Ballroom Dance and Haiti

[Linda J Schlensker]

Like many, my heart has gone out to Haiti. I did a quick Google search of Ballroom Dance and Haiti. What pleased me most as I looked through some of the sites was how Ballroom Professionals were thinking of Ballroom as an art that could provide opportunities for the people of their country. As far as I know, none of my personal friends are in Haiti right now. Many others are. I would be interested in hearing thoughts and ideas of others as to how we as dancers can reach out and perhaps help people in the wake of this disaster as a dance community or simply as people who care.

[fascination]

while my family has already made a personal contribution, I have been thinking about how to be more philanthropic within the ballroom community for quite some time.... as the amount of money we spend does weigh on my conscience...one of the thoughts that I was toying with, but the person to whom I was going to pitch the idea has been under the weather lately, is the idea of offering to sponser a sort of charitable matching funds concept for a comp where I know the organizer...where I might offer to donate say one dollar for every entry the comp has (or less if the projected entries would put that out of my budget) or maybe more for simply every person who attends and dances over a certain number of heats...either picking the charity myself or, if needed as a carrot to the organizer, letting them pick the charity of their choice...

[fascination]

and let me add that any comp organizer interested in this is free to pm me...I was also thinking of starting a webpage where interested dancers who were willing to make a general donation could put money in a communal pot so that this could be done collectively at several comps, proceeds going toward several charities ....dancers interested and able to help with this can also pm me

[3wishes]

Fascination, I would like to tag to this. I am, full time, an emergency management coordinator and I know, have experienced and been there - in various locations, in various disasters in all kinds of regions and countries. The arts, recreation, music, child-care - something that takes away, even for a nano second - the devastation and daily impact of a disaster of this magnitude is a blessing. It goes without saying that donating to e.g. the Red Cross in terms of $$ and at the bottom of a check for the Red Cross indicate which disaster you want the $$ to go towards is a more immediate means of getting the assistance directly to the region needs. Also, performing arts gives a sense of returning to "normal" engaging the community at large and has been found to ease the stressors of survival, even in an open field. Faith based organizations, PNP's, NGO (non-government agencies) all play a role. I think your suggestion is wonderful. This is not an advertisement for any one charity or need, however, I am a huge supporter of this idea.

[fascination]

was just thinking how cool it would be if every comp that offers dance dollars would give each dancer the option of turning those in to the charity of the organizers choice at the end of the comp rather than as a rebate for the following year...I have probably got about 800 dollars worth of credit sitting that may get wasted if I don't go to those comps that could instead go to charity ....it would be so easy for each organizer to pick one reputable cuase to sponsor and to track the refunds as they already do and write a check for that amount to the charity...and or for the student to check a box agreeing to pay one extra dollar for each heat they dance to go to that charity......I would love to see someone pick this idea up and run with it...as I said I was going to approach someone but then lfe got in the way and has delayed it...but I do aim to float it past some folks...I would be much more inclined to attend a comp that did this as well

[Linda J Schlensker]

I also have done disaster work. As a dancer interested in the arts I have always been struck at the way renewal of the arts is one of the first signs a country is regaining hope. I would be interested to see if any competitions would carry this through. There could be more creative approaches though. I remember Good Morning America has a food drive where invitees pledged a donation to the greater cause, something small like a dollar when they came to a house party. If a group of dance friends did likewise when they went out to party and the idea went viral money could be raised more quickly in a short period of time. I think there are creative ideas we could pull off. Twitter and Facebook could be tools. Any one else have ideas? Incidentally, when big disasters happen, people tend to give to it and neglect their local charities. American Red Cross will probably be in short supply of blood soon.

[Linda J Schlensker]

I just got a message on Twitter that the the LuLu Lounge in Toronto is donating all the door proceeds for their dance to Haiti. If I were in Toronto I would go.

[Purr]

I am mailing a check to the American Red Cross, designated for Haiti.

[Linda J Schlensker]

I follow the Twitters of some of the top pro's in the country and have noticed that many of them are getting information out on how to help Haiti as well. There are a lot of good people in the world of Ballroom Dancing.

