Somewhat in line with that, we need volunteers to be on the election committee to draft a slate of officers for the Fall elections. Please contact me (Tom Savage) ASAP at 803 796 8488 or via email at .

Tracy Steele skillfully explained the history of Tango as different steps were introduced and Paul Lagatore and Grace Keller danced a fantastic Tango as the finale. Beautifully done, everyone.

Sheila and Bob Brown are showing off the latest additions to their family, twins boys,Walker and Nathan, born February 18th, 2005. Walker weighed in at 7 lbs 8 oz and Nathan weighed in at 5 lbs 6 oz. Congratulations to you and we wish you the best of luck and much happiness with your new family.

On February 19th, the Fancy Feet Dancers performed at Waterford Senior Living Center. Those participating were Norma Davis, Al Jayne, Barbara & Nisha Kubodera, Jeane Mader, and Bob Sitko.

They were received with multiple encores and numerous requests to return soon. On Saturday, March 26th, they will be dancing at Agape on Kathwood.

Wolfgang Elfe and Pam Marshall, who were teaching a 6 week beginning ballroom dance class to residents and some of the Staff at Still Hopes Retirement Center, have completed it and donated the $120.00 to USABDA.

The Hyatt Park Recreation Center is looking for volunteers to teach Swing and Shag on Tuesdays at noon. If you are interested, contact them at 803-733-8445 or go to 927 Jackson Ave (Monticello Rd).

Starting March 2nd, Capital Senior Center is offering a six-week introductory ballroom dance course on Wednesday evenings from 5:15 to 6:30. A different dance will be taught each week with the dances being Fox Trot, Waltz, Rumba, ChaCha, Swing, and Tango. Bob Sitko is teaching the course with assistance from Jeane Mader and Edna Free. A complimentary ticket to a USABDA dance will be given to each member who completes the course.

An introductory course in ballroom dance will be starting on Thursday evening, April 7th, from 7:00 to 8:15, at the First Baptist Life Center. Again, a different dance will be taught each week with the dances being Fox Trot, Waltz, Rumba, ChaCha, Swing, and Tango. They also will be taught by Bob Sitko, with Edna Free and Jeane Mader assisting him. At the conclusion of each course, participants will be given a complimentary ticket to a USABDA dance.

At our only dance in February, our Valentine's Day dance, we had 22 members, 3 sponsors, 9 guests, and 2 professional attending. Our guests were Eileen, Richard, and Sarah Abel, Scarlett Saleeby, Steve Berry, Jerry and Betty Fortin, T. Michelle Milling, and Karin Puczkowski. Our professionals attending were Robert Seay and Shantelle Smalls. Thank you all for supporting dance in the Columbia area.

Thanks to all of you Angels who helped set up, decorate, play the music, and helped clean up. And an extra big "Thank you" to all who brought homemade goodies to share with us. They were superb.

Janet Girard renewed both her National and Chapter memberships. Doris Wood renewed her National membership and again became a local Sponsor. Thanks to both of you. Susie Wattenberg is not renewing her membership and Steven Bowles has moved to Washington, D.C., so is not renewing his membership.

"I am happy to announce that when the search string "USADance" is entered into Google, our chapter's website, www.usadance.us, is listed first.

To be listed on the first page of entries is quite an accomplishment, but to be listed first is an almost impossible achievement.

This high ranking in Google is due, in part, to the many "hits" our members and friends generate. The more people look at our site, the higher the Google ranking becomes."

  We have located one of the two missing white round tablecloths Emma Sharpe made when we purchased the round tables a few years ago. It was up on top of a cabinet at The Barn. If you have any idea where the other one might be, give Naomi Mart or Tom Savage a call.

  Still time to sign up for the Showtime Dance Shoes "Dance Camp at Sea" from April 9th to April 16th on the ms Zuiderdam of the Holland America Line. It departs Fort Lauderdale, FL at 5:00 pm on April 9th. Prices start at $950 for an inside cabin. For more information, email Jim Brady at or call him at 336 884 8185. To book the cruise, Call Barbara or Joel Schanker at 336 945 3113.

  Don't forget that we have a wide variety of VHS dance tapes, to assist you in learning to dance. While they do not take the place of individual instruction, they do help to get some of the basics down. The majority of them are oriented to the beginning dancer. A $5.00 deposit is required when you sign one out, but it is returned when you return the tape. You can keep them for one month and you may sign out a maximum of two (2). They are available at any of the USABDA dances held at The Barn. Just ask a Board member for them.

  Anyone who enjoys decorating, feel free to join us at the Barn on Saturday, March 12th, at 1:00 to help dress it up for the St. Patty's Day dance. It is fun and you get to know people. If this isn't your cup of tea, volunteer to be an angel with the Clean-up Crew. Plan ahead so you can stay about 15 minutes afterwards to help with the housekeeping chores. You'll enjoy it.