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Celebrating Olympic Day in Orlando
Hospitality Gumbo Style
Official Publication of USA Dance
USA Dance National Elections Issue www.usadance.org
September - October 2013
Issue 44
On the Cover 8 Meet the Candidates!
USA dance National Elections Meet the candidates running for USA Dance Positions on the Executive Committee and DanceSport Council for the 20142016 term. Only USA Dance members may vote.
USA REPRESENTATIVES TO THE WORLD GAMES 2013 Yuriy Nartov & Yulia Blagova
18 Olympic Day in Olrando
Members of the Orlando Chapter (John Davis, President) celebrated Olympic Day by Joining with former area Olympians and sharing their love of dance through performances.
40 Southern Hospitality – Gumbo Style! A packed house and hat's off to all the Louisiana chapter volunteers who welcomed competitors and attendees, Southern hospitality style, to the Gumbo DanceSport Championships.
Photos Courtesy of DanceBeat magazine
Inside the Cover Line of Dance
4 6 7 8 15 16
President's Report Editorial Information & Contributors Important Announcements Meet the 2014-2016 Candidates 2014-2016 Elections Information 2014-2016 Elections Ballot
Dance Floor
18 20 24 26
Olympic Day in Orlando How I Started Dancing New York Dance Parade Socially Yours: Beyond Lead and Follow
On Beat
USA Dance in the Public Eye
32 34 36 38 40 42
AGM Update from Ken Richards Judging DanceSport in South Korea WDSF World Championships Competition Calendar Gumbo of Ballroom Summer Sizzler
In Step
44 46
NCDC DanceMart
Don't forge t to VOTE!
2013 September - October 3
THE VALUE OF LONG TIME VOLUNTEERS TO USA DANCE Have you ever wondered why some members go on year after year serving as volunteers in USA Dance, while others come in for a brief period of time, and then fade away? I believe that more than anything else, what differentiates these two types of volunteers is their knowledge of USA Dance and their expectations when offering to lend a hand. USA Dance is a volunteer organization from top to bottom, and relies on volunteers at every level to keep its programs going. We would not have the social dances, workshops, special events and competitions we do today without volunteers who give freely of their time to make such activities happen. I have heard that being a volunteer is its own reward, and I believe this to be true. People volunteer in an organization because they enjoy the volunteer assignment and the sense of fulfillment it gives them, and also because they believe in what the organization is doing. Those who volunteer only because they think it will enhance their resume usually fall by the wayside before long, because they are thinking more about what they can get from, rather than what they can give to an organization. USA Dance appreciates all of its volunteers, whether they have just started volunteering or have been volunteers for many years. The value to our organization of our long-time volunteers is particularly great, and it is frequently the case that those who have agreed to serve in elected or appointed positions at the Chapter, District or National level are, in fact, the very people our organization can rely on not only to do the job they were elected or appointed to do, but also volunteer for other assignments when no one else steps forward. And when such volunteers leave office, they take years of experience and institutional knowledge with them that the organization cannot easily replace. That is why many chapters as well as the National Governing Council try to keep long-time volunteers in their positions as long as they are willing
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to serve, at the same time that they bring in new volunteers who have already proven their abilities and commitment through past service to USA Dance and have shown themselves ready to assume higher office as vacancies occur through retirement or resignation. In this way, chapter boards and the Governing Council can benefit from both the institutional knowledge and experience of the long-time volunteers while grooming newer ones for available positions. On the Governing Council, we have a healthy mix of members, some of whom have served on the GC only a few months, balanced by others who have served our organization for a decade and in some cases longer, and can provide the necessary long term historical perspective that an organization needs as it develops and matures. Many of these outstanding individuals also serve on or assist their local chapter boards at the same time, and all are worthy of our admiration and thanks for their efforts on behalf of USA Dance, because where would we be without their deep knowledge of our organization as well as their dedication and willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty, year in and year out. USA Dance is indeed fortunate to be able to rely on experienced volunteers at every level. So all of you long-time volunteers out there, at the Chapter, District and National levels, give yourselves a big hand – you've earned it and our organization would be the poorer without you.
Lydia T. Scardina National President, USA Dance
2013 September - October 5
Contributing Writers
A m e r i c a n
Jean Krupa Jean Krupa currently serves as the Social Vice President for USA Dance. She served as Region VI Vice President in 1999. She was a founding member of the Greater Daytona Chapter in 1990.
National Officers
PRESIDENT Lydia Scardina, 415.469.9815 e-mail: email@example.com SENIOR VP Bill Rose, 949.842.8284 e-mail: email@example.com SECRETARY Stan Andrews, 217.454.8879 e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com TREASURER Esther Freeman, 541.779.6787 e-mail: email@example.com DANCESPORT VP Ken Richards, 302.290.2583 e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com SOCIAL VP Jean Krupa, 386.761.1625 e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com •
Angela Prince Angela Prince is the National Public Relations Director for USA Dance, responsible for all integrated PR programs, organization publicity and communications, national media relations, social media relations and brand development. She is also the editorial advisor for American Dancer magazine and other publications.
Editorial Staff
PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Michael Mecham WRITERS Michael Mecham • Ivor Lee • Breanna Olaveson ART & PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Aimee Mecham DESIGNERS Aimee Mecham • Michael Mecham •
WRITERS Jean Krupa, Angela Prince EDITORIAL ADVISORS Angela Prince, Lydia Scardina, Bill Rose, Stan Andrews •
Rates & Prices
American Dancer is published bimonthly as a service for members and is included in membership annual dues. •
Guest Writers
Individual Non-Member $25 Canadian Air Delivery $32 Overseas Air Delivery $36 Library Subscription $9 •
Nicole Barron Wayne Crowder John Davis
AD REPRESENTATIVE Michael Mecham email: email@example.com •
Shawn Fisher
American Dancer welcomes submissions of letters, articles and photos. All submissions are considered the property of American Dancer. Submission does not guarantee publication. Articles and letters may also be edited for length and content without notice to the author. Photos and other materials are not returned. Submissions may be sent to firstname.lastname@example.com •
Must be high resolution, print quality digital photos. 600 dpi. Send to editorial office: e-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com or mail to: American Dancer magazine 123 East Main Street Rexburg, ID 83440-0462 •
Cecil Phillips Ken Richards
Olympic Day in Orlando
If you need information concerning membership or missed issues, contact: Mary at USA Dance Central Office 800.447.9047 • Fax: 239.573.0946 E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com Check our Web Site - www.USADANCE.org Southern
© USA DANCE INC. 2013 All rights reserved.
Photo Courtesy of John Davis
Celebrating Olympic Day in Orlando
Hospitality Gumbo Style
Official Publication of USA Dance
USA Dance National Elections Issue www.usadance.org
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Cover Photo
September - October 2013
Issue 44
Announcements Important Requirements & Notes For Ballots •
• • • • • •
Only the original ballot found in this issue of AD magazine may be used. If you do not receive your magazine, please contact the USA Dance Central Office at 800-447-9047 or firstname.lastname@example.com to obtain a ballot. All ballot must be received by the National Elections Director by November 2, 2013. Ballot must include the member's printed name, signature and membership number. Only members who are 18 years of age or older with a valid USA Dance membership as of July 1, 2013 may vote. Ballots sent by fax, e-mail or other facsimile means will not be counted. Only valid ballots will be counted. Two ballots are enclosed in American Dancer magazine so that couples at the same address and receiving one magazine may each cast their ballot. If there are more than two eligible voters in a household, please contact the Central Office, as stated above, for additional ballots.
Celebrate National Ballroom Dance Week! National – Of or relating to a nation; common to or characteristic of a whole nation. Ballroom – A large space used for dancing. Dance – Move rhythmically to music, typically following a set sequence of steps. Week – A period of seven days.
Send American Dancer your stories and photos after the celebration! September 20-29, 2013
Information Regarding Bylaw Measure Periodically, USA Dance has requested member acceptance of changes to the USA Dance Bylaws. Since this was last completed, a number of changes have been made to the bylaws as deemed necessary by the Governing Council. These changes include the restructuring of USA Dance along district rather than regional lines, the replacement of regional vice presidents with national directors, the incorporation of chapter bylaws into the national bylaws, the inclusion of Area Coordinators on the Social Dance Council, and the addition of several new committees to the DanceSport Council. A copy of the current bylaws may be found on the USA Dance website at: www.usadance.org
DanceMart to be Discontinued The Executive Counsel has decided that after this issue of American Dancer the DanceMart section in the magazine will be discontinued due to it not being widely used.
2013 September - October 7
Candidate FOR PRESIDENT
NATIONAL ELECTIONS For Term 2014-2016 The mission of USA Dance is to increase the quality and quantity of Ballroom dancing in America. Every three years USA Dance members have the opportunity to vote for the National Governing Council members they feel will do the best job. Each candidate for the 2014-2016 term of office has been listed in the following pages. At the end of this section there is a ballot with voting instructions. We encourage all USA Dance members to read the information carefully about each candidate and vote for those they would like in the respective positions.
Completed ballots must be received by November 2, 2013.
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Yang Chen
From my first steps as a ballroom dancer in 1987 I have loved every minute, grateful for all the joy, friendships and memories dancing has brought me. USA Dance has been a huge part of that happy experience.