[fascination]

I would alos note that catholic relief services, catholocism being the primary religion in haiti, is already well established and very reliable for folks who are looking for low overhead and rapid utilization

[DancinDrea19]

I would alos note that catholic relief services, catholocism being the primary religion in haiti, is already well established and very reliable for folks who are looking for low overhead and rapid utilization


Just an FYI there is a very easy way to text haiti to 90999 & 10 dollars will be sent to haiti via red cross they just charge your phone bill! I did it yesterday. and fasc i like your idea

[fascination]

Just an FYI there is a very easy way to text haiti to 90999 & 10 dollars will be sent to haiti via red cross they just charge your phone bill! I did it yesterday. and fasc i like your ideaexcept that current info says that that will take a very long time to process

[DancinDrea19]

except that current info says that that will take a very long time to process

Ohh i have no idea..it was just very quick & easy, hopefully it won't take too long then!

[fascination]

I saw someone on Fb say potentially a three months...not that it won't still be needed by then...it's all good...just something to know

[Ithink]

That would be me;) I heard that on a local DC news radio station last night. I did that but then also donated directly to the Clinton Foundation, given his ties to Haiti and all.

[3wishes]

This is our current, verified information for information and donations that we have distributed notice to our City employees, which also may be useful for those of you who want to donate sooner than later. Sorry to be off topic. Many Angelenos have family members and friends who live in Haiti and they are anxiously awaiting some news about the status of their loved ones. For information or updates please contact: The State Department (888) 407-4747 or Haitian Embassy in Washington, D.C. (202) 322-4090
If you are interested in making a monitary donation to help the residents of Haiti, please contact the following organizations

THE AMERCIAN RED CROSS - Phone: Donation Hotlines: (800) REDCROSS (1-800-733-2767) / (800) 257-7575 (Español); Website: http://www.redcross.org/
UNICEF - Phone: (800) 4UNICEF (800) 486-4233; Website: http://www.unicefusa.org/?gclid=CO6yofn0oZ8CFRT6agodI2E_mg
OPERATION USA - Phone: (310) 838-3455; Website: http://www.opusa.org/
THE WHITE HOUSE- Website: http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2010/01/13/help-haiti. This site states that you can donate $10 to be charged to your cell phone bill by texting "HAITI" to "90999." Proceeds will be directed to the American Red Cross.
WORLD VISION - Phone: (888) 511-6548; Website: http://www.worldvision.org/

[Linda J Schlensker]

I think one of my greatest frustrations is the only productive thing I can do for Haiti right now is send money. That is a very productive thing. But there is more. There are many Haitians in our own country. We are not hearing from them because they are beside themselves with worry about their family and friends. One is a professional ballroom dancer. Michel Francois Jacques of Miami. I have only met him once many years ago. I don't know if he was in Haiti at the time of the quake or here. Does anyone know? In the meantime, if I can be of help to any family members here, I will do so.

[Larinda McRaven]

We recieved a call, from Stepping Out Dance Studio, here last night at the M.A.C. that Emmanuel Pierre-Antoine has reported that his very young son was killed, while sleeping in his crib at his Aunts house in Haiti.

Here at the M.A.C.they have set up a donation box for Emmanuel and his wife. And while I have nothing but the deepest sorrow for Emmanuel I looked into the audience, during the announcement, and saw several friends who are Haitian and each of them have parents and siblings they are unable to contact, and my heart bleeds for them too!!

[DL]

I hate to say this but be wary of scams. Every time a tragedy like this occurs there are those who prey upon the good will of those who seek to send aid to the affected region. Double-check that your money is going where you think it's going. Be especially careful with donation mechanisms that charge your phone bill (perhaps legitimate but also a traditional scam vector), cash, newly-formed or little known relief organizations, etc.

[fascination]

so very very tragic...

and I echo others that it is best to give to well known charities that have already had a history with Haiti such as the red cross, doctors without borders, catholic relief services etc...

and my deepest sympathy to Emmanuel...the loss of a young child is devastating to a parent

[3wishes]

My condolences to Emmanuel and his wife and family members. I had the spontaneous chance opportunity run-in meeting with him days after the birth of his son and he was thrilled. I can only imagine the depth of the sorrow. For others who are waiting and wondering on news of family members it is best to contact the State department or the Haiti Embassy at the previously posted phone numbers for now.

