DanceMentor
Administrator
From Glenn Weiss, President USA of Dance, Inc
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A Message To All USA Dance Members,
Like many of you I am also saddened by the four resignations that have taken place recently. Knowing what has happened in detail, I am, however, not as surprised as you are, so let me try to explain, without malice.
There is no doubt that we are trying to do things differently in USA Dance than what has been done in the past. In the last 10 years the membership of USA Dance has fallen from around 22000 to 11000. Common sense would tell us that it is time to take a different direction.
We are working to build a team where everybody is focused in the same direction. However, at no time have we done anything that is not in accordance with the bylaws and the spirit of the organization. Every proposal, bylaw, and appointment that has been made, passed or defeated, has been discussed, motions presented, the vote called and ratified with a majority by the Governing Council, as required in the Bylaws.
Not everyone may agree with the appointments and proposals or the perspective I bring to USA Dance, Inc., and that is why four of our GC members have chosen to resign. That is how democracy works. The basis of the disagreement is in the influence in the EC versus the GC. The ByLaws do not say elected or members of the EC, DSC or PDC have more weight, or that the EC must approve ideas, concepts or policies prior to the presentation to the GC. Any EC, DSC, PDC or GC member can propose policies, ByLaws, processes, etc., but all must be approved by the GC. The ByLaws are truly democratic, one vote per one person. At no time has anybody been marginalized or pushed aside. All members have had the freedom to propose, bring to motion and call for a vote. To say it has not been democratic is simply not accurate.
For our Chapters and Social Members we want to provide better and more services, supporting them in their efforts to increase the awareness of ballroom dance, membership enrollment and raise their profile in their communities.
When it comes to the DanceSport side of the organization it is my intention to create the best possible conditions for our couples to become successful world class competitors. This requires that in the dance related positions we identify and and appoint the most talented experts we can find from within or from outside the organization, and that is exactly what we have done and will continue to do.
For our Professionals we must complete the process of integrating the various disciplines within the professional environment. This is an exciting new venture for USA Dance, Inc.
We are in the process of setting up an education system that will help us create world class youth, social and competitive dancers for many years to come. This involves all aspects of modern and scientific dance education.
We are looking everywhere for people with knowledge of these matters to help us.
It takes time, but anything that is worth doing takes time. A lot of these goals are unchartered territory for USA Dance, and they do require a different perspective, energy and mindset.
I feel confident that this is what the vast majority of our members want. Even if you don't agree with these goals rest assured that everything we do is done in an ethical and correct way according to our rules and regulations.
Please send your comments to either President@usadance.org or membersvoice@usadance.org. We have appreciated and listened to your many thanks, comments and suggestions.
Regards,
Glenn G Weiss
President of USA Dance, Inc.
-----------------------
A Message To All USA Dance Members,
Like many of you I am also saddened by the four resignations that have taken place recently. Knowing what has happened in detail, I am, however, not as surprised as you are, so let me try to explain, without malice.
There is no doubt that we are trying to do things differently in USA Dance than what has been done in the past. In the last 10 years the membership of USA Dance has fallen from around 22000 to 11000. Common sense would tell us that it is time to take a different direction.
We are working to build a team where everybody is focused in the same direction. However, at no time have we done anything that is not in accordance with the bylaws and the spirit of the organization. Every proposal, bylaw, and appointment that has been made, passed or defeated, has been discussed, motions presented, the vote called and ratified with a majority by the Governing Council, as required in the Bylaws.
Not everyone may agree with the appointments and proposals or the perspective I bring to USA Dance, Inc., and that is why four of our GC members have chosen to resign. That is how democracy works. The basis of the disagreement is in the influence in the EC versus the GC. The ByLaws do not say elected or members of the EC, DSC or PDC have more weight, or that the EC must approve ideas, concepts or policies prior to the presentation to the GC. Any EC, DSC, PDC or GC member can propose policies, ByLaws, processes, etc., but all must be approved by the GC. The ByLaws are truly democratic, one vote per one person. At no time has anybody been marginalized or pushed aside. All members have had the freedom to propose, bring to motion and call for a vote. To say it has not been democratic is simply not accurate.
For our Chapters and Social Members we want to provide better and more services, supporting them in their efforts to increase the awareness of ballroom dance, membership enrollment and raise their profile in their communities.
When it comes to the DanceSport side of the organization it is my intention to create the best possible conditions for our couples to become successful world class competitors. This requires that in the dance related positions we identify and and appoint the most talented experts we can find from within or from outside the organization, and that is exactly what we have done and will continue to do.
For our Professionals we must complete the process of integrating the various disciplines within the professional environment. This is an exciting new venture for USA Dance, Inc.
We are in the process of setting up an education system that will help us create world class youth, social and competitive dancers for many years to come. This involves all aspects of modern and scientific dance education.
We are looking everywhere for people with knowledge of these matters to help us.
It takes time, but anything that is worth doing takes time. A lot of these goals are unchartered territory for USA Dance, and they do require a different perspective, energy and mindset.
I feel confident that this is what the vast majority of our members want. Even if you don't agree with these goals rest assured that everything we do is done in an ethical and correct way according to our rules and regulations.
Please send your comments to either President@usadance.org or membersvoice@usadance.org. We have appreciated and listened to your many thanks, comments and suggestions.
Regards,
Glenn G Weiss
President of USA Dance, Inc.
