January 2003 Newsletter

Welcome to our New Board Members

Our new Board members are: 

Vice-President - Janet Girard
Member-at-Large - Tom Savage
Secretary - Doris Wood

Let's give them a big round of applause for volunteering to serve the Ballroom Dance community.  When they call on you for help, please give generously.

AND, A Big, Big Thank You to Departing Board Members

President - Grace Keller
Secretary - Pamela Melton
Member-at-Large - Emma Sharpe

Christmas Party

Sixty-Seven people came together for the Annual Christmas party, and it was a HUGE success.  Paul Lagatore gave the Foxtrot lesson.  The show, presented by members of Columbia's Ballroom, included waltzes, tangos, rumbas, and a wild swing number, all done to the festive music of the season.  The atmosphere of the dance was enhanced by the use of round tables which encouraged intimacy and fellowship.  The tables were praised by one and all.  Live poinsettia plants were given away as door prizes, and the lucky winners happily carried them home.  Santa's elves were given a helping hand by the many dancers who brought gifts for our donation to York Place.  The dance was a fun time, and we thank all who helped plan and host the party.

For Your Information

	Local USABDA Chapter dues of $5.00 are due in January and payable at either of the January USABDA dances.
	A new, six-week beginning dance class will start at the Tri-City Leisure Center on Thursday, January 9th, from 7:15 to 8:30.  The class will feature three weeks of Rumba and three weeks of Salsa.  For further information, call 939-9309.
	The Governing Council of USABDA (our National association) has directed that the annual dues of Social and Ballroom Dancer members be increased by $5.00.  Effective April 1, 2003, the new annual dues will be $25.00 for social members and $35.00 for Ballroom Dancers.  (Note: This is NOT a raise in our local association dues.  They are still $5.00 as noted above.)  Please remember that part of your membership dues to National is returned to our local association.  This rebate helps to defray some of the costs of our parties.

From the President's Desk

	An email was received from former member Orsi Lazar, who is now living in Michigan.
	An email "thank you" was received from Rocky and Mary Lou Troxler for a $250.00 Charlotte Elfe Memorial Scholarship, which they received in October at the  SRC in Atlanta.
	A letter of thanks was received from ASDERA (The Barn) for the mirrored balls and the lighted ficus trees, which were generously donated by one of our members.
	An annual five-page report is being prepared to send to our national organization, giving a synopsis of the chapter's progress during the past year.
	It has been suggested that many members would prefer to receive their copy of the monthly newsletter by email rather than getting a hard copy via mail.  If you would prefer to get your copy in this manner, call Doris Wood or send her your email address.  It may take a while to get this set up, so please be patient.
	Because the round tables were such a hit at the Christmas party, the Board is seriously considering the purchase of some for future parties.  Storage space at The Barn is available.  We will keep you posted on this issue as it progresses.
	The rental agreement with ASDERA (The Barn) has been renewed for another year at the same price, $80 per dance, and for the same dates, the second and fourth Saturdays of each month with the exception of February.  Due to a prior long standing commitment, The Barn is not available the fourth Saturday of February.
	There are plans in the mill to have a West Coast Swing workshop in March and a Salsa workshop in May.  Complete details should be available next month.

Mark Your Calendars

January 9 - Dance Party 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. at Columbia's Ballroom ($5 non-students)

Friday Evenings - 8:00 - 11:00 - Informal Dance at Capital Senior Center - $4 per person

January 23 - Dance Party 7:30 - 9:30 at Columbia's Ballroom ($5 non-students)

February 12, 2003 - Tea Dance from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m. at the Health Center in Lugoff (under the auspices of the 14 Karat Club)

April 2003 - International Dance Sport Festival in Osmington Bay, UK.  Start planning now if you want to participate; or, just go to support the American participants.

Other Places to Dance

(More listings next month)

Starlight Ballroom - 108 Trace St., Greer, SC

Salsa Cabana - 2005 Beltline Blvd., Forest Acres, SC