Currently I am the Executive Director of a non-profit membership organization representing Asian American lawyers in New York. I was an attorney specializing in antitrust and complex commercial litigation before that. In my spare time, I have served on the Board of the Greater New York Chapter of USA Dance since 1994 and have been Chapter President since 2004. In that capacity, I have helped to make my chapter one of the largest and strongest in the nation. It has been recognized as Top Chapter in the Northeast and the entire country. I am also co-organizer of the Manhattan Amateur Classic, one of the biggest and best DanceSport competitions in America. I intend to apply my experience, knowledge and skills from being a USA Dance chapter leader for nearly two decades and my professional background as an attorney and non-profit executive to strengthen the national organization. I will work hard to make sure that USA Dance continues making dance a fun, fulfilling and rewarding part of your life, whether you are young or old, newcomer or long-time dancer, social or competitive, amateur or professional. USA Dance has great potential. As National President, I will lead USA Dance to realize that potential, to serve its members and chapters, to be a positive force for the national community of dancers. We need a strong team to reach our goals so I am running with Shawn Fisher for Senior VP, Michael Brocks for Treasurer and Greg Warner for Secretary. Connect with us on-line at voteuwd.tumblr.com. Vote for us. United We Dance.
Candidate FOR PRESIDENT LYDIA SCARDINA
I am running for re-election to the position of National President and am asking for your support. I have held numerous positions in USA Dance: Chapter President, Regional VP, National Senior VP, and I have been the National President since December, 2009. I have an advanced degree in Political Science and worked for many years in the field of human resources management and labor relations, where I was responsible for negotiating a variety of labor agreements for several cities. As President, I represent USA Dance in meetings of the USOC and the WDSF, serve as a national spokesperson, maintain insurance for the organization, have put in place a background security screening program for officials and volunteers, direct and oversee the national budget, and provide guidance and direction to staff and volunteers. My successes include the protection of USA Dance's status as an autonomous NGB of DanceSport following the separation from the NDCA, the forging of an excellent relationship with the USOC, enabling USA Dance to obtain legal assistance from the USOC to help overturn the suspension of athletes by the WDSF, and the development of USA Dance's first Junior World Team Dance Camp using USOC facilities and staff. If re-elected, my goals are to 1) continue to expand chapter and member services, 2) forge an ever closer partnership with the USOC, and 3) increase fundraising so that monies are available for athlete development, expanded dance opportunities for students in K-12 schools, and the hiring of an executive director so that USA Dance may begin to rely on a professional executive staff as well as its team of national volunteers. With your support and your vote, these goals can be achieved. For more information, please visit my Blog at: www.danceview.us
Candidate FOR Senior Vice President SHAWN FISHER
I started ballroom dancing when I was 18 and have never stopped. I "converted" my wife to ballroom dancing after we got married and now all seven of our children dance. It has been a rewarding experience for me as well as them. For this reason I have been a volunteer with USA Dance, college programs and youth groups for almost 25 years. Currently I serve as a DanceSport Council Member in charge of Collegiate Competitions and have served as Editor-in-Chief for American Dancer magazine the past seven years. I have spearheaded many changes and improvements on both of these projects. The Collegiate Championships have grown from one conference room and 300 participants into one of the largest competitions that USA Dance offers with close to 900 participants and 40+ universities participating. I also founded and am the organizer of the National Youth Formation Showdance championships with more than 1,000 youth participating. I hold a faculty position at BYU-Idaho supervising the ballroom dance program where 2,000 students are enrolled in ballroom classes yearly. My volunteer experience outside of USA Dance includes over 20 years with the Boy Scouts of America and also work in leadership positions within the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. From these experiences I have learned the importance of volunteers, and that everyone has something to give that will help build the organization. We can advance by involving and listening to more people. I feel privileged and excited to be on the ticket with the team of Yang Chen (for President), Greg Warner (for Secretary), and Michael Brocks (for Treasurer). I feel as a group we can move USA Dance forward into the future. Please go to voteuwd.tumblr.com to follow the election and ask us questions. Our Facebook page is VOTE United We Dance. 2013 September - October 9
Candidate FOR Senior Vice President BILL ROSE
I have been Senior Vice President for four years, and my wife, Diane, and I are avid competitive ballroom dancers. Hobbies have been in my blood since I was very young music, scouts, computers, stamps, folk dance, tennis, automobiles, photography - and now ballroom dancing. Currently I'm a member of the Photographic Society of America, Ferrari & BMW Clubs and a USA Dance DanceSport member. Whenever hobbies started capturing my fascination, I immediately joined the "club". Not only to associate with others with like interests, but to show my support for an activity that occupied so much of my time. Hobbies are a part of me - I love being involved! As Orange County President for 10 years, I have led the chapter to set itself apart from typical dance studios by creating unique social and competitive events. Our Nixon Library Grand Ball is the largest of its kind in Southern California, and the Southwest Regional NQE is one of the oldest sanctioned competitions in the US. As National Senior VP, my main function has been tackling special projects, primarily upgrading our technology. I have led the creation of our unified webpackage which better empowers chapters in sharing their activities and benefits of membership with local communities. The new membership system has been a most challenging project, but a necessary step for our growing organization. Though a difficult transition, continued development will greatly enhance tracking, reporting and security capabilities, making them superior to any in the past. Aside from technology, I championed the creation of team memberships, to better fill the needs of local community, school and college dance groups. And, I'm pushing towards vastly improved national/chapter communications. The more people involved, the better for any organization. I would be honored to continue as your Senior Vice President! 10 Line of Dance
Candidate FOR Treasurer MICHAEL BROCKS
I own an accounting firm in Sewickley, Pennsylvania, a suburb of Pittsburgh. A Certified Public Accountant for over 30 years, I have extensive experience in the not-for-profit world. My firm has many 501(c)3 corporations as clients and accordingly I am very familiar with not only the accounting requirements but the plethora of rules and regulations concerning armslength transactions and private benefit. Many hospitals and charities have retained us to serve as advisors to their boards on various charitable accounting and forensic matters. As tax preparers we are very familiar with the charitable rules from the donor's perspective and understand what donors expect from the donee charity. My wife and I have three grown children (a lawyer, a teacher and a law student) and are social dancers. We have served as volunteers and board members on many charities. Our volunteer work has historically been with at-risk children, having served for many years as foster parents and mentors. As your Treasurer I am committed to providing the following: • Streamlining Chapter reporting requirements. • Building Chapter Support Teams comprised of USA Dance Inc. members willing to offer advice on financial matters. We will welcome their input and create organized forums to share ideas and implement Best Practices. • Revenue Enhancement: We will actively seek out ways to increase revenues in the areas of sponsorship, advertising and fundraising. • Resources: We will be directing efforts to focus on Chapter support including increasing and retaining members. Together with my running mates, we will implement our plans in an open and transparent manner, working closely with regional and Chapter leaders, to share our collective knowledge and experience for everyone's benefit. Learn more about us at voteuwd.tumblr.com.
Candidate FOR Treasurer
Candidate FOR Secretary
"I would like to serve one more term as National Treasurer." USA Dance is unique and very fortunate in its ability to attract dedicated volunteers who devote enormous amounts of time and energy to its volunteer activities. I am one of those volunteers. As part of the national team since 1997, I served as Corporate Secretary, Senior Vice President, President and currently as Treasurer. My goal has been to help USA Dance be the leading dance organization in the U.S. As Treasurer for the past four years, I have improved the efficiency of the annual audit process, modernized bookkeeping procedures, streamlined the annual budget process, and implemented new chapter level requirements. In recent years I have spent significant amounts of time working with banks and chapter treasurers to update bank accounts. I call that project "Keeping it Legal". Our nonprofit status depends on that as the IRS closely monitors the finances of 501 (c)(3) organizations. I have also worked to register USA Dance in all states where we have chapters, which is necessary for chapters working to attract donations and grants. A vote for me ensures there is a corporate officer who understands this fact: "USA Dance is its members". I know how to manage the corporate side, work with chapter challenges and preserve and use our valued tax exempt status to insure our place in the dance community. Vote for me and I will continue to serve as your Corporate Treasurer with the dedication and passion I have brought to USA Dance since first becoming a member in 1995. I have never lost sight of the USA Dance mission, and we are currently in a unique position to take advantage of increased public awareness and enthusiasm for dance. Vote for Esther Freeman - A VOTE FOR USA DANCE. www.USADANCE.ORG
My name is Greg Warner and I am running for National Secretary of USA Dance. I have been completing Stan Andrews' term, having been appointed by President Lydia Scardina to this position on June 1, 2013. I have been active in USA Dance for the past ten years. I have served on our local board for five years and have been President of Chapter 2017 in Southern Minnesota for 3 years. I have also been the Area Coordinator for District 2 for the past 3 years. I am excited for the opportunity to serve and continue serving USA Dance. I have extensive experience with 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(6) organizations. The former with Mayo Clinic for over 30 years and the latter with the Health Care Compliance Association (HCCA) of which I was a founding board member. I retired from Mayo Clinic on April 30, 2012, after serving in several leadership positions including Chief Human Resources Officer and, for the last 15 years, as Chief Compliance Officer. With HCCA, I served in several leadership roles including President in 2001. Other experiences I bring include serving as Commissioner, Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport; President, Rochester Airport Company; and, recently I was elected to the Pipe Lakes Protection and Rehabilitation District in Polk County Wisconsin. I have the time and energy to commit to USA Dance and I feel my extensive experiences will allow me to make valuable contributions. I have worked extensively in team environments and value diversity of thought and opinion. I would appreciate your support and welcome opportunities to discuss how we as an organization can continually improve USA Dance for all dancers.
