April 2022
Great news! Everyone on the national planning committee for the 2022 USA Dance National Ballroom DanceSport Championships in Pittsburgh at the Wyndham Grand from April 1-3 thought we did a terrific job. It attracted nearly 900 dancers, about half collegiate! The committee said this was the best Nationals in a very long time, in part because the Chapter worked with them throughout. Thanks to Eva Maschak’s care and organizing ability, they loved the professionalism and attitude of the 56 volunteers, especially those who worked more than 8 hours, many who worked multiple days, and the anti-doping chaperones who worked after midnight. (The committee wants to import all the volunteers to Cleveland next year…) They also thought we did a great job in attracting competitors and spectators and hosting a great Social Dance. Hats off to all of you who participated!
Special thanks to Christine Zona for sharing her knowledge of USA Dance competitions throughout the six months of planning and creative ideas for involving the three collegiate clubs in our adult activities; Eric Kiefer, John Siefken, Eva Maschak who put in three 17- hour days as coordinators for awards, ballroom floor monitoring and music for the Social Dance, and volunteers, respectively, and Janet McQuaid for organizing the first consignment shop at Nationals; Dmitry Demidov, Chris Drum, Kent Berkey for participating in the Pro/Am competitions with 11 students; Carlos and Liz Blandino-Lopez for competing as Professionals; Michael Haynie/Mara Linaberger, Jon and Stratton DeWitt, Jerry Freiberg/Julie Mavrodis, Chuck Watson/Lynn Preisser, Kent Berkey/Virginia Gill, John and Deana Foley, Daniel and Joy Grise, and Keith Munshower/Lisa Pope for being Adult competitors; at least 40 students competing on the 5 collegiate teams from CMU and Pitt; Jim Page for organizing the fun dances at the Social Dance, and being an anti-doping chaperone; and Gabriela Citrone for developing and posting our social media outreach.
March 19 Dance at the Keith Holmes VFW Post in Coraopolis. Many thanks to Carlos and Liz Blandino-Lopez, Arthur Murray South Hills Studio, for the Bachata lesson and performance and to Mark Boucher for the great music.
Our next dance on May 21 will be at the Lauri Ann West Community Center in Harmar Township. Rozana Sweeney from Art and Style Dance Studio will teach ChaCha and will be the DJ.
Our June 18 dance will be at Wightman School, and we’ll be participating in Jeff Shirey’s Outdoor Summer Dance Party on Sunday, June 26 from 5-7:30 pm at the Avonworth Community Park Pavilion.
Jane Downing, President, USA Dance Pittsburgh Chapter #3007