Notes from the President

Here we are – halfway through our dance year.   We’ve had a busy year so far.   We’ve been introduced to some new dance styles in our exhibitions - from Mexican folk dance to the sizzling Argentine tango. Our pro-am and professional couples continue to amaze and entertain us. Our amateur couples have stepped up and inspired us.

The rest of the year will be equally exciting. We will celebrate National Ballroom Dance Week with a live band at our September 22^nd dance. The Charles Gatch Band will be providing our live dance music. Mark your calendars now for this exciting event.

We will elect several Board members for the 2008-2010 term. Elections will be held October 13, 2007 at 7:00 pm (before the dance) for President, Treasurer, Director-at-Large: Programs and Entertainment and Director-at-Large: Outreach and Youth. Jo Morton is the chair of the Nominating Committee. See her if you are interested in finding out more about the duties of these offices or if you are interested in running for one of the positions. All members are eligible to run and vote.

It takes many hands to have these dances bimonthly. See any of the Board members to volunteer your services for one or more dances. We can always use donations of food, decorating help, kitchen help and cleanup. We also have opportunities as a DJ or to work the Front Desk. In addition, we need a newsletter editor beginning in July.

Together, we have a wonderful place to dance twice a month. If we all work together and volunteer a little time, the work is easy and not a burden to any one person. Let’s keep dancing!

There were 45 people at the June 9^th dance, and they enjoyed dances by Pamela Marshall with Wolfgang Elfe and Grace Keller with Mike Verdone when they gave us a glimpse of their performances at the competition in Baton Rouge. On the floor at the same time, Pam and Wolfgang danced International style while Grace and Mike danced American style, Waltz, Foxtrot and Tango. Pamela and Wolfgang then had the floor for a Quick Step, while Grace and Mike danced Viennese Waltz. There were 40 people at the June 23^rd dance, and they enjoyed a fantastic Tango by Jo Morton with Robert Seay, followed by a lively Swing by Emma Sharpe with Robert Seay. Our sincere thanks to Robert for teaching West Coast Swing at both June dances.

Welcome to our newest member, Sharon McKenzie.

Happy July Birthday to: Miriam Bailey, Jonathan Bell, Michael Blackmon, Jerry Camillo Joe McDonagh, Julian Minghi, Ron Morton, Karen Roof, Tamekia Sanford and Bob Wall.

Topics of discussion at the June 9^th Board Meeting were DJ scheduling, possibility of an article for Lexington Life magazine, amateur performers in September, live band for National Ballroom Dance Week, and election of officers for 2008. The next Board Meeting will be July 28, 2007, 6:30 PM, at The Barn.

With a departure from the first Saturday dance, Vista Ballroom will host a Tea Dance on Sunday, July 1^st from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM. Try it. You might like it!!

During the last week of May, students and staff of Columbia’s Ballroom attended Pete Taylor’s American Star Ball competition in Parsippany, NJ. They entered 140 events and placed first in 119 of them. Congratulations to all of you. All that hard work paid off.

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

Show your patriotisim! Wear red, white and blue to July dances.

Saturday, July 14^th & July 28^th

7:30 PM to 10:30 PM

THE BARN

Complimentary Foxtrot Lesson – Sheila Brown, Instructor

Light Refreshments