Hi! Happy Leap into Fall!
Nationals: There are time-sensitive new rules on how non-collegiate amateurs must qualify to compete in the USA Dance Ballroom DanceSport National Championships, March 28-30, 2025 at the Wyndham Grand Hotel in downtown Pittsburgh.
Each partner in a non-collegiate DanceSport amateur couple needs to earn 6 points to qualify for the 4 American Smooth and 5 American Rhythm dances and the 5 International Standard and 5 International Latin dances. Participation at a Challenge Competition (such as the Ohio State University Challenge, 9/25; Carnegie Classic, 10/11; the Rochester DanceSport Festival, 10/20) is each worth 2 points. Participation at a Regional Championship (The MAC at Newark Airport Marriott, 1/17-19 or one in Atlanta, 2/14-16) is worth 4 points. The only other way to gain 6 points is to place in the top 50% of each dance performed at a Regional Championship. https://www.americandancer.org/2024-comp-calendar
Note: There are no qualifications for amateurs in Pro/Am (professional/amateur) couples undertaking these 19 dances at Nationals, or for amateur and Pro/Am couples who participate in 7 Night Club/Fun dances (West Coast Swing, Hustle, Argentine Tango, Merengue, Country 2-Step, Salsa and Bachata at Nationals. Everyone participating in any of these competitions must become a USA Dance DanceSport Athlete member prior to competing. Forms are available at our dances or online at https://www.usadance.org/membership
Dances:
September 21 -Wightman School Community Center. At 6:15 pm, Christine Zona will teach a pre-competition workshop for those planning to dance at the Carnegie Classic, October 12. Before 9/20, please RSVP at christinezona@gmail.com.
At 7:00, Matias Jonsson and Irina Varovoi will teach Cha Cha. Bobby D will DJ. Performance by Kathak Performance Team.
October 11-13, Jared L. Cohon University Center, Carnegie Mellon University. Carnegie Classic, CMU Ballroom Dance Club. Oct 11, 8-11 pm, Starlit Soiree; Oct. 12, 9 am – 5pm, Newcomer, Bronze, Silver & Gold Level Competitions;
7-11 pm, Competition for Novice, Pre-Champ & Open Levels; Oct 13, 9-5 pm, Dance Camp. https://carnegieclassic.com
October 19 –Pittsburgh Palisades. First Oktoberfest Buffet Dinner Dance and final tribute to John Siefken, long-time USA Dance Pittsburgh board member and DJ. Doors open at 5:30 pm; dinner starts at 6:00 pm; dancing from 7 -10:30 pm.
Many thanks to Mikayla Schultz, Arthur Murray South Hills, who taught West Coast Swing to a full house at the Palisades on August 17 and Bobby D. who provided the music.
Elections: In November, USA Dance members will be asked to vote electronically for six National Officer and DanceSport Delegate positions. Only the president position is contested. Find resume and candidate statements for Chuck Garrett, Aleh Kulyba and Ken Richard at https://usadance.org/page/elections2024.
Board Recruitment. To continue to provide high quality monthly dances, execute expansion activities and undertake our responsibilities to recruit dancers, volunteers, spectators and sponsors at Nationals in March, we need to identify individuals who have expertise in project planning; fundraising; marketing/promotion; and IT. If you have these skills and are interested, please contact me at the September dance so we can set up a time to talk further.
Hope to see you soon!
Jane Downing, President, USA Dance Pittsburgh