July/August 2009 Newsletter - SouthernStar Home

6Newsletter of theChapterVolume XVII,Number 4

2President’s MessageThe last two USA Dances have been studies incontrast. Our May dance was the first day of the“May Monsoon”, and it rained on our dance withoutmercy! In order to get into the Rhapsody Ballroom,Peg and I had to take off shoes and socks, roll uppant legs, and hike through the rising water withlaptops tucked under our arms. Part of Fowler Avewas shut down as cars were hitting water deepenough to stall engines. What a mess, courtesy ofMother Nature! The entertainment for the eveningmade it to the parking lot, but couldn’t see a way inwithout soaking gowns and tailsuits, and theyreluctantly left without coming into the ballroom.So the attendance was unusually small. However, westill had a great time with lots of food, mixers, doorprizes, and of course dancing.As June rolled around I found myself checking theskies over the Rhapsody Ballroom for a repeatperformance. Nope. Clear and warm without araindrop in sight. Frank’s group class was huge, anddancers arrived dry and happy. We were back tonormal with a full house. The evening’sentertainment was Scott and Sarah Coates, andthey presented their dynamic American Smoothcompetition routines. Now if we could just get Sarahover her stage fright (anyone who knows Sarahknows this is a joke as she is right at home on thedance floor). The energy in the room was great, andit was a terrific evening. Thank you all for yourcontinued support of the chapter. We only makemoney for the treasury on our monthly dances andthe competition. Before I leave this subject, I mustonce again compliment the decoration team ofShirley, Marleen and Elaine for adding a greattouch to the ballroom with the art deco theme.Thank you ladies, we look forward to seeing whatyou come up with next month.July is fast approaching, and our annualMidSummer Classic Competition will be the bigevent of the summer. At this point (Mid June) wedon’t have a lot of entries, however, with theexperience of fifteen years of competitionorganizing we aren’t panicking yet. Maybe if thingsdon’t start to come together in the next month dueto the economy, etc. we’ll push the panic button.Dancers always wait to the very last moment tosign up. It’s the nature of the beast. So plan onattending on July 25th for a great time andcompetition.A final word. Bob Behrman has been very ill andis under going chemo therapy for a fairly rare typeof cancer. He has been too tired to take visitorsand will only take the occasional phone call. Ispoke with him a couple of weeks ago and wishedhim well on behalf of the dance community.Donna Garzone is preparing a very nice surprisefor him as well. I will try to keep up to date on hiscondition, and we pray he will recover fully verysoon.That’s it for this issue of the StarDancer. I’ll seeyou on the dance floor.MikeOur home away from home!

3Upcoming EventsJuly 5thLakeland USA DanceContact Terri Lynn 863-255-8344@ Plant City Stardust Ballroom3pm-6pm Monthly Dance (1 st Sunday )July 8 th SouthernStar USA DanceContact Carol 813-689-5381@ The Rhapsody Ballroom 7:30 – 10:30pmMonthly Dance (2 nd Wed)Aug 2nd Lakeland USA DanceContact Terri Lynn 863-255-8344@ Plant City Stardust Ballroom3pm-6pm Monthly Dance (1 st Sunday)Aug 12th SouthernStar USA DancContact Carol 813-689-5381@ The Rhapsody Ballroom 7:30 – 10:30pmMonthly Dance (2 nd Wed)July 9 th Pasco County USA DanceContact Julia Galpin@ The New Port Richey Elks Lodge 7:00 – 10:00pmMonthly Dance (2 nd Thurs)Aug 13 th Pasco County USA DanceContact Julia Galpin@ The New Port Richey Elks Lodge 7:00 – 10:00pmMonthly Dance (2 nd Thurs)July 25 th MidSummer Classic CompetitionAll Amateur Ballroom Dance competition@ The Rhapsody Ballroom 9:00 am – 6:00 pmfollowed by dinner and social dance withhonors dance performances featuring thecompetition winnersJuly 26 th Ice Cream Social –StardustContact Peg 813-685-1656@ Plant City Stardust Ballroom6pm – 9pm Ballroom Dancing & ICE CREAM!Aug 30 th Ice Cream Social – StardustContact Peg 813-685-1656@ Plant City Stardust Ballroom6pm – 9pm Ballroom Dancing & ICE CREAM!!!Aug 31 st Treasure Coast USA DanceContact Nancy 727-576-1206@Gulfport Casino in Gulfport7pm – 10pm Monthly DanceJuly 27 th Treasure Coast USA DanceContact Nancy 727-576-120@Gulfport Casino in Gulfport7pm – 10pm Monthly Dance (last Monday)Dance every Wednesday 7:30 pm @ TheRhapsody BallroomContact Richard @ 813-985-6570Swing and Latin Dance every Friday 8:00 pm @The Rhapsody Ballroom*****************************************************************************************On the cover: We took lots of photos of everyone enjoying themselves at the chapter dances. Doesn’t this just makeyou want to get out on that dance floor with them????