2013 September - October 11
Candidate FOR VP of Social Dance JEAN KRUPA
I am the current National Social Dance Vice President for USA Dance, a position I have held for five years. In my first year in this position I organized the National Chapter Conference, designed to bring chapter officials together and learn how to make chapters run smoothly, increase membership, recruit volunteers and learn how to properly run a chapter. Dance Cruise organizer was added to my responsibility the following year. USA Dance will be holding both it's 5th Dance Cruise this year cruising to Bermuda followed by a Caribbean cruise in January 2014. Past cruises have included Alaska and various destinations in the Caribbean, these cruises have added revenue to the general fund, supporting many programs. I have organized a program for Social Dancers at the National Championship competitions which include social dances, social dance workshops and sightseeing. Previously I was the Region 6 Vice President in 2001-2002 and served as the Area Coordinator for Florida chapters for 10 years (1999-2009) and continue to organize two social dance events each year in Florida, the Dance Spree and the Sebring Social. I am a member of the Greater Daytona Chapter, and currently the chapter treasurer. I have also held the offices of President, Secretary, Newsletter Editor and Webmaster and on occasion has been the DJ. I am also a contributing writer for the Socially Yours column for American Dancer magazine. I look forward to serving another term as Social Vice President.
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Candidate FOR VP of DANCESPORT KEN RICHARDS
As the uncontested incumbent for the position of DanceSport-Vice President, I will not take a lot of time or words in this forum away from the other candidates. I encourage all of our members to take an active interest in USA Dance and to get involved in the election. Consider all of the choices carefully when making your voting decision. I also wish to thank all of our Social Dancers for their continued support of our DanceSport Programs. It is an honor to be on the General Council of USA Dance and I am especially pleased to represent and serve all of those in the DanceSport Athletes and Professionals category of membership. I look forward to another term of office and continuing our efforts on behalf of DanceSport as well as our social dance programs.
Candidate FOR DanceSport Delegate INNA BRAYER
Inna Brayer has served on the Governing Council (GC) of USA Dance, Inc. as DanceSport Delegate since 2008. She also assumed the newly created role of "Other Sports Liaison" within USA Dance's governing body. At the age of 7, Inna began participating in competitive ballroom dancing and has held the title of U.S. National 10-Dance Champion multiple times. As an ambassador for USA Dance, Inc., she has also been ranked as high as ninth in the world, competing in six World Championships. Inna participated as a professional dancer on Season 7 of ABC-TV's "Dancing with the Stars" and was partnered with actor Ted McGinley. In 2008 Inna represented USA Dance, Inc. when she was featured on ABC-TV's "Good Morning America" discussing the upcoming National
Championships and the benefits of ballroom dancing. She also served as the choreographer for the Rutgers University Ballroom Dance Team performance on Season 9 of "Dancing with the Stars." She is presently the coach of the current U.S. Junior Champions and enjoys her active involvement within USA Dance, Inc. Inna attended the Mark Twain Middle School for the Gifted and Talented for her competencies in both dance and string instruments and graduated from Edward R. Murrow High School. She graduated from the Hunter College Quest School of Education in 2012 with a B.A. in English and Education. At Hunter, Inna served on the Search Committee for the new dean for the School of Education. Her goal is to develop educational programs for children which stimulate academic achievement through the incorporation of the arts. She looks forward to another term as DanceSport Delegate and seeks your support and vote in the upcoming election.
Candidate FOR DanceSport Delegate SCOTT COATES
My name is Scott Coates and I am running for re-election to The USA DanceSport Council because I want to continue the work I've put in to make our DanceSport competitions run more smoothly for our athletes. As a 5-time USA Dance Champion, I have attended many different competitions in most of the venues in the USA. Some were great and some weren't. Our Observer program has brought about many changes that have helped to correct this. In the past five years as your delegate, I have been in charge of this Observer program. Each Observer is fully trained in respect to all of our rules. Once they are qualified, they are then assigned to a competition. There is now an official Observer at all of the NQE's and at Nationals. The Observer co-ordinates with the Chair of Judges on any issues that arise during the competition and then makes a complete report to the DanceSport www.USADANCE.ORG
Council. Their report includes any violations that occurred as well as any suggestions they may have that can improve the competition. These reports are then reviewed by the DanceSport Council to determine what, if any, changes need to be made by that competition. The results are then conveyed to the Organizer. I think that we have made huge strides forward in the past 5 years in improving our competitions, and I'd like to continue my work for the next 3 years. I would appreciate your vote.
Candidate FOR DanceSport Delegate EDWARD GOLBERT
My name is Edward Golbert and I ask for your vote for the position of DanceSport Delegate. I promise to provide a strong voice for all competitive athletes. I began ballroom dancing at the age of four and it feels like I have been a member of USA Dance for almost as long. I have had the honor and privilege of traveling the country and the world competing at some of the most prestigious national and international competitions. Like most athletes, I have had my ups and downs but I continued to work hard and accomplished many goals throughout my career, including becoming a USA Dance National Champion, a Junior Blackpool Finalist, and a USA Dance World Team Member. Along with my partner Maryanna Krasko, this year I have the honor of representing the USA at the World Games in Columbia. When not competing I coach many of tomorrow's champions at a studio in Brooklyn, NY. I'm also finishing my Exercise Science degree at Brooklyn College to be followed by a Masters in Occupational Therapy. Throughout the years USA Dance has been very supportive of my passion for dance. I believe that it is now time that I give back and put my skills and knowledge to use and continue the great work that has already been done in building a strong national dance organization that protects and supports their athletes. Continued on next page...
2013 September - October 13
As the athletes' voice on the DanceSport Council I plan to: • Expand training programs to all World Team members and other interested athletes • Recognize the hard work of all athletes and ensure we consider all finalists for spots on the World Team as they become available • Continue to ensure open access to all competitions and • Streamline and clarify the Proficiency Point System. Please go to www.facebook.com/ EdwardGolbertforDanceSportDelegate to learn more.
Candidate FOR DanceSport Delegate ROGER GREENAWALT
My vision of USA Dance is as an autonomous organization with judges and scrutineers certified by USA Dance. I would like to see expansion of our training programs to develop young athletes who are consistently competitive at World Championships. And we need to improve NQEs so that invigilation is more standardized, enhancing the experience for all. I also want to grow the number of competitors at all levels and retain competitors as long as possible. Toward these goals, I have: • Proposed "listed" (non-sanctioned) competitions, which have helped small competitions launch and become the seeds of future growth. • Introduced and championed Senior 3 and 4 as "official" age categories, including their elevation to national championship status to keep our "seasoned dancers" engaged in competition. • Promoted rule changes permitting formation of a Special Olympics division. In my current DanceSport Council role, I work with organizers in the sanctioning process and to help maintain compliance with the rules. My background includes: • Danced championship level nearly 15 years and have won national titles in smooth, rhythm and 9-dance. 14 Line of Dance
• Founded and was first president of the Heartland Chapter (Indianapolis). • Helped start three additional Indiana chapters. • Have been a key member of the organization team for 20+ local and NQE (Heartland Classic) competitions; helped organize the 1998 Nationals in Indy. • Worked on the Nationals organizing committee for the last 6 years. By day, I am a health analyst for a benefits firm, currently helping client companies analyze the impact of health care reform on their business. By night and weekend, I am a passionate supporter of ballroom dance and USA Dance. To continue to serve our athletes, expand our competitions, and enhance our position on both the national and international dance fronts, I would appreciate your vote.
Candidate FOR DanceSport Delegate TARAS SAVITSKYY
My name is Taras Savitskyy and I am a candidate for the position of DanceSport Delegate. I was born in the Ukraine and began dancing at the age of 7 after moving to the United States. I entered my first competition at the age of 8 and have been competing ever since, placing in the Finals throughout most of my career. In the past few years I have traveled all over the world for various competitions. Among my recent successes are the 2013 USA Championships – Under 21 10-dance Champion and the 2013 USA Championships – Amateur 10-dance Champion. With my knowledge of dance and my experience as an active competitor in the dancing community, I feel very qualified to represent and serve our DanceSport programs as a delegate. I will do my best to serve in this position and to represent USA Dance and the Governing Council in all that they do for our athletes and dancers. I promise to always give my best insight and opinions to help the Council and all of those who govern our organization.
Phil Sisk National Elections Director 9620 Evansway Lane Richmond, VA 23235
Mail completed ballots to:
Completed ballots must be mailed to the address below to be received by November 2, 2013. Copied or scanned ballots are not authorized and will not be counted.
To vote in this election you must be 18 years of age or older and have a valid USA Dance membership as of July 1, 2013. Please follow the directions on the ballot in voting – your category of membership (Social or DanceSport) limits the positions for which you can vote. Votes in the incorrect category will not be counted.
Two ballots are provided here for those members who share an issue of American Dancer. All voting must be done on an original ballot. If ballots are needed for additional eligible voters in a household, contact the USA Dance Central office at: (800) 447-9047 or by email at email@example.com. You will need to provide the name of the additional member.
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The ballot for the 2014-2016 term of office for the elected positions on the Governing Council of USA Dance is located on the reverse of this form. Photos of each candidate and their campaign statement are located on the previous pages. Due to space restrictions, those statements were limited to 300 words. To allow the candidates an additional venue to expand on their qualifications and goals and to interact with our members, a National Election Forum was created on Facebook at URL https://www.facebook.com/groups/652162084795625/. This is an unrestricted site, open to anyone who wishes to join. Some of the candidates have also set up personal websites or blogs to promote their candidacy and to post additional information that may be of help in making your voting decision. Links to those sites can be found in their statements on the forum page and on the USA Dance website at www.usadance.org.
