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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1 The San Diego Chapter of National Smooth Dancers SMOOTH TALK San Diego Smooth Dancers, Inc. Bringing Ballroom to our Community October 2014, Vol. 15 No. 3 President s Message Mike Cowlishaw What does our club mean to you? Is it a place to go and dance, have a good time? Or is it more than that? I ve heard several people say our club is their family and these are the people who are always putting effort into the club.. Would you like to get more from the club? I know you see this coming. It might be time to put a little more into making things happen.. We are fortunate to have a very dedicated core group, but the group is too small. Too few are working too hard... Please make the effort to contribute! We ALWAYS need help at the end of the monthly parties! Elections are only a month away. This election cycle is for the offices of President, Board Delegate, and Social Chair. We will also elect our Queen for the next calendar year. The actual election will be at the November business meeting. Watch your for contact information from the nominating committee. We had outstanding attendance from our club at the convention over Labor Day weekend in Palm Springs. Our sister chapter Palomar did a great job of hosting the event. Congratulations to all of our competitors!! Our club did very well! The professional panel for the weekend was superb! We have significant business to discuss at the next two business meetings. Since we don t have a meeting in December, these meetings will be especially important. Please be there. The next business meeting will be at Al Folkman s house on the eleventh of October, 2:30 p.m. Ann Meador will be running this meeting. Please give her your support! Just one more reminder.. I m planning the performance schedule for the Christmas Ball. If you want to perform you must speak directly to me I want to be sure we have a good show, but we are limiting the number of performances. If you have already spoken with me, remember to contact me once more during November. I ll need the name and type of dance so we can get the program coordinated and printed up. All the best, Mike Perfection is a theory. You cannot be a perfect human being, perfect artist. You cannot be a perfect husband, you cannot be a perfect father probably and probably I am not. But go through your daily routine with hope you will be a little better in all respects, and do something meaningful Mikhail Baryshnikov October 2014 Page 1 of 7

2 Queen s Message Lou Reyes The State Queen Coronation of Queen-Elect Miriam Mozes, one of the grandest events in the NSD club, was held at Palm Springs last August 30, Miriam Mozes was proudly escorted by her husband, George Mozes. She wore a white fur coat, and underneath it showed a navy blue beaded gown. The Queens carrying pieces were purses made of white fur similar to the white fur of the coat that our state Queen-Elect wore. The royal court was adorned with the presence of the Queen s two grandchildren, Jaeden and Alannah Clark, as the crown bearer and flower bearer respectively. Queen Miriam was crowned by outgoing State Queen Barbara Uichanco. For the Queen s Dance, her Highness and her escort danced a beautifully choreographed Tango routine. Peter and Marsha Hanson performed the Honor Dance, which was a Night-Club Two-step choreographed by our very own Michael Kiehm. The steps, the lyrics, and the music all combined together into one beautiful moment of dance; this was truly a breathtaking performance to be remembered and talked about for a long time across all our NSD chapters. I am most positive every guest and all NSD members present that evening were mesmerized, as I was. A complete rendition of Queen Miriam s Coronation, the Queen s Dance and the Honor Dance can be viewed on YouTube, courtesy of Elliott Lum of Palomar chapter. The video is entitled Coronation of NSD State Queen Miriam Mozes. The evening was also filled with other wonderful and memorable events. First, there was the sumptuous dinner, followed by general dancing, competitions, and professional dance performances. There was also a Jack-and-Jill dance competition featuring the Chacha. For the competitions, several San Diego Smooth Dancers competed in the One-star, Two-star and Three-star heats: Steve Martsolf, Ann V., Jackie Yu, Shirley McCloskey, Amante and I participated in these exciting events. Each of these couples won and brought home some of the truly unique trophies awarded by Palomar Chapter, which in keeping with the Convention theme were statues of an American eagle flying above two American flags spread out side by side. The awards were all presented on Monday, September 1 st. The evening did not end with the Coronation party activities: the night continued with a hospitality get-together (featuring many delicious evening snacks) after the Alaskan Coronation Ball. San Fernando Valley chapter hosted this hospitality and they did an outstanding job. The entire evening was an inspiring event for all of us to cherish and remember. Queen Lou October 2014 Page 2 of 7