4May DancebyNikki DvorakJune DancebyThere weren’t that many people in attendance forthe party but the ones who were here really wantedto dance! They braved the flooded parking lotsomehow, or maybe were here before the floodingbegan. Of course, they were then a captiveaudience until later in the evening when the drainactually caught up to the amount of rain dumpedinto it. But, so what? There was dance music tokeep us occupied.We had no entertainment since they couldn’t getout of the car without the potential of ruining theircostumes and shoes, so hopefully we canreschedule their show for another month.The music kept everyone’s attention on what wasimportant (Dancing!) and away from the rain. Thefestive mood inside the ballroom continued untilthe last dancer left for the evening!Sarah and Scott Coates provided a thoroughlyentertaining show for our June DanceThis month’s dance was a lot more lively than theone last month when the weather didn’t cooperatewith us. The ballroom was alive with high spiritswhen we arrived. It was good to see some of theregulars return, but different ones were missing thismonth. Well, it is vacation time, isn’t it. Hopeeveryone is getting in plenty of dancing whilethey’re away! Wouldn’t want anyone to get rusty.Mike Johnston played the part of emcee for ourshow this night and introduced a couple who is nostranger to the dance floor or our chapter.Sarah and Scott Coates are competitors from ourchapter as well as hard-working chapter volunteers.Scott is one of our chapter’s Vice Presidents andalso the Region 6 DanceSport representative.It’s been a while since we’ve seen them perform asour evening’s entertainment, so it was a special(Continued on page 5)

5behalf of the chapter.When Sarah and Scott returned to the floor, it wasto present their fabulous Viennese Waltz. This isthe American Style’s “fast” dance, and they nevermissed a beat. To say they think big is anunderstatement. Their “V Waltz” containedappropriately grandiose choreography that wasnimbly executed. They’ve obviously been workinghard in their lessons and practices and that hardwork shows.(Continued from page 4)treat to watch.At the Amateur National Ballroom Competition thisyear, Scott and Sarah placed second in the Senior IIIAmerican Smooth Championship event. It’s easy tosee why they’re favorites on the competition floor.They’re extremely entertaining to watch.They led off their four dance program with aromantic Waltz. Each stretch, sway, bend, and dipwas done with marvelous synchronization betweenthe two of them.The Foxtrot was next, and it was apparent that thisis a favorite of theirs. The audience probably had asmuch fun watching it as Sarah and Scott did dancingit. The choreography was fun and jazzy with a littlesurprise West Coast Swing thrown into the middle ofit.They took a quick break for a costume change whileMike made a few announcements about upcomingdance opportunities and to introduce some of thevolunteers who contribute their time and effort onFor their last dance they sculpted a Tango thatsizzled as they swiveled, twisted and spun throughthe music that led to a satisfying conclusion, bothto this dance and the entire program.Thank you so much for providing the evening’sentertainment. We hope it won’t be so long beforeyou dance for us again!Thanks to all you chapter volunteers who havehelped out with the decorations, door prizes,refreshments, and clean up. You provide a valuableservice that helps our chapter dances happenwithout a hitch.Let’s do it all again next month!Dance QuotesThere are three steps you have to complete tobecome a professional dancer: learn to dance,learn to perform, and learn how to cope withinjuries. ~D. GereThe physical language of the body is so muchmore powerful than words. ~Bill IrwinClassical dancing is like being a mother: ifyou've never done it, you can't imagine howhard it is.~Harriet CavalliFor hardly any man dances when sober, unlesshe is insane. Nor does he dance while alone,nor at a respectable and moderate party.Dancing is the final phase of a wild party withfancy decorations and a multitude of delights.~Marcus Tullius Cicero, Pro Murena