Phil Sisk National Elections Director 9620 Evansway Lane Richmond, VA 23235
Mail completed ballots to:
Completed ballots must be mailed to the address below to be received by November 2, 2013. Copied or scanned ballots are not authorized and will not be counted.
To vote in this election you must be 18 years of age or older and have a valid USA Dance membership as of July 1, 2013. Please follow the directions on the ballot in voting – your category of membership (Social or DanceSport) limits the positions for which you can vote. Votes in the incorrect category will not be counted.
Two ballots are provided here for those members who share an issue of American Dancer. All voting must be done on an original ballot. If ballots are needed for additional eligible voters in a household, contact the USA Dance Central office at: (800) 447-9047 or by email at firstname.lastname@example.com. You will need to provide the name of the additional member.
The ballot for the 2014-2016 term of office for the elected positions on the Governing Council of USA Dance is located on the reverse of this form. Photos of each candidate and their campaign statement are located on the previous pages. Due to space restrictions, those statements were limited to 300 words. To allow the candidates an additional venue to expand on their qualifications and goals and to interact with our members, a National Election Forum was created on Facebook at URL https://www.facebook.com/groups/652162084795625/. This is an unrestricted site, open to anyone who wishes to join. Some of the candidates have also set up personal websites or blogs to promote their candidacy and to post additional information that may be of help in making your voting decision. Links to those sites can be found in their statements on the forum page and on the USA Dance website at www.usadance.org.
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2013 September - October 15
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USA DANCE NATIONAL ELECTION BALLOT Members with a valid membership in USA Dance as of July 1, 2013 who are 18 years of age or older may cast their ballot for the 2014-2016 Term of Office. National President Yang Chen or
Jean Krupa, Vice President of Social Dance (Incumbent)
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Members with a valid membership in USA Dance as of July 1, 2013 who are 18 years of age or older may cast their ballot for the 2014-2016 Term of Office.
All members may vote for these positions - vote for one candidate per position: or
National Secretary Greg Warner (Incumbent)
Ken Richards, Vice President of DanceSport (Incumbent)
Jean Krupa, Vice President of Social Dance (Incumbent)
Approve USA Dance January 1, 2013 Bylaws
All members may vote on this measure:
DaceSport Delegate - Vote for four (4) only: Inna Brayer (Incumbent) Scott Coates (Incumbent) Edward Goldbert Roger Greenawalt (Incumbent) Taras Savitsky (Incumbent)
Only Athlete members may vote for these positions:
Only Social Dance members may vote for this position:
Lydia Scardina (Incumbent)
Bill Rose (Incumbent)
Ken Richards, Vice President of DanceSport (Incumbent)
National President Yang Chen
Lydia Scardina (Incumbent)
National Senior Vice President Shawn Fisher or
All members may vote for these positions - vote for one candidate per position: Bill Rose (Incumbent)
National Senior Vice President Shawn Fisher or
Esther Freeman (Incumbent)
Esther Freeman (Incumbent)
National Treasurer Michael Brocks or
National Treasurer Michael Brocks or National Secretary Greg Warner (Incumbent)
DaceSport Delegate - Vote for four (4) only: Inna Brayer (Incumbent) Scott Coates (Incumbent) Edward Goldbert Roger Greenawalt (Incumbent) Taras Savitsky (Incumbent)
Only Athlete members may vote for these positions:
Only Social Dance members may vote for this position:
Approve USA Dance January 1, 2013 Bylaws
All members may vote on this measure:
Your First Name, MI (Print):
Your Last Name (Print):
Your Membership Number:
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16 Line of Dance
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2013 September - October 17
OLYMPIC DAY In Orlando
Honoring DanceSport Athletes, Olympians, Olympic Ideals!
By John Davis, President, Orlando FL Chapter
Orlando Fashion Square Mall shoppers knew something big was about to happen on Sunday afternoon, June 23. Crowds had gathered in front of the Center Court Stage and along the 2nd floor railings overlooking the stage. TV cameras and reporters were interviewing two athletes in Olympic outfits. Dozens of dancers in competition costumes were lining up along the main concourse. Suddenly, the sound of Olympic music filled the mall and the Olympians entered, leading the Parade of Athletes and carrying the Olympic Day banner, followed by more than 60 DanceSport athletes behind the Orlando USA Dance Chapter banner.
Photos Courtesy of John Davis
The Olympic athletes took the stage: Paula King, 1976/1980 Olympics High Jumper from Tampa; and Brittany Viola, 2012 Olympics Diver originally from Orlando. They commented about their Olympic experiences and the Olympic Ideals of Fair Play, Perseverance, Respect, and Sportsmanship. The crowd listened with rapt attention. A proclamation from Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs was read, proclaiming June 23 as "Olympic Day� in Orange County, and explaining that USA
18 Dance Floor
Dance Inc. is the National Governing Body for DanceSport in the U.S.
the DanceSport heats - preparation for attending their third USA Dance National DanceSport Championships next year. USA Dance National The Orlando Chapter's DanceSport athletes, all Social Dance Vice-Pres Jean Krupa was a volunteer ages and levels, then took the stage and the "model" "judge" for the model heats, along with Assistant competition began. District 9 Coordinator Ten competition Darlene Siciliano. Our "The Orlando Chapter's DanceSport heats alternated Chapter Board members athletes, all ages and levels, then with 20 awesome handled registration. showcase took the stage and the "model" performances. We also included fun competition began." The first spotlight Merengue, Swing, and Salsa performance was songs where athletes and a Rumba by seven visually-impaired dancers and audience all danced together. The crowd loved it, their volunteer USA Dance partners from our and the mall rocked for a solid two hours! Chapter's dance classes with Lighthouse of Central Our thanks to the U.S. Olympic Committee, Florida. The second performance was a Merengue Olympians Paula & Brittany, DJ's Bobby & Judi, by four dancers with Special Needs and their our dancers, volunteers, photographers, and the volunteer USA Dance partners from our Chapter's Orlando Fashion Square Mall. dance classes with the City of Altamonte Springs. The third dance was a wonderful ChaCha by the youngest dancer, 4-yr-old Grace Drummond dancing with her father Ricky.
We look forward to showing the public the excitement of DanceSport again at next year's Olympic Day Celebration.
Preteen and teen dancers from Giving Dance Inc. performed several numbers and danced in www.USAdance.ORG
2013 September - October
"How ballroo By Michael Mecham, AD Staff
Marie James-Banderas – Savannah, Georgia
My cousin recommended that I take dance lessons for my 20th high school reunion. Been dancing ever since!
René Zgraggen – Montgomery, Alabama When I was a boy, my mother used to take me dancing on Saturday night at the local dance hall. She taught me Viennese Waltz and Polka. I really enjoyed it.
20 Dance Floor
here are hundreds of scientific studies that show the benefits of dance, but in July, USA Dance members shared the daily benefits they get from dancing. Many members shared what scientists have been trying to prove through there studies: dancing is healthy and rejuvenating to the mind and body. For some members dance is a simply a way to articulate their feelings and emotions through movement, yet others rely on dance for the confidence and support they find there. With all the benefits from dance, it's difficult to come up with a good reason not to start dancing. Some USA Dance members shared how they got their start on the dance floor in response to a Facebook post by Ken Richards. Here are some of the stories that came from the responses.
w did you start om dancing?" There were responses from a FaceBook thread started by DanceSport VP Ken Richards on USA Dance Inc.
Michael Verdone – Columbia, South Carolina
Michael Verdone was inspired to dance in the 70's by some of the German pilots he was training with in California. He would go to a dance club and quickly saw that his dancing was far inferior to the German pilots and their wives. He vowed to learn to dance. He didn't start dancing until years later, but he finally did. He even started competing, and in February of this year he competed in eight different categories at the MidAtlantic Championships. He continues to take lessons.
John Graves – Indianapolis, Indiana
Tom Schultz – Desamparaditos, San Jose, Costa Rica Dancing may have prolonged or even saved Tom Schultz's life. Tom suffered a heart attack at 48. Tom's wife Shelley bought him a gift certificate for dance lessons so they could do some exercises together. The new "exercise" became Tom's passion and he and Shelley soon had goals for competing. Tom lost 100 pounds in his first year of dancing and he and Shelly worked on their competitive dancing. Their latest efforts earned them a fifth place finish at the 2013 National DanceSport Championships in the Senior III Pre-Champ Standard division.
A somewhat miraculous phone call introduced John Graves to ballroom dancing and changed his life. He was sitting at home one night and got a phone call where the caller said, "If you answer three of these five questions correctly, you will win three free dance lessons." Speculative at first, John answered the questions and won! He took the dance lessons and continued dancing. Since that night in 1983 John has learned 12 different dances and has been a member of USA Dance for 20 years. For the complete responses visit the USA Dance Inc. page on Facebook. www.USAdance.ORG
2013 September - October
DISCOVER the
Romantic Moment of Ernest Borel
The Swiss Watch Brand Legacy in Celebration of Dance
he rich history of Swiss watchmaker Ernest Borel dates back to 1856 when thirdgeneration watchmaker Jules Borel first aspired to create his own distinctive watch brand and turn the family business in the Swiss Jura mountains into a more global enterprise.
After successfully establishing its first market abroad, Ernest Borel won several of the industry's highest awards -- the coveted first prize from the Swiss Neuchatel Observatory in 1866; then in 1876, their products were granted First prize in Philadelphia (USA) for the high quality of their watches, and in 1878 in Paris, France, the only Gold medal ever obtained by the Swiss clock/watch industry. Among watchmakers worldwide, the company's destiny was now assured.
