August 2002 Newsletter

From the Desk of the Secretary:

Our President (Mike Verdone) and Vice-President (Grace Keller) are representing our chapter at the USABDA National Championships in Minneapolis, MN.  In Mike’s absence, I have taken the liberty of filling his space with a few thoughts.

I have thoroughly enjoyed my two terms as Secretary of the chapter.  However, I am also happy to be coming to the end of my tenure.  It is time for someone else to step in, bringing with him or her the fresh ideas, perspectives and energy that a new person always brings.  In order to encourage those who might be interested in this position, I want to describe the job and the time commitment (since I know that is of vital concern to anyone considering running for club office).

The Secretary’s main responsibility, of course, is to attend the Board meetings, take notes and prepare the minutes.  The Board meets once a month and the meetings generally last about two hours.  During the meetings, we discuss the agenda for upcoming dances; for example, what dances will be taught, who will teach them, whether there will be demonstrations.  We also plan, schedule and staff the workshops we offer.  At the last few meetings we have been concerned with issues of national policy, about which you will read more in this newsletter.  The time spent preparing for and attending the Board meetings averages about 3 hours per month.

The second main responsibility of the Secretary is the preparation and distribution of the monthly newsletter.  The Secretary is given free rein, here, and can be as creative as he or she wishes - and has the time - to be. This is the most time consuming part of the job.  Newsletter production takes about 5 - 8 hours a month.

Those are the official duties.  In addition, however, as a Board member, I have always felt that it was part of my job to be at as many dances as possible, to come early and help set up, to stay late and help clean up.  During the dance, I tried to welcome newcomers, to make sure that no one was left out and to pay attention to the refreshments, replenishing items that ran low.  I took money at the front desk, when needed.  I even felt it was my job to dance the man’s part in the lessons when the numbers were not balanced, but that is not even unofficially required.  Basically, being on the Board is a larger commitment to the ongoing health of the organization than just a once a month meeting.

Having said that, I regard my terms as Secretary as a real privilege.  I have come to know the ballroom community in Columbia in a way that isn’t possible by just attending two dances a month.  I have gotten back much more than I have given.  I would encourage you to consider running for Secretary, or Vice President, or Member At Large.  And even though I won’t be on the Board, I won’t be idle.  I have just been appointed State Coordinator for the USABDA Youth & College Network.

As Mike would say,

Happy Dancing,

Pamela Melton

USABDA Dues and Party Prices

  

Because our National USABDA organization has operated in the red for all the USABDA National competitions, and because of the recent “divorce” of USABDA and NDCA, all DanceSport and Champion DanceSport Athlete memberships for adults have increased.  This increase is effective July 1, 2002.  For any DanceSport Athlete who has renewed his or her membership prior to July 1, your dues will not be increased until 2003.  However, if your dues for 2002 are payable after July 1, you will notice this increase on your next renewal notice.  Please note that even though you may receive your National membership renewal notice directly from National, we ask that you remit your National dues with your local dues (if necessary) to our local Chapter Treasurer, Jerry Camillo.  He will make it simpler for you and will extend your membership to National and Local (if necessary), therefore saving you checks and stamps. Remember, to be a member of our local GCC chapter, you must also be a member in good standing of National USABDA!

New Dues Structure:

All National memberships are yearly, and expire on the anniversary date of your membership of the prior year.  All local memberships expire on December 31, to be renewed by January 31 of the next year.

*These are National USABDA categories.  Social Dancers are those who view ballroom dancing as strictly a recreational activity.  Ballroom Dancers are those who practice ballroom dancing and who take ballroom dancing lessons on a regular basis but do NOT compete as an Amateur dancer (not including those who compete in Pro-Am events).  Champion DanceSport Athletes are Junior, Student, and Adult championship competitors who compete in USABDA-sanctioned competitions or events.  Regular DanceSport Athletes are non-Champion competitors who compete in USABDA-sanctioned competitions or events.

**Subscribers cannot vote or run for any elected office within the organization; though they may be a member of a GCC-USABDA committee, they cannot chair a committee.  The $10 cost is strictly to defray printing and mailing costs.  Subscribers will receive newsletters and other mailings; they may attend GCC-USABDA sponsored workshops and/or classes.

Why should you become a National/Local USABDA Chapter member?

There are many advantages to become a member of your dancing organization.  As a member, you are among the many folks who know the joy and excitement of being out on the dance floor, feeling as though you were dancing like Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Cyd Charisse, Pablo Veron, Cheyenne, or any other favorite dancer.  Also, as a member, you can share this joy with others who are kindred spirits.

In addition, as a member you will receive the National USABDA magazine Amateur Dancers, which is published monthly, and contains interesting articles by and about other ballroom dancers.  You save the non-member subscription cost of $18.  This magazine also contains dancing hints from professionals, photographs of fellow USABDA members, either at their dances, in competitions, or at other dancing venues.  Many vendors advertise in the magazine, offer merchandise to fill a wide range of dancing needs, from shoes to dance cruises and camps.  Also there is a section where members, at no charge, may place advertising for used gowns, suits, shoes, etc.  You will also receive your Chapter newsletter at least once per quarter, at no extra cost.  This newsletter contains articles and notices of events within your regional area.

Your National USABDA has now initiated a new program for vendors catering to dancing needs.  As a USABDA member, you may purchase merchandise at discounts at participating vendor stores and websites.  This could possibly amount to quite a savings for you during a year.

If you do any traveling, and enjoy dancing while you are away, USABDA members often can dance at other Chapters’ dances at a reduced rate.  Also, some dance clubs who recognize USABDA offer discounts at the door. 

As a GCC-USABDA sponsor, you can enjoy the satisfaction that you have paid your National and local dues, and, for one year, you can come to all the GCC-USABDA dances at no cost!!  In addition, you can deduct $80 from your income tax return, should you file a Schedule A with your 1040.

As a DanceSport Athlete member, you can compete in USABDA sanctioned competitions as part of an amateur couple.  These competitions offer you a chance to compete with other amateur couples, therefore narrowing the playing field for competitors.  These events are at a greatly reduced cost, and, in many heats, do not require the investments of expensive ballroom dancing clothing.  (Though these events are for amateur dancers only, and at a greatly reduced cost over NDCA and other competitions, it is highly recommended that you take lessons from a professional before deciding to compete.  The competition at these USABDA-sanctioned events is very tough.)

Lastly, as a member, you are eligible to run for any local USABDA Chapter office.  Also, you are eligible to vote for new officers and on any matters that may come up for membership vote during your membership year.

So, as you see, there are many reasons why you should become a member of our organization.  The greatest reason of all is that you enjoy and support ballroom dancing in America and the world!

See you on the dance floor!

Grace Keller

Timetable for the Election Process

There are no nominees as yet.  Should you want to be nominated or know of someone who is willing to serve in these very important board positions, please contact Grace Keller.  If you are nominating someone, please make sure this person is willing to serve on the board and is willing to do all that must be done in the capacity of Vice-President, Secretary, or Member-at-Large.

2002 Dance Dates:

August 10 & 24
September 14 & 28
October 12 & 26
November 9 & 23
December 14 & 28