SMOOTH TALK. San Diego Smooth Dancers, Inc. Bringing Ballroom to our Community. The San Diego Chapter of National Smooth Dancers. President s Message

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February 2014, Vol. 14 No. 7 The San Diego Chapter of National Smooth Dancers SMOOTH TALK San Diego Smooth Dancers, Inc.

In anticipation of a comment or three I ve heard in the past you don t need a date or sweetheart to come and have a good time! Bring your best dance moves and a smile.

Bring your best pot-luck style dish to share, and then we ll need a crew to clean up when the party ends. Please make a special effort to help make this event special.

1 February 2014, Vol. 14 No. 7 The San Diego Chapter of National Smooth Dancers SMOOTH TALK San Diego Smooth Dancers, Inc. Bringing Ballroom to our Community President s Message Mike Cowlishaw February is already here, and it s time again for our Sweetheart Social! Get those shoes warmed up, and see you there. In anticipation of a comment or three I ve heard in the past you don t need a date or sweetheart to come and have a good time! Bring your best dance moves and a smile. Men, this is your chance to show off your best side. We ll need help setting up tables and decorating in the afternoon. Bring your best pot-luck style dish to share, and then we ll need a crew to clean up when the party ends. Please make a special effort to help make this event special. If you aren t sure what to do, please contact Amante Reyes or me. (Thanks, Amante!) Our coronation of Lou Reyes is also right around the corner, just a short month away. Please make your reservations asap, and don t forget the brunch on Sunday. Al Folkman is being kind enough to host this event. Many have fond memories of special hospitality at this gathering. You don t want to miss it! Bakersfield! (No, not the country song.) It s a great dance weekend. You ll have a chance to dance, attend workshops, and socialize with others who share your love of dance. It s time to make your hotel reservations and send in your event registration. It will be a great time, and you re sure to make new friends! Thanks to everyone who works in the background to keep things running our board (appointed or elected), our various committees, and those who just volunteer. Remember, nothing happens in a vacuum following on to this, we often need a few more people to help clean up at the end of the evening. Please consider helping once or twice a year. If each member does this, cleaning up gets a LOT easier. Our next business meeting will be held on the 8 th of Feb, at 2:30 p.m. Address 380 Vernon Way, Ste D, El Cajon. It s important to be there this is where we conduct club business, vote, etc. Here s a little shout out to our friends at the other chapters of NSD. Howdy!! Los Angeles held their coronation of Queen Debbie Ku last night (the 25 th ). It was great to share the evening with our NSD friends. Dance tip of the month - let s stay focused on what we share: a love of dance. That s what brings us together. Dance and be happy! Happy hearts and happy feet! Happy February! El Prez Mike A Special Hello to Muriel Campbell Muriel Campbell has taken the opportunity a couple of times to send us some nice Thank-You notes for our work on Smooth Talk. Thank you, Muriel, for taking the time to keep in touch with us and to say, Hi! Your continued and enthusiastic appreciation is wonderful! February 2014 Page 1 of 10

SUNDAY NIGHT DANCE CLASS Chuck DiSessa The Dance class started off the year as expected: attendance remains solid, the enthusiasm runs high, and the choreography is uniquely tailored for our classes.

The Tango choreography is well planned, with an interesting variety of movements.

2 SUNDAY NIGHT DANCE CLASS Chuck DiSessa The Dance class started off the year as expected: attendance remains solid, the enthusiasm runs high, and the choreography is uniquely tailored for our classes. There s a lot of interest shown by the dance community for the International Tango which Carrie teaches at 5:00 p.m. David Vasquez ably assists Carrie as new moves are introduced and demonstrated. The Tango choreography is well planned, with an interesting variety of movements. It opens with a reverse corte, and along the way adds just about every step imaginable for a Tango at this level of instruction. From swivels and various links, to twist turns, fallaways, and oversways, this class has it all. More material is being introduced weekly, with a strong emphasis on technique. (This is just too good for anyone to pass up!) The Cha-Cha, at 6:00 p.m., also contains some very attractive combinations. For example, opening up the Cha-Cha into a complete square over four measures in length is reminiscent of some Salsa dancing. Carrie s creativity is also evident in the attractive lines taught to the ladies. As a general rule, the feedback regarding the choreography and the technique has been very positive. Everyone seems to be enjoying the classes, and recently some new faces have been added. Class members have received both videos and step lists which, I understand, have helped immeasurably during their personal practice times. Several attendees have brought snacks to share, and many have helped with the setup and cleanup. Thank you all very much for your contributions, which go so far in benefitting our classes. Looking ahead, Irina Chalkevitch returns to instruct the March-April classes. The first class taught in March will be the Paso Doble. This will be presented as a class demonstration at our May, Cinco de Mayo social. All those desiring to perform this dance are welcome to join us for our first class on March 2 nd at 5:00 p.m., which is the day after our Queen s Coronation Ball. At 6:00 p.m. Irina will present some refreshing choreography in the American Viennese Waltz. Those of you who remember seeing her on TV dancing at the Ohio Star Ball can appreciate how beautiful the choreography is sure to be. We have a wonderful venue in which to teach some excellent classes. Please plan to join us soon when you are able. Once again, many thanks to all of you whose continued interest and support help us to maintain outstanding classes, month-in and month-out. Happy Valentine s Day to all!!! Sincerely, Chuck DiSessa, Dance Class Chair San Diego Smooth Dancers, Inc. Phone Number Change for Dave and Anne Saul Anne and Dave have changed their landline phone number to (619) Their old number still exists, but they have converted it to a fax line. Dancing for their Community Chuck, Cathy, Al, Ines, and Lou and Amante entertained the residents at Cathy's Town Park Villas during their pre-new Years' party on December 27 th. They performed the class Bolero, a demonstration of three different styles of Tango, the Reyes s International Rumba, and Cathy and Chuck s Foxtrot to Santa Baby. (Photo by CD) February 2014 Page 2 of 10