Today, with more than 900 retail outlets throughout the world, Ernest Borel has become a recognized dignitary of the Swiss Made label. Protected and controlled by Swiss laws, this label is bestowed only on watches made in Switzerland and only if they meet the time-honored traditions, quality and knowledge of the industry's master craftsmen, dating back to more than 300 years. Two years ago, Ernest Borel became an official brand alliance partner and national sponsor of USA Dance, an ideal union, as both partners understand and embody the value of dance and how those moments in time enrich and shape lives forever. In 2013, Ernest Borel was the proud sponsor of the USA Dance National DanceSport Championships and the 4th annual Star Quality Awards in Los Angeles. Our financial support also funds five USA Dance National Qualifying Events – the MAC, the Southwest DanceSport Championships, the Gumbo DanceSport Championships, the Carolina Fall Classic and the Chicago DanceSport Championships – and the inaugural Youth DanceSport Training Camp at the U.S. Olympic Training Facility in Lake Placid. Thomas Huggler at Gumbo DanceSport Championships
In the late 1890s, an important turning point for the company occurred when founder Jules Borel retired. His son Ernest inherited management of the company and sought to further strengthen the brand's presence. His inspiration came when he attended a noble dance and met a beautiful lady. This romantic personal moment soon became the enduring symbol of Ernest Borel timepieces, and the dance couple logo would represent the company's mastery of Swiss technology and the inherent and sustaining values of romance, elegance, precision, originality and superior quality. For more information about Ernest Borel, the new 2013 Watch Collection or to participate in the 20% USA Dance donation program, please visit www.ernestborel.ch or contact USA representative Thomas Huggler at email@example.com or 877-566-1824.
Greater New York Chapter
'Unity Through Dance'
in 7th Annual Dance Parade
By Nicole Barron, Member, Greater New York Chapter
This year's parade represented over 65 different styles of dance in addition to ballroom dance including flamenco, ballet, Afro-Brazilian, hip-hop, roller disco, and more.
favorite part of the parade was "the wild energy and costumes of the dance troupes." This year's parade participants came together under the theme "Unity Through Dance." Dance Parade New York, which organizes the parade each year, is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting dance.
The organization started as a reaction to then New York's Mayor Rudy Giuliani's resurrection of The chapter has participated since the first parade the 1926 Cabaret Law in the early 1990s. The law in 2007. Each year the group could be distinguished required a license for any establishment where more by their matching T-shirts, than four individuals which were a different were dancing and How could you not enjoy dancing where food and alcohol color every year with the title "The Best in Ballroom down Broadway with [5800] other was also being served. in NYC" on the back of This caused a number enthusiastic dancers?" each one. of legitimate dance establishments to be "How could you not enjoy dancing down Broadway fined and closed after Mayor Giuliani's revival of with [5800] other enthusiastic dancers?" said the law. Stephanie Sutton who was visiting New York from Indianapolis with her husband, Steve, when they Yang Chen, president of the Greater New York participated in this year's parade with their daughter. Chapter, said, "If you were with friends at a bar, and "The Greater New York USA Dance chapter was a song you like comes on the jukebox and you start warmly welcoming to us Indianapolis members, and dancing, that bar might get fined or shut down. our neon yellow T-shirts, although not as elaborate Attempts were made to get the law changed but as some costumes, vibrantly set us apart." without success. It's still on the books."
Sean Holohan, who has participated in the past five dance parades with the USA Dance group, said his 24 Dance Floor
Justice Michael Stallman of the New York Supreme Court upheld the law in 2006 and ruled that social
Photos Courtesy of Nicole Barron
he Greater New York chapter loves to dance down the streets of New York. Chapter members danced alongside over 5,800 dancers in the Seventh Annual Dance Parade on May 18.
dance was not considered an expressive form of art. This ruling meant that social dancing could no longer be protected by New York State's first amendment freedom of expression clause. Greg Miller, founder and executive director of Dance Parade, gained support from elected officials in 2006 and obtained a parade permit to celebrate dance and demonstrate that all forms of dance were expressive. The first parade was held the following year in 2007. www.USAdance.ORG
As dancers, we [first] took part to support the freedom to dance, and to make sure ballroom dance was represented in the parade. Over time, Dance Parade has become more about celebrating the many cultures of New York City as expressed through dance..."
Over the years the number of the Greater New York chapter's group of parade participants has grown. Holohan said, "The shirts are the same. The group's gotten somewhat larger." Chen said, "As dancers, we [first] took part to support the freedom to dance, and to make sure ballroom dance was represented in the parade. Over time, Dance Parade has become more about celebrating the many cultures of New York City as expressed through dance. We have been proudly representing ballroom and USA Dance as the Greater New York Chapter from 2007 to the present."
2013 September - October
Socially yours
Beyond Lead and Follow: How to look like a ballroom dancer. By Jean Krupa, Social Dance VP
If you are a golfer, tennis player, bowler or have another skilled hobby, you want to look and play your best while you do it. Ballroom dancing is a form of recreation, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't try to look and perform your best while on the dance floor. Graceful lines are more important than intricate steps.
The pleasure of ballroom dancing can be enhanced by the knowledge of how to guide the lady. A man may spend hours trying to perfect his golf or tennis swing, yet think nothing of struggling to get around the dance floor without discomfort to both himself and his partner. Dancing without flexibility in the body tends to be robotic and expressionless. The rhythmic quality of dance is what makes it the most fascinating of the arts. When dancers move with constricted movements, they lose their gracefulness. As your dancing evolves, individual mannerisms appear that can distract and affect your dancing.
Some of these tendencies for men to avoid are: 1. Holding the head down. 2. Bending forward too much at the waist. 3. Side-bending at the waist with each step causing a pump handle motion of the arm.
4. Holding the left arm rigid. 5. Hunching the shoulders or holding one shoulder higher than the other.
26 Dance Floor
6. Gripping your partner with the right arm so as to prevent her from stepping easily.
7. Not holding her firmly enough for support. 8. Leaning too far back causing the legs to lead. 9. Dancing with continually bent or continually straight knees.
10. Bobbing up and down with every step instead of gliding.
11. Stepping from the knee instead of swinging the
leg from the hip.
12. Not allowing the knee to give softly when it receives your body weight.
13. Not extending the ankle when stepping backward.
14. Not relaxing the muscles of the thighs and hips causing a jerky motion.
While gentlemen may always dance in the same manner; the lady on the other had must be able to adapt her style to fit that of whomever she is dancing with yet, she too must avoid certain tendencies.
The most important tendencies for the ladies to avoid are: 1. Looking down giving her an awkward appearance when stepping backward.
2. Failure to carry the hips forward giving her an
4. Not looking over the gentleman's right shoulder which interferes with her ability to step straight backwards.
5. Hooking the left arm under the partner's right
instead of placing it lightly on his shoulder or bicep.
6. Tensing the right arm and hand. 7. Failure to arch the back by lifting the chest. 8. Bending back at the waist instead of lifting the chest and swinging the leg from the hip.
9. Stepping with the feet apart instead of on a line with the knees held closely together.
10. Allowing the foot to swing outward in a semicircle.
11. Tensing the muscles of the thighs and hips which may cause the step to be taken before the man (not following). 12. Sliding heavily instead of raising the foot and gliding into place.
13. Failure to wait for the man to lead the step. The task to lead falls upon the man. The task for the woman is to follow. Social dancing with a partner must be a cooperative matter with both parties presenting an effort to make the dance an enjoyable one.
Happy Dancing!
awkward appearance.
3. Hunching the shoulders. www.USAdance.ORG
2013 September - October
PUBLIC EYE Angela Prince
!Fabuloso! THE WORLD GAMES 2013 Una Celebracion Mundial De Baile! Proudly Representing the USA:
At press time for American Dancer, comprehensive coverage of USA Dance athletes competing at The World Games 2013 in Cali, Colombia (South America) was not possible. The full story with photos and interviews will appear in the NovemberDecember issue.
28 On Beat
Ballroom/Standard – Yuriy Nartov & Yulia Blagova Latin – Edward Golbert & Maryann Krasko Salsa -- Kumo Tineo & Christina Tully If you watched any of the two nights of DanceSport competitions on livestream – Salsa, Ballroom (International Standard) and International Latin, courtesy of the International Olympic Committee's website www.theworldgames2013.com, you'll understand that this was truly one of DanceSport's grandest moments…and reaffirmation that the Olympic journey is a dream within sight.
If you read the comments posted from our athletes on Facebook (USA Dance Inc and on their personal pages), you can share in their elation, sense of pride representing their country and appreciation for an opportunity USA Dance made possible for them.
Photo Courtesy of DanceBeat magazine
Until everyone arrived in Cali and became part of the world family of DanceSport, it was impossible to fathom the experience ahead. But imagine 15,000+ spectators (and millions watching via livestream), celebrating every step our athletes took, the unbelievable noise level of cheering spectators in the stands, and people throughout the city, every where they went, embracing them and asking them to dance.
!Fabuloso! Una Celebracion Mundial De Baile (a fabulous worldwide celebration of dance)! Top Photo: Edward Golbert & Maryann Krasko Middle: Couples in Opening Ceremony Bottom: Yuriy Nartov & Yulia Blagova (Blue Dress)
Photo Courtesy of Dolce Vita Dance Company
Photo Courtesy of Ken Richards
2013 September - October
USA Dance Athlete Training Camp at USOC Lake Placid Facility A special thank you to USA Dance national sponsor Ernest Borel, Swiss watchmaker, whose financial support helped fund the junior and youth dancesport athlete training camp, held in May at the United States Olympic Training Facility at Lake Placid.