3 Social Chair s Message Amante Reyes All chapters decorate their venues. To lessen the clean-up effort, San Fernando Valley chapter brings fresh flowers to the table and invites the guests to take them home on their way out. Golden Gate chapter allows groups to decorate their assigned tables. Palomar always provides a nice dinner and passes out raffle tickets for prizes. Our chapter sets up our tables beautifully, with colorful and theme-driven decorations. Lynn Sanders presided over the NSD convention Social Chairpersons meeting held on August 31 st at Renaissance Resort Palm Springs. Social chairpersons from all NSD chapters were present. Each social chairperson gave a brief narrative on how his or her chapter conducts its monthly social event. When everyone was done describing his or her chapter's unique practices on how to prepare a successful dance event, I realized that the San Diego Smooth Dancers have several activities common to some of the practices of the other chapters. To cite some examples: All social chairpersons act essentially as salespersons. One needs to be a smooth talker and strong persuader to get members to volunteer in hosting, setting up, and cleaning up after a social event. San Diego Chapter, luckily, has a number of people frequently willing to volunteer. Our members and officers are willing to step up to host an event, to be the DJ or to carry boxes up and down the stairs. Each chapter has one, two or three or more members and officers who rise above the rest in their dedication to supporting the chapter. They are always around ensuring their social events and other activities will be successful. Bakersfield has a hardworking Treasurer. Our chapter has a Treasurer who has similar determination, too. Some chapters run fund-raising activities. For instance, Golden Gate sells raffle tickets; prizes are donated by members. Our chapter has tried selling ballroom articles dancing shoes, bags, etc. This turned out not to be a very successful venture, but it could be reintroduced in the future. Some chapters create incentives for attracting prospective members, for getting more members to come to the dance event, for bringing food for pot luck, and for bringing prizes for the raffles. Palomar Chapter attracts new members through its group dance lessons and formation team lessons. Bakersfield chapter allows free entry to its events through its annual membership fee. Golden Gate allows free entry for guests and members who donate prizes for the raffle. We provide incentives for members and guests who attend the Sunday dance classes by inviting them to perform in the December social event. By the end of the meeting, I came to realize that the answer I am seeking was already there at the very beginning when I first took office as San Diego s Social Chair. I have been looking for ways and means to ease the task of setting up and cleaning the venue during the dance event, but in reality there is no easy option: the work will always be difficult. I simply have to work harder in encouraging members and officers to contribute more for the chapter; to be a more aggressive and convincing sales person; to come up with tempting incentives; to be more grateful to those who help. Last but not least, to find ways to reward their efforts and dedication. Amante Reyes MISSING One 1.5 Quart Slow Cooker - White Chefmate. If anyone has it, please call Ann Meador at October 2014 Page 3 of 7

4 PALM SPRINGS 2014 CONVENTION Judy Miranda Friday evening began with a New England Buffet rather than a Hospitality. Stew was served along with salad, rolls and apple pie. The food was delicious and the buffet made it easier for those who couldn't get to the Renaissance Hotel in time to visit a Hospitality. The party started at 7:30 and was an "American Bandstand" theme, with many of the attendees in 50's attire. There were Waltz and West Coast Swing Jack-and-Jill competitions. Visalia started off with their chapter formation performance. The after-party Hospitality was hosted by the San Diego chapter with lots of great dessert goodies. It was held in a large room near the ballroom that held lots of people. Saturday morning was busy with several meetings, formation practices and dance seminars. The afternoon provided another dance seminar, followed by the Southern Plantations and Bayous Dance Party. Competitions were held for the One- and Two-Star dances in American Smooth and Latin. The Bakersfield Formation Team performed their number, followed by San Fernando Valley. Saturday evening we changed into our formal attire and went to the Alaskan Coronation Ball. The retiring State Queen, Barbara Uichanco, relinquished her crown to Miriam Mozes, our new State Queen from Palomar. In keeping with the theme, Miriam entered the ballroom in her beautiful beaded black gown and a full length white fur coat that was in keeping with the theme. After dinner there were competitions for the Three- Star Latin and the Three- and Four-Star Standard. A Cha-Cha Jack-and-Jill was held with many participants. We were then entertained by professional dancers Giacomo Steccaglia and Melissa Dexter, who did some electrifying Latin dances for us. Another great hospitality was hosted by San Fernando Valley Chapter. Sunday morning there were more meetings and practices. The Crown Circle Brunch provided a wonderful meal, as well as a fashion show that was put on by Fern Helms from "Save On Dancewear." Many beautiful gowns were worn by NSD members, who showed them off to perfection. There were two more dance seminars held, one in the morning and the second one prior to the afternoon party. The dance party was a "Wild Wild West" theme with many members showing up in jeans and other western attire. It was fun and relaxing not to need to get dressed up. The competitions were held for the American Rhythm and Standard, One- and Two-Star levels. The San Diego and Golden Gate formation teams performed, followed by the Palomar team. Sunday evening there was a tribute to the military, with some members wearing their military dress uniforms. That was a wonderful sight to see. The Three-star Rhythm competition was held, along with the American Smooth. Bill and Lona Dolan provided a beautiful exhibition of the Four- Star Smooth dances. The fourth and final Jack-and-Jill was also held, with many members doing the Night Club Two-Step. Los Angeles performed a moving tribute to the U.S when they performed their formation number. Professional dancers Marcus Johnson and Selana Morano Johnson performed four American Smooth dances and they were fantastic! They were loved by everyone. (Continued on page 5) October 2014 Page 4 of 7

