Hi!
Hope you had a great Fourth of July break!
My apologies for not keeping you updated on our activities. Our April 15 Springtime in Paris dinner dance at the Edgewood Club was successful as a fundraiser for our outreach programs, and as entertainment thanks to Amanda Wolf our DJ, presentation by the Special Needs Adaptive Program participants, Chuck Watson and Lynne Preisser, and Matías Johnson and Irene Yarovoi. I appreciate our board members who made the décor special and all who attended. Chris Drum, Waltz instructor and DJ, enlivened our May 20 dance at Wightman School Community Center. June 17 found us at the VFW in Coraopolis where Brian Lee was the DJ, and Aaron May and Anne Wildenhain taught basic and syncopated Hustle.
We’ve finished the third and final session of this year’s Special Needs Adaptive Program with a majority of students who were prior participants in the Yes, You Can Dance! performance team. If we can recruit more adult mentors, and certify more teachers, we will hold six-week beginner’s class as well as a performance team class when we start up again in September. Dance experience is preferred, but not critical. Barb Johnson, the coordinator, is planning a pre-session workshop in working with special needs students and reviewing the upcoming dances that will be taught. Please contact Barb at (412) 720-0610 if you’re interested in becoming a mentor.
We’re looking forward to our July 15th Beach Party dance at one of the best dance floors in the region at the Palisades in McKeesport. We’re planning some fun dances, including a Jack and Jill mixer competition (with prizes) and a Limbo dance (for those of you who are supple), and some summer-type games in addition to dancing to John Siefken’s music. Christine Zone is going to teach Cha Cha. We haven’t been to the Palisades since before COVID, so we are hoping for a great turnout! Beach attire (not bathing suits) is desired.
The 2024 USA Dance National DanceSport Ballroom Dance Championships will be held at the Wyndham Grand Hotel in Pittsburgh on March 21-24. Our role is to support the national volunteers who run the competition. We’ll be looking for local competitors, volunteers to help during the competition (including set-up and break-down) and spectators to watch outstanding national dancers. So, let me know if you’re interested in participating.
Happy dancing!
Jane Downing, President, USA Dance Pittsburgh Chapter #3007