Sasha Dubinsky: "This weekend was an experience that I will never forget. Thank you so very much." Group Message: "We are very, very grateful for making a dream come true!"
For everyone who supported this program, USA Dance would like to share several of the comments from the athletes in appreciation of the opportunity: Angela Gerzberg: "I will cherish this moment for the rest of my life. Not only have you created an amazing dance experience, but you have also helped me learn a lot more and create new friendships." Konwalia Owczarz: "Wow, this has been the experience of a lifetime...I hope we can come back again next year."
Photo Courtesy of Shawn Fisher
Never Too Late To Be Great! National and State Senior Games Attract USA Dance Competitors Two of our USA Dance members participated recently in the Washington State Senior Games, bringing home the Gold medal for American Tango, Silver for Foxtrot and Bronze for Waltz. Congratulations to Skeeter Smith and Janice Gray, President and member of the Bellingham Chapter! Now in its 17th year, the Washington State opencompetition event attracted nearly 2,000 senior athletes, from ages 50 to over 100, who participated in 19 sports with dancesport, being among the favorites. This all-volunteer 501c3 nonprofit state organization is part of the National Senior Games, a biennial national championship and the largest multi-sport event in the world for senior athletes. 30 On Beat
Photo Courtesy of Skeeter Smith
Southern Hospitality At Its Finest -- Gumbo Style!
There's no question that Louisiana has a distinctive lifestyle all its own – but you'd have to attend the USA Dance Gumbo DanceSport Championships in Baton Rouge to fully absorb what that really means. From the moment you arrive at the host hotel and enter the ballroom, whether you're a competitor or a spectator, you just know something is going to be different and you're part of it.
Photos Courtesy of Angela Prince
This year, the Senior IV National Championships, which included all proficiency levels, prevailed at the competition, and there was an impressive showing of pre-teen, juniors and youth competing. The Baton Rouge area has a highly successful Dancing Classrooms program, and many of the young dancers were The Show at the Saturday evening banquet. Hats off once again to Ann Durocher, well-loved "maestro" of the Gumbo, who has created a finelytuned and loyal team of volunteers that know their job and simply love being a part of this Southern hospitality tradition.
"From the moment you arrive at the host hotel and enter the ballroom, whether you're a competitor or a spectator, you just know something is going to be different and you're part of it."
2013 September - October
By Ken Richards, DanceSport VP
The 2013 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the World DanceSport Federation and the Professional Division took place over the days of June 15, 16 in Shanghai, China. This is the annual meeting of all Delegates from the ninety-plus Member Bodies with the Presidium. Of course, as a Presidium Member, my meetings began two days sooner and ran one day after for a total of five days of meetings and little time for sightseeing. It wasn't all work as we attended a tour hosted by the Chinese Federation of the China Art Museum and a dinner at one of the town's tourist hot-spots, atop the Oriental Peal Radio and TV Tower (1,535 sq ft). Unfortunately the smog was so incredibly thick, the view of the river and skyline could not be appreciated. The meeting on the other hand was smooth sailing compared to the controversial issues of the 2012 Berlin meeting. None of the Member Bodies brought any motions to the floor and those of the Presidium were widely accepted with little opposition. This was my first year sitting at the Presidium table during an AGM and I am personally glad it was a year with agreement and further unity. The actual minutes to the meeting can be found on the WDSF website and matters
32 DanceSport
such as the re-alignment of the Senior age divisions, are all being brought before the USA Dance DanceSport Council in August to develop the US reaction to the International rule changes. The U.S. Delegates were USA Dance President, Lydia Scardina and Executive Vice-President, Bill Rose. Lydia was also nominated to serve as a "scrutineer� (a vote tabulator) to assist with any close votes and the pending election. The meeting itself has a feeling of the United Nations with rows of tables, two seats each, and a country name card. The Presidium sits at a head table and the corners have video screens projecting relevant information being discussed. Anyone that wishes to speak on a topic is identified by the Chairman of the meeting and takes his/her place in cue behind the Podium/ Microphone. It is very impressive, respectful and democratic. The main topic for the end of the day was the election. Of course the WDSF is governed under Swiss Law and this makes for a very different election process than we may be used to in the USA, with no advance campaigning, announcements of candidates and nominations from the floor. First, the entire Presidium steps down from office and their seats at the head table www.USAdance.ORG
Photos Courtesy of Ken Richards
as the election is turned over to a mutually agreed upon person to conduct the process. The President, Carlos Freitag, made a presentation encouraging the AGM to support a slate of candidates that he thought should move forward in the election. The former 2nd Vice-President had stepped down from office, so the President nominated Michael Eichert of Germany to that position. He ran unopposed, as did the 1st Vice-President, President, Treasurer and Sports Director. This left 8 people running for the 6 Ordinary Presidium positions. Each person was given 2 minutes to speak to the floor and then a secret ballot was held. At the end of the voting, I secured the 6th position beating the next candidate (from China) by just two votes and the candidate from Denmark. Inasmuch two new Presidium Members, one from Italy and one from Romania were added to the team that is committed to the furtherance of DanceSport. 2013 September - October
Beyond the medals
Judging DanceSport in South Korea By Wayne Crowder, Chairman, DanceSport Certification Committee
t was an honor to be asked to judge at the 4th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games (AIMAG) which were held over eight days in Incheon, Korea, from June 29 to July 6, 2013. These games were organized by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) which serves as the governing body of all the sports in Asia, and is one of the five continental associations recognized by the International Olympic Committee. Over 1,663 athletes representing 44 Asian nations attended these games. As a spectator to several of the other sports and as an official adjudicator of the dance sport portion, I cannot say enough about the 2,298 volunteers that worked the event.
The athletes that competed had more at stake than just winning a Bronze, Silver, or Gold Medal. Each country's sport relied on their athlete's performance to determine the amount of funding they received from their national sports program. So you can imagine the
pressure placed on each of the athletes and their coaching staff on that one performance. You can also imagine the pressure on the judges and the adjudication system to evaluate each performance fairly and precisely.
The earlier rounds of the competition were judged exactly like we do in this country, where the judges recall the couples they would like to see in the final round. The judges were seated at the edge of the floor with their backs to a large results screen high overhead. As the judges make their marks on the laptop computers in front of them, only the 34 DanceSport
spectator base and the competitors could see each mark as they are entered. The real difference in the judging system occurred in the final round. For the final round, each couple took the floor separately to dance their solo performance in each of the dances for that category. In other words, in Latin each couple danced their Samba solo; then the Cha Cha Cha; then the Rumba; and so on. Every judge marked each couple from 0 to 10, (10 being Outstanding), on five elements of evaluation: • Posture, Balance, Coordination
Posture and Poise, Body Line, Shape, Design, Hold or Holds, Positions and Transitions, Balance, Static-Dynamic, Individual – Couple, Coordination of Movement.
• Quality of Movement
Actions, General, Style Specific, Dynamics, Flow, Weight, Time, Space.
• Movement to Music
Time, Tempo, Rhythmical Structure, Phrasing, Timing, Musicality.
• Partnering Skill
Physical Connection, Communication Without Physical Connection, Appropriateness, Effectiveness, Consistency.
• Choreography and Presentation
Well Balanced Choreography, Content, Space, Partnering, Level of Difficulty, Atmosphere, Creativity, Expression, Interpretation.
Photos Courtesy of Wayne Crowder
As in the earlier rounds, only the spectators could see the judge's marks as they are being entered. This system of judging was based upon other artistic Olympic sports and developed by the Japan Dance Sport Federation. The developers of the system focused on creating an objective judging criteria that the media, spectators, and sponsors require, as well as an absolute evaluation of the couple's performance to improve their training. I found this to be a very unique and different way of looking at the way DanceSport is judged. The real time transparency of the judge's evaluation of each couple appeared to involve the spectator in the adjudication process. Instead of merely www.USAdance.ORG
watching the event unfold, the spectators could see what each judge was thinking and how their evaluation affected the total score. And for the athletes, instead of being placed second or third and not knowing why, the scores revealed their strengths and weaknesses within the five elements of evaluation. The only thing that is constant is change. Moving forward we must continue to embrace new ideas that will improve the DanceSport adjudication process by making it more transparent and objective. In doing so, we will continue to build the popularity and acceptance of our sport.