[latingal]

my condolences also to Emmanuel and his family at this very difficult and sad time.

[Linda J Schlensker]

There is a fundraiser being held in Saratogo Springs New York for Dance Instructor Ricardo Sopin to raise funds to help him return to Haiti. His mother is injured but alive, his aunt and uncle are known dead and his 8 year old daughter is missing. I can't post attachments yet, however you can find him the full story by Googling Ballroom Dance Haiti.

[wooh]

There's quite a few people I work with that have family in Haiti. It's amazing to me how connected the world is now, how something far away can touch so many lives locally. I think I actually know more people who have direct ties to this than I knew tied to Katrina or 9/11 on US soil. To me, it's a huge reminder that we can't just think about what's best for the U.S. without including the entire world in the equation. And it's a huge reminder to be careful of taking tomorrow for granted.

[Linda J Schlensker]

I haven't found information on how he is affected yet, but here is another talented Haitian professional competitor. I have found video of a couple of the Haitian professionals and posted it on my Twitter and Facebook pages. They can be reached on the front page of our website. Or try Google. We are seeing the devastation of Haiti and thinking of them as victims. When I look at these videos I am reminded of a rich cultural heritage that shows in their dancing. Haiti has given us a rich gift.

[3wishes]

Another route that is being taken to support the funds needed in this disaster response, check out your e-mails if your a Holiday Inn type priority club member. They sent out e-mails from their Priority Club Point redemption center. You can redeem your points for converted dollars to donate to the cause for Haiti. If there was ever a time Fascination to approach an organizer or head of a competition(?) I'm not savey in this, it's now. I would so thoroughly donated my vouchers for $$ value - be it to a charity fund or to send a teacher as posted above, etc.

[fascination]

going to do what I can as soon as I have some access, to have some conversations...

[SDsalsaguy]

My deepest sympathies and condolences to all those involved. One fantastic donation option that hasn't been mentioned yet is Partners in Health (www.PIH.org), the largest NGO in Haiti. They are in the field, and an anthropologically-informed, locally-rooted organization, delivering medical supplies and assistance to people in Port-au-Prince. They are highly credible, and with a very low overhead (i.e. over 93% of all donations go through as aid, with less than 7% going to operational expenses).

[hereKittyKitty]

My condolences to Emmanuel and family. Losing a child is devastating and my heart goes out to him and all who have suffered such a terrible loss in this tragedy.

[reb]

We recieved a call, from Stepping Out Dance Studio, here last night at the M.A.C. that Emmanuel Pierre-Antoine has reported that his very young son was killed, while sleeping in his crib at his Aunts house in Haiti.

Here at the M.A.C.they have set up a donation box for Emmanuel and his wife. And while I have nothing but the deepest sorrow for Emmanuel I looked into the audience, during the announcement, and saw several friends who are Haitian and each of them have parents and siblings they are unable to contact, and my heart bleeds for them too!!
This is heart wrenching . . .

[Yanou]

My deepest sympathies for Emmanuel and his family. Losing a child.. at such a young age ... is truly devastating.

One thing I noticed today is that you can use AMEX points toward the Haiti relief efforts. Other credit companies my have similar options. If you have credit card points, it may be worth checking out.

[dlgodud]

Cannot say anything. My heart goes to Emmanuel and his family. :(

[Linda J Schlensker]

His studio and friends are making sure he gets the funds he needs. His mother leg as amputated and no one currently knows where she is at right now. I cannot link yet. I have found a picture of his daughter that he posted. If you have Twitter contacts going to Haiti you might go to my Twitter page and get it to tweet out. If any sees her it has his contact information. Communication systems are not working in Haiti. We need to get it to people before they go. If you search Ricardo Sopin's name on Google it should come up. I'm listed in Twitter as Linda Schlensker. I'm collecting as much information as I can find there for people to use.

[jjs914]

Devastating...my prayers are with Emmanuel and his family...and everyone else affected.

[Linda J Schlensker]

The International Red Cross has the family location site up now. It is a public site. Anyone can look for anyone. http://www.icrc.org/familylinks

[Joe]

Those who pay US taxes are actually already contributing...