Queen s Message Kao Mark and I had a wonderful time at the Los Angeles convention this month.

For the Queen s Dance, Debby and Victor performed a very creative fusion number, which combined elements of Foxtrot, Rumba, Bachata, and even Hula.

Chapter couples performed a formation dance as a tribute to their new Queen. Later in the evening, Joan Robinson performed an Exhibition Dance with professional instructor David Moutrey.

The best performances feature movement that floats cloudlike across the dance floor, and Joan, an experienced performer and competitor, gave us the best of this level of performance.

3 Queen s Message Kao Mark and I had a wonderful time at the Los Angeles convention this month. Debby Ku was crowned as their Queen for the coming year, with her husband Victor Lee as her escort and daughter Victoria Ku as her Crown Bearer for the ceremony. For the Queen s Dance, Debby and Victor performed a very creative fusion number, which combined elements of Foxtrot, Rumba, Bachata, and even Hula. The Hula section of their choreography was particularly effective, fitting the music beautifully and adding a lovely exotic flavor to their performance. For the Honor Dance, several L.A. Chapter couples performed a formation dance as a tribute to their new Queen. Later in the evening, Joan Robinson performed an Exhibition Dance with professional instructor David Moutrey. Their Waltz was absolutely beautiful flowing and lyrical in style and a real treat for us all. The best performances feature movement that floats cloudlike across the dance floor, and Joan, an experienced performer and competitor, gave us the best of this level of performance. It was truly a perfect addition to Debby s coronation, Joan! Our 2014 Social Chairperson An Introduction Amante Reyes, the newly elected Social Chair for San Diego Smooth Dancers, assumed his duties and responsibilities as of January 1 st, Dedicating time, money and effort to a worthy cause for either a civic or social institution is not new to Amante: he was the presiding officer of the student council in his senior year in high school; he later became involved in various civic and religious organizations helping I was really pleased to see several other members of our chapter show up for this party. Lou and Amante (our upcoming royal couple) were there to support the coronation, and all the ladies are happy whenever President Mike and Jacky Yu show up to provide some quality partnering for them. Each of these events gives us a chance to see our friends again, and we find we re still making new ones at each coronation we attend. This was a bittersweet evening for me, since it was my final out-oftown coronation for my second year as your Queen. We just wish we had more time at every Coronation to visit with all of our friends and to dance with each one at least once! (Photos by BK) officers and members achieve their objectives; and, most prominently, he has become involved in and committed to the ballroom dance community. Amante s passion for dancing started early in his adult life. His wife, Lou Queen-elect for San Diego Smooth Dancers introduced him to dancing during their wedding dance lessons at Arthur Murray dance studio in downtown San Diego. What started as a very challenging task for Amante became an enjoyable hobby so much so that he and Lou continued taking lessons and dancing after their wedding. Eventually they would compete and perform, becoming avid supporters of ballroom dancing. They have competed in various regional dance sport (Continued on page 4) February 2014 Page 3 of 10

(Continued from page 3) competitions, both as an amateur couple and with their professional dance instructors.

Diego, Samoa, Guam and Hawaii. He is currently building up his small business for providing computer-aided design (CAD) services to mechanical and electrical companies and industries.

