCER is put together eve- To be held in Lynwood, WA. ry month by the volunteer efforts of people across the Minnesota dance community. Help us continue Oct 3–5, 2014 Carolina Fall Classic – NQE to distribute this publication by advertising in the WDSF Senior I Standard & Latin DANCER or by donating to our printing fund. Organized by Wayne & Marie Crowder in Charlotte, NC Contact Bonnie Burton at 952.454.4620 or [email protected] to learn more about Oct 31–Nov 2, 2014 opportunities for advertising in the DANCER.

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

DANCE WITH US AMERICA STUDIOS 10 Southdale Center, Edina CLUBS USA DANCE, MINNESOTA 612-564-5483 CHAPTER 2011 www.dancewithusamerica.com 651-483-5467 AMERICAN CLASSIC BALLROOM AQUA GLIDERS DANCE CLUB 550 Market Street, Chanhassen www.usadance-minnesota.org 952-934-0900 Instructors: 612-869-3062 www.acballroom.com Elena Bersten, Gene Bersten CAFÉ BAILAR Instructors: DANCELIFE BALLROOM www.cafebailar.com SERVICES Natalie Palmer Botes, Paul Botes 6015 Lyndale Ave S, Minneapolis Whitney Irene, Benjamin D. Wagner 612-345-4219, www.dancelifeballroom.com COTILLION DANCE CLUB OF LYNNE’S DANCE NEWS STILLWATER www.organizeronduty.com ARTHUR MURRAY DANCE STUDIO Instructors: P.O. Box 102, Stillwater, MN 55082 Contact: Lynne Schulz 534 Selby Avenue, St. Paul Shinya McHenry, Laia Oliver 651-388-1231 [email protected] 651-227-3200 [email protected] Services: Weekly listing of dance events DANCERS STUDIO Contacts: BALANCE POINTE STUDIOS 415 Pascal Street N, Saint Paul Scott and Maggie Paynter MADE FOR MOVEMENT 5808 W 36th Street, St. Louis Park 651-641-0777 952-595-0003 952-922-8612 www.dancersstudio.com LADANZA DANCE CLUB www.made4movement.com www.balancepointestudios.com Stillwater, MN Contact: Marsha Wiest Hines Instructors: 651-439-3152 Services: Costume design, production, Instructors: Etta Berkland, Jeff Halverson, Facebook.com/LaDanzaDanceClub tailoring. Cindy Nehrbass, Jeff Nehrbass Bonnie Inveen, Chris Kempainen, Contacts: Troy Lerum, Marcy McHenry Mark and Wanda Bierbrauer OH SEW SPECIAL BALLROOM & WEDDING DANCE 7300 South France Avenue, Suite STUDIO FOUR SEASONS DANCE STUDIO LAKESIDE DANCE CLUB 323, Edina 1717 42nd St E, Minneapolis 1637 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis 320-763-6432 952-746-5539 612-342-0902 [email protected] www.ohsewspecial.net Instructor: www.fourseasonsdance.com www.lakesideballroom.org Contact: Susan Richardson Tom Larson Contacts: Services: Tailoring, alterations, redesign Instructors: Barbara Benson BLUE MOON BALLROOM Bruce Abas, Rebecca Abas SATIN STICHES LTD. 2030 Hwy 14 E, Rochester LINDEN HILLS DANCING CLUB 11894 Round Lake Blvd NW, 507-288-0556 FRED ASTAIRE DANCE STUDIO Lake Harriet United Methodist Minneapolis www.BlueMoonBallroom.com 1975 Seneca Road, Suite #700, Church, 763-323-9507 Eagan, MN 55122 4901 Chowen Ave S, Minneapolis 1-800-48SATIN CINEMA BALLROOM 651-451-6300 612-285-7894 www.satinstiches.com 1560 St. Clair Ave, St. Paul www.FredAstaireMN.com www.lindenhillsdancingclub.org Contact: Deborah J. Nelson 651-699-5910 Services: Custom-designed dancewear www.cinemaballroom.com MILL CITY BALLROOM MN WEST COAST SWING DANCE 2382 Hampden Ave, St. Paul 612-562-2733 CLUB Instructors: www.millcityballroom.com B-Dale Club, 2100 N Dale St., Jonathan Chen, Dustin Donelan, Roseville Eric Hudson, Michelle Hudson, Instructors: 651-487-6821 INSTRUCTORS Kirsten McCloskey, Nadine Kate Bratt, Gordon Bratt mnwestcoastswingdanceclub.com Messenger, Shane Meuwissen, Scott Anderson………...... 612-816-4446 Martin Pickering, Dipendra Thakur, NORTH STAR DANCE STUDIO REBELS SWING DANCE CLUB Rachel Damiani ……...... 612-718-6823 Douglas Wallock Bloomington, MN 952-941-0906 Nathan Daniels ……...... 763-545-8690 612-799-4147 www.tcrebels.com Jennelle Donnay……...... 651-357-2060 COSTA RICA BALLROOM DANCE Facebook.com/northstar.dancestudio Julie Delene…………...... 612-598-5355 STUDIOS STARDUST DANCE CLUB Donna Edelstein……...... 612-910-2690 816 Mainstreet, Hopkins Instructor: Dine and Dance Jennifer Foster………...... 952-922-8316 952-303-3339 Michael D. Bang [email protected] Robert Foster…………..... 952-922-8316 www.costaricaballroom.com Esther Granbois………..... 612-872-1562 RENDEZVOUS DANCE STUDIO SUBURBAN-WINTERSET DANCE Lindsey Rebecca Hall...... 612-940-9546 Instructors: 711 W Lake Street, Suite B, CLUB David Hanson………...... 218-722-0742 Rachelika Baruch, Sayoni Haldar, Minneapolis Woman’s Club of Minneapolis, Julie Jacobson………...... 651-261-6442 Tchad Herderson, Aiden Mamedov, 612-872-1562 410 Oak Grove Street, Minneapolis Jay Larson……………..... 651-387-3886 Eliecer Ramirez, Rebecca Rae www.theplacetodance.com 952-894-1412 Kristina Lee…………...... 715.821.9039 Ramirez, Alex Spencer www.suburbanwinterset.com Deanne Michael……...... 612-508-9255 SOCIAL DANCE STUDIO Monica Mohn………...... 612-874-0747 3742 23rd Ave S, Minneapolis TANGO SOCIETY OF MINNESOTA Mariusz Olszewski…...... 612-242-5159 DAHL DANCE CENTER 612-353-4445 612-224-2905 Karin Rice……………..... 612-242-2188 4204 North Hwy 52, Rochester www.socialdancestudio.com www.mntango.org Mary Rosenstiel……….... 612-720-2584 507-252-1848 Char Torkelson…………. 612-709-6399 www.dahldance.com Instructors: TAPESTRY FOLKDANCE CENTER Lisa Vogel……………..... 651-208-0818 Joy Davina, Todd Paulus 3748 Minnehaha Ave, Minneapolis James Wood…………...... 651-605-5743 DANCE AND ENTERTAINMENT 612-722-2914 651-605-5784 STUDIOJEFF www.tapestryfolkdance.org [email protected] 701 St. Germain St W, Suite 201, www.danceandentertainment.com St. Cloud 320-266-4137 UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA www.studiojeff.com BALLROOM DANCE CLUB Instructors: [email protected] Tricia Wood Instructor: Jeffrey Ringer Is.gd/umnbdc

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MINNESOTA DANCER

An official publication of the Minnesota Chapter 2011 of USA Dance

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Next Newsletter Deadline: June 15th, 2014