2013 September - October
orld W C hampionships WDSF
Youth Latin In Chengdu, China, the "home of the Giant Pandas," 65 couples representing 36 countries and territories competed in the World DanceSport Federation Youth Latin World Championships July 13. Among those couples were Briant Leytman and Nino Dzneladze and Stanislav Pavlov and Jessica Karpishin representing the United States. Competitors were bussed to the Shuangliu Sports Centre at 10 a.m. in a city that has become known as China's "DanceSport Capital" to begin their portion of the Chengdu International DanceSport Festival. The festival began several days before the Youth Latin World Championships took place, so the stage was prepped for the world's best youth Latin dancers. It was the first appearance at a world championship for both United States couples. Their entrance to the world stage wasn't a disappointment as both couples sailed through the first round of competition. Leytman and Dzneladze finished 26, while Pavlov and Karpishin placed 43 overall. By Michael Mecham, AD Staff Photo Courtesy of Oleg Leytman
Photo of Briant Leytman and Nino Dzneladze
36 DanceSport
2013 September - October
COM PE T I T I O N S CA L E NDAR 2013- 2014 *September 7, 2013
Kansas City Dance Classic
Stanley, KS
September 28, 2013
New England DanceSport Championships - NQE
Danvers, MA
October 4 - 6, 2013
November 9, 2013
California State DanceSport Championships - NQE
Emeryville, CA
January 17 - 19, 2014
Manhattan Amateur Classic MAC - NQE
Manhattan, NY
Carolina Fall Classic - NQE
January 31 - February 1
October 12 - 13, 2013
Culver City, CA
Charlotte, NC
Northwest DanceSport Championships - NQE
Portland, OR
November 1 - 3, 2013 Chicago DanceSport Challenge - NQE
Chicago, IL
Southwest DanceSport Championships - NQE
February 15 -16, 2014
Mid-Atlantic Championships - NQE
Bethesda, MD
March 28 - 30, 2014 National DanceSport Championships Baltimore, MD
Events listed with an asterisk (*) do not accrue proficiency points. Competitions noted as "NQE" are National Qualifying Events for the National DanceSport Championships.
look for future event updates at
Collegiate Events on Facebook
sign onto Facebook, click on "Groups," and type in "USA Dance Competitions"
www.usadance.org/dancesport/competition-calendar/ 38 DanceSport
2013 September - October
Gumbo of
By Cecil Phillips, Judge
According to the responses of competitors and spectators, the 14th annual "Gumbo of Ballroom" in Baton Rouge, held June 28-30, was again a winner by all measures of success for USA Dance events. The heats ran on or ahead of schedule, the music was excellent, the facility was first-class, the judging was highly professional, the hospitality was warm, the audience was wildly enthusiastic, and the dancing was superb.
Kelvin & Michelle Pho, of Austin, TX: Adult Standard Champions.
This year, the USA Dance Gumbo DanceSport Championships were designated as the host for the National Championships for the Senior IV age group, which added a special cache` to the NQE status of the event.
In the youth age groups Jack and Michaela Polmann of Dunedin, FL won seven gold medals, including the Junior II Ten-Dance. Reginald Larkins and Dasia May of Lake Charles, LA won eight Golds in Junior Bronze and Open events.
Dancers came from 30 states to the Crowne Plaza Hotel. They filled out the two-and-a-half-day schedule, comprising 192 heats in all categories of USA Dance competition. Among the 273 dancers were 50 in the youth age groups and 26 in the Senior IV group.
"Gumbo" is a dish that originated in Louisiana, and the word has come to be used as a metaphor for a mix of unique elements that combine to create something extraordinary or delicious. Spectators from surrounding communities filled nearly every seat. Sponsors provided support and scholarships. Dancers brought incredible talent. Volunteers answered questions and were readily available. And a little Southern charm was sprinkled over everything to give the whole event that little extra something. The event organizer Ann Durocher and her incredible team are responsible for creating the perfect "Gumbo of Ballroom."
Support for the competition from different sponsors was phenomenal! Donated scholarship awards totaled $10,600. Among the highest award winners were: Damian Pataluna & Irina Morozova, of Louisville, KY: Nine-Dance and Adult Rhythm Champions. Andrew Sim & Emily Cobb-Hines, of Flushing, NY: Ten-Dance and Adult Latin Champions. 40 DanceSport
Nels Petersen & Theresa Kimler, of Lino Lakes, MN: Adult Smooth Champions. James Kleinrath & Melody Singleton, of San Carlos, CA: Senior IV Standard and Smooth National Champions.
Results from the Gumbo of Ballroom and other competitions are available at 02cm.com
Damian Pataluna & Irina Morozova Nine-Dance & Adult Rhythm Champions
Kelvin & Michelle Pho Adult Standard Champions
Amateur Senior IV Championship Rhythm
1) 415 Carl Blevins & Lelia Blevins - Florida 2) 366 Jerry Snyder & Jo Ann Snyder - North Caro Amateur Senior IV Championship Smooth
1) 398 James Kleinrath & Melody Singleton - California 2) 366 Jerry Snyder & Jo Ann Snyder - North Caro 3) 415 Carl Blevins & Lelia Blevins - Florida 4) 340 James Benjamin & Suzanne Benjamin - Iowa Amateur Senior IV Championship Standard
1) 398 James Kleinrath & Melody Singleton - California 2) 385 Sumner Goodman & Grace Goodman - New York 3) 340 James Benjamin & Suzanne Benjamin - Iowa 4) 364 Colin Huggett & Helene Huggett - Colorado www.USAdance.ORG
James Kleinrath & Melody Singleton Senior IV Standard & Smooth National Champions Photos By Terry O'Brien
2013 September - October
Photos Courtesy of ballroom dream
42 DanceSport
Summer Sizzler By Michael Mecham, AD Staff
New Jersey is an impressive state. It has the highest population density of any state in the United States, and it also has the tallest water tower in the world. New Jersey also claims the longest boardwalk in the world, the first drive-in movie theatre, the first baseball game, and Atlantic City which hosts the Miss America Pageant and is where the street names for the Monopoly board game come from. New Jersey is impressive, and in June the state was blessed to host the equally impressive New Jersey DanceSport Classic Summer Sizzler. The Summer Sizzler is an annual event organized by Mario Battista and Wendi Davies. The event was held June 8-9 at the Roger's Dance Center in Hackensack. The beautiful facility, helpful staff, generous donors, and incredible dancing made the competition as wonderful as ever. Because the Summer Sizzler is a national qualifying event, many of the area's best dancers participated. Some of these couples didn't have to wait until nationals to be rewarded as more than $4,000 dollars in scholarships were awarded to the top competitors in over a dozen different categories. www.USAdance.ORG
Hailed one of the most beautiful ballrooms in New Jersey, the Roger's Dance Center provided a perfect venue with more than 12,000 square feet of dance space. The dancers from Ballroom Dream dance studio took home the Team Match trophy thanks to the efforts of their "Dream Team" competitors.
"Our kids worked very hard for this trophy," said studio owner and teacher
Dasha Sushko. They must have been working hard, because each of the studio's seven couples that attended the competition also qualified for the 2014 National DanceSport Championships in Baltimore. Mario Battista and Wendi Davies have been organizing this competition for years, and with their expert team beside them, every issue was handled, every eventuality was planned for, and everything came together for another amazing Summer Sizzler. Results from the Summer Sizzler and other competitions are available at 02cm.com 2013 September - October
The National Collegiate DanceSport Championships By Shawn Fisher, DanceSport Council Member
The National Collegiate DanceSport Championships will be held November 23 -24, 2013 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Ohio. The event has become a favorite for competitors and spectators over the years. The energy from the cheering onlookers is only surpassed by the couples' energy on the dance floor. 44 InStep
November 23 - 24, 2013
For more information go to: www.usadancencc.org The Collegiate National Formation Championships draw some of the best formation teams in the country. Many of these teams reside in the West, and this year there will be some new entries from Dixie State College and New Mexico State University. We welcome them to an already experienced group from Claremont College, UC San Diego, and Utah Valley University.
Photo By AD Staff
The event has grown in the past seven years from one section of the ballroom and 300 students to what it is today: the entire ballroom with a 3,750 square foot floor to more easily accommodate the larger events that have more than 100 couples in the category and risers have also been added for spectators to better enjoy the events. There are over 100 college ballroom programs in the United States and up to 45 of those universities attend the NCDC. We have had numbers close to 1,000 students attending the event in past years. Many do not realize but the people organizing the event do so as volunteers. I would like to suggest to all the dancers and observers that they try to remember to thank them when they get the chance: Stan Andrews, Amanda Ashcraft, Esther Freeman, Daphna Locker, Joy Price, and Debbie Russell. Some of these volunteers have been helping for more than six years. www.USAdance.ORG
One highlight of the two-day championships is always the team event at the end of the competition. Teams from different colleges come prepared to battle it out through a variety of means–from feathered-boas to matching t-shirts and war paint. They even mix in some dancing to keep things interesting. Another highlight for the students is to attend the evening sessions of the Ohio Star Ball on Friday and Saturday night. Every year within the competition is another competition held for teams. The teams accumulate points through entry results from all the events during the two-day period. Over $10,000 is awarded to the top three teams. I would like to personally thank, on behalf of USA Dance, Sam Sodano for his generous donation that allows us to have the awards for the best overall teams. Some of the perennial powerhouse teams have been Michigan, Maryland (BAM), Purdue, and Carnegie Mellon, to name a few. At the end of the competition winners walk away with a trophy, a scholarship, and a year of bragging rights. 2013 September - October
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SHOES Supadance Tan Satin Sandal #1403 with stones on heel, size 2 (UK), 2-1/2" heel, used 2 times with stockings, excellent condition, asking $70; Freed Tan Satin Sandal "Tina", size 2 (UK), 2-1/2" heel, used one time with stockings, excellent condition, asking $70; International Tan Satin Sandals (2 pair) "Lorraine", size 2 (UK), 3" heel, used 2 times with stockings, excellent condition. asking $70, contact Nancy at 770-548-9887. Supadance Black Satin Sandal #1918, size 2 (UK), 3" heel, used 2 times with stockings, excellent condition, asking $80; Freed Gold/Silver/Black Fabric "Rita", size 2 (UK), 2-1/2" heel, never worn, new, asking $45; Freed White Satin Sandal "Classic", size 2 (UK), 3" heel, never worn, new, asking $45, contact Nancy at 770-548-9887.