Lou and Amante gradually became the ballroom Mom and Dad of the UCSD dance formation teams that Peter Edwards was coaching at the university, supporting and rooting for them when they competed at

4 (Continued from page 3) competitions, both as an amateur couple and with their professional dance instructors. Their participation in dancing slowed down when they started raising their family and pursuing their own careers, Lou as a piano teacher and court clerk working for the San Diego Superior Court and Amante as a naval enlisted man. Amante went back to school after retiring from 20 years of military service; he obtained a master s degree in mechanical engineering and is now a project manager for a Caterpillar dealership in San Diego, Samoa, Guam and Hawaii. He is currently building up his small business for providing computer-aided design (CAD) services to mechanical and electrical companies and industries. Amante and Lou have been involved with Hollywood Dance -sport, and are shown in this photo with Yuli Wang, a UCSD student and dance performance team member. Lou and Amante gradually became the ballroom Mom and Dad of the UCSD dance formation teams that Peter Edwards was coaching at the university, supporting and rooting for them when they competed at different universities and colleges during their collegiate dance competitions. Amante and Lou joined SDSD ten years ago and started to be involved in the activities of this organization: attending Sunday dance classes; dancing and performing for their monthly social events; supporting their various activities by donating time and effort; attending and competing in the National Smooth Dancers Conventions and Board of Directors Meetings; and, earning awards and trophies. Both have completed the DVIDA (Dance Vision International Dance Association) student examination for International Style Rumba, Cha-Cha and Samba and American Style Waltz and Fox Trot. Amante is not new to the community of ballroom, latin and social dancing. He will be a valuable addition to the officers and members of SDSD, bringing with him an extensive knowledge of dance routines, techniques and styling. (Photos by AR) San Diego Smooth Dancers and Guests Greet the New Year 2014 Amante Reyes Been Kao, Mark Chapman, and Lou and I joined forces in hosting the San Diego Smooth Dancers 2014 New Year s Eve celebration at Mary Murphy s Champion Ballroom Academy. Without qualification and with great pride we all declared this dance event a whopping success. Preparation for the dance party started well ahead of time, when each of us received our marching orders and immediately took action. After an inventory of party supplies and decorations stored in the SDSD storeroom, we agreed on who would do what on the night of the celebration. Kao organized the potluck that took place before the party began; she also purchased food for the party itself and kept the food rolling out all evening. Mark organized the Jack-and-Jill contest and made announcements as necessary during the evening. Lou bought extra party favors and noise makers to add sound and glee to the party, and she received and managed the table reservations for the SDSD members and guests. She also organized the volunteer work force and greeted the guests in the lobby, being aided in this task by Ann and Dave Soul, Maria Wilson and Brenda Gettig. We all made sure everything kept running smoothly before, during and after the party, and I kept the champagne fountain and punch bowls full and flowing all night long. The dance performances were the highlight of the evening. Irina and Derek performed a powerful Paso Doble, which has been a popular first piece for Derek s dance pursuits. (Continued on page 5) February 2014 Page 4 of 10

(Continued from page 4) Mike Cowlishaw, our President, and Fresno s Lynn Sanders performed a dreamy and romantic Night Club Two Step.

American Smooth Foxtrot. Biography for Queen-Elect Lou Reyes Amante Reyes Lourdes Reyes grew up in a family where community service and involvement was a common household theme.

Her papa placed a strong emphasis on education and legacy, dreaming of making it big here in California.

Lou s mama was a beauty queen in her high school days, winning the title of Miss Sagala during the town fiesta.

The winners for the Waltz were Al & Ji in 1 st place, with Russell & Margaret taking 2nd place. For the Rumba the winners were William & Cheryl in 1 st place and Jacky & Wendi Gee in 2 nd place.

We were very glad that we could make our guests feel welcome as we brought in the New Year with fun-filled dancing, sumptuous dining and a renewal of friendship and camaraderie.