6Birthday DancersWe’re on the lookout for some volunteers! Weneed people to help out food delivery for thechapter dances, and with the decoratingcommittee, and clean up after the dances. Ifyou’re interested please see Mike Johnston orany of the chapter officers.Also if you’re interested in writing for thenewsletter we need reviews of the chapterdances and dance related articles. If you are abudding photographer or have some goodshots of our fellow chapter members you’d liketo share please see Nikki Dvorak or email her atgottadance@verizon.net.July7-6 Brian Garman7-7 Debra McCreary7-13 Richard McLaurin7-15 Terry Irmis7-17 Ben Ray7-20 Linda Gioino7-21 Madeline Lovelace7-22 Frances Sharrow7-26 Bob Brotherton7-31 Sarah CoatesMembership News7-31 Fina NielsenAugust8-3 William Schwarz8-8 Becky Morris8-11 Pete Peterson8-12 Rosemary Freshour8-17 Katy7 Trofimov8-19 Marie O’BarrNew Members8-21 Shaun Atkinson8-21 Scott Coates8-21 Cheri GilchristPlease join us in welcoming the followingballroom dancers as new or returning members ofthe SouthernStar chapter:Claudette GoddardMargaret HartThomas HartSamantha Peters8-22 Hsuan Shu Lai8-23 Cindie Dorsch8-24 Pat Monte8-27 Loretta Schaffner8-30 Gary Johnson8-31 Emma Carrera

7USADanceFlorida Chapter DirectoryBlue Springs(Debary)Central Florida(Orlando)DeanieStewartJohnDavis(386) 736-6863(407) 644-6286twelvedancer@aol.comGreater Daytona(Ormond Beach)Polly Foster (386) 427-4591pollyfoster1@yahoo.comHeart of Florida(Lakeland)Indian River Dancers(Vero Bch)North Star(Jacksonville)OcalaRegionalPasco/HernandoCountyTerri LynnBarrow(863) 255-8344terrilynn@intlsun.webmail.comCheryl Isola (772) 778-7702Michael SingletonJaneBurrJulia GalpinContellamichaelrsingleton@yahoo.com(352) 873-4020janeburr@earthlink.netVisit Our WebsiteThe chapter has a website with informationregarding the chapter and an online versionof our newsletter. You can also viewpictures taken at recent events.Jerry Dvorak works hard to keep the websitecurrent. The address is:www.southernstarusabda.orgMartin-St Lucie Kevin Payne (772)468-0424kmpcpa@aol.comRoyal Palm(Boca Raton)SouthernStar(Tampa)Les MacDonald 561-740-9589dancinmacs@adelphia.netMikeJohnston(813) 685-1656compribbon@ij.netOfficers &Committee MembersSouthwest Florida(Ft. Myers)Space Coast(Melbourne)Spirit of Citrus(Beverly Hills)Star Cast(Miami)TallahasseeTreasure Coast(St. Pete/Clwtr)Carol Davis (239) 565-7947talababy2@juno.comBobKaneAnnAverittRosemarieKleeNancyWelch(321) 752-8762mellobob2@aol.com(352) 344-3768aaveritt@tampabay.rr.com(305) 387-1342rmklee@bellsouth.net(727) 576-1206nancy01FL@aol.comWhite Sands (Sarasota) Annie Sundeen (941) 925-4899anniedanc@yahoo.comFL CoordinatorRegion VI V.P.Richard Obney (727) 542-3650Rvp-reg6@usadance.orgPresident………………………..Mike JohnstonVice President........................ Carl BlevinsSecond Vice President .......... Scott CoatesSecretary................................ BonnaTannenbaumTreasurer ............................... Beth NolanMembers-At-Large................. Edie DeOliveira......................................... Elaine Derby……………………………… JerryDvorak……………………………. KathyMcCollisterCompetition Chairperson..... Michael NolanEntertainment Chairperson .. Joyce CroceMembership Chairperson..... Peggy JohnstonNewsletter Editor .................. Nikki DvorakOutreach Chairperson .......... Suzanne HeibertPublicity Chairperson……..... Deborah KobritzRefreshment Chairpersons... Ben Ray......................................... Lurlene GoughTelephone Chairperson Sarah Coates

