There were 44 people at the Azalea Ball on April 14^th and 32 people at the April 28^th dance.  On April 14^th the USC Dancesport Team performed a medley of smooth and rhythm dances topped off by a rueda, which is a Salsa where pairs form a circle and partners swap frequently on command.  On April 28^th Sheila performed a Rhumba with Doug Copeland and a Quick Step with Warren Wintrode.  Thanks, Sheila, for showing us how it can be done and helping us improve our dancing.

Happy May Birthday: Miriam Bailey, Felicia Myers, Pat O’Hara, Audrey Skrupskelis, & Deborah Thomas.

Topics of discussion at the April 14^th Board Meeting were National Ballroom Dance Week celebration, new banner at The Barn, instructors for remainder of the year, Cinco de Mayo dance, election of officers, and USA Dance South Central Championship in Baton Rouge.  The next Board Meeting is 6:30 PM, May 12^th at The Barn.  All members in good standing are welcome to attend.

Mark your calendar for May 12^th when we celebrate Cinco de Mayo and remember to bring snacks related to the theme.  Please call Donna Swinbank if you plan to bring food, so she can know what must be purchased.  There will be music, door prizes, and decorations for the occasion with a performance by ‘Guadalajara’.  Plan to have a great time.

The description of Tango found online at www.ballroomdancers.com:

Tango is earthy and dramatic.  Although walking movements dominate, Tango walks, having a “stalking” or “sneaking” character, are unlike the walks of other ballroom dances.   Movements are sometimes slow and slithery, and other times sharp and staccato, such as a quick foot flick or a sharp head snap to promenade position.  Tango has the same counter clockwise flow of movement around the dance floor, but with a lesser sense of urgency in comparison to the smoother and more continuous ballroom dances.  A simplified version of the Tango was adapted by Arthur Murray and introduced many Americans to the world of ballroom dancing.  The American Style Tango is best known as the simplest and showiest of all Tangos.

Participating in the Columbia Festival of the Arts, Vista Ballroom, represented by Erin Bolshakov, Sheila Brown, Doug Copeland, Harby Gonzalez, and Warren Wintrode, will perform Foxtrot and Argentine Tango on May 4^th at 7:30 PM, at the Koger Center, as part of the Columbia City Jazz Company Concert.  There will also be a special presentation for school children that morning at 11:00 AM.

Have you been keeping up with Dancing With The Stars?   Who’s your favorite star?

When the ABC Columbia crew has their own ‘Dancing With The Stars’ competition May 15^th through May 18^th, the four couples can thank the staff of Vista Ballroom for the coaching they received.  Keep in mind the couples have had only one hour of coaching in Swing, Waltz, Samba or Argentine Tango.  The winner will be announced May 21^st.

Life's too short…Dance like no one is watching you!

Cinco de Mayo

Saturday, May 12^th and May 26^th

7:30 PM to 10:30 PM

THE BARN

Complimentary Tango Lesson with professional instructor

Light Refreshments