[Linda J Schlensker]

Although no one has located his daughter, there is now reason to believe she was not in the house and is with a relative. His mother is alive as well as a cousin he thought had perished. Another instructor in nearby Latham lost his brother. I do not know his name. http://www.cbs6albany.com/news/cousin-1270277-mother-dance.html

[bjp22tango]

I heard about this on NPR today. It combines all lists that people are posting of missing people.

Google's Crisis Response site at haiticrisis.appspot.com (http://haiticrisis.appspot.com/) aggregates the lists of missing people, including the Red Cross Family Links site (http://www.familylinks.icrc.org/WFL_HTI.NSF/DocIndex/locate_eng?opendocument).

[3wishes]

There will be multiple agencies that will have extended the posting for lost relative. It is perfectly ok, to duplicate requests be it Red Cross, Google, CNN Ireport. A person does not just have to register their loved one via one agency. Also, a little known but very functional community at large are the amateur ham radio operators that can get messages and inquiries through via their own system. Prayers to all.

[Larinda McRaven]

Love the Ham Radio Operators...!

[TinyDancer109]

My deepest sympathies, condolences, and prayers for Emmanuel. It is a terrible tragedy to lose a child.

Likewise to everyone else who has lost a loved one in Haiti, and my prayers and best wishes to Ricardo Sopin to find his daughter.

[Angel HI]

We recieved a call, from Stepping Out Dance Studio, here last night at the M.A.C. that Emmanuel Pierre-Antoine has reported that his very young son was killed, while sleeping in his crib at his Aunts house in Haiti.

Here at the M.A.C.they have set up a donation box for Emmanuel and his wife. And while I have nothing but the deepest sorrow for Emmanuel I looked into the audience, during the announcement, and saw several friends who are Haitian and each of them have parents and siblings they are unable to contact, and my heart bleeds for them too!!Things like this are the reason I have stayed away from this thread. May God be with this family, and the poor people of Haiti. I am trying to find info on a friend of mine, as well.

[Linda J Schlensker]

Most of the family and close friends are staying away from this thread and that is very much as it should be. The emotions and tasks at hand are rightly focused on finding and reconnecting with family if at all possible. The rest of us need to be aware of what is going on so we can help effectively. Give space where it is needed, make a phone call and sit on hold forever, donate money to the right places... The dancers are our own community but I think everyone is looking far beyond the people they know to help. One of my chief concerns is the people here is the U.S who are looking and can't put enough money together to get back. I have been there. Thank you for your comment.

[Linda J Schlensker]

Maksim Chemerkovskiy, Corky Ballas and others are coming together to help raise funds to help Ricardo Sopin find his daughter and return to the states. This appeal is one they are promoting on Twitter. Please help and Thank You Gentlemen. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvBFYOxsiZs&feature=youtu.be

[Linda J Schlensker]

Ricardo Sopin has found his daughter and is now working to bring her back to the U.S. Thanks to Maksim Chemerkowskiy for passing the info along.

[TinyDancer109]

Ricardo Sopin has found his daughter and is now working to bring her back to the U.S. Thanks to Maksim Chemerkowskiy for passing the info along.

that is wonderful news!!! :D

[CANI]

Ricardo Sopin has found his daughter and is now working to bring her back to the U.S. Thanks to Maksim Chemerkowskiy for passing the info along.

Hi Linda - This is excellent news. Just wanted to mention that I visited the link in your earlier post and made a donation -- the video talked about raising money for finding Ricardo's daughter and for bringing his injured mother to the US for medical care. So, even with this wonderful news, it sounds like donations are still needed. Just wanted to mention that in the event anyone is intending to donate.

And, my deepest sympathy to Emmanuel and his family, and to everyone.

[SDsalsaguy]

Good news indeed Linda.