Places to Dance!8FeatureLocationDate/TimeAdmissionMiscSouthernStarUSABDA(813) 685-1656Rhapsody Ballroom12101 N 56th StreetTampa, FLWed, July 8Wed, Aug 127:30 - 10:30 p.m.$6 Members$8 Non-MembersBallroomGroup LessonShows & MoreLakelandUSABDA(863) 687-89238923StardustPlant City, FLSun, July 5Sun, Aug 23:00 - 6:00 p.m.$6 Members$8 Non-MembersUSABDABallroomTreasure CoastUSABDA(727) 576-1206Gulfport CasinoGulfportMon, July 27Mon, Aug 317:00 - 10:00 p.m.$5 Members$7 Non-MembersUSABDABallroomSarasotaUSABDA(941) 927-4967Ballroom of Sarasota5660 Swift RoadSarasota, FLEvery Tuesday7:00 - 10:00$8 Members$10 Guests$5 students,chaperones, andobserversUSABDABallroomCome DancingBallroom(813) 839-27253802B S Dale MabryBritton PlazaTampa, FL1st & 3rd Saturday8:00 - 11:00 p.m.Please Call for GroupClass Info$6 Ballroom& LatinEasiDanceBallroom(813) 908-33405111 Erlich RoadTampa, FLThursday Evenings8:00 - 9:30Please Call For Info$6 - $8 BallroomRhapsody Ballroom(813) 985-657012101 N. 56th St.Tampa, FLWednesday Evenings7:30 - 10:00 p.m.Friday EveningsLatin/Swing8:00 - ??$6 BallroomPlease Call forGroup LessonsStardustDance Center(813) 759-83131405 S. Collins St.Plant City, FLDonna’s Dances2nd Saturdays7:00 - 10:30 p.m.(813) 671-3009$10 BallroomPlease Call ForInformation*DENOTES GUEST PARTY - The studio is not open tothe general public; however, guests are welcome.Please call the studio in advance and check on theirrespective policy regarding guests.We welcome your input. The StarDancer is anewsletter for members of the SouthernStar Chapter.SouthernStar USADance does not promote or favorany particular studio. This list is strictly for the useof amateur dancers seeking a place to dance.If we have not included your favorite place to dance,please contact Mike or Peg Johnston at(813) 685-1656 and we will add to the above list.USADance national phone number is (800) 447-9047.A recorder is on after hours. If you have a questionregarding USADance, they will be glad to help you.