5 The Monday morning breakfast began with the San Diego chapter putting on their invitation to the 2015 convention. The train was ready to roll and the performers were all set to begin the show. The theme "Murder on the Orient Express" should be a fun one and we received many compliments for the presentation. After breakfast the Gavel Club trophy was awarded to Joan Robinson, and then the many beautiful trophies were given to the competition winners. All in all this was a great weekend with lots of dancing, friends, food and fun. (Photos by JV) San Diego Competitors Bring Home Their Share of the Trophies! San Diego Chapter was well represented by competitive member partnerships who have been training very hard at their choreography. Their work definitely paid off, as they were called up to the front of the hall several times on Monday morning. Our congratulations go out to all of them! One-Star American Rhythm Lou & Amante Reyes Third Place One-Star International Standard Karl Haarburger & Shirley McCloskey First Place One-Star International Standard Steve Martsolf & Ann Vutisaksatit Second Place One-Star International Standard Lou & Amante Reyes Third Place Two-Star International Latin Lou & Amante Reyes Third Place Two-Star International Standard Karl Haarburger & Shirley McCloskey First Place Two-Star International Standard Steve Martsolf & Ann Vutisaksatit Third Place Three-Star International Latin Jacky Yu & Lynn Sanders First Place Three-Star International Latin Lou & Amante Reyes Third Place Three-Star American Rhythm Lou & Amante Reyes Third Place Three-Star American Smooth Lou & Amante Reyes Third Place Three-Star International Standard Jacky Yu & Lynn Sanders Third Place Four-Star International Standard Jacky Yu & Lynn Sanders Third Place October 2014 Page 5 of 7

6 Preview for Convention 2015 San Diego members devoted a great deal of time and energy to rehearsing their preview for next year s convention, and they turned out a virtually professional performance for the other chapters on Monday morning. Congratulations to them all! Much credit must be given to Anthony and Barbara Wood for the success of this presentation. Not only did Anthony create the staging and choreography for the presentation, he and Barb spent long hours prepping the fabulous props. After transporting the finished props to Palm Springs, they discovered that the hot desert sun melted the plastic in the trains sitting in their van. Anthony and Barb stayed up late replacing the plastic and getting the trains ready for Monday morning. Photo Credits Thank you to those who contributed photos for this month s newsletter all photos were provided by: JV Judy & Vern Miranda October Social Flier by Amante Reyes Mark C. Chapman, Editor Been Kao, Distributing Editor 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. October General Meeting The next General Membership Meeting will be held on Saturday October 11 th at 2:30 p.m. at Al Folkman s home, located at 4107 Arden Way, San Diego Be sure to bring a dish for the potluck afterwards! If you move, your changes, or you re not receiving Smooth Talk, please contact Been Kao to update your subscriber information. October Birthdays Kay Ryan 10/1 Jeanne Waite 10/2 Carmine Bua 10/8 Mary King 10/13 Fred Escoto 10/16 Sean Moody 10/17 Marilyn Lewis 10/18 Jim Drysdale 10/21 Lin (Len) Eng 10/26 Darlene Farnes 10/27 Elizabeth Tarnove 10/29 October 2014 Page 6 of 7

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