Interesting CNN video report here, from Jan. 19th, about Israeli field hospital in Haiti: http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/world/2010/01/18/dnt.cohen.haiti.patients.dying.cnn.html

[DL]

I recently heard of this:
http://wiki.crisiscommons.org/wiki/Main_Page

[CANI]

Interesting CNN video report here, from Jan. 19th, about Israeli field hospital in Haiti: http://www.cnn.com/video/data/2.0/video/world/2010/01/18/dnt.cohen.haiti.patients.dying.cnn.html
Heart-breaking:sad:

[SDsalsaguy]

It really is CANI. :cry:

[fascination]

I would just like to share that I have had contact with one bereaved family from Haiti and their grace, selflessness, spirit of gratitude and faith, is astonishing...and if that is typical of the culture, as I have heard it is, I have great hope for the ability of the people to recover...eventually

[Linda J Schlensker]

I would just like to share that I have had contact with one bereaved family from Haiti and their grace, selflessness, spirit of gratitude and faith, is astonishing...and if that is typical of the culture, as I have heard it is, I have great hope for the ability of the people to recover...eventually

I have been talking with several Aid Workers who have come back and they report the same. A group from SOIL said that the first night, people had come together and were singing together on the street. I have nothing but admiration for their courage. We could learn a lot from them.

[Linda J Schlensker]

Much of the early information I've received on Ricardo Sopin has come from one of his students, Miranda. Without her help, some of the money coming in for him now, would not be. She should get credit for her efforts.

[Linda J Schlensker]

Ricardo Sopin has found his daughter and is now working to bring her back to the U.S. Thanks to Maksim Chemerkowskiy for passing the info along.
I made an error. The information came from Miranda. Thank you Miranda. She is a good person.

[Angel HI]

Ricardo Sopin has found his daughter and is now working to bring her back to the U.S. Thanks to Maksim Chemerkowskiy for passing the info along.:notworth:

[Linda J Schlensker]

Those who would like to post their sympathies to Emmanuel and Jasmine may do so here. http://www.steppingoutstudios.com/content/loving-memory-ishaan-pierre-antoine

[Linda J Schlensker]

The following link is a news article detailing Ricardo's search for his daughter. At the end of the page is the address for those who would like to help.
http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=893262

[Linda J Schlensker]

http://www.cbs6albany.com/video/?videoId=63676243001&lineupId=1143371293&referrer=facebook

Conditions have deteriorated in Haiti. Ricardo is struggling with some additional difficulty which makes it more necessary to get out of Haiti as quickly as possible. State Congressmen are now helping.

[Indiana_Jay]

A student organization at an Indiana college campus has planned a ballroom dance as a fund-raiser for Haiti relief efforts. Everything I know about it is in the second half of this article from a local newspaper (http://www.journalgazette.net/article/20100204/LOCAL0201/302049945).

Something ironic about the article: the writer implies that it's difficult to find a place for a college guy to take his girlfriend ballroom dancing. But the night before, the local USA Dance chapter conducts its monthly dance in the very same room!

[nine dancer]

I wanted to share this with the rest of the Ballroom World incase anyone might be interested in attending.

Rogers Dancesport Center in Fairfield, NJ (owned by Gary and Diana McDonald) have joined forces with the local Rotary Club (Rotary Club of the Caldwells) to help raise money for their Haiti Relief Program. The evening is FREE of charge. The event will be held on Friday Feb. 19th and begins at 7:45pm with a beginners group class being taught by Anna Demidova. The night will then continue with social dancing, shows, and raffles (gifts provided by local stores and vendors).

The confirmed show will be:Azamat Evgamukov & Christine DeMaio, David Schulz & Natalie Wakefield,Greg Fidurski & Gaby Jileva, Igor Mikushov & Margaret Midura, Daniel Shapiro & Katia Kovalyova
A representative from the Rotary Club will be here to collect tax-deductible donations, light clothing, sandals, canned beans/soup, dried rice, pasta and dried meats.

For further information you can contact the studio (973-276-1170) or check out the studio's facebook page or website.

[Linda J Schlensker]

http://www.troyrecord.com/articles/2010/02/22/news/doc4b820c5f08573085735200.txt

Ricardo Sopin remains in Haiti with his daughter as they fight the necessary red tape to return. His mother is out of country receiving medical treatment.

[fascination]

for some reason, unbeknownst to me, I recieved a copy of Dancesport magazine yesterday...but a good aspect of that was that there is an ad by designs to shine that states that for anyone who purchases a gown from them in 2010 and mentions that ad, they will donate 100 dollars to the red cross haitian relief fund...so for goodness sakes, if you make a purchase from them this year...reference the ad with emmanuel pierre-antoine and liana in it....