Rhapsody Ballroom12101 North 56th Street,Tampa7:30 p.m. - 10:30 p.m.Sponsored BySouthernStar Chapterof USADanceGeneral DancingMixersRefreshmentsFor More Information:2009 Yearly PlannerJuly 8, 2009………………..Monthly DanceAugust 12, 2009………….Monthly DanceSeptember 9,2009………..Monthly DanceOctober 14,2009………….Monthly DanceNovember 11,2009……….Monthly DanceDecember 9,2009………...Monthly DanceRichard or Laurie Collett(813) 985-6570I-75Carol or Pete Peterson(813) 689-5381Peg or Mike Johnston(813) 685-1656Fletcher AvenueRhapsodyBallroomFowler AvenueBusch BoulevardShoney'sInnExit 54Hillsborough Avenue(Hwy 92)I-4To TampaTo Orlando

Who’s In Charge Here?Have you had a chance to thank ourofficers, committee members, andMembers-At-Large for their efforts tomake our chapter activities moreenjoyable?Please take a moment and let them knowyou appreciate what they do, becausethese are the people who, many times,are the energy behind the scenes.They take care of all the little things thatmake the monthly dances happen, fromgetting you the information about danceevents, to greeting you at the door,arranging for food, setting up andsometimes even performing the monthlyentertainment, gathering and playing themusic, and at the end of the evening,cleaning up and locking up. They take thetime to fill out the forms, pay the bills,and see to all the details necessary tokeep us all dancing. They set up andperform outreach activities; work on ourweb site; answer your e-mail letters andtelephone calls. And sometimes, theyeven get to dance a little!We Need Your E-Mail EAddress!We have made the leap into the electronic age. Weare making a quality version of the newsletteravailable online to reduce mailing expenses to thechapter.Currently the newsletter is costing about $3.00per issue to produce and mail. This could besubstantially reduced if sent electronically. Whoknows? With the savings we could hold more freedances, have more money for scholarships, betterrefreshments etc. Interested in being part of thisexperiment? Send us your email address tosostar@tampabay.rr.com orgottdance@verizon.netClassified AdsDo you have any dance-related itemsthat you would like to sell?Send or call in your classified ad and $5 to:PO Box 4, Valrico, FL 33595or call: (813) 685-1656The StarDancer Newsletter is published bimonthlyby the SouthernStar Chapter of USADance and hasa current circulation of 350 copies with over 600readers throughout the Tampa Bay area.We will gladly accept advertising for your business,service, and/or dance event at the following ratesper issue:Full Page..................................... $29Half Page .................................... $15Business Card (1 Issue) ............. $ 7Business Card (2 Issues) ........... $10Please call or email for advertising deadlines ormore information.Please submit all advertisement in electronicformat (preferably) and send to:Nikki Dvorak, Editor4006 Branch Ave, Tampa, FL 33603813-237-5265gottadance@verizon.net

July 26, 2009 and Aug 30, 2009$ 6

July 25, 2009

GRAND OPENINGOF A NEW, 'THE WAY 2 DANCE' STUDIO IN BRANDON!!!We would like to welcome you to the GrandOpening of Brandon's onlyLatin, Ballroom, and Swing Dance School!Offering quality group classes and private lessons,American and International Styles withformer competitors, performers, and teachers KeathCoppage & Tatyana Frost.Combined we have over 25 years of teachingexperience in US and abroad. Working with youth to adults, beginners to advanced, lessonsand classes are finally affordable without the hassles of large contracts and commitmentsopening the doors for everyone to not only learn what to dance, but The Way 2 Dance!"New*Ballroom and Latin 4 WEEKS Dance Camp starts on July 11th!Saturdays 12-2 PM - Ages 8+Saturdays 2-4 PM - Ages 12+Your child will learn in a FUN and CREATIVE way by building self-confidence, poise, andgraceful movements in rhythm;promote discipline, coordination, and memory. Don't wait, REGISTER YOUR CHILD NOW!"The Way 2 DanceTatyana Frost/ 813-966-4788/ theway2dance@gmail.com610 Oakfield Dr., Brandon, FL 33511

Fiesta!Carol Peterson and Lelia Blevins had a blast atour Mexican themed chapter dance. Check outpages 4 and 5 for more on our monthly chapterdances.SouthernStar ChapterPO Box 4Valrico, Florida 33595email sostar@tampabay.rr.comWeb site www.southernstarusabda.org