5 (Continued from page 4) Mike Cowlishaw, our President, and Fresno s Lynn Sanders performed a dreamy and romantic Night Club Two Step. For the formation performance, Margaret Willette and Russell Jenkins led their joyful performance team featuring James Beaver & Susan Wells, and Jeff Hudson & Bren Herman through a gliding and jazzy American Smooth Foxtrot. Biography for Queen-Elect Lou Reyes Amante Reyes Lourdes Reyes grew up in a family where community service and involvement was a common household theme. Both of her parents were active members of the community, both in the Philippines and in San Diego. Her papa placed a strong emphasis on education and legacy, dreaming of making it big here in California. He served 20 years in the military; following retirement, he took a civil service job with the State of California. Lou s mama was a beauty queen in her high school days, winning the title of Miss Sagala during the town fiesta. In addition, she The Jack-and- Jill contest was much enjoyed by the audience, and the participation level was high, including 17 enthusiastic couples recruited during the course of the evening. The winners for the Waltz were Al & Ji in 1 st place, with Russell & Margaret taking 2nd place. For the Rumba the winners were William & Cheryl in 1 st place and Jacky & Wendi Gee in 2 nd place. Anthony Montalto & Linda Gu took 3 rd place with a combined prize for both dances. This dance event was a success because of the support of the guests and team effort of our members. We were very glad that we could make our guests feel welcome as we brought in the New Year with fun-filled dancing, sumptuous dining and a renewal of friendship and camaraderie. The fun and joy of the evening were made stronger by the dedication and help of the following lovely persons whom we would like to thank for their support, both in setting up and in tearing things down at the end: Al Folkman, Anne and Dave Saul, Maria Wilson, Bob Churchill, Larry Knost, Rose Madrid, Brenda Gettig, Jacky Yu, and Larry Plummer. Thank you, and A HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL! (Photos by JV) was a stay-at-home mom who took pride in serving great Filipino dishes to her family and friends. Lou inherited this culinary skill and loves to create baked goodies for every dance party. Lou met Amante during her college years and they were married in They enjoyed their wedding dance lessons with Arthur Murray so much that they continued taking lessons and dancing socially after the wedding. Eventually they would compete and perform, becoming avid supporters of ballroom dancing. They have competed in various regional dance sport competitions, both as an amateur couple and with their professional dance instructors. (Continued on page 6) February 2014 Page 5 of 10

6 (Continued from page 5) As involved as they are in the ballroom world, Lou and Amante also have lives off the dance floor. Lou is now retired after working for San Diego Superior Court for 30 years, and she and Amante are blessed with two talented children and three adorable grandchildren. Their daughter Lorylynn and son Alvin became interested in ballroom dancing during their teen years and have garnered recognition and awards in their own right at local and regional ballroom competitions. After their children moved on and established their own families, Lou and Amante returned to their passion for dancing. They resumed taking dance lessons both group and private with Peter Edwards as their principal coach and with various other teachers as well, including Ron Montez, Stephanie Fong, John Selby, Irina Chalkevitch and her brother Alexandre, Carrie Kloss, Catherine Carulis, Scott Dodson, Marcin Tomaszeski, Marybeth Hughes, Shawn Torgeson, Olga Ginzberg, Lowell Gosser, Irina and Igor Suvorov, Mary Murphy, Phillip Gott, Jim Desmond, and Mary Manzella. They currently take private dance lessons with Shanna Timms and with Abby Pollock. Amante and Lou frequently perform for friends and dance enthusiasts at Champion and other dance studios. Dancing has become a passion for both Lou and Amante. It s for this reason that they hold monthly ballroom parties at Synergy Dance Studio. Lou is excited at the opportunity to pursue her passion for ballroom as San Diego s Queen-elect, meeting talented dancers across all genres and providing a venue for these dancers to showcase their talent at her parties. Lou and Amante appreciate the ballroom community s support for their ventures. Lou has always been a strong supporter of the San Diego Smooth Dancers, and she feels that her ballroom accomplishments to date have embodied Smooth Dancers three primary objectives: encouraging interest in ballroom dancing, establishing friendship and goodwill among dancers, and providing outlets for dancing and performance. She is proud to represent the San Diego Smooth Dancers as their Queen-elect and looks forward to an exciting year making new friends at all the other NSD chapters across California. (Photos by AR) Photo Credits A big Thank you to those who contributed photos for this month s newsletter: AR BK CD JV Mark C. Chapman, editor (619) Smooth Talk is a members service and resource: all NSD members are encouraged to submit ballroom-related items for inclusion in the newsletter. Any articles not credited are by the editor. Please send proposed articles, photos, and suggestions for newsletter changes to: mcchapman88@gmail.com. Monthly Deadlines: Submissions 15 th February General Meeting The next General Membership Meeting will be held on Saturday February 8 th at 2:30 p.m. at Mike Cowlishaw s shop, located at 380 Vernon Way, suites C&D, El Cajon, Be sure to bring a dish for the potluck afterwards! Amante Reyes Been Kao Chuck DiSessa Judy & Vern Miranda Distribution 22 nd February Birthdays Tey, Anita 2/1 Moody, Shirley 2/10 Valentini, Peter 2/10 Sanders, Nancee 2/17 Staudte, Jack 2/20 Plikshe, Ines 2/21 Folkman, Al 2/22 Sievers, Carol 2/24 Gee, Wendy 2/26 Holmes, Doug 2/28 February 2014 Page 6 of 10

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Fund Raiser Dance for Scott Dodson March 10th at Champion. March Coronation of Queen Elect Shirley McCloskey

The monthly newsletter of the San Diego Smooth Dancers Fund Raiser Dance for Scott Dodson March 10th at Champion March Coronation of Queen Elect Shirley McCloskey Champion Ballroom is hosting a fund raiser