46 InStep
The Executive Counsel has decided that after this issue of American Dancer the DanceMart section in the magazine will be discontinued due to it not being widely used.
Photo By Carson Zullinger
USA Dance National DanceSport Championships
Baltimore, md March 28 - 30, 2014


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Chinese wind farm makes Kyoto profits from Dutch
Date: 14-Mar-03
Country: CHINA
By producing electricity without emitting greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide, then selling the credit it gets for keeping the air clean to the Dutch, the Huitengxile wind farm, northwest of Beijing, will pay for its own expansion.
"At the moment that they prove they've reduced emissions, we'll begin to pay," the Deputy Manager of Carbon Credits at the Netherlands Ministry of Economic Affairs, Egbert Liese, told Reuters.
The Netherlands yesterday approved the first overseas sustainable energy projects it will fund in order to cut greenhouse gases under the Kyoto protocol.
The Dutch will purchase emission credits through the 18 projects, which aim to cut carbon dioxide emissions by more than 16 megatonnes, the environment ministry said in a statement.
Apart from China, the 18 projects which focus on sustainable energy and clean techologies, will take place in Bolivia, Brazil, Costa Rica, El Salvador, India, Indonesia, Jamaica and Panama.
Under the 1997 Kyoto Protocol, countries are allowed to fund projects such as wind parks, biomass-powered energy plants and solar energy projects in developing countries and get credits toward up to half their goal in cutting emissions.
The Dutch have undertaken to cut greenhouse gas emissions by six percent versus the level in 1990, during the period 2008 to 2012, with half the decrease realised outside the Netherlands.
China gets about 70 percent of its energy from burning coal making it home to some of the world's most polluted cities.
China, as a developing nation, is not bound by the goals for restraining carbon dioxide emissions laid out in the Kyoto agreement, but Chinese support is crucial for its survival.
It is the world's second largest producer of carbon dioxide emissions, and the United States, the greatest emitter of greenhouse gasses, has long cited the fact that China is not bound by the protocol as one reason why it will not ratify the deal.

subset: commoncrawl


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Mt. Pleasant area pharmacies strive to survive
Prior to opening New Stanton Pharmacy in 1989, Mt. Pleasant's John Ristway gave fleeting thought to establishing a retail prescription drug care business in the borough he calls home.
"I looked into it, but, at the time, there was no need for another pharmacy in town," said Ristway, 62, who today is semi-retired.
In all, Ristway recalls four independent, locally owned pharmacies lining Main Street in the borough at that time — Gunsallus & Armor Pharmacy, Burns Drug, the Medicine Shoppe and Diamond Pharmacy of Mt. Pleasant.
Nearly a quarter century later, the borough is left with no such locally owned businesses following the December sale of Diamond Pharmacy's retail operation to CVS Pharmacy.
All prescriptions for Diamond customers were subsequently transferred to CVS Pharmacy's Mt. Pleasant location.
Ristway, who still operates his business roughly 6 miles northwest of Mt. Pleasant in New Stanton Borough, is among a handful of local, independent pharmacists who still offer "personalized service with a friendly touch," he said.
"For some people, they just really prefer an independent pharmacy," said Ristway, adding that the business will deliver prescriptions for free within a roughly 5-mile radius.
"We're very friendly people to work with, and we're not far away," he said.
One long-time Ristway customer — New Stanton's Debbie Clark — agreed.
"From the very beginning, John has been very personable to people. He wanted to get to know everybody that came in his store," Clark said. "I don't know what I'd do without that store."
Industry's climate presents local challenges
Between the federal government's ever-growing need to cut costs, requirements of pharmacy benefit managers and insurance companies, mail-order operations and competition from major chains, local, independently owned pharmacies are "a dying breed," said Pete Maida Jr., who since 1995 has co-owned Norvelt Pharmacy with his wife and fellow pharmacist, Robin Maida.
"It's no small trick keeping an independent pharmacy open," said Maida, who purchased the business from his father, Pete Maida Sr.
"It's treacherous waters we navigate, and I don't know what's going to happen going forward," he said.
In particular, Maida said that preferred provider plans offered by health insurance companies in certain cases do not include independently owned pharmacies as options for cost-conscious customers.
If those people wish to continue to have their prescriptions filled at independent pharmacies, they often must pay more because they are going "out-of-network," he said.
"People still want what we have to offer, and I believe small pharmacies are the best at patient care, but just because they want our service doesn't mean they are going to be able to use it going forward," Maida said. "Someone that wants to deal with me but can't because of their insurance."
And with government control of healthcare, Maida added, continuing efforts to trim costs have affected his buying power when it comes to filling his shelves with marketable medicines.
"What they're really doing is cutting reimbursements to pharmacies," Maida said.
That means a 500-pill bottle of doxycycline — an antibiotic used to treat many different common bacterial infections — once cost Maida $15 but now costs him $1,600, he said.
Add to that the fact that Maida's practice might not be included on an insurance company's list of preferred options, and customers often find the medicine he sells to be too expensive.
"If you're taking five or six prescriptions, you can't spend what amounts to hundreds of more dollars for them. It's not a level playing field," Maida said.
Operations offer 'rare' atmosphere
Mt. Pleasant resident Ed Christofano is the owner and chief executive officer of Hayden's Pharmacy in Youngwood.
He said the corner drug store that was once "a community pillar" is still an option for those who seek it.
"We're still the old-fashioned, apothecary-style business, and that is rare," said Christofano, who purchased the operation in 2007.
But he agreed that changes in the world of pharmaceuticals has put such operations at a distinct disadvantage, he added.
"Insurance companies will pretty much dictate to both a doctor and a pharmacist what they can provide the customer," Christofano said. "They tell us how to handle healthcare for our patients."
That did not stop Christofano from opening a satellite operation at the site of the former Loughran's Pharmacy along Pellis Road in Hempfield in 2010.
"We welcome the transfer of patient information to our pharmacy for those that seek our service," Christofano said.
Based on state pharmaceutical regulations, a pharmacist can transfer certain medications from an existing pharmacy to a new one per a patient's request because that medication is the property of the patient, Christofano said.
"We can handle the business end of that, so if someone would rather support local businesses, we can help them do that," he said.
Like Ristway, Christofano said he also offers free delivery services.
"That's important, especially when it comes to taking care of an elderly person or a sick child," he said.
At Scottdale Pharmacy, owned since 2003 by pharmacist Barbara Hoffman, prescription delivery is provided upon request, even though the business does not advertise provision of such services, she said.
"I've actually picked up some delivery business that Diamond (Pharmacy) had here in Scottdale," said Hoffman, who purchased the business from her father-in-law, George Hoffman Sr.
"I didn't realize how much there was," she said.
While she acknowledged the challenges of staying relevant and profitable going forward, Hoffman said the priority she places on sustaining her business is, in large part, homespun.
"Obviously, we're in business to make money ... and we want to do that ... but we're here plugging away because we love our customers, and we want to be there for them, and not throw in the towel," she said.
Maida said there is more to consider than just the present.
"As an independent businessman, part of my retirement will be made up of the value of this business when I go to sell it," he said.
Congressman shares view of concerns
Hoffman said she recently wrote a letter to the office of U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy, R-Upper St. Clair, out of concern for the future of her business.
"It's not all about the bottom line. These Medicare Part D plans have taxpayer dollars supporting them, yet independently-owned operations can't take part," she said. "I'll talk until I'm out of breath on that, and I'm not going to give up."
On Monday, Murphy legislative aide Brad Grantz called Hoffman to tell her of a proposed rule change by the Baltimore-based Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Under the proposal, seniors would have the same level of co-payments at either a chain drug store or an independent, community pharmacy that is willing to match preferred Medicare Part D cost-sharing rates on commonly used generic and brand-name medications.
Grantz said Murphy planned to meet Wednesday with center officials to determine the range of medications which would apply under the proposal.
"Congressman Murphy said the proposal looks to be promising, and would save money for both federal taxpayers and senior citizens, who would also benefit from greater choices in pharmacies. He welcomes all independent pharmacies with concerns about the Part D program to contact his office and stay engaged on this issue," Grantz said.
In response, Hoffman said she is encouraged by the proposal's possibilities.
"I'm very happy that Congressman Murphy's office followed through. I got the impression that other complaints had come in from around the country. It's a start," Hoffman said.
At the minimum, the proposal would give independent pharmacists more control and it would allow them to opportunity to decide whether or not to exercise the option offered, she said.
"That will help us preserve that relationship with our customers we've built over the years," Hoffman said. "I'll be anxious to see what the end results come to, but it sounds very positive."
Local leaders want small-town pharmacy back
Over the last six months, Mt. Pleasant Borough Council President Joe Bauer said he and borough Mayor Jerry Lucia, along with borough Manager Jeff Landy, have worked diligently to attract new retail businesses to town.
"I think people are going to begin seeing the results of those efforts soon," Bauer said.
All of them agree, Bauer said, that bringing an independent pharmacy back to Mt. Pleasant is of top priority.
"We have some areas in town we are definitely looking to develop," he said.
Nino Barsotti, president of the Mt. Pleasant Business District Authority, said his organization is also focused on bringing such a business back.
"We'd like to see something like that in our town. We have a lot of elderly, they have a lot of trouble getting around, and it would be nice to have some place they can walk to, if necessary," Barsotti said.
Support for such a development also exists at the county level, according to Chad Amond, executive director of the Westmoreland Chamber of Commerce.
"If the market is there, we would be in support of it," Amond said.
A.J. Panian is an editor for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 724-547-5722 or email@example.com.
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