March 2002 Newsletter

From the Desk of the President  

Even though we are in the first quarter of the year, we have already got lots of dancing under our belts.  We started the year with the spectacular Daytona Beach Dancesport Festival, which set the tone for the year.  Then we had back to back USABDA competitions in New York and in Indianapolis. The New York comp was primarily a youth/student event.  This was our first opportunity to participate in the "senior" category (age fifty and over).  Unfortunately, we were virtually uncontested in all our entries.  There were literally hundreds of competitors at the "A" Bronze level but none at Senior Silver and Gold.  Unlike the New York competition, which offered limited entries in our categories, Indianapolis provided a fiercely competitive event.  The comp was held in the Scottish Rite Temple in downtown Indianapolis.  This neo-gothic building was built at the turn of the last century and provided a wonderful atmosphere for a dance.  The ballroom was lined in hand carved American oak with a three story high ceiling, complete with mosaics and stained glass.  It was a truly beautiful wetting.  Grace and I were pretty happy with our results and we got to meet and renew some old acquaintances.  One of the best things about the amateur competitions is the opportunity to develop new friendships with people who share your love of dance.

On the home front, we only had one dance in February due to the scheduling conflict at the Barn.  This problem only arises in February, so this month we will be back to our normal second and fourth Saturday dances.  Many thanks to Robert Seay of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio for providing us with the find and professional waltz lesson.  Also Jo Morton and Robert danced a very lovely waltz that was a real treat for all of us to watch and enjoy.  Great job and we hope to see you out on the floor for our entertainment again soon.

It may be too early to announce this, but early warnings are sometimes refreshing.  The USABDA chapters in Florida are once again hosting the Eighth Annual Dance Festival, August 9 through August 11, 2002 at Kissimmee, located one mile from Walt Disney World.  Cost, including the hotel, is only $170 per person.  We went last year and had a great time -- with or without the electricity!  There will be good food, great dancing and workshops and lots of low-threat competition for all to enjoy.  If you can fit it into your busy schedule, it is worth the effort.

One final note -- we want to extend our heartiest congratulations to Theresa and Ray Mulholland, who recently made their marriage vows to each other.  From all of us, best of luck and very happy dancing to both of you!

Keep Dancing!

Mike Verdone

Board Meeting

The next meeting of the GCC-USABDA board of directors will be Saturday, March 9, at 9:30 A.M., at the Irmo Branch of the Lexington Public Library.  All GCC-USABDA members are welcome to attend.

2002 Dance Dates:

March 9 & 23
April 13 & 27
May 11 & 25
June 8 & 22
July 13 & 27
August 10 & 24
September 14 & 28
October 12 & 26
November 9 & 23
December 14 & 28