USABDA Thread [Archive]

Spitfire

02-23-2003, 02:04 PM

So how many of you here attend dances held by USABDA and how much do you enjoy them and how often are they held in your area?

The USABDA dances here have been great since they started holding them again about two years ago. They had been discontinued for awhile due to lack of attendance and so they stuck to workshops, but now they have been holding dances about every two months often in conjunction with things like Valentines Day, Christmas, ect. and attendance is great.

They are now going to a format where there's a dance one month and another the next and a workshop on the following; something like that.

I was once a member; I'll have to become one again.

DanceMentor

02-23-2003, 03:18 PM

Here in Atlanta we have the Atlanta Ballroom Dance Club (ABDC) and the Atlanta USABDA chapter. Usually, the former has the larger dances. A few years ago ABDC was part of USABDA and then split off. There was no USABDA in Atlanta for a while. I think USABDA has grown back to a reasonable size and the dances usually have about 100 people. The ABDC dances usually have about 200 people, but I haven't gone to either lately. I'll see if I can get someone from one of these clubs to comment.
Atlanta USABDA (http://www.atlantausabda.org/)
Atlanta Ballroom Dance Club (http://abdc.home.mindspring.com/)

Spitfire

02-23-2003, 03:24 PM

That would be nice if Tucson had a ballroom dance club, but given the rather small dance community here it's possible that such would not work out. There is a ballroom club at the University of Arizona, but it's a student's thing as far as I know.

pygmalion

09-14-2003, 03:59 PM

USABDA here schedules monthly themed dances that are pretty fun, which include a half-hour free group lesson before the dance. The local chapter here is pretty active, and sponsors an annual all-amateur competition, among lots of other things, like a really informative newsletter, a good website, and other things.

Anybody else involved with USABDA? Experiences, anyone?

pygmalion

09-14-2003, 04:05 PM

For those who don't know (such as our international members) USABDA stands for United States Amateur Ballroom Dancers Association. Both amateur dancers, competitors, and professionals can join.

By the way, is there anything similar out there for salsa or swing dancers? A networking organization for dancers?

SDsalsaguy

09-14-2003, 05:17 PM

The USABDA chapter here is really bad :cry:

I've sat down with the previous two presidents and given them piles of suggestions, offered photo showings from my travels/research, video showings from the 2 USABDA Nationals I was at (2001 & 2002), designed them a website, set up Yahoo groups for them, etc.,...

Well, they wanted to take over control of the website, made some cosmetic changes, and have had dead links (which I have pointed out to them by the way) for over 4 months now...

pygmalion

09-14-2003, 05:28 PM

Yeah. It all depends on the quality of the chapter leadership. Fortunately, my chapter has a pretty good president and supporting cast.

Spitfire

09-14-2003, 05:33 PM

If you bring a dessert to the USABDA dances here it is worth a couple dollars off admission and as a result there are some outstanding cakes, pies, cookies and other snacks on the table in the rec room. Softs drinks are provided for free. :D

pygmalion

09-14-2003, 05:45 PM

Thanks! I'll forward the baked goods idea to the local chapter. Sounds like fun. Fattening, but fun.

Spitfire

09-14-2003, 05:47 PM

Thanks! I'll forward the baked goods idea to the local chapter. Sounds like fun. Fattening, but fun.

Fattening? Not!

We work it off with all our dancing - LOL :mrgreen:

pygmalion

09-15-2003, 10:15 AM

What a concept!!!

How much dancing does it take to burn off a cheesecake? :lol: :lol:

SDsalsaguy

09-15-2003, 12:11 PM

How much dancing does it take to burn off a cheesecake? :lol: :lol:

Don't you have that all backwards? Isn't the real question "how much cheesecake does it take to fuel a cha cha/rumba/tango/etc.?"

DanceMentor

09-15-2003, 02:20 PM

What about the dress codes at the dances? I've noticed a couple of people showing up in shorts to the dances this Summer :!:

How formal are your USABDA events?

Spitfire

09-15-2003, 07:44 PM

What about the dress codes at the dances? I've noticed a couple of people showing up in shorts to the dances this Summer :!:

How formal are your USABDA events?

The way most people are dressed to a ballroom dance; not real formal, but in the type of clothes you don't normally wear on the street. Most ladies wear a dress and most men wear dress or sport slacks and a good shirt. Very few wear ties though.

Spitfire

09-15-2003, 07:47 PM

What a concept!!!

How much dancing does it take to burn off a cheesecake? :lol: :lol:

A few hustles and salsas should work. :lol:

pygmalion

09-15-2003, 07:49 PM

Spitfire

09-15-2003, 07:56 PM

Same here, spitfire.

My chapter usually has theme dances -- Latin, fifties, etc., so they give you guidelines on what to wear. But at any given dance, there will be people dressed in everything from jeans to cocktail dresses. It's a mix, but usually not super formal unless that's specified, like at the annual charity fundraiser.

The next USABDA dance which is this Saturday will be more casual since it is end of summer beach party; as the flyer states "Aloha attire or beach ware (no bathing suits please.)"

pygmalion

09-15-2003, 08:10 PM

Mine's next Saturday. Formal ball -- and I'm looking forward to wearing one of my formal gowns, for a change. Don't get to do that often! :D

Spitfire

11-16-2003, 12:16 PM

Back to USABDA; is anyone here a member?

I was a few years ago and didn't renew it. I to do so again, but keep putting it off.

pygmalion

02-11-2004, 01:29 PM

Not sure what my question is, here. Just want to post something about this. My local USABDA chapter has sponsored a competition for the past several years, but this year, won't be able to, because of a lack of volunteers to plan the comp.

Really sad, if you ask me. I'm guilty of this too -- taking the USABDA chapter for granted, but, truth be told, if somebody doesn't do something, nothing gets done.

Really, how many times in the ballroom forum has someone recommended using the local USABDA chapter? But how can you use the chapter and give nothing back? (This is just me on a soapbox. Bear with me.)

Anyway, so I'm volunteering to help with a couple things, and I'll come back here and post as I learn more about the organization from the inside.

Porfirio Landeros

02-11-2004, 02:02 PM

Even though all members of USABDA join because they love ballroom dancing, there's kind of a conflict of goals that can be divided between competitors and social dancers.

I was on a steering commitee to found a chapter in my hometown, and the chapter was 99% setup, but when I left town the effort crumbled, because out of a 60+ membership, a solid group of leaders wouldn't form.

In my current town, the chapter died and came back. A competitive couple was really excited about bringing it back, and I sat in on a couple of the revival meetings, which consisted of half of the premiere local competitors and the other half of very dedicated social dancers. In the end, the chapter reformed, and has a shot of college youth that it didn't have before, but just as it was before, it seems to be more social - and I guess it was a self-fulfilling prophecy, because all the competitors dropped out of the running for the board.

It's true, that you can make the chapter what you want it to be, but realisticly, at the chapter-level, most of the events revolve around social dancing. My contribution could be performing an exhibition or coordinating/judging dance contests, but it seems like the advanced social dancers have that covered, too.

In my town, the competitors pay the USABDA dues, but we're not really addressed by the chapter. I've even attended their social dances, as I am still an avid social dancer, it's just my days consist of full-time work, my coaching, and practice... I guess I'm full of excuses ;)

pygmalion

02-11-2004, 02:11 PM

Yes. I know what you mean. In the past, I've run an organization that had a bimodal constituency. It's really tough to address the needs of both groups effectively.

And I can relate to where you're coming from. You must be so busy with your training and competition schedule. But at least you tried, which, to date, puts you ahead of me.

So I'm going to try, too. The mission of USABDA is supposed to be two-fold. Just check out their web site. There's a lot of social activity, but there's supposed to be support for the competitive side of things too. I suspect most chapters do one or the other well, but not both. And I have a lot of energy for things related to ballroom (as you can probably see LOL), and some ideas and experience that I can bring to the table.

Wish me luck. I have a feeling I may need it.

DancingMommy

02-11-2004, 03:29 PM

Wish me luck. I have a feeling I may need it.

Luck!!!!

I think that perhaps because of the demographic of our local chapter, it may be hard to get competitive interest up, kwim?

It also seems that a lot of the dancers that do show up are stagnating. I'm not sure if it's because thier goals have been "met" by just the social side of things or what.

And then again, there are the "flash and trash" ones that seem to have a bunch of shoy-ness to their dancing but it's ummmmm icky.

pygmalion

02-11-2004, 05:54 PM

Yup. Our local chapter is going to be a challenge. But what they hey. Unless I do something to change it, I'm stuck with it the way it is. :shock: And there are a few faithful competitors. We just need to raise the bar a bit. Okay, a lot. And adding pro-am will help, because then a lot of people who haven't participated in the past will be more likely to start -- people within a reasonable drive of Orlando, like Leesburg, Daytona, even Tampa. Up to this point, that participation has been pretty lame.

DancingMommy

02-12-2004, 09:06 AM

Yeah it has.

I think the problem is that the level of expectation of excellence is very very low when it comes to competition.

Last year's USABDA comp locally was a stylistic/musicality train wreck. Our coach was one of the judges, and it was rough on him.

The problem I believe lies in the "super-size" mentality that most American's have (this is hubby's pov at any rate). (some) People here have way over-inflated ideas of how good they are with no regard for *reality*. Take the "gold" level latin dancers from last year (the only couple on the floor).... They could not dance *on time*!? yet they were given a first place? I'm sorry, but if you can't dance on time, you don't deserve a first no matter how fewe people there are in a competition category. But the "super-size" mentality says that everyone is a winner (not true) and deserves an award. I can see rewarding effort, but not giving proficiency awards just because no one else is in the division. This is a MAJOR pet peeve of mine. 8)

I think that to "reform" or remake or revitalize our local chapter, we need people who aren't afraid to say "we really need to make a change". Also, a *younger* crowd might help too. I know we have some teens, but the majority of the crowd around these parts is the over 45 crowd. I'm not knocking those over 45, but we really need the support of the 30-somethings to revitalize the ballroom "scene" around here.

It's totally cool that our local USABDA is family friendly. I'm all for it! I wish more people would bring their kids... I've started seeing that a bit more and it's really neat. Perhaps some "family" night theme or something would be good. Maybe a showcase during the intermission of parent/child dancing? Or a father/daughter dance or mother/son dance in lieu of a "ladies choice"?

Also, a suggestion, oh brave one who dares challenge the powers that be, maybe the mixers could be cut down a bit? I mean a 30 minute long mixer is a little over-kill. And having 3 of them in one night is a bit much. Also, more variety of music would be nice. :) I've never seen a floor clear faster than when Argentine Tango is played. I love watching it, but really, only 3 or 4 couples here actually dance it.

As for membership in USABDA, I haven't joined because I'm not happy with some of the correspondence I've received from the higher ups regarding my *former* teaching activities. I thought that they were a little harsh/rigid. I'll talk about that privately. :(

Just my $.02

pygmalion

02-12-2004, 09:59 AM

Thanks for all the suggestions, DancingMommy. Yes, I know I'm a brave soul. But somebody has to be. I had actually planned to volunteer sooner, but heard some stories about internal politics that turned me off. Oh well. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. *shrug*

pygmalion

02-12-2004, 10:50 AM

Okay, so I'm just in the brainstorming stages, but here's what I'm thinking about proposing to the local USABDA chapter, to get some interest in competition dancing alive and well.

1. Write and distribute articles on competition (maybe in the newletter or via emal distribution

2. Sponsor a small Jack and Jill competition or studio versus studio team competition instead of one of the monthly dances

3. Give away free entries in the local competition -- for example, buy five entries, get another five free (Or Five free entries to new competitors)

4. Sponsor teacher/student or amateur exhibitions during dance intermissions, rather than always having pro shows

5. Go after teacher who have younger students -- target them with advertising

6. Target the local swing or salsa communities, and schedule heats specifically for them.

7. Most important, keep the competition short. Last year's was an endurance test. Yikes! Too long.

Hmm. Still thinking. :roll:

pygmalion

02-12-2004, 10:51 AM

Oh yeah, and I forgot. Sponsor a free or cheap workshop on competition styling or the like.

superbimmer

02-12-2004, 11:09 AM

I'm a director of our USABDA chapter ... we have around 425 members. We hold twice monthly dances (2nd Fri & 4th Sat), which attract around 100 dancers (which is plenty, since our floor is about 1600sq ft) I believe ours is one of the larger in the US ...it's a very active chapter, and in June we are hosting the USABDA Western Regional.

DancingMommy

02-12-2004, 11:52 AM

1. Write and distribute articles on competition (maybe in the newletter or via emal distribution

Maybe something like "a day in the life" type of thing where it chronicles the experiences of an am couple, a pro couple and a pro/am partnership? Maybe include a day in the life of a judge? That way I think a lot of the mystique of the "political" nature of things could possible be diffused.

2. Sponsor a small Jack and Jill competition or studio versus studio team competition instead of one of the monthly dances

Oh yeah!!!!! I love J&J stuff! Or maybe a dance-a-thon? To raise $$$ for something dacne related... Maybe during National Dance Week? This would do 2 things: 1) get more exposure in the "rest" of the dance community since NDW is supported by ballet, tap, jazz, etc and 2) be a little bit of a departure from the norm.

3. Give away free entries in the local competition -- for example, buy five entries, get another five free (Or Five free entries to new competitors)

This might work well. Or have an "open" thing where it's an at-large type competition where anybody can come dance without regard for status. Make it sort of a free-for-all? Might make it more interesting to say the least. Kind of like American Idol or something..... Maybe pcik judges at random from the crowd? Make it a little less "structured" and a little more "fun". This might help deter the sterotype of "stiff" ballroom dancers.....

4. Sponsor teacher/student or amateur exhibitions during dance intermissions, rather than always having pro shows

That would be nice to see. They've done "some" am stuff, but not much. The last dance (January) exhibition was done by some friends of ours (Rob & Dawn). They didn't get much response from the crowd unfortunately (see #6). :(

5. Go after teacher who have younger students -- target them with advertising

Good idea!!!!!

6. Target the local swing or salsa communities, and schedule heats specifically for them.

This was tried at last year's comp, but it wasn't that much of a success. I know why (but I won't say publically).

7. Most important, keep the competition short. Last year's was an endurance test. Yikes! Too long.

Again a splendid idea. We only went for the second half of the day. That was long enough. Also, I think that perhaps there needs to be some sort of "hospitality" or "kraft services" (FOOD or beverages) available at these events - other than just the box-lunch variety. I've done convention/staging set-up and I'm pretty sure that the "look" could be done better too. I'm just too chicken to get involved in person, LOL! But I make a great peanut gallery. ;)

pygmalion

02-12-2004, 01:25 PM

:D You're the best peanut gallery around. Thanks. At least now I'm know I'm not totally crazy with some of my ideas. I'm going to go for it. Thanks.

And, btw, I was sadly disappointed in the lack of activities for least year's National Ballroom Week. There's so much that could be done, so why squander the opportunity? That said, onward and upward. The local chapter president is going to get sick of getting phone calls and emails from moi! :shock: :lol:

DancingMommy

02-12-2004, 02:11 PM

YOU GO!!!!

He and I have corresponded via email in the past. He's a nice guy, but I'm not sure how forward looking. Maybe it's just that our local chapter has gotten into a "rut"? It would be nice to have a different DJ from time to time. I appreciate the effort put forth by our ususal DJ, but ummmmmm vary the playlist a bit?!

We have so many freakin' dances here I think we suffer from overload esp. since it's pretty much same-old, same-old.

And I take exception the the title "ball" used for anything other than a MOST formal event, LOL!

pygmalion

02-12-2004, 02:17 PM

:lol: :lol: You crack me up! And you give me even more ideas. I wonder what would happen if the DJ actually played some contemporary music? Would the foundations of USABDA crumble as we know them? I doubt it. We'll see. I have to get in there and get somewhat accepted first. Then I can start shaking things up. :roll: :wink: :lol:

KevinL

02-12-2004, 04:31 PM

At least you guys can do something with/about the local USABDA chapter. Since I'm a teacher I can't be on their board (and besides I don't have time to attend thier meetings - not that I know when they are!).

5. Go after teacher who have younger students -- target them with advertising.

I don't understand what you mean. Pretend I'm your target, since I've got younger students (some college aged).

And, btw, I was sadly disappointed in the lack of activities for least year's National Ballroom Week. There's so much that could be done, so why squander the opportunity?

I was also sadly disappointed by the NBDW activities last year. I even asked the local chapter what they were planning to do, and when they said "We don't have time to do anything other than our normal monthly dance.", I did the following:

I sent an email to all the local teachers saying that if they sent me event listings that I would include them on my website, and in the NBDW activities brochure that I would produce, without them having to pay anything. (Only one other teacher actually took me up on the offer, and afterward he whined that I had set myself up as "the go-to guy for NBDW". Of course I did! No one else wanted to do anything! And the events that he scheduled where in direct response to what I did, not his own ideas.)

I got the Govenor to write a proclamation about NBDW.

I changed my regular teaching schedule and replaced my normal classes with free dance lessons.

I scheduled Friday night dance socials in two of the communities where I teach, and a Saturday night Singles dance in another.

I convinced a young competative couple to to a demonstration/ class at the local college. (It didn't take much effort, all I had to do was suggest they do it.)

I videotaped all my dancing activities, and produced a cable access program about NBDW. It has been broadcast all across the region several dozen times.

This year I'm planning:

Listing NBDW in the local Chamber of Commerce Events calendar. I've offered to list the USABDA contact information instead of my own, as long as they actually have a page on thier website about the events being scheduled. I haven't heard if they are going to take advantage of my offer.

I'll try to get another proclamation, except this time work harder at getting the Govenor to read it so that I can use his image/voice in the videotape.

I'll do free classes again instead of my normal classes.

I'll schedule dances when I can.

I'm working with a young lady to try to arrange a dance showcase with a mixture of local dance performance groups and pro-am and am-am couples. We'll see how it works out.

I'll make another video this year as well. (Maybe two, if the dance showcase goes off well.)

=====

The local radio station is playing public service announcements from an interview with the last USABDA president, I put them together, so I feel good about that.

I'm including a screen listing the USABDA website at the end of each episode of the Cable Access program that I'm producing.

=====

I could do more, I think, but I don't have much free time, and since I'm a teacher they try to keep separate from me to avoid looking like they are playing favorites.

Kevin

DancingMommy

02-12-2004, 05:03 PM

:lol: :lol: You crack me up! And you give me even more ideas. I wonder what would happen if the DJ actually played some contemporary music? Would the foundations of USABDA crumble as we know them? I doubt it.

You never know....

I like Kevin's ideas too.

Here's a thought... The new dirty dancing movie comes out soon...

When Zorro <!> came out, I did an exhibition with a former teacher of mine at local theatres. Perhaps something like that could revitalize our USABDA? The only issue is that it seems there is hard time getting people to get involved. But getting a few folks together and approaching a major theatre chain (AMC is GOOD about this) would be cool... DanceMentor knows about the Zorro thing. :)

Sakura

02-12-2004, 05:45 PM

What a concept!!!

How much dancing does it take to burn off a cheesecake? :lol: :lol:

A few hustles and salsas should work. :lol:

:lol: :lol: :lol: That's great! Very funny! =^__^= I had a question for you all: Do any of you know if there's a USABDA chapter in the Indianapolis area? Or is there a website I can go to to check that out? *sighs* I've never been to a real dance before, and I'd like to be able to "stretch my dancing claws," so to speak, outside of my lessons. Also, Pygmalion, I was wondering, if you don't mind my asking: what part of Florida do you live in? I have family down in the Tampa area (Bradenton (sp?)), so I was wondering about the USABDA chapter down there. Thanks a bunch! :roll: 8)

Sakura Kitten :kitty:

pygmalion

02-12-2004, 07:25 PM

Yup. There are chapters in both the Indianapolis and the Tampa areas. Check www.usabda.org, if you want to contact either chapter. I'm not sure what the Tampa area chapter does, but I can ask around if you like.

pygmalion

02-12-2004, 08:39 PM

Kevin. You are a jewel. And you have great ideas. I'm going to look into the cable access. I have a friend that does professional vidography. I wonder if I can put together a half hour show by September. Hmm. I'll keep you posted. You obviously have spent a lot of time thinking about this, and I have no need to reinvent the wheel. I'm going to try it locally. I especially like your idea about contacting local dance professionals to solicit activites for that Ballroom Week.

I will try.

Thanks.

Jenn

pygmalion

02-12-2004, 08:48 PM

Speaking of USABDA, has anyone read the latest USABDA magazine -- Amateur Dancers.

Holy Cow! Big time reforms. Mixed proficiency competition and pro-ams at USABDA comps? What's the deal? Implications? Anyone have thoughts on this?

Oh yeah, and now USABDA's going to start paying dance pros commission for recruiting new USABDA members. Huh? :?

dragon3085

02-12-2004, 09:00 PM

Here the dances seem to be attended by mainly married couples and elderly folk, so I quit going. No fun for me.

pygmalion

02-12-2004, 09:03 PM

Yeah. I can relate. That's exactly why I'm brainstorming for ways to help change things. The dances should be fun for lots of people, not just one demographic.

Sagitta

02-12-2004, 09:22 PM

I know that this is a ballroom forum BUT for national ballroom week the group that I am part of for rueda has been approached about doing a dance where people can join in, and they asked about rueda. So, we might be doing rueda. It would be done downtown and there would be a more diverse demographic then the other dances that I have attended, so that would be good! Getting people up and dancing!! :) By next year, when I have more dancing under my belt, I'm definitely going to do a lot more! :)

KevinL

02-13-2004, 08:23 AM

Kevin. You are a jewel. And you have great ideas. I'm going to look into the cable access. I have a friend that does professional vidography. I wonder if I can put together a half hour show by September. Hmm. I'll keep you posted.

I'm sure you can. Talk to some of your dance acquantences and try to get them to let you videotapt them dancing. (Don't only do competition style, include easy stuff, as well.) Do some interviews. Why do you dance? When did you start? What's the best .... A half hour will be asy, especially if you can get yor videography friend to help out.

You obviously have spent a lot of time thinking about this, and I have no need to reinvent the wheel. I'm going to try it locally. I especially like your idea about contacting local dance professionals to solicit activites for that Ballroom Week.
Jenn

The more activities that occur during NBDW, the more likely the media will report on it, and the more people will be exposed to dancing. If USABDA backs it than local radio stations will likely run Public Service Announcements, Cable access stations will run crawls promoting events, and newspapers are more likely to cover it. I lost out on a lot of free publicity last year because I'm a business, not a non-profit. I'm sure that you can do better.

Oh yeah, and now USABDA's going to start paying dance pros commission for recruiting new USABDA members. Huh?

I saw that as well, and I'm interested in finding out more about the program. I already heavily promote the USABDA dances in my classes, since they are the largest dance event in the area. I doubt any commission that they pay would really be worth my time, but that isn't the point anyway, it's getting more people to become a part of the local dance community. Then perhaps they'll start volunteering and promoting more dance events and activities?

Kevin

pygmalion

02-13-2004, 10:17 AM

The more activities that occur during NBDW, the more likely the media will report on it, and the more people will be exposed to dancing. If USABDA backs it than local radio stations will likely run Public Service Announcements, Cable access stations will run crawls promoting events, and newspapers are more likely to cover it. I lost out on a lot of free publicity last year because I'm a business, not a non-profit. I'm sure that you can do better.

Now I'm perking with all sorts of ideas. There is a lot of free publicity out there, if you get started early enough. Taking a tip from DancingMommy, it would be very nice to sponsor a dance event or two at local public venues -- I could name them, but only DancingMommy and I would catch the references. And the public library, local NPR affilaites, and a most other local radio stations do PSA's all the time. Hmm. :idea: Add in a couple well-timed press releases and maybe a photo op or two, and you're set. I wonder if we could get funding from the local arts council? This is going to be cool.

KevinL

02-13-2004, 11:45 AM

Now I'm perking with all sorts of ideas. There is a lot of free publicity out there, if you get started early enough. And the public library, local NPR affilaites, and a most other local radio stations do PSA's all the time. Hmm. :idea: Add in a couple well-timed press releases and maybe a photo op or two, and you're set.

Yes, yes, yes.

As I mentioned before, though, PSA's are reserved for non-profits which is why it's important that all aspects of a local dance scene are involved. The professionals provide the dance talent, studios supply the space, and USABDA (or other groups) supply the unbiased support for all the activites, and allow for extra media attention.

I wonder if we could get funding from the local arts council? This is going to be cool.

I wouldn't have considered this myself, but it was mentioned in the "Got a Plan" article on pg 15-16 on the Jan./Feb. 2004 Amatuer Dancers. I don't have any experience with this, does anyone else?

Kevin

pygmalion

02-13-2004, 11:59 AM

Central Florida (where I live) has a pretty visible arts council, which, through private and government funding, supports dozens of arts-related non-profits, to the tune of up to $30,000 per year. You have to write a grant, obviously, and be specific about the funding neeeded, etc. But there is "free" money out there. The stated goal of the local arts council is to enhance visibility and support for the arts. And they subsidize everything from symphony orchestra concerts to plays to museums to cultural programs for local schools. Their fiscal year has already started, but it's worth a shot, especially if we're not asking for a lot of money.

DancingMommy

02-13-2004, 03:55 PM

Jenn -

If you need help with the video, that's what my training is. Everything from scripting to editing and set design.

:)

DancingMommy

02-13-2004, 04:00 PM

I hit post prematurely, ARGH!

I just realized that our local theatre is hosting stuff like the Miss Seminole County (prelim for Miss Florida/Miss America) pageant and does all kinds of stuff........

Maybe we should have a "show" like _Burn The Floor_ (but smaller????) using our local talent? that would probably be a VAST undertaking, but I can imagine that if we invited different groups to do a spot - say Lindy Kids, Salsa folks, Ballroom, WCS, etc to choreograph 5-10 minutes of dancing, we could thread together a show that would raise awareness AND maybe it could be done as a benefit for something? I know USABDA donates a lot to the Shriner's Hospital, but maybe we could do somethign different, like "dance for a cure" or something. Maybe in conjunction with National Dance Week (as part of a larger group than NBDW). That would/could get us exposure in the more mainstream